Tradition

December 24th, 2014 dsisler

 

Today is Christmas Eve, and if you’re like most of the world celebrating Christmas, you have traditions. You may have already enjoyed some of these traditions, but there are probably many more coming your way in the next two days.

 

???????????????????????????????I started a tradition a couple of years ago that I am enjoying now. Once women’s Bible study ends for the semester, I allow myself to read for pleasure. But in recent years, I’ve enjoyed reading books about the birth of Jesus.

 

Several years ago I read through Francine Rivers novella’s about the women in Jesus’ lineage. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and of course, Mary. I probably could read all of these during Bible study break, but I chose to read just one. The book about Mary.

 

In “Unafraid,” Francine Rivers paints a beautiful picture of Jesus’ parents, their relationship and the events leading up to His birth. Ms. Rivers herself states, “This is a work of historical fiction. The outline of the story is provided by the Bible, and I have started with the facts provided there. Building on that foundation, I have created action, dialogue, internal motivations, and in some cases, additional characters.”[i]

 

While it is difficult to imagine the emotions that Mary experienced, I do believe Ms. Rivers got one thing right. Mary was confident of God’s words. She knew, maybe the only person who truly knew that the baby she carried was indeed the Messiah. Mary had no doubt that Jesus was God’s Son. Mary knew that God would protect her. She indeed was unafraid.

 

The second little book I’ve enjoyed reading through again is “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story” by G. A. Myers. This little book takes a look at each group of people and individuals in the Christmas story. Including the angels view! It’s just a fun way to look at Jesus’ story through a fresh view.

 

In one section of the book, Ms. Myers writes of the encounter between Mary and the angel. She says, “Assurance quickly replaced her fear as she (Mary) listened intently.”[ii] Mary’s confidence was in God. There was no room for doubt.

 

We too can have confidence and assurance in God’s words. There is no reason for us to live in fear. Remember, over and over in the Christmas story we hear the words, “Do not be afraid.” And we shouldn’t forget the last words the angel said to Mary. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 – NIV)

 

I pray that as you go through this Christmas Eve that you are able to find the confidence and assurance in Jesus. Not just the baby Jesus lying in a manger, but in the adult Jesus who fulfilled the role of Savior of the world. Through Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection all fear is cast out. And for that, we have reason to rejoice today.

 

Have a blessed Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Unafraid,” Francine Rivers, Tyndale House Publishers, 2001, introduction.

[ii] “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story,” G.A. Myers with personalized Scripture by LeAnn Weiss, Howard Publishing Co., West Monroe, LA, 1999, pg. 10.

Share

Wrapping Station

December 23rd, 2014 dsisler

 

My office has been overtaken by my Christmas wrapping station. My son arrives later today and I wanted to keep the main floor uncluttered, so my office was the logical place.

 

???????????????????????????????A large table sits in the center of the room. There are tubes of wrapping paper, tissue paper, and boxes. A large tub holds bows of every color. And who could forget the name tags, pen, scissors, and tape? It’s all here.

 

I won’t be the only person to use this wrapping station. My husband, daughter and my son will all benefit from this localized organization. You see, I do it for them (ha, ha).

 

I wrote a piece two years ago that I’d like to share with you about gift wrapping. Enjoy!

 

Christmas Wrapping

 

I’ll admit it; I have a problem with Christmas wrapping paper. My children believe that is one thing they will receive when I’m gone. My stash of Christmas wrap.

 

I have tubs of paper. Some still in the original packaging. I’ve been known to sneak rolls of the stuff into my house and hide them from my family. I definitely have a problem.

 

I must also admit yet another problem. Each person in my family has a special color or theme for all of their Christmas gifts. So I’m always on the lookout for that special wrapping paper for that special person.

 

This is how it goes. My son’s gifts are wrapped in snowman paper. One daughter gets purple and one daughter gets blue. My son-in-law gets wrapping paper with “joy” on it. My husband Mason receives his packages in my favorite wrapping paper of the year.

 

For the grandkids, they get wrapping paper with Santa on it. My granddaughter gets red. My grandson’s favorite color is orange, so from the beginning I thought orange wrap with Santa was for him…yeah, that was a bad idea. There’s none out there. So I create my own. Solid orange wrapping paper with Santa stickers.

 

With another grandchild on the way, I’ll have to come up with yet another color combination! Maybe my method will go out the window next Christmas!

 

I read a question yesterday that piqued my interest. Who wrapped the first Christmas gift?

 

If you are like me, your first thought went to Mary. We read in Luke 2:7 (NIV), “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

 

But then I read another answer to the question. God wrapped the first Christmas gift. In the midst of the angel appearance, Mary was told “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the son of God.” (Luke 1:35 – NIV)

 

God wrapped His Gift in the womb of this young woman. Oh, I love the picture of Mary wrapping the infant Jesus in swaddling clothes. It touches my “mother’s heart” more than a Hallmark movie.

 

But how much more I love the picture of God lovingly gift-wrapping His precious Son for all of mankind to receive.

 

I must admit I can get caught up in the gift giving and wrapping of those gifts. I must continue to remind myself to focus on the Gift that was wrapped in a special package and was given so long ago.

 

Dr. Seuss may have recognized this fact and stated so in his children’s story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Grinch believed that if all evidence of Christmas was removed from Whoville, Christmas would not come. So the Grinch took it all away. But Christmas came in the same manner it had year after year…without the trappings of Christmas commercialization.

 

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”[i]

 

Yes, Christmas does mean more than packages and bows. It means that God loved us so much that He was willing to share His precious Son with the world, because we needed a Savior.

 

It’s not too late to keep our thoughts and hearts on God’s Gift as we celebrate Christmas this year. No earthly gift could be as beautiful as the Gift God wrapped up for us on that first Christmas. I believe it’s time to unwrap our Gift!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Dr. Seuss, Random House , 1957.

 

Share

“The First Noel” – Monday Musical Musings

December 22nd, 2014 dsisler

 

Phil Wickham’s version of “The First Noel”[i] has brought new life to this Christmas hymn. It’s fun. It’s upbeat. It’s filled with the excitement of that first night.

 

DSC03873mThis hymn has been sung through the ages. Amazingly, the original author of these words is unknown and even the date is not accounted for. Sometime before 1833, someone wrote these lyrics and an English melody was added to create this hymn that has been sung on Christmas eve for decades.

 

So this Monday before Christmas Eve, I pray that you will read through these lyrics with new enthusiasm. But I also pray that your life is not lived anonymously. I pray that everyone you meet knows that you are a follower of the Christ Child. I pray that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 – NIV)

 

Merry Christmas!

 

“The First Noel”

 

The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep
 

Chorus:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
 

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
(Chorus)

 

If you haven’t heard it enough this year, check out Phil Wickham’s version of “The First Noel” by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “The First Noel.” Words: Author unknown before 1833. Original Music: English Melody before 1833. Updated version: Phil Wickham, 2010, INO Records, Songs for Christmas album.

Share

It’s Almost Here!

December 21st, 2014 dsisler

 

I have accomplished much this weekend. Christmas cards mailed, final touches on the decorations, shopping is complete, house is ready to receive guests. Now it’s time to turn to my heart.

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10-12 – NIV)

 

With just a few days until Christmas, I pray that my heart will be prepared for the celebration of the Christ Child. I pray the same for you.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about trolls, car shopping and greeting cards. Enjoy!

 

Trolls

 

My Ford Escape has yet another problem that my husband cannot fix. It needs to head into the shop and so, after eight years and 174,000+ miles, we’ve decided that perhaps we need something a little newer and more reliable.

 

IMAG0282I saw this car…what do you think? Should it be on the top of my shopping list? If you can’t tell, there are trolls plastered all over this car.

 

I have never enjoyed car shopping. I love to look at cars, but please don’t ask me to go and search a lot filled with hundreds of cars to find the perfect one. And as if that isn’t enough, my husband brought me a whole magazine filled with information about cars to look through and choose one I liked. UGH!

 

I do the same thing with greeting cards. I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number and I can’t focus on what I need exactly. So I usually choose the first one I pick up (unless the verse is completely off base). Unfortunately, my husband has gotten some pretty strange cards from me through the years. Some a little more feminine than they should have been. But it’s the thought, isn’t it?

