My Thoughts Today

June 30th, 2015 dsisler

 

I have a lot going through my mind right now, so I thought I’d share some of random thoughts with you today. You do realize that this little blog thing that I do every day is really a spiritual journal, right? This is my legacy I will leave for my children and their great grandchildren. They will be able to read into my heart and soul and know who I was in this life. Just thought I’d share that you are part of this journey. Thanks for joining me!

 

#1

Daytona Beach 021mThe summer Bible study at church that I thought would be a little, intimate group of ladies who thought they’d enjoy digging a little deeper into God’s Word has grown to 33. Yes, 33 ladies (as of this writing) will be gathering together the last four Thursday’s in July to get to know two unlikely women who were mentioned in Jesus’ lineage. I can’t wait to be with these ladies and to see what God is up to as we gather together.

 

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47 – NIV)

 

#2

I just wrote a personal character reference letter. It was one that I was thrilled to write, but I know that as my letter (and others) are turned in, lives will change. Oh there will be good that comes from this, but there will be a trail of tears following that letter. That’s all I’m going to say about it.

 

“A (wo)man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word.” (Proverbs 15:23 – NIV)

 

#3

God’s Word, His Truth and how His Truth relates to my life and beliefs will always be my final authority in any decision or way of thinking. God’s Word is the ultimate Authority. Period. That said, my heart is heavy with the happenings of the world this past week. Terrorist acts. Murder in a church. Supreme Court rulings. Extreme acts of nature. And much more. My head and heart are still processing. But this I know and believe and will place all of my trust in.

 

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8 – NIV)

 

I pray that as you go through your day, that you will look at the world through God’s eyes. I pray that you will see others through His eyes of lavish love. I pray that God’s Word will be your compass. Have a blessed day!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“I Worship You, Almighty God” – Monday Musical Musings

June 29th, 2015 dsisler

 

I love to worship God. I love to praise Him for who He is and for what He has done in my life. I love to be in His presence to adore the One who dramatically changed me forever. The good news? I have the opportunity to worship God all day long, every day. It isn’t reserved for Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

 

IMAG1492As a matter of fact, Romans 12:1 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Our daily lives are to be our worship!

 

Over the past eleven years, I’ve had the privilege of being on staff at two of our brotherhood’s mega churches. I have been blown away by the work and mechanics that goes into preparing a worship service. There are lyrics to consider. There are dynamics and mood of the song to take into account. There is much going on weeks ahead of any given worship service I’ve attended at either of these churches, and I suspect it is the same at any church across the nation.

 

Because I know what worship leaders (and the Holy Spirit) have been up to, I believe I enjoy worship so much more. I know the time and effort the team must expend each week for our worship services to be as they are.

 

I also praise God regularly for the song writers who have been given the talent to obey the Holy Spirit’s prompting and write worship songs for me to sing. These men and women use their talents to help spread the Gospel! These worship songs just might be the only way someone will hear the message of Christ.

 

So today as you read and listen to this beautiful song from the 1980’s, I pray that you will spend time in worship, pray for those who are preparing worship services in your church, and ask the Lord to bless song writers with inspiration.

 

“I Worship You, Almighty God”

 

I worship You, Almighty God

There is none like You

I worship You, O Prince of Peace

This is what I long to do

 

I give You praise

For You are my righteousness

I worship You, Almighty God

There is none like You[i]

 

You’ll want to listen to today’s melody. Click here to listen.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “I Worship You, Almighty God,” Words and Music by Sondra Corbett Wood, Integrity’s Hosanna Music, 1983.

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A Beauty

June 28th, 2015 dsisler

 

Oh, what a beautiful day! I once again enjoyed sitting on my back patio and watching the balloons float by.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about another event I enjoy from my back patio. But I must admit, it really isn’t the best seat. The best seat is when I am in Jesus’ presence. I pray that you will find the time in this hectic summer to be in that seat often.

 

The Best Seat

 

When we moved into our home seven years ago, it was the first in the second phase of our new sub-division. Our home sat away from all other homes or objects. Because our area was used for farming and mining, there are few trees. Even more so when we first moved in. It is a fairly sparse landscape.

 

On July 4th of that first year, we were able to walk around our home and view fireworks from cities and towns on the horizon. It was quite a show.

 

As the years have passed, houses have been built up around our home and some trees have grown. We are unable to view fireworks from far off cities, but the Tri-towns area is certainly able to pull off some wonderful celebrations with fireworks included.

 

The best part? These fireworks can be seen from my back yard!

 

Yesterday was the Carbon Valley Music Festival and the fireworks for this event are the best of year for us. The fireworks are set off in a field directly behind our home. Last night, I curled up on my swing and enjoyed the festivities.

 

I had the best seat in the house. My house.

 

There is an incident in the Bible where Jesus taught a lesson about the best seat in the house.

 

The mother of Zebedee’s sons had a little chat with Jesus. She took her two boys and went to the Master. She asked if her boys could sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom.

 

Now let’s back it up. Can you imagine the dinner conversation the night before?

 

“Oh, James and John. You have worked so hard for Jesus. I think it is time for a promotion! Perhaps I’ll just have a little conversation with him to let him know that you two are his best options for these prominent roles in his kingdom. Yes, that is exactly what I will do.”

 

The thing is, she had James and John believing it!

 

She approached Jesus, asked her favor, and then Jesus turned to the boys and said, “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22 – NIV)

 

Then the boys answered, “We can.”

 

Jesus with all of His wisdom and knowledge probably shook His head a bit and maybe even let out a weak chuckle. He then turned to the boys and made this prophecy.

 

“You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20:23 – NIV)

 

Jesus knew what their obedience in following Him would cost these young men. His role would be to prepare them for the upcoming events of their lives. He needed to make an impression upon them that would take their hearts and minds from this point to the moment they would be martyred. He used this teachable moment. He couldn’t waste any time.

 

Of course, the other disciples were indignant. They were annoyed. Perhaps with the mother and her sons, but maybe at themselves for not thinking of it first!

 

Jesus called them all together and spoke again. I believe He spoke with urgency, but I also believe with a pleading for them to understand what was about to take place. With His gentle words, Jesus wanted them to get it. This is what He said.

 

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for man.” (Matthew 20:26b-27 – NIV)

 

You see, having a servant attitude places us in the best seat in the house. Why? Because it is nearest to Jesus.

 

I have read this passage many times over the years, but to be honest, this is first time I really got it. My eyes are filled with tears. There is a lump in my throat. My heart gets it.

 

I pray that you get it too. That you’ll gain a better understanding of what it means to have the best seat in the house. Today I am truly thankful to be able to serve God and others. Are you?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Beautiful Balloons

June 27th, 2015 dsisler

 

This is one of my favorite mornings of the year. The anticipation. The sound. The sight. The satisfaction. Yes, it is a great morning for a balloon parade!

 

Each year, our neighboring town hosts a hot air balloon launch over a weekend in June. My delight is that I am able to sit on my back patio and watch as these beautiful, graceful flying contraptions float by my house.

 

One of the cool parts of this balloon parade is that you hear them before you see them. Until I moved to this neck of the country, I might have questioned what the sound of a burner was. But now, I know that when I hear that specific sound, there’s a hot air balloon nearby.

 

Another cool element to this fun morning is the beauty of each balloon. They sport a variety of colors, patterns and designs. Some are sponsored by organizations while most are private outfits with their own branding. Most are the normal shape of a hot air balloon, but then there are the occasional odd-shaped balloons. That’s part of the fun. Always wondering what will come into view next!

 

Isn’t that what life is like? Never really sure what will happen next. Will it be good news of a job? Will it be disappointing news of a medical diagnosis? Will the next thing bring a smile or will I be found weeping? Maybe this part of life isn’t fun.

 

For me, I’m a planner. I don’t like to leave anything to chance. So I plan and organize and am ready for any scenario.

 

But sometimes, all the planning, organizing and preparedness in the world isn’t enough for what is headed our way.

 

I do know one thing that we can do regardless of our situation. We can give each moment of each day to God. We can allow His mighty hands to be in control.

 

You see, King David had great wisdom in trusting God. Why? Because David knew that God knew him. Inside and out, God knew David. Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV) tells us, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”

 

Guess what? God knows you this intimately as well. God isn’t surprised by what is coming up next in our lives. There’s no guessing with Him. He knows. So why wouldn’t we trust our lives to His capable hands?

 

And here’s another thought. I am reminded of Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV). “He gives strength to the weary and increased the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

 

Soar. Rise up like the balloons and eagles of the air. Hope in the Lord. Give Him your life. See what God is able to do through you and for you.

 

The balloons are gone, but my God is still alive and well and working in my life. I pray that you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Blunders

June 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

What a great week this has been. I’ve been very productive at work. I’ve had some wonderful meetings with lovely ladies. I’ve had a few conversations with some neighbors. I had a great work out at Praise in Motion. And some personal situations have gone very well this week.

 

IMAG2201mHowever, I’ve had my blunders this week as well. Those moments when my stomach did a few flip flops because of something I thought I did, but wasn’t sure. Those moments when my confidence in myself plummeted. Those moments when I wondered who thought it was a good idea to hire me to do what I do?

 

I woke this morning to all the feelings in the second paragraph. But then I spent time with Jesus. Beautiful Scripture that I’ve read over and over began flooding my heart and mind.

 

Verses like:

 

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV)

 

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 – NIV)

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 – NIV)

 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; you love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 – NIV)

 

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

“You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my Name.” (Matthew 15:16 – NIV)

 

God seems to know exactly what I need when I need it. He’s just that way.

 

Perhaps you are feeling a little more like my blundering self. If so, I pray that you will find comfort, confidence and courage in these verses of Scripture today. Believe what Jesus says about you. Bear fruit that will last. No more wandering around in the darkness. Walk in His wonderful light.

 

All because I spent a little time with Jesus.

 

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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