“T” – Blogging A to Z

April 23rd, 2015 dsisler

 

As we continue our journey through the alphabet, we land on the letter “t.” One sure way to improve your attitude or boost your happiness is to tune in. In the article written by Ms. Marquez, she says there’s a reason the hit song “Happy” makes you feel, well, happy.

 

t“Listening to upbeat music with the goal of boosting your mood really works. As research shows, any tune will do, as long as it lifts your spirits and makes you feel exuberant.”[i]

 

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I love music. You also know that I love Christmas music. So I get this one. Listening to some of my favorite Christmas tunes puts a smile on my face. They make me happy!

 

Christmas music isn’t the only music that makes me happy. I enjoy all kinds of music. The era of big bands is high on my list. I love Gospel quartets. Andy Williams was one of my favorite crooners. Current praise music creates joy in my heart. I enjoy jazz and ballads. And early rock, well that makes me smile.

 

I don’t believe this is a coincidence. I believe God placed the love for music within as part of our DNA. Just look at the music that we see through Scripture. Moses had a song. Miriam sang. There was much rejoicing and singing when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple.

 

Job mentioned that God had given him songs in the night. At the completion of the wall in Jerusalem, Levites were sought after so they could lead the people in praises to God. In the Book of Ezra, there is mention of a large choir.

 

The Book of Psalm affirms that music is important to our worship of God. Take a look at what we find.

 

Psalm 40:3

Psalm 57:7

Psalm 95:1

Psalm 98:1-7

Psalm 101:1

Psalm 105:2

Psalm 135:3

 

In the New Testament, we also see the importance of music in our worship and edification to one another. Take a look at these passages.

 

Ephesians 5:19-20

Colossians 3:16

Hebrews 2:12

Revelation 14:3-4

 

There is even a moment when we see Jesus singing. After the meal Jesus had with His disciples before His death, Matthew 26:30 (NIV) tells us that “When they had sung a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives.” Music was part of these last intimate moments between our Lord and His loved ones. That’s pretty special

 

Do any of these passages or accounts from the Bible put a smile on your face? I suspect they all must have. Why? Because these are beautiful words from Scripture and they lead us to a better understanding of how we are to live.

 

We are to have a new song in our heart. We are to encourage one another by our worship and singing. We are to make Jesus famous through singing praise. We are to allow music to create hearts filled with gratitude. And these are just a few things music can do for us.

 

So, let’s sing. Let’s listen to music (or tunes as the letter of day dictates). Let’s enjoy this part of our being. And let’s allow the love of God to permeate our hearts and put a smile on our face.

 

I know what I’ll be listening to today! Do you?

 

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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“S” – Blogging A to Z

April 22nd, 2015 dsisler

 

Here we are, nearing the end of the alphabet in this A to Z challenge. What’s even more amazing is that as we come to the close of this challenge, May will be upon us! That means we are 1/3 of the way through 2015! Yikes!

 

sToday we are going to chat a bit about the letter “s.” From the article I’ve been using for my venture through the alphabet, Ms. Marquez suggests that if we save up, our happiness will be boosted.

 

It seems that the clink of coins in a piggy bank is the sound of happiness. Someone named Howell in this article says, “You reap pleasure from literally seeing savings grow. If you save for something special, you’ll also get the satisfaction of anticipation.”[i]

 

I get it. We live in a world that encourages having something in the bank. But I also know what Jesus has to say about this topic.

 

In Jesus’ discourse from Luke 12:22-34, Jesus points out that we are to do one thing in relation to saving up. We are to “seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

 

I get it. It’s hard to seek God’s kingdom above the things we need…or maybe I should say the things we want. There is a little verse in here that I believe we overlook. Luke 12:30 (NIV) says, “For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.”

 

God knows what you need. And when we seek God’s will for our lives; when we pursue God’s righteousness; when our minds are focused on kingdom things; everything we need will be provided.

 

The last verse in this section of Scripture also gives us some insight into this idea. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34 – NIV) If all we can think about are the cares of this world (what will I wear, what will I eat, is there enough money saved, etc.), we will neglect and ignore what God wants us to be focusing on. We will toil and spin because we have to do it. It’s all on us.

 

Instead, when we focus on what Jesus has asked us to focus on (God’s Kingdom), then there is no need to worry, spin our wheels, or work endlessly and tirelessly to make ends meet.

 

Just one more piece of Scripture. In Luke 12:28, Jesus accuses His audience of lacking faith. I believe Jesus can accuse you and me of the same. Why isn’t my faith strong enough to believe that my needs will be provided by my heavenly Father? Well, because I’m busy with all the toiling and spinning to make it work on my own instead of seeking God’s Kingdom first.

 

So what do we do about it? I believe it’s a journey. One step of faith at a time. Day-by-day getting a little closer to Jesus and further away from the trappings of this world. Before you know it, we are right where we should be. Seeking God’s Kingdom first and allowing the rest to be covered by God. That’s the goal friend. Not the big savings account.

 

Now, don’t go out and get rid of your savings account. I’m not asking that. But what I am asking is “what do you put first? God or your savings account?” At the end of the day, what does Jesus say to you? “Oh you of little faith?” or “Well done, good and faithful servant?”

 

Saving money may bring happiness for a moment, but seeking God’s Kingdom first will bring abundant joy for eternity. That is definitely an attitude booster!

 

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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“R” – Blogging A to Z

April 21st, 2015 dsisler

 

On our A to Z journey, I am allowing the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez titled “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try”[i] in a recent Good Housekeeping magazine to be our guide. The idea she offers for the letter “r” is rub down.

 

rResearch tells us that a massage can send you to a state of mental bliss. It can improve your body image and ease anxiety. And all it takes is a five-minute massage!

 

I must admit, I enjoy a little rub down. On occasion I pamper myself with a manicure. But I have found this great little place up the road (okay, I’ll give a shout out to Orchard Nails) that offers chocolate manicures.

 

In a session, chocolate is drizzled on your arms and hands, warm stones are used to massage the chocolate into your skin, and then warm towels are wrapped over the chocolate to intensify the scent and sensation.

 

This particular manicure not only boosts my attitude by the massage, the aroma of chocolate follows me throughout the day and that really enhances my mental state.

 

I’m reminded of a biblical account in Luke of a similar scene (Luke 7:36-50). Jesus had been invited to have dinner with a Pharisee.

 

As they were eating, a woman entered the room and stood behind Jesus. The woman began to weep. Her tears flowed to Jesus’ feet and she washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. But this woman wasn’t finished. She kissed Jesus’ feet and poured perfume on them.

 

I suspect this was an awkward moment, because the Pharisee said something. Whether it was under his breath or in his head, Jesus heard it. What harmful words this Pharisee spoke. Not only did he accuse the woman of being a sinner, but he doubted that Jesus was even a prophet and certainly not the Son of God.

 

Jesus, in His kindness toward those who need Him the most, turned to the woman and forgave her sins. In His teaching, Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47 – NIV)

 

Can you imagine the weight that was lifted from this sinful woman’s heart in that moment? Her love for Jesus and her faith in Him brought about forgiveness of sin and peace. I can only imagine how much her attitude was boosted by this encounter with Jesus.

 

Perhaps you are in need of this same type of encounter with Jesus. If so, why not reach out to someone who will be able to walk beside you on this journey? I pray that you will not let another day go by where you are burdened by such despair. Friend, hope is waiting for you. Your life can be changed in a moment by accepting Jesus as your Savior.

 

If your spirit needs a little boost today, why not ask the Holy Spirit to give your heart a rub down. Maybe to ease away the burdens of the day. Maybe to soften the edges of bitterness. Maybe to temper the temper. Or maybe to wash away the guilt of sin. These are just examples of what God’s Spirit can do in your life. It could be time to have a seat at God’s table and see what He can do with your life.

 

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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“Q” – Blogging A to Z

April 20th, 2015 dsisler

 

We are up to the letter “q” in this Blogging A to Z challenge. It’s been a great exercise to find new ways to boost our happiness or energize our attitudes. I pray that you’ve been able to find a few ways, both physically and spiritually to live an abundant life.

 

qAs we continue through the alphabet using the article in Good Housekeeping titled “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,”[i] Jennifer Rainey Marquez brings up the subject quiet time. This is what Simon-Thomas has to say about it.

 

“It may seem counterintuitive to put down a project that is causing stress, but taking your mind off of what you need to focus on can lead you to creative solutions. Your brain needs regular breaks to maintain peak function, so try for 10 to 20 minutes every two hours.”

 

I suspect what is done during these small breaks might make a difference as well. Just think. If we were to spend just 10 minutes with God every two hours throughout our day what might happen. A little Bible reading. Prayer time. Meditation upon a specific Scripture. I don’t know for sure, but I would say if we were to try this, our attitude boosting would go through the roof!

 

And I believe this would be in addition to your already scheduled quiet time with God. You know when you’re working on a Bible study or praying at your regularly appointed time.

 

To be honest, this really isn’t a lot for us to give to the God of creation. It really isn’t a sacrifice in comparison to what Jesus did for you. So why don’t we do it?

 

Probably because we find other things to do instead. Like surfing the web or chatting with a friend or two. Perhaps those things can enhance your happiness or boost your attitude as well. But to optimize our joy and attitude, I believe spending time with God just might be a better option.

 

Now, don’t think I’m getting all spiritual here. I don’t take my 10 minute breaks and spend them with God…and I work at a church!

 

However, today is a new day. Today is the start of a new work week. So perhaps, let’s all give this a try. Let’s see if it might not make a difference if we took at least one 10 minute break each day and spent it with God in some way. Find a little hideaway and just spend this time with Him. You know it will make a difference. You know it will.

 

It’s Monday and I haven’t shared a song all month long, so today I want to share a beautiful melody. Perhaps this tune will lead you to your quiet place with God today. Enjoy “A Quiet Place.”

 

There is a quiet place

Far from the rapid pace

Where God can soothe my troubled mind

Sheltered by tree and flow´r

There in my quiet hour

With Him my cares are left behind

 

Whether a garden small

Or on a mountain tall

New strength and courage there I find

Then from this quiet place

I go prepared to face

A new day with love for all mankind[ii]

 

Click here to listen to the Heritage Singers perform this one.

 

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] “A Quiet Place,” Words and Music by Ralph Carmichael, Communique Music Inc., 1969.

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Sing to the Lord

April 19th, 2015 dsisler

 

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1 – NIV)

 

What are you singing this morning? I pray it is the new song that Jesus put in your heart. The song of His salvation. If not, perhaps today is the day to give your life to Jesus. Gather with the saints and seek what they have found. It’s a perfect day to learn a new song!

 

I’m sharing a post that I wrote while helping my Mom after her back surgery. Let’s what God says about walking and talking.

 

Walking and Talking

 

I have been separated from my husband for nearly three weeks while I’ve been caring for my Mom. I miss him like crazy, but it has reminded us of our early marriage.

 

???????????????????????????????After we were married, we lived in two different states for 18 months. We knew our communications skills had to be perfected if our marriage was going to make it. We managed to work through those 18 months.

 

For a change, I decided to call my husband two evenings ago as I walked around Mom’s neighborhood. I was able to see beautiful flowers in bloom. Trees with fruit beginning their growth process. People doing yard work. Dogs running in back yards. All while conversing with my husband.

 

Walking and talking isn’t new. God has been doing since the creation of the world.

 

Genesis 3:8 tells us, “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” God walked and talked with Adam and Eve, perhaps on a daily basis.

 

God also walked with Israel. Leviticus 26:11 says, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” God’s desire was to be among Israel, and He found that walking and talking was the best way to achieve that.

 

Jesus spent 33 years walking and talking with people. The Gospels are filled with such accounts. Being in Jesus’ presence must have been exhilarating. Oh for just a moment, sitting at His feet, listening to His teaching. That would have been glorious.

 

Just as people in Scripture walked with God and Jesus, we are called to walk with God. And there are ways in which we are to walk. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about our walk.

 

We are to walk in all His ways. Deuteronomy 5:33; 10:12; 11:22; and 26:17 basically say the same thing. Listen to Deuteronomy 10:12-13. “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” There is quite a bit in this short passage, but walking in all God’s ways is right in the middle of it. We must learn His ways. That is the key.

 

We are to walk in the light. Psalm 89:15 tells us, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” And Isaiah 2:5 says, “Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” As we journey through this life, God’s light can illuminate the path and make it easier to navigate. I have stumbled enough; I want to walk in His light.

 

We are to walk in freedom. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45) Under the New Covenant, we know what it is like to be free. Free from the laws and rituals of Old Testament living. We can rejoice knowing that we are walking in freedom!

 

We are to walk humbly. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Humility can be difficult, but as we draw closer to God and learn His ways, this characteristic will begin to bloom and grow.

 

We are to walk in obedience and in love. 2 John 6 says, “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” Living a life of obedience is our way of showing God that we are walking side by side with Him. Living a life of love is our way of showing others that we are walking side by side with Him.

 

I certainly love to walk and I know I will take more walks around Mom’s neighborhood before I head for home. My prayer is that I and those I walk with (Mason or Mom) will follow God’s precepts. That we will seek Him in all our ways. And that we do it all in love.

 

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

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