Wedding Music – Day 4

March 14th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“My Savior’s Love” – Musical Musings in March

 

DSCN0582Sometimes words are not sufficient. The adjectives we use in day-to-day living just don’t seem to fully envelope the grace and love that our God has for mankind. And yet, some of the most beautiful hymns have been written that use such adjectives.

 

Wonderful and marvelous are two such words.

 

I do believe that from the beginning of time, mankind has had a difficult time in describing God’s love.

 

King David’s descriptions included “unfailing love” (Psalm 6:4), “great love” (Psalm 17:7), “wonderful love” (Psalm 31:21), “abounding in love” (Psalm 86:5), and “enduring love” (Psalm 136).

 

Our New Testament writers had similar problems. We read Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV). “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

 

John followed suit in 1 John 3:1a (NIV). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

 

And sometimes, the biblical writers went beyond description and stated what God did because of His great love for us.

 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 – NIV)

 

Perhaps it is difficult to understand the length to which God will go to show us His love. Maybe, as we see in Ephesians 3:17-21 (NIV), that the only way we can understand God’s great love for us is through Him.

 

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his powers that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

 

Today, our songwriter expressed his amazement at God’s love. And do you know what? I believe it is okay to just say it’s wonderful and marvelous. So enjoy “My Savior’s Love” today. Bask in His love. Allow God’s love to cover you. And you too will stand amazed.

 

“My Savior’s Love”

 

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

 

Refrain:
Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
Oh, how marvelous! Oh, how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

 

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

 

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

 

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry,
And suffered and died alone.

 

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.[i]

 

Click here to hear this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “My Savior’s Love”, Words and Music by Charles H. Gabriel, Public Domain, 1905

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Wedding Music – Day 3

March 13th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Cry Out to Jesus” – Musical Musings in March

 

???????????????????????????????The song I share with you today was helpful during a difficult period just a few years ago. At times the pain seems just as fresh as it was three years ago. At other times, it feels like it’s been an eternity. However, whatever I’m feeling, I know that Jesus is right there with me.

 

Three years ago today marks the day I said goodbye to my precious grandson Archer. Today’s post is in memory of him.

 

Life had been thrown into turmoil. 19 days earlier, my twin grandsons arrived prematurely. While they were very small, Archer and Percy were doing well. Each day passed with great improvement and we were very optimistic that all would be fine.

 

Archer got an infection. One the doctors called a “super bug.” His little body just couldn’t fight any longer and all too quickly, he left us behind.

 

In the days that followed, I was only certain of one thing. That Jesus would be my tower of strength, that His would be the everlasting arms that would uphold me, and that His peace and understanding would be all that I could comprehend.

 

I wrote these words to share my thoughts after Archer’s death:

 

“God will lead and guide us through the times ahead. He must be our compass, for we know not where we’re headed. He must be our focus, for we know not what we’re looking for. He must be our strength, for our own strength is greatly diminished. He must be our victory, for we failed to win this battle. He must be our everything, for without Him we are nothing.”

 

I’ve held out these words when I was lost or confused. I’ve lifted my hands to seek Jesus’ face in the midst of my sorrow. I’ve drawn great strength to put one foot in front of the other as I’ve needed it. And above all, I’ve held to the victory that I find in Him.

 

Of course there are a few songs that were very special during this time. Today’s melody is one of them.

 

“Cry Out to Jesus” touched my heart. The very first section said it all. Yes, I had lost someone very dear, long before his time and the days simply weren’t enough. And in Archer’s case it was days. But God doesn’t leave us in our time of sorrow. He asks that we draw near to Him. As we draw near to Him, He comes closer to us (James 4:8).

 

We read in Scripture that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). If you are in a situation where you have been crushed in spirit or are brokenhearted, draw near to God. He would love nothing more than to be your compass. To be your strength. To be your focus. To be your victory. To be your everything.

 

So today, I share with you my thoughts on Archer and the song “Cry Out to Jesus.” The words are below as well as a link to listen to this song as recorded by Third Day. Today just may be the day you need to cry out to Him.

 

“Cry Out to Jesus”

 

To everyone who’s lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

 

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there’s nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

 

Chorus:

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

 

For the marriage that’s struggling just to hang on
They’ve lost all of their faith in love
They’ve done all they can to make it right again
Still it’s not enough

 

For the ones who can’t break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you’re not alone in your shame
And your suffering

(Chorus)

 

When you’re lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

 

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight[i]

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to this comforting song.

 

Without Jesus and my trust and faith in Him, I would have crumbled through this difficult time. Oh, there are times my heart cries out and aches beyond expression, but I know to Whom I can cry out. I know Who has carried me through. I know Who I believe. My Precious Jesus.

 

In loving memory of Archer Thurmon Storm

February 22, 2011 – March 13, 2011

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Cry Out to Jesus,” Words and Music by Mac Powell, Recorded by Third Day, Consuming Fire Music, 2005.

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Wedding Music – Day 2

March 12th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Shout to the Lord” – Musical Musings in March

 

DSC00374It’s hard to believe that I haven’t written about today’s praise song. But to be honest, I probably thought I’d already done so. I have sung to the King, blessed the Lord, and even shouted for joy to the Lord, but have not used these words, “Shout to the Lord.”

 

So today, let’s shout to the Lord!

 

We would be in good company. In Luke 19:37 (NIV), we see Jesus’ disciples shouting praises to Jesus. “When he (Jesus) came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.”

