Visit with Dad – Day 3

August 24th, 2014 dsisler

 

While I enjoy my visit with my dad I will post some of my favorite musical musings from a while back. Enjoy your visit!

 

Hear Our Praises – Musical Musings in March

 

MusicOn this third day of March, I’m jumping decades from the two hymns I’ve blogged about to a popular praise song. In accordance with the Ephesians 5:19 passage, I would classify this song as a spiritual song. And this is one of my favorite spiritual songs to make music in my heart to the Lord.

 

This particular song didn’t become popular until I moved to Colorado and I believe my physical location in this world added to the meaning for me.

 

You see, I had lived in New York, Ohio, and Kentucky and I had seen mountain ranges from the Adirondacks to the Smokies, but I never knew what mountains really were until I lived in Colorado.

 

In a state that boasts 53 peaks over 14,000 feet, I have seen first-hand the heights of these mountains. Now granted I’ve never climbed a 14er, but I have driven to the top of a couple and when you’re on top of Mount Evans, you are up there.

 

In my spiritual life, I also have been at the top of a 14er. When the spiritual experiences have been greater than I could even imagine. I’ve also been in some spiritual valleys. And I will be the first to tell you, there is a great distance between the two.

 

Standing at the top of a mountain peak and seeing the valleys below truly show the heights and depths of a spiritual mountain top and valley experience.

 

So when I sing the song, “Hear Our Praises,” I have a greater understanding of the words. I can visualize the mountains and the valleys and understand the importance of each.

 

As you read through these words (and perhaps listen by clicking on this link), I pray that you’ll be able to visualize the mountains and the valleys and remember that we are to be praising God. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, we must praise God.

 

Hear Our Praises

 

May our homes be filled with dancing
May our streets be filled with joy
May injustice bow to Jesus
As the people turn to pray
(Chorus)
May Your light shine in the darkness
As we walk before the cross
May Your glory fill the whole earth
As the water o’er seas
(Chorus)

Chorus
From the mountains to the valleys
Hear our praises rise to You
From the heavens to the nations
Hear our singing fill the air

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

From the mountains to the valleys
Hear our praises rise to You
From the heavens to the nations
Hear our singing fill the air[i]

 

I am reminded of Isaiah’s words when he speaks of mountains and valleys. In our spiritual lives, there is nothing Jesus wants more than to level the ground beneath our feet.

 

Sometimes there are rugged, rocky paths that stand between us and our spiritual growth. It is Jesus’ desire to bring these paths level and clear out the rugged places.

 

“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” (Isaiah 40:4 – NIV)

 

So how are you doing on your spiritual journey? Are you struggling to get to the top of the mountain or are you stuck in the valley? How much of your journey have you given to Jesus or have you asked Him for His help?

 

I’ll remind you of yet another passage from the Book of Psalm. King David wrote, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me.” (Psalm 93:18 – NIV)

 

I can’t find a single reason to be on this journey alone. Jesus is with you. He loves you. And He will keep your foot from slipping. All you need to do is ask for His help.

 

If you are discouraged today, take heart. Jesus has overcome the world and He is by your side. The valleys can be overwhelming, but the mountains can only be appreciated because of the valleys.

 

Today, I pray that God will hear my praise.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Hear Our Praises, Hillsong

Share

Visit with Dad – Day 2

August 23rd, 2014 dsisler

 

While I enjoy my visit with my dad I will post some of my favorite musical musings from a while back. Enjoy your visit!

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” – Musical Musings in March

 

MusicAfter the snow storms of the past week, we’ve had a couple of very bright, sunshiny mornings. They have been beautiful and encouraging. Spring is just around the corner and soon the dull brown prairie of winter will turn green.

 

The trees will bud into gorgeous blooms and the flowers hidden beneath the earth will burst forth. Oh, there’s still plenty of snow to melt, and there will probably be another snow fall or two before we can actually enjoy spring, but it is promising.

 

Another great sign that spring is nearing are the birds. They begin their melodious tunes at sunrise and there is nothing I enjoy more than waking to their music. I’ve heard the birds the past two mornings and it brings joy to my heart.

 

I too have a melody in my heart. It’s one that came from Jesus. There is an old hymn that I always enjoyed singing. Mainly because it was upbeat and our church pianist could make any piece of music come alive. This hymn was no different.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody” is a tune that brings a smile to my face. Because it tells of the song that Jesus gave me. Take a look at the lyrics.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody”

 

I have a song that Jesus gave me,

It was sent from heaven above;

There never was a sweeter melody,

‘Tis a melody of love.

