Ironing Sheets

February 7th, 2012 dsisler

Ironing sheets is not common practice among folks today. However, in my grandmother’s era, sheets were ironed regularly. With the invention of permanent press, life became easier for the homemaker…all homemaker’s except my Grandmother. She continued to iron every sheet she put on a bed. Most thought it was a waste of time, but as my time with Grandma drew to a close, I understood how ironing sheets was a time of reflection and was even therapeutic. I was fortunate to be able to spend two weeks with Grandma just before she died. Each night as I crawled into the guest bed, I felt as if I were in another world. The sheets were crisp and inviting. I felt so special each evening because I knew Grandma had ironed those sheets.
As Grandma slept in her hospital bed at home, we felt it was important that Grandma always have ironed sheets. I ironed many sheets in those two weeks. At first I laughed with Grandma about wishing I had seen her “trick” for ironing a fitted sheet, but then it became an experience in which I could connect to Grandma’s life and world.
One evening, as Grandma, her three adult children and their spouses laughed and talked of memories, I was busy ironing sheets. I was thankful for the laughter; for I knew there wouldn’t be many more opportunities such as this. Then I began to drift off to Grandma’s life as she was ironing sheets. I wondered if she thought about her children during those times. Did she worry about where they were? Were they safe? Were they in trouble? I wondered if she thought about Grandpa while she ironed. He worked away from home early in their marriage and it had to have been a burden on her. Was he safe as he traveled? Did she wonder what he was doing so far away? Did he miss her as much as she missed him? I wondered if she spent time thinking about her own life. Was she living the life Jesus would have her live? Was she the best wife and mother she could be?
And as these thoughts spun in my mind, I realized how relevant each question was to my own life. How are my children? Do they need more of me? Do they need less of me? Are they really safe? Are they happy? Thoughts of my husband came to mind. He was 1,300 miles away…was he safe? Did he miss me as much as I missed him? And then my thoughts turned to me. Was I living the life that Jesus would have me live? Was I the best mother and wife that I could be? I felt too inadequate in comparison to Grandma. But I also knew that her example had been part of my life for 43 years and all I needed to do was search Grandma’s life for that example.
Ironing sheets has become part of my life now. I want each person that spends a night in one our beds to feel as special as I felt as I lay in Grandma’s guest bed. I also use that time to reflect on my life and remember my connection to Grandma. Ironing sheets may not be the most important thing that I do today, but it will keep Grandma closer to me.
It was so appropriate that Proverbs 31 was read at Grandma’s funeral. She fit the description closer than any person I’ve ever known. How I pray that can be said of me when my life has ended. Grandma’s life was inspiring. I strive each day to follow her example, for I know that Jesus was the center of her world. He was the light that guided her footsteps.
                                                                                
I wrote this story several years ago…it was the first attempt at writing a devotional and after several submissions and rejections, I quit writing for some time. I kept it just as it was when I wrote it in 2003.
I don’t iron sheets any more. Life has a way of keeping us from the things we want to do. But I still reflect on my life and how every day, ordinary circumstances and events can bring me right back to reflection. I pray that you find your own times of reflection and can say with me, that Jesus is the Center of your world and the Light that guides my footsteps.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Or Something

