Happy, Happy Birthday!

August 21st, 2014 dsisler

 

I’m so excited for today. My Dad will be arriving later this afternoon for a visit. It’s my gift to him for his 80th birthday and not only these be good days for us, but he gets to see his grandkids and great-grandkids. What a week we’re going to have!

 

BalloonsToday is also my oldest child’s birthday. 32 years ago I set off into the unknown world of motherhood and all that goes along with it. The ups and downs. The pleasure and pain. The hours of tears (happy and sad). The defensiveness. The thankfulness. The pride. The joy of motherhood. I cannot tell you what this little guy meant to me then and what he means to me now. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Philip’s mom. Love you so much!

 

And on Saturday I get to do it all over again! 29 years ago I was preparing for the delivery of my second child, Candace. What a journey we’ve had. I’m so proud of the young woman that you are. You bring joy to my life each day and I love the hours and hours we spend chatting about nothing at all, as well as the important things in life. I wouldn’t trade a single day of being Candace’s mom. Love you too!

 

You may be wondering why I’m talking so much about Saturday. Well, it’s because I’m going to give you a week filled with re-posts. Music reposts! Time with Dad and my kids is pretty precious, so I want to spend as much time with them as possible over the next 7 days. I’m sure you understand.

 

These are great times and days for me, but I know I’ve had my fair share of discouraging days. Perhaps that’s where you are today. If so, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement from King David’s life.

 

God’s succession plan for King Saul included a young shepherd named David. Out of all the men in the kingdom, David was God’s choice. That must have been encouraging to this young lad.

 

As David matured and eventually took over the throne, he had opportunities to be great. He slew a giant. He conquered armies. He drew attention to God. He danced before the Ark of the Covenant. David knew great times.

 

But David also knew the pain of a rebellious child and even the death of a child. David lost his throne for a while and even had stones thrown at him. But far worse than any of these situations, David sinned, which meant that David was separated from God.

 

So you can imagine the agony in David’s heart as he wrote Psalm 51. After the prophet Nathan called David out for his sin, David repented and begged God to forgive. David knew of God’s compassion and unfailing love. This was one occasion that David was able to experience it firsthand.

 

David’s words in Psalm 51:12 (NIV) are those of encouragement. When we are at our lowest point, at our weakest we too can ask for this restoration. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

 

Is your spirit willing? Do you find joy in God’s salvation? Will you allow God to sustain you? Have you lost the joy in your life? From what do you need restoration?

 

If you are willing, God is able. That’s the encouragement I share with you today. Why allow another day to go by of utter despair? Why not run to the One who is able to restore completely? When the day concludes, I pray that you will know the joy and restoration that only God is able to provide.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Peabody

August 20th, 2014 dsisler

 

My husband and I were heading east on Highway 52 last evening. We were chit chatting and listening to the Colorado Rockies play. We each noticed something off to the side of the road. I thought it was a tire alligator (you know, those large pieces of tire that remain after a semi has a blowout). My husband thought the same.

 

PeacockHowever, as we passed this object, we were surprised. It was a peacock! Just standing by the side of a busy road in the middle of nowhere.

 

I immediately said, “turn around…I have to get a picture of this!”

 

We turned around and located this strange bird. He must reside nearby, because we found him walking along a driveway.

 

This beautiful, graceful creature seemed out of place and yet, he acted as if it was the most natural place for him to be.

 

I believe we find ourselves in similar situations. At work, we’ve been talking about a speaker we heard last week at a leadership conference named Susan Cain. She has written a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.

 

Each of us is called to be light in this dark world and share the Gospel with those who need to hear it. But for the introvert, this may be very difficult. For the introvert, it may be impossible.

 

So how do we, as introverts accept the challenge?

 

We must rely on God’s Spirit. I believe an introvert is the very example of many verses of Scripture we use to get through our day.

 

For instance, take Paul’s word from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV). “But he said to me, ‘my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’…when I am weak, then I am strong.” Perhaps as an introvert I can’t do it on my own, but with God’s grace and strength, I can.

 

Philippians 4:13 (NIV) is another verse introverts cling to. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” An introvert may not be able to approach his or her neighbor on their own, but with God’s strength it’s possible.

 

And take a look at Moses when God asked him to lead Israel from Egypt. He was in a desert with sheep. He had a speech issue. He did not want to be the center of attention. What did God tell Moses? “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12 – NIV) Those five words gave Moses the confidence to stand before Pharaoh. These are confidence building words that each of us can hold tightly.

 

I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. What I am saying is that when we feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, we need to listen. We need to obey. We need to trust. It’s in those moments that we will find God’s confidence to move.

