“P” – Blogging A to Z

April 18th, 2015 dsisler

 

As we continue our journey through the alphabet, we land on the letter “p.” One sure way to improve your attitude or boost your happiness is to pick up the tab.

 

pIn the article written by Jennifer Rainey Marquez, she says that “treating a friend to a cappuccino offers a bigger happiness boost than hitting the café solo. Spending just $5 on another person can make a significant difference in your mood by the end of the day, says a University of British Columbia study. The amount above $5 doesn’t even matter, as long as you use to benefit someone else.”[i]

 

Now I believe there are two elements in this happiness booster suggestion. Being with a friend and paying it forward. So let’s begin with friendship.

 

God created us to be in relationship. Relationship with Him as well as with other humans. If that were not the case, Adam wouldn’t have needed Eve.

 

Through Scripture we find people connected to another. Their friendships have given us examples of how to be friends ourselves. People like David and Jonathan. Ruth and Naomi. Paul and Barnabas. Jesus and one He loved. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Aquila and Priscilla. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Joshua and Caleb.

 

Of course there are bad examples of “friends” as well. Samson and Delilah. Ananias and Sapphira. Cain and Abel. Judas and the chief priests. Forever, these names will be linked as examples of who we should steer clear of when looking for friends.

 

So once you’ve found that perfect, Spirit-filled friend to sip a cup of Joe or tea with, the next hurdle is to see if they will actually let you pay for their beverage of choice or meal. Paying it forward is such a blessing, but it can be difficult to be on the receiving part of that gift. Why?

 

Are we so arrogant and filled with pride that we can’t look beyond this expression of goodwill to see what joy it brings to the person who is doing the giving? How thoughtless we are!

 

The givers in our world find such great joy and happiness in giving. Remember, there are those who are spiritually gifted in this way. So when we refuse, or argue about who will pay for what, we unknowingly suppress their giftedness and douse their spirit with a bucket of cold water.

 

The Apostle Paul shared these words about giving. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – NIV)

 

Who is it that you can bless today by spending time with them? Who is it that you can bless today by paying it forward? Perhaps it’s time for you to use the gifts God has given you. Who knows, you might just find yourself humming when it’s all said and done.

 

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 114.

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“O” – Blogging A to Z

April 17th, 2015 dsisler

 

I haven’t mentioned the purpose of my blog through the month of April lately. I accepted a challenge to write about a specific letter of the alphabet each day of the month. I saw a listing (from A to Z) of easy little tricks that will energize your attitude or boost your happiness. So I decided to use this list as my guide. It’s been a great journey so far!

 

oToday is set aside as “o” day. According to the author of “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,”[i] opening an orange is a great way to energize your attitude. Apparently certain aromas or fragrances trigger nostalgic feelings and some research suggests that the smell of an orange can calm—even take away anxiety.

 

I understand this one. I have found that double smoked bacon transports me to the hills of Kentucky to my Granny’s house. There is a local restaurant that has a delicious smelling air freshener that delights my senses. The smell of rain reminds me of the thunderstorms back east. Johnson’s Baby Lotion (you know the pink stuff) will always bring back memories of being a young mom rocking my precious babies.

 

Now these are just a few of my favorite scents. So to me, it makes sense that by cutting open an orange, my mood can be shifted. I get it. I enjoy the smell of an orange.

 

In Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us that we, as Christians, are an aroma. To God, we are the aroma of Christ. To some, we are the smell of death. To others, we are the fragrance of life. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

 

What makes the difference?

 

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, our lives are changed. We are changed. As we share God’s message of Jesus the Messiah and the knowledge of Christ, a sweet fragrance is released.

 

And as we continue through the transformation process, our lives become a sacrifice to God. In this, we become the aroma of Christ to God.

 

As we share the Gospel message with the world, the aroma is always sweet-smelling, however, it is received differently. To those who do not want to hear or believe the message, the result is not pleasant. Death and perishing are what is smelled.

 

But to the person who believes the Gospel message, a fragrance of life, abundant life is enjoyed.

 

Now I must admit, sometimes I know I emit a put-offing aroma. It isn’t pleasant. My attitude stinks. My behavior smells like trash. My words harsh. I can only imagine God turns His nose away when I smell like a garbage dump.

 

But because of Christ, my behavior, my words, my attitude can be changed to the sweet smell God prefers. But I can’t do it on my own. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NIV) says, “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”

 

Yes, God’s Spirit within me allows the sweet fragrance of life to waft into the heavens to God. I am so thankful for this possibility.

 

So what about you? What do you smell like today? Are you allowing God’s Spirit to clean up the stinky trash in your life? Are you the aroma of Christ to God? Do others enjoy the aroma of life that you produce? Are you sharing the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ with others?

 

This world stinks. Let’s get out there and release the sweet-smelling fragrance of Christ with everyone we see today.

 

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.

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“N” – Blogging A to Z

April 16th, 2015 dsisler

 

We are up to the letter “n” in this Blogging A to Z challenge. What fun it’s been 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.

 

nAs 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 of healthy eating. She says that we should “nosh on fruits and vegetables.” If you’re hungry, recent research has connected improved mental well-being to eating five or more portions of fruits and vegetables per day.

 

Well, I hate to break it to you Ms. Marquez, but I think our biblical friend Daniel knew the importance of eating fruits and vegetables a long time ago.

 

Daniel, as well as a few of Daniel’s friends, was chosen by King Nebuchadnezzar to be groomed for leadership during Israel’s exile to Babylonia. Daniel and his friends were chosen because they fit the criteria.

 

“Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility—young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.” (Daniel 1:3-4 – NIV)

 

I suspect this specific criteria limited the number of young men chosen for this assignment. Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were among this elite group. Very impressive.

 

What’s even more impressive is that this group of young men were also men of integrity and loyalty to Yahweh. When given the opportunity to eat and drink the king’s finest foods, they asked for “permission not to defile themselves in this way.” (Daniel 1:8 – NIV)

 

Instead of eating and drinking what they could have had, they chose to eat nothing but vegetables and drink nothing but water. For ten days, this was the diet of this foursome.

 

At the end of the test period, Daniel and his friends were found to look healthier and were better nourished than any of the other men who ate the royal food.

 

God recognized this sacrifice and blessed these four young men with knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And to Daniel, God gave the gift of interpreting dreams and visions of all kinds.

 

When brought before King Nebuchadnezzar, the king found Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego to be ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom!

 

Perhaps Daniel was thrilled with the king’s response to their knowledge and wisdom, but I suspect Daniel was even more so because of God’s recognition of Daniel’s faithfulness. Daniel lived to serve God. And God honored that dedication.

 

As you go through our day-to-day life, what are you noshing (eating enthusiastically)? I don’t just mean fruits and vegetables. Do you spend time noshing God’s Word? Are you noshing over the principles and precepts God has given in Scripture? I pray that you are. I pray that God is honoring your dedication and faithfulness to being with Him on a daily basis.

 

That’s the letter “n.” Noshing. I am blessed to say that I am heading out to go to Bible study this morning. What are you up to?

 

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 114.

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“M” – Blogging A to Z

April 15th, 2015 dsisler

 

It’s April 15. Half way through April and that means we are going to talk about the letter “m” today. In her article,[i] Ms. Marquez tells us that when we make our bed each day, we are able to “enhance our sense of order” and by doing so we are calmed. It’s a little win, but it is valuable for our happiness.

 

mThis may seem like a little thing. But if this simple task can bring happiness, why not try it?

 

There is a beautiful encounter recorded in John 5 between Jesus and a man. The setting is the Pool of Bethesda. I love John’s detail of the actual pool. It’s location. Its name. It’s design. It’s use. The only real useful information in the first few verses of this passage is the use of the pool. For healing. And that is where Jesus wound up for this healing moment.

 

The man Jesus encountered didn’t know who Jesus was. But when Jesus asked if the lame man wanted to get well, this man jumped on the chance to be healed. But he assumed that Jesus would stick around to lower him into the pool. That wasn’t the case.