February 6th, 2012 dsisler

Our granddaughter, Joy, is 5 years old. When she was around 2 ½, she was learning new vocabulary words and had learned to imitate those who were around her the most. When children repeat phrases, it’s easy to see how important it is that we watch our language, not just for inappropriate words, but for annoying phrases that we speak out of habit.
She had a slight cold around that same time. Her nose had been dripping all day long. We tried to get to her with a tissue to wipe her nose as needed, but most of the time she beat us to it with the back of her hand. Over and over we’d let her know that she needed to use a tissue. Our words never quite reached her little mind.
Then it happened. We were sitting at the dinner table and she said, “I think I need to blow my nose or something.” Or something? The phrase “or something” added to her statement really was quite comical. We laughed and thought she was very cute and so grown up. We wiped her nose with a tissue.
I can’t imagine how many times she had heard the phrase “or something” before speaking it herself. We then noticed how much that phrase was part of our vocabulary. The first time I was aware that I had said it, I laughed, realizing I had been an influence on her and that she was imitating what she was hearing. After a while, however, I understood that it was annoying. I worked to cut that phrase out of my vocabulary.
Joy knew she needed something. She even knew what “it” was that she needed. She wasn’t sure, however, that she was ready to yield to the one thing that would be best for her.
We are so much like Joy. We know we need something. We even know what that “something” is, but we want to hold out for other options. Perhaps even thinking they are better options. Satan keeps our minds going back to what we once held dear in our old way of thinking and we begin hearing ourselves say, “I think I need to spend some quality time in God’s Word…or something else.” “I think I need to go to church…or something else.” You see it’s very easy for us to justify our actions and thoughts once we allow those “somethings” to creep into our lives.
“Somethings”
God wants more for us, however. He wants us to have what’s best for us. And He has planned something better for us! “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:40 NIV)
This is the final verse of the “faith” chapter in Hebrews. In the verses prior to verse 40, there are listed a group of people who had been faithful to God. “They were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” (v. 39) They weren’t privy to the “something better” God had planned. We, however, have that “something better” available to us. Jesus Christ was and is that plan. And He wants to be all of our “somethings.” We can be made perfect, but only together with Him.
“Satisfy”
When we are looking for that “something,” we are really looking for “something” that will satisfy us. He wants to supply and satisfy every need that drives us. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”(Isaiah 58:11 NIV)
The word satisfy means “to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands; or give full contentment to.” Full contentment. When Isaiah wrote these words, he offered the idea that Jerusalem was like a garden without water. They had turned from their water source and Isaiah lets them know that if they were willing to turn from their former way of life, they would be like a well-watered garden. The “something” that God’s people were looking for was God. The “something” that would satisfy them was God. He was their water source. For us, Jesus offers living water. Living water that revives, refreshes, and satisfies. Living water that “wells up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
We can only have full contentment and satisfaction in Jesus Christ. He will satisfy your needs. He’s just waiting for you to say, “I think I need God to fill me with…something.” He is that “something!”
“Everything”
When we come to the place that Jesus is that “something” in our lives, He then wants to give us “everything” we need. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)
God has made available to us all that we need spiritually through our knowledge of him. “Everything” we need for life and godliness. Life that can be lived abundantly through Jesus. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10b NLT) The Amplified version says it this way, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
The next time you hear the phrase, “or something,” you’ll be reminded who your something and everything is. Be reminded that you can have a full, rich life because of Jesus. He is all of that. That is His desire. He wants to be our “somethings” and our “everythings.” You don’t have to wonder if He can be these things for you. You simply need to ask Him to be your “somethings” and “everythings.” Oh, what a satisfying life is available to those who seek Him.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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99 Seconds with Michael

February 5th, 2012 dsisler

As a NASCAR fan, it was thrilling to find out that one lucky fan was going to be chosen to have a 99 second conversation with my favorite NASCAR driver, Michael Waltrip. My mind began to wonder about what I might talk to Michael about. 99 seconds isn’t a long time and if I were to win, I was worried that I’d ramble and miss the opportunity to have a real conversation with him. My decision was that I’d introduce myself and tell him why I was his fan and let him know what a privilege it was to be talking to him. Then I’d let him talk. He is so witty and his southern drawl is a pleasure to listen to. I knew it would go quickly, so I’d make the most of the time and simply enjoy the moment.
I didn’t win that contest and was saddened that I wouldn’t be able to have a conversation with him, but in the whole scheme of things, it really is okay. I’ve been able to enjoy Michael on many occasions in his role as a NASCAR driver, owner, and commentator. I’ve been able to go to a few races at Daytona International Speedway and enjoy the thrill of seeing my favorite driver win a race. My dream of speaking with him directly will probably never come true, but there was an opportunity and I certainly did my best to make it happen.
99 seconds. That hardly seems like any time at all. What if I only had 99 seconds to speak to my husband or my children or to God? What meaningful conversation could be had in that short time? We know that it would be impossible for anything to really come of a 99 second conversation. We’d never have the opportunity to share in deep, meaningful dialogue. We’d never have a chance to give friendship to the lonely, comfort to the grieving, and love to the untrusting. It might even be a challenge to sum up God’s grace and forgiveness in 99 seconds!
So why is it that that is exactly what we do with God? Quickie prayers, maybe lasting 99 seconds. And what do those prayers consist of? Probably requests that we’d like answered. And probably one-sided. Our side. I don’t know about you, but my desire is to have meaningful conversations with my God. Conversations where I can praise Him for who He is and for what He has done in my life. A channel of communication where I can tell Him all of my worries and troubles. A dialogue where He can assure me that everything will be alright because He is with me.
I’ve come up with my own acronym for prayer. You’ve seen them out there, but I wanted one that would fit into this writing. WORTH. What is our time with God worth? How can I make this time with Him meaningful? By following this plan, you’ll spend quality time with God and enjoy the blessings.
W – worship God for who He is and what He’s done in your life
O – observe what God is teaching you in the moment
R – repent of the times you’ve ignored God or spent little time with Him
T – tell Him what is on your mind…share your requests
H – humble yourself to His leading
My dear friend, God desires a real relationship with you. His desire is for you to approach His Throne, sit a while, and have a chat. A meaningful conversation. Don’t rush it. He has all the time in the world for you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Potter’s House

February 4th, 2012 dsisler

Years ago, I worked for a woman who made items out of earthenware clay. At first I worked out of my home and received $.15 per item/piece of clay that I created. Believe it or not, I made some money doing that!
Annette’s business began to grow and she asked me to start coming to the shop to work and I had such a great time! We worked together, side by side, and I got to be pretty good at what I did. One of the items I made were “seed packet” buttons and button covers. They were just an inch long and ½ inch wide. There were tiny dashes all around the perimeter and a fruit or vegetable in the center. At first it took me a while to do these, but with practice I could make about a hundred in one day.
As my skill developed, I moved on to making wall hangings with sayings on them. I learned the stick and ball writing (with a paint brush) and worked side by side with Annette to produce her creations.
My ability grew to the point that for most people it was difficult to tell if it was Annette’s plaque or mine. I had learned to imitate the master.
I was continually asked to extend my ability. There were days I didn’t want to be stretched. I wanted to continue making the items that I was comfortable with. I wanted to stay in my comfort zone. I didn’t want to grow.
Guess what? God, the Potter does the same thing. He calls us to the Potter’s House, instructs and leads us in creating beautiful things in our lives, and asks us to be imitators of Him. And we can do that, but not on our own. The Potter begins using His hands to mold us into something we’re not comfortable with. His Holy Spirit begins to produce fruit in us that is unnatural to our behavior.
Isaiah 64:8 says, “We are the clay, you are the Potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” When we allow God to do His work in us, He creates beauty. He creates purpose. He creates. It’s not me any more, it’s the Potter and I am not only an imitator of God, but I am a new creation. If you’re like me, I suspect you’ll fall off the Potter’s wheel occasionally, but even then, we can make our way back to the wheel, and He can make something beautiful and useful out of that crumpled heap of clay.
In Jeremiah 18, Jeremiah is asked to go the potter’s house to receive a message from God. Isn’t it time for you to hear the Potter calling to you? He’s saying, “Come to the Potter’s House. I will give you My message.” That message is one of hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, and grace. I pray that you’ll visit the Potter. Let His hands mold you into the beautiful vessel He desires you to be. Be moldable. Make Him your partner. Cling to Him. Stay on the wheel.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Faith

February 3rd, 2012 dsisler

Faith: “firm belief in something
for which there is no proof.”
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.”  
Hebrews 11:1
I watched a documentary on the earth’s atmosphere a couple of years ago. I was impressed by an Air Force Captain they interviewed. Captain Joe Kittinger was a test pilot for the Air Force beginning in 1953. He worked on many projects, but in 1958 he headed up Project Excelsior. It was a project that worked on the issue of high altitude bailout for pilots. A high altitude balloon was used and an open gondola was attached to it. The balloon and its test pilot would go to the edge of space and the pilot would return by parachute. Sounds scary doesn’t it?
Not to Captain Joe Kittinger. Five times Captain Kittinger took this journey into the sky and back again. His highest flight was 102,800 feet and on his return, he broke the speed of sound in a free fall. Now, this is a pretty abbreviated version of what he actually did and there were a few problems, but still, it is impressive.
When asked about that step out of the gondola, Kittinger replied, “When everything was done, I stood up, turned around to the door, took one final look out and said a silent prayer: ‘Lord, take care of me now.’ Then I just jumped over the side.” I can’t imagine the faith it took for him to take that step, to “just jump,” but he had faith in the program, in himself to be successful in this venture, and faith in God’s protection.
Of course, I could never see myself doing anything like this and surviving! I’m just not designed to be a physical risk taker. However, God does call us to be faith risk takers. To take the risk of sharing the Gospel, in serving God and our community, and in our day-to-day lives to trust that God will provide and care for us.
Some of God’s greatest faith risk takers are mentioned in Hebrews 11, the faith chapter. By faith, each of these risk takers took that first step and walked into uncharted territory. Without God, they would have been unsuccessful, but with God in the middle of it, they had successes beyond their imaginations. If you haven’t read this chapter in a while, why not take the time to do so today. Find that one inspirational figure that touches you and make an effort to live by faith as they once did.
Martin Luther said, “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.” Are we willing to risk death for our faith in our God? Does our faith boldly trust in God? These are questions we can and should ask ourselves periodically. I know I want to be a faith risk taker. I don’t want to live unaware of what God can do through me. We can all learn a lesson from Captain Kittinger. Before we take that step that might overwhelm us, offer up that little prayer, “Lord, take care of me now.”
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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