“How Long Has It Been” – Monday Musical Musings

November 4th, 2013 dsisler

Good morning!

 

It’s Monday morning and many of us are preparing to head to work this morning. It has been a great weekend at our home and I look forward to a great week.

 

0005030206R-849x565And since it is Monday, why not talk a little about music and how it’s blessed me through the years?

 

This particular song has been in my heart for a very long time. I recall my Dad singing this song when I was a young girl. I’m certain this is not the case, but I only remember my Mom or my Dad singing one solo each in a church service. This is the song my Dad sang.

 

The question asked is “How Long Has It Been?” Have long has it been since you’ve been with Jesus? Since you’ve prayed to Him? Since you’ve poured your heart out to Him? Since you felt that your life is worthwhile? Since you called Him your Friend?

 

This old gospel tune draws us to the throne of grace. If it’s been a while, perhaps you should take a few moments to communicate with God and let Him know how it’s going in your life. He really would love to hear from you.

 

If you connect to the lyrics of this song and they resonate through your heart and mind, let’s continue to enter into God’s presence and share our thoughts and hearts with Him. Let’s continue to call Him our Friend.

 

For encouragement, just read through these verses that speak to being in God’s presence and the benefits we receive as we choose to be with Him.

 

“Honor and majesty are in his presence; strength and joy are in his sanctuary.” (1 Chronicles 16:27 – AMP)

 

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6 – NIV)

 

“In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” (Psalm 31:20 – NIV)

 

“Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.” (Psalm 65:4 – NIV)

 

These are just a handful of the benefits we receive in God’s presence. There is so much more God wants to give us. However, we must be in His presence. So, how long has it been?

 

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told him your heart’s hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed?
How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through?

 

How long has it been since your mind felt at ease?
How long since your heart knew no burden?
Can you call him your friend?
How long has it been since you knew that he cared for you?

 

How long has it been since you knelt by your bed
And prayed to the Lord up in heaven?
How long since you knew that he’d answer you
And would keep you the long night through?

 

How long has it been since you woke with the dawn
And felt this day is worth living?
Can you call him your friend?
How long has it been since you knew that he cared for you?[i]

 

If you’d like to hear a version of this old gospel hymn, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here.


[i] “How Long Has it Been?” Words and Music by Mosie Lister, 1956.

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An Extra Hour

November 3rd, 2013 dsisler

We all were blessed with an extra hour of sleep last night. Well, in theory anyway. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t sleep any longer. That extra hour overnight wasn’t as grand as it should have been.

 

None the less, it’s Sunday morning and soon everyone in the house will be waking to ready ourselves for worship. I pray you’ll be doing the same.

 

Today is also my Dad’s birthday. Thank you Dad for your encouragement, your strength, your wisdom, your unending love, but most of all for sharing your love of Jesus with me. I love you!

 

Chapter 6 of the Doll House series speaks of God and His creation of mankind…specifically you and me. What a joy to share some thoughts about God as our Creator. Please enjoy!

 

Building a Doll House: The Creator – Chapter 6

 

I knew my husband was an engineer when I married him. What I didn’t know was how that was going to affect every aspect of our lives.

 

Joy's Dollhouse Assembly 050mYears ago, we built a loft bed for Bethany. To me, it looked like four legs, four sides, a base and some stabilizing pieces. But to Mason, it was a reflection of who he was. It had to be perfect. And if it wasn’t, more than likely, it would have to be taken apart and re-done.

 

It was no different with building the doll house. Each piece and part had to be placed with precise measurements and absolute certainty. For the perfectionist engineer, nothing less would do.

 

I love the wisdom found in the Book of Psalms. So today, let’s look at some of the elements in Psalm 139 in relation to the dollhouse.

 

Our God, the Creator of the universe, took great care in designing each of us. And regardless of how happy (or unhappy) we are with His creation, to Him, we are perfect.

 

Psalm 139 begins with the acknowledgement that God knows us. He knows us inside and out. He knows our actions. He knows our thoughts. He knows what we will speak before we speak them. Now that is knowledge.

 

The Psalter continues his discourse. Perhaps there were times he wanted to hide from God, but to no avail. God always knew where to find David.  It is the same for us. When sin is active in our lives, our greatest desire is to hide from God. But it’s no use. He knows.

 

And the greatest part is that God will continue to lead and guide us through those moments. He won’t ever give up on us. God is always there.

 

And then, Psalm 139 speaks of God’s hands at work in a mother’s womb. God, who planned each part of our world, created you and me. And to Him, we are perfect.

 

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

 

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:14-16 – NIV)

 

Science is continually finding new things about our bodies to amaze us. But to be honest, our amazement shouldn’t be about what scientists have found, but that God created us that specific way.

 

God knew exactly what He was doing. He knew exactly what functions our bodies would need for survival. He knew how each organ would need to work with others. He was the Architect. The Designer of all creation. Why wouldn’t He get it perfect?

 

And yes, David expresses this in Psalm 139. He admires the thoughts of God. The endless thoughts that God had for all of creation. Down to the tiniest particle (that science seems to have just found and has interestingly enough called it the God Particle), God thought of it.

 

David doesn’t end the Psalm there. He continues with his desire for God to know him even more. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 – NIV)

 

We like David, desire that deep relationship with God. But that means giving God full access to every corner and crevice, every nook and cranny of our lives.

 

I am thankful for the engineering, perfectionist mind of God. For without it, I could not say that I am exactly who God wants me to be. Without it, I might be considered a mistake. But I am not. I am a child of God. I am His beloved.

 

The doll house was finished and it is as perfect as any doll house you will find out there. I am thankful for my engineer, perfectionist husband who was willing to take the time to get it right. Thanks Gido, for the perfect doll house.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Fruit

November 2nd, 2013 dsisler

I am not a fruit lover. There I’ve said it. I’ve confessed it.

 

fruitI really don’t know why. It’s not like fruit makes me ill. Or that I completely dislike the taste of fruit. If I have to eat fruit, I will eat it. I have even been known to order fruit in a restaurant.

 

But I’m not a fruit lover.

 

Jesus, however, is all about fruit.

 

In John 15:1-17, Jesus dedicated an entire portion of teaching to fruit. In His teaching on the Vine and the Branches, Jesus mentioned nine times that we are to bear and produce fruit. Jesus also mentioned eleven times in this passage that the only way to do so is to remain in Him.

 

“If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5 – NIV) Only through Jesus can we bear fruit. And only through Jesus can we produce a great harvest of fruit and fruit that will last.

 

In another teaching segment, Jesus spoke again of fruit. He mentioned in Matthew 7:20 (NIV), that good and bad are recognized by their fruit. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” When we bear good fruit by remaining in Jesus, others will know that we belong to Jesus by our fruit.

 

So, what fruit are we to produce?

 

Fruit of Repentance

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 – NIV)

 

Fruit of our Attitudes

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

Fruit of the Light

“For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” (Ephesians 5:9 – NIV)

 

Fruit of Righteousness

“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 – NIV)

 

Fruit of our Deeds

“And we pray this in order that you may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10-12 – NIV)

 

Fruit of our Lips

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 – NIV)

 

Fruit of Wisdom

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 – NIV)

 

I may not like the fruit of this world, but I certainly love the fruit of God. My desire is to bear fruit so that others might see God through me. The only way for that to occur is when I remain in Jesus and allow God’s Spirit to do His powerful work in me.

 

I don’t have to be a gardener (good thing because I kill plants). I don’t have to be a botanist (good thing because I’m not good at science). I don’t have to like fruit (good thing because I don’t).

 

I simply must know Jesus and let Him do the work. My heart and my mind must be open to the change He desires within me. When that happens, a great harvest of fruit will be produced and others will see Jesus through me. They will know that I belong to Him.

 

Isn’t it exciting? It can be the same for you too. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, this is the perfect day to do so. The difference Jesus can make in your life is amazing. Why not accept Him today?

 

As a Christian, you know the difference Jesus has made in your life. But how is your fruit harvest coming along? If your fruit crop seems a little skimpy, get in touch with Jesus. Remember, if you remain in Him you WILL produce fruit.

 

I’m thankful for the fruit Jesus produces in me. I pray that you can say the same thing.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Challenges

November 1st, 2013 dsisler

It’s November 1, 2013.

 

This is the first November 1st in five years that I haven’t started a novel on this day. I don’t have any story lines bouncing around in my head. I don’t have any pressure to write 1,670 words toward the final project. I don’t have the challenge or pressure of getting a 50,000 word novel complete by the end of November.

 

DSC02382However, there are many portions of the month that I will miss. I will miss the encouraging emails I received in the past to tell me “you can write this novel.” I will be the thrill of submitting a completed novel at the end of the month. I will miss the conversation with people about the novel I would be writing. I will miss writing a novel.

 

But for this year, I believe NaNoWriMo, NaNonFiWriMo, and any other challenge out there will have to continue on without this author. I have enough challenges of my own to keep me busy through November!

 

And if you’re like me, you will face your share of challenges in November. So today, I’d like to offer some passages of Scripture that will help you through some of the difficulties that show up in life. Maybe this is one of those lists you print out and hold on to for just the right time to use. Or maybe you’ll decide to memorize those verses that particularly help with a certain situation. Whatever you choose to do with these verses, know that God desires to be with you through the challenges. And that’s just one of the things I’m thankful to God for.

 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV)

 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4a – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 – NIV)

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV)

 

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

 

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6 – NIV)

 

“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.” (Matthew 11:28-29 – NIV)

 

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27 – NIV)

 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – NIV)

 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

 

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

 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18a – NIV

 

There are many more that I could share with you today and if you need something specific, please let me know. I’d be happy to find that perfect verse (or verses) to help with what you’re going through. Just know that God is with you. It’s a promise. And yet another blessing I am thankful for today.

 

I pray that if your day brings a challenge with it that you will seek the One who is so willing to be with you through it all. Don’t try to get through it on your own. Our God is a great and awesome God who would love to be with you through each challenge.

 

Yes, I’m sad that I’m not writing a novel this morning. But I believe God has shown me that what I write each day has so much more value than a novel. And with that, I am completely satisfied.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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We Gather Together

October 31st, 2013 dsisler

I am thrilled to announce that tomorrow is November 1! Halloween will finally be out of the way. It is my least favorite holiday, but I make the best of it by offering God’s love to everyone who comes to my door. Frightening movie commercials will finally be off the air so I can watch a television program without turning the volume down and turning my head. And most importantly, my favorite holidays are just around the corner.

 

cornicopiaMy Mom will once again join us for Thanksgiving and for several weeks after that. My son is coming home for Thanksgiving. A gal who is like a daughter to me will also be gracing our table for Thanksgiving. Not to mention my local family who will be at the table.

 

Around that time, Christmas trees will start popping up in my home. Christmas décor will fill the house before the week is over. And my festive mood will soar in anticipation of Christmas with three grandchildren!

 

Thanksgiving has been a special holiday for me. As I was growing up, our family lived many miles and several states away from the rest of our family. But when we were able to join them for Thanksgiving, it was a blessed occasion. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grant parents, great aunts and uncles, distant cousins and friends would fill each of my grandparent’s homes.

 

And the food was always delicious. Some of my favorites were pheasant, chicken and dumplings, cranberry sauce, corn, green beans, and of course turkey and ham. The dessert room would be filled with pumpkin pies, pecan pies and apple fried pies.

 

There was always laughter. Children playing. Sharing of stories. Photographs snapped. And lots of fun.

 

I miss these grand gatherings. It’s so special when I can gather at my table with my family and friends. That’s one reason I love Thanksgiving.

 

I believe another reason I love Thanksgiving is because we have the opportunity to thank God for all that He’s done for us. Yes, it should occur often, even daily. But with this special day set aside specifically to show our gratitude to the One who has offered us abundant life, why wouldn’t we be overflowing with thanksgiving?

 

King David loved to thank God for all of his blessings. Psalm 95 is one such writing.

 

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

 

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

 

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.

 

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

 

“The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

 

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

 

“For he is or God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”

 

Psalm 95:1-7 (NIV)

 

There is much to be thankful for. I pray that as you go through the month of November that you will recall all the blessings you’ve received from God and that you will stop and thank Him for His blessed gifts.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

To leave a comment, please click here.

 

P.S. – If you’re interested in a delicious pumpkin recipe, try the one below. It’s so yummy!

 

Aunt Trina’s Holiday Pumpkin Crunch (Pauladeen.com)

 

Cake:

1 (15 oz.) can fresh pumpkin

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon (I use pumpkin spice)

1 cup sugar

3 eggs, beaten

1 box yellow cake mix

1 cup chopped pecans

2 sticks butter, cut into pieces

 

Frosting:

1 (8 oz.) package softened cream cheese

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon (I use pumpkin spice)

 

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, evaporated milk, cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and mix well.

 

Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, prepared with a non-stick spray. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over entire top. Sprinkle nuts over cake mix and top with butter pieces. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes. Set aside to cool.

 

Prepare frosting while cake is cooling. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, whip cream cheese until light. Add in whipping cream and continue to whip until fully combined and thickening. Add powdered sugar and cinnamon and whip until smooth.

 

There are directions “to serve,” but I think we know how to eat this!

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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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