The Worry Wart

December 12th, 2013 dsisler

I recently ran across a top ten list that I thought I might share with you today. It’s titled, the “Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit.” My first thought was, “this list isn’t for me.” I don’t worry about things. It’s not in my nature to worry.

 

DSC_0944mBut then I remembered that I do worry and what I worry about. I recall conversations I’ve had. I relive moments with others. I wonder how I affected those who were around when I made wild remarks. Then I wish I hadn’t said it, done it, or acted the way I did. I go over and over that moment until I’m obsessed with it.

 

And here’s the crazy part. Some of these conversations I recall happened years ago. I can almost guarantee nobody else remembers that one remark I made. Just me.

 

It doesn’t end here either. If I need to write an email for work, I’ll rework that email for an hour. Then I’ll walk away and come back to it and rework it again. Sometimes it’s almost painful to hit the send button.

 

These are my worrying points and to be honest, they’ve caused me as much wasted time as worrying about a health issue, or my children and grandchildren, or whether there’s enough money in the bank to cover the bills.

 

Jesus knew worry would be a stumbling point for us and He spoke gentle words of encouragement to those who tend to worry. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 – NIV) Boy did He get that right!

 

So here are some practical ways for you (and I) to tame that worry habit. I pray that you’ll find something that you can implement into your life to help with this time-wasting habit. I believe I did.

 

“Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit”[i]

 

10. “Separate toxic waste from genuine concern.” If you can do something about a situation, do it. If you cannot do something about it, it will bring you to worry if you allow it to. (Proverbs 16:3)

 

9. “Don’t worry alone.” Someone may be able to help you see something you’ve missed. Share your concern with a trusted friend. (Proverbs 27:9)

 

8. “Take care of your physical body.” When we are physically at our peak, we are able to handle the worries of the day. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

 

7. “Do what is right.” Don’t allow guilt to rule your life. Acknowledge mistakes. Seek forgiveness. Live above reproach. (Acts 24:16)

 

6. “Look on the bright side.” Stay positive. Think positively. Live knowing there is good to be found. Look for the good. (Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8)

 

5. “Control your imagination.” There’s no reason to ask “what if?” You don’t know what might come of a situation. (Isaiah 35:3-4)

 

4. “Prepare for the unexpected.” A little extra in the bank account goes a long way to ward off the worry gremlins. If you can, save a little from each pay check for such an occasion. (Proverbs 21:20)

 

3. “Trust God.” Remember He is in control and while it may not go as we’d like, He has the plan. Trust Him. (Psalm 112:7)

 

2. “Meditate on God’s promises.” God’s Word is filled with promises and there are probably some that deal with your particular area of worry. Know what He has to say about worry and allow the Scripture to transform you. (2 Peter 1:4)

 

1. “Pray!” Surely you knew this would be the number one way to tame worry. We will find peace by giving our worries to God. Allow Him to carry the burden. He has big shoulders and a compassionate heart. Give it to God. (Colossians 4:2)

 

You’ve read these ten ways to tame worry. Perhaps you’ve even said, “yes that’s true.”  But until you actually do something to tame your worry, you’ll never be free of it. Worry will always be part of your life. Worry will be your life.

 

Why not make the decision to implement these ten ways into your life? Ask God to help you with it. And please know that God has better things for you to be doing than sitting around worrying.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Top Ten Ways to Tame Your Worry Habit,” adapted from “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver, Waterbrook Press, 2002, pg. 47.

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The Light of the World is Jesus

December 11th, 2013 dsisler

Do you have any Advent traditions? I’ve started a couple with my grandkids. One hangs on a wall in my living room and each day a little figure is moved from one date to the next. I also found a wooden deer with drawers that I fill with candy and prizes for the little ones to open.

 

In my dream world, each day my grandchildren would gather around one of these two advent reminders and we would talk about the real meaning of Christmas. But in my real world, the grandbabies are only at my home once a week. This year the advent traditions have gone out the window. I must do better next year.

 

When my children were young, we had an Advent log. Holes were bored into a 4×4 piece of wood and candles were placed in each one. At the close of each day, a new candle was lit, we’d share a short devotion, and we would sing. By Christmas Eve, the room would be filled with great light and the Christmas season would once again come to an end. My sister and her family have continued this tradition and still visit the advent log on a daily basis.

 

My Sister's Advent Log

My Sister’s Advent Log

 

The great light that shone through the darkness of our living room was a great reminder of Jesus. As the advent log was lit, more light was revealed. The same way Jesus was revealed to the world. At first, just a tiny glimpse. Prophecies of Jesus were given to Old Testament peoples which gave them a hope. Something to long and wait for.

 

Then the light grew brighter and brighter with each prophecy, until the full illumination of Jesus was fulfilled through His birth, His life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.

 

Isaiah was a great proclaimer of the promised Messiah. In his writings, he spoke of such a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) We know how dark the world can be. Without Jesus, there would be no light at all. How thankful we should be to God because He was willing to share the Light of Heaven with us here on earth.

 

Isaiah also said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 – NIV) As Jesus shines His light into our lives, we then are to shine for the world to see Him through us. Our light should not be dim, but as bright as a cloudless, summer day in Colorado. Now that is bright!

 

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, shared his thoughts on the Great Light in John 1:9 (NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Oh what a statement. As we look to the True Light and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our lives are filled with His light.

 

As I sit at my desk, one of my Christmas trees is visible. It is covered with lights. I’m sure your Christmas tree is covered with lights as well. Let’s use these lights as a reminder to worship the True Light each day.

 

Let’s not walk in darkness as the world does. Let’s allow the Light to penetrate the deepest, darkest areas of our lives and fill us with His light.

 

Philip P. Bliss, a great American songwriter, wrote a song about the Light of the world. Read through these words. Hum the tune if you know it. It is a great reminder of who and what Jesus is to the world.

 

The Light of the World is Jesus

 

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus![i]

 

Why not come to the Light?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] The Light of the World is Jesus, Philip P. Bliss, 1875, Public Domain

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Oh, Christmas Tree!

December 10th, 2013 dsisler

If you were to come to my home you would see unusual trees. There are ornaments on 1/3 of my large tree and none on the smaller one. They look incomplete. They look forgotten. They look sad.

 

But when I had the energy and desire to decorate them, I had three little ones around. My oldest granddaughter Joy loves to help decorate the tree. She places the ornaments on the tree with care and in “just-the-right-spot.”

 

However, her younger brother Percy hasn’t got the hang of it. He didn’t quite understand that an ornament hook was needed. Or that they should be hung on a branch, not thrown. Or that these delicate ornaments are fragile.

 

So when an ornament got broken, we decided the tree was decorated.

 

Now picture this. There are ornaments on the middle third of the tree. High enough where Percy couldn’t reach the most precious ones but not quite to the top…only as high as Joy could reach on the small step stool.

 

It’s my “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” year.

 

The smaller tree is even worse. My daughter Candace put a few ornaments on it, but Percy and Leslieanna have managed to pull some of the strings of lights so they are drooping and Percy sat on one of the branches (I’m not sure what he was doing or how he did it) so that it now droops to the floor.

 

Not one “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree,” but two.

 

I must also tell you, this is a memorable Christmas. I will remember this particular year because of what my trees look like. And for this Christmas, I wouldn’t change anything.

 

Perhaps all those years ago on the first Christmas Day, Mary might have wanted things to be a bit different. As a young, first-time mother, she probably would have wanted to be where she was familiar with her surroundings. She would have wanted to be with her mother. She would have wanted to be near her family.

 

But she was off to Bethlehem for the census where Joseph’s family originated. She was surrounded by Joseph’s family, not her own. She was in an unfamiliar room where she gave birth to her first-born son, not her own. She was giving birth to a son, not her husband’s child, but God’s. Yes, I’m almost certain she would have wanted to change a few things.

 

But she was obedient to God and allowed Him to take her where He wanted. I’m sure Mary had other ideas when she spoke these words to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38 – NIV) But she was obedient. And what a blessing she received because of her obedience.

 

Through Mary, our world received the greatest gift from God. Not what the world expected or hoped for. A bit unusual for most, but exactly what God knew mankind needed. A tiny baby.

 

As you go through the hustle and bustle of your life today, take a moment to think of that precious gift given by God to our hurting world. Remember all that God did for you personally because of His great love for you. Think of what a difference Jesus has made in your life.

 

2013 Christmas OrnamentPerhaps your life looks like the “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.” A bit out of sorts, mismatched or unfinished. The good news is that Jesus can take what is unfinished and make it complete and whole and beautiful. All you need to do is say what Mary said. “I’m Yours. Do what you want with me.”

 

I’d like to give you something today. An ornament. A gift from me to you to remind you of God’s perfect gift to you. I pray that you will have a blessed Christmas season and that Jesus will be your focus over the next two weeks…Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Love Has Brought Him Here” – Monday Musical Musings

December 9th, 2013 dsisler

I enjoy listening to Christmas music and I also enjoy finding new Christmas songs that touch my heart. Today’s musical musing is about such a song.

 

0005030206R-849x565I heard this tune on a Christmas album I rarely listen to. But when I heard and listened to these words, I couldn’t believe I’ve missed this one. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band got the message. They wrote a beautiful song about the message. And today I share God’s Message through their songwriting.

 

I am not sure, but had I been alive when Jesus was born, I would have been skeptical at the birth. I would have heard the stories of the Messiah. The Prince of Peace. How the government would be on His shoulders. That He would reign on David’s throne. And how His kingdom would uphold and establish justice.

 

I may have overlooked a few important words in that passage however. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6 – NIV) Perhaps I wouldn’t have been looking for a child. A babe. I may have been seeking a King to overthrow all those who had been oppressive to my countrymen.

 

And I, too, would have missed the Message.

 

However, I live on this side of the cross. I understand the Message that God shared all those years ago. That because of His great love for us, He sent His Son Jesus to the world as the Messiah.

 

And the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band got the same message.

