“K” – Blogging A to Z

April 13th, 2015 dsisler

 

Well, we’re back at it. Blogging through the alphabet for the month of April. Today, we will look at the letter “k” and see how it fits into the boosting of our happiness and attitude.

 

kFrom the article[i] I’ve been using for my jaunt through the alphabet, Ms. Marquez tells us that kissing stirs up positive feelings. Whether it’s a smooch or a peck, kissing is apparently associated with comfort.

 

Perhaps this is why the Apostle Paul brings up the idea of a holy kiss in Scripture. On four occasions, Paul said that the brothers should greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; and 1 Thessalonians 5:26)

 

As was the custom in the day, this kiss was their normal greeting. However, Paul differentiated the kiss of hello and goodbye with asking that the kiss be holy.

 

Holy means to be dedicated or consecrated to God. To be holy means to be set apart, separated from sin and impurity. So just as our lives are to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16), our greeting to one another is to be holy as well.

 

Peter mentions kissing in his epistle as well. 1 Peter 5:14 (NIV) tell us to “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” While these are different terms, the meaning is the same. When greeting another brother or sister in Christ, the greeting is to be filled with the love of Christ.

 

In our western culture, we have done away with kissing as a form of greeting. So what might replace this holy kiss in America’s churches today? As I stood in the church lobby yesterday, I noticed the greetings. There were tender touches. There were exuberant hugs. There were hearty handshakes. There were holy greetings!

 

While there are folks and commentators out there that will say we are ignoring this command in Scripture, there are many others who say this was just a piece of advice from Paul and Peter. But I believe that we have captured the essence of these words and are greeting our fellow Christians (and anyone else we encounter) with the holiness and love that we should.

 

I certainly can understand how these greetings would boost our attitudes and even bring a smile to our face. For me, there are certain sisters in Christ who bless my heart by sharing a holy hug. These are the hugs I crave. These are my personal positive attitude enhancers. These are the hugs I seek when I need encouragement.

 

Perhaps you know someone like that. Or maybe you’ve been told that you are the person with a holy hug. If so, don’t be stingy with those hugs! There are people who need that cheer.

 

Holy kissing. Holy greeting. Holy hugging. When we encourage one another with Christ in the middle of it, there will be some attitude boosting accomplished. So let’s get out there today and show the world God’s holiness through ourselves. Just think of how much better the world would be if we allowed Christ to use us in this way!

 

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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A Chosen People

April 12th, 2015 dsisler

 

Good Sunday morning! Just want to remind you of who you are in Jesus Christ this morning. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into this wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

What an exciting message! I pray that you live according to your calling today and every day. Remember God chose you!

 

Today I’m taking a break from the A to Z challenge to bring you an older post about a tree. Enjoy this little adventure and have a great day!

 

A Tree

 

I found this fallen tree in the mountains last summer (see picture). I was intrigued by its position and condition. I had never seen a tree like this.

 

???????????????????????????????I wondered how it had fallen. What had caused its death? Why was the center hollowed out? Of course, I couldn’t give an answer for any of these questions and probably would never know.

 

So now my thoughts on trees moved to Scripture to see how God used trees for examples for us. Here’s a passage from Jeremiah 17:7-8.

 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

 

We can relate the ideas in this passage with our spiritual journey. For the tree, being planted by water with a good root system is the lifeline of the tree. Without the root system that draws nourishment and water to the tree, it would not thrive, and perhaps die.

 

We, too, must be firmly rooted. If our root system, our foundation is not stable, we will not be able to stand up to the pressures of this world. If we are unable to reach the nourishment and the water needed, we would not be able to thrive.

 

Through prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers, we can guarantee that our root system is strong and healthy.

 

With our root system prepared and with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are then ready and able to meet the troubles we encounter. Let’s see what our tree might encounter and what lessons we can learn.

 

1) It does not fear when heat comes. Troubles will come. Jesus said they would. But when we have a complete trust in God, we will not fear the troubles. We might even welcome them, because we mature through these struggles!

 

2) Its leaves are always green. Do you feel “green” today? Green represents life. As a Christian, we have abundant life and as a result of that, we should be green! Our lives should be a reflection of the abundant life given through Jesus.

 

3) It has no worries in a year of drought. We go through times when we feel parched. When our spiritual lives are not being filled because of circumstances or situations. It is during these times we can utilize the deep connection and trust we have in our God. There is no reason to worry during these times…God will take care of it all.

 

4) It never fails to bear fruit. The fruit that we bear shows that our roots are reaching the source. With the Holy Spirit living within us, we are able to strengthen the characteristics within ourselves.

 

The tree is able to stand up against the elements and we know the blessings we receive from trees. Fruit, shade and visual beauty. From this illustration, we can see that reaching deep to the Living Water is where we gain our strength. We, too, are able to stand up to the elements of this world and are able to bless those we come into contact with.

 

As a person who places their complete trust and confidences in God, you don’t ever have to worry or fear. You can be assured that you will always feel alive and bear fruit. Like the tree planted by the water.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“J” – Blogging A to Z

April 11th, 2015 dsisler

 

As we continue through the month of April, we are nearing the half way point. Which means we are ready to tack the letter “j” today. In the article[i] I’ve been following for this challenge, Ms. Marquez suggests that one way to boost your attitude or your happiness level is to journal.

 

jAccording to this article, research has shown that by writing down what you’re grateful for each day helps to make you more optimistic.

 

It makes sense doesn’t it? When we are more focused on what we are thankful for we are less likely to dwell on the things of life we aren’t so thankful for. It’s no wonder books like One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp are so popular. We want to see the best in life. We want to be thankful for what God has given. We want to dwell on the good.

 

In the book mentioned above, Ms. Voskamp suggests that the word for thanksgiving holds a three-fold meaning. The Greek word eucharisteo means to give thanks. Within this word, the word charis is present and it means grace. Also within the word is chara which means joy. Her conclusion is that this word is a key to abundant living. Thanksgiving. Grace. Joy.

 

So just think of the things you could journal each day that you are thankful for. You can write these notes on anything. 3 x 5 cards. A napkin. A journal. Or even text it to yourself. One of my friends writes the things she’s thankful for on slips of paper and puts them in a jar. On New Year’s Eve she reads through the slips. What a beautiful way to start a New Year…by being thankful for all you’ve been given, seen or experienced over a year’s time.

 

It’s no wonder this exercise will boost your happiness and attitude.

 

I recall Paul’s words from Philippians. He knew that we would be discouraged. He knew that we would need an attitude adjustment. So in his wisdom, Paul offered these words through God’s Holy Spirit.

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 – NIV)

 

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

 

What are you thankful for today? Are you willing to take the challenge of journaling what you’re thankful for? It may seem like a little thing, but if your spirit is downcast, this may be the best medicine for your soul. I pray that you will find grace, thanksgiving and joy through Jesus Christ and that you will find abundant life through Him.

 

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” – Blogging A to Z

April 10th, 2015 dsisler

 

Just to remind you of why I’m singling out specific letters of the alphabet, this is the third year I’ve accepted the challenge of blogging through the alphabet. Each day of the month is assigned a letter and our challenge is to write about that letter.

 

iAs I mentioned on April 1, I found an article in Good Housekeeping with ways to improve your attitude or energize your happiness. And it was in A to Z form. I’ve been using this article as my guide for each day’s writing and what a list we’ve covered so far.

 

Today, we are going to inhale. In this article, the author states, “Breath in through your nose for four counts, hold your breath for one and exhale through your mouth for five to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Aim for three mindful breaths an hour.”[i]

 

I don’t know why this works. Maybe it’s because we breathe like we do everything else in our lives. We are always in a hurry. We rarely slow down to enjoy our lives. So it makes sense that our breathing is the same. And let’s face it, if we are breathing at all, we are alive. So why take the extra time and thought to take a deep breath?

 

Because it feels good to take a deep breath. So it’s no wonder that inhaling made the list for happiness/attitude boosters.

 

Once again, the word inhale is not in Scripture. But the word breath or breathe is. So we’ll work with these words instead.

 

Do you recall the first time this word is used in Scripture? If you guessed the full account of when Adam was created, you were close, but we find this word earlier in Genesis. Take a look at Genesis 1:30 from The Voice. “As for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and every small creeping creature – everything that breathes the breath of life—I have given them every green plant for food.”

 

From the beginning of creation, God created everything to take a breath. The breath of life. But then, we read the detailed creation of man. It is in these words that we find the real meaning behind breathing.

 

“One day the Eternal God scooped dirt out of the ground, sculpted it into the shape we call human, breathed the breath that gives life into the nostrils of the human, and the human became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7 – The Voice)

 

As Adam inhaled for the first time that day, he breathed in God’s breath. And in that breath, a living soul was created. I sit here this morning in awe of our great and powerful God who so gently filled Adam’s lungs with His breath. God’s desire for mankind to live and breathe for Him was so great that He was willing to give of Himself. In this small way, we see the generousness of our heavenly Father.

 

I’m using The Voice today for my Scripture references. Not for any other reason except that it kind of stirs things up a bit. The phrases are different than my usual New International Version and in some cases, there is more detail to what the verse has to say.

 

Numbers 27:18a (The Voice) uses a phrase that I love. Take a look. “Single out Joshua (Nun’s son). In him is the breath of My Spirit…” I like this terminology because it helps us to see that life is possible and available because of God’s Spirit.

 

Is the breath of God’s Spirit upon you today? Are you inhaling God’s Spirit deeply and intentionally?

 

If you are in need of an attitude booster, you need to inhale. Inhale the breath of God’s Spirit and in Him you will find transformation. Your countenance will be lifted. Your outlook on life will be changed. You will find inexpressible joy as you breathe deeply of the Holy Spirit.

 

Now. Inhale.

 

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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“H” – Blogging A to Z

April 9th, 2015 dsisler

 

We’ve come to the letter “h” on our journey through the alphabet in April. According to Ms. Marquez[i], a good way to boost your happiness and attitude is to hike.

 

hJust 20 minutes outdoors makes you feel less tired and more alive. Whether it is walking your neighborhood, a nature trail or Long’s Peak, at the end of a hike, you’re bound to be feeling better.

 

Hiking has been part of life from the beginning of time. Apparently, God, Adam and Eve had regular walks through the Garden (Genesis 3:8). Adam and Eve gained a double portion of happiness and attitude lifting. Walking and being with God on that walk. Together they walked in joy and fellowship.

 

Years later, God asked Abram to take a hike. “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1 – NIV) Abram’s prompt obedience is such a beautiful example to us. Not knowing the outcome of this journey, Abram left with his possessions, his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot.

 

During this journey, God appeared to Abram and encouraged him. God guided his footsteps throughout his lifetime. I’m sure there were times when Abram was not happy and his spirit was down. But because God keeps His promise, Abram was given a son in his old age. What a happiness booster! And all this came about because Abram obediently took a hike.

 

The Hebrew nation hiked a lot. They left the Promised Land and went to Egypt to escape a famine, but wound up being enslaved for over 400 years. When Moses arrived on the scene, God put him in charge of getting His people out of Egypt. With an entire nation in tow, Moses led this group on the hike of their lives.

 

Now I must say, this hike didn’t bring the happiness that it should have brought. There was grumbling, complaining and rebellion. This group of people continued to believe their lives would have been better as slaves in Egypt. And since many of this group didn’t trust God’s plan, they never entered into the happiness of the Promised Land.

 

But after 40 years of even more hiking in the wilderness, the remaining Hebrew nation entered into the land that flowed with milk and honey. They enjoyed God’s goodness, found happiness and their spirits were lifted. It was a long hike, but well worth the walk.

 

One last hike I’d like to share today is the final hike Jesus took as He walked to Golgotha. While it was not a hike you or I would have willingly taken, our Lord and Savior took each step without hesitation. Without this walk, we would never know the deep love and grace God has lavished upon us. Without this walk, we would continue to be living in the darkness of this world and not know what joy the Light brings.

 

I don’t know all that Jesus felt on that walk, but what I do know is that I can live with great joy because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. My attitude can change in an instant because of God’s Spirit within me. My happiness is increased immeasurably because of what Jesus did at the end of that hike 2000 years ago.

 

Do you know this joy? Do you know Jesus? If you are still wandering around the spiritual wilderness, I pray that you will stop the hiking and look to the One who is able to lead to a place of rest. Not only will you find rest, but you will find salvation through Jesus Christ.

 

Thanks for joining me on this hike. I pray that your attitude and happiness have been boosted, not because you spent time with me. But because you spent time with Jesus!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “More Bliss, Less Stress: A to Z Happiness Boosters to Try Today” by Jennifer Rainey Marquez in Good Housekeeping.

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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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