 

Okay, this is it. This is when Jesus asked this man to make his bed. Jesus’ actual words were to “pick up your mat and walk,” but these little words had a huge impact upon the life of this man.

 

In an instant, or as Scripture says, “at once,” the man was cured. And, he picked up his bed and walked. He made his bed!

 

This miracle changed this man’s attitude from hopelessness to anticipation. From disappointment to excitement. From despair to rejoicing. What a marvelous gift was given to this once crippled man. The ability to lead a normal life.

 

From this point forward, this man wouldn’t need assistance for anything. He could become independent. He could do as he pleased. To do. To go. To be. What a happiness booster.

 

That was an important part of this story, but not the most important part. Jesus met up with the man later on and gave him an even greater gift. The gift of forgiveness. The gift of salvation. The gift of eternal life. Wow! An even bigger happiness booster!

 

Once again, the man could do, go or be anything he wanted, but now with a greater purpose. To tell others of the Man who had healed him and forgiven his sins.

 

I imagine if we had this same sense of purpose, this same spiritual healing, that we might find our happiness and attitude boosted. At least it should.

 

Perhaps you are lying by the pool, just waiting for spiritual healing. If so, look to Jesus. He’s standing there waiting. Perhaps it’s time for you to say “yes” to Jesus and pick up your mat and walk.

 

Perhaps you’ve lost your purpose in life. The excitement of being a believer in Christ has dwindled. If that’s the case, why not ask Jesus to “restore the joy of salvation” to your soul. With a new sense of purpose, you’ll find your spirit lifted.

 

Making a bed may seem like a little thing, but to this lame man in John 5, it was everything. I pray you’ve made your bed today.

 

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 114.

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“L” – Blogging A to Z

April 14th, 2015 dsisler

Happy Tuesday morning to you! Thank you for stopping by and checking out Full Measure of Joy. It’s always a pleasure to see your smiling face!

 

lToday I continue with my blogging challenge of working through the alphabet and writing about a specific letter. The letter today is “l.”

 

From the article “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today,”[i] by Jennifer Rainey Marquez, she mentions that one way to boost your attitude or happiness is by getting outside into the light. Apparently, people who increased their exposure to sunlight or bright lights were less likely to argue and they felt happier.

 

I love the sun. As a younger version of myself, I enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and allowing the sun to change the color of my skin. I could feel it. I now know it was bad for me. I now know there are some bad things that come with sunshine. But back when I didn’t know better, that feeling was wonderful.

 

Now, I know the importance of sunscreen. I know how dangerous the sun can be. But I also know there are great benefits to the light it sheds and the power it has to boost our attitudes. So there must be balance when it comes to spending time in the sunshine.

 

A safer form of light that is available to us to change our attitude and boost our joy is Jesus Christ. In Scripture, Jesus refers to Himself as the Light of the world. John 8:12 (NIV) tells us that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

If you’ve ever walked down a dark path or tried to make your way across a dark room you know how difficult it can be. Perhaps you felt uncertain. Disoriented. Cautious. Fearful.

 

But with the flip of a switch or lighting of a single flame, all of the darkness fled. Your ability to see clearly helped you to get to your destination safely.

 

Sin can have that same affect on our lives. Sin is burdensome. Sin causes us to be uncertain. Sin disorients us. Sin draws out our greatest fear.

 

But when Jesus, the Light of the world enters our lives, the darkness of sin disappears. All that accompanied sin is gone. We are able to see ourselves in a new Light. As a valuable, precious child of the King. Now that is an attitude booster!

 

Are you tired of living in the darkness? Are you ready to turn your life over to the Light? I pray that if you find yourself in this situation today that you will not stop until you’ve found someone to help you live in the Light. Jesus is waiting. Jesus is calling. Jesus wants you to live abundantly. Why not ask the Light of the world to enter your heart today?

 

To conclude, I want to share one more passage of Scripture about the Light. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7 – NIV)

 

Care to take a walk in the Light with me?

 

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 114.

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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.

  • 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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