Buttons

February 17th, 2012 dsisler

My family can be so inspiring! I hear things they say and know that one day it will be in one of my writings. This is yet another conversation that held great opportunity for landing right here. Thank you to my family who keep material heading my way.

Joy has had a tough year. With the arrival of a new baby brother, her prominent place in this world has dropped significantly. It’s not that she isn’t loved any more than she always has been, but a baby needs a lot more attention and care than a 5 year-old.  As with any other child, it brought out some undesirable behavior. And if you’ve gone through this, you know exactly what I mean.
Each day brought misbehavior, stubbornness, punishment, and reconciliation. It was a continual cycle. One that rarely ended. Bethany, Joy’s mom, on one occasion told Joy that “she knew the right buttons to push” that would make Bethany mad. And as I’ve stated in a previous writing, Joy hears and remembers what we say to her.
Bethany and Joy were headed to the store. Bethany told Joy that if she behaved, she would be rewarded with some small trinket. Joy was so excited. Then Joy asked, “Mommy, can you turn off your buttons?”
I know you are laughing as hard as Bethany did when Joy first said it and as much as I did when I first heard it. She is so smart! She knows not to misbehave. Why she continues to do so is difficult to understand. But she does, and she tries to get out of trouble by using her understanding of the situation.
 What or who pushes your buttons? Is it the person sitting in the cubicle next to you? Or what about the driver who cannot be patient and insists on driving recklessly? Is it the way the mail carrier puts your mail in your mailbox? Or maybe a rude sales clerk or waitress? Whatever it might be, it’s important that we know what pushes our buttons and then learn how to control what happens after the buttons are pushed.
God has given us His Spirit, His Holy Spirit to reside within us. With the Holy Spirit, we are able to push aside those feelings when our buttons are pushed. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live at peace with those who push our buttons. And Scripture tells us that that is exactly what we are to do.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12: 18)
“…Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace…” (2 Corinthians 13:11)
“…God has called us to live in peace.” (1 Corinthians 7:15)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
We can also look at Galatians 5:22-23 to see the fruit we are to produce with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Peace and self-control show up on this list. Combined with the rest of the mentioned fruit, we are able to do what God has called us to do.
We are called to live in peace. We are called to do our part. We are called to not let the button pushers of this world get to us. I know it is not easy. I’ve been there. But through prayer and the Holy Spirit helping me with my attitude, it was possible. It is possible. Can you turn your buttons off?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

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Not From Around Here

February 16th, 2012 dsisler

I come from a line of wonderful cooks on both sides of my family! I think I have successfully added my name to that list. Our style of cooking and preparing meals would have to be called comfort, home style, Southern…a.k.a. fattening! It’s not enough to have a pork chop. It must be fried and then smothered in gravy. And to go along with that, there must be creamy mashed potatoes (with a whole stick of real butter to make it even better, and if you have some heavy cream, well, you get the picture!) also with the gravy on top, a vegetable of some sort (yes, with butter or bacon for flavor), and bread. Not just any bread. Homemade yeasty dinner rolls or biscuits from scratch.
Now, my friends, you know why I struggle with my weight! This way of cooking is deep in my soul. It runs through my veins. But, I have managed to make some changes to my cooking trends and have been able to produce some “healthier” fare for my family. Moving to Colorado from Ohio helped with that as well. Colorado folks seem to eat healthier.
Several years ago, I was helping with the hospitality portion of an event at church and we had chicken with a sauce over it with dinner rolls…I really don’t remember what else was served, but I’m sure it was all good. After serving our guests, we, the helpers sat down to enjoy the dinner. When my plate was empty, I said, “I think I’ll have another roll with some gravy on top.” The gentleman sitting next to me said, “You’re not from around here are you?”
No, I am not from around here and it was obvious.
I wonder if that can be said of me when it comes to my daily Christian walk. Do people look at me and say, “She’s not from around here…her home is heaven.” I pray that my life is different from those of the world. I pray that my life reflects the image of God my Father. I pray that my Christian heritage can be seen in me. I pray that my priorities are heavenly, not earthly.
Romans 12:2 points us in this direction. “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.” Being transformed is a process. And the way we can be transformed is by renewing our minds. Making changes in our minds. Putting aside the ideas that this world inflicts upon us, and seeking the will of God. That is transformation!
Not only have I had great examples in the kitchen, but I must say that those same family members have shown me what Godly, Christian living look like. The old gospel song, “This World is Not My Home”comes to mind. My desire is that as I am “just passing through” that others will take note that I am on my way Home. Home to my Heavenly Father.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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It’s Fuzzy!

February 15th, 2012 dsisler

Don’t you love the way children think and express themselves? My daughter, Candace, has brought many smiles to my face through the years. At one point, she looked out the front window of the house and said, “It’s fuzzy!” Upon looking out the window, yes I could say it was fuzzy, too. But as an adult, I knew the correct term was “foggy.”

There is a commercial for an allergy medication where the screen looks fuzzy and then the film is pulled back and suddenly, the picture is clear, in focus. Oh, how I wish life were that way. When circumstances seem to be blurring the view of life or when you’re in a situation where the correct decision isn’t quite clear. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pull that film back and suddenly, you know exactly what to do?
Thankfully, God has provided us with several tools and resources to help us during these times.
  • We have God’s Word, and while it won’t answer every question, it will answer the most important ones. When we learn certain principles from Scripture, we’re able to use those concepts in all areas of our lives. Ask God to lead you to the right passages that will help with answering your questions.
  • We have prayer. Our communication with God is a vital link to understanding life and its questions. Through prayer, we are able to gain wisdom and insight into circumstances. Allow yourself to spend this time with Him in all situations.
  • We have the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is within us to lead, direct, comfort, and convict, as well as other duties. Don’t ignore how He is leading you. Believe it to be His guidance.
  • We have a fellowship of believers. What would life be like without good Christian friends? Friends who will give good, sound, Christ-like advice when it’s needed? Or a shoulder to cry on? Or a friend who will just sit with me?
We may never have all of the answers, but with the help of the above mentioned, we have a better chance of getting out of the “fuzz.” Clear minds and thinking are essential for making good decisions.
“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
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Salt

February 14th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever seen a documentary on salt or done a little research on it? I’ve done both. Salt can be used and has been used for so many things. Besides the fact that it is a food enhancer, there are other uses. Throughout history it was used in medicines, to preserve meats, make pickled vegetables, and even as currency and partial salaries. We know that our bodies need salt to survive, but too much can cause health issues.

I grew up in Upstate New York, and made many trips to the Salt Museum on Onondaga Lake. There is so much history, interesting facts, and details of salt harvesting to be found in this museum. The museum tells of how salt was harvested in the area and how it once produced all of the salt consumed in the United States for a while. But other salt mines can be found throughout the world and each has its own history to tell.
A couple of years ago, I heard of a use for salt that I thought I’d try. You know those days where you need to wash your hair, but don’t have the energy or the time to do so? Okay, maybe I’m talking to the women at this point. Well, I heard that if you rub salt onto your scalp, that it would absorb the oils and your hair would look clean. For me, it didn’t quite work that way.
The salt stuck to my scalp. And it wouldn’t come off. I used my hair brush, a towel, and even a fine-toothed comb. But nothing. The salt simply would not come out of my hair. Needless to say, I ended up washing my hair that day.
Why is it we like to take shortcuts? Maybe we feel like we are getting away with something. Maybe we are lazy. Maybe we are in too much of a hurry and need to find a way to make up time. Whatever the reason, we all take shortcuts when we can and hope that in the end we’ll come out a little better.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to our spiritual lives. We have been commissioned to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15); work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13); work at anything we do with all our heart (Colossians 3:23); and not to be lazy (Hebrews 6:12). And clearly in the Parable of the Gold Bags in Matthew 25, we are shown what our reward will be if we take shortcuts or are lazy. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my relationship with Jesus, I don’t want to take the easy road. I want that relationship to one that I work at with my whole heart.
I can’t say the same for my hair. Since the salt incident, I’ve found a good dry shampoo product that I use when I’m running out of time or just plain don’t want to wash my hair. Now you know one of my secrets.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Best of the Best

February 13th, 2012 dsisler

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage? If you are like me, you might have several. Why is it your favorite? Does it remind you of a specific time in your life? Does it remind you of something God has provided to you? Do you simply love the message? Whatever your reason, we can become attached to passage in God’s Word and whenever we hear it, we are comforted.
As I said earlier, I have several that I truly love. Each for a different reason, but each has a special place in my heart. Think of it like my children and grand children. I love them all, for different reasons, but the main reason is that they are my children and grand children. They are connected to me in a way that no other human is. My blood flows through them and that means we are family.
My first favorite is Lamentations 3:22-23. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” I am so thankful that each day is a new day. That all of my “mess ups” can be put behind me each morning. And there is nothing like the feeling of being loved. And not just love, great love! And because of that love, I can withstand anything that Satan wants to throw at me. But most importantly, I love these verses because it states once again, God is faithful. Even when I am not. He will greet me each morning with something new. The choice is up to me. Will I meet Him and bask in His faithfulness and love? Or will I ignore Him and throw aside the mercies and compassions He longs to give me?
My second favorite verse if 2 Chronicles 16:9a. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”King Asa had rejected God’s strength and relied upon treaties with another country to keep his kingdom secure. This verse is in the middle of the account. God is looking to strengthen, but His desire is that our hearts are completely committed to Him. What alliances have I chosen instead of God’s strength? This verse is a reminder that He is searching. Now, am I that one whose heart is fully committed to Him?
My third favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The apostle Paul asked that God take away his “thorn in his flesh,” but God had other plans. Paul was reminded by these verses that it is only through God’s strength that we are able to do anything. I too, boast that I am weak. I know that I couldn’t make it through a day without God’s strength or grace.
As I view it, there are many great verses and passages in God’s Word. I love them all, because I love God’s Word. But I really love specific ones because of what I have gained from my insight into the verses. And because I’ve been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, I know what it means to be part of a family.
I’d love to hear from you. What is your favorite verse and why?
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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