(Chorus)

 

I love the Christ who died on Calv’ry,

For He washed my sins away;

He put within my heart a melody,

And I know it’s there to stay.

(Chorus)

 

‘Twill be my endless theme in glory,

With the angels I will sing;

‘Twill be a song with glorious harmony,

When the courts of heaven ring.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus

In my heart there rings a melody,

There rings a melody with heaven’s harmony;

In my heart there rings a melody;

There rings a melody of love![i]

 

This melody in my heart is joy. Pure joy. It is Jesus’ joy. And Jesus places this joy in my heart.

 

In John 15, Jesus encourages His disciples. And one of the encouraging things He said to them is in John 15:11 (NIV). “I have told you all of this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

 

To make their joy complete. To make my joy complete. To make your joy complete.

 

That joy we have from Jesus is what keeps us going. It’s what keeps us singing. It’s what keeps hope alive. It is knowing that regardless of what we encounter in this world, we have Jesus’ joy within our hearts and that keeps us singing.

 

You see, this is one of the things that separates us (believers of Christ) from the world (unbelievers). We have hope. We have faith. We have peace. We have joy. And in this world of hopelessness, disbelief, turmoil, and fear, we have within us the answer to it all. Jesus.

 

If you are reading this post and are not a believer, please know that Jesus would love to give you His joy and place a new song in your heart. Don’t believe that after accepting Jesus as your Savior you won’t have any more trouble, for Jesus Himself told us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). But you can be assured that Jesus has overcome the world and because of His victory, we can have peace. Now is the time to come to Jesus and find all that He has to offer.

 

“In My Heart There Rings a Melody.” What a wonderful way to start the morning!

 

Here’s a version of this song that I think you’ll love. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] In My Heart There Rings a Melody, Words and Music by Elton M. Roth, 1924

Share

Visit with Dad – Day 1

August 22nd, 2014 dsisler

 

While I enjoy my visit with my dad I will post some of my favorite musical musings from a while back. Enjoy your visit!

 

Victory in Jesus – Musical Musings in March

 

MusicMusic has always been a large part of my life. I learned how to play the piano very early by the church pianist. I taught myself how to play the guitar on a five stringed instrument (my parents bought me a full stringed guitar once I learned how to play). I also taught myself how to play the organ.

 

I was a music major throughout college…but if you were to take a look at my college transcripts you’d see more Bible courses than music because that’s what I really wanted to study. I’ve lead choirs. I’ve been a soloist. I’ve been in an ensemble. I’ve sung in some great choirs. I’ve lead worship. I’ve played the organ or piano during many worship services.

 

I just love music.

 

I’m so thankful that God has given us music for encouragement. Through the Apostle Paul, God encourages us how to use music. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20 – NIV)

 

So I’ve decided to dedicate the month of March as Musical Musings. Throughout the month I will be sharing some of my favorite psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and how they have impacted my life. I pray that you’ll enjoy this month of melodies and that you will find a greater joy in music as I have.

 

Today let’s begin the month by looking at a song of victory. This hymn is filled with excitement because of our victorious Savior and because of the wondrous work He has done in our lives. The music is uplifting and moving. The lyrics inspiring.

 

The hymn speaks of our sinful state and the low place we find ourselves without Jesus. But then, we hear it. The Gospel. And everything changes. The hymn tells the story that has been happening throughout generations. Repentance. Salvation. Transformation. Victory.

 

I also love how in this hymn we sing about finding victory in our brokenness. And then of course, our final victory will be singing this song, and many others, in heaven with those saints who have gone before.

 

If ever there were an anthem for the Christian, Victory in Jesus would be a good choice.

 

I couldn’t tell you the first time I sang this song or even the last time I sang this hymn. But what I can tell you is that this hymn stirs me to action. To live a life worthy of this victory.

 

So here are the lyrics to this great, encouraging hymn. Let’s sing it together!

 

Victory in Jesus

 

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow’r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,”
And somehow Jesus came and bro’t
To me the victory.
(Chorus)

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory.
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea;
About the angels singing,
And the old redemption story,
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there
The song of victory.

Chorus
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to a wonderful version of this song, click here.

 

Let’s move forward today in victory!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] Victory in Jesus, Eugene Bartlett, 1939

Share

Happy, Happy Birthday!

August 21st, 2014 dsisler

 

I’m so excited for today. My Dad will be arriving later this afternoon for a visit. It’s my gift to him for his 80th birthday and not only these be good days for us, but he gets to see his grandkids and great-grandkids. What a week we’re going to have!