 

This is Luke’s account of the triumphal entry. Jesus’ disciples had borrowed a colt, threw their cloaks over the back of the colt and put Jesus on the colt. This passage goes on to say that as Jesus went along, those who were around threw their cloaks onto the ground, signifying a person of royalty was passing by.

 

I’ve thought about what I might do in this situation and I’ve really believed that I would be a follower of Jesus. A faithful disciple.

 

But in reality I’ve had to rethink it. You see, if I were to place myself in that time period under all of the same situations, I would have been raised in a Pharisee’s home (I was raised in a minister’s home…I’m a PK). I would have gone to religious school (I went to Cincinnati Bible College). I would have even married a Pharisee (I married a minister out of Bible College). I would have looked at Jesus through the eyes of a Pharisee.

 

Knowing myself, I’m not sure that I would have been any different than the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. I believe I would have found it difficult to accept that Jesus was the Messiah.

 

So I applaud this group of disciples who were willing to go against the religious leaders of their day to see and believe Jesus as the Messiah. I appreciate what it took for them to step out and worship Jesus. I am thankful that I am living in my world today, for I may have missed the greatest gift God has given to mankind. Jesus.

 

“Shout to the Lord

 

My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
Let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand,
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Nothing compares to the promise I have
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you[i]

 

You know you have to listen to it…so enjoy this beautiful worship song by clicking here.

 

This reality check has brought me closer to Jesus. He’s all the more precious to me because of who I am in the world today. Not just a Christian, but a follower of Jesus who is shouting praises to the Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] [i] “Shout to the Lord,” words and music by Darlene Zschech, Hillsongs Australia, Integrity Music, Inc., 1993.

 

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Wedding Music – Day 1

March 11th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Sing, Sing, Sing” – Musical Musings in March

 

sunrise 1-28-15I know many people who have pretty remarkable voices. I enjoy listeninPsg to someone who is able to sing beautifully and who are willing to use their voice to glorify God.

 

But I must admit, there is nothing more beautiful than hearing one of my grandchildren sing a little song for me. Or when I catch my husband (who doesn’t sing at all by the way) humming a few bars of a song.

 

In my earlier years, singing was the most important thing to me. My voice was an instrument that needed to be exercised, cared for and used daily for it to be at its best. I was committed to doing whatever needed to have a beautiful voice.

 

As the years have passed, singing is still important. But what has changed is that I don’t spend an hour a day working toward having a beautiful voice. I’d rather be studying God’s Word or writing a blog post. So this once beautiful, well-coiffed voice is now ordinary. I’m okay with that. And with this voice, I still sing, sing, sing praises to my God and King.

 

I imagine King David had a naturally beautiful voice. I imagine that his voice was one that others stopped to listen to. I imagine that his voice could be heard over the other voices singing. But I also imagine that King David’s voice was His gift from God in order to sing praises to God.

 

We see glimpses into this idea from Scripture. Psalm 104:33 (NIV) shares these words of David. “I will sing to the Lord all my life: I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

 

Psalm 96 is dedicated to singing. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psalm 96:1-2 – NIV)

 

And if this isn’t enough, there are plenty more. Take a look at Psalm 9:11, or Psalm 30:4, or Psalm 33:1-3, or Psalm 47:6, or Psalm 68:4, or Psalm 81:1-2, or Psalm 95:1, or Psalm 98:1, or Psalm 149:1.

 

David loved to sing praises to God. And so should we! It doesn’t matter if you have a good voice or not, God delights in hearing us sing to Him. So today, let’s sing to the maker of heavens and earth. Let’s make music to glorify the Name of Jesus. Let’s sing, sing, sing!

 

“Sing, Sing, Sing”

 

Chorus:

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

 

What’s not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we’re living for

 

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we’re living for

(Chorus)[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to “Sing, Sing, Sing,” click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Words and Music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Matt Gilder and Daniel Carson, WorshipTogether.com, Six Steps Music, Vamos Publishing, Shadow Rock Music, 2008.

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“O Come to the Altar” – Musical Musings in March

March 10th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ve come to love the song I want to share with you today. It’s one that is sung frequently at Rocky and the message is so compelling. “O Come to the Altar” reminds us that Jesus is calling each one of us. Regardless of where we are or what is going on in our lives, Jesus is calling you to come to Him and allow Him to care for you.

 

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So what do you need to lie down at the altar? Sin? Brokenness? A parched soul? Sorrows? Ashes? What is it that you are still holding on to that is keeping you from living a life of freedom in Christ? That’s what Jesus wants.

 

We are reminded of Jesus’ loving words in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

Why would you hold on to these burdensome pieces of your life? If Jesus is asking you to give Him your burdens so that you could find rest, why haven’t you done this?

 

The good news is that Jesus will continue to call you to come into His presence and find rest. Peter tells us that “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b – NIV)

 

Maybe today is the day that you need to take that step toward the altar. Jesus is calling.

 

“O Come to the Altar”[i]

 

Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling

 

Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling

 

Chorus
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

 

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there’s no reason to wait
Jesus is calling

Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling
(Chorus)

 

Bridge
Oh what a Savior
Isn’t he wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before him
For he is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
(Chorus)

 

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found

 

Click here to have a listen!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O Come to the Altar,” words and music by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick and Wade Joye, Elevation Worship Publishing, 2015.

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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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