“X” – Blogging A to Z

April 28th, 2015 dsisler

 

How are you feeling this morning? Is your attitude energized? Has your happiness been boosted? I pray that these days through the month of April have helped. There certainly have been plenty of good ideas to improve your outlook on life.

 

xToday is no different. Here’s yet one more way to figure out how to get through this day with a smile. Today, the letter “x” stand for x-press yourself. In this article I’ve been using, Ms. Marquez says that when we “pick up a pen or a paintbrush and let loose, expressing yourself creatively can reduce fatigue and even depression.”[i]

 

I love this idea…I really thought she was going to tell us to x-ercise. Now you realize that is a good booster as well right? But this being creative thing really x-cites me. And what I really love is when my creative side touches my spiritual side.

 

For instance, the Ukrainian Eggs I have made in the past represent new life in Christ. Eggs are presented to friends and family on Resurrection Sunday with the phrase, “Christ is Risen!” The symbols and colors on each egg represent something religious as well. The crown of thorns, purity, eternal life, hope, tears of Mary and many more.

 

Recently, I have enjoyed praying while I color. This has helped me to focus on a specific person, event or even a verse of Scripture. Most recently, I spent a morning praying for my neighbors and neighborhood. I used a coloring sheet with lots of houses on it and prayed specifically for those around me. It’s a great way for creativity to intertwine with my spiritual world.

 

Of course, writing is my favorite way to x-press myself. I have often wondered what I did before Full Measure of Joy. I must have wasted an awful lot of time! This little blog of mine has given me more opportunity to share what Jesus has done in my life than anything I’ve done. I’m so thankful to have this outlet. It makes me very happy!

 

It’s no wonder we are creatures of creativity. Our heavenly Father is the greatest Creator and He is able to x-press Himself in quite beautiful and elaborate ways. He spoke the world, universe and mankind into being. In a six-day period, all that we encounter on a daily basis was brought into existence. And what a beauty! My Colorado Rocky Mountains have been gorgeous lately with the new snow fall!

 

What does creation do in return? Psalm 148 tells us that creation praises God. That is why everything (including us) was created. To praise God! As a fearfully and beautifully created being, we are to use our creativity to praise God throughout our days.

 

So how can you x-press yourself to God today? What do you need to tell Him? What do you need to thank Him for? How can you praise God? I can guarantee a little worship with your Lord and Savior will do wonders for your spirit today. Don’t miss this opportunity to x-press yourself.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115.

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“W” – Blogging A to Z

April 27th, 2015 dsisler

 

Just a few more letters and we’ll have gone through the entire alphabet working to boost our happiness and energize our attitudes. Today we are going to take a look at the letter “w.”

 

wFor the letter “w,” Ms. Marquez suggests that we have some wine. Here’s the thing. There is a history of alcoholism in my family. I have seen first-hand what alcohol can do to a person and the damage that can be done to relationships. So I’m going to nix this one.

 

Instead of “wine,” I’m going to suggest that we can energize our attitude if we stop “whining.”

 

Unfortunately, we are a bunch of whiners. From the beginning, God dealt with complainers and grumblers. And what did our biblical friends complain about? Well, just about everything!

 

From the work load, to the food, to the lack of water, to the lack of abilities, to you name it, they whined about it.

 

But here’s the thing. In Numbers 11, the Hebrew nation complained to God about their hardships. This passage tells us that God’s anger was aroused. What does that tell you about God? He doesn’t like whiners.

 

There are multiple verses of Scripture that help us to understand that we are not to be whiners. Take a look.

 

From Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV), we find that whining will lead to acts of the sinful nature. Like “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” When we aren’t happy, we don’t want to be alone in our whining. We will find others to take along with us. Dissensions and factions have no place in our Christian walk.

 

Philippians 2:14 (NIV) tells us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Um, that says EVERYTHING.

 

And here’s another thought. “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9 – NIV) Who is listening to your grumbling? The Judge Himself! He’s right outside your door, so stop whining!

 

Do you whine about offering hospitality to another? Apparently Peter’s audience felt the need to whine, for he mentions it in 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV). “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” I’m reminded of Mary and Martha. Martha whined to Jesus about having to be hospitable and Mary not helping out. What a scene that must have been.

 

So how can we get out of the habit of whining? I believe we find a good solution from the Book of Isaiah. Take a look.

 

“And finally this, God’s Message for the family of Jacob, the same God who redeemed Abraham: ‘No longer will Jacob hang his head in shame, no longer grow gaunt and pale with waiting. For he’s going to see his children, my personal gift to him—lots of children. And these children will honor me by living holy lives. In holy worship they’ll honor the Holy One of Jacob and stand in holy awe of the God of Israel. Those who got off-track will get back on-track, and complainers and whiners learn gratitude.’” (Isaiah 29:22-24 – The Message)

 

Did you catch it? When we learn to be grateful, when our hearts are filled with gratitude, there is no room for whining.

 

What have you been whining about lately? Why? What are you grateful for? Have you allowed that gratitude to surface and overflow into other areas of your life? Friend, if your heart needs an attitude adjustment, turn to Psalm 33. Spend some time with God and allow yourself to be reminded of what He has done for you. I believe in the end you will be able to say these words.

 

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psalm 33:20-22 – NIV)

 

Now, let’s stop our whining!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Psalm 117

April 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.” (Psalm 117 – NIV)

 

Whatever you’re doing right now (which is reading this blog, right?), stop and praise the Lord. He has done remarkable things in your life. Praise the Lord!

 

Take a look at this older blog post about car cheese. I’m sure it will make you smile!

 

Car Cheese

 

Throughout his life, my husband’s family made food creations that reflected both Russian and German heritages. Each of these creations were welcomed and enjoyed. Some were reserved for holidays or special occasions, while others were made for everyday meals.

 

Joy April 10, 2009 021.jpgmOne creation that was made for Easter was Pashka. It is similar to cream cheese when finished, but it is filled with nuts and dried fruit and it is delicious.

 

However, Mason’s family made Pashka with a twist.

 

The recipe calls for weights to be placed on top of the mixture to press out the fluid. Instead of weights, they placed one of the car tires on it to weigh it down…with the tire attached to the car. So, instead of calling this deliciousness Pashka, they called it “car cheese.”

 

A couple years ago, we decided to make “car cheese” for Easter. We also made sure we made it when Joy, our granddaughter, was with us so she could have fun with us.

 

I mixed all the ingredients together, wrapped them in cheesecloth and then into a pan. Mason jacked up the car; we placed the pan under the tire with a board on top, and then set the car down on top of the cheese.

 

It did exactly what it was supposed to do. The pressure of the car pressed out all of the liquid from the cheese and we enjoyed delicious “car cheese.”

 

Sometimes in our lives, we are put under pressure. When it happens, we can struggle with everything in our lives. All of our joy can be squeezed from us. Our patience is stretched to the limit.

 

But we have the assurance that God’s power is stronger than any pressure we might feel from the struggles we encounter.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

 

Our lives are represented by the jars of clay. They are fragile, easily chipped and some might say breakable.

 

But through the power, the all-surpassing power of God and His Gospel, we can withstand the pressures we undergo. And like the “car cheese,” we can become better because of the pressure.

 

Pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and stuck down are the terms presented that we can expect to encounter. But, we have the Treasure. We can counter these encounters with the ability not to be crushed, not be in despair, not feel abandoned, and not be destroyed.

 

With these words of encouragement, we can face the difficult struggles of this world with confidence and power. We can survive and be of use in God’s Kingdom because of what we have become through the pressure.

 

“Car cheese” hasn’t been made since. I really don’t know why. It was delicious. I suppose it took a lot more energy and effort than it was worth.

 

I’m thankful that making it through the pressures of this life is worth it all. I’m thankful for the all-surpassing power within me to do so. Bring on the pressure…with God, I can handle it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“V” – Blogging A to Z

April 25th, 2015 dsisler

 

We’re going to be looking at the letter “v” today as we continue to find ways to boost our happiness or improve our attitude. From the article[i] I’ve been using, we find that one way to do so is to plan a vacation.

 

vApparently vacations can bring a touch of joy to your life, but research has shown that just by planning a vacation, you can reap some mood-boosting benefits. Anticipating and planning a trip brings joy along the way as well.

 

I understand this one, because I’m a planner at heart. It doesn’t matter what I’m planning, I just like to plan. So anything that I can plan, typically brings great joy to my life.

 

But what would my life be like if all I did was plan and didn’t actually execute any of my plans? The “someday’s” of life have a tendency to make us melancholy, don’t you think?

 

“Someday I will go to Hawaii.”

 

“Someday I will climb that mountain.”

 

“Someday I will travel across Europe.”

 

“Someday I will talk to my neighbor about Jesus.”

 

“Someday I will …”

 

The problem with “someday’s” is that most of the time, we never get around to doing them.

 

I asked a group of ladies recently what their bucket list items included. There were some great answers. But then I asked them, “How many of those bucket list items are geared toward God’s mission for your life?”

 

I’ll ask you the same question. Of all the things you desire to do someday, how many of them have God at the center?

 

So just think. If planning a vacation can bring joy to our lives, how much more could be added to our lives if we planned to do something for God.

 

Maybe go on a service trip (we used to call them mission trips). Plan it…and then do it.

 

Or maybe there is a ministry you’ve wanted to start. Plan it…and then do it.

 

Maybe you’ve thought about helping the homeless by preparing meals for them. Plan it…and then do it.

 

Maybe you’ve wondered how to share the message of Jesus with a friend, co-worker or neighbor. Plan it…and then do it.

 

Maybe you’ve always wanted to read through the Bible in a year. Plan it…and then do it.

 

Maybe you’ve                                  (fill in the blank). Plan it…and then do it.

 

I might add, that when we bring God into the planning and its part of His plan for your life, you can guarantee that it will come about. Remember Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)? “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

 

What are you planning? A vacation? A business venture? A job change? If you’re planning anything, commit it to God. Allow God to be with you in the planning process. Look for ways God shows up in the planning. When you do so, your heart will be filled with anticipation, excitement and joy. Now aren’t those attitude-boosters?

 

I’m praying for you today, my beloved readers. Thanks for joining me on this journey through the alphabet!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 113-115.

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“U” – Blogging A to Z

April 24th, 2015 dsisler

 

By this time next week, the month of April 2015 will have been removed from your calendar and May 1, 2015 will have taken its place. April will be a memory. And the Blogging A to Z challenge for 2015 will be complete.

 

uBut wait, there are still six letters of the alphabet to get through before it’s all said and done. So let’s get to the letter of the day. “U.”

 

In the magazine article I’ve been using, Ms. Marquez tells us that one way to greater happiness is to unplug at night. She says, “Staying constantly tethered to your smartphone can interfere with your relationships and sleep—both which are key to a contented, unstressed outlook.”[i]

 

I’ve heard this bit of advice before. Electronic devices emit a blue light that keeps our bodies from producing normal amounts of melatonin. Without melatonin, we find difficulty in sleeping. Well, we all know how grumpy we get when we don’t get enough sleep, right? So yes, this one makes a lot of sense. If you’re grumpy, it could be that you didn’t get a good night’s sleep. If you didn’t get a good night’s sleep, it could be that you were on your smart phone, or iPad, or Kindle too late in the day.

 

That’s one element of this unplug thing. The other is that relationships suffer when one or both are continually on an electronic device. Without relationships, we certainly can find ourselves in grumpy mood. So, for these two reasons, let’s put down those things that get in the way of sleep and relationships!

 

I have been blessed with some beautiful relationships. My husband. My children. My grandchildren. My parents. My siblings. My friends. My co-workers. But how often have I allowed the “things of this world” to get in the way of these relationships? More times than I care to share.

 

I believe that God created us to thrive in relationships. Adam would not have been gifted with Eve were that not the case. Adam needed companionship and God provided the perfect companion for him. A woman. And God took this relationship one step further.

 

I’d like to share a piece from my lead pastor’s (and my boss) Shan Moyers’ email this week. It’s important. See if you don’t agree.

 

“The Bible is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 says, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.’ In recent years God’s picture of marriage has come under fire.

 

On April 28, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for and against redefining marriage in America. The very institution of God’s design for marriage as only between one man and one woman is on trial.

 

As Christians I believe it is our job to do three things:

 

  1. Pray for those presenting God’s design for marriage and for those making the decisions.
  2. Speak the truth about what we believe in love. Angry and judgmental Christians never represent Jesus well.
  3. Love and befriend those that don’t agree with Jesus’ teachings. Building a relationship is the only way to gain the credibility to share the good news of God’s grace and truth with people who need it.

 

God’s truth brings hope. I want to encourage you to be praying for the nine men and women that comprise our countries highest court on April 28th. Pray that God’s truth will be heard.”[ii]

 

I must admit, I’ve been writing this blog for several years now and I don’t really know how many times I’ve brought the political arena into this portion of my life. But I believe this one is pretty important. Please pray with me through this important decision to be made in just a few days.

 

So today, put down that smart phone while eating lunch with your spouse, your children or a friend. Turn off anything that gets in the way of building relationships. Be engaged with the folks around you. Life is too short to miss these significant relationships in your life.

 

Just think. What if God was preoccupied with a smart phone?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,” Jennifer Rainey Marquez, Good Housekeeping, Vol. 260, No. 4, page 115.

[ii] http://www.rmcc.org/rocky-peak/

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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 Jacksonville, Florida.

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