XOXO (Hugs and Kisses) – Blogging A to Z

April 27th, 2013 dsisler

Isn’t it wonderful to receive a note, letter or email containing the letters “XOXO?” It is an indication that someone loves you enough to send hugs and kisses your way.

 

Last summer, I stepped outside my front door to water my flowers and I found a little note. It had fallen behind my flower box, so I almost missed it.

 

I was thankful that I didn’t overlook it. For inside was a message. It was one of hope. A message of forgiveness. A message of grace. A message without using the letters “XOXO” indicated that I was loved enough to receive hugs and kisses. The message was the Gospel!

 

Someone had taken the time to type and print this message, wrap it into a neat package, and deliver it to my door step. How blessed and honored I feel to be the recipient of this message.

 

Have you received this message? Are your eyes open and searching for the message God has for you? If not, I’d like to share the message with you today.

 

What is God’s message filled with hugs and kisses? I’ve gathered a short list here…there are many more messages in God’s Word, but this is a start. These are not in order of importance, but in order according to where they are found in the Bible.

 

God Made You and You Belong to Him

“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3 – NIV)

Do Not Be Afraid

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

 

God Loves You

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

 

Jesus is Preparing Heaven for You

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 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 14:1-3 – NIV)

 

Repent and Be Baptized

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38 – NIV)

 

God is On Your Side

“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 – NIV)

 

You Are a New Creation

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)

 

You Are Chosen

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

Jesus Will Return

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 – NIV)

 

God’s message is one of love, grace, forgiveness and acceptance. You can’t be guaranteed of that in this world, but with God, all of these are possible.

 

How have you responded to God’s message? Have you embraced it and accepted it? Have you allowed it to make a difference in your life?

 

Or are you keeping your distance from God, not wanting to hear the full message? If so, why? Why not accept His message today?

 

I plan to be more alert to the messages God scatters throughout my day. I pray that you won’t miss the message that God has for you. It just might be life changing.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear from you, so if you’d like to leave a comment, click here!

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Whistle Cup – Blogging A to Z

April 26th, 2013 dsisler

I received a precious birthday gift last year. It was a sterling silver whistle cup with a Skippy cartoon on the side with an inscription inside that says, “Skippy says blow whistle for more.” This cup belonged to my Dad and was given to his parents at his birth.

 

Through my research I’ve found that the Skippy cartoon was created by Percy Crosby and it was a popular comic strip through the 1920’s and 1930’s. Skippy can be seen in his typical outfit of baggy pants, floppy shoes and hat and carrying his paint bucket, running past a picket fence in need to a good paint job.

 

I have held this little whistle cup (and accompanying baby spoon) close to my heart. It may not be priceless to the world, but to me, it certainly is.

 

While I love this little piece memorabilia from my Dad, I have received an even better gift from him. The gift of learning and knowing about Jesus. My parents were the first to say the name “Jesus” to me. They taught me songs about Him. They shared biblical stories of His actions. They opened my eyes and my heart to the greatest gift I could ever know. Eternal life with Jesus!

 

There are many things we can give our children and grandchildren in this world, but if we are not sharing our faith and Jesus with them, we have missed the best opportunity for them to hear God’s message. In our homes.

 

I would say that Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 are meant for our family as much as they are for the ends of the earth. We are to “make disciples.” Make disciples of our children and grandchildren. They must hear the Gospel and we must be sharing it.

 

I can’t really write this piece without bringing up the passage in Deuteronomy 6:7-9 (NIV). This passage tells us the importance of sharing God’s message with our children. “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses on your gates.”

 

I believe the lesson learned from this Scripture is that every moment is a teaching moment. We should always be on the lookout for time to share God’s message with our children.

 

There are a couple of ladies in the Bible who knew how important this task is. They shared their faith with their son and grandson as he grew into a young man. And he was noticed. He was known for his knowledge and faith in God.

 

Lois and Eunice knew the importance of raising a child with God at the center of the family. Lois, the grandmother and Eunice, the mother of Timothy were Jewesses, who converted to Christianity. They were followers of Jesus and Paul had fond memories and respect for these two ladies.

 

We first hear of Timothy in Acts 16:1-3 when Paul traveled through Lystra. Timothy was spoken well of by the leaders of the Church in Lystra and had been raised by these godly women. Paul chose to take Timothy with him as he continued his ministry.

 

And of course, we have two letters written to Timothy by Paul. They were words of encouragement. They were words of wisdom. They were words of affection. Just read through the first five verses of 2 Timothy and you’ll see the emotion and connection to this family. Paul thought highly of the way they raised Timothy.

 

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5 – NIV) From generation to generation, this family understood the importance of sharing God’s message. Perhaps they remembered God’s words, also from Deuteronomy.

 

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9 – NIV) What a promise from God and what a legacy we can leave to our children.

 

Yes, there are plenty of things we can hand down from generation to generation, and those things are important. But nothing can compare to passing down God’s Word and message to our future children and grandchildren. Nothing.

 

So how are you doing with this? Do your children (or grandchildren) know about your faith? Are God’s Words written around your home? Do you share God’s love with those in your household? What messages are your children hearing?

 

I would love to hear of some creative ways to do this and I’m sure others would as well. So if you would, please leave a comment about how you are sharing God’s message with your children. Just click here to do so.

 

I am thankful for parents who took the time to share their faith with me. I have shared with my children and grandchildren, but there is always room for improvement. So as I continue on this journey, I will hold on to God’s Words and promises. He is faithful and He will do exactly as He said. I believe it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Variety – Blogging A to Z

April 25th, 2013 dsisler

I recall a phrase that my Dad has repeated to me (and others) throughout the years that I’ve been on this earth. “Variety is the spice of life.” I find myself using this phrase and used it just this past Sunday while visiting with a woman from church. I don’t recall the conversation (probably about the uncertain weather patterns we’ve had in Colorado of late), but I remember using this phrase.

 

How boring life would be without variety. We’d all wear the same clothes. Our hair would look exactly alike. The world in all of its beauty would be monochrome. Nothing out of the ordinary would ever happen. Every day would be just the same as the day before.

 

I believe God enjoys variety. He chose people who were very different from one another to serve specific purposes throughout history.

 

Moses, a well-educated man who was raised in a royal palace was chosen to lead a group of people from slavery.

 

Peter, an uneducated fisherman was chosen to lead others to Jesus and be the main spokesman for the early Church.

 

These are just two examples of how God used a variety of people to spread His message to others. But there are a couple of common factors here. Areas that God was not willing to compromise and allow variety.

 

First of all, these men were willing to allow God to lead them. Oh perhaps they were a bit reluctant at first, but when they accepted God’s call, they held nothing back. They became whole-hearted God followers. And through God’s calling, these men changed the world.

 

Secondly, these men were willing to share the message of God. From two generations, each held in slavery, these men knew that God’s message would change those who heard it and accepted it. They each encountered persecution because of their willingness to follow God, but they were driven by the message and their desire to share it with others.

 

Third, these men remained faithful to God’s message. The message was told over and over, but it never changed. It remained the same. Freedom can only be found in God and through Jesus Christ.

 

Fourth, God was on their side. Without God, they were ordinary men who may or may not have been successful. But with God, everything was possible. And with God, they made remarkable changes to their world and to ours today.

 

God’s message hasn’t changed. It is the same message that we hear today. Today I am not held in physical bondage or slavery, but my soul is always under attack by the evil one whose greatest goal is to keep me in sinful bondage.

 

I must commit my life in the same ways Moses and Peter did and understand that my freedom is in Jesus Christ. I must determine to allow God to lead me as I travel on this journey of life. God must be in the middle of it. There is no opportunity for variety there.

 

I am thankful for variety in my day-to-day life. I’m also thankful for the spice that accompanies it. Life would be boring. I would be boring. I am unique because of variety. I enjoy variety!

 

But as a Christian, a Christ follower, I must never compromise my faith because of boredom. As I continue to study and grow in Christ, I find that there is no boredom in God’s Kingdom. If there is, it’s because I’m not doing what I should be doing. Studying, growing, sharing, trusting, loving, engaging, depending.

 

So today I ask you, are you bored? Are you seeking variety in your spiritual life? If so, jump into God’s Word. God certainly knows how to spice things up. Look to God to renew the excitement of your relationship with Him. Learn how God used willing biblical journeymen who did as He asked. Then allow God to do the same for you and through you. You will never be the same.

 

If you’d like to share a comment with me, please click here to do so. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Ukrainian Eggs – Blogging A to Z

April 24th, 2013 dsisler

I am so blessed to have my grandkids nearby. On one visit a while back, when Percy was napping I was able to spend some one-on-one time with Joy. She wanted to look at my Ukrainian Eggs. One by one, she held an egg and told me why she liked it or didn’t like it. She decided upon her favorites and then sat and listened to my explanation.

 

You see, I love creating. Anything. When I had the opportunity to learn how to make Ukrainian Eggs, well, it was just meant to be! My husband’s grandparents came to the United States from Russia. This was a chance for me to add a bit of his heritage and culture into our home. I learned the process and began making these lovely creations and still have a deep desire to continue this craft.

 

Everything about a Ukrainian Egg is representative of something else. The color, the symbol, and even the egg itself. And the best part is that each symbol leads to God! Yes, they are an evangelistic tool. So, I was once again given the opportunity to share with Joy the great news of the Gospel.

 

Symbols were very important to God throughout the Bible and we’ve carried that importance throughout the history of the world. You may be thinking of some, but I’ll give you a few here.

 

The Rainbow – represents God’s promise to never destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:12-17)

Baptism – represents the death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-4)

The Dove – represents the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

The Lord’s Supper – represents the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:17-26)

The Bride and Bridegroom – represents the Church, God’s people and Jesus (Ephesians 5:22-33)

The Empty Tomb – represents hope, eternal life, victory (1 Peter 1:3-5)

 

As I said, each symbol on a Ukrainian Egg means something. I was delighted to find that the symbol for “joy” was the red poppy. Each time I see a red poppy, I think of my granddaughter, as well as the joy in my life because Jesus is my personal savior. What about you? Do you see something and automatically think of someone or Jesus? I pray that you do.

 

If you’d like to leave me a comment, please click here. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Thank You, Lord! – Blogging A to Z

April 23rd, 2013 dsisler

I believe every day should be a day of thanksgiving. But today, I am especially thankful for all that God has blessed me and my family with. I have a warm home on this cold morning. I have a loving husband who cares for me so well. I have a job! I have three beautiful children and three little blessings called grandchildren.

 

I am thankful for the snow that is falling (yes, it’s snowing again in my neck of the woods). I’m thankful for my parents who taught me about God’s love. I’m thankful for Jesus who made my salvation possible. I’m thankful for a church family with whom I can praise Jesus. I’m thankful for good health. I’m thankful for…well, I believe this list could continue a while, but I think you get the idea. I am thankful.

 

I recall a short song we used to sing as I was growing up. Sometimes it was at camp around a campfire. Sometimes it was in a worship service. Whenever it was chosen, the message was simple. The message declared thankfulness. The message was of God’s love for me.

 

Today I share the song, “Thank You, Lord,” written by Seth and Bessie Sykes. Included are the verses (which we never sang), and what I liked about these words are how encompassing they are. Yes, we should thank God for all of these things, but most of all, we should thank God for what He’s done.

 

So take a look at these words and listen to this little song if you’d like. There is a link below to do so. “Thank You, Lord.”

 

  Some thank the Lord for friends and home,

For mercies sure and sweet;

But I would praise Him for His grace

In prayer I would repeat:

[Chorus]

Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow,

Some for the stars that shine;

My heart is filled with joy and praise,

Because I know He’s mine.

[Chorus]

I trust in Him from day to day,

I prove His saving grace;

I’ll sing this song of praise to Him

Until I see His face.

[Chorus]

Chorus:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,

Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free.[i]

You surely would love to listen to this reminder to be thankful and you can do so by clicking here.

 

God has certainly blessed us and deserves our thankfulness. So let’s look at just a few of the blessings God has lavished upon us and why we should be thankful.

 

We are to be thankful that His love just keeps going. It never gives up on us. Ever! “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 107:1 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for victory! As we are led to victory in Jesus, God is able to use us for His mighty purpose. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for stability in God’s Kingdom. When everything around us may be shifting or even sinking, God’s Kingdom stands firm! “So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Hebrews 12:28a – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for God. Our praise should come from grateful hearts and His Name should always be our lips. “So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful all the time. This passage tells us how to do so. “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, go continue to live in him. Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.” (Colossians 2:6-7 – NCV) We are to continue living in Jesus, keep our roots deep, build our lives on Jesus, and be strong in our faith. This is the path to thankfulness.

 

We are to be thankful by sharing with others. This passage speaks to singing, but it also shows that we are to encourage one another through instruction. When we are firm in Christ’s teaching, wisdom will flow from us, like little musical notes. “Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 – NCV)

 

I’d say there is plenty to be thankful for. Perhaps you are struggling with health or a financial situation and you aren’t feeling as thankful as I am today. You can still be thankful for the reasons listed above. Our hearts are to be overflowing with thanksgiving to our Father in heaven, regardless of our situation here on earth.

 

So what are you thankful for? I would love to hear about your thankful heart today. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here. It would make my day!

 

Today let’s choose to be thankful. Today let’s choose to thank the One who has given us so much. Today let’s choose to be kind and gracious. Today let’s give thanks.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Thank You, Lord, Seth and Bessie Sykes, 1940, 1968 renewal by Singspiration Music.

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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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