My Senses

July 10th, 2012 dsisler

I read a lot of blog posts each day. Some are spiritual in nature. Some are associated with the publishing field. Others speak directly to writing. A recent blog post about writing shared the idea of using our five senses to speak to our audience.
I was intrigued by the thought, so decided to try it. Using the five senses given by God, I will show how I see, feel, taste, hear, and smell God.
I See God’s Handiwork
Living in Colorado has allowed me to see God’s handiwork up close and personal. The Rocky Mountains, wild-flower covered meadows, glacial lakes, animals of all sizes, a big sky with thousands of stars, and the faces of my children and grandchildren.

Because I believe that God is the Creator of all, I see His handiwork in all that I see. Genesis chapter 1 gives the account of God’s creation. From “Let there be light” to “Let us make man in our image.” (Genesis 1:3a, 26a – NIV)

God’s handiwork can be seen anywhere. We simply need to open our eyes to see Him.
I Feel God’s Love
Of all the books in the Bible, we can see the abundant examples of God’s love in 1 John. If you haven’t read it in a while, or if you cannot feel God’s love around you, read through it. Several times. You’ll begin to feel God’s love.
The verses that stand out to me are:
1 John 3:1 (NIV) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1 John 4:8 (NIV) “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:9 (NIV) “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
1 John 5:2 (NIV) “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.”
You see we can feel God’s love when we produce love for others and follow His commands.
I Taste God’s Goodness
I don’t know that there is anything better than a great taste on my tongue. It might be sweet or salty; spicy or mild; creamy or chunky; chocolate or non-chocolate. If it is the right combination, my mouth waters with delight.
That’s the way it is with God. Except that His goodness tastes good all the time! There isn’t a time when He gets it wrong.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV) says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
God’s Word is also described by taste buds. Psalm 119:103 (NIV) says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
I understand these analogies. I love to eat. I know exactly what David is trying to say in these verses. Unfortunately, when I substitute food for God’s goodness and His Word, I am filling my life with lies, not truth. How are you doing on this one?
I Hear God’s Voice
Hearing God’s voice is a controversial topic. I have never audibly heard God speak to me, but I hear what God is saying to me. Through His Scripture, through His messengers, through my meditation. I hear what God wants to say to me.

Jesus said in John 8:47a (NIV), “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.” When my heart is in tune with God’s teachings, I hear what God says. Loud and clear.
Oh, what it would have been like to be with Jesus and to hear His teachings! That would have been glorious. Luke 5:1 (NIV) says, “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.” The people of that time had an opportunity to hear God speak directly to them. How blessed they were.
And like the crowd that followed Jesus, I want to hear all that Jesus has to say by reading and studying God’s Word, by listening to those who preach the Gospel, and when God’s Spirit stops me in my tracks to get my attention, I will listen.
I Smell God’s Fragrance
In Hosea 14, Israel finds the blessings that come from repentance. God’s healing. God’s refreshment. God’s life-giving nourishment. God’s provision. God’s comfort. And God’s splendor that would be as the fragrance of the cedar trees of Lebanon.
The cedars of Lebanon were famous. Famous for their value and for what was built from them. Royal homes and temples dotted the landscape of the Near East and these structures were built from the cedars of Lebanon.
They also must have had the most wonderful scent, because God’s splendor was compared to that scent.
I know what cedar smells like. It is a scent that is like nothing else. That is what God smells like. Now I may have to purchase some of those cedar blocks for my closet.
Well those are my thoughts on my senses and God. I’m thankful to have all my senses, for I know there are those who do not have the luxury of having all five. I pray that each day I will take the time to use my senses to find God.
What about you? What could you add to my list? How do you see, feel, taste, hear, or smell God? I’d love to hear from you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Building a Doll House: The Creator – Chapter 6

July 9th, 2012 dsisler

NOTE: If you missed Chapters 1-5 of Building a Doll House, you can find it in the column under “blog archive” to the right.
I knew my husband was an engineer when I married him. What I didn’t know was how that was going to affect every aspect of our lives.
Years ago, we built a loft bed for Bethany. To me, it looked like four legs, four sides, a base and some stabilizing pieces. But to Mason, it was a reflection of who he was. It had to be perfect. And if it wasn’t, more than likely, it would have to be taken apart and re-done.
It was no different with building the doll house. Each piece and part had to be placed with precise measurements and absolute certainty. For the perfectionist engineer, nothing less would do.
Yesterday, I mentioned reading Psalm 139 every day for a month. I still believe it is a great idea. But let’s look at some of the other elements in this Psalm. Our God, the Creator of the universe, took great care in designing each of us. And regardless of how happy (or unhappy) we are with His creation, to Him, we are perfect.
Psalm 139 begins with the acknowledgement that God knows us. He knows us inside and out. He knows our actions. He knows our thoughts. He knows what we will speak before we speak them. Now that is knowledge.
The Psalter continues his discourse. Perhaps there were times he wanted to hide from God, but to no avail. God always knew where to find David.  It is the same for us. When sin is active in our lives, our greatest desire is to hide from God. But it’s no use. He knows.
And the greatest part is that God will continue to lead and guide us through those moments. He won’t ever give up on us. God is always there.
And then, Psalm 139 speaks of God’s hands at work in a mother’s womb. God, who planned each part of our world, created you and me. And to Him, we are perfect.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:14-16 – NIV)
Science is continually finding new things about our bodies to amaze us. But to be honest, our amazement shouldn’t be about what scientists have found, but that God created us that specific way.
God knew exactly what He was doing. He knew exactly what functions our bodies would need for survival. He knew how each organ would need to work with others. He was the Architect. The Designer of all creation. Why wouldn’t He get it perfect?
And yes, David expresses this in Psalm 139. He admires the thoughts of God. The endless thoughts that God had for all of creation. Down to the tiniest particle (that science seems to have just found and is interestingly enough called the God Particle), God thought of it.
David doesn’t end the Psalm there. He continues with his desire for God to know him even more. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 – NIV)
We like David, desire that deep relationship with God. But that means giving God full access to every corner and crevice, every nook and cranny of our lives.
I am thankful for the engineering, perfectionist mind of God. For without it, I could not say that I am exactly who God wants me to be. Without it, I might be considered a mistake. But I am not. I am a child of God. I am His beloved.
The doll house was finished and it is as perfect as any doll house you will find out there. I am thankful for my engineer, perfectionist husband who was willing to take the time to get it right. Thanks Gido, for the perfect doll house.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Rejection after Rejection!

July 8th, 2012 dsisler

I am probably one of the few women in the country who just watched the Help. My husband recorded it for me to watch while he was working. I did. And I’m glad I did.
One of the lead characters, Aibileen, raised children as one of her tasks. She did it well and she loved those children. Each morning, or anytime she felt it was necessary, she would say these words to the children and she would have them repeat them.
“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”[i]
It’s important to teach young children how valuable they are. Aibileen knew that. She taught them well.
But sometimes, as adults, we feel useless. Like no one really cares about us. That we are not valuable to anyone.
I’ve felt this way for the past two years. Job searching and novel submitting have brought rejection after rejection. And then there are those companies out there who feel that I am not valuable enough to send a “no thank you” response. It’s tough on my heart. It’s tough on my ego. It’s tough.
You may not be in the situation I am in, but you have your own rejection. Perhaps rejection from a spouse or a child. Perhaps rejection from a bank for a loan. Or maybe rejection from a friend. I believe the list could go on…or you could fill in the blank. “Rejection from ___________.”
It’s tough. But I continue to remember how God views me. How He loves me when no one else will. How He believes me to be kind, smart, and important.
I heard of an idea to read through Psalm 139 every day for a month. At the end of the month, great ideas, images, and thoughts would fill our hearts and minds. I believe that.
Psalm 139 holds a verse that I want to target today. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)
It doesn’t matter what the world thinks of me. It only matters what God thinks. And He made me wonderfully. And if I read Psalm 139 every day for a month, He will tell me that daily. Oh how I need to hear these words. Because to be honest, rejection is going to happen again…even today.
So if you are feeling rejection, why not run to our God who created you perfectly? He will embrace you with open arms and tell you how wonderful you are. Because to Him, you are kind, smart, and important…but most of all, you are His.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] “The Help”.  Kathryn Stockett, New York: Amy Einhorn Books/G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2009. ISBN-10: 0399155341; ISBN-13: 9780399155345; Tate Taylor (screenplay).
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Refreshing!

July 7th, 2012 dsisler

We’ve seen some hot temperatures over the past month here in Colorado. It was a hot and dry June. Several days were over the 100° mark, breaking several records. It was miserable for most residents of Colorado, but for those in the fire zones, residents and fire fighters alike, it was agonizing.
Now, most of the Midwest states are enduring this extreme heat. Along with the heat, very little moisture and dry winds have raged onto the scene and have created some unbearable conditions. It has been a difficult summer so far for many.
A weather pattern has finally entered my part of the country. Moisture has filtered its way into the mountains and prairies of Colorado. The monsoon season has arrived early. Refreshment has come.
After times of spiritual barrenness, drought, and destruction, God supplies refreshment for our souls. It may come in many forms, but the result is the same. Refreshment.
Refreshment
Refreshment may come in many forms, but it all comes from Jesus. Acts 3:19 (NIV) says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Period of sin and rebellion in our lives can lead to some pretty ugly words and actions on our part. But after repentance, refreshment comes. It comes from God.
Exaltation
Psalm 27:6 (NIV) says, “Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me.” Refreshment will come after a period of battle and God will lift us up. We will be lifted higher than those we’ve battled and it will be God who does the exalting. We cannot look at this period as a time of victory for ourselves, but as victory for God. In our exaltation, God must be lifted up as well.
Restoration
Psalm 23 is such a comforting passage. It’s one that each of us can quote at least parts of. Verse 3 (NIV) starts with these comforting words. “He restores my soul…” When the refreshing rains come upon our spirit, our souls will be restored. Perhaps your spiritual drought was because you walked away from God. If so, turn to face Him. He is there waiting to bring restoration and refreshment to your life.
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) reminds us, “And the God of all grace, who call you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Restoration will bring joy to our lives, just as the refreshing rain brings life back to a desert land.
Beauty
Yes, something beautiful will come after refreshment. From all the barrenness, drought and destruction, God will use His wonder-working power and bring forth beauty to be used in His kingdom. The Isaiah 61 passage brings such joy to my heart. God showing mankind His love and grace. And specifically Isaiah 61:4 says, “bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes…” God will make something beautiful out of our lives. Our poverty. Our brokenheartedness. Our captivity. He’s just waiting to send refreshment.
If you are seeking a time of refreshment in your life, why not reach out to Jesus? He has been waiting and will continue to wait. Please don’t let another day go by with a soul that needs His refreshment. It feels so good to stand, with outstretched arms, in God’s refreshing showers.
Colorado’s refreshing rains have come. For now, the ground has received moisture and the fire danger has subsided. For now, the plants and trees will find needed water to bloom and grow. For now, the land is soaking in all that the skies have brought forth. Thank you God for this refreshment.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Small Treasures, Large Lessons

July 6th, 2012 dsisler

I enjoy finding small sections of Scripture that turn out to be real gems after studying them. Sometimes I hear a verse in a sermon. Sometimes I read the verse in a Bible study. Other times I’m searching the Bible for a different purpose and out pops a surprise.
Recently I’ve had a few I’d like to share with you.
Luke 2:15 (NIV) says, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
The shepherds went to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. This I knew. What I didn’t know was that the meaning of the word Bethlehem is House of Bread. Jesus referred to Himself as the Bread of Life. So, the Bread of Life was born in the House of Bread.
There are so many things to say about this idea. And perhaps someday I will write about the meaning of this analogy, but for now just think of how amazing God is. To make certain from the beginning of time that these two elements fit together perfectly. Our God is an awesome God!
A second verse is 1 Kings 1:1 (NIV). This is what it says. “When King David was old and well advanced in years, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him.”
Just a glimpse into David’s later years, but it touched me to know that this great king of Israel was cold. I don’t like being cold. It takes so long for me to regain my warmth. I think that is what David was experiencing.
If we think of this in terms of our spiritual lives, we must not allow our hearts to grow cold. We must not allow our spirits to be away from the heat source. Because it takes a long time to warm up again.
Satan knows just how to keep us in the cold. Let’s not allow him to gain any ground in this area.
The third verse I’d like to share with you is also from 1 Kings. 1 Kings 9:3 (NIV) is a verse where God is speaking to Solomon after the temple was complete. “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.”
God would reside in the temple. In that place. But it would be more than that. He was claiming it as His own. His Name would be there. His presence would be in the temple. His eyes would keep watch. And His heart would remain in this location.
This was important to the Israelites. To know their God was in their presence. To know His temple was His dwelling place.
We, as New Testament Christians have taken on a special role. We are the temple of God. “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.’” (2 Corinthians 6:16b – NIV)
Just as God was among the Israelites in the past, He walks and lives among us today. Within us. And since we are His temple, His Name, eyes and heart are within us as well.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – NIV)
My body houses the living God. The Spirit of God. Why would I choose to defile it? What am I doing that would cause harm to my body?
These are questions each of us must answer for ourselves. I know for me, I allow my laziness and lack of self-control to affect my physical body (the temple of God) and that in turn affects my spiritual life.
Three different ideas. Three moments of spiritual growth. Areas where my heart and my mind need mending. I am so thankful that God has placed these treasures throughout Scripture. It’s up to you and me to find them and store them in our hearts.
I would love to hear from you! What spiritual treasures have you found recently?
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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