Full Measure of Joy

Full Measure of Joy 2

January 3rd, 2015

dsisler

I recently did a quick look back at all the blog posts I’ve written. There are 1,075 of them. Full Measure of Joy is coming up on its 4^th birthday. I’m amazed at how far God has taken me as an author and this little blog site.

I’ve learned quite a bit through these four years. For instance, I was tired. A lot. And I wrote about being tired. A lot. I will try very hard not to mention how tired I am for a while.

I’ve also learned that when I am at my worst, God is at His best. Some of my favorite posts developed because I took myself out of the equation and allowed God to work through me.

And then, where do I even begin to mention all that I’ve learned through spending time each day in God’s Word? The blessings I’ve received through Scripture are too numerous to recite.

I’ve learned new and creative ways to pray. I’ve learned a great deal from building a doll house. I’ve learned that being in my office and sitting at my desk is my favorite place to be. I’ve learned that I can memorize more than I ever dreamed I could before. I’ve learned that every word in Scripture is relevant in our world today. I’ve learned that there are days when I’m not up to the task of living like Jesus did.

Oh, there is so much more that I’ve learned while writing Full Measure of Joy posts. More than I could begin to share. But I believe that because of my desire to create Full Measure of Joy, I have a deeper relationship with my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. My spiritual eyes are wide open to His work in my life and in my world. The hours spent on this little “hobby” have been well-worth the lack of sleep, the study time and at times the isolation from family. To be honest, I wouldn’t change a single thing over the past four years.

I rarely mention the people who have been my greatest supporters of Full Measure of Joy. My husband Mason, who has stood beside me through this endeavor. Without his encouragement, I suspect I would have given up long ago. My Mom, who reads and shares my blog post every single day. My kids and grandkids who have provided many stories to share along the way. The rest of my family who have been beside me along this journey and have listened to my ramblings through these four years.

My web designer, Maria. I pray extra blessings upon this sweet friend. She encouraged me to write this blog and put together the workings of Full Measure of Joy. I love my website. I could never repay you enough for all that you’ve done. Oh, if you’d like your own website, Maria is available for hire. I can get you connected.

I quit looking at statistics long ago, so I don’t know how many readers I have stop by my blog each day. Most people never like a post I share on Facebook. Most people never leave a comment. But I am amazed at how many people stop me along the way to mention they enjoy Full Measure of Joy. So I would like to thank my readers. Those of you who make it a point to read what I write on a regular basis. I am grateful for your faithfulness.

Above all, I thank God who has given me the strength, courage, wisdom, words and blessings to continue with Full Measure of Joy. Without Him, I could do nothing.

Thanks for listening today. I leave you with these words of encouragement. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Day 2 of 2015

January 2nd, 2015

dsisler

I am so excited for what God has in store in 2015. The possibilities are wide-open. There are people to engage. There are places to explore. There are lessons to be learned. There are adventures to embrace.

My greatest desire this year is to follow God’s plan. From the Old Testament, this is what God wanted for Israel and we as believers can accept these as words to live by. “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?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 – NIV)

These verses in themselves are good rules. But there are a few New Testament verses that I believe we can add to these to expand the plan.

Take a look at these verses from The Voice.

“Kill your earthly impulses: loose sex, impure actions, unbridled sensuality, wicked thoughts, and greed.” (Colossians 3:5)

“But now make sure you shed such things: anger, rage, spite, slander, and abusive language. And don’t go on lying to each other since you have sloughed away your old skin along with its evil practices.” (Colossians 3:8-9)

“Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

Oh, there is so much more. Perhaps consider these from Colossians as well. Colossians 3:15. Colossians 3:16. Colossians 3:17. Colossians 3:23. Colossians 4:2. Colossians 4:5. Colossians 4:6.

God has a beautiful plan for our lives and His plan is for our own good. I pray that you are seeking God’s plan for your own life. I pray that beautifully, bountiful doors will be opened for you in 2015. But most of all I pray that you will give thanks and honor to the One who has provided all good things.

I can’t wait for day 3 (and 35 and 261 and 365) of 2015!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Parable of the Trees

January 1st, 2015

dsisler

As I prepare to study Gideon with a group of ladies in a few weeks, I read through his story (Judges 6, 7 and 8). God was able to use Gideon and a handful of men to destroy an entire kingdom of oppressors. I look forward to learning much from Gideon over the next few months.

I continued reading in Judges 9 and read how Gideon’s son, Abimelech had been made king over Israel. Obviously, this was not part of God’s plan and one lonely voice confronted Abimelech and Israel.

Abimelech had had all of his brothers killed (there were 70), but one escaped. Jotham climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and told them a story…a parable. This is what Jotham said.

The trees went in search of a king. They first approached the olive tree and asked him to be their king. The olive tree said he wouldn’t give up his honored oil to be king of the trees.

The trees asked the fig tree to be their king. He too refused and said he wouldn’t give up his good and sweet fruit to be the king of the trees.

The trees then asked the vine to be their king. The vine refused and said he would not give up his cheerful wine to be king of the trees.

Finally, with no other trees to ask, the trees approached the thorn bush. Knowing he was their last resort, the thorn bush told the trees to take refuge in his shade. If they didn’t, fire would come from the thorn bush and consume all the trees.

There isn’t an explanation for this parable, except that it was a prediction by Jotham against his brother Abimelech and Israel. It was a warning that if Israel continued to follow the ways of Abimelech, they would destroy one another. It would be quick and move swiftly through the nation, much like fire in a thick of thorn bushes.

But, I believe there is a good lesson in this parable for us today. Think of all the good things we’ve been given by God. Grace, salvation, eternal life, joy, His Spirit, immeasurable blessings, peace, protection, and so much more. These good gifts allow us to live a good life in Jesus.

However, temptation and the evil one’s schemes draw us away from the good we have in God. We leave behind the good that God has provided in search of what is worthless. We seek the dried up, withered thorn bush over a well-watered tree with honorable, good, sweet, cheerful fruit.

We find a clear definition of this in Galatians 5. Life by the Spirit should not include the gratification of the sinful nature (sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness and the like – Galatians 5:19-21). The acts of our sinful nature can clearly be related to the thorn bush in Jotham’s parable. These acts draw us away from God and shows that we are not living by the Spirit.

However, we find in this same passage what fruit is produced as we live by the Spirit of God. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). These are the characteristics and the fruit that we are to produce. We can liken these characteristics to the olive tree, the fig tree and the vine.

So what is it you are chasing today? The good fruit or the brambles? It’s not just a new day to make the switch, but it is also a new year to make a decision to follow God with a deeper commitment. Regardless of where you are in your walk with Jesus, there is always room for improvement.

I look forward to learning from Gideon’s life and how God was able to use him. I pray that you are involved in a Bible study with a group of believers as well. If not, maybe that’s another decision you could make this year. Whatever you decide to do, do so with God’s Spirit and power directing your path. Keep your eyes open to all the good gifts God has given. They will be honorable. They will be good and sweet. And they will be cheerful.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Watch and Wait

December 31st, 2014

dsisler

As I continue to read the final chapters of Unafraid by Francine Rivers, I realize how difficult it must have been for Mary and Jesus’ half-brothers and sisters to watch Him as He went about with His ministry. To witness Jesus’ rejection by the people in His village. To hear what others said about Him. Even to know that Jesus’ own siblings didn’t believe their story must have brought such pain and heartache to Mary.

But Jesus was about His Father’s business. He was preaching and teaching and leading a group of people into a deeper understanding of God’s plan and will for their lives. Sometimes they understood. Their hearts were open to the message He shared. And then, at other times they did not understand.

Israel had been watching and waiting for the Messiah for so long, many didn’t recognize Him when He stood before them.

On this side of the cross and resurrection, we’ve also been watching and waiting for a very long time for the Messiah to return. How difficult it is for us to continue to watch, but until Jesus returns, that is exactly what we are to do.

There are a couple of other things we are to do while we watch and wait as well. Let’s look at these passages and see what Jesus wants us to do.

Before Jesus came to live among us the first time, the Israelites were told to “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5 – NIV) We can learn a lesson from our Old Testament friends. While we are watching and waiting for the eastern sky to split, we should be seeing what God is doing around us in our day-to-day lives. God is at work. Let’s not be so focused on what the future will bring to miss Him and to be utterly amazed at His work.

Luke 21:36 (NIV) records the words of Jesus as He spoke to His followers. Jesus knew the future of those He loved. It would be difficult, but Jesus offered them words of encouragement to withstand the difficulties. “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Great benefits come to those who spend time in prayer with God. Strength. Courage. Encouragement. Renewed faith. As we find ourselves in difficult times watching for Jesus’ return, let’s not forget to pray.

The apostle Paul spoke fondly of the Church in Ephesus and he loved the leaders of that Church. In his final words with the elders, Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 – NIV) Paul encouraged these leaders to remember. Remember what they had been taught by Paul as well as by God’s Spirit. As we watch for Jesus’ return, we too are to remember what we’ve learned through Scripture, through the teachings of our pastors and teachers and what we’ve learned through God’s Spirit.

And finally, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV) tell us to “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” While we watch and wait, we encounter people who will try to lead us astray. Some will not believe we are speaking truth. Some might even be cruel. But as we watch for the Son of Man to return, we must remain strong in our faith. We must live holy lives. And we are to love those who persecute or wish us harm.

These are just a few things we are to do as we watch and wait. There is still so much work to be done before Jesus’ return. Sitting idly by is not the plan He has for our lives. I pray that God’s Spirit is prompting you to do something. And I also pray that you are willing to do what you’ve been shown to do.

Watching and waiting is not an easy thing to do. I can’t imagine the anguish Mary had to endure while watching Jesus grow into a man. But what I do believe is that her desire to be faithful to God’s plan was the reason she was chosen to give birth to the Son of God.

Let’s not falter in our desire to be faithful to God’s plan. Let’s allow God to use us to fulfill His plan. And let’s watch and wait with baited breath for the return of Jesus. But let’s not forget to do His work.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Another Doll House

December 30th, 2014

dsisler

One of the gifts we gave our granddaughter, Joy, for Christmas was a doll house. Several years ago Mason and I built a large house for her. You can read all about the building of the doll house on the tab above. It took months. There were many hours devoted to its building. There were aches and pains accompanied by moments of glee. It was an intense period in our lives.

That beautiful doll house is covered in our basement. There’s no room anywhere for the precious home. Younger siblings were pulling pieces off of the house, so it was decided to put it away until the grandkids are all old enough to enjoy the doll house.

Now that Joy is older, I thought if we built a doll house together, she would appreciate the time and effort put into the larger doll house. I also wanted to spend time with her. Time to teach her about things in this life and more importantly, about Jesus.

We pulled out the instructions and the pieces and began the work of gluing the windows together. Piece by piece, the walls began to take shape and look like a house.

Joy however lost interest pretty quickly and I soon found myself sitting at the table surrounded by wood and glue. And yet again, I started a new journey of learning about God through building a doll house.

I also know that there are times when I’m just not into my relationship with Jesus. There are times when I lose interest in being with Him. There are times when I’m bored with my spiritual journey. There are seasons in life when it seems impossible to spend any time with God, much less quality time with Him.

So what are we to do? I think our first step is to admit that we’ve allowed our spiritual lives to grow cold. Recognize that we are the ones who pulled back from this relationship. It’s in that moment that you can begin to mend the wrong and get closer to the One who desires to be with you more than anything.

You’ve made the decision to draw closer to God. Now what? Listed below are a few areas that will help you make your relationship with God better.

Bible Study

Ezra loved studying God’s Word and we find in Ezra 7 that he devoted himself to the study and observance of God’s law. He knew God’s law and was able to teach it to his fellow Israelites. When we love God’s Word in this way, it will first make an impression upon us. Then it will be visible to others.

We also see in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We must remember that as we learn from God’s Word and do as it says, we find approval from God.

To study God’s Word we must begin with prayer. Then we are to read a passage. Then think about what God is sharing through these words. Of course, we must also figure out how this passage relates to our lives and then allow ourselves to be transformed by God’s Word.

The more we understand Scripture and apply it to our lives, the closer we will be to God.

Prayer

This one may seem more difficult for us. We hear others pray beautiful prayers aloud and believe we could never speak as eloquently as they. But when we approach God’s throne through prayer, we draw closer to Him.

Remember, prayer is conversation. Conversation with God. You can have this conversation at any time, any place, for any reason. You can speak to God throughout your day. You don’t need to be in a specific location or approach Him in a specific physical way. Just talk.

Now there may be times when kneeling or standing is appropriate. If that is the case, by all means do so. But don’t allow your location to keep you from praying.

Whether it is audible or silent, you can pray to God at all times.

Just like any other relationship, where there is communication, there is a healthy relationship.

These are just two ways to draw closer to God. When we have God’s Words rolling around in our hearts, our minds and off our tongues, the connection between ourselves and God is much greater. When we have regular communication with God the relationship becomes vibrant.

These two areas alone will help take the boredom out of your personal relationship with God. Don’t neglect your time with Him. Don’t look at it as a chore. Enjoy your time with God. He loves being with you!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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About Me
"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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- Full Measure of Joy
- Preach It Clearly!
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- Fire in Pleasant Canyon
Bible Studies & Other Happenings

Bible studies I’m currently leading:

In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.
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