Gobbledygook – Blogging from A to Z

April 8th, 2013 dsisler

I received a book from Dad last year. It was a text book on writing. I read it. Maybe not all of it, but I read quite a bit of it. I can honestly say that there is more to this writing skill than I ever dreamed. I have learned so much!

 

I came across the section about gobbledygook. Yes, there is such a word and it pertains to writing!

 

 

 

“Gobbledygook is writing that suffers from an overdose of traits guaranteed to make it stuffy, pretentious, and wordy.”[i] It is an attempt to make writing sound better than it is by adding words to give it a “fuller” feel.

 

If you have ever read a legal document, you’ve read gobbledygook.

 

Jesus had something to say about gobbledygook. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

 

This verse is in a section where Jesus teaches His disciples about prayer (Matthew 6:5-15). His model prayer follows.

 

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed by your name,

Your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

 

This prayer spoken by Jesus gives us the purest, most concise way to pray to our heavenly Father.

 

When we get rid of all the over used words, traditional phrases, and church jargon, we can get to the heart of prayer—sharing our hearts with our Father.

 

Entering God’s presence with our souls bared is where Jesus wants to meet us. Getting down to the real issues, using real, honest words with our God is where He will reward us.

 

And when we are to the point where we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit steps in for us. Romans 8:26-27 tells us, “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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

 

Even when words cannot express what’s on our hearts or our emotions, God will hear us.

 

Gobbledygook has no place in our conversation with God. Tweet this. Pure, simple words are all He desires from us. With that, I’m done!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Alred, Brusaw, Oliu. The Business Writer’s Handbook. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2000. p. 271.

 

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Blogging A to Z – Break #1 – Ironing Sheets

April 7th, 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!

 

Ironing Sheets

 

Ironing sheets is not common practice among folks today. However, in my grandmother’s era, sheets were ironed regularly. With the invention of permanent press, life became easier for the homemaker…all homemaker’s except my Grandmother. She continued to iron every sheet she put on a bed. Most thought it was a waste of time, but as my time with Grandma drew to a close, I understood how ironing sheets was a time of reflection and was even therapeutic. I was fortunate to be able to spend two weeks with Grandma just before she died. Each night as I crawled into the guest bed, I felt as if I were in another world. The sheets were crisp and inviting. I felt so special each evening because I knew Grandma had ironed those sheets.

 

As Grandma slept in her hospital bed at home, we felt it was important that Grandma always have ironed sheets. I ironed many sheets in those two weeks. At first I laughed with Grandma about wishing I had seen her “trick” for ironing a fitted sheet, but then it became an experience in which I could connect to Grandma’s life and world.

 

One evening, as Grandma, her three adult children and their spouses laughed and talked of memories, I was busy ironing sheets. I was thankful for the laughter; for I knew there wouldn’t be many more opportunities such as this. Then I began to drift off to Grandma’s life as she was ironing sheets. I wondered if she thought about her children during those times. Did she worry about where they were? Were they safe? Were they in trouble? I wondered if she thought about Grandpa while she ironed. He worked away from home early in their marriage and it had to have been a burden on her. Was he safe as he traveled? Did she wonder what he was doing so far away? Did he miss her as much as she missed him? I wondered if she spent time thinking about her own life. Was she living the life Jesus would have her live? Was she the best wife and mother she could be?

 

And as these thoughts spun in my mind, I realized how relevant each question was to my own life. How are my children? Do they need more of me? Do they need less of me? Are they really safe? Are they happy? Thoughts of my husband came to mind. He was 1,300 miles away…was he safe? Did he miss me as much as I missed him? And then my thoughts turned to me. Was I living the life that Jesus would have me live? Was I the best mother and wife that I could be? I felt too inadequate in comparison to Grandma. But I also knew that her example had been part of my life for 43 years and all I needed to do was search Grandma’s life for that example.

 

Ironing sheets has become part of my life now. I want each person that spends a night in one our beds to feel as special as I felt as I lay in Grandma’s guest bed. I also use that time to reflect on my life and remember my connection to Grandma. Ironing sheets may not be the most important thing that I do today, but it will keep Grandma closer to me.