 

It was exciting to see this beautiful peacock last night. I can’t wait to see him again. I believe I shall name him Peabody…because I can.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The “Hood”

August 19th, 2014 dsisler

 

When my husband and I first married, he lived here in Colorado while I lived in Ohio for 18 months. In those 18 months, we spent a lot of time in communication through email, web cams, and telephone conversations.

 

neighborhoodsWe talked a lot while he was on his way home from work and each day as he neared the house, he would stop to get the mail. On a few occasions he would try to explain these strange mail boxes that held a couple dozen smaller boxes for individuals. I could not understand it.

 

You see, I had never lived anywhere where the mailbox was not attached to the house or at the road at the end of your driveway. It wasn’t until my first visit to Colorado was I able to understand the mailbox clusters he had described over and over to me.

 

Now, I’m accustomed to not seeing my mail carrier or my neighbors.

 

It seems to me that our little neighborhoods with mailbox clusters and three car garages have removed the “love your neighbor” element from our lives. How sad.

 

Just last night after dark, our doorbell rang and my husband made his way to the front door. Before he even reached the door, a young woman began speaking. She apologized for bothering us. It was our next door neighbor. She was distraught. Her sister had gone missing.

 

I immediately went outside and spent a few moments with this young gal. I comforted her. I hugged her. I cried with her. I told her to let me know if there was anything they might need. I felt helpless.

 

She apologized for bothering us.

 

How messed up our society is when we feel like we can’t ask a neighbor for a favor. Or share a problem. Or simply get to know one another.

 

What I do know is that Jesus asked us to be a light in our neighborhoods and to be a source of hope for those who have none. Jesus asked, no He commanded us to love our neighbors as we’d like to be loved.

 

We miss so much in our little neighborhoods. My neighbors didn’t know my grandson died. Only a handful knew of the death of Pat next door. I don’t know what’s happening with the young family across the road. So, I applaud my neighbor who asked for help. She stepped out of her comfort zone and broke the code of conduct in our little world.

 

I don’t have all the answers, but I do know what Jesus said about loving our neighbors. Regardless of who they are, what they believe, or what nationality they are we are to love them. Where there is hurt, we are to give assistance. Where there is discord, we are to offer peace. Where there are grievances, we are to forgive. Where there is hate and bitterness, we are to love.

 

If you haven’t read the Parable of the Good Samaritan in a while, perhaps this is the perfect day to do so (Luke 10:25-37).

 

Please keep my neighbors in your prayers today. Pray that their daughter will be found safe. Pray that she will return with an open heart to go back on her medication. Pray for peace in the hearts of those who are waiting for her return. But above all, pray that they will see Jesus through me.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“My Heart is Yours” – Monday Musical Musings

August 18th, 2014 dsisler

 

Last Thursday and Friday I was able to attend my first Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. What an amazing two days! I’ve been to a lot of conventions and conferences in my lifetime. I am rejuvenated. I am refreshed. I am revitalized.

 

IMAG1492One of the wonderful elements to conventions and conferences is the music. I am drawn to a good praise song that leads me to the feet of Jesus. I love surrendering my life to Jesus’ hands through uplifting lyrics. I enjoy glimpsing the heart of a songwriter through their music.

 

I must say, this conference did not disappoint in the music department. We sang some worship tunes and there were a few special numbers that were amazing. And each time the music started, we were led a little closer to Jesus. Now, isn’t that what it’s really all about?

 

One song we joined together to sing was from Passion earlier this year. “My Heart is Yours” offers Jesus the part of us that we tend to harden or close off. It’s the part of us that has been hurt. It’s the part of us that can be tenderer than we want others to know. It’s the part of us that when Jesus gets hold of He is able to do some remarkable things.

 

So today, let’s offer our hearts to Jesus. Let’s see what He wants to do with it. Let’s surrender the hurt, the hardening, the burdens that we enclose within that little place we call our heart. Let’s trust that Jesus will use us in ways we never believed possible. Let’s give Jesus our hearts.

 

“My Heart is Yours”

 

I give You my life
I give You my trust
Jesus
You are my God
You are enough
Jesus

My heart is Yours
My heart is Yours
Take it all
Take it all
My life in Your hands

I lay down my life
And take up my cross
Jesus
For You are my God
Whatever the cost
Jesus
For You, Jesus

All to Jesus I surrender
All to You I freely give
I will ever love and trust You
In Your presence I will live[i]

 

You’ll want to listen to this song today, so click here to do so!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “My Heart is Yours,” Words and Music by Kristian Stanfill, Jason Ingram, Brett Younker, and Daniel Carson, worshiptogether.com Songs, Six Steps Music, Sony ATV Timber Publishing, Open Hands Music, 2014.

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Here I am to Worship

August 17th, 2014 dsisler

 

Another beautiful Sunday morning has arrived. For the first time in weeks, the mountains have no haze or clouds covering their majesty. It is a gorgeous site!

 

I was thinking this morning of the unique situations I’ve been where I’ve drawn closer to God through worship. I’ve worshiped in a small chapel on a mountainside. I’ve blessed the Lord in a multi-country, multi-religion, multi-worship style church in SE Asia. I’ve praised the Lord with family on the Gulf Coast. I’ve even worshiped God in a preschool as my Mom played a perfectly pink piano; gerbils were running on their wheels, walls plastered with alphabet and cartoons (this is a blog post in itself).

 

It doesn’t matter where we worship or who we worship with, what matters is where our heart is. What matters is to whom we are being drawn. When our attention is focused on God, we are in a worshipful place.

 

Have you worshiped God in a unique place? Tell me about it. I’d love to hear your story.

 

We are up to the letter “E” in my blogging from A to Z challenge. Enjoy!

 

Eagles – Blogging from A to Z

 

Eagles 050On Sunday afternoon, we were sitting out front of our home watching the grandkids ride their bikes. This is one of my favorite things to do because I know the weather is getting warmer and soon it will be summer and because it reminds me of how quickly time flies. My grandchildren are growing far too quickly!

 

We saw another amazing sight as we sat there however that took us all by surprise. Above us, just at house height, one American Bald Eagle flew by. And before we could really comprehend what we had just seen, another one flew along the same path. Two American Bald Eagles within seconds of one another. Of course, it was far too fast for anyone to pull a camera out to take a shot. But the image is in my mind. And it was very cool!

 

Since we’ve lived in Colorado, we have been able to see this great animal on several occasions. On one of those occasions, there were a large number of Bald Eagles in one location. My husband was able to take some great shots of these animals during this sighting and they are some of my favorite photos he’s ever taken.

 

These majestic animals are only found in North America and are the United States of America’s national bird. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem for America. Many symbols in America contain an image of the Bald Eagle and many artists have combined a Bald Eagle with our American Flag.

 

Bald Eagles can range in size from 30 to 37 inches with a wingspan from 72 to 90 inches. Their average weight is 10 to 14 pounds. Their eyesight is at least four times better than a person with perfect vision. Their beak has a hook at the tip that is used for tearing its food. And with their talons, they are a formidable foe. They are able to lift about 4 pounds and are a powerful and aggressive bird.

 

There are instances in Scripture where an eagle is mentioned. Some are in relation to Israel’s eating regulations. Eagles were strictly forbidden due to their unclean nature (Leviticus 11:13; and Deuteronomy 14:12).

 

On some occasions, eagles are used to show how other nations would swoop down and attack Israel (Deuteronomy 28:49; Job 9:26; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Hosea 8:1; and Habakkuk 1:8).

 

Then we also see eagles represent swiftness (2 Samuel 1:23; Jeremiah 4:13; and Lamentations 4:19).

 

Several passages speak of the eagles great wings and how it related to past and future events (Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 17:7; Revelation 12:14).

 

Ezekiel, Daniel and John captured visions that included great eagles. They each represent power (Ezekiel 1:10; Ezekiel 10:14; Daniel 7:4; Revelation 4:7).

 

I believe however, that two passages where an eagle is mentioned will be more familiar to you than any I’ve mentioned so far. In these passages, we see an eagle in relation to renewed strength.

 

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5 – NIV)

 

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you are running on empty today. If so, God is there waiting to renew your spirit and strength. He is able to lift you up so that you may soar.

 

You can see from these verses that God is able to do many things for us besides renewing our strength however. God forgives. God heals. God redeems. God crowns. God satisfies.

 

And what are we to do to receive these blessings? Praise the Lord. Don’t forget all the benefits we have in God. Hope in the Lord.

 

As we build our lives on this hope in God, all of those many blessings mentioned earlier are available to us. I am thankful to say that I have placed my hope in God.

 

Have you?

 

Why not take this moment to give your life over to God? Why not accept the benefits He is willing to share with you? Why not soar like an eagle? Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help you in this process.

 

Eagles continue to amaze me. My eyes are always on the lookout for these majestic birds. I pray that I will never grow tired of watching for an eagle or take for granted that I’ve seen too many in my lifetime. I pray also that I never take God’s precious gifts for granted.

 

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

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