 

BalloonsToday is also my oldest child’s birthday. 32 years ago I set off into the unknown world of motherhood and all that goes along with it. The ups and downs. The pleasure and pain. The hours of tears (happy and sad). The defensiveness. The thankfulness. The pride. The joy of motherhood. I cannot tell you what this little guy meant to me then and what he means to me now. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Philip’s mom. Love you so much!

 

And on Saturday I get to do it all over again! 29 years ago I was preparing for the delivery of my second child, Candace. What a journey we’ve had. I’m so proud of the young woman that you are. You bring joy to my life each day and I love the hours and hours we spend chatting about nothing at all, as well as the important things in life. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Candace’s mom. Love you too!

 

You may be wondering why I’m talking so much about Saturday. Well, it’s because I’m going to give you a week filled with re-posts. Music reposts! Time with Dad and my kids is pretty precious, so I want to spend as much time with them as possible over the next 7 days. I’m sure you understand.

 

These are great times and days for me, but I know I’ve had my fair share of discouraging days. Perhaps that’s where you are today. If so, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement from King David’s life.

 

God’s succession plan for King Saul included a young shepherd named David. Out of all the men in the kingdom, David was God’s choice. That must have been encouraging to this young lad.

 

As David matured and eventually took over the throne, he had opportunities to be great. He slew a giant. He conquered armies. He drew attention to God. He danced before the Ark of the Covenant. David knew great times.

 

But David also knew the pain of a rebellious child and even the death of a child. David lost his throne for a while and even had stones thrown at him. But far worse than any of these situations, David sinned, which meant that David was separated from God.

 

So you can imagine the agony in David’s heart as he wrote Psalm 51. After the prophet Nathan called David out for his sin, David repented and begged God to forgive. David knew of God’s compassion and unfailing love. This was one occasion that David was able to experience it firsthand.

 

David’s words in Psalm 51:12 (NIV) are those of encouragement. When we are at our lowest point, at our weakest we too can ask for this restoration. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

 

Is your spirit willing? Do you find joy in God’s salvation? Will you allow God to sustain you? Have you lost the joy in your life? From what do you need restoration?

 

If you are willing, God is able. That’s the encouragement I share with you today. Why allow another day to go by of utter despair? Why not run to the One who is able to restore completely? When the day concludes, I pray that you will know the joy and restoration that only God is able to provide.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Peabody

August 20th, 2014 dsisler

 

My husband and I were heading east on Highway 52 last evening. We were chit chatting and listening to the Colorado Rockies play. We each noticed something off to the side of the road. I thought it was a tire alligator (you know, those large pieces of tire that remain after a semi has a blowout). My husband thought the same.

 

PeacockHowever, as we passed this object, we were surprised. It was a peacock! Just standing by the side of a busy road in the middle of nowhere.

 

I immediately said, “turn around…I have to get a picture of this!”

 

We turned around and located this strange bird. He must reside nearby, because we found him walking along a driveway.

 

This beautiful, graceful creature seemed out of place and yet, he acted as if it was the most natural place for him to be.

 

I believe we find ourselves in similar situations. At work, we’ve been talking about a speaker we heard last week at a leadership conference named Susan Cain. She has written a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.

 

Each of us is called to be light in this dark world and share the Gospel with those who need to hear it. But for the introvert, this may be very difficult. For the introvert, it may be impossible.

 

So how do we, as introverts accept the challenge?

 

We must rely on God’s Spirit. I believe an introvert is the very example of many verses of Scripture we use to get through our day.

 

For instance, take Paul’s word from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV). “But he said to me, ‘my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’…when I am weak, then I am strong.” Perhaps as an introvert I can’t do it on my own, but with God’s grace and strength, I can.

 

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) is another verse introverts cling to. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” An introvert may not be able to approach his or her neighbor on their own, but with God’s strength it’s possible.

 

And take a look at Moses when God asked him to lead Israel from Egypt. He was in a desert with sheep. He had a speech issue. He did not want to be the center of attention. What did God tell Moses? “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12 – NIV) Those five words gave Moses the confidence to stand before Pharaoh. These are confidence building words that each of us can hold tightly.

 

I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. What I am saying is that when we feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, we need to listen. We need to obey. We need to trust. It’s in those moments that we will find God’s confidence to move.

 

It was exciting to see this beautiful peacock last night. I can’t wait to see him again. I believe I shall name him Peabody…because I can.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • About Me

    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin