“N.U.N. Day”

July 16th, 2013 dsisler

Early this morning as my husband was getting ready to go to work, I watched our local news. The weather gal (perhaps that’s politically incorrect), meteorologist made the statement that today was going to be a “N.U.N. day. No Umbrella Necessary day.” Apparently there are a few people in Colorado who own an umbrella.

 

I suspect I have a few, but they never seem to be where I need one when I need one. It rains so little here, why mess with and umbrella?

 

But you see I moved from an area where if it wasn’t raining, there was always a threat of rain. The sky was always overcast (you may think I’m exaggerating, but really I’m not). It was dreary most of the time. If you didn’t have an umbrella nearby, chances were very good you’d be caught in a rain storm.

 

So when I moved to Colorado, the umbrellas simply disappeared.

 

Now there’s something to be said about being prepared. Knowing where a candle (and matches) or a flashlight are during a black out would mean preparation. Having all of the ingredients for a recipe before you begin would mean preparation. Designing the route for a road trip before leaving the driveway would mean preparation. Developing a business plan for a new venture would mean preparation.

 

We make preparations each of our lives.

 

But what happens if we aren’t prepared? We’re left in the dark. We leave an item out of a recipe. We wind up getting lost. A business fails.

 

And although some of these may seem minor, when we allow God to join us during the preparation, we just might succeed despite ourselves.

 

Apparently Solomon knew the importance of God being part of the preparation stage for he shared some ideas about it in the Book of Proverbs. Take a look at some of his words.

 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)

 

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 – NIV)

 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 – NIV)

 

I am not sure what God wants me to learn today (I didn’t know I was making plans for anything special), but two of these verses were found in my reading of the Book of Proverbs today.

 

My plans. My preparations. My purpose. They all must be in God’s hands. I must commit everything that I do today to Him. And the outcome will be success. Oh it may not be my success, but certainly will be God’s success. His purpose will prevail.

 

I may not always have an umbrella with me, but I do have God with me at all times. I have His Word hidden in my heart to pull from when I need it. I have His Spirit within me all the time for comfort, guidance, accountability, strength, protection, and reminders.

 

So regardless of what my day may hold I know I am prepared spiritually. As I make plans for the day, God is in the midst of it. He is there. He is establishing my steps. He is preparing my heart. He is establishing my plans. He offers His purpose that is noble and honest and far greater than anything man has to offer.

 

What are your plans today? Are you prepared? Is God your source of preparation? If so, you are in good hands and He is preparing some great things for your life.

 

If your plans are not with God, why not?

 

It’s a good thing it’s a N.U.N. day because I really don’t know where to find an umbrella in my house. It’s also a good thing that it’s a GOD day. Him I can always find.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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“Just Another Rainy Day” – Monday Musical Musings

July 15th, 2013 dsisler

My free three-month enjoyment of Enlighten radio on Sirius is just about up. I’m a little sad because I’ve enjoyed the music so much. But I also know that I will jump back to K-Love or my own CD’s and hear some great music of different styles, so it isn’t that I won’t have any music to listen to.

 

But I must admit the older songs have stories to tell. They bring the listener to a point where they can’t wait to hear what the next line is going to be. And today’s song is that way.

 

Colorado is experiencing our monsoon season…now granted, it may not be like monsoon season in other parts of the world, but you can definitely tell there is more moisture in our air and we’ve had rain showers more frequently this past week.

 

So when I heard this song, “Just Another Rainy Day,” I wanted to hear what they had to say. I wasn’t disappointed. Take a look at the lyrics below.

 

“Just Another Rainy Day”

 

Old clouds are coming and you’re still humming yesterday’s victory tune;
You’ve got it all together but you haven’t seen the weather that’s coming when the day is through.
But if you stop and listen and just pay attention to the word God has today;
He knows what you need and you can believe anything He has to say.

(Chorus)

 

Struggling and trying, on my knees crying, I can’t take it anymore;
Praying to the Father to just come and water this soul with a word from the Lord.
A dry and thirsty season is just the right reason to believe God’s about to move;
In the heat of the day you just trust and obey,
God’s got a flood for you.

(Chorus)

 

Chorus:
If God says build an ark, it won’t be just another rainy day;
If God tells you to start, better not hesitate.
He’s got a master plan he’s working and the best thing for you to do is obey;
If God says build an ark, it won’t be just another rainy day.[i]

 

This link will take you to a version of this song as recorded by Lordsong, but it has also been recorded by the Nelons and the Collingsworth Family. Click here to listen.

 

We experience rainy days throughout our lives and we experience stormy days. But I believe it’s how we respond to those days that shows spiritual growth within us and we are able to be examples to others through our response.

 

According to the songwriters of this song, as we encounter troubles, struggles, or trials, we are to spend time with God and see what He has to say to us.

 

I also love the section of the song that speaks to “a dry and thirsty season.” We’ve all been there. We know what it’s like. But it’s during those times that we receive great refreshment from God. And if we are open to His working, He will do some pretty remarkable things in our lives.

 

God may not be asking you to build an ark today, but He isn’t sitting idle. What is God asking you to build today? A relationship? Or a character trait within your life?

 

Maybe God is asking you to mend or repair something. A broken relationship? Or your relationship with Him?

 

Or maybe God is asking you to take a step of faith. A step that will bring glory to Himself.

 

Perhaps you are going through the worst experience of your life. God has a plan for that too and He wants to be with you through it. Reach out to Him. Allow His love and grace to flood your soul so that you may be refreshed.

 

God has called me to some pretty remarkable things. Writing a blog every day. Going to SE Asia. Leading women in Bible study. Writing Bible studies. These are all things that I know I couldn’t do on my own.

 

But that’s the thing. I would never have been able to accomplish any of this without God being in the middle of it. God made it happen. I simply said, “Yes. Here am I.” (Isaiah 6:8)

 

And the thing that I find most exciting is that I can say, “It won’t be just another rainy day.” What does God have in store for me today? What is He calling me to today? I pray that you find the same excitement in the rain.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Just Another Rainy Day,” Cindi Ballard and Darryl Williams, © 1999 Christian Taylor Music (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC), Centergetic Music (Admin. by Integrated Copyright Group, Inc.)

 

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Refreshment for the Soul

July 14th, 2013 dsisler

There was refreshment in Colorado last night! Rain and cool temperatures filled the air. I sat on my front porch (small as it is) and thoroughly enjoyed the feeling.

 

double rainbow from last night…stunning!

This morning, I am thankful for that rain and for the reminder of God’s promises. It is a beautiful morning and the air is cleansed of the pollutants and all that remains is refreshment. I am not only thankful for the refreshment of the Colorado air, but I’m also thankful for the refreshment God gives to my spirit.

 

Worship on Sunday morning is one way that God brings refreshment. And it just so happens that today is a day of worship. So as you head into a worship service this morning, open your heart to God’s refreshment.

 

And since it is Sunday, I’m sharing an older post from a Bible study I use quite often. “From Despair to Rejoicing” shows how Hannah was refreshed by God.

 

From Despair to Rejoicing

 

This semester of Bible studies are coming to a close. It is always a sad time for me. Leading women’s Bible study brings such joy, reflection, and discipline to my life.

 

My Tuesday night group completed “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” by Debbie Williams. It is a guide to show how praising God from A to Z will transform your life…my life.

 

It’s the second time I’ve led this study. It was much more meaningful this time around. Why? I’m not certain, but I do know that I picked up on a few ideas that I seemed to miss last time through.

 

One example is in the chapter on “eXalted God.” Debbie shared about Hannah from 1 Samuel chapter 1. In a state of despair, Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord. She was accused of being drunk. But she assured Eli that she was not. She was a woman who was in deep “anguish and grief.”

 

If you don’t recall Hannah’s story, she was married to Elkanah, who “loved her.” He gave her special attention. I would say he adored her. But for some reason, she was unable to conceive a child.

 

Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children and she would taunt Hannah. Year after year. Hannah would become so distraught that she would weep and wouldn’t eat. Elkanah tried so hard to bring his beloved happiness. He wanted to be all she needed. But it was never enough for Hannah. She desired a child. A son.

 

I’m sure Elkanah and Hannah prayed each year for this child, but year after year, Hannah would not bear that child. And Hannah would continue to live with the harshness of Peninnah. Her stinging words. Her mean actions. Her constant hurt toward Hannah.

 

Hannah in her deep despair poured out her soul before the Lord and when Eli understood her situation, he sent her on her way with peace and with the hope that God would answer her prayer.

 

Hannah “went on her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.” (1 Samuel 1:18)

 

Now here’s the part that I missed in the Bible study. Debbie says, “She left her prayer time a changed woman, although not one circumstance in her life was changed. She was not pregnant. She still had to face the other contentious wife. Yet she was transformed by pouring out her soul to the Lord whom she exalted in worship.”[i]

 

How I’ve missed that in my life. Simply finding peace through God even though nothing changes that I wish would change. Finding that through it all, God is all that I need. Regardless of my circumstance.

 

God did provide a son to Hannah and Elkanah. Hannah dedicated Samuel to God’s purpose and Samuel became a great instrument in God’s plan. When she presented Samuel to Eli, she said, “…I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:28)

 

After this presentation of Samuel, Hannah continued with her prayer to God. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high…There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:1-2)

 

From deep despair to rejoicing…that is what God did for Hannah. And that is exactly what God can do for you and me. Pray. Allow God’s peace to infiltrate your life. Allow God’s Spirit to change your heart, even if your circumstance doesn’t. And wait. The rejoicing will come.

 

I pray that Hannah’s story will be an encouragement to you as she has been to me. I also pray that if your Bible study is coming to a close as mine are, that you’ll seek out another study to work through during the summer. That is exactly what I intend to do!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Debbie Williams, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion (Howard Books, New York), 2006, p. 230.

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Now Strengthen My Hands

July 13th, 2013 dsisler

I must need to learn about hands, because in my Bible reading I came across another passage that spoke of hands. Not the way I wrote about yesterday, but in a different way.

 

Yesterday I shared several passages of what we are to do with our hands. But what I’ve discovered since then is that our hands must be strengthened for the work and only God can give the strength we need.

 

Nehemiah felt the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall while in exile in Babylon. His heart was heavy and with the king’s blessing and God’s guidance, Nehemiah set out to complete this large task.

 

There were many who opposed this and were continually on the lookout to find ways to sabotage their efforts, but this group of workers remained faithful to their task and listened intently to what Nehemiah had to say.

 

At one point, after responding to a letter, Nehemiah 6:9a (NIV) says, “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’”

 

Apparently Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and other enemies of Israel had never seen what God’s people were capable of when God was obeyed, honored and worshiped. They had not witnessed the power that God provided when Israel was faithful to Him. They were in for a surprise!

 

Nehemiah knew exactly what to do. He prayed. He prayed to His God and said, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9b – NIV)

 

When we are going through a task that seems too much for us, we too have the opportunity to ask God for this same strength. When we are weary. When we don’t think we can go any further. When life is just a bit tougher than expected. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

When physical ailments seem to get us down. When we don’t know what to do. When the direction of life isn’t as clear as it should be. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

All of Israel came to realize that with God’s strength they were able to do much more than what they could do on their own. The walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt in a staggering 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15) God indeed strengthened their hands.

 

God can be our source of strength as we go through this life. Look at these verses to see other ways God strengthens us.

 

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7a – NIV)

 

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – NIV)

 

“I pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17a – NIV)

 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

The strength we receive through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is unlimited. When we ask for it, we’ll receive it. When we are open to receiving it, we’ll use it for God’s glory. When God showers us with His strength, nothing is impossible. I am so thankful for the strength I receive through God. I pray that you know this same thankfulness.

 

Maybe God isn’t asking you to build a wall today, but He has probably called you to something that you don’t feel up to or adequate. But know this, if God calls you to it, He will provide the means to accomplish it. Don’t hesitate. Allow Him to do the leading and give you the strength. He will strengthen your hands.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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My Hands

July 12th, 2013 dsisler

I love to see what creative treasures people make with hands. Wood working, textiles, paint are just a few craft items that catch my eye, but there are plenty.

 

I enjoy working with my hands to create items as well. Not too long ago I tried my hand at water colors…it didn’t last very long. And most recently, I pulled out my sewing machine to make curtains and pillows for my family room.

 

I spend some time each week on Pinterest looking for new ideas to create with my hands, but most of them are simply posted on my board for me to look at and admire.

 

There are plenty of things in this world that we can do with our hands. Take this blog. I suspect I could pull out my Dragon system and speak it into existence, but I find it much more convenient to type it out.

 

I cook, a lot, with my hands. I caress the face of the one I love with my hands. I hold my grandchildren close with my hands. I steer a car with my hands. I open doors with my hands. I hold many items in my hands (Bible, book, cup of coffee, phone, etc.). My hands stay busy throughout my day.

 

My mom recently broke two small bones in her hand and has been in a cast for about four weeks. She has found it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to function as she did pre-cast. The simplest, most granted-taken tasks take much longer to perform.

 

So I searched Scripture to see what God has to say about our hands or what we are to do (or  not do) with our hands. You see, they aren’t attached to our arms for our personal use. They are to be used by God for His purpose.

 

“Tie them (God’s commandments) as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” (Deuteronomy 6:8 – NIV)

 

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” (Psalm 24:3-4 – NIV)

 

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” (Psalm 47:1 – NIV)

 

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4 – NIV)

 

“From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.” (Proverbs 12:14 – NIV)

 

“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.” (Proverbs 31:13 – NIV)

 

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20 – NIV)

 

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor2 planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 – NIV)

 

“Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.” (Ecclesiastes 10:18 – NIV)

 

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 – NIV)

 

“If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:30 – NIV)

 

“We urge you brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:10b-11 – NIV)

 

“Therefore I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8 – NIV)

 

While I know there are those who function quite effectively in this world without the use of their hands, I am thankful that I have two hands to do God’s work. I am called to use my hands to bring glory to God and to allow His purpose to be fulfilled in me.

 

You are called to do the same. So, what are you doing with your hands? Good? Idleness? No good? Perhaps it’s time to think about our hands differently. When they are part of the body of Christ, God can use them to do remarkable things for His kingdom. We simply need to be willing to let Him do His work.

 

I won’t say that I have this one covered. I find my hands doing things that are not productive and definitely of no value to God’s kingdom, but as I am made aware of what my hands are capable of in God’s hands, I am willing to give up some of the useless things I do with my hands.

 

What are your hands up to?

 

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.

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

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

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