 

Had I been sitting at Jesus’ feet during His dissertations on the “lost” articles, I’m not so sure I would have enjoyed those parables. You know the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15? My mind would have gone to the fact that I don’t like looking for items and perhaps He would have lost me.

 

But then He would have captured my attention when He spoke of the lost son. I can relate to that. Not in my physical life, but in my spiritual life. I would have understood the importance of restoration. I would have been drawn to the fact that one lost is too many. I would have rejoiced over the return of the son.

 

I would have found joy in the fact that the Father waited and accepted the son upon his return.

 

Like the son, I’ve wandered. Gone spiritually where I should never have stepped. Spent some time in the bondage of sin. Found myself lost in the pleasures of this world.

 

But also like the son, when I “came to my senses,” (Luke 15:17) I returned to the Father who welcomed me home with open arms. He has forgiven and forgotten my past transgressions. His grace and love have covered me. And I heard my Father say, “we have to celebrate and be glad, because this sister of yours was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32 – NIV – my emphasis)

 

Oh friend, there is no reason to live in a lost state. Our Father in heaven is waiting with open arms to welcome you. He is ready to share His grace and love with you. God’s forgiveness runs deeper than any of us could ever imagine. Is it time to accept it?

 

And to my Christian friends, if there is sin in your life that seems to have burdened your heart, why not run home? Your Father is waiting for you as well. Accept His forgiveness and grace and you too will come to know the Father’s celebration of your life.

 

Of course I’m reminded of a song. One that you’ll recognize and will able to sing without the benefit of music. Chris Tomlin’s version is perhaps overused, but it still carries the message of finding freedom in Christ and the joy of being found. I can never get enough of God’s grace…can you?

 

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”

 

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

 

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
 

Chorus:
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
 

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this song, you can click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Words and Music by John Newton, John P. Rees, and Edwin Othello Excell. Arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio. Amazing Grace, Public Domain. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), 2006.

Share

Prepare Yourself

December 20th, 2014 dsisler

 

If you have been out and about at all in December, you have run into a bunch of people getting ready for something. That something is Christmas! Some folks love the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. Some become very impatient. Some are rude. Some continue with a smile on their face. Some are just going through the motions.

 

DSCN0060There are also a bunch of people getting ready at home for Christmas too. Trimming trees, decorating cookies, pulling out Christmas china, wrapping presents, addressing Christmas cards and a whole lot more.

 

Yes, there is a lot going on. What exactly are we doing? We are preparing for Christmas. But I wonder, are we preparing ourselves for Christmas? Let me share a few things we should be doing to prepare ourselves for Christmas while we’re preparing our homes for Christmas.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) says, “Pray continually.” While we are buzzing around, let’s be praying. Pray for the single mom who is trying to make Christmas enjoyable for her children. Pray for the grumpy sales clerk who may have been given some bad news. Pray for those in ministry. Pray for our police, firefighters and military who protect us as we’re running around. Pray.

 

We find in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) that we are 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.” While there is craziness going on around us, let’s be mindful of who we are. We belong to God. God’s disapproval of my actions leads me to want to do better. To be better. And don’t forget to be in His Word. Don’t put it aside because you are too busy. Cut something else out, but spend time with God before heading out. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Read 2 Timothy 2:20-22. In these verses you’ll find that we are to keep pure and run from sinful desires. We are to pursue righteousness and faith and love and peace. We are to enjoy fellowship with other believers. Now isn’t this what Christmas is all about? Let’s prepare ourselves for noble purposes. It’s no telling how God will use us in this state.

 

James 1:22 (NIV) says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” It’s not good enough to know what God’s Word says. Friends, we must do what it says. Love your neighbor. Give your worries to God. Be kind and compassionate to one another. These are just a few, but just think of how Christmas could be if we all lived by these commands.

 

And finally 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) tells us “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” If you live by the guidelines above and make Christ the Lord of your life, people will take notice. They will wonder what makes you different in this world of preparation. Well, you know. You have hope in Jesus Christ and anyone who gives their life to Jesus can experience the same. Share Jesus with others. It’s the best gift they can receive this Christmas season.

 

I pray that your last Saturday before Christmas is filled with righteousness and faith and love and peace. Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin