Gratitude

June 5th, 2014 dsisler

Reading recipes for enjoyment is in my blood. I come from a long line of great cooks, from my great-grandmothers, to my grandmothers, to my mom and her generation to my cousins. And while they were all wonderful cooks they also enjoy reading recipes as much as I do.

 

prayerThere are vast collections of cookbooks lining bookshelves in my relative’s homes. I have a few bookshelves filled with cookbooks as well. I believe this is why I love Pinterest so much…multitudes of recipes to read!

 

An idea of the cookbooks that fill my shelves include collections from churches across the country, ethnic cooking books, technical cook books, high-altitude baking books, food garnish books, diabetic cooking books, cooking for crowds cook books, and this list could go on.

 

One of my newest cookbooks is one that I found after my 10-day detox several weeks ago. Dr. Mark Hyman offers recipes in The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook[i] that are low in carbs, sugar is virtually non-existent and without all the junk that had been eliminated during the detox.

 

As I read through the beginning chapters, I was thrilled to read page 50. Dr. Hyman encourages a different approach to mealtime. While some of these suggestions have been mentioned by others, there is one that surprised me. This is what Dr. Hyman suggests.

 

  • Avoid multitasking while eating (like turn off the TV, don’t read email on your phone, etc.).
  • “Take Five” before a meal (take five deep breaths to slow your metabolism and feel relaxed).
  • Offer gratitude before your meal (prayer).
  • Bring your attention fully to the food.
  • Follow the 20-minute Rule (like put your fork down between bites, chew slowly and take 20 minutes to eat what is on your plate).

 

I have never read in any secular diet plan or in any cookbook outside of a spiritual-journey guide that has ever mentioned giving thanks before a meal. Now Dr. Hyman doesn’t specifically mention prayer in his book, but he is asking his readers to show gratitude for what they are about to eat. And with the popularity of this detox fad, who knows where this concept of offering gratitude may lead.

 

Of course for those of us who are people of faith, offering gratitude is not a foreign concept. The Bible is filled with commands to be grateful and to give thanks to God for what He has done. Here are just a few.

 

Psalm 95:2

Psalm 100:4

Psalm 106:1

Philippians 4:6

Colossians 3:15-17

1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Jesus gave thanks on two occasions before a meal. With the crowds around Him, Jesus gave thanks for the five loaves and two fishes before feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). And during the last supper with His disciples, Jesus gave thanks for the cup and bread before sharing with them (Matthew 26:26-29).

 

We’ve been given the example to give thanks for what we have and as followers of Jesus, we should offer gratitude for the food before us.

 

I must admit, I’m not consistent in this spiritual discipline of prayer before meals. But I do understand the importance of this practice. When I write about something that I struggle with, I find it’s for a reason and that my desire is to follow God’s guidelines more closely.

 

So today, I will find more determination to thank God for the food placed before me. Whether aloud of privately, I will offer gratitude to God for what He has provided.

 

I appreciate Dr. Hyman’s words of encouragement where diet and food is concerned, but I must also thank him for helping me see this deficiency in my spiritual life as well.

 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook, Mark Hyman, MD, Little, Brown and Company Publishing, 2013.

Share

START

June 4th, 2014 dsisler

The weather is warm. School systems are on summer break. The aroma of food cooked on grills wafts through the air. Kids are playing in the streets. Whether the calendar says it’s summer or not, summer has arrived!

 

???????????????????????????????I was thrilled to see this “start” line near my home this week. The picture was actually taken from the window in my new/updated office (I’ll share more about that when it’s complete). The start line was at one end of the street. The finish line was at the other end.

 

Now I didn’t actually see any racing going on, so I’m not sure what the kids in our neighborhood were starting or finishing. But what I do know is that they knew they needed a beginning and an end. They had to begin somewhere, which also meant they needed to stop eventually.

 

As adults, we recognize the importance of beginning. The moment we know we must start something. We usually start because we find there is a deficiency in our life. Perhaps you’ve been in some of these situations. I’m overweight, I start to eat better. I have no energy, I start to exercise. I am strapped financially, I start a second job. I feel disconnected, I start volunteering. I am disorganized, I start straightening up.

 

And what about feeling disconnected with God. What do you do then? Well, you start something. Whether you join a small group, or start a daily reading plan, or attend church on a regular basis, you have to start somewhere.

 

Our lead pastor, Shan Moyers, at Rocky Mountain Christian Church writes a weekly devotion thought. Currently at the end of each email he shares a five-day Bible reading plan. Each day he has asked our church folks to read the passage of Scripture and then focus on it through the day.

 

Shan uses the SOAP method to meditate on Scripture. It’s not new or unique to him, it’s just a good method to get started reading God’s Word. So let me explain…well I’ll let Shan explain. This is directly from his email a few weeks ago.

 

Scripture
Open your Bible to one of the daily readings. Read the passage and allow God to speak to you. When you’re done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day and write it in your journal.

Observation
Write down what you think God is saying in this Scripture. What observations come to mind about the passage? Ask the Holy Spirit what he wants to teach you about knowing Jesus and loving people. Write your observations in your journal.

Application
Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this Scripture can apply to you today.

Prayer
Look back over what God has revealed so far. Now, write out your prayer for today. This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture or it may be a greater insight on how you can use this Scripture in your relationships. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

 

Do you think this is something you could start? I’m pretty sure that if you start this summer, you won’t stop. You won’t need that finish line. Why?

 

Because we find such encouragement from God’s Word! Oh there’s more than that in the Bible, but being uplifted on a daily basis is just about the best thing that could come our way.

 

Are you up for the challenge? Do you want to start something? If so, why not start here?

 

Day 1: Ephesians 1:15-23

Day 2: Psalm 121

Day 3: 1 John 4:7-12

Day 4: Psalm 100

Day 5: Philippians 4:4-9

 

Do you have a Bible reading plan that you use? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

 

I pray that you will find great encouragement through God’s Word! Let’s start something!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Crickets, Computers and Memories

June 3rd, 2014 dsisler

Our evenings in Colorado have blessed us with beautiful outdoor weather to enjoy. Morning coffee on the back porch swing, lunch on the patio and open windows at night are just a few luxuries I have enjoyed over the past week.

 

Local Scenics0171mBefore falling asleep one night last week, the only sound to be heard was that of a cricket. I was instantly taken back to my childhood. I was once again at my grandparent’s farm. The only sound to be heard was that of the lonely crickets and frogs. I found comfort in the memory.

 

Earlier in the evening my husband told me of the earliest computers they used in the power industry. A few buttons and switches and of the antiquated system. He reminisced of a time when they worked without full knowledge of all that was happening in the field. Of simpler times.

 

Memories. Some are comforting. Some are amusing. Some are frightening. Some are clear while others are faint. Some memories are important and others just plain silly. Regardless of the memory, each memory does one thing. It provides the possibility of remembering something from our past that has had an impact upon our lives.

 

I wonder what memories Adam and Eve thought of when they were removed from the Garden of Eden. Would they have thought about the intimate relationship with God that they had given up because of their sin? Would they have asked “what if?”

 

There are plenty other biblical characters who had time to recall memories of their past. Great men of faith like Jacob, Joseph and Daniel. I suspect Jonah had a few of his own memories flooding his mind while in the belly of the whale.

 

This line of thought doesn’t stop with the Old Testament either. The apostles certainly remember Jesus’ words and actions during the three days He was in the tomb. Perhaps Paul anguished over his actions before he was a servant of Jesus. And I just wonder what memories Jesus had of being with His Father before He visited us on earth. Now those would be memories to hear!

 

Why do you suppose God formed mankind with the ability to recall memories or to remember things? I believe it’s because God’s greatest desire is for man to remember Him.

