“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”

September 21st, 2016 dsisler

 

This old hymn came to mind this morning and I wanted to recall more of its lyrics. So I pulled out the old hymnal and read through them. I was not disappointed in their meaning to my life and I might add, to yours.

 

The love that God and Christ has shown to mankind is beyond words, but the Apostle Paul tried to give us a good picture in Romans 8:38-39 (NIV). “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

How awesome!

 

canyonAs I stood at the edge of a canyon in Moab, Utah this past weekend, I was separated from the ledge on the other side by an enormous cavern, a deep river and many rock formations. But even that could not separate me from God’s love. Those precious moments this past weekend helped me to see the vast love of my heavenly Father.

 

So today, I offer the lyrics to “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.”[i] I pray that you will find some encouragement.

 

O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe, that in Thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

 

O Light that foll’west all my way, I yield my flick’ring torch to Thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray, that in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

 

O Joy that sleekest me thru pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow thru the rain, and feel the promise is not vain

That morning tearless be.

 

O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee;

I lay in dust life’s glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” words and music by George Matheson and Albert L. Peace.

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“Step Into the Water” – Monday Musical Musings

September 19th, 2016 dsisler

Well, it’s Monday…my last day of time away with Mason for our anniversary. And one of my favorite things that I was able to do this weekend was to wade in the water of the Colorado River.

 

image

 

As I stood there, the words to the song, “Step Into the Water” came to mind. Take a look at them.

 

Chorus:

Step into the water, wade out a little bit deeper;

Wet your feet in the water of his love.

Step into the water, wade out a little bit deeper;

Come join Angels singing praises to the Lamb of God.

 

It’s time we the people, stand up for what is right,

It’s time we squared our shoulders back and raised our swords to fight.

For the Bible is my weapon and the Spirit is my shield.

The Church needs more of its members to be workers in the field.

(Chorus)

 

There is victory for the Christian who walks the narrow way,

There has been a prize appointed for the soul who does not stray.

Though I want to live for Jesus and be all that I can be,

So that I can rest with Him forever, live eternally.

(Chorus)

 

I believe we can all learn a lesson from these lyrics. When we step out in faith, we can believe that God will do remarkable things in our lives. And the very cool thing is that we have His Spirit within us to battle the evil one. His Word is our sword…what an awesome piece of armor we have been given.

 

So, as you go through your day, think of the many ways God has asked you to step out into the water and then take the step…maybe go a little bit deeper.

 

Now if you want to listen to this great song, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Step Into the Water,” written by Kirk Talley, Kirk Talley Music, 1982.

 

 

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Where Am I?

September 15th, 2016 dsisler

 

You’ve probably been wondering what happened to me these past two weeks. Well, they’ve been super, uber busy! And I know I could add a few more adjectives to this word “busy,” but I think you get the picture.

 

?

I’ve had to compartmentalize my life. I’ve had to do what I needed to do each week and let the rest wait for its turn. It’s been tough. I wanted to think about Creative Bible Journaling, when I had leadership training to write and administration stuff to do. I wanted to build my Journey group, but unfortunately, it’s not until next week, so I’ve not been able to focus on that particular piece.

 

Don’t get me wrong…each of these are very important and I LOVE all of them. That’s the problem though. I want to do it all. What I’ve been doing over the past month has all been good. They are Kingdom-building things and to be honest, God has blessed each of these programs or tasks that I’ve had to do. And I do not believe He’s going to stop now.

 

And I have to say, this is just the “work” part of my life. There have been big and wonderful things happening in my personal life as well.

 

Yesterday, Mason and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. What a blessing he has been to me through the years. To celebrate, we will be in Moab, Utah over the weekend. I can’t wait to share some of the most precious times we spent while visiting this part of God’s beautiful creation.

 

And then there’s Full Measure of Joy. I have missed my daily writing and the truths I learn as I focus on God’s Word and His working in my life each day. But for now, I can’t fool myself into believing that it’s possible. I can’t seem to write three times a week anymore!

 

So let me just share a few passages of Scripture that are helping me to focus on one day at a time until this busy season of my life comes to an end.

 

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 – NIV)

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV)

 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Wonderful Things

September 9th, 2016 dsisler

 

You’ve heard it from me before…this is my favorite time of the year. I love the season of fall and I love that women’s Bible studies are popping up all over. At Rocky, we have some awesome studies that started yesterday…it’s still not too late to join!

 

IMAG1501But the one that I am most excited about begins next Thursday afternoon. Creative Bible Journaling! We will be studying the Lord’s Prayer and its elements. We’ll look at not only what Jesus had to say about prayer, but also how God weighs in on this topic. I can’t wait!

 

Psalm 119 is filled with words of wisdom for those who desire to have a deeper understanding of God’s Word. There are two verses that we use for our Women’s Bible Connection to show our desire to do so.

 

“Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:2 – NIV)

 

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

I pray that you are focusing on God’s statutes and His laws. I pray that you are seeking Him with all your heart. And I pray that you are willing to open your eyes to all the wonderful things in His Word and what He is doing in your life.

 

Have a blessed Friday!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Almost Time

September 7th, 2016 dsisler

 

It’s nearly time to take mom to the airport. I have loved having her here to chat with and laugh with and run around with. We’ve had some great adventures and good visits with family and friends. But it is almost time for her to leave.

 

I’ll miss her. Terribly. So I thought I’d share a poem I found about someone else’s mom, but it fits my mom perfectly. Thank you Mom for being the lovely person you are and for sharing your life with me.

 

Your Heart Is Like a Garden

 

flowersYour heart is like a garden
With the gateway open wide,
And all who will may enter,
Finding peace and love inside.
There are roses for remembrance
Of happy by-gone days,
Forget-me-nots that symbolize
Your ever-thoughtful ways.
Shy violets for your modesty
And pansies for the tender thoughts
You always have of others.
And from my childhood, Mother,
My joys have had their start
In that place of truth and beauty—
The garden of your heart.

Author: Unknown

 

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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