Just the Right Shoe

May 26th, 2012 dsisler


I’ve collected several items through the years. As a child I collected staples…I’m not sure what that says about me. I’ve collected angel figurines, houses, farming tools, dishes, Christmas décor, and anything with the word “joy” in or on it.
Other people I’ve known had other collections like rocks, salt and pepper shakers, fossils, precious moments figurines and art work to name a few.
My Mom has a few collections. Miniature oil cans, thimbles, Bybee pottery, and my favorite, Just the Right Shoe figurines by Raine.
These shoes are miniature replica of interesting and beautiful shoes. Some I’ve love to have in my wardrobe. The pictures are some of my favorites. But the thing is, they are only the right shoe.
There are several passages in the book of Psalm that tell us about the right hand or right arm of God. We are reminded of the power, and the works of the right hand or arm of God. Let’s see what is said.
We find joy and eternal pleasures at the right hand of God. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
We find salvation at the right hand of God. Psalm 17:7 tells us, “Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”
We find victory at the right hand of God. “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” (Psalm 18:35)
And in Psalm 44:3 we see, “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.”
And also Psalm 45:4. “In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.”
We find stability at the right hand of God. Psalm 63:8 says, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”
And Psalm 73:23 reminds us, “Yet I am always with you, you hold me by my right hand.”
In Psalm 139:9-10 we see, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
We find amazement of mighty works at the right hand of God. Psalm 98:1 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous; ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’” (Psalm 118:15)
I think I’d like to sit a while at God’s right hand. To see and hear and feel and know all that He can accomplish single handedly.
It has been fun, as Mom’s friends and family, to add to her shoe collection. Shoes that remind us of something or someone. Shoes to commemorate a special group of people. Shoes that are whimsical or beautiful. But in the end, they are just for pleasure. They are pretty little things for everyone to gaze upon.
God’s right arm is not like that. It is useful. It has purpose. Are you within the comfort of His right arm? If not, why not? Wrapped inside, you’ll find everything you could ever hope for.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Eiffel Tower

May 25th, 2012 dsisler

It was science day when I went to Kings Island last week and there were a lot of middle and high school students at the park. Each ride had a sign near the entrance with the scientific reason the ride worked the way it did.
Many (not all) of the students had notebooks with them to write down the information. I felt kind of bad for them…being at this great amusement park on a school day, and having to do school work!
I rode the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I do not like heights, so I didn’t get close to the edge, but I did want to go again to see the beauty from way up in the sky. On the deck, a Kings Island worker answered questions about the tower. Its height. The difference between it and the real Eiffel tower. How it was built and a few other interesting bits of information.
A couple of boys asked the worker if the tower moved at all. She proceeded to tell them that it did. It swayed back and forth. She also told them that if they held on to the bars at the edge of deck, they could feel the movement. They would be able to feel it sway.
After doing so, the boys declared, “We’re getting out of here!”
I know Satan works hard to keep me from following God’s commands. He tries to get me to justify my reasoning for doing something contrary to God’s Word. He works overtime to sway my opinion from God’s and when that happens, I fall into his trap.
There are a few verses in Scripture that speak to this topic. Let’s take a look at them.
Matthew 11:7-9 “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.’”
John was a prophet of God who was not easily swayed by the opinions of those around him. He stuck to his message. The coming of the Messiah!
Matthew 22:15-16 “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then…’”
This passage could go on with any number of issues brought to Jesus, including healing on the Sabbath, what the greatest commandment was, or in this case, what to do about taxes.
Jesus was not swayed. He stuck to His message. He stuck to His mission. God’s plan to redeem mankind. I don’t know about you, but for that I am eternally grateful.
2 Timothy 3:6-7 reminds us, “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.”
This is the type of woman I never want to be. I know I’ve been guilty of this in the past, but now, with the power within me, I will not be easily swayed by my evil desire. I will stand firm in my faith. I will stand firm in my trust. I will stand firm in my knowledge of the truth that Jesus saves!
After walking around the tower deck, it wasn’t long before I too declared, “I’m getting out of here!” Not to anyone in particular and not even out loud, just to myself. I had accomplished a feat that although difficult, was fulfilling and satisfying. I’m thankful I pushed myself to this limit.
I am thankful for the examples of John and Jesus and for Paul’s words of encouragement to not be swayed. I pray that I am fully aware of the possibility of being swayed. Of all the sly elements Satan uses to pull me from my foundation. And when I feel like I’m heading in a direction I shouldn’t, I quickly say, “I’m getting out of here!”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Fish Fry

May 24th, 2012 dsisler

My two brothers have been busy fishing. In just a few days, they caught over 60 fish. Now the fun begins. We had a fish fry last night with a portion of my family. For those who were sick, we certainly missed you.
Fried fish, cornbread, hush puppies, corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato wedges, Frisch’s tartar sauce, Carvel Ice Cream Cake and cheese cake made up the menu. It was as good as it sounds!
We are a family that loves fish. Always have. Always will. Some love to fish. Some love to eat fish.
When my oldest child, Philip, was 3 years old, we went to my Grandma Rich’s house for a fish fry. By the end of the day, Philip had hoarded several pieces of that fish into his sister’s diaper bag. He loved Grandma’s fish and he wanted some for later!
I wish I had been on the shore when Jesus prepared breakfast for His disciples in John 21. The disciples weren’t certain of their role in the world any longer. Their Teacher had died and rose from the dead. He popped in and out of their lives and they really never knew when He’d show up the next time.
The fishermen of the group went fishing. Now it may have been that it was what they knew they could return to. It could have been they needed something to eat. It could have been they had their most valuable thinking sessions on a boat. I don’t know the exact reason they went fishing, but they did.
They didn’t catch a single fish during the night and early in the morning, a man from shore called to them. “’Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’”
The disciples did so and the nets were filled to over flowing. Then the recognized Him. John proclaimed, “It is the Lord!”At that moment, Peter ran to shore to be with Jesus.
When the others joined them, they saw Jesus cooking fish over an open fire. He asked for some of the fish they just caught and said, “Come and have breakfast.” Jesus served the disciples fish and bread on that shore.
None of the disciples dared ask who this man was. They knew it was Jesus. He had come to them again. It was the third time He appeared to them since His resurrection.
On a side note, there were 153 fish that were caught and the nets were not torn. Jesus provided for this group of followers. Physically as well as spiritually.
How I would love to eat fresh fish, prepared by my Lord over an open fire on the shore. To hear His words, “Come and have breakfast.”
But, I believe I partake each time I enter into God’s Word. Each time I study what God has to say to me, I am being fed by the Master. I pray that I will never take it for granted. Simply enjoy the feast.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Car Cheese

May 23rd, 2012 dsisler

Throughout his life, my husband’s family made food creations that reflected both Russian and German heritages. Each of these creations were welcomed and enjoyed. Some were reserved for holidays or special occasions, while others were made for everyday meals.
One creation that was made for Easter was Pashka. It is similar to cream cheese when finished, but it is filled with nuts and dried fruit and it is delicious.
However, Mason’s family made Pashka with a twist.
The recipe calls for weights to be placed on top of the mixture to press out the fluid. Instead of weights, they place one of the car tires on it to weigh it down…with the tire attached to the car. So, instead of calling this deliciousness Pashka, they called it “car cheese.”
A couple years ago, we decided to make “car cheese” for Easter. We also made sure we made it when Joy, our granddaughter, was with us so she could have fun with us.
I mixed all the ingredients together, wrapped them in cheesecloth and then into a pan. Mason jacked up the car; we placed the pan under the tire with a board on top, and then set the car down on top of the cheese.
It did exactly what it was supposed to do. The pressure of the car pressed out all of the liquid from the cheese and we enjoyed delicious “car cheese.”
Sometimes in our lives, we are put under pressure. When it happens, we can struggle with everything in our lives. All of our joy can be squeezed from us. Our patience is stretched to the limit.
But we have the assurance that God’s power is stronger than any pressure we might feel from the struggles we encounter.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Our lives are represented by the jars of clay. They are fragile, easily chipped and some might say breakable.
But through the power, the all-surpassing power of God and His Gospel, we can withstand the pressures we undergo. And like the “car cheese,” we can become better because of the pressure.
Pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and stuck down are the terms presented that we can expect to encounter. But, we have theTreasure. We can counter these encounters with the ability not to be crushed, not be in despair, not feel abandoned, and not be destroyed.
With these words of encouragement, we can face the difficult struggles of this world with confidence and power. We can survive and useful in God’s Kingdom because of what we have become through the pressure.
“Car cheese” hasn’t been made since. I really don’t know why. It was delicious. I suppose it took a lot more energy and effort than it was worth.
I’m thankful that making it through the pressures of this life is worth it all. I’m thankful for the all-surpassing power within me to do so. Bring on the pressure…with God, I can handle it.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Bread of Life

May 22nd, 2012 dsisler

I love bread. I come by it naturally. My Mom could eat a bread sandwich. I’ve seen her. Each evening in the hospital they would bring her a snack. One half of a turkey sandwich. I saw her take off all the turkey and eat the bread. She still won’t sit down to a kitchen table without some sort of bread being there for her enjoyment. You see, it comes quite natural to me.
Several years ago I was employed as the Hospitality and Special Events Director at my local church. There were parts of this position that I really didn’t care for, but others made this position so enjoyable. One of which was being able to lead a group of volunteers in this special ministry of hospitality.
In this role, I was to lead. To share knowledge. To engage in others’ lives. To encourage. And I did so by writing a quarterly newsletter and leading monthly meetings. These two elements were the most exciting to me.
Each monthly meeting was designed around a theme. National Gumdrop Day, Spice It Up, National “I want you to be happy” Day, National Cookie Cutter Day, and many more.
But the one I want to talk about today is National Homemade Bread Day. I’m either a little early or a little late for this one, because this day is celebrated on November 17 each year.
We talked about the importance of bread through the centuries and how it has evolved. We discussed the versatility of bread dough and how it can be used for so many purposes. And of course we chatted about Jesus calling Himself the Bread of Life in John 6:35-51.
In the church service I attended this past weekend, we sang the old hymn, Break Thou the Bread of Life. To be honest, I hadn’t heard it in years and don’t know that I ever truly read the words to this song. But what a message!
It’s not about The Lord’s Supper. It’s not just about Jesus being the Bread of Life. It’s more about allowing The Bread (Jesus) and His Word to come into our lives, make a difference, and change us. And then, we are to be “bread” to this world.
Break Thou the Bread of Life
Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word!
Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me,
As Thou didst bless the bread by Galilee;
Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
And I shall find my peace, my all in all.
Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth that saveth me;
Give me to eat and live with Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth, for Thou art love.
Oh, send Thy Spirit, Lord, now unto me,
That He may touch my eyes, and make me see:
Show me the truth concealed within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see the Lord.[i]
This hymn now has new meaning for me. I do want these very changes in my life. And I want others to see those changes. I pray that you might accept the Bread of Life and allow Him to make those same changes within you.
As November 17th comes around in 2012, we can remember not only National Homemade Bread Day, but also the changes that have come to our lives because of The Bread of Life.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Break Thou the Bread of Life, Author: Mary A. Lathbury (1877) Author (st. 3-4): Alexander Groves (1913)
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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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