Yes!

June 26th, 2013 dsisler

Last week I mentioned that I was in the process of updating my family room with new curtains and an Americana theme through the summer. It has been a process. I didn’t like what I bought, so I returned the curtains and began the hunt for what I really envisioned for this room.

 

I wanted denim curtains. I found the perfect fabric and a great accompaniment fabric for valances. However, there wasn’t enough at all the stores for what I needed.

 

I gave up on this concept on several occasions since writing about it. I really figured it wasn’t going to happen this year.

 

But then an amazing thing happened. I found enough denim fabric in the color I wanted at my local Wal-Mart store. It was a big score.

 

Apparently at 9 a.m. however, there was no one to measure this fabric. So an area manager named Paul stepped in to help me. It was obvious he had never measured or cut fabric before. He knew what he was supposed to do, but he really had no idea how to go about it. In the end, I left with two bolts of fabric.

 

Manager Paul was out of his element.

 

I’m sure there some of our biblical friends felt the same way as manager Paul. God called them to a task that they were not prepared to accomplish.

 

Take Noah. “Build an ark,” God said. “Okay,” said Noah. And he did.

 

Or what about Moses? “Go get my people out of Egypt,” God said. “Okay,” said Moses. And he did.

 

Joshua. “Take the land,” God said. “Okay,” said Joshua. And he did.

 

There are many others. Like Gideon, Jonah, Hosea, King David, the Widow of Zarephath, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, the blind man by the Pool of Bethsaida, Stephen, and Philip just to name a few.

 

And then there’s Mary. “Give birth to My Son,” God said. “Okay,” said Mary. And she did.

 

The Apostle Paul. “Take my message to the Gentiles,” God said. “Okay,” said Paul. And he did.

 

Jesus. “Offer my grace to the world through sacrifice,” God said. “Okay,” said Jesus. And He did.

 

How different life would be if any of these people had said “no” to God. But they all said “yes.”

 

When God called me to go to SE Asia last fall, I felt inadequate and unprepared. But it was this knowledge that made my experience exactly as God envisioned it. He was my Provider of everything for this trip. From the preparation to the financial, He had it covered. I simply needed to offer my willing heart. My role was to give Him the glory. He did the rest.

 

We each have the opportunity to say “yes” to God. Whatever it is He is asking of you, do it. You may feel inadequate and unprepared, but if God is calling you to it, He will be with you through it. He will provide all that you need, just as He did all of the previously mentioned biblical believers.

 

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) may be overused or even misused, but it still provides such encouragement to us in this world. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” This verse has offered encouragement to me to get through many situations. I pray it has for you as well.

 

Yes, manager Paul was out of his element, but he performed splendidly. I got what I wanted and he sold a large portion of fabric. I commend him for his diligence and his desire to help a customer. Thank you manager Paul!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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What’s in Your Hand?

June 25th, 2013 dsisler

If you recall, I’ve been reading through “Smart Women Keep it Simple”[i] by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank. This book is filled with practical advice for women who have so much to do in their lives that it seems overwhelming. It’s in those moments when more than anything, we need to give our lives over to God and allow Him to be in control.

 

However, Annie shares some examples of women who were willing to allow God to work through the instruments in their hands. Six women who opened their hands for God’s use. I want to share these women of faith with you.

 

Jael (Judges 4). You may or may not know the story of this woman. She was a contemporary of the judge Deborah. With God’s leading and help, the two of them were able to defeat Israel’s enemy.

 

While in battle against the Canaanites, Deborah and Israel’s army defeated Sisera’s army on the battlefield. But the leader of the enemy army escaped.

 

In his fleeing, Sisera sought refuge within the tent of Jael. After Sisera fell asleep, Jael used a tent peg to kill the one remaining enemy of Israel.