 

It was so appropriate that Proverbs 31 was read at Grandma’s funeral. She fit the description closer than any person I’ve ever known. How I pray that can be said of me when my life has ended. Grandma’s life was inspiring. I strive each day to follow her example, for I know that Jesus was the center of her world. He was the light that guided her footsteps.

 

                                                                                                                                                           

 

I wrote this piece several years ago…it was the first attempt at writing a devotional and after several submissions and rejections, I quit writing for some time. I kept it just as it was when I wrote it in 2003.

 

I don’t iron sheets any more. Life has a way of keeping us from the things we want to do. But I still reflect on my life and how every day, ordinary circumstances and events can bring me right back to reflection. I pray that you find your own times of reflection and can say with me, that Jesus is the Center of my world and that He is the Light that guides my footsteps.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Follow Me – Blogging from A to Z

April 6th, 2013 dsisler

Last fall, as I prepared to go on a service trip to SE Asia, I read through the book Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker by Randy Sprinkle. It is actually a Bible study, and in a few days, I will be joining a group of ladies to study this concept of following Jesus.

 

There is a story in this book that caught my attention. There was even a physical reaction to this story. Goosebumps formed on my arms. Chills ran up my spine. It truly is a moving account.

 

The story tells of a widowed Scottish minister, John Harper, traveling on the Titanic with his young daughter. When he realized there was no hope for the mighty ship, he placed his daughter in the hands of an officer and returned to second class to assist others.

 

It is noted that Mr. Harper began directing people to the lifeboats. His words were, “Women and children and the unsaved into the lifeboats first.”[i]

 

There is also evidence that while in the icy waters, Mr. Harper’s last words were “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”[ii] (Acts 6:31 – KJV) At least one soul was saved that night…a survivor who later told the events of an encounter with Mr. Harper and the message of salvation that was accepted.

 

But the feeling that I get is that Mr. Harper wasn’t acting this way because he was on a sinking ship. Because there was a sense of urgency. I believe that this was a lifestyle for Mr. Harper. To share the message of God’s salvation to anyone and everyone.

 

So I must ask myself this question. How often do I quote Acts 6:31 throughout my day? Are these words on my lips only during times of urgency? Do I really care about the lost of this world?

 

When I accepted the call to follow Jesus, I accepted Jesus’ mission. That mission is to seek and save the lost. Mr. Harper got it. I think I get it at times, but not all the time.

 

The thought “you’re being too hard on yourself” just ran through my mind. No I don’t think I am. That’s the devil telling me to “back off. There’s no reason to share that message with others today. There’s still plenty of time.”

 

It doesn’t matter if there is plenty of time. The message must be spoken. The message must be shared. I am called to speak this message to those who are lost.

 

Being a disciple of Christ requires action on my part. If we look at how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ call, we’d see some remarkable actions.

 

Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their boats and fishing nets behind to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22). There was no hesitation on their part. They didn’t know what their future with Jesus held. They just knew there was something to be done.

 

In Luke 5:27-28 we see the calling of Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. This call led Matthew to action. He left everything behind.

 

Jesus found Philip and then Philip brought his brother Nathaniel (Bartholomew) along. (John 1:43-51) Jesus’ words about Nathaniel are so interesting. “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” (John 1:47 – NIV) How amazing it would be to hear those words from Jesus!

 

Each time Jesus called a disciple, His words were simple. “Follow Me.” They chose to follow Jesus. Without hesitation. Without questions. Without answers. They followed.

 

When Jesus says “Follow Me,” He asks us to be clothed in His characteristics. Follow His actions. He asks us to pick up His mission and follow through with it.

 

“Follow Me” are Jesus’ words to all of us. Whether we choose to leave everything to accept that call is what it is really about. Have you accepted the call? Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Have you left it all behind to be a disciple of Christ?

 

I must admit, there are times when I am not the best follower. I allow my human nature to take control and push aside Jesus’ characteristics. But I also know that Jesus is loving and eager to accept me back into His circle.

