10-Day Detox

May 8th, 2014 dsisler

Recently I decided to take the plunge and try a 10-day detox from sugar, gluten and dairy. I liked this particular program because I thought it was one I could actually do. And I did!

 

DSC02392mI must say, after 10 days, I felt so much better! No gut issues, a fog-free brain, and more energy than I thought possible were just some of the results.

 

While there were some parts of the detox that were difficult, once I made the decision to give up the bad, it was easy to do so.

 

I wonder what would happen if I did the same thing with my spiritual life? If I chose to rid myself of the toxins that cloud my mind, caused spiritual health issues or zapped all of my energy.

 

For instance if I chose to cut out a specific attitude issue for 10 days, how would that affect my spiritual life? Let’s take Philippians 3:13-14 for example. If I choose to forget what is behind for 10 days, how would that make a difference in my outlook for tomorrow?

 

Or what about Matthew 19:26? If for 10 days I chose to believe that with God all things are possible what might happen?

 

Colossians 3 has an entire list of spiritual guidelines that could be used. A 10-day detox from anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language. In their place add compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Add in a little forgiveness and love and thankfulness for good measure.

 

I know for certain that I am not able to develop some of these spiritual characteristics on my own, but with God’s Holy Spirit, I know it’s possible.

 

I know I have a long way to go in both my physical and spiritual detox. But I also know how much better I feel when I choose to live according to the plan…both physically and spiritually.

 

Are you ready for a detox?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 6

May 7th, 2014 dsisler
Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. I have been super busy over the last few days and I have been in an area where there wasn’t internet access.

 

So for today, you’ll be reading an older post. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Shorthand I

 

In high school, I majored in three areas. Business, home economics and music. I didn’t start taking music classes until my junior year, but took business courses and home economic courses throughout my four years.

 

Through the years I have used the skills I learned in those classes more than I could have imagined. From typing to child care (and everything in between) these were abilities that I would use day-to-day.

 

One of the elements I learned in my business courses was shorthand. We were dictated a letter and then we were to transcribe the letter by typing it. When complete, it was turned into the teacher and what was left of the period was free time.

 

I recall always being the first to be finished. I understood shorthand and rarely made mistakes while writing it down. I was a speedy typist. I could transcribe those letters very quickly. My grades reflected my skill. I received an A+ in Shorthand I (I know this because I have a copy of my high school transcripts in front of me).

 

Jump ahead 30+ years and I must admit my shorthand is a bit rusty. I haven’t used it in years. So imagine my surprise when I pulled out a steno pad and started writing. So much of what I learned came back to me. Oh I’m not nearly as fast as I once was…that will take practice…but the letters, the words, the motions seem natural to me.

 

There have been periods in my life when I’ve chosen to distance myself from God. Busyness, rebellion, even sin have helped with the process. For me, these times never lasted very long. I missed being within God’s protective arms too much to stay away.

 

Each time however, I recall a feeling of normalcy once I returned. The feeling of living within God’s will was very familiar and easy to embrace time after time. I may have been a bit rusty at first, but it wasn’t long before I was back into quiet time with God, Bible study and prayer.

 

When we look at the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) who left all the goodness of home to live in a foreign land. He experienced all the world had to offer and yet when he was at his lowest point, he realized what goodness he rejected.

 

Back in his father’s arms, he knew his mistakes were forgiven. His sense of normalcy had returned. He was once again living within the will of his father. I’m certain he felt unworthy and not-so-good at being a son again, but with the encouragement from his father, he was able to rejoin the family.

 

That is exactly how our heavenly Father reacts to repentance. Forgiveness, wrapped in loving arms, draws us closer to the Father. We rejoin our heavenly family through encouragement and it’s as if we’d never left.

 

I’m thankful for God’s grace. For His desire to have a relationship with me. For the love He abundantly lavishes upon me. For His ability to make me feel special and deserving when I know that I am not.

 

Perhaps you’ve taken a detour on your spiritual journey. If you have, remember the Father is waiting for your return. He is waiting with open arms to embrace and encourage you. He is so anxious to see you that He will meet you along the way. There’s no need to tarry. Simply return.

 

If you have no idea what it feels like to be in God’s arms, maybe it’s time you tried it. God’s grace is amazing. Talk to someone you know who is grace-filled. Let them lead you to the Father through Jesus. And if you have questions, I am eager to help.

 

Shorthand may or may not be part of my future. But what I do know is that I have a future with God. And He accepts me just as I am.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 5

May 6th, 2014 dsisler
Fireworks!

Fireworks!

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next two days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

The Display of His Splendor

 

Each year on the first Saturday in August, my little town hosts a celebration of music. Live bands will be playing on an outdoor stage all afternoon and into the evening. Food vendors will prepare and sell delicious festival foods. At the end of the evening, a glorious fireworks display will fill the sky.

 

Now here’s the best part. It can all be seen and heard from my back yard. I’m not kidding. It’s not close enough that I could throw a stone at it, but it’s pretty close. We can hear the music and the fireworks display is so close that we just sit on our deck and they are right above us. When we hear the first boom, we head out. No traffic problems. No crowds to dodge. It’s just me and the fam taking in a great fireworks display.

 

My daughter is bringing the grandkids up for the show tonight and she’s bringing a friend with her kids. I can’t wait for them all to be here and see how special this evening is going to be.

 

If it doesn’t rain.

 

I’m not being a “negative Nellie.” It really might rain. There’s like a 50% chance that it’s gonna rain and in Colorado, that’s a pretty good chance. How disappointing for all those kids (and adults) who are excited about seeing fireworks tonight for them to be rained out.

 

Life can be disappointing. We set high standards for ourselves and for others and because we live in a fallen world, we meet disappointment on a regular basis.

 

So today I offer some Scripture to help us with our deepest disappointments. The ones that can’t be fixed with an ice cream cone. Take a look at God’s Words for dealing with disappointment.

 

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O Lord, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 41:9-13 – NIV)

 

Friends may disappoint us, but we have the True Friend who will never disappoint. Allow God to lift up you and cover you with His mercy and presence. And then praise Him for who He is and for what He’s done. Disappointment will flee.

 

And we also see in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) how God will not disappoint and that we can be dependent on God. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

 

There are other disappointing circumstances in our lives and we find in Isaiah 61 how God lifts up the brokenhearted and remains close during these disappointing times.

 

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 – NIV)

 

Even in our most disappointing moments, God is there to give us exactly what we need.

 

And then we read Jesus’ words in the New Testament. In this passage, Jesus offers relief from disappointment through His comfort. His rest. His gentleness. His humility.

 

“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.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

 

Life is still going to disappoint. There’s no getting around it. But when we find ultimate comfort in God’s arms, the disappointments won’t seem nearly as overwhelming.

 

I don’t know if there will be fireworks tonight. If there aren’t, I need to have a backup plan. But what I do know is that only God can offer complete satisfaction 100% of the time. I know I can count on Him. I know He is the One to offer complete relief from disappointments. I know I will never be disappointed in God.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 4

May 5th, 2014 dsisler
Big Elk Meadow

Big Elk Meadow

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next three days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Now Strengthen My Hands

 

I must need to learn about hands, because in my Bible reading I came across another passage that spoke of hands. Not the way I wrote about yesterday, but in a different way.

 

Yesterday I shared several passages of what we are to do with our hands. But what I’ve discovered since then is that our hands must be strengthened for the work and only God can give the strength we need.

 

Nehemiah felt the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall while in exile in Babylon. His heart was heavy and with the king’s blessing and God’s guidance, Nehemiah set out to complete this large task.

 

There were many who opposed this and were continually on the lookout to find ways to sabotage their efforts, but this group of workers remained faithful to their task and listened intently to what Nehemiah had to say.

 

At one point, after responding to a letter, Nehemiah 6:9a (NIV) says, “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’”

 

Apparently Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and other enemies of Israel had never seen what God’s people were capable of when God was obeyed, honored and worshiped. They had not witnessed the power that God provided when Israel was faithful to Him. They were in for a surprise!

 

Nehemiah knew exactly what to do. He prayed. He prayed to His God and said, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9b – NIV)

 

When we are going through a task that seems too much for us, we too have the opportunity to ask God for this same strength. When we are weary. When we don’t think we can go any further. When life is just a bit tougher than expected. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

When physical ailments seem to get us down. When we don’t know what to do. When the direction of life isn’t as clear as it should be. “Now strengthen my hands.”

 

All of Israel came to realize that with God’s strength they were able to do much more than what they could do on their own. The walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt in a staggering 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15) God indeed strengthened their hands.

 

God can be our source of strength as we go through this life. Look at these verses to see other ways God strengthens us.

 

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” (Psalm 28:7a – NIV)

 

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – NIV)

 

“I pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:16-17a – NIV)

 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV)

 

The strength we receive through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is unlimited. When we ask for it, we’ll receive it. When we are open to receiving it, we’ll use it for God’s glory. When God showers us with His strength, nothing is impossible. I am so thankful for the strength I receive through God. I pray that you know this same thankfulness.

 

Maybe God isn’t asking you to build a wall today, but He has probably called you to something that you don’t feel up to or adequate. But know this, if God calls you to it, He will provide the means to accomplish it. Don’t hesitate. Allow Him to do the leading and give you the strength. He will strengthen your hands.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Kentucky – Day 3

May 4th, 2014 dsisler
Colorado Sunrise

Colorado Sunrise

I’m in Kentucky for a quick family reunion and then clearing out the remaining items of my great aunt’s home. It’s been a busy time and there hasn’t been internet access.

 

So for the next four days, you’ll be reading older posts. I pray that you will find great comfort and exactly what you need through the words on Full Measure of Joy. It’s such a pleasure to write for my Lord.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

Just What We Need

 

As I sat outside this morning, it was dreary. Overcast. No hint of sunshine. But this dreariness is not weather related. It is a smoke-filled sky that is hiding the sun from our state today.

 

With three large wildfires (and a few smaller fires) burning in Colorado, we are experiencing some ugliness that goes with living in a state filled with beauty. Low moisture, high temperatures and lightning strikes are bringing displacement, uncertainty, and insecurity to those near the burning fires.

 

So with these folks in mind, I want to offer some words of hope from God’s Word. Perhaps they will encourage more than those who live in near the wildfires of Colorado. Because we all know that “wildfire” comes in a multitude of forms. Yes, it may be the scorching flames that are destroying homes and lifestyles, but they may also be an illness, or the loss of a loved one, or perhaps moving from good friends, or difficulties with children.

 

Regardless of the situation, these “wildfires” of life have a way of disturbing our norm. And it’s in those moments when we need to find rest. Peace. Assurance. Encouragement. Love. Security. And I know for a fact that all of these can be found in the throne room of heaven. In Jesus’ tender care.

 

So today, take heart. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33) and all of its “wildfires.”

 

Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:15

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 147:3

 

Mourning

Psalm 30:5a

Psalm 30:11-12

John 11:35

 

Help

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 63:7

Psalm 121:1-2

Isaiah 43:2-3

 

Rest

Psalm 62:5

Psalm 91:1-2

Matthew 11:28

1 John 3:19-20

 

Hope

Psalm 62:5

Romans 8:37-39

Romans 12:12

Romans 15:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

1 John 4:4

 

Strength

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 61:2-3

Psalm 73:26

Proverbs 18:10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Ephesians 3:20-21

Philippians 4:13

 

Shelter

Psalm 91:1-2

Proverbs 18:10

Isaiah 25:4

 

Fear

Psalm 34:4

Luke 12:32

1 John 4:18

 

Direction

Psalm 119:105

Proverbs 3:5-6

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Cares/Worries

Psalm 55:22

Isaiah 43:2-3

Matthew 6:28-34

Matthew 11:28-29

Luke 12:22-31

1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 5:7

 

Assurance

Deuteronomy 31:8

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Isaiah 43:2-3

Isaiah 61:1-3

Lamentations 3:22-23

Romans 8:31

Romans 8:37-39

Ephesians 3:20-21

1 John 4:4

 

Peace

Isaiah 26:3

John 14:27

John 16:33

Ephesians 2:14

Philippians 4:7

2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

If I’ve missed any, please let me know. One of my favorites listed above is Proverbs 18:10 (NIV). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

Regardless of what situation you are facing today, God’s Name is where you will find safety. You will find shelter in His Name. His strength can be found in His Name.

 

I also see that we are to run to Him. So what are you waiting for? There is no time like the present. Find safety. Find security. Find strength. But most of all find salvation through His Name.

 

I have found that I am a collector of pretty pictures containing God’s Word on Pinterest. If you would like to see more of my collection, click here.

May God richly bless you because you chose to be in His Word today.

 

Again I ask for prayer for those who are displaced today and for safety for those battling the wildfires in Colorado.

 

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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