Drill vs. Car Hood

April 1st, 2012 dsisler

Does your home have shutters? I like the look of shutters on a home. They give it a “finished” look.  Mason and I decided that was exactly what our home needed.
It wasn’t a difficult job, but it was a job that required steady hands and feet while on the roof. There is one section of our house that is directly above our driveway. That was the spot I was most nervous about.

I moved my car in front of the area. My thinking was that if Mason fell, it would be better for him to fall on my car than the hard cement of the driveway. He didn’t fall. However, the drill did. It fell directly onto the hood of my car.
It seemed like such a great idea and plan at the time. And to be honest, it could have been worse. It could have fallen drill bit first and punctured the hood of my car. And if my car hadn’t been there, the drill would not have survived. Or Mason could have fallen off the roof!
Why is it that sometimes great ideas end in failure? Why on some occasions are multiple attempts made before success? Why is there a saying, “If at first you don’t succeed; try, try again?” Why can’t an idea always work the first time?
Maybe the idea was too lofty…unattainable. Or maybe it really had no merit and wouldn’t work regardless of how many times you try. Perhaps the method isn’t suitable for the plan. There are obviously many reasons a plan or idea won’t work on the first attempt.
The book of Proverbs has some great wisdom tidbits and Solomon gives us some great advice on planning. Maybe some of these verses might help with a situation you are in right now. Let’s take a look.
  • Proverbs 14:22 “Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
  • Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
  • Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
  • Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
  • Proverbs 20:18 “Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
  • Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Yes, sometimes our plans may fail, but we know for certain that the plans of the Lord will never fail. Proverbs 21:30 assures us of this. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
And regardless of what we are attempting, God will be with us through it all. Listen to the advice given by David to his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:20.“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”
Yes, when God is in the middle of our plans, there will be success. It may not be the success we desired or hoped for, but it isthe success God was seeking. And nothing can succeed against Him!
Fortunately, the drill falling off the roof and a dented hood were the only mishaps on this particular project. The shutters complete the look of our home and the house does look amazing! However, I think the next “roof” project will be done by professionals.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Sewing

March 31st, 2012 dsisler

I enjoy working on hobbies and crafts. To be honest, I think I would try anything once. But in the end, I know I can’t do everything, so have settled on a few hobbies that I really enjoy.
I’ve mentioned Ukrainian Eggs, but most recently, I’ve re-discovered sewing. I never enjoyed it throughout high school and only pulled out my sewing machine on occasion since then.
It was actually difficult to “pull out” my machine. It wasn’t a portable sewing machine. It was the sewing machine of my youth. The one I learned how to sew on. And years ago, it was the best there was. But as the years rolled on, some real issues began to occur.
I eventually quit using it. The only person who ever sewed anything on it was my mother, the real seamstress. On her visits from Ohio, I’d have projects ready for her. I am fortunate. My mother can whip up just about anything.
A couple of years ago, Mom came and, and usual, I had a project ready to tackle. She began the cleaning process on my old machine. It was dirty. It was rusted. It had seen better days. It was time to put this sewing machine out of its misery.
“If you want new curtains, I need a new machine,” Mom said.
My husband, Mason did the research. He then took Mom and together bought my new and improved, portable sewing machine. It is quite the machine! There are plenty of bells and whistles on this machine…almost overwhelming to this inexperienced seamstress (and I use that term loosely).
The purchase, however, turned out to be a good one for me. About 18 months ago, I pulled out my sewing machine and started creating. Halloween costumes, Easter outfits, NICU vests, curtains, pillows, aprons, and the list could go on.
I must say, I enjoy sewing.
But it hasn’t always been this way. Here were my reasons for not enjoying sewing in years past:
1) my sewing machine was old and not functional
2) sewing patterns did not make sense
3) ripping out seams frustrated me
So over the past 18 months, I’ve worked on this list.
1) old machine is gone and new sewing machine has taken its place
2) I’m mastering sewing patterns…reading and re-reading until I understand them
3) okay, maybe this one will never disappear, but patience does help
Old and New
The Bible talks a lot about old and new. Think about your own life. What “old” ways need to be shed and what “new” attitudes, thoughts, or actions need to be applied?
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
And Ephesians 4:22-24  says it this way, “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We need to understand that the “old us” needs to be replaced by a “new us.” Only through Jesus and His Holy Spirit is this even possible.
Patterns
We learn about patterns in Scripture as well. Romans 12:2 warns us “not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world.”
Paul asks Timothy, “what you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching,” in 2 Timothy 1:13. 
The pattern is written. We must learn to read and follow the pattern directions for our lives.
Ripping Seams
Well, this one hurts. The sin in our lives that must be ripped out is for our own good. Without this process, we can never be the new creation God desires us to be.
There is a section in Ezekiel 36 where God tells Israel what He will do for them when they turn from their sin. But the part I love is that He “will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (Ezekiel 36:26) When sin is ripped from my heart, God will replace it with a new one…and a new spirit as well.
My new sewing machine is awesome. It has the capability to create beautiful items. But if I never use all the tools available, I will continue to create the same old items I’ve made in the past.
In my spiritual life, if I do not use the available tools, I will never know how beautiful my life truly can be. The Master Creator has offered it all to me. It’s up to me allow Him to do His handiwork and see what beauty He will create in me.
Are you up for some seam ripping?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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A Fish and a Kayak

