The Great American Pass Time (Sabbatical Post)

January 23rd, 2016 dsisler

 

“Take me out to the ball game” can be heard around the country once again. Some may say it’s boring, but I like it. I enjoy the sounds of baseball. Bats hitting balls. Balls being caught in baseball gloves. The voice of umpires as they make calls. I don’t know, I just like it.

 

front porchI’ve been a baseball fan, off and on, throughout my life. I recall watching the Cincinnati Reds with my dad as a young teenager. I really enjoyed this activity with him.

 

I remember playing baseball in our back field with neighborhood friends during that time as well. Getting hit by a line drive baseball was not so fun, but still, it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

 

More recently, I went to a Spring Training Orioles baseball game with my dad, my son, and my nephew. We sat in the first row, just beside first base. It was awesome! We tried to watch for stray balls, but we missed one. My son, Philip, was hit in the stomach. It didn’t hurt him and he was able to keep the baseball, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

 

My husband loves baseball. He comes from a Baseball Hall of Fame family (on both sides). So naturally, his office is covered with baseball memorabilia and we enjoy watching baseball together. We have been anxious for the season to begin.

 

I’m sure you’re wondering how I’m going to bring this around to God. I could talk about the first mention of baseball in the Bible…you know “In the big inning…” But, no, that’s not where I’m heading.

 

I find some wisdom in keeping our eyes open. Watching out for what is coming our way. And God talks a lot about this in His Word. Let me point out a few.

 

  • Matthew 6:22 tells us that “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.”
  • Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
  • And in Psalm 119:37 he says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
  • “But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.” (Psalm 141:8)
  • John quotes Jesus in John 4:35. “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
  • Ephesians 4:18 says, “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.”
  • “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

 

These are just a few verses that teach us to keep our eyes open. To be aware of what’s going on around us and more importantly, what we are to be looking toward. Don’t get caught with your eyes shut. Don’t be looking the wrong direction.

 

If you are a baseball fan, you are as excited as I am that baseball is in full swing. If you’re not a baseball fan, I apologize for spending a whole day talking about it. Whatever the case, I pray that you will watch out for the stray balls of life and that God’s Word will give you insight on how to keep watch.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

27 Miles (Sabbatical Post)

January 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

I heard a tag line in a car commercial that I thought was interesting. “What good is 27 miles per gallon if the miles aren’t interesting?”

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve driven some stretches of 27 miles that have not been interesting…some, downright boring!

 

After my first visit to Colorado some ten years ago, I told my husband that there is no reason to drive east here. If you’re driving east, you can’t see the mountains and that is where the true beauty of Colorado lies.

 

I guess there are times when we need to be entertained or be visually inspired as we go through this life. But what about the times when we are on a boring stretch? What are we to do then?

 

I believe as we are on our spiritual journey we encounter the same realities. At times, we are on an interesting stretch of the journey. We may be on a learning streak or attended an uplifting conference.

 

But then we reach a section of the journey that is a little boring. Those “ho-hum” moments. We feel parched. Dry. Maybe we simply aren’t looking for ways to grow spiritually and the excitement is not visible.

 

Again, I ask the question. When we are on a boring stretch on this spiritual journey, what are we to do then?

 

Might I suggest that we make it exciting? Jump into a word study. Or perhaps find a topic you’re interested in and see how often it is mentioned in Scripture. Get into a Bible study with fellow believers.

 

And then there is the possibility of serving in some capacity. I generally find that offering my talents to others is a great way to bring excitement back into my spiritual life. And, oh the people you will meet along the way!

 

And of course, spend more time with God in prayer. Make it a conversation with Him. Don’t get bogged down on the words. Give Him your heart. Let God see you as your truest self. You will find that your spiritual journey will come back to life.

 

I still enjoy going west instead of east in Colorado. But I also know that I can only get home by heading east from just about anywhere I go here. And I also know that I am never under enthused when I see the mountains as I turn and head west. They still take my breath away and I appreciate them so much more.

