To Color or Not?

October 22nd, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever experienced mental exhaustion? Brain tiredness? Boy I have. There have been times when I’m just not able to calculate, work through, or analyze another thing. My brain is just plain tired.

On my recent trip to SE Asia I experienced this almost daily. I saw and experienced so many things in a day that by the time my head hit the pillow at night, I couldn’t think of another thing, let alone analyze anything I had seen. So I’d just go to sleep and pray for a fresh start the next morning. The problem was that I just added more experiences and sights to my already overloaded brain.
It’s been two weeks now since I’ve returned and I’m recalling incidents that I could never have remembered or thought about there. It’s amazing how our brains store such pieces of information.
For fun, I read through magazines that have little impact upon my life. Oh I might find a recipe I’ll stash away for the future or I’ll read a section on weight loss and wonder if I’ll ever lose the weight I need to lose, but for the most part, it’s just something light.
In a recent article I saw a little blurb about coloring. Now I love to color. I’ve just never been in the habit of coloring without my children or grandchildren. But according to this little paragraph, perhaps I should consider it more often.
According to British researchers, “coloring just two minutes can increase your mental energy by as much as 29%.” These researchers believer that “the repetitive, precise motion stimulates the brain’s alertness center.”[i]
Yes that is one way, but another way to increase mental energy is by saturating it with God’s Word and His message.
Scripture tells us that God examines our minds (Psalm 7:9; Psalm 26:2; and Jeremiah 17:10). Our minds are the one place we can hold secrets from our earthly friends and family, but God knows those secrets. He gets into the nooks and crannies and knows our thoughts. When I think of it this way, I am even more determined to keep the awful thoughts out.
So just how can we free our minds of unwanted thoughts and mental exhaustion? Romans 12:2 (NIV) gives us insight. “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.” We must first allow God to transform our minds.
Then our minds need a new attitude. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)
Our minds must be prepared and ready for action. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13 – NIV)
So what are the results? First, we’ll gain peace. But just not any peace, you’ll gain God’s perfect peace. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV)
And then, because your mind is set on God, you’ll be able to pray more effectively. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7 – NIV)
So if your mind is faltering, flailing, or feeling fatigued, you have a few options. You can color or you can rely on God’s strength, wisdom, and expertise in renewing, restoring, and refreshing your mind.
Let me know what works for you. How do you keep your mind focused when you are most distracted? How do you use God in situations like this? Are you a colorer or a depender? Perhaps you are both? Whatever it is, let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Women’s World, Volume XXXIII, Number 44, October 29, 2012
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The Rattlesnake

October 21st, 2012 dsisler

Yesterday was a beautiful autumn day in Colorado. The mountains were clear with fresh snow covering the tops of the highest peaks. There were clouds, but that kept it just cool enough to enjoy the opportunity of wearing some of the warmer clothing tucked away in my closet.

I was out and about yesterday. Nothing exciting…grocery shopping. And while I was scooting around town I was listening to Christmas music.
I really was having a pleasant drive until I heard a strange noise. It sounded like a rattlesnake. My heart started racing and became very heavy in my chest.
Now normally, I wouldn’t have even considered the possibility that there might be a rattlesnake in my car, but I had been on a large hay farm the night before. I was helping at a barn dance and dinner that our 50 and Better ministry was hosting for the group.
My car was parked by a grouping of trees and I just imagined that while we were whooping it up inside, a rattlesnake had found a warm spot inside my car.
Now remember, I was still driving. My heart was still racing. Then I heard it again. By this time, logic had regained control of my physical reaction. It was then I realized that it was on the Christmas album.
Who puts rattlesnake sounds on a Christmas soundtrack to enhance the music? Really? It just isn’t natural. So, just to be clear, I did not have a rattlesnake in my car. Really.
I don’t exactly know what I would have done if there had been a rattlesnake in my car. It’s just not something I’ve ever had to think about before. But I do think I will formulate a plan in my head for such an occasion.
I believe we must do the same when Satan shows up in the least likely places. When he wants to turn our hearts and minds away from God. We must have a plan.
Jesus had a plan and it was a pretty good one. Perhaps we should adopt His plan as our own and use His weapons against Satan. So let’s look at Jesus’ plan.
Jesus’ temptations are found in three of the Gospels…well sort of. Mark only shares two verses of this experience, but he does add an interesting piece that I’ll talk about later (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; and Luke 4:1-13).
So here’s the set up. Jesus had been baptized and the Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert. In the desert Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. Nothing is mentioned of His day-to-day activities, but fasting in itself denotes spiritual growth time. An opportunity to spend quality time with God during that period of fasting.
So I could only assume that is exactly what Jesus was doing. Spending these last days of solitude with His Father before His ministry turned public.
Then the tempter arrived. When Jesus was physically at His weakest, the temptations began.
Satan tempted Jesus in three ways. First with food. This was only natural since He hadn’t eaten in forty days. The second temptation was to put Himself before God and be attended by angels. And the third was the offer of land if only Jesus would worship Satan.
Jesus heard Satan’s claims. Satan even quoted Scripture to Jesus. And of course, Satan misused the passage he quoted. But Jesus used His weapon of choice when battling Satan. He too, used Scripture. “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:7 – NIV)
So how can we utilize Jesus’ plan in our own lives?
First we need to understand what we are up against. Mark 1:13 (NIV) says that Jesus was “with the wild animals and angels attended him.” Now I don’t know if Mark meant that Satan was a wild animal, but we certainly can look at him that way. We need to know that the tempter will become whatever he needs to become so that we might fall into his trap. Remember, we are with the wild animals.
Second, we must know ourselves. Are we weakest when we are tired? Does hunger bring you to your knees? Whatever it might be, we must realize in those moments, the tempter will attack.
Remember Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)? Jesus spoke these words to him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And then Paul responded with “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 – NIV) When we are at our weakest, we must rely on Jesus for strength.
Third, we must use Jesus’ example of using Scripture to battle Satan. Now you may not know exactly how the tempter will tempt you, but you certainly can still plan for it. Find passages that will lift you up. Memorize them. If you feel you can’t do that, write them on index cards (remember my Scripture cards?) and carry them with you. Be prepared. Don’t be caught off guard.
And lastly, we must remember that Satan will never give up. Luke’s account ends with these words. “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:11 – NIV)
Another opportunity will arise for the tempter and he will take advantage of that opportunity. Knowing that he could show up at any moment gives me the resolve to be prepared even more. I don’t like surprises that much.
So do you think you might be ready the next time the old devil shows his ugly face? I believe that you will be if you use Jesus’ example and follow His lead. When we allow His Holy Spirit to help us remember these simple steps, we have more than a fighting chance. We will be victorious!
I feel kind of silly talking about a rattlesnake like it’s an everyday occurrence in my world. I’ve never seen one (except on TV and through glass at the zoo). I’ve never heard one (except on TV). But still, the possibility got my attention.
Now, I’m off to get rid of that Christmas CD.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Missed it By That Much

October 20th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever missed out on something wonderful? Something that you know you would have enjoyed if you had been part of it? Something so awesome that it would have fulfilled at least one of your dreams in life?

I have.

Earlier this summer, my favorite race car driver, Michael Waltrip, came to Denver. He was raising money for the folks who lost their homes and possessions in the devastating wildfires we’ve had this year.

Mickey (as he is known by his family, friends and fans) signed autographs at the NAPA distribution center and then delivered a check to the disaster relief fund at the Colorado National Speedway. But it gets even better…he raced that night in his famous NAPA #55 Toyota.
And here’s the crazy part. This speedway is two miles from my house. I hear the cars race on Saturday evenings during the summer. That particular night they were really loud. I remember making that comment.
So how did I miss this? I don’t get a newspaper. I watch the news irregularly. I didn’t follow MWR tweets the week before. And I missed it.
I am not the only one who has missed out on something wonderful.
I’m sure there were plenty of people who missed what Jesus had to say. They sat at His feet hearing His words, but they never really sunk in. They thought His words were entertaining, but that was as far as the words went.
There is one such account we find in Scripture. You’ll know him as the Rich Young Man or the Rich Young Ruler. Three of the Gospels record his story. And the ending is the same in each (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; and Luke 18:18-30).
This wealthy young man had heard Jesus’ message. Perhaps several times. It had made an impact on him and he desired to find out how to guarantee his spiritual salvation. His exact question was, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17 – NIV)
Jesus quoted some of the commands given by Moses in the Old Testament. The ones about murder, adultery, lying, and honoring parents. This young man was pleased to declare that he had kept them all since he was a young boy. Perhaps he thought he had this. Perhaps he thought he was going to be able to get by with these obediences of God’s commands.
But then, Jesus spoke again, with love in his heart for this young person standing before Him.
“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21 – NIV)
Oh, how disappointed this poor lad was. Scripture says his “face fell.” He had heard Jesus’ teachings, but had missed the real message. He hadn’t realized the importance of putting God first in his life.
Upon hearing these words, he knew that he could not do as Jesus requested. Scripture says he had “great wealth.” He wasn’t willing to give it all away for eternal life. And this man walked away from Jesus.
Jesus continued with His teaching after this encounter. Teaching about the rich and heaven. And in the midst of this teaching, Jesus delivered two one-liners that we all know.
“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 – NIV)
And, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31 – NIV)
What can we take away from this account?
I believe we can understand the importance of putting God before everything else. Anything that we love more than God will be in the way of our relationship and that relationship will be damaged.
I also believe that Jesus is telling us here that even if there is something between us and God, with God’s help, we will be able to put it behind us. With God, we are capable of placing God first in our lives.
And I believe Jesus is sharing the timely message that a servant heart is what God is looking for. The attitude of our hearts make us usable vessels. When we have a willing, servant heart, God can do mighty things through us.
And lastly, I believe we can understand the importance of getting the whole message. God’s entire message. Don’t pick and choose the parts you want to learn, know and obey. It is a whole package deal. You take it all or leave it all. There can be nothing in between.
I pray that you haven’t missed it. Missed the important message that Jesus shared with this young man. It is a life-changing message. It is a mind-altering message. It is a forever message. If you have missed it, what is holding you back from accepting God’s message? What is standing between you and eternal life? Is it worth it?
If you’ve only captured a part of God’s message, I pray that you’ll take the time to continue studying God’s Word to hear the rest of the message.
And if you haven’t missed it, praise God for His glorious gift of grace and salvation. Praise Him for what He has done in your life. Thank Him for the changes He has made. Don’t take His gift for granted. Share His message with those around you. Let them know exactly what it has meant in your life.
This missed opportunity to meet Michael Waltrip was actually the second time I’ve missed him. I just shake my head and wonder if it will ever happen. I don’t know.

What I do know, however, is that I haven’t missed God’s message. I understand it fully. I have accepted it fully. I try (very hard) to live it fully. I find complete satisfaction in knowing that my future is secure in God my Savior. I pray that you have that same satisfaction.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Above the Fruited Plains

October 19th, 2012 dsisler

Through my local church, we have been reading and praying a book by David Butts, 40 Days of Prayer for America: Desperate for Change. It has been an eye-opening book for me, especially after coming back from a service trip to SE Asia where we prayed continually for that area of the world.

As I read through Mr. Butts’ writings, I’m finding myself pulled into his stories and his direction toward God. And I wonder how I have managed to walk up to a voting station in the past without a period of prayer before going.
Yes, this is an election year. No, this is not a blog post about how you should vote. But it is a call to action. There are still nineteen days until Election Day. There is still plenty of time to pray for our nation. To pray for our leaders. To pray for the citizens of America to return to God as a nation. There is still time for God to do His mighty work within our country.
We should at least be willing to try!
So here are my suggestions for you. If you can get a copy of Mr. Butts’ book, do so. He will encourage you to focus on very specific areas of prayer. If you are on Facebook, there is a 40 Days of Prayer page where you will find some great ways to pray for America. Or, on their website, you can download daily prayers or subscribe to daily emails.
But this is just one man’s tool to pray for America. God has His own tools in Scripture to lead us in praying for our nation. Let’s begin with God’s command for Israel.
After the temple was complete, God appeared to Solomon and shared these words with him. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – NIV) God is willing to heal our land, but we must do our part. Humble prayers are the perfect place to start.
Paul urged Timothy to pray for the “kings and all those in authority” in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV). But the reasoning behind it is also mentioned in this section of Scripture. “That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I will allow Scripture to speak for itself.
I also believe that as we live godly and holy lives, we will be good citizens of our nation. By following God’s commands and His words, we are able to be the right kind of people America needs. People full of grace. People who show kindness to strangers and the poor. People who love their enemies.
And Titus 3:1-2 (NIV) adds a few more words of encouragement. “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Good countries are made up of good citizens. Titus 3:14 (NIV) adds another element. “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”
I certainly am not willing to live an unproductive life. I pray that you feel the same.
So, what I’ve come up with is that we must humble ourselves before God, pray for our nation and leaders, and be good citizens. To be honest, this is just the skeleton. As you study Scripture, you will find other things to add to this list. And I would encourage you to do so.
Don’t let another day go by where America is not in your prayers. Hand it over to God. Allow Him to do mighty things with people who are willing to humble themselves before Him.
I’m going to close with the lyrics to the tune, America the Beautiful. I pray that you’ll find beauty in this land we call home. Beauty in her landscape, but also in her people.
America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea![i]
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Words by Katharine Lee Bates, Melody by Samuel Ward, 1910
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The Dragon

October 18th, 2012 dsisler

With all the writing I have done over the past few years, my husband thought that a product he saw on a television advertisement would be a perfect gift for me. It is the Dragon Naturally Speaking system and I must admit it is pretty cool.

When I started using it, some wrong words replaced the words I had actually spoken, but after a while, the system learned my speech patterns and began to type what I was saying.
I began to feel like someone right out of a Sci-fi movie. My computer was really following my voice commands. It is even fun to play with!
The Dragon system reminds me of Jesus’ words in John 10. Jesus shares a little analogy of a shepherd and his flock, but then goes on to say, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 – NIV) As we get to know Jesus on a personal level, we begin to know His words. We begin to understand His patterns. We begin to follow Him more closely.
And how do we get to know Jesus? Through His words in Scripture. Reading, studying, understanding, and then implementing His commands lead us to a fuller knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s through this knowledge that we can then grow a relationship with Him.
Peter quoted Moses as he spoke of listening to Jesus’ words in Acts 3. Moses said that if we don’t listen to God’s “prophet” (Jesus), we will be cut off. Are you listening to everything Jesus says? Is notlistening to Jesus worth being cut off from God? I don’t think so.
On one occasion, Jesus’ voice was loud and clear when He answered the question, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commands.”(Matthew 22:36-40 – NIV)
There are some pretty hefty words in this response. Yes, I know these are the first things I must do to know Jesus. To know His heart is to love His Father and love others. But there are times when I am “double-minded and unstable” (James 1:8 – NIV). There are times when I am selfish and I don’t want to love my neighbors.
I must then listen again to Jesus’ voice. Hear His message. Put His words into practice. Know the very nature of Jesus.
And you know what? These are just two commands! If I can’t get them right, how will I ever get the rest of them? Well, the answer to that is the Holy Spirit God sent to us to be a Helper. For those times when I want to block out Jesus’ voice, God’s Spirit is there to recite them over and over to me until I get it.
Occasionally the Dragon system gets my voice commands and words completely wrong and if I don’t correct at the time it happens, there’s a pretty good chance that when I return to that document I might not know what I really wanted to say. I’ve learned that it’s important to make that change immediately.
If we can learn to do this when we are missing Jesus’ voice, we have a greater chance of not falling into temptation and sin. When we get it all wrong, get back into God’s Word and listen to what Jesus has to say.
There is a tiny verse in the Book of Mark that I recently found. It fills my heart with joy. “The large crowd listened to him (Jesus) with delight.” (Mark 12:37b – NIV)
Do you listen to Jesus with delight? I pray that hearing Jesus’ voice is one of your greatest joys. For me, it certainly is!
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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