March 30th, 2012 dsisler

On my recent trip to Florida with my family, my brothers became pretty good at fishing in a kayak. They learned the pattern of the tides, the current of the water, and how far out into the bay they could go.

On these fishing excursions, each of them caught quite a few fish. Most were too small to keep, but they were content with spending the day slowly drifting on the water.
The problem they encountered was that when they found fish, there was no way to anchor the kayak to that spot. Before they could get their line reset, they were beyond the location and would once again need to drift until more fish were found.
My brother Michael came up with a solution. There were small buoy’s, almost like large fishing bobbers, out in the bay. Michael grabbed one of them and tucked it into the kayak to keep him in that location.
It wasn’t long before he realized that he was not staying in one location and in fact was drifting. Not only was he drifting, but the buoy was as well.
I believe we can get in that same mess with our spiritual lives. If we are not careful, our minds will pull us in a direction that might not be the correct route. Here are a few verses that will help us with keeping our minds from drifting.
Hebrews 2:1 gives us a good piece of advice. “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Paying attention will allow us to stay on the correct path that God has set for us to follow.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Keeping our minds steadfast brings peace because of the trust we’ve placed in God.
And how are we to do this? Romans 12:2 gives us a guide. “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.” Renewing our minds will lead to transformation.
And Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a little more insight. “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your 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.” Putting off the old self and putting on the new self is possible through the attitude of our minds. God’s righteousness and holiness will be evident through this process.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) In this verse we see that being clear minded and having self control go hand in hand. By keeping these two elements in line, prayer will be the outcome.
And finally, for what purpose are we to prepare our minds? 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) After we’ve set our minds right, we must get our minds ready for action. For whatever Satan might throw our way. We must be ready.
Perhaps you remember the old television advertisement for the UNCF, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Especially when it involves your spiritual life. Use your mind. Develop your mind. Keep focused on what really matters. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) Quit drifting!
My brothers learned the fine art of fishing and kayaking in a few short days. Apparently, there is nothing that a little fishing won’t cure.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Spring Break

