Blimp – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 12th, 2015 dsisler

 

Blimps fascinate me. They have for quite some time now. Their quiet approach. Their smooth sail. The fact that they are very large and yet have the ability to float through the air. They are a fun mode of transportation and through the cameras fixed upon them, they bring a bird’s-eye- view to many sporting events.

 

Years ago while living in a rural area of Ohio, the Goodyear Blimp would sail past our home. We lived near a main north/south interstate and the blimp would use that interstate as a guide. I often heard the blimp overhead and would run outside to glimpse the beautiful vessel. It was always a highlight for me.

 

Later, while living near Akron, Ohio, the home of one Goodyear Blimp, I created a Vacation Bible School curriculum built around the blimp. I was able to visit the Goodyear facility and tour the museum and gift shop. Those little gifts for the children made a huge impact.

 

I now live near Denver, Colorado and unfortunately, blimps and high altitude just don’t mix well. So, chances of me ever seeing a blimp here are pretty slim. When I do see a blimp elsewhere, my heart races…a glimpse of my beloved Goodyear Blimp continues to fill my heart with joy.

 

I could probably go on about the blimp, but that certainly isn’t my goal here. My goal is to show what God has taught me through my love of blimps.

 

They are Large

The Goodyear Blimps are 192 feet long, 55 feet in diameter and 59.5 feet high, with 202,700 cubic feet of helium and a gross weight of 12,840 pounds.

 

“Wow” is about all I can say. These blimps are very large. But I serve a God who is much larger than anything man could possibly build. A God who is larger than anything man could possibly imagine. And it is God who deserves my biggest “WOW!”

 

There’s a little children’s song that speaks to God’s bigness. Take a look at these words and see if you don’t agree.

 

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.

 

The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are His handiwork, too.

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do, for you!
I believe the last little part of that song is where the lesson is learned. God is big and He can do anything…for me and you. It is His desire to be everything and anything for us. We simply need to acknowledge and accept Him.

 

They are Quiet

These large vessels are propelled by two engines, small in comparison to the blimp itself. Because of their size, these airships are quiet in comparison to airplanes.

 

There are times in my life when I need to be quiet and listen for God’s voice and guidance. God knew we would need times of quietness and He gently leads us in this direction in Psalm 46:10 (NIV). “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

In this fast-paced world, finding a quiet place in our lives may be difficult. But if we heed God’s word and allow His quietness to direct our path, we will find His peace and we will know that He is God.

 

They are Safe

In over 50 years of using blimps, Goodyear has flown passengers without any serious injuries. Some say it is the safest form of transportation devised.

 

I find great peace in knowing that within God’s arms I am safe. There are several images of God’s safety in Scripture. In Psalm 3:3 (NIV), King David spoke of God as being his shield. “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

 

In Proverbs 18:10 (NIV), we find refuge in God’s Name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

We find that God is the Guardian or Overseer of our souls from 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV). “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

 

And from Isaiah 41:13 (NIV), we can know safety because God upholds us. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”

 

They Take Their Time

The usual cruising speed of the Goodyear Blimp is 35 miles per hour. However, the top speed for the blimp is 53 mph.

 

Patience is not an easy virtue, but it is one that God speaks to quite often in Scripture. Listen to these words of King David and see if they might be words you need to hear today. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7a – NIV)

 

Or maybe Isaiah’s words are what you need today. “Those who wait 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 faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

 

Then there are the Apostle Paul’s words in this passage. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you need all of them! I know I do! I need to slow down in order to hear and see what God is teaching. Maybe you do too.

 

These are just some of my thoughts on the Goodyear Blimp and what God has taught me along the way. Perhaps you’ve learned something through this piece. I pray that God is teaching you to hear His voice and follow His leading. It’s exactly what He is doing with me.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If I have piqued your interest at all in blimps, take a look at the official Goodyear Blimp website at www.goodyearblimp.com.

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“A” – Blogging from A-Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 11th, 2015 dsisler

 

We have actually made it to the first day of April, 2013. In some ways it is difficult to believe (there is still a bit of snow in my front yard!) And yet, the year seems like it is flying! We are already one quarter of the way through the year. There are only 268 days until Christmas. 2013 is sailing by.

 

AApril 1st of course is destined to be a day of practical jokes. However, I have a few fond memories of this day. My family moved on this day in 1996…oh wait, I didn’t really want to move from my dear friends, so it really isn’t a fond memory and we awoke to snow that morning. Perhaps God does have a sense of humor.

 

Regardless of how I feel about April 1st, I did have a great April last year. I joined a challenge with a group of other writers and I was able to work through numerous issues with my blogging and writing. I have continued to be part of this group and have grown close to several members. It was a great opportunity to grow myself and my platform.

 

This April will be a little different. I found a new challenge to join. It’s called “Blogging from A-Z.” Starting with the first day of the month, we are to write about a theme or an idea or even an item beginning with the letter “A.” On April 2nd, the blog post would be connected to the letter “B.” This would continue through the month, except for Sundays.

 

So with my calendar ready, I’m prepared to share a theme each day in relation to a letter of the alphabet. At first I thought it might be a real challenge, but after preparing my calendar, I’ve decided I could write several months’ worth of blog posts according to this method.

 

So today, let’s look at some Biblical friends whose names begin with the letter “A.”

 

Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) – Abel’s offering was favored by God. Abel’s brother Cain became angry when God didn’t favor his own. Out of his anger, Cain killed Abel and was punished by God.

 

Abigail (1 Samuel 25:2-44) – A wise woman who kept David from bloodshed. She was praised for her good judgment and eventually became David’s wife.

 

Ariel (Ezra 8:16) – Ariel was a leader who traveled with returning exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ariel was sent (with several other leaders) to find a group of Levites to go on this journey to be attendants in the temple. Ariel’s name means “lion of God” or “altar hearth.”

 

Andrew (Matthew 1:29-34; John 1:35-42) – We don’t know much about Andrew, but what we do know is impressive. In John, we find Andrew listening to John the Baptizer and encountering Jesus for the first time. He immediately followed Jesus and brought his brother, Peter to meet Jesus. The rest, as they say is history. And what history!

 

Apollos (Acts 18:24-28) – A Jew from Alexandria, Apollos was a learned man and had great knowledge of Scripture. Although he had been instructed in the way of the Lord, spoke with great fervor, and taught about Jesus accurately, he only knew of John’s baptism. Another “A” named saint, Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos. Paul mentions Apollos several times, but one that shows his acceptance is from 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV). “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”

 

What examples we can find from these characters in Scripture. We learn obedience from Abel, good judgment from Abigail, and willingness to follow God’s lead from Ariel. From Andrew we learn faithfulness and a sense of urgency and from Apollos the desire to never stop learning and the understanding of sharing God’s message with others. Each of them faced a challenge and with God’s help were able to overcome their challenge.

 

What challenges are you facing today? Please know that with God, we have the ability to be overcomers and conquerors (Romans 8:37). There is no reason to face these challenges alone. God is with you!

 

I look forward to this April challenge. I pray that you will be blessed by my words and through God’s abundant blessings.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Remember (Sabbatical Post)

December 10th, 2015 dsisler

 

Two years ago, Mom and I spent a week in Daytona together. On one of those days, Mom and I went to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando. It was amazing. Our first “experience” was in the upper room.

 

A character playing the role of Jesus entered the room and spoke. He shared some of the teachings of Jesus and then led us in a special service. The special service we know as The Lord’s Supper or Communion.

 

I was drawn back in time and thought of the events that took place.

 

The upper room was prepared. 13 Jewish men sat at the table to observe the Passover Feast. To remember the events of that night long ago when the Hebrew Nation was released from slavery and allowed to leave Egypt for the first time in 400 years.

 

In the midst of the meal, Jesus instituted a special observance. The Lord’s Supper…His Supper.

 

This initial Supper is recorded in three of the four gospels. Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22 give us the details of the meal and the context where Jesus first shared in this symbolic meal.

 

Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it. He then gave it to His disciples. “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then in the same way He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples. “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

 

In all accounts, Jesus tells the disciples that He would not eat or drink of this new covenant until He was with them in His Father’s kingdom, at the great wedding banquet.

 

There is one other location in Scripture where we find the account of the Lord’s Supper. It is in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34. The gospel of Luke and the 1 Corinthians passage give us six more words. “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Perhaps you’ve seen these words on the front of a Communion Table at the front of a local church. They are a reminder that we are to do this…in remembrance of what Jesus did for us.

 

A few other mentions of this remembrance can be found. They show us different names for this observance. Let’s see what they say.

 

Acts 2:42. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Here we see it called breaking of bread.

 

Acts 20:7. “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” In this passage, the Lord’s Supper is mentioned as to break bread.

 

1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 21. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” The Lord’s table is yet another reference.

 

Regardless of the term we determine to call our special time with God, we are called to proclaim the Lord’s death until His return, be reverent, to partake in a worthy manner, to examine ourselves, and to remember. (1 Corinthians 11:26-29; Luke 22:19)

 

What a special week. The week we remember all that Christ did for us. His teachings, His actions, His love. They all point us to the cross and empty tomb. Today is no different. During that holy week, on Thursday, He met with His closest friends and celebrated the Passover meal with them. Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus? If so, won’t you join me this coming Lord’s Day to remember?

 

If you are not a believer, there is no better time than now to accept Jesus as your Savior.

 

I was introduced to a song this past Sunday that was sung during our Communion service that touched me. I’d like to share the lyrics with you (almost reminds you of Musical Musing in March doesn’t it?).

 

“Carried to the Table”

 

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

 

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

 

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

 

You carried me, my God
You carried me[i]

I would love for you hear this wonderful song. You can do so by clicking on this link. I pray that God will touch you today in a special way.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Carried to the Table, Leeland, 2006

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The Final Parables (Sabbatical Post)

December 9th, 2015 dsisler

 

Yesterday I started going through some of Jesus’ teachings during the week before His crucifixion and resurrection. He had so much to say to the crowds…and to us as well. Jesus shared six parables during that week and today, we’ll be looking at them.

 

Daytona 500 004The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)

Two sons…each asked to work in the field. One said no, and then later changed his mind. One said yes, but didn’t go to the field to work at all.

 

This parable was spoken for the Jewish leaders. They had rejected Jesus and His message. But those considered sinful and unworthy by the religious leaders had a better chance of entering the Kingdom. It was an attitude thing.

 

The Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)

A vineyard was rented out to tenants. When the time came to collect the fruit, three servants were sent to collect and they were beaten, killed and stoned. Other servants were sent and treated in this same manner. Finally, the son of the landowner was sent. He was killed for his inheritance.

 

The servants in this parable represent Old Testament prophets and the son represents Jesus. Jesus was showing that the Jewish nation had rejected God’s Son and that the Gospel would be shared with Gentiles.

 

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)

A wedding feast is prepared. The guests are invited. But no one shows. Again the invitation is sent. But instead of simply not attending, some of the servants are mistreated and killed. Enraged, the king sent his army, destroyed the murderers and burned their city.

 

The servants were once again sent out to extend the invitation, but this time to those who were on the streets…anyone the servants found. The wedding hall was filled with guests.

 

This parable again taught that the Jewish nation would not be the only people to share in the Kingdom of God. It would be open for any who might accept the Gospel and Jesus. Those who do accept this gift must mature spiritually. Through our maturity may we show that we are God’s people.

 

The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Ten virgins with lamps and oil. Five had enough oil. Five were unprepared. When asked if the oil could be shared, they were told “no, go buy your own.” The Bridegroom arrives and escorts the five with oil into the wedding banquet. The other five were left outside, unknown by the Bridegroom.

 

This parable means one thing. That we must keep our minds on Jesus and must be ready when He comes. If you are not prepared or ready, you will not enter into the wedding feast.

 

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

One master, three servants, nine talents. One servant given five talents, one given two, and one given one. The master goes away and after a long time, he returns to settle accounts with the servants.

 

The servant with five talents gained five more. The master was pleased and said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

 

The servant with two talents gained two more. The master repeats his message to the second servant.

 

The servant with one talent feared the master and buried the talent in the ground to keep it safe. The master was angered. He called the servant “wicked and lazy.” The servant was thrown outside into the darkness and the talent was given to the first servant.

 

As we are awaiting the return of Christ, we must not play it safe. We must be serving and diligent in all areas of our Christian walk. We can also see that we are to be faithful and good stewards of what is provided to us.

 

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another…” The sheep to His right and the goats to His left.

 

To the sheep He says, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

 

And the reason? They had fed Jesus when He was hungry; quenched His thirst when He was thirsty; invited Him in as a stranger; clothed Him when He was naked; took care of Him when He was sick; and visited Him in prison.

 

The sheep asked when they had done this and Jesus replied that when they gave to anyone in need they had indeed given to Jesus. The sheep were given eternal life.

 

He then turned to the goats and said, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

 

Why? They hadn’t given to Jesus as the sheep had and since they hadn’t given to anyone, they were sent to eternal punishment.

 

Oh, how Jesus wanted them (and us) to understand that showing love to others in need is so important in the Kingdom. We must not sit by and watch as our fellow Christians suffer. If we can lend aid, we should do so.

 

Now this doesn’t mean that we can “earn” our way into heaven. No, we must give and serve without expectation of any reward.

 

I mentioned yesterday that Jesus was busy. He certainly was. Busy doing Kingdom work. God’s work. I pray that these parables will offer something for you today. These words spoken nearly 2,000 years ago can have such impact on our lives. Let’s listen intently to all that Jesus has to say to us.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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His Final Week (Sabbatical Post)

December 8th, 2015 dsisler

 

When I was in Bible college years ago, a required class for everyone was The Life of Christ. A couple of options were offered. I chose to study the final week of Christ’s life. One full semester of the final week Jesus was on this earth.

 

Pretty sunriseThere is so much information in the Bible about that week. Much of the teachings of Christ that are available to us were spoken during His final week.

 

A book that has been on my shelf since college is Halley’s Bible Handbook.[i] In this book there is a great chart about the last week and Jesus’ movements. I want to share this with you.

 

The Last Week of Jesus’ Life on Earth

 
Saturday Jesus arrives in Bethany (John 12:1)
Sunday The Triumphal Entry. Jesus weeks over Jerusalem
Monday The fig tree cursed. Merchants thrown out of the temple
Tuesday Jesus’ last day in the temple. Judas’s bargain with the priests (or the next day?)
Wednesday Day of quiet at Bethany
Thursday Evening: the Last Supper Night: the agony in Gethsemane
Friday Trial and crucifixion
Sunday Jesus rises from the dead

 

During this final week, Jesus spent much of his time in the temple with great crowds, which included Jewish leaders. Jesus spoke with the crowds and Jesus also used the time in the temple to heal those in need of healing. So what are some of the issues Jesus talked about and shared with this group?

 

Jesus cleared the temple…again. He reminds the merchants that the temple is a house of prayer, not for buying and selling. (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48)

 

Jesus cursed a fig tree…for not having figs. The lesson He taught was that of faith. He stressed to the disciples that faith in God leads to great blessings. Faith leads to answered prayer. (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-25; Luke 21:37-38)

 

Trying to trap Jesus, the Pharisees sent some of their students to ask Jesus a question on paying taxes. Jesus, of course sees right through this. I can almost see Him ask for a coin. Giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s was His answer. And that answer astonished them…it also quieted them! (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)

 

Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment given. “Love the Lord your God with all your heat and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Just another reminder of how we are to live our lives. (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)

 

Jesus was a people watcher! It thrills me because I enjoy watching people too! As the crowd came into the temple to place their offerings in the treasury, Jesus watched. He noticed how the rich would throw in large amounts of money. He also noticed a poor widow, giving all that she had. “Two very small copper coins.” The lesson Jesus shared with the disciples was that giving from poverty was far better than giving from wealth. It means giving all there is…sacrificial giving. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)

 

This is just a short list of what Jesus had to say to those in the temple and along the road. It was the last time He would be able to teach to some in this crowd. He was intentional in His teachings. He felt a sense of urgency. He knew His life was coming to an end and Jesus wanted to share as much as possible with those willing to listen.

 

Jesus’ final week. There is much to be learned from His behavior during this time. What have you learned? What are you willing to learn? Why not take the time this week to read through His final week. You’ll be amazed at all Jesus has to say.

 

Tomorrow…be ready to run through the last six parables that Jesus shared before His crucifixion. Jesus was certainly busy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Henry Halley, Halley’s Bible Handbook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000), p. 539

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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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