That Dress Re-design Doesn’t Really Have to Happen at 3 AM

October 15th, 2014 dsisler

 

Joy's dressUGH! This is going to be a l-o-o-o-o-n-g day. My body was not ready to get out of bed, but my mind was on the hunt for a fix to the Queen Elsa dress I’m making for my granddaughter. While I believe I’ve come up with a solution, how I wish I could have thought about it with the sun in the sky.

 

I’m tired. Have you said those words before? I know I have. As a young mother with three children 4 years and under, I was tired. But it never seemed to keep me from doing what needed to be done. What I had to do I did. Anything else, well, simply didn’t.

 

During busy times in my life, I was tired. Like gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I created, developed, and wrote VBS programs for years. But it was hard work. By the end of each VBS, I was tired.

 

I was the choir director at most of the churches we ministered to through the years. Easter and Christmas cantatas were busy times for me. Rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, memorizing music. These elements led to being tired.

 

And then there are the times with my family. My children and grandchildren live in Colorado, but my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family all live in Ohio. I live 1,200 miles from my family. When we are together, I want to do everything there is to do with them. I want to be in the middle of it all. When I am with my family, I am tired. But the thing is I wouldn’t change a thing. Being with my family is so good for me. Loving on those I love brings joy to my heart.

 

Jesus was tired on occasion. When He was tired He spent time with His Father. Over and over Jesus can be seen withdrawing from the crowd and praying through the night. It was good for Him. It brought joy to His heart.

 

Jesus also knew how to comfort those who were tired. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus tells the crowd of His plan for being weary. It is one He urges us to try as well. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

How wonderful that we have a Savior who cares when we are tired. How wonderful that it is His desire to take that weariness and carry our load for us.

 

So why don’t we give our weariness to Jesus? Why aren’t we willing to give it to Jesus and accept rest in return?

 

I suspect we are a little stubborn. I suspect we are a little controlling. I suspect we are a little rebellious. I suspect we are a little “whatever your reason for not giving your weariness to Jesus might be” inserted here.

 

Jesus truly wants to take our weariness and burdens. He wants us to find rest. His rest. Isn’t it time to loosen the grip on these issues? Isn’t it time to give them all to Jesus?

 

Jesus’ gentle and humble heart knows exactly what we need. Rest for our souls. And He is offering it all to us. We simply need to accept it.

 

Yes, I am tired. But with Jesus in the middle of my life and my day, I know I can make it through the most tiring of days. I can’t wait to see what this day will bring!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Find the Lizard

October 14th, 2014 dsisler

 

As I worked on my beach room, one element I knew I wanted to display was a lizard or two. If you’ve ever been near the beach, you know these little critters are everywhere! This proved to be more difficult than I thought. Whenever I was out and about, I was on the hunt for lizards.

 

lizard 1I found two lizards that worked, but they weren’t quite right. Then I finally found a bag of 12 plastic lizards that seemed to be okay, so I purchased the bag, brought them home and then gave some of them permanent homes. That left nine lizards.

 

I really thought the grandkids would enjoy playing with them, but as it turns out, it’s become a game of hide and seek between my daughters, grandkids and myself.

 

They hide the lizards and I have to find them. The thing is they are good hiders! I search and search and search each week and sometimes, regardless of how much I look, I can’t seem to find them all. For instance, right now, I have found eight lizards. There is one still hiding in this beach room and I can’t find it! Who would have thought plastic lizards could be as good as live chameleons?

 

lizards

 

Sometimes we find ourselves doing this same thing in our lives. Searching for that “one thing” that will satisfy. Seeking the perfect “one thing” that will bring everything else into alignment. Or perhaps it’s the “next thing” that will make your life right.

 

When we live our lives in such a way, we are always going to be searching. Always looking. Always seeking. Always pursuing.

 

And sometimes in this pursuit, we miss out on the best we could have hoped for.

 

Let’s take a look at what God thinks is worthwhile of our pursuit. The things He believes we should be seeking.

 

Obviously, God wants us to look for Him. Psalm 105:3-4 (NIV) says it this way. “Glory in his name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

 

And Psalm 119:2 (NIV) also says, “Blessed are they who keep his statues and seek him with all their heart.” We must seek God above all else. The rewards are amazing!

 

And what else should we seek? Here are a few.