March 29th, 2012 dsisler

It is Spring Break for most schools around this area. My granddaughter, Joy’s, is no exception. She is in her second year of preschool. And apparently, Spring Break is a pretty big deal.
Last year when Spring Break came around, all she could talk about was coming to spend the week with me. I was thrilled. I couldn’t wait for her to come.
This year is no different. She is planning to spend two nights with me this week. We are looking forward to it and are trying to decide what fun things to do while she’s here.
I have to chuckle when I think of a preschooler getting excited about Spring Break. What is she getting a break from? She doesn’t have home work. There isn’t a term paper due in a few weeks. There are no final projects to get rested up to tackle. It’s preschool!
But it’s what she knows. It is school to her and this little break is fun. This little break gives her a change of pace and scenery. This little break is just exactly what she needs. She will return to school next week refreshed. Ready to see her friends again. Ready to get back into that routine because she wasn’t this week.
This is actually her third year of preschool. She attended and graduated Baba’s preschool before entering Miss Lisa and Miss Sandy’s world. And she was my prize pupil.
I would transform my living and dining room area into Baba’s preschool. The alphabet stretched out around the room. There was a little reading station set up where we introduced the day of the week, the weather, the topic of discussion for the day, and much more.
We had arts and crafts (Joy called it “arts and craps”) each day, we sang songs, we studied different units, we read books, we went on field trips, learned about God, and the list could go on.
I spent hours on lesson plans. Hours working toward the next day Joy would come to Baba’s preschool. It was like a real preschool!
But it wasn’t.
I don’t know about you, but there are times when I’ve gotten pretty tangled up in the details that I missed the “real” purpose. Missed people who have needed me to stop and comfort or help them.
I’ve often said that when I’m at my busiest, I put blinders over my eyes. I don’t have time to stop and see those who are hurting. Isn’t that sad! What opportunities I’ve missed! And all because I was too busy.
I heard something years ago that has stuck with me. I don’t remember who said, so I’m grieved to say that I can’t give credit where credit is due…perhaps you’ve heard it. It goes something like this. “Satan keeps us so busy that we don’t have time to think about the most important things in life.”
Yeah, that’s it! When we are so busy that we miss people, we’re too busy.
I’m going to bring out a little verse in the book of Haggai. The Israelites had returned from captivity and started to rebuild the temple, but then got busy rebuilding their own homes. They left the temple in ruins.
There is a lot going on here, but life wasn’t going the way the Israelites thought it should and so God tells them why. He says, “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.” (Haggai 1:9)
Are you so busy with your life that you don’t see the ruin in others? If so, we need to stop. We need to take the blinders off and see what is happening around us. All too quickly, the opportunity will be gone and our sphere of influence will be gone.
Joy is a bright, young girl. I pray that I will be able to teach her much more through the coming years. Especially about God and the gifts He wants to lavish upon her.
I’m sure there were things she was supposed to learn that I neglected to teach her. It’s a good thing there is “real” preschool.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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My 60th

March 28th, 2012 dsisler

This is my 60th blog post. I’ve learned quite a bit about this process. I’ve even made some mistakes! I’m not certain that you will see any real change in my writing style or what my message continues to be, but you might notice the difference in the way the blog looks.

Apparently, most people don’t like a color background while reading. They like white with black print. My previous design went against that completely. Also, most people don’t like longer paragraphs. Short paragraphs, and even single sentences will gain attention more than a traditional paragraph.
But some things are not any different than the way we’ve been writing for centuries. People still like to get hooked into a blog. That first line or paragraph is the catcher. If you get their attention there, they will probably read the post.
And then there is the title. It must be short, unique, and one that will grab the reader’s attention.
So much to remember as my fingers swiftly fly across the keyboard!
I don’t exactly know what my audience is seeking. What those who stop by my little blog hope to find. But as I’ve said, my message will not change. The message that God loves us and He desires to be part, or all of our lives.
Yes, God desires and invites us to come into His presence. He draws us to Himself, so that we might be called His children. So that we might know that we are loved.
Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” By dwelling with God, it is understood that we are to linger, to remain for a while. He doesn’t want us to show up occasionally. He wants us to stay!
We also find in Psalm 16:11 that God wants to give us joy in His presence. “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.” We know that God is a gift-giver. This is just one more gift He desires for us. Joy can be found in His presence.
And in 1 John 3:18-19 we find these words. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” Yet another gift found in God’s presence is rest. Rest for our hearts.
As we remain in God, we have Jesus’ promise. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) We remain in God’s presence and Jesus is with us…always.
Many years ago I directed the choirs in several local congregations. At each location, the choir performed cantatas for Easter and Christmas each year. These were some of my favorite memories of those times. I still can recall much of the music we sang.
One of my favorite cantatas was “Into His Presence.” The chorus to the opening song says:
“We come into His presence through the mercy of His grace;
To worship at His feet and gaze upon His face.
Christ has torn the veil of sin;
Was crucified but rose again.
Justified we enter in to His presence;
The holy presence of the Lord.”[i]
Once I understood the idea that God desired a relationship with me and wanted me to be in His presence, my world changed. Knowing that God wants me to be in His presence on a daily basis is such a blessing to me. The world may not want me, but my God does. What a privilege to worship at His feet and gaze upon His face!
So, happy 60th to me…blog that is.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] Into His Presence, Copyright 1989 Brentwood Music, Brentwood, TN
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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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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