 

“Love Has Brought Him Here”

In the crowded streets of this desert town
I’ve heard the rumor going ’round
But it doesn’t seem the time or place
For a Savior child to bring His grace
There’s too much trouble, greed and tears
Who could greet Him, conscience clear?
And who among us would believe
Till the trumpets sound His song
That the promised one has come

Then a star came out and the cattle low
And the street turned bright with a manger’s glow
I thought I heard the message clear that love has brought Him here

Who are these people, peasant poor
Who sit inside the stable door
Where is the sense in such a choice
What have we waited for
Seems a King should have much more

Then the star turned bright and the mother smiled
At this gift of life her precious child
I saw right then the message clear that love has brought Him here

Then the star came out and the cattle low
And the street shone bright with a manger’s glow
And this old world will one day know the love that’s brought Him here
The love that’s brought Him here
The love that’s brought Him here[i]

 

I’m sure you’ll enjoy listening to this song by clicking here.

 

I pray that as you continue through this Christmas season that you will take the time to understand the love that God has for you. You and I are the reason Jesus came to this world. To show us God’s love.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Love Has Brought Him Here,” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Christmas Album, 1997.

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Second Sunday of Advent

December 8th, 2013 dsisler

We are in the full throws of Christmas. It’s the second week of advent and each person who is observing this special season knows what we are waiting for. The celebration of the birth of the Christ Child.

 

Today’s blog post speaks of anticipation. Waiting for Christmas morning to see Joy’s reaction to her new doll house. But as a Christian I am anticipating Jesus’ second return and all that I am to be doing while I wait. I pray that you’ll find the same joy as you wait for Jesus to come back as you do for the things of this world…like Christmas morning.

 

Have a blessed Sunday!

 

Building a Doll House: Anticipation – Chapter 11

 

After several months of working on the doll house, it was finally beginning to look like a house. The roof was coming along…although it was the longest, most tedious, most painstaking work done on the entire house. The electrical system was hooked up. The wall paper, ceilings and floors were complete.

 

It was beautiful!

 

Joys-Doll-House-043mmm1On Christmas Eve as the final touches were being put into place, anticipation set in. How would it be when it was finally finished and Joy saw her doll house for the first time? Would she like it? Would it be exactly what she hoped for?

 

Of course, nothing could prepare us for her reaction (which you’ll read about in the next chapter), but we were certainly nervous and filled with anticipation.

 

You know exactly what I’m talking about. That long, almost unbearable waiting for something. At each thought of what is to come, a zap of excitement shoots through your body and you cannot keep that smile from bursting forth. Perhaps you might even giggle. We’ve all been there. Anticipating.

 

I have anticipated some exciting events in my lifetime. The birth of my children and grandchildren are high on the list. Of course, their first birthdays were also times of anticipation. Seeing what they each had accomplished in that first year leading up that first birthday was exciting. I wouldn’t have traded any of those times for anything.

 

But there have been others. Moving to a new city or state. Before I moved to Colorado, I had the months of the calendar plastered on my bedroom wall…each day I would cross off a day, and eventually, the date came when I could load the truck and head to this beautiful state and my husband.

 

The start of a new job. There have been plenty of those. The months preparing for a trip to Daytona Beach and my first NASCAR race…why I could hardly contain myself!

 

And today, I’m anxiously awaiting the birth of my fourth grandchild.

 

Yes, waiting for Christmas morning was exciting for me. But was that where my focus should have been?

 

Some synonyms of anticipation are expectation, prospect, eagerness, hope, or contemplation. The very nature of the word allows for those giddy feelings to surface. Contemplating the “what ifs” or believing there is hope fuels excitement. Expecting a good outcome brings peace during times of anticipation.

 

Anticipation has been around a long time and can be linked to our faith in God. Just as those living under the old covenant eagerly waited for the coming of the Messiah, we too, eagerly await the second coming of Jesus, the Messiah. It brings hope to this otherwise hopeless world. But that must not be our only focus. We must anticipate the good things that God desires to add to our lives in the present.

 

Philippians 1:6 assures us that we should be anticipating what God is doing in our lives. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

I am so thankful that God isn’t finished with me yet. He still has a long way to go. I still encounter feelings of jealousy, rebellion, insecurity, depression and many more. Anticipating a life free of these emotions is exciting for me. So I’ll continue to allow God to do His work until He says “Perfect!”

 

And Ephesians 2:10 gives us insight into what we should be doing with what God has done within us while awaiting the second coming. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

 

Waiting goes much faster when we have something to do. So while we are waiting and anticipating, God has prepared a few things for us to do while we wait. There are good works to be done. And we are called to be doing them.

 

Waiting for Joy to arrive that Christmas morning was very exciting. Waiting to open presents was thrilling. Expectations were high. Each of us filled with the splendor of Christmas. Anticipating.

 

Yes, anticipation is exciting. In our physical lives, but also in our spiritual lives. Oh, I pray that you will anticipate what God is doing in your life. Watch for His workings. Anticipate what He will do with it. And of course, eagerly wait for His return. I know I can hardly wait!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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    "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.

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