 

“Her (Jael) act of courage marked the turning point for Israel. The Scripture says, ‘On that day God subdued Jabin, the Canaanite king, before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites grew stronger and stronger against Jabin, the Canaanite king, until they destroyed him’ (Judges 4:23, 24).”[ii]

 

Abigail (1 Samuel 25). David was on the run from King Saul and needed food and water for his men and himself. He asked Abigail’s husband Nabal for this kindness. Nabal insulted David and in return, David set a course to destroy Nabal and his livelihood.

 

When Abigail heard of the actions and words of her husband, she sprung into action. She gathered what food there was and took it directly to David. She humbled herself before him to save her family.

 

“Abigail not only saved her household, but protected God’s anointed from having to live with the guilt of a senseless slaughter. David was saved from carrying out his revenge through the brave and timely action of Abigail.”[iii]

 

Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43). A kind woman who was “always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:37 – NIV) Dorcas became ill and died. Those around her were left without a caregiver.

 

Peter was nearby and asked to come to do whatever he could. Peter was told by the widows of the work Dorcas did. He was shown the robes and other clothing Dorcas made for them.

 

“Peter sent them out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning to the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha (Dorcas), get up.’ She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.” (Acts 9:40-41 – NIV)

 

“If we had to list kingdom gifts we couldn’t do without, we probably wouldn’t rate sewing in the top ten. Preaching, perhaps, or Bible teaching, street witnessing, or serving on the foreign field. Crafting clothing wouldn’t be on a list of world-changing ventures, to our way of thinking, but God must not agree…Dorcas was brought back from the dead…to sew.”[iv]

 

Rose Totino. Rose was the co-founder of the Totino Pizza Company. During a rough period in the company history, Rose heard the Gospel and her heart was changed.

 

“God didn’t call Rose to board up the bakery and move to the African jungles. He simply asked her to take the skills in her hand, and the money and prestige she gained from the business, and use her gifts to further His cause…by contributing generously to Christian organizations, and speaking bout Christ to people around the world.”[v]

 

Grandma Moses. A 78-year-old widow, Grandma Moses changed her world by using a paintbrush. Her primitive paintings brought financial relief for herself and allowed her to be used by God in serving others through the art world.

 

“She kept busy with something in her hand, serving others, and was therefore ready when the call came to change her world.”[vi]

 

Lynn Heitritter. Lynn and her husband founded Becomers, a one-year recovery program and ministry for sexually abused women. She is the author of Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse (Lynn Heitritter and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse (Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House Publishers, 1989).

 

“Lynn is changing her world, but she didn’t start with an organizational chart or an appearance on Donahue. She did it with what she had in her hand—a home, a stable family, and a heart that could feel the pain of another. That was enough.”[vii]

 

The women we’ve just read about certainly opened their hearts and their hands to the needs they saw around them. They were willing to do their part and allow God to take them where they would never have seen themselves. With God as their partner, they were able to change their worlds by using their hands.

 

We may not feel adequate. We may not see a need. We may not believe there is anything we can do. But I guarantee there is. God is just waiting for you and me to say, “Here are my hands…show me what You want me to do.”

 

Sometimes our hands are just full of stuff, but if we allow God use the stuff for His purpose and Kingdom, you’ll be amazed at what He can do.

 

So, what’s in your hand?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992.

[ii] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 182.

[iii] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 183-184.

[iv] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 184.

[v] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 185.

[vi] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 186.

[vii] “Smart Women Keep it Simple,” by Annie Chapman and Maureen Rank, Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 187.

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He’s So Good to Me – Monday Musical Musings

June 24th, 2013 dsisler

Music has had such a huge impact on my life and I find myself wanting to write about a song, a composer or singing group more than a few times per year. So I’ve decided to create Monday Musical Musings. I will now dedicate Monday’s to share the ways I’ve been touched by music. I look forward to it!

 

There is a little piece of music that I’ve heard a couple of times in the past two weeks that is so enjoyable. The music is toe-tapping good. The lyrics are simple and yet hold great meaning.

 

I have found it quite difficult to find this song, the lyrics and even the person who wrote this wonderful piece. But after much searching, I’ve finally found the right lyrics, the right person who wrote it and a version you can listen to.

 

He’s So Good to Me

 

Oh sweet Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

He gives sight to eyes of blindness;

Caused me to see.

How I love Him.

I adore Him.

There’s no other Friend I’ve found;

Who gives grace where sin abounds

And I’m rejoicing;

He’s so good to me.

 

I am on my way to heaven;

For my sins have been forgiven.

And it’s all because my Jesus loves me;

And He’s so good to me.[i]

 

Now you’ll love this version of this song if you lived through the 1970’s. I knew several guys with suits just like this group! So now that I’ve built it up, you’ll not want to miss this one. However, if you’re like me, you’ll have this tune stuck in your head (and your heart) for a while. So click here if you want an uplifting experience.

 

As a side note, the Calvarymen Quartet was the group singing the version I heard on the radio. If you get a chance to hear their version, you’ll really be blessed.

 

There are a few reasons to rejoice as listed in this song. Let’s take a look at them.

 

Jesus – “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his king will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33 – NIV)

 

Lord and Savior – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11 – NIV)

 

Restoration of Sight – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

Friendship – “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” (John 15:14-15 – NIV)

 

Grace – “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

 

Heaven – “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 – NIV)

 

Forgiveness of Sin – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)

 

Jesus Loves Me – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Goodness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

If these were the only reasons we have to rejoice, we would have quite a list! However there are plenty more found in Scripture. But this is a great start. If you are searching for a reason to rejoice today, rejoice for these blessings we’ve received from God our Father, His sweet Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Because of the goodness we have received, we too can say, I love Jesus. I adore Jesus. He deserves nothing less. The Apostle John knew of Jesus’ goodness first hand. He mentions in 1 John 4:19 (NIV) that because He loved us, we love. “We love because he first loved us.” We are called to love others and are able to do so because of the love God gave us.

 

For sure, God has been so good to me. I pray that you know His goodness and that you can say the same. If not, maybe today is the day to accept His goodness and His gift of salvation. Then you can tell others of how good God has been to you.

 

I now have a brighter outlook on Monday’s. Sharing my love of music brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. If you have a favorite song that you’d like me to share, please let me know. I’d be happy to do so.

 

Have a blessed Monday and let’s rejoice today for all the goodness we’ve received!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] He’s So Good to Me, Lari Goss, Goss brothers Music Company, 1974

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It’s a Great, Great Morning!

June 23rd, 2013 dsisler

The sun is shining. The temperature is perfect. Coffee is brewing. A little time spent on the deck before heading to worship is in order. Yes, it’s a great, great morning.

 

And since it is Sunday, I have an older post to share with you again. I pray that you’ll have a great, great morning as well!

 

I Know

 

I always thought I was an average or below average student in high school. Recently I needed my high school transcripts for a job application. When I saw my grades, I was amazed. They were actually better than average. Yes, there were a few poor grades, but the rest were certainly nothing for me to be ashamed of.

 

Now I won’t claim to be brilliant or super intelligent, but I do know a few things. Especially when it comes to the subjects that I excelled in through high school and college. Home economics, business, music, and the Bible are topics that I still enjoy studying and developing.

 

There are some things I know from Scripture as well. If we look at the book of Romans, Paul shares some of the “we knows.” Let’s look at them.

 

Romans 3:17 “The way of peace they do not know.” In my sin I cannot know peace, but through Jesus and forgiveness of my sin, I can know peace.

 

Romans 3:19 “Now we know that whatever the law says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” I can only find righteousness through Jesus, not the law. I am accountable to God.

 

Romans 6:6-7 “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” I’ve put aside the life of sin because I don’t have to be a slave to sin any longer.

 

Romans 7:14 “We know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.” I can be rebellious and because of that rebellion, I can be considered unspiritual.

 

Romans 7:18 “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” I can’t seem to do what is right all the time. I want to, but just can’t seem to do so.

 

Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” Creation awaits the future glory that we are also waiting for. When there is no longer any decay, destruction, or death.

 

Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” We do not always know what to pray, but the Holy Spirit does.

 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God is at work in me. Making me a better person, because I love Him and am living according to His guidelines.

 

Even though my sinful nature is still part of my life, God is working on me. He is creating a new creation within me. By reading the entire book of Romans, we can see the progression through leading to this very point.

 

I know sinful nature is within me. I know I want to do the right thing, but sometimes I allow that sinful nature to take a lead role. I know I cannot live by the law, because I am not righteous. I know it’s only through Jesus and His grace that I am made righteous. I know I must crucify my sinful nature daily. I know I long for my future home. I know that God’s Holy Spirit is at work in my life. I know that I am not the person I was when I started on this journey.

 

Sometimes making a list puts everything into perspective. It certainly does in this situation. It helps me to realize what I do know, where I fit in to what I know, and how God can change me because of what I know. I love being in the know.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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I’m Changing!

June 22nd, 2013 dsisler

I’ve had a vision over the past few years of what I’d like my family room/kitchen combination to look like. My kitchen cabinetry is white and the walls through these two rooms are red. I’ve had two sets of curtains in this space over the past eight years.

 

For each season, I change all the décor. Winter, spring, summer, fall, and Christmas (yes, Christmas is a season in my home). They are each unique and have their own color combinations. I must admit however, I am not a fan of pastel colors, so I dislike spring the most and have the least amount of spring décor for my home.

 

So my vision has been to create an Americana themed room combination from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I already had the red and white, I just needed to add the blue. I am working on that now. I’ve purchased the curtains (sorry Mom…you weren’t around). I’m recreating valances from table runners. There will be a splash of red, white, and blue décor throughout. The addition of a few new pillows, and in the end, it will be a makeover that I will love through the years.

 

Change can sometimes be hard for us in life. And the change that God requires of us can be difficult from the start. But as we allow God’s Spirit to lead and guide us, the change and transformation we undergo becomes less difficult.

 

The  prophet Jeremiah was given a message to tell the people of Judah in Jeremiah 7. Part of this message was for them to change. Take a look at some of God’s words.

 

“Reform your ways and your actions and I will let you live in this place.” (Jeremiah 7:3b – NIV)

 

“If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.” (Jeremiah 7:5-7 – NIV)

 

God was asking for Judah to be faithful to Him. To change from their old habits and lifestyle and return to Him. That’s exactly what He asks of us.

 

At Saul’s anointing in 1 Samuel 10, King Saul heard these words of the Lord through the prophet Samuel.

 

“The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will be prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:6 – NIV)

 

That’s exactly what happens to us when we accept Jesus as our Savior! We received God’s Spirit and we become powerful through Him. And we are changed into a different person!

 

Our desires become God’s desires. Our will becomes His will. We are transformed.

 

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 – NIV)

 

As we allow His Spirit to lead us, we become more like Christ. Ever-increasing to reflect His glory. That is what change is all about.

 

But in order for this change to take place, we must allow God’s Spirit to transform us. Take a look at Paul’s words in Romans 12.

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 – NIV)

 

As we offer our lives to God, He is able to change us from what we once were—sinners saved by grace—into people who please God and are holy like Him. And it’s through this change that we find His will.

 

The change in my home isn’t complete. It will take a little time to get it all the way I’d like. It will be an on-going process for a week or so. It’s the same with our spiritual lives. Change is an on-going process. The more we know about God and His character, the more we want to be just like Him.

 

If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your Savior, how are you doing on this transformation thing? I pray that you and others are noticing the change. That you are becoming more and more like your heavenly Father.

 

If you are looking for this change in your life, let me know. I’d love to point you in the direction of this change. It’s a great day for change. Why not take that first step?

 

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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