 

Peter found this same acceptance after his denial of Jesus. Peter fully accepted the call on a little beach after breakfast. Peter had gone back to his old way of life, but Jesus called him once again to follow through with His mission (John 21:1-18).

 

Don’t underestimate what God can do in your life. What God can do through you. Follow Him. He will lead you in ways you’d never dream possible.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 22.

[ii] Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Becoming a Lifestyle Prayerwalker. Alabama: New Hope Publishers, 2001. p. 23.

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Eagles – Blogging from A to Z

April 5th, 2013 dsisler

On Sunday afternoon, we were sitting out front of our home watching the grandkids ride their bikes. This is one of my favorite things to do because I know the weather is getting warmer and soon it will be summer and because it reminds me of how quickly time flies. My grandchildren are growing far too quickly!

 

We saw another amazing sight as we sat there however that took us all by surprise. Above us, just at house height, one American Bald Eagle flew by. And before we could really comprehend what we had just seen, another one flew along the same path. Two American Bald Eagles within seconds of one another. Of course, it was far too fast for anyone to pull a camera out to take a shot. But the image is in my mind. And it was very cool!

 

Since we’ve lived in Colorado, we have been able to see this great animal on several occasions. On one of those occasions, there were a large number of Bald Eagles in one location. My husband was able to take some great shots of these animals during this sighting and they are some of my favorite photos he’s ever taken.

 

These majestic animals are only found in North America and are the United States of America’s national bird. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem for America. Many symbols in America contain an image of the Bald Eagle and many artists have combined a Bald Eagle with our American Flag.

 

Bald Eagles can range in size from 30 to 37 inches with a wingspan from 72 to 90 inches. Their average weight is 10 to 14 pounds. Their eyesight is at least four times better than a person with perfect vision. Their beak has a hook at the tip that is used for tearing its food. And with their talons, they are a formidable foe. They are able to lift about 4 pounds and are a powerful and aggressive bird.

 

There are instances in Scripture where an eagle is mentioned. Some are in relation to Israel’s eating regulations. Eagles were strictly forbidden due to their unclean nature (Leviticus 11:13; and Deuteronomy 14:12).

 

On some occasions, eagles are used to show how other nations would swoop down and attack Israel (Deuteronomy 28:49; Job 9:26; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Hosea 8:1; and Habakkuk 1:8).

 

Then we also see eagles represent swiftness (2 Samuel 1:23; Jeremiah 4:13; and Lamentations 4:19).

 

Several passages speak of the eagles great wings and how it related to past and future events (Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 17:7; Revelation 12:14).

 

Ezekiel, Daniel and John captured visions that included great eagles. They each represent power (Ezekiel 1:10; Ezekiel 10:14; Daniel 7:4; Revelation 4:7).

 

I believe however, that two passages where an eagle is mentioned will be more familiar to you than any I’ve mentioned so far. In these passages, we see an eagle in relation to renewed strength.

 

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5 – NIV)

 

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you are running on empty today. If so, God is there waiting to renew your spirit and strength. He is able to lift you up so that you may soar.

 

You can see from these verses that God is able to do many things for us besides renewing our strength however. God forgives. God heals. God redeems. God crowns. God satisfies.

 

And what are we to do to receive these blessings? Praise the Lord. Don’t forget all the benefits we have in God. Hope in the Lord.

 

As we build our lives on this hope in God, all of those many blessings mentioned earlier are available to us. I am thankful to say that I have placed my hope in God.

 

Have you?

 

Why not take this moment to give your life over to God? Why not accept the benefits He is willing to share with you? Why not soar like an eagle? Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help you in this process.

 

Eagles continue to amaze me. My eyes are always on the lookout for these majestic birds. I pray that I will never grow tired of watching for an eagle or take for granted that I’ve seen too many in my lifetime. I pray also that I never take God’s precious gifts for granted.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Daisies, Date Palm, Dill, Dove’s Dung and Daffodils – Blogging from A to Z

April 4th, 2013 dsisler

I love flowers. I’m not a gardener, because gardening takes work and patience. I also tend to over water or under water any plants placed in my care. Flowers really don’t have a chance with me around. So I will stop by my local florist or grocery store for all of my floral arrangements.

 

But I still love flowers. So much so, that the heroines in the novels I write are named after flowers. Peony. Crisanta. Primrose. Iris. If I hear an unusual name, I tuck it away as if it were a secret treasure that will one day be discovered.

 

My Mom’s favorite flowers are daisies. And I must admit they bring a ray of sunshine to any room where they are displayed. Daisies bring a smile to my face. Not just because of the flower itself, but because of who loves them. Mom.

 

God apparently loves flowers too, for in the midst of all of His Creation, He created some beautiful flowers. And there are many references to flowers in Scripture, but since we are working with the letter “D” today, let’s look at a few that begin with the letter “D.”

 

First we have Date Palm or the technical name, Phoenix dactylifera. The New American Standard Version of the Bible uses this term in Exodus 15:27. “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Date_Palm

The Hebrew nation had been released from bondage in Egypt and soon into their desert journey, they found a watering hole where the water was undrinkable. God produced fresh water from bitter water in this place to show Israel that He would care for their every need if they listened to Him.

 

This great nation then traveled on to Elim where they not only found good drinking water, but also date palms. I’m sure this would have been a grand treat in the middle of the desert.

 

The next flowering plant that can be found in Scripture is Dill (Anethum graveolens). I enjoy this fragrant, delicious herb, but I also know that it can take over an entire section of a garden if allowed.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anethum_graveolens

In Isaiah’s section of woes, he uses a farming analogy. The farmer, at the right time, clears the land and levels it, but then he doesn’t leave it in that state. The farmer sows his crops.

 

Again from the New American Standard Bible we see that dill is one of those crops the farmer sows. “Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin? And plant wheat in rows, barley in its place and rye within its area?” (Isaiah 28:25 – NASB)

 

In this same chapter, Isaiah goes on to remind of how different crops are treated after the harvest. “For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, or is the cartwheel driven over cumin; But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a club.” (Isaiah 28:27 – NASB)

 

Dill is mentioned one more time in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus spoke the word in Matthew 23:23, again in relation with woes. As Jesus spoke to the Scribes and Pharisees, He condemned them for only tithing with spices and for neglecting people. Listen to Jesus’ words.

 

“Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 – NASB)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithogalum_narbonense

The final flowering plant I’d like to share with you is Dove’s Dung (Ornithogalum narbonense). The only place we find this term is in 2 Kings 6:25 and only in the New American Standard Bible. Other versions have chosen to translate this word as seed pods or wild onions.

 

Josephus, a Jewish historian, referred to dove’s dung as being used as a salt substitute. Apparently Dove’s Dung was a food eaten during the famine in Samaria as found in 2 Kings 6:25 and how expensive it was to purchase.

 

“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and  fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.” (2 Kings 6:25 – NASB)

 

I believe we can find a few lessons from these flowering plants that God has placed on this earth. See if you agree.

 

We should bask in and enjoy God’s creation.

 

We should trust God to care for us in all situations and we should listen to Him.

 

We should be mindful of the things in our lives that seem to consume us.

 

We should accept God’s “threshing” process to create Christ-like, usable people for His kingdom.

 

We should tithe in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We should seek justice, mercy and faithfulness.

 

We should not neglect people.

 

We should be thankful for the great price Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life.

 

Who would have thought so many lessons could be learned from these three little flowering plants God created! I know I wasn’t expecting this, but I also believe that God can show up in the smallest of things in our lives and if we keep our eyes open, He will reveal Himself to us.

 

How has God revealed Himself to you today? What is He teaching you? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment to share your thoughts?

 

The weather is turning spring-like here in Colorado. My daffodils are beginning to pop through the earth. It is just a matter of time before all of the flowering trees in my yard are in full blossom. It is a wonderful time of the year to acknowledge our new life in Christ. I pray that you are doing just that.

 

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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