 

In Deuteronomy 8, we see an entire chapter given to Israel about remembrance. It’s titled “Do Not Forget the Lord.” God is asking them to recall their memories of God’s goodness and deliverance.

 

Do you recall Joshua’s words to the Hebrew nation after they had crossed the Jordan River? He asked them to choose twelve stones from the river and make marker. “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7 – NIV) They were creating a memory of how God helped them during this time.

 

Jesus created a memory for the disciples and for us as well when He took the bread and cup in Luke 22. As Jesus shared these last moments with the disciples before His death, He wanted them to remember. To give them and us a memory. “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19 – NIV)

 

King David wrote often of his memories of God. Not just what He remembered but where and when he remembered. Day or night. In good times and bad times. Look at a few of these passages: Psalm 42:6; Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77; Psalm 119:52; Psalm 119:55; and Psalm 143:5.

 

But like so many of us, sometimes David forgot. Sin by its very nature separates us from God. It’s in these moments that we must be reminded of God’s goodness and grace. How blessed we are to have words of remembrance in the Bible that will help us to recall the memories of Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation!

 

Perhaps there are memories you’d like to forget. Sins from your past that continue to haunt you. If you’ve asked God to forgive you, He has long forgotten those sins (Isaiah 43:25). Maybe it’s time for you to forget them as well.

 

I love walking down memory lane. I guess that’s why I love writing so much. I pray that your memories are as wonderful as some of mine. I’d love to hear about some of your memories. Care to share?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

“Submission” – Monday Musical Musings

June 2nd, 2014 dsisler

As a young child, my parents moved to Upstate New York to start a new church. There were few Restoration Movement churches in New York and this was where God called my parents to minister. Although it sounds a little strange, I grew up on the mission field…there is much I could share about this, but maybe another day.

 

IMAG1492The song I share with you today was one that I heard a lot. It was a chorus we’d sing at youth group or camp. But in my search for these words, I’ve found there’s a whole song to go with it! Verses and all!

 

So as I listen to this new-found treasure, I’m reminded of what God calls me to. He might call me to do something on the mission field. He might call me to walk a path that I might not choose for myself. But through it all, God asks me to submission. He calls each of us to submission.

 

As I read through these words, I see some defining ideas for submission. Drawing close to God. Trusting God regardless of what may happen. Allowing God to guide and choose. Bearing burdens unafraid. Yielding.

 

This isn’t the sum of submission, but it is a portion. And when we can sing (or speak) the words of the chorus, we’ve come to understand submission.

 

You may not be at the point where this song leads today. But you certainly can work toward it. I pray that you’ll take a few moments to reflect on where you are in your walk with God and ask yourself if these are words you are able to speak.

 

What I know is that this is where I want to be. I may not act this way 100% of the time, but I sure want to. And the good news is that as I give God little pieces of myself, He gives me the courage and strength to share even more. It can be the same for you.

 

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any acknowledgement of who wrote this hymn or when it was written. If you know, please share. I’d love to give credit where credit is due.

 

So please take a look at the lyrics to “Submission” and click on the link below to listen to this oldie but goodie. I’ve so enjoyed it today!

 

“Submission”

The path that I have trod has brought me close to God
Though oft it led through waters deep
Though not the way I’d choose in my way I might lose
The joy that yet for me awaits

 

Chorus:

Not what I wish to be nor where I wish to go
For who am I that I should choose my way
My Lord shall choose for me tis better far I know
So let Him bid me go or stay

 

The cross that I must bear if I a crown would wear
Is not the cross that I would take
But if on me it’s laid I’ll take it unafraid
And bear it for the masters sake

(Chorus)

 

Submission to the will of Him who loves me still
Is surety of His love revealed
My soul shall rise above the world in which I move
I conquer only when I yield

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to this melody.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

G’morning!

June 1st, 2014 dsisler

It’s another beautiful Sunday morning in Colorado and I pray that you are rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to make this day the best it can be.

