One – Blogging from A to Z

April 17th, 2013 dsisler

In high school, I was part of a wonderful choral group. It was exciting and we had some great performances. I remember a specific concert when we performed a montage of music from the musical “A Chorus Line.”

 

One of the snippets was from the song “One.” At the time, this tune didn’t mean a great deal to me, but as I look at it through spiritual lenses, I can see my Heavenly Father in each line. Take a look at the words and see if you don’t agree.

 

One[i]
One singular sensation
Every little step he takes.
One thrilling combination
Every move that he makes.
One smile and suddenly nobody else will do;
You know you’ll never be lonely with you know who.
One moment in his presence
And you can forget the rest.
For the guy is second best
To none,
Son.
Ooooh! Sigh! Give him your attention.
Do I really have to mention?
He’s the One!

 

Yes, God is the One! The One who created our world and universe. The One who created mankind in His image. The One who performed mighty acts throughout Scripture. The One who exhibited gentle deeds through the ages. The One who offers forgiveness and grace to those who accept Him. The One who seeks to strengthen those who are fully committed to Him.

 

He is the One! The One who sees us. The Mighty One of Jacob. The One who is our Mediator. The One who is the Lord. The One who is the true God. The One who is our Redeemer. The One who is the Lawgiver. The One who is seated on the Throne. The One who holds all authority and power. The One who is God and Father over all. The One who is over all and through all and in all.

 

The One who leads and guides. The One who offers eternal life. The One who is faithful and true. The One who is the Good Shepherd. The One who is the Head of the Church. The One who is truth. The One who is an Advocate. The One who heals. The One who is Messiah. The One who is Jehovah. The One who brings comfort.

 

There is no doubt about it, He is the One!

 

Shall I go on?

 

The One who is the Ancient of Days. The One who is the consuming fire. The One who is the fountain of living waters. The One who is my salvation. The One who is my husband. The One who is the keeper. The One who sanctifies. The One who is anointed. The One who is the Bread of Life. The One who is the Bridegroom. The One who is the Living Stone. The One who is life.

 

The One who is the Messenger. The One who is the great Physician. The One who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. The One who is the hope of glory. The One who is Immanuel. The one who is our deliverer. The One who is faithful. The One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The One who is the power of the Highest. The One who provides wisdom.

 

He is the One!

 

Isaiah 44:6 (NIV) tells us what God says about Himself. “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” God Himself tells us that He is the One!

 

I am so thankful that my God is able to help me through the difficulties of life through His Holy Spirit and that I have found abundant grace through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Through His Oneness with His Son and Spirit, I am able to receive all that I need through Him. He is the One!

 

I am certain I haven’t listed all of the descriptions of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit above. But what I can tell you is that I believe each one that I’ve listed. God is all of these and so much more. He is the One!

 

Perhaps one of these descriptions has touched you today. If so, why not tell me about it? I’d love to hear from you (click here to leave a comment).

 

Perhaps I’ve missed one that really helps you through your day. If so, I’d love to hear from you too (click here to leave a comment).

 

Give Him your attention. One moment in His presence will change you forever. Because, He is the One!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] One, A Chorus Line, music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, 1975.

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Neighbor – Blogging from A to Z

April 16th, 2013 dsisler

Last Monday we were hit with a storm. It was called a “blizzard” and in some ways it was. There was little snow, but the winds that accompanied this storm were devastating. I wrote about this storm when the A to Z challenge letter was “H.” You can read about it here.

 

Last week

So during the storm last week, a portion of our fence blew down into the neighbor’s yard. The plan was to work on it over the weekend to repair the fence.

 

Fortunately, most of the fencing could be reused, so only two four-by-fours and some cement were needed for the repair job. As the weekend progressed, the two men worked side-by-side to complete the project. While there is still just a little more to do, the fence has been mended.

 

I’ve had some wonderful neighbors through the years and I’ve had some difficult ones. But the one thing that each of these people have in common is what my attitude toward them is to be.

 

Jesus spoke of how we are to treat our neighbors. We are to love them (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31). Regardless of how well we get along with them, we are to love them.

 

And then Jesus took it one step further. Our neighbor isn’t just the person or family to the right, left, or back of our homes. Our neighbor can be anyone we come in contact with.

 

Jesus’ example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) gave us some guidelines. Our neighbor could be someone who hates us. Our neighbor could be someone who is different from us. Our neighbor could be someone who is in need. Our neighbor could be someone who doesn’t follow our religious beliefs.