 

It’s the same with my spiritual journey. I know that there are times when I’m just not where I should be in my excitement of being in God’s presence, but when I arrive, it is more glorious than I remembered. My breath is taken away and I appreciate that time so much more.

 

It can be the same for you. Is it time to head home? Why not take the time today to be in God’s presence? Ask Him to join you on your spiritual journey. Ask Him to meet you there. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” (Micah 4:2a – NIV)

 

And just to make myself clear, He isn’t the One who moved.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

When This You See… (Sabbatical Post)

January 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

The mother of my grandchildren, my daughter Bethany, does a great job of giving thoughtful gifts. Gifts that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

 

This past Mother’s Day was no different. She showed up with a framed piece of art with handprints of the three kids. I’m sure it wasn’t easy getting the two-year old and the four-month old to cooperate, but it looks great.

 

The verse that goes with the handprints says, “Baba may hold our hands for a little while, but she will hold our hearts forever.”

 

There are other items around my house that are reminders of my grandchildren. Of course, Joy has overtaken my home with her name in many pieces of décor. Grace now has a prominent place in my living room. Percy and Archer share a photo frame that sit on top of the entertainment center.

 

There are Willow Tree figurines. Photographs. Artwork. Toys. A highchair. A baby swing. Child protective electric outlet covers.

 

All of these little reminders are in place so that I might remember my grandchildren. With my past memory issues, maybe this isn’t so far-fetched. But at this stage in my life, I certainly would never forget my babies!

 

I have a little sampler that hangs in my bathroom that says, “When this you see remember me.”

 

There is a little part of us that perhaps believes someone just might forget us. That we might fall through the cracks in another’s mind. That we might not be as unforgettable as we’d like.

 

How blessed we are that we are not far from our heavenly Father’s thoughts. And we have that assurance from Scripture.

 

In the Old Testament, we read of God remembering those He loved. Noah (Genesis 8:1), Abraham (Genesis 19:29), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19), Israel (Psalm 98:3; Psalm 115:12), and King David (Psalm 119:49).

 

In the New Testament, Jesus remembered the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).

 

But throughout Scripture we see glimpses of what God remembers (and doesn’t remember).

 

God remembered His covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:15-16). God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). God remembered the covenant He made to a thousand generations (Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42; Psalm 106:45). God remembered us in our low estate (Psalm 136:23). God did not remember our sin (Isaiah 43:25). God remembered to be merciful (Luke 1:54). God remembered gifts to the poor (Acts 10:31). God doesn’t remember our sin and lawless acts (Hebrews 10:17).

 

Remembrance is not a one way street however. God has asked us to remember too.

 

Remember the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8). Remember the commands of the Lord (Numbers 15:39-40). Remember the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 8:18; Nehemiah 4:14). Remember what God has done (1 Chronicles 16:12). Remember His covenant and obey His precepts (Psalm 103:18). Remember God’s ways (Isaiah 64:5). Remember this (2 Corinthians 9:6). Remember our former state (Ephesians 2:11-13). Remember hospitality and prisoners (Hebrews 13:1-3). Remember our leaders (Hebrews 13:7). Remember this (James 5:20). Remember the words of Christ and the apostles (Jude 1:17).

 

Unfortunately, our memories aren’t as good as they should be. I sometimes seem to forget God completely. It’s at those moments when I must cry out to God and ask forgiveness. Then I must make an extra effort to remember all that He has done for me. To remember where I was and that I don’t want to wind up there again.

 

There are so many things to remember, but we have a special gift from our heavenly Father to help us. As a believer, we have His Holy Spirit within us to remind us of all we’ve learned. Jesus offered these words in John 14:26 (NIV). “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” How blessed we are to have this wonderful gift!

 

So, how is your memory? Do you remember all that God has done for you? Do you remember to spend time with God? Do you remember to acknowledge Him throughout your day?

 

If you struggle with this, why not place strategic items around your life to remind you to think of God. For me, it may be the sampler in my bathroom that sparks my memory to praise God. It might be a verse of Scripture hung in my office. It might be a small rock in my purse that when touched prompts me to think of God. It might be an alarm set on my phone. These are just some of my ways to remember God throughout my day.

