What Do I See?

December 19th, 2013 dsisler

I am nearsighted. Now if you’re trying to remember how this works, when you’re nearsighted you can see things that are up-close but things further away seem blurry.

 

I have tried bi-focals on several occasions, but they just never seemed to work for me. So when I need to read or use the computer, I simply remove my glasses and do my reading. It works relatively well, but it isn’t perfect.

 

When I worked at the bookstore earlier this year, I would find myself taking my glasses off somewhere in the shop, being distracted by a phone call or customer and then having to search for my glasses. It got to be quite funny. I’m sure my glasses were playing a little hide and seek game with me.

 

Now as I sit at a computer most of my day, my glasses sit next to my computer. I try to return them to my face as soon as someone walks into my office, but that doesn’t always happen. I’ve had to explain the whole bi-focal thing on several occasions.

 

DSC02513Within the past few months I’ve had an eye exam. My eye sight has improved! In fact, over the past few years, my eye sight has steadily improved. Well, my nearsightedness has improved.  My far sightedness has remained the same, however.

 

I was actually pretty excited about it. I hoped that one day I would be able to toss my glasses completely. Then I mentioned it to my youngest daughter. She used to work in the optical department at a local eye glass store and she mentioned that at my age it is common for this phenomenon to occur.

 

Wow was I disappointed! Of course, the “at my age” conversation wasn’t all that fun either.

 

I have learned through the years how important eyesight can be. Knowing people who have lost their sight due to disease or accident has helped me to see that this is one sense that I would be disappointed to lose.

 

But what about our spiritual sight. Am I spiritually nearsighted? Am I sometimes too focused on myself to miss what others are battling? Do I see things that are up-close in focus but things further away seem blurry? Yes, sometimes I believe I fall into this trap.

 

If I’m really honest, I might even say that it occurs more often than not.

 

Jesus had something to say about this during the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV)

 

When my eyes are strictly focused on myself or those closest to me, I miss the opportunity to be filled with God’s light. But sometimes this is so difficult to do. So where do we begin to widen the view we see with our eyes?

 

Psalm 16:8 (NIV) shares how David was able to do so. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” We must keep our eyes upon God.

 

We also must keep God’s commands and precepts in sight. Psalm 19:8 (NIV) says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

 

We must turn from worthless things. “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:37 – NIV) Focusing on things that are not important will draw our attention away from God’s purpose. Worthless things will always cause farsightedness.

 

When we’ve set our eyes upon God, focused on His precepts, and turned from worthless things, our eyesight will improve!

 

The passage of Scripture that I have used as the structure for this blog is from Ephesians 1:18 (NIV). “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…”

 

I am certain that each of us would want this for ourselves. For our spiritual eyes to be unselfish. For our spiritual eyes to be healthy. For our spiritual eyes to have 20/20 vision.

 

It is possible. But it will take effort on your part. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to see what God is preparing for you. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to see others before yourself. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to God’s wonderful law and see how His light will shine through your eyes.

 

All this I pray for you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Hugs from Heaven

December 18th, 2013 dsisler

I forgot I had this little book on my shelf. It’s one that I’ve had for several years, but have never taken the time to read through it. It’s a small book and only 111 pages long. You might equate it to a devotional book.

 

DSC03873mThe title is what caught my attention years ago, “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story.”[i] The author takes a few passages of Scripture and turns them into a real story. The story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25 ; Luke 1:26-38). She brings them to life and through the combination of Scripture and quotes is able to create an excitement about the first Christmas.

 

I also find great beauty in this little book. The pages are filled with beautiful artwork that draws the eye toward gold holly leaves and spirals and swirls and calligraphy. Each page offers more of the story and a visual surprise.

 

And yet, there is more. Before each chapter, G. A. Myers shares a little devotional thought to prepare the reader for the next phase in the life of Mary and Joseph. One in particular caught my attention.

 

We celebrate Christmas near the end of the year. A mere six days before the start of the New Year. Perhaps the year has brought disappointments. Disturbances. Emotional stress. Financial difficulties. Unemployment. And this list could go on.

 

With the season of hope that Christmas creates and the possibilities of what the New Year could bring, we can put aside the worries and cares of the past year. We can move forward with renewed hope because of what Christmas represents.

 

We too, like Mary and Joseph, can offer ourselves to God to use in the New Year. We can say, “I trust You, God, because You are faithful.” We can believe God’s Words, “Do not fear; God is here.”

 

I cannot even imagine how Mary and Joseph must have felt during these days leading up to the birth of the Messiah, but to see their great trust in God is so impressive. They took God’s Words to heart and made it their lifestyle. And they were given a treasured responsibility. To raise God’s Son as their own.

 

When we place our trust in God as Mary and Joseph did, God will use us in remarkable ways. Whether they are big or small, God will use a willing heart to do remarkable things for His Kingdom.

 

My question to you today is “Do you trust Him?” If so, let’s hold on to the hope we receive through this Christmas season and carry it over into the New Year. God is just waiting to share some news with you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] “Hugs from Heaven: The Christmas Story,” G.A. Myers with personalized Scripture by LeAnn Weiss, Howard Publishing Co., West Monroe, LA, 1999, pg. 18-19.

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By the Sea

December 17th, 2013 dsisler

It’s so interesting to me how God’s Word speaks to people in different ways. How a passage of Scripture seems to be directed at one specific person and then in another verse it speaks to a different person. Sometimes the passage seems relevant to my life while other times I pass over it without much notice.

 

I mention this because I will be leading a new group of ladies in January through a Bible study on the parables of Jesus. I know there is plenty in these great teachings of Jesus for me to learn and appreciate, but I didn’t know I wouldn’t get past the first verse of the study before being stopped to think, reflect and speculate.

 

Daytona Beach 021m“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.” (Matthew 13:1 – NIV) Now this isn’t the version my Bible study author has chosen to use. In the New American Standard Bible it says, “That day Jesus went out of the house was sitting by the sea.” And if you will permit me to share just one more perspective, The Message says it this way. “At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach.”

 

Jesus’ day had been a long one. It was the Sabbath…God’s specified day of rest for Israel. Jesus and His disciples were hungry and picked the heads of grain and ate them. The Pharisees saw this and made a pretty big stink about it. Jesus spent some time teaching…but His day was just beginning.

 

Jesus went in to the synagogue and healed a man’s hand. The Pharisees were looking for a way to accuse Jesus and asked if it were lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Again, Jesus shared thoughts and teaching on the subject…but it only caused the Pharisees to determine to kill Jesus.

 

Knowing what the Pharisees were plotting, Jesus withdrew from the synagogue, but the crowd followed Him. He healed all of the sick and told them not to tell who had healed them…but this was to fulfill prophecy (Isaiah 42:1-4).

 

But Jesus’ healing wasn’t finished for the day. A demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus and he was healed. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a follower of the prince of demons…but through their accusation, Jesus was able to teach yet again.

 

And if this group of Pharisees weren’t enough to deal with, Jesus’ mother and brothers joined in. They wanted to “talk” to Jesus. From Mark 3:21 (the parallel passage of Matthew 12), we know that his family thought Jesus was “out of his mind.” According to them, Jesus had lost all control of His mental capacities…but their concern for Jesus was unfounded and He announced who His family was. Those who believed in Jesus and His message.

 

So after this day, it isn’t any wonder that Jesus needed a respite. He sat alone on the beach by the sea. I can imagine Jesus drawn in by the thrill of His creation. Hearing the sound of the waves upon the shore. Allowing the sand to run through His fingers and toes. Feeling the cool breeze blow across His face. Drawing in the aroma of the sea with each breath. Enjoyment of the sound of the birds and other wildlife.

 

I would also venture to guess that Jesus spoke a few words with His Father as well. It had been a difficult day. His enemies were out in full force. His earthly family even seemed to join in. Yes, a few words of encouragement from God were probably needed at this moment. And I must believe that Jesus received exactly what He needed from God at that time.

 

Jesus enjoyed just a few moments of peace and quiet in His Father’s world.

 

There are days when I feel a little like Jesus. Oh I may not have enemies and family members turning against me, but there are days when I feel alone. When I feel like people only want something from me and not willing to give back. When my words don’t seem to make any difference. Yes, there are days I feel a little like Jesus.

 

It’s on these days that I must sit by the sea. Of course, I don’t live anywhere near the sea, so I can’t literally be there. But I certainly can be in that place when I’m in God’s presence. I can choose to take a few moments of peace and quiet in my Father’s world. That’s when I am revitalized. When my spirit finds restoration. When I regain strength to move along. When God whispers, “there is more to be done.”

 

Perhaps Jesus heard these words as well, for it wasn’t long before the crowds found Him. His teaching would continue. In a boat and in the house. To the crowds and His disciples. It was only then that He moved on from there.

 

The lessons we can learn from Jesus here is that we too must find it within ourselves to do God’s work where we are. It may be in our homes or at work. It may be with our children or grandchildren. It may be with our neighbors or a homeless person. Wherever it is, we are to do God’s work until it’s time for us to move on.

 

And when we need a spiritual boost, spend a few moments in God’s presence to gain all we need to keep going.

 

I found great comfort in this passage of Scripture and great joy that my Savior enjoyed the sea as much as I do. I long to be there and I know I will never sit by sea again without remembering Jesus’ precious moments by the seashore.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Hallelujah He is Born” – Monday Musical Musings

December 16th, 2013 dsisler

Sorry to say I’ve overslept this morning, so I am using an older post. But it is one of my favorite Christmas tunes and I pray that it will soon become one of yours as well.

 

0005030206R-849x565The song I’ve chosen is an original tune from one of my favorite bands, Sawyer Brown. If you don’t read any more of this post, please jump down and play the song. Your feet will be tapping before you know it (I wouldn’t be surprised if you start dancing!) and you will be praising God for sending His Son.

 

The first time I heard this song was on a figure skating Christmas television special. I love figure skating. I love Sawyer Brown. I love Christmas. I had to watch the special. And so thankful that I did for I found a new Christmas song.

 

Here are the lyrics to “Hallelujah He is Born.”

 

A mighty prayer went up –
An answer came down from above
To save a lonely world God sent His only Son
He came as a baby, quiet as a lamb
With peace in His heart and us all in His hands
Saying I’m gonna show you now
What love is all about (and I sing)

Chorus
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born
Hallelujah, He is Christ the Lord
He’s the King of Kings, our redeemer and friend
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

Hallelujah, hallelujah He is here
Hallelujah, we’ve got nothing to fear
To this dark old world He brings a light without end
Hallelujah, He is born, amen

He came in love and peace on that holy night
They came from near and far in that guiding light
Lying in a manger was a baby King
And from that night until this day we sing
Lord Jesus is His name
Heaven and earth proclaim (and I sing)

Chorus
Repeat Chorus

Hallelujah, amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Amen
Hallelujah, hallelujah He is born, amen[i]

 

If you have never heard this song, please take the time to listen. I can guarantee it’s a song you’ll want to listen to every Christmas…or all year long as I do! Click here to listen to “Hallelujah He is Born.”

 

I believe the essence of this song can be found in the line, “I’m gonna show you now what love is all about.” That is exactly what God was showing. God was showing His love to all mankind.

 

God’s love for us is far beyond what we could possibly imagine. Paul expressed this vast love through his words in Ephesians 3:17b-19 (NIV). “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

 

John speaks of God’s great love in 1 John 3:1 (NIV). “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

 

And we read of God’s love again in John 3:16 (NIV). “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.”

 

Because God loved us first, we are to love Him back. Jesus told us how to do so. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

 

The way we can show our love to God is by following His commands. Jesus told us in John 14:15 (NIV), “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Jesus gave His live for us. All He asks us in return is to obey Him.

 

And as we accept God’s love and His salvation through Jesus Christ, we are to love others as God loved us. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 – NIV)

 

God is faithful in His love. Sometimes we are not so faithful. But today we can remedy that. Today we can love God and love others. That’s what God asks of us.

 

Christmas is past and we have many months before it rolls around again, but the spirit of Christmas, love, is with us all year long. And today, we can sing, “Hallelujah He is Born!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Hallelujah He is Born, Sawyer Brown, 1997

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King David and Worship

December 15th, 2013 dsisler

There are a few short verses in 1 Chronicles that are interesting to me. It is the section of Scripture where David gathered the leaders of Israel. Among this group were 38,000 Levites thirty years and older.

 

David divided this group and gave them specific jobs. Some were to supervise the work of the temple. Some were to be officials and judges. Some gatekeepers. And still others were to praise the Lord with the musical instruments David provided.

 

What a privilege this last group received. Their job was to praise the Lord. Praising the Lord was to be part of their makeup. It was to be who they were. Their job description was to “Praise the Lord.” This certainly was a blessed group.

 

But by this time in King David’s life, he understood praising God. As 2 Chronicles 23:1 (NIV) described him, “When David was old and full of years, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.” David had lived a long life and had learned to praise God through all of it.

 

As we come this morning to worship our Lord and King, let’s remember that praising Him is our “job” too. It’s what we are to do all the time. Every moment of every day. And when we are old and full of years, we too will know the blessings that we’ve received because of our praise.

 

We’re coming to the end of the year as well as the end of the Doll House saga. Today you’ll see chapter 12 below. I pray that you will come to understand what to do with the left over pieces of your life.

 

Building a Doll House: What to Do With the Leftovers – Chapter 12

 

As we were drawing closer to the finished product, I realized there were three pieces that didn’t seem to have any place on the house.  We had leftovers!

 

Joy's Dollhouse Assembly 047mTwo of the pieces had a sticky note on them with their respective numbers. After our cross reference, we found that one piece should have gone on the house long before. Our inspection found that there was no way it could be placed where it belonged and that the house would be just fine without it.

 

The piece without the sticky note was the flower box that would go on the front of the house. A pure aesthetic piece and would be one of the last things added to the house.

 

The third piece was puzzling. The number matched an item that was already on the house. Even more puzzling was that on the sticky note it also said “4 pieces.”  We still don’t know where this piece was supposed to go, but again, the house is sound and it doesn’t seem to be begging for this last piece of wood.

 

What do you think of when you hear “leftovers?” The food sitting in your fridge that will be tomorrow’s trash? The scraps of craft items you haven’t been able to use? The pain that remains from a deep hurt? Broken relationships? Death? Shattered marriages or damaged friendships? These are all “leftovers” of our lives. Some are good, some are painful, but we still need to determine what to do with them.

 

Scripture gives a few ideas…sometimes the leftovers were destroyed, sacrificed or trampled.

 

In Exodus, the locusts devoured everything leftover after the hailstorm when Pharaoh wouldn’t release the Israelites from bondage. (Exodus 10:15)

 

At Aaron and his sons’ ordination anything from the ram or from the bread that was leftover until morning was to be burned up (Exodus 8:32), while in Leviticus 7:16, leftover food from offerings could be eaten.

 

In the book of Ruth, we see Ruth gleaning in Boaz’s fields (Ruth 2:2). She would glean the barley that was left over after the harvesters. Boaz even told the harvesters to leave extra behind for her.

 

And there were the leftovers from the feeding of the 5,000. John 6:12 tells us that Jesus didn’t want anything to be wasted. I wonder what they did with those leftovers?

There have been times in my life when everything seemed to be just fine, but there were pieces lying around that didn’t seem to fit. Whether it was a hobby or a friend or sin.

 

God has given me the directions for my life, but sometimes I ignore His guidance and miss adding something to my life. Sometimes I get ahead of Him and then wait for the piece to be added. And then at other times I have no idea what I missed or where something should be added and it is a complete mystery.

 

Whatever the case, my focus must stay on God. He’s the Author of the plan. He is the Designer of the life. He is the Creator of me.

So what are we to do with the leftovers of our lives? Remember, Jesus doesn’t want anything to be wasted. It may be different for each of us. But what I do know is that when we give them to God, He can do amazing and remarkable things with the leftovers.

 

He can restore hope, mend broken hearts, and heal wounded relationships. In the end, He can take all those leftover pieces and make them into something beautiful.

 

Now, what will you do with your leftover pieces?

 

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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