 

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14 – NIV)

 

“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” (Proverbs 11:27 – NIV)

 

“The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:9 – NIV)

 

“He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21 – NIV)

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

 

“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24 – NIV)

 

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 – NIV)

 

“Flee from evil desire of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 – NIV)

 

This is quite a list. Perhaps if we pursue or seek all of these things, we won’t have time to seek our selfish desires.

 

As we seek God first and foremost, those remaining should be easy to find. They are all qualities of God that keep directing us to Him.

 

What are you seeking today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“We Bow Down” – Monday Musical Musings

October 13th, 2014 dsisler

 

I enjoy listening to older praise music. You might call them the oldies or classics. Today’s melody is one that has stood the test of time and is still as popular as it was when it was written in 1984.

 

IMAG1489Like any other praise and worship song, if we aren’t moved to action by the Holy Spirit, we are just flapping our lips. This particular song says that we are willing to give Jesus Lordship and Kingship of our lives. But are we really?

 

Is Jesus the King of my schedule? My television viewing options? My money? My attitude? My thoughts?

 

Is Jesus the Lord of my comings and goings? My free time? My purchases? My words? My actions? My eating habits?

 

You know you can ask yourself these same questions. If the answer is yes to some, but not all, then there is work to be done.

 

Yes, I want Jesus to be the Lord and King over every aspect of my life, but I find that I am weak. I find that I am lazy. I find that I don’t want to make the effort. So I cave and find myself in the same place I’ve always been. Me being the lord and king of my life.

 

So today, if you’re like me, you need to offer your life to Jesus yet again and ask Him to be the Lord and King over every aspect of your life. It’s easy to talk the talk, but so rewarding when we walk the walk.

 

Take a look at the lyrics to this song and see if it might make a difference in your life today. It has for me.

 

“We Bow Down”

 

You are Lord of the Heavens and Lord of my life
Lord of the land and the sea
You were Lord of Creation before there was time
And Lord of all Lords You will be

 

We bow down and we worship You, Lord
We bow down and we worship You, Lord
We bow down and we worship You, Lord
Lord of all Lords You will be

 

You are King of the Heavens and King of my life
King of the land and the sea
You were King of Creation before there was time
And King of all Kings You will be

 

We bow down and we crown You the King
We bow down and we crown You the King
We bow down and we crown You the King
King of all Kings You will be[i]

 

You’ll want to listen to Twila Paris sing this beautiful melody and you can do so by clicking here. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “We Bow Down,” Words and Music by Twila Paris, Singspiration Music, 1984.

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Fullness of Joy

October 12th, 2014 dsisler

 

I’m sure you’ve heard this verse before. “You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11 – NASB)

 

Do you believe these words? Do you wait for God to make the path of life known to you? Do you find great joy in His presence? Are you grasping God’s right hand?

 

We have the opportunity each day to personally bask in these precious gifts from God, but on Sunday morning, we are able to enjoy these gifts with our fellow believers in Christ.

 

I pray that you make the time to be in corporate worship this morning. What joy you will find!

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about my kitchen. Enjoy!

 

Kitchen – Blogging A to Z

 

I’ve already mentioned during this challenge that I love to cook. Which could only lead to the fact that I love being in a kitchen. Any kitchen. I am comfortable within the confines of the cabinetry, cutlery, and cookware (oh wait, this isn’t “c”).

 

My kitchen

My kitchen

When we built our home eight years ago, I wanted a gourmet kitchen that was all white with red walls. I got my wish. I wouldn’t change a thing. I can see the dirt, spills, and drips down the front of cabinetry with ease. It stays pretty clean.

 

I am also comfortable in our church kitchen (at LifeBridge). I’ve prepared many meals in that great space. In fact, there is an event coming up in two weeks where I’ll be preparing my delicious Swiss Chicken (click here for the recipe) for our 50+ crowd. We are expecting around 160!

 

Yes, I love being in a kitchen. But sometimes I get distracted by being in the kitchen. I miss building relationships with those attending events. I easily get distracted with the preparations that I miss opportunities to minister. I miss conversations. The kitchen can become my hide-out if I’m not careful.

 

And I am capable of missing other things because of distractions (not just the kitchen).

 

I’ll be focused on my study time and then my mind begins to wander. I’ll remember something else I wanted to do. Or I’ll read a verse of Scripture and think, “I could use that in a blog post.” Or an interruption will draw me from my study time and it then becomes more difficult to return.

 

The same can be said of my prayer time. I’ve learned through the years that unless I physically speak my prayers, chances are pretty good that I’ll end up being distracted by something and then my prayer time with God is disjointed.

 

But I know I am not alone in this dilemma. The distractions of this world and life have kept many from spending time with God and accepting what He has to offer.

 

Martha was one such woman. Martha loved being in the kitchen too. Martha and her family had a close relationship with Jesus. Apparently, close enough to make a complaint about her sister to Jesus.

 

Jesus was passing through town with His disciples. Martha opened her home to the group. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master, while Martha was busy preparing a meal and their home for their guests.

 

Martha wasn’t happy with the way Mary was behaving. And she told Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b – NIV)

 

Jesus’ response was priceless. “Martha, Martha.” (Luke 10:41a – NIV) Now this wasn’t the end of Jesus’ response, but it sure conveys the message Jesus wanted us to get.

 

“Donna, Donna. Why are you worried about this particular thing?” “Donna, Donna. Really? You made the same mistake again?” “Donna, Donna. What were you thinking?” “Donna, Donna. Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Yes, I can hear Jesus saying these same words to me. “Donna, Donna.” (You can insert your name here anytime you want.)

 

For Martha, while in the kitchen she had been “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40a – NIV) And by being distracted, she missed the message.

 

Jesus continued with His response in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

Mary chose the better. Mary got the “one thing.” She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His words. To know that her life would be different because of knowing this Man. She knew in that moment that her spiritual needs far outweighed her physical needs.

 

What lessons to learn from Mary!

 

The distractions of our lives don’t even have to be something we like. It doesn’t have to be something we’re usually drawn toward. If we are not careful, anything can distract us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing.

 

Isn’t it time we realize that our spiritual desires need to take precedence over our physical desires? Isn’t it time to realize that Jesus can make all the difference in our lives? Isn’t it time that we understood the “one thing?” I say yes.

 

My mind must stay focused. My heart must be in tune with God. My actions must show that nothing can distract me from listening to Jesus.

 

I don’t like hearing the words, “Donna, Donna.” What about you? Are you willing to be undistracted? I pray that you will come to the understanding that Jesus wants us to listen and hear His message and that He is more important than any distraction.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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153 Years Ago

October 11th, 2014 dsisler

 

Do you know how long ago 1861 is? That is 153 years ago. That’s a long time ago. Like when there were no cars or no electricity or microwave ovens. There were no cell phones or computers or even the World Wide Web (a.k.a. the internet). It was the year the civil war started.

 

September 2011 (24)It was also the year that Boulder County was established and the first sheriff (William A. Corson) of the county was named. I don’t know how many men served under Sheriff Corson and I really don’t know why this caught my attention, but when I saw this on a Boulder County Sheriff’s car, I thought it was impressive. I also thought of these sheriff’s riding around on horses in the wild west…kind of like Matt Dillon (yes I know he was a marshal, but the same idea).

 

1861 is very foreign to us today. Perhaps that is how Paul felt when he arrived in Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Scripture actually tells us that Paul was “greatly distressed.” Athens was full of idols and the people “spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.”

 

Perhaps brainstorming sessions work. I’ve recently heard that they aren’t as effective as they have been built up. But from the looks of it, they’ve been going on for years, centuries actually. And up until Paul showed up in Athens, the men of Athens had nothing of value to discuss.

 

Paul’s message to the Athenians was that God created this whole world so that mankind would “seek Him and perhaps reach out for him and find him.” (Acts 17:27)

 

This is such an appealing verse. Simply seek and find the One in whom we “live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

 

The folks of Athens wanted to hear more of Paul’s “strange ideas.” Some sneered, but some believed.

 

Perhaps we try to make God’s message too complicated. Paul shared God’s plan of salvation in nine verses. This sermon was to a group of unbelievers, scholars, thinkers, and idol worshipers. Not so different from those we come in contact with in our world today.

 

Whether it’s 51 A.D., 1861, or 2014, the Gospel message is still the same. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Who do you know that needs to hear Jesus’ message today?

 

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

  • 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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