 

DSC02411mLast week, I reposted Part One of my Encouragement series. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, click here to do so.

 

In part two, you’ll learn more about how Paul was encouraged by others and how he himself encouraged. I pray that through this series, you’ll come to understand the importance of encouragement. Enjoy and have a blessed day!

 

Encouragement – Part Two

 

Yesterday I began a series of blog posts discussing the topic of encouragement. How Paul was encouraged and how he encouraged his contemporary fellow Christians and Christians throughout history as well.

 

I’ve already covered the meaning of encouragement. So today we will continue and look at what encouraged Paul as he went about his ministry.

 

I found seven specific passages where Paul was encouraged. Now he speaks a lot about encouragement and I believe those things encourage Paul as well, but these seven passages show how he was encouraged.

 

Over the next few days I will get into the other passages on encouragement. In this blog post, we will look at the first three. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the last four.

 

So let’s look at these texts and see how we can bring these elements into our own lives to encourage men and women in ministry or on the mission field.

 

One

His first encouragement came from the best encourager, Barnabas. After Paul’s conversion, the Christians in Jerusalem were frightened to bring Paul into their Church. He had been arresting, persecuting, and even putting to death Christians because of their faith. They were skeptical.

 

But Barnabas stepped in. Barnabas took Paul to the apostles and told Paul’s story. Barnabas acknowledged Paul’s conversion and his ministry. Barnabas accepted Paul and was thrilled to see Paul using his gifts and talents in Jesus’ name. Paul’s encouragement from Barnabas was simple acknowledgement.

 

Two

Paul was also encouraged by Jesus Himself. Paul had been before the Sanhedrin and it had become so violent that the commander was afraid for Paul’s life. In Acts 23:11 (NIV), we see these words. “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’”

 

Jesus encouraged Paul by allowing him to see a glimpse into his future. That he would not be killed in this moment but would continue to preach the Gospel, even to the Roman people. What an encouragement it must have been to be in Jesus’ presence!

 

Three

Paul was encouraged by fellow Christians who had taken the time to travel to see him. We see the outcome in Acts 28:15 (NIV). “The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.”

 

These Christians felt the need to be with Paul and traveled great distances to encourage him. How blessed Paul must have been at that moment. These were Christians Paul had not met before, perhaps had not even heard of this group of Christians. But they had heard of Paul and they wanted to show him they were honored to have him in Rome. Yes, Paul was encouraged. God’s message had reached this great distance from Jerusalem.

 

As we have looked at these encouraging moments in Paul’s life, we gain a better understanding of what encouragement is all about. By using Paul’s examples, how can we encourage those in ministry or on the mission field?

 

How You Can Be an Encouragement to Your Minister or Missionary

Encouragement One

We can acknowledge their work for the Lord. Acknowledge that it isn’t always easy. That there are difficulties that accompany the blessings. Simply let them know that you are thinking of them and praying for their ministry. That will indeed be an encouragement to them.

 

Encouragement Two

Only Jesus can fulfill this encouragement. But we can encourage these servants of God to be in His presence. We can share passages of Scripture with them. Provide a devotional book. Anything to bring them into God’s presence. For it is there that they will find complete encouragement.

 

Encouragement Three

Travel to see those on the mission field. It may not be possible for everyone, but for those who are able to do so, you should. I am a slow learner in this area. Into my 50’s and just now going on my first service trip. I know that I can be an encouragement to those I’m heading to see, but I also know that I will be encouraged by their dedication to serving my God and King.

 

Phew! I never, ever thought I’d learn this much about encouragement when I offered to see how Paul was encouraged. But I have never been so excited to see what effect a specific word or element could have on a group or an individual. God has yet again opened my eyes to something I’ve missed in the past.

 

I pray that God is opening your eyes as well. Let Him encourage you to be an encourager.

 

Tomorrow we will continue with the seven ways Paul was encouraged. I pray you won’t miss it!

 

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