And Another One

February 22nd, 2014 dsisler

I am in the process of making yet another decision. I love that God has opened up opportunities for me. And when the opportunities fulfill some of my greatest desires, I’m even more excited.

 

CCHowever, this decision needs to be made quickly and I’m in a busy place in my life right now, so I don’t have the time I feel that I need to make the perfect decision. So maybe there isn’t a “perfect” decision.

 

What I do know however, is that God is with me through the process and if He works it all out, I will be able to share about an upcoming journey that I absolutely love.

 

Until then, please pray for me. I need wisdom. I need guidance. I need clear direction. Thank you, my faithful reader for walking along side me through my journeys. You are a true blessing from God.

 

I pray that you will forgive me for sharing this portion of a blog post I wrote in the past. I needed to hear it and read it again. Perhaps you do as well. It is my piece on decision making and while it isn’t Sunday, it is a good reminder to let God in on your entire decision making.

 

Making Decisions

 

Making decisions can sometimes be difficult, especially when it is a decision where it will make a major impact in your life. There have been times when I’ve made these decisions without consulting God. Somehow, most of those decisions were the right ones and something good came from it.

 

It’s only been in the past ten years or so that I have really sought God’s counsel on decision making. I think the difference that comes with seeking God during these times is the peace that comes with the decision.

 

Several years ago, I was making a huge decision. I decided to take a day and spend it in the mountains chatting with God. I found a lovely spot. The scenery was amazing. The weather perfect. With Bible in hand, I sat on a bench, telling God all about the decision to be made.

 

I flipped to the concordance of my Bible to search for verses about mountains…I chose to read Micah 4:2 (NIV). “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” It was a great verse to start with.

 

Allowing God to teach me something was a good step. Knowing that walking in His path would be the result was even better. I knew I needed Him to point me down the right path.

 

Then I read the entire chapter of Micah 4. It’s interesting that the section starting in verse 6 is titled, “The Lord’s Plan.” Could I possibly have found a better passage to read during this decision making excursion? I don’t think so. And I also don’t think it was by accident that I turned to this passage.

 

There were several verses that led me to believe that my decision was an easy one. Yes, there would be some major changes in my life, but I knew God was leading me in that direction.

 

There is one other verse in this chapter that I have held on to throughout these past few years. Micah 4:10b (NIV) – “…for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.”

 

This verse tells me that I must get out of my comfort zone to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone who will listen. It may even be that I am to leave the security that I am so accustomed to. But for certain, the Lord will be with me through it all.

 

Maybe this particular chapter will mean nothing to you. Maybe it’s just a chapter in the Old Testament that has no relevance in your life. For me, it was a turning point. A time when I asked God and He answered me. I do believe I can still repeat Micah 4:2 (NIV). Will you join me? Are you willing to learn what He has to teach?

 

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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It’s Back!

February 21st, 2014 dsisler

When you hear the words “Boogity, boogity, boogity. Let’s go racing boys!” Who or what do you think about? I think of three things. One: there is a race to watch. Two: Darrell Waltrip. Three: my Mom. Darrell Waltrip makes this comment each time a race begins and this is the ringtone for Mom.

 

???????????????????????????????For me, the good news is that those words were spoken last night and I heard those words again as my Mom called after the finish the second Duel race last night.

 

I was at church last evening at a ladies event, so my husband recorded the race for me. However, by the time I spoke with my Mom, I wasn’t at all certain I’d be able to watch these short races before the Daytona 500 on Sunday. So I asked Mom to just tell me what happened. She wouldn’t, but said to just watch the last 30 laps of the last race.

 

So when I arrived home, I fast forwarded through to the last part of the second race. It was exciting again to watch these speed-driven individuals fly around the race track. It was the last lap of the race, rounding the last corner of the speedway. And one of the drivers in front ran out of gas.

 

This caused a bottle neck which led to a huge accident. Cars were spinning, hitting the walls, and one even did a perfect flip in the air and landed right side up. In that split second, everything changed.

 

I wonder if these biblical characters felt the same way.

 

Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-3)

Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)

Esther (Esther 1-4)

Jonah (Jonah 1-2)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3)

King Belshazzar (Daniel 5)

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

Paul (Acts 9:1-19)

Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)

 

These are just a few examples of things going along well and suddenly everything changes.

 

Perhaps you know how this feels. Maybe it was your marriage that you thought was fine. Or maybe your job. It could possibly be an issue with your child or even your church. Everything seemed to be good and then suddenly, something happened that changed everything. Suddenly, there is heartache. Disappointment. Discouragement. Grief.

 

During difficult times, I know I have a heavenly Father who cares for me. I know that Jesus is touched by each difficulty. I know that the Holy Spirit is within me to comfort me. There is certainly no reason for me or anyone to go through these situations on our own.

 

And as a reminder that God does care for you, 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) also reassures us that God does in fact care and that He wants us to lean upon Him. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

 

What wonderful words of encouragement and hope! I am so thankful for a loving God and caring Savior. I am sure my struggles in this life would have been overwhelming had it not been for their loving kindness and caring hearts. God’s mighty hand has indeed lifted me up (1 Peter 5:6) through these difficult times. Can you say the same?

 

Because of the accident, many of the drivers will have to start the race at the end of the field in their back up cars. I’m sure the most painful will be for the driver who qualified 2nd and drives for the Furniture Row Team (a Colorado team by the way).

 

Yes, it’s disappointing. Yes, there are a lot of obstacles to maneuver around. But crossing the finish line will make the end of the race all the sweeter.

 

Racing or life? They’re both the same except that as a Christian we will all gather in victory lane.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Live What I Know

February 20th, 2014 dsisler

One of the Bible studies I lead is taking my group of ladies through Jesus’ parables one by one. We are learning that these parables are relevant in our lives and how we should use some of the principles we’re learning into our lives. It’s been a great study.

 

flameIn the lesson we studied this week, we looked deeply into the lives of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and how we are to watch and be ready for when Jesus returns. While I am anxiously waiting for that day, I know there are plenty of things for me to keep busy with until His return.

 

One of the prayers I prayed this week was that I live what I know. I’ve studied God’s Word for a lot of years. I know where to find specific passages. I’ve used this blog to post most of God’s Word over the past two years.

 

But here’s the thing. If I’m not living what the Bible says, I’m not living what I know.

 

So one of my personal exercises this week was to write down most of what the Bible has to say about what I should be doing while I’m waiting for Jesus to return. Now while I haven’t been through the Old Testament yet, the New Testament has a plethora of commands from God. Care to take a look at some of them?

 

Matthew 5, 6, and 7

Matthew 28:20-21

Matthew 28:20-21

John 15:1-17

Acts 2:38

Acts 2:42

Romans 8:5-8

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:9-21

Romans 13:8-14

1 Corinthians 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

2 Corinthians 4:6

Galatians 5:16-26

Galatians 6:9-10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 4:17-32

Ephesians 5:1-21

Ephesians 5:22-33

Ephesians 6:1-4

Ephesians 6:10-18

Philippians 4:4-8

Colossians 1:10-12

Colossians 3:1-17

Colossians 3:18-25

Colossians 4:2-6

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

1 Timothy 2:1-4

1 Timothy 2:9-15

1 Timothy 4:16

2 Timothy 2:15-16

Titus 3:1-2

James 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

1 Peter 1:13-16

1 Peter 2:13-17

1 Peter 3:1-7

1 Peter 3:8-9

1 Peter 3:15-16

1 Peter 4:7-11

1 John 2:28

1 John 3:7

1 John 3:11

1 John 4:7-8

Jude 1:20-23

 

I didn’t even get into Revelation…but I’m sure there are a few ideas that I might need to include in my life from that book as well. And I limited my perusing mostly through the Epistles…Jesus had plenty more to say about what we should do while waiting for His return. And I can’t even say that this is an exhaustive list from the books that I did scour.

 

What I’d like for you to take away is that there is plenty to occupy our minds with. Plenty of ways Jesus wants us to act while we wait for Him. So let’s do it. Let’s look at this list of things that we know and live them.

 

I pray that your prayer today is my prayer. “Help me God to live what I know.” If we’re doing all the Jesus asked of us, we’ll be ready for His return.

 

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Brownies

February 19th, 2014 dsisler

Brownies. What do you think of when you hear that word? For me, most of the time I think of those delectable, delicious, fudgy goo of wonderfulness that makes my mouth smile. But with the sale of all these girl scout cookies (on every corner it seems), my mind is transported to a different place and time.

 

As a young elementary child, my family lived in a rural community in central Ohio. My dad ministered at the church that was located directly in front of the church parsonage where we lived.

 

UsMy sister and I attended the same school and rode the school bus to and from school together. One day, I rode the bus home alone. My sister stayed after school to attend an informational meeting about the girls club, the Brownies.

 

When I got off the bus and started the long walk down the driveway, I soon realized, no one was home. No car in the driveway. My brother wasn’t outside playing. My mom wasn’t in the house making dinner preparations. My dad wasn’t in his church office. I was alone.

 

For a child, this wasn’t a good situation to be in. For me, it was miserable. As a child, I was easily frightened. I could conjure up horrible scenarios in my mind if I would allow it. I wasn’t brave. I was a scaredy cat.

 

I couldn’t bring myself to sit inside the house or the church. I was alone and frightened and when my parents drove up that long driveway, they found me sitting near the edge of the church building, curled up in a little ball, crying.

 

You know, there are times when I want to do that same thing in my life today. Life has thrown me some pretty lousy balls. And if the evil one had anything to do with it, I would have curled up and given in to my wimpy side.

 

But here’s what I’ve learned through life. That the trials and sufferings I’ve gone through over the years has made me stronger. I’m less afraid of what might happen and more inclined to lean upon my mighty God. I have come to understand that James’ words to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3 – NIV)

 

Now while there are still things that cause me great angst and can scare the begeebers out of me, I know that God is by my side and His strength, wisdom, direction and provision will get me out of any situation.

 

Don’t believe me? Take a look at these passages.

 

Joshua 1:3-9

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 56:3

Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:13

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Hebrews 13:5-6

1 John 4:18

 

My parents felt bad that I had been left alone. My sister wasn’t allowed to join the Brownie troop. I had issues of being alone for several years to come. But had I known then when I know now, how the situation would have been different.

 

There’s no reason to live in fear any longer. God has a solution. He has a plan. He has a way out.

 

Hold on to these passages when you are gripped with fear. Allow God’s love to cast our fear and loosen its grip on your heart. It’s only in Him that we find true bravery.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Friends

February 18th, 2014 dsisler

This may surprise you, but my main floor bathroom is still decorated. Several years ago, I decided to use snowmen as the theme in that bath so that I could leave it up a bit longer than I do Christmas décor. Since we have the chance to receive snowfall throughout the year, I thought these snowy decorations would work well into March.

 

FriendsOne special snowman figurine came from a friend. There are four snowmen holding hands around a tea light candle. At the time, I was close to three ladies and these snowmen represented us sitting around a fire. Unfortunately, time and reality have created a void around that fire, but each time I pull those figures out, I think of Lori, Ingrid and Marcy and the fun times we had.

 

This past weekend, the grandkids came for a visit. My grandson, Percy, who will be three-years-old on Saturday made note of these snowmen figures. He said, “They’re friends!” He got it. He found the message of these four inanimate objects we call snowmen. They were friends.

 

I thank God daily for the friendships He has brought into my life. Penny and Annette. Lori, Ingrid and Marcy. Nancy. These are just a few, but my friendships with them mean so much to me. Each friendship has a different meaning to me, but each are special in their own way.

 

There are a few friendships throughout Scripture that we can make note of.

 

Ruth and Naomi were “in-laws” but their relationship grew into friendship (Ruth 1:16-17).

 

David and Jonathan became friends the moment they met (1 Samuel 18:1-3).

 

Elijah and Elisha found friendship in the common bond of servanthood (2 Kings 2:2).

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego formed a deeper bond in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:19-30).

 

There was a great friendship between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Their relationships were like family (John 11:1-44).

 

The Apostle Paul was close friends of Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3-4).

 

Paul also had a deep friendship with Timothy, whom he called “son” (Philippians 2:19-26).

 

Jesus has a desire to be our friend as well. We read in John 15:14-15 (NIV) these words of Jesus. “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

 

As wonderful as earthly friendships are, my friendship with Jesus must be greater than any earthly friendship. James warned us of what friendship with world means (James 4:4).

 

I pray that you are able to find good Christian friends to help you along this journey we call life. But I also pray that your friendship with God is deeper than any you find here on earth.

 

While I call those four snowmen Donna, Marcy, Ingrid and Lori, my grandson had new names for his new friends. There is Fred and George and Fred and George. These little snowmen represent friendship to him. I look forward to the day when he meets his very own friends in real life and when he meets his ultimate friend, Jesus.

 

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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