 

Yours may be completely different and I would love to hear how you remember God. Why not leave me a comment to tell me how you do so? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

 

What it boils down to is that we must try to remember God as we go about our busy lives, because He is remembering us. All the time.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Six-Word Memoir (Sabbatical Post)

January 21st, 2016 dsisler

 

A friend of mine mDSC02392mentioned that her 6th grade students were ending the school year by writing a six-word memoir. She asked her friends on Facebook to share what their six-word memoir might be. There are some serious responses, some funny replies and some thought provoking memoirs. I thought it was an excellent exercise.

 

So I started thinking of my six-word memoir. I came up with several. Okay, more than several, but I got on a roll and just kept going.

 

What’s done for Christ is worthwhile.

I will follow wherever You go (Luke 9:57b).

My life is in You, Lord.

All my heart, soul, strength, mind.

Daughter, Sibling, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend.

Salt and light in this world.

May others see Jesus in me.

Heart felt thoughts. Words to paper.

Be kind. Speak gently. Love unconditionally.

Christmas is just around the corner.

Sinner, saved by grace. Living gracefully.

Love to cook. Love to eat.

 

I then wondered what some of our Biblical character friends’ six-word memoirs might be. Here are a few I came up with.

 

Abraham – God will provide all my needs.

Moses – Floating. Fleeing. Herding. Leading. Wandering. Encountering.

Ruth – Your God will be my God.

Peter – You are the Christ, God’s Son.

Paul – Chief of sinners. Saved by grace.

Ananias and Sapphira – Greedy plot that didn’t end well.

 

Obviously, there is more to our lives than just a six-word memoir. Just look at how many different six-words I came up to describe my life. And to be honest, this is just a fun exercise. But it does make me stop to think about what I want others to know about me.

 

What do you want others to know about you? What would your six-word memoir be? Then after you’ve come up with one (or 20), think about what Jesus wants others to know about you. What would your six-word memoir be as a Christian?

 

This is not my typical blog post, but it does cause me to reflect upon my life. Not just my physical life, but also my spiritual life. So today, why not come up with your own six-word memoir (or multiple memoirs)? And once you’ve done so, ask yourself if it is pleasing to God.

 

I pray that your day is filled with God’s abundant blessings.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Whatever (Sabbatical Post)

January 20th, 2016 dsisler

 

You’ve heard it before. That word. You may have heard it from your teenager, your child, a co-worker, or even your spouse. Perhaps you have used it in the past or use it on a regular basis. And, you know, the word cannot just be spoken alone. There must be rolling of eyes, perhaps a hand gesture, or even someone walking away from you.

 

sunrise 1-28-15WHATEVER!

 

It is a word that clearly says, “I really don’t care about what you are saying and you can’t make me care!”

 

If you are like me, it is a word that sucks every bit of life from me. Especially when it comes from someone that I love. I want to shake them and say, “Why don’t you care?” “Am I really that unimportant to you?” “You need an attitude adjustment!” Now, I may not have tons of wisdom, but I do have some. Please give me that much!

 

Regardless of their reason for saying that word, my feelings get hurt, I feel as if I have no value, or it makes me angry. So how can that one little word mean so much? I believe it is because it is the final word.

 

The apostle Paul gives us an alternative use for this word that may help when we are in this situation. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Puts “whatever” into a completely different light doesn’t it?

 

When we are faced with a situation where the conversation ends with “whatever,” think about the things God wants us to think about. What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. These thoughts will fill us with life! Abundant life! They will restore us so that we might be able to move on with our day.

 

And what does God promise? Peace. Peace in an otherwise hostile situation. Isn’t it wonderful how God knows exactly what we need? How He knew over 2,000 years ago that that one little word, “whatever,” would take on a different meaning and supplied a way for us to react to it. I can now thank God for the “whatever’s” in my life and rejoice that I can use that very same word in a positive way. Whatever!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin