Throw-Back-Thursday

June 12th, 2014 dsisler

I’m not sure where or how it all started, but TBT on Facebook is one of my favorite days to peruse friends and family status updates. Whether I knew them “back when” or not, seeing what once was draws each of us into different world. A world that perhaps no longer exists, but one in which we can say, “I remember.”

 

A college freshman!

A college freshman!

So today is Thursday and I will join in the fun on Facebook, but thought I’d share a few blasts from my past here first. These pictures are from some of my favorite times with my favorite people. Go ahead. You can laugh. I did!

 

Remembering can be fun. Throw-back-Thursday helps to transport us to those fun times. I suspect that’s why “vintage” is so popular. Everything from clothing to advertisements, going back seems to bring out the smiles.

 

I suspect that recalling people, places and events gave the Apostle Paul something to dwell upon as he sat in prison. Otherwise, why would he have written such things as “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3 – NIV) Or, “God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:8 – NIV).

 

To the Church at Colosse, Paul wrote these words. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” (Colossians 1:3 – NIV)

 

We also see his great love for the Ephesian believers. “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16 – NIV)

 

Paul remembered. He spent time thinking about and praying for those who had touched him in this special way.

 

Terry, Becky and me

Terry, Becky and me

About a year ago, I received a stack of old photos from the brother of a dear friend. She had recently died and he wanted someone who had a connection to her to have these photos. Terry was one of my best friends through high school and college. These photographs are great reminders of our times together.

 

I was blessed to have two best friends through high school and college. In this group of pictures were some of Becky and me. My heart and mind are saddened by the fact that Becky is also no longer with us either. All I have of Terry and Becky are a stack of photographs and a heart full of memories.

 

I’ve learned through throw-back-Thursday’s to embrace those who have touched my life in some way. What I’ve learned from the Apostle Paul is to thank God for these special people and pray for these folks as well. Something I need to be a little better at.

 

I pray that you’ve been touched in a similar way through throw-back-Thursday’s. Remember those with whom you connected. Pray for them. Thank God for them. And maybe even re-connect. Laugh. Smile. Chat. That’s what friendship is all about.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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What’s Important?

June 11th, 2014 dsisler

Yesterday was a crazy day. Started off with a little excitement and it continued through my day.

 

constructionAs I backed out of my garage to go to work, I was overcome with the odor of gas. There is construction going on in our neighborhood, so I thought they were probably the culprit, but thought I’d call the gas company just to be sure.

 

There were no reports or emails stating a line had been compromised, so the gas company sent out a guy to check on it. I left for work. Candace continued to get ready to go to work. And Mason, who had worked all night, was sound asleep in bed.

 

By the time the gas man Mark arrived, the gas company had received word that a construction crew had hit a gas line. However, as part of Mark’s job, he had to do a sweep around our house. He called me with bad news. We had a leak! It was small, but still it was a leak and as part of his job, he was required to shut off our gas.

 

I told Mark I’d try to rouse Mason and if I couldn’t, I’d head home. He said he’d wait for me. I called and called and called and called. Nothing. So I gathered my computer (to work from home) and left the office. Several minutes into my trip, Mason called. He was up and on it.

 

The rest of my day was busy and emotional. I schedule baptisms. There is a couple who were scheduled to be baptized later in the week but decided to go ahead yesterday. There are some major things happening with this family. And in the midst of their craziness, their relationship with Jesus was most important. Their obedience to God’s guidelines took precedence over anything else.

 

The craziness of my day was put into perspective by what this couple is going through and how they have embraced the important things and put aside the non-important.

 

I’m not diminishing the importance of calling the gas company when an odor is present. We’ve seen far too many homes blown up lately. But what I am saying is that I didn’t have a discussion with God about it. Not my family’s or neighbor’s safety. Not asking Him to help me stay calm. Nothing. Discussion? Not even a little chat.

 

If Jesus asks me to bring Him all of my cares, how did I miss it yesterday? Jesus clearly said, “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 burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

The craziness of my day was nothing compared to the couple I assisted yesterday. And yet, they got it.

 

Thankfully, today is another day. I have another opportunity to find myself in God’s presence and to seek Him when I am overwhelmed by the craziness of my life. If you wish to join me, maybe you can say this prayer with me.

 

Gracious Father, Please forgive me when I forget to share the burdens of my heart with You…big or small. Direct me to You. Lead me to Your truth. Help me to see my weakness and learn to rely on You more and more each day. Show me Your rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Little Dirt Road

June 10th, 2014 dsisler

On my recent visit to Kentucky, Mom and I drove around Sand Hill to take a last look at some of the places our family members had lived. The house where Aunt Lucy lived was pretty much a mess. Aunt Lena’s home was in better condition. But the home of my great grandparents, Granny and Granddaddy had burnt several years back. All that remained on this property was the barn. The front yard was empty.

 

???????????????????????????????As I drove around the bend, I vividly recalled the house. What it looked like on the outside and mentally walked through each room. It was a beautiful walk down memory lane.

 

On down the road was the home my Mom lived in for several years and then my great uncle and his family resided in that beautiful brick dwelling. Visits to Aunt Margaret and Uncle Myron’s included drinking Pepsi from the bottle. I remember that.

 

What I remember most however, was how terrified my sister, my cousin and I were one evening when we had been left behind at Granny’s. There was no light between the two houses and the dirt road was lined with trees. We’d set out down the lane thinking we’d be able to make it to the house…but each time we’d run back to Granny’s screaming.

 

Once we determined we’d never make it to Uncle Myron’s, we thought we’d call to get someone to help us. We picked up the phone and…it was a party line. Someone was having a conversation. So we waited. Tried the line again and the same folks were chatting away. We were never able to make that phone call.

 

I don’t remember how we got to Uncle Myron’s. Perhaps someone started wondering what was taking so long and came to get us. Maybe we grew brave through those moments and walked (ran) ourselves to Uncle Myron’s. I really don’t remember.

 

What I do remember is how fearful I was. There was no danger in the woods or along that road, but the longer we waited, the more we spoke of being afraid, the more our minds imagined, the more afraid I became.

 

I believe it can be the same way in our lives. We can really work ourselves up into frenzy by procrastinating, thinking the worst, or feeding off of other negative people.

 

If you have found yourself in a situation of fear, let’s look at some Scripture that just might help you.

 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 – NIV)

 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 – NIV)

 

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

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 – NIV)

 

As a child feeding off the fear of others, it was difficult to find courage to walk down that road. However, as an adult, I know where my courage and strength comes from. They come from God. As I enter into a fearful situation, I know that regardless of what happens God is with me and He will provide all that I need. My role is to trust in His provision.

 

I enjoyed my walk down memory lane last month. It has given me a new perspective on how that area of this world has shaped me to be who I am today. I’ve come to adore my ancestors. I’m especially thankful for the faithful servants of God who came before me and my Christian heritage.

 

Thanks for listening to my little story!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Here for You” – Monday Musical Musings

June 9th, 2014 dsisler

It’s Monday morning and that means I get to share a song that has touched me in some way. It could be a song from years ago or it could be a song that I was reminded of more recently. Today is one that we sang yesterday in worship and I was given the opportunity to once again share with my heavenly Father how my heart was filled with love for Him.

 

IMAG1492In this worship song, the authors lead us in a better understanding of what we are to be doing in worship. We are to be filled with praise, God’s breath, and His life.

 

Another element of worship we see here is that our hearts are to be open and honest during worship. Nothing should be hidden. As I sit here reading and writing I’m reminded of the many times I’ve not been transparent with God. Oh He knew it, but I wasn’t completely honest with Him during worship. This is a good reminder of how we are to approach worship.

 

We also see that God’s Word brings the dead back to life. As God’s Word is spoken and sung, life returns to those who had no life within. I love how Scripture is able to rejuvenate!

 

And then there is one more thing I’d like to share about this song. It’s actually my favorite line because of the words and the melody. “You are our one desire.” I’m reminded by this one line what I am here for. To desire God.

 

My desire for God is to be so great that nothing compares to it. King David spoke of this very idea in Psalm 73. Take a look at these verses. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25-26 – NIV)

 

My desire for God must be greater than anything this world has to offer. More than anything. But sometimes I forget. Sometimes I get lazy. Sometimes I am selfish. And I put other desires above God. I believe these two verses might be my verses for the week!

 

I pray that as you read through the lyrics and listen to “Here for You” that you will come to a deeper understanding of what you’re here for, why you worship and how you are to worship. I pray that you will allow God’s strength to fill your heart and that you will also say that God is your portion.

 

“Here for You”

 

Let our praise be Your welcome
Let our songs be a sign
We are here for You, we are here for You

Let Your breath come from heaven
Fill our hearts with Your life
We are here for You, we are here for You

Chorus:

To You our hearts are open
Nothing here is hidden
You are our one desire
You alone are holy
Only You are worthy
God, let Your fire fall down

Let our shout be Your anthem
Your renown fill the skies
We are here for You, we are here for You

Let Your Word move in power
Let what’s dead come to life
We are here for You, we are here for You
(Chorus)

We welcome You with praise
We welcome You with praise
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place

Let every heart adore
Let every soul awake
Almighty God of love
Be welcomed in this place[i]

 

Click here if you’d like to hear Matt Redman’s version of “Here for You.”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Here for You,” Matt Maher, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves, and Tim Wanstall, 2011 Said And Done Music, Thankyou Music, Valley Of Songs Music, and Chrysalis One Songs

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Kinda Sorta

June 8th, 2014 dsisler

booksThis is my first blog post from my new office! I’m kinda sorta settled. While my computer and desk are up and ready to go, there are stacks of books still waiting to be placed on their shelves. I have no idea where my coaster is…but an empty CD holder works perfectly (yes, that is a Christmas mug I’m drinking coffee from today). Maybe today I can get a bit more organized!

 

What a perfect day to read about encouragement! I pray that you’ll find something in this repeat blog post that speaks to your heart today. I say, let’s have a great day!

 

Encouragemecoasternt – Part Three

 

I really never intended this to be a series on encouragement, but as it turns out I think it just might be! This is part three and we are not nearly done.

 

I found seven specific passages where Paul was encouraged. Now he speaks a lot about encouragement and I believe those things encourage Paul as well, but these seven passages show how he was encouraged.

 

Over the next few days I will get into the other passages on encouragement. Yesterday we looked at the first three ways Paul was encouraged. Today, we will discuss the last four.

 

So let’s look at these texts and see how we can bring these elements into our own lives to encourage men and women in ministry or on the mission field.

 

Four

Paul was encouraged by physical fellowship, but also by spiritual fellowship. When Paul remembered the people in the churches he planted, he was encouraged by their faith and their faithfulness. In Philippians 1:3-5 (NIV), Paul tells the Philippian believers, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

 

Paul met so many people, started so many churches, and saw so many people come to God for salvation. And yet, he was encouraged by individuals who remained faithful to their salvation. He was encouraged each time he thought of them. What a blessing memories are. What a blessing Christian fellowship is. What a blessing faithful Christians can be to their mentors. Paul knew these blessings and was encouraged.

 

Five

Hearing news from the churches encouraged Paul. Philippians 2:19 (NIV) says, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.” I envision Paul hearing stories from young Timothy of the Philippian Church. Paul would listen and would laugh through the funny portions, clap at the victorious, cry during the painful, and rejoice with the joyful.

 

Paul was encouraged by news from his fellow brothers. Hearing of their day-to-day struggles and victories cheered Paul.

 

Six

Another passage in Philippians shows yet another way Paul was encouraged. “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.” (Philippians 4:14-16 – NIV)

 

This group of believers not only encouraged Paul spiritually, but they encouraged him physically. They gave money and supplies to help with his ministry. No one else did (at least at this point in time). They were the only church who felt the need to share with Paul. Indeed, the Philippian Church was a great encouragement to Paul.

 

Seven

Paul was encouraged by the Church at Thessalonica as well. Their faith and faithfulness brought joy to Paul. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 (NIV) shares the feelings Paul had for these Christians. There are phrases like, “pleasant memories,” “long to see you,” “we were encouraged,” “how can we thank God enough,” and “joy we have in the presence of our God because of you.” In verse 10 (NIV), Paul says, “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.”

 

Paul not only was encouraged by this group of Christians, but he was encouraged that they were still eager to learn. That he would one day be able to continue to share the gospel with them and see even more spiritual growth.

 

As we have looked at these encouraging moments in Paul’s life, we can better understand what encouragement is all about. By using Paul’s examples, how can we encourage those in ministry or on the mission field?

 

How You Can Be an Encouragement to Your Minister or Missionary

Encouragement Four

Give them reason to thank God each time you are thought of. Be a blessing to your minister. Be a blessing to a missionary. Be an encourager.

 

Encouragement Five

Share your news. Send letters, cards, and emails. Whatever method you wish to use, use it. There is nothing better than hearing news from “back home” or from special friends. For a missionary, this is a great life line. For a local minister, it is an encouragement to know what is happening in your life. They want to rejoice with you. They desire to cry with you. They are willing to celebrate the victories. They just need to know about them!

 

Encouragement Six

Support them financially. The local congregation and the mission field each deserve our financial support. Yes, we’ve had some hard times in our economy lately, but we must continue to support the work of God. Whenever and wherever we can.

 

Encouragement Seven

Remain faithful and continue our own spiritual growth. There are four things the early Church devoted themselves to. “…the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the braking of brad and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 – NIV) These four elements will promote spiritual growth within our lives. Let’s stick to them. Let’s remain faithful. Let’s grow spiritually. You never know who you might be an encouragement to.

 

These are the seven things that encouraged the apostle Paul. I don’t believe I’ve missed any, but I could be wrong. If you happen to come across others, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you!

 

We aren’t done with this study on encouragement. I pray that you’ll continue this biblical journey with me over the next few days as we learn how to encourage one another.

 

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.

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