 

This week

Our neighbor could be and should be and must be anyone we encounter.

 

Jesus’ final words to those listening to the parable of the Good Samaritan were these. “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37b – NIV)

 

We are called to love our neighbors, so what does loving your neighbor look like?

 

I’d like to suggest that we must tear down the fences.

 

In our American society, we tend to pull into our garages and close the door. We never see our neighbors in the front yards and certainly we cannot see them in our back yards because our fences are built for privacy. But does that build community? Perhaps we need to break down the physical barriers so that we can get to know our neighbors.

 

I’ve found with some of my neighbors there is also a cultural and language barrier. I cannot speak their language and they cannot speak mine. A smile or a wave is about all I can do. But is it enough? There must be a way to break down these social barriers so that I can love my neighbors.

 

I attend a large church and they’ve divided our area into neighborhoods and have placed a minister over each section. These pastors are meeting with those connected with the church and working out ways to break down some of the barriers in each neighborhood to reach others for Christ. Sounds like a great plan doesn’t it?

 

I spent some time yesterday speaking with my Neighborhood Pastor. It was a good visit and yet there are many questions still unanswered. But with get-togethers being planned, we are at least working toward the goal of loving our neighbors.

 

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:38b – NIV) How are you loving your neighbor? I’d love to hear about it. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Miskit – Blogging from A to Z

April 15th, 2013 dsisler

Recently I took a water color painting class and learned so much about myself and the medium itself. Actually, I was pretty impressed with the different ways water colors can be used to gain different effects.

 

One of the items we used during our water color painting session is called Miskit. It’s a product that when placed onto the water color paper before using any paint, will keep paint from adhering to the paper below the Miskit. It is like a mask.

 

I’ve used this concept with my Ukrainian Eggs. The wax is laid over top of a color and that color remains to the completion of the egg. The finished product will produce a colorful egg because the wax masked certain areas of the egg.

 

Now back to water color painting. Once the Miskit is removed, it is completely white below and it is a clean slate. Pure white paper surrounded by color. Ready for the artist to complete the picture.

 

I may not have explained this as well as I could, so here is a description of this product from art-made-easy.com. “Miskit is a combination of latex and ammonia that is used by artists to temporarily block out a portion of a painting until the areas surrounding it has been completed. It can then be gently removed so that portion can be painted or left white.”

 

As I think about Miskit in relation to my spiritual life, I see how there have been times when I have worn a mask. Perhaps trying to be something that I wasn’t or hide the fact that I was a follower of Jesus. Either way, once the “miskit” was removed, the real me was there. Under it all, I am who I am. Not on my own, but by God’s grace.

 

A while back I watched an episode of the Gaither Gospel Hour. I enjoy watching this show because of the musical talent combined on the stage. The music they sing brings joy to my soul, because they are about my loving Father, my gracious Savior, and my guide, the Holy Spirit.

 

As this program ended, the closed by singing I Then Shall Live.

 

I was captured by the lyrics of the last verse of I Then Shall Live.

 

Your kingdom come around and through and in me;

Your power and glory let them shine through me.

Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor;

And may Your living Kingdom come in me.

The Bread of Life, O’ may I share with honor;

And may You feed a hungry world through me.[i]

 

Wow! Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God’s Kingdom is visible. Living a life of honor. Living a life so that others might see God within me and desire the same.

 

Oh, I know I don’t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn’t live as I do without God’s Spirit leading me. Without God’s Words resonating within my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin and pay my debt.

 

I believe it all comes down to a willingness to allow God to work in me and on me. If I continually choose to be drawn into sin, I couldn’t possibly hope to live a life described in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God’s, I would never be able to read these lyrics with honesty. If I continually choose to turn my back on those in need, my words would be gibberish without meaning.

 

I’m convicted by the lyrics. I’m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.

 

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I must crucify myself and all that goes along with me. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness…me.

 

I pray that you’ll be encouraged by these words. I may not be where I need to be, but I am in a better place than when I started this journey. May I live an honorable life. May others see Jesus in me. May God’s Kingdom receive all the glory. Amen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Would you like to leave a comment? Please click here to do so.


[i] I Then Shall Live (Finlandia), Composer Jean Sibeius (1899), Copyright: Music © Breitkopf & Härtel; Lyricist Gloria Gaither (1981), Copyright: Words © 1981 Gaither Music Company.

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Blogging A to Z – Break #2 – My Favorite Plae

April 14th, 2013 dsisler

Through the month of April, I am blogging through the alphabet. Each day of the month corresponds with a letter of the alphabet, but on Sunday’s, there is a reprieve from this structure. We are able to write anything we like.

 

So each Sunday through April, I will share a post from the past. One that I really enjoyed writing or one that I need to read on that particular day. I pray that you’ll enjoy these pieces as much this time as you did the first.

 

Thanks for stopping by…it’s such a pleasure to see your smiling face!

 

My Favorite Place

 

Do you have a favorite spot or location? One that warms your heart the moment you arrive? I have several “favorite” spots. So I guess I really don’t have a favorite! My newest favorite place is my new office. Within its walls, I am made comfortable by the décor, the paint colors, and the little items that make this room uniquely mine.

 

I painted a silhouette of a tree on one wall. I chose the color “chocolate brownie.” The gentleman who mixed the paint for me chuckled. He said he would be hungry for brownies all the time if he knew that was the name of the color. Well, that got me thinking! I began a search for a chocolate scented candle. It was actually more difficult than I would have thought, but finally, I found my candle and now the pleasant smell of brownies fills the air.

 

The sounds of my favorite artists fill the room with music. Depending upon my mood, gospel, pop, swing, classic country, contemporary praise, Christmas, or instrumental music can be heard. Each tune brings to mind something different. Perhaps a moment in time or a person.  Maybe a reminder to be thankful or get up and dance! Sometimes after several runs through an album, I’ll remember to switch it to something new. Regardless, the music that plays is inspirational for me.

 

I have a lovely ceiling fan with a light. It is pretty and functional. When it is turned on, the bulbs shed light on the work I do and the fan gives a breeze that could almost be called “hurricainal.” I know that isn’t a word, but this little fan can sure move some air! I have a desk lamp as well for when I’m reading my Bible or working on Bible studies. It too provides the light needed for all tasks at my desk.

 

Throughout my house, you’ll find joy. Not my granddaughter (well maybe on certain days you’ll find her here), but the word “joy.” I’ve lost count of the actual number of plaques, pictures, artwork, etc. with that on it, but each room has something with joy on it. My office is no different. Joy can be found in prominent places and there is even one that you’d need to search for. My coffee coaster has red poppies on it. In making Ukrainian Eggs, the red poppy is a symbol for joy. Joy abounds here!

 

Among the items on the walls are verses of Scripture that are meaningful to me. They are words directly from God for me to remember. “For the Lord is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 100:5) “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 40:10) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

 

As I sit at my desk the verse that I see directly in front of me is “Show me your ways, O Lord. Guide me in your truth and teach me.” (Psalm 25:4-5)For me, this is what it’s all about. As I study God’s Word, prepare to lead women in Bible study, or write, I’m always open to His teachings and guidance. I’m always searching for His truth.

 

In several ways, my office reminds me of heaven. It is a welcoming place. A comfortable place. And the reason? God has invited us join Him in heaven. He has invited us to join Him for eternity. It is where He dwells. And He has done His best work there.

 

  • God’s chosen décor for heaven is gems, pearls, and gold.
  • There is a tree…the tree of life.
  • Perhaps there will be glorious scents…we are invited to the wedding feast after all.
  • And music? Of course! Thousands and thousands of angels singing, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:13)
  • There will be no need of a light or a lamp, for God Himself will provide the Light.
  • And yes, there will even be joy! We will join with the angels in joyful assembly.
  • God’s Word will be there as well. Just as He spoke in the beginning, He will speak throughout eternity.

 

My office…a little bit like heaven. I will never sit here again without thinking of my future home. One that God has prepared for you and me. Come and join me in that ultimate “favorite” place. God will be waiting!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Where is your favorite place? I’d love to hear about it. Please leave a comment by clicking here.

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Lasagna

April 13th, 2013 dsisler

Lasagna

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 pound ground beef

2 teaspoons salt

1 (14-ounce) can tomatoes

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

¾ cup water

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon parsley flakes

1 (16-ounce) package lasagna noodles

1 pound ricotta cheese

1 egg

1 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a Dutch oven or large heavy saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Stir in the beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain off the fat. Add the salt, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, sugar, and parsley flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna according to the package directions. Add the remaining oil to the noodles while cooking to prevent them from sticking. Drain, rinse, and cool. In a bowl, blend the ricotta cheese and egg. Preheat the oven to 375°. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan and arrange alternate layers of sauce, lasagna, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, finishing with sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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  • 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.

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