This is the Day

September 1st, 2013 dsisler

Today is a day God made. He made it so that we might join with other believers to worship and honor Him in all that we do. I look forward to being in the presence of God through corporate worship. It is His day!

 

I share an older post today as I do each Sunday that brings our focus to our physical eyes and spiritual eyes. Enjoy!

 

20/20

 

I have an eye appointment tomorrow. It’s been well over a year since my last check up and I am beginning to see (or not see) the reason for making this appointment.

 

My vision isn’t as clear as it was when I first got my glasses.

 

In years past, I’ve tried bi-focals. I need them. But as much as I’ve tried, I’ve always gone back to ask for single-vision lenses. I’ve added a pair of reading glasses to the mix. They haven’t worked well for me either. So my only option is take off my glasses to do any reading.

 

Maybe this is the year that I can make bi-focals work. I doubt it, but you never know.

 

I am fortunate. I can see fairly well without my glasses. On my last visit to my optometrist, I was told that my vision was actually getting better! But if my children or my husband were to remove their glasses, nothing would be in focus.

 

There are times that I take my vision for granted, but when things become blurry or out of focus, I realize how blessed I am to have the vision I have.

 

Our spiritual eyes can get out of focus as well. If we are not focusing on Jesus or God’s Word, we can lose sight of all that God has in store for us.

 

My dear friend, King David, spoke of such times in the book of Psalm. Psalm 119 holds a wealth of wisdom, but in reading through this chapter, I found David’s vision failing.

 

Psalm 119:82 (NIV) says, “My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’” And in Psalm 119:123 (NIV) David repeats the idea. “My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.”

 

David shares what are thought to be his devotions in Psalm 119. In this chapter, we see David in multiple situations and times of joy or despair. These two verses seem to show David during vulnerable periods.

 

Poor eye sight, used in the Old Testament, were images of failing strength, grief, or depleted hope. In these verses, David was experiencing suffering. His spiritual vision was failing. He asked that God intervene and fulfill the promises He had made.

 

But we also see a vigilant David. David who knew that God keeps the promises He makes. Psalm 119:148 (NIV) shows us this David. “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”

 

Yes, David knew of God’s promises. He had seen some of them fulfilled in his lifetime. And what better words to think of through the night than God’s abundant promises? During these times, David’s spiritual vision was 20/20.

 

For us, we should ask God to bring our spiritual vision in line with His. Another verse in this chapter gives the perfect words to pray. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

God has so much to teach us. God has so much in store for us. God has so many promises yet to be fulfilled in our lives. We simply need to keep our eyes focused on Him. We must keep our eyes open to see what we are to learn. We must wait patiently for Him to do His work within us.

 

I pray that you won’t take your vision for granted. Your physical vision or your spiritual vision. Neither should we neglect the care of either. Proper nutrition, exercise, and protection are invaluable for our physical vision. The same can be said for our spiritual vision.

 

With a healthy dose of Bible reading and study, prayer time, fellowship with believers, and the armor of God for protection, we can greatly improve our spiritual vision.

 

How is your vision today?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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A Day Trip

August 31st, 2013 dsisler

Last Saturday my husband and I thought we’d go to Rocky Mountain National Park for the day. We hadn’t been for a while, we had a free day, so off we headed. We chose our route and would drive through Estes Park to get to the entrance of the park.

 

What we failed to understand was the USA Pro Challenge Cycling Race would be in Estes Park that very day. I thought the news said that it was finished in that area. My husband misread the website. But low and behold, we were smack dab in the middle of it.

 

Roads were closed. There were thousands of people. There was a festival going along with the race. For a couple wanting to get away from it all and be “one” with nature, we hadn’t done so well.

 

We finally got to the entrance of the park and found that we weren’t the only ones heading out to see nature. Lines of cars waited to purchase a pass or show their pass to the park rangers.

 

Finally through that section, we wound our way to the top. The trip was beautiful, peaceful and for the most part people-free. No one pushed me to drive faster (which happens quite frequently). We were able to take our time and enjoy God’s creation.

 

When it was time to head back to reality, we thought we would take the other exit and go to our favorite restaurant in Estes Park. When we got to the fork, we were told that entrance/exit was closed due to the race. So we left the way we came.

 

Back in Estes, we found even more roads closed. The race was nearing this little mountain village and all traffic was stopped. We were stuck. With no place to go. So we found a parking spot and sat.

 

It wasn’t long before we realized the bike race would be passing just a few feet in front of where we were. A crowd had gathered, some in unusual outfits. Cow bells were ringing. We figured we might as well join the excitement.

 

Mason grabbed his camera and we joined this exuberant group of people.

 

It wasn’t long before the lead pack flew by (and I mean flew by). This was a fast race. Remember I’ve been to Daytona. Those cars are fast, but they have an engine! I have no idea how fast these men were going on their slim bicycles with thin tires, but neither Mason nor I got pictures of that group.

 

We were ready for the second pack though and got some great pictures of them along with all of the team cars with extra bike parts that followed.

 

The excitement was contagious. I was cheering and waving my hands just like the rest of the crowd. But I felt like an outsider. These people had intentionally showed up in this specific place to cheer on this group of athletes. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

As we walked back to our car, I heard a little girl say to her mother, “Is it over? We waited all that time for that?” She was disappointed.

 

We may find excitement along the way in this life. We certainly will be disappointed. But one thing I can guarantee, when it’s over, we will not be disappointed.

 

God has prepared a beautiful ending to this life. Eternity with Him in heaven.

 

Jesus encouraged believers by sharing glimpses of heaven with them. Let’s look at a few of the things He said about it.

 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 – NIV)

 

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust to not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 – NIV)

 

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world…I am the bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:32-33, 41 – NIV)

 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 – NIV)

 

Heaven will not disappoint. The wait will be worth the destination. We will be in the right place at the right time.

 

Would you like to join me? I’d be happy to show you the way. Just ask!

 

The day in Estes Park ended with Mason and me at our favorite restaurant, off the main path and far away from the celebrations happening down town. We had the dining room to ourselves. It was peaceful. It was quiet. It was what we had in mind for the day.

 

But I must admit, we encountered something that we didn’t expect and we were not disappointed. It was a good day on the mountain.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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There’s One…and Another…

August 30th, 2013 dsisler

Have you ever looked back at something you created and wonder, “Where did that come from?” You know, that one piece that was creative or beautiful or eye-catching? Recently I read through a few paragraphs of a book I was encouraged to write. I started it, but didn’t get very far.

 

In my Bible study time, I came across the name of the character in this future novella. Reading this name sparked my desire to see what I actually had written about this man. I was surprised. Surprised enough to consider getting back to finishing that particular piece.

 

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a few unfinished projects around your home. I would say for me it’s more like a hundred. Why is it we have a tendency to do this? Perhaps we get bored with a project before it’s complete. Perhaps our mind wanders too much and we think of something else we should or could do. Perhaps we don’t feel that it’s turning out the way we’d hoped or liked.

 

Regardless of the reason, these little projects can nag at us unless we finish the project or eliminate it from our presence.

 

Most of our unfinished projects are not of real importance. They probably won’t make a huge difference in someone’s life. They aren’t life altering. If they were, we would finish them, right?

 

So consider if Noah hadn’t finished the ark. Or if Solomon hadn’t completed the task of building the temple. Or Jonah hadn’t gone on to Ninevah. Or if Paul hadn’t finished the letters to the churches. Or if Jesus hadn’t gone to the cross. Now those unfinished projects would have made a difference in the world.

 

So how are we to view the projects we fill our lives with that really aren’t all that important? Well first of all, if these projects take us away from our time with God, it’s time to put the projects away and build that relationship with Him. God must always come first.

 

But if we have the ability to balance our lives with these projects and they bring us joy, I believe we should do them.

 

Look at the woman from Proverbs 31. She certainly had plenty of projects to keep her busy. And yet, she was able to do it all and still be called blessed by her children. Her husband had full confidence in her and praised her. She had time to spare for the poor and needy. At the end of the day she was able to laugh. And she feared the Lord and gave praise to His Name.

 

Now there are plenty of things that have been said about this wonder woman of Proverbs 31 and if you’re like me, you are positive you could never live up to her example. But let’s look at her from the perspective of unfinished projects.

 

She completed everything she started. At least the pieces that affected her family. I’m sure if we were to peek into her closet, we’d find some of those non-essential, unfinished projects. After all, she is a woman.

 

My point is that we need to determine if these projects are beneficial to ourselves and our families. And yes, if it makes you happy to work on a project, your happiness and uplifted spirit will benefit your family.

 

I think I’m rambling now, so here’s what I really want to say. Give God your best and first fruits. Whenever you are at your peak, spend time with Him. Give Him the best you of your day. When you do this, He will honor everything else in your day.

 

We can also keep in mind that everything we do is in God’s hands. As a follower of Christ, our words, actions, and thoughts should reflect Jesus. God is holding us to that. “My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:15 – NIV)

 

I will continue to have unfinished projects sitting around my house. Not for any other reason than something else of greater importance has replaced it.

 

I pray that you will look at your unfinished projects as a sign that you are able to prioritize. You’ve learned what’s most important and you’ve chosen to do it.

 

Perhaps unfinished projects aren’t as bad as I once thought.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Goodbye? What?

August 29th, 2013 dsisler

In searching through some of my older posts, I came across one that was fully written and not published. I was a bit surprised by that, but as I read through it I understood why I didn’t post it.

 

It was a farewell letter. I am not exactly sure what was happening in my life at the time, but I had put some thought into this post and I was giving up a lot.

 

What amazes me most is that I didn’t go through with it. I never posted it. I didn’t give up.

 

Today you may feel like you’ve given all you can and there’s nothing more out there for you to do. Don’t believe it. There’s plenty that God has in store for you. You may feel unwanted. Don’t believe it. God loves you and wants you to be in Him. You are special to more people than you know. Never give up.

 

Today you may feel like you can’t go on. Don’t believe it. Find your inner strength through the Holy Spirit. He will help you. You may think that your usefulness is used up. Don’t believe it. God can and will use you to further His Kingdom.

 

If you are feeling some of this today, this post is for you. Not because it’s a farewell letter, but because I chose not to follow through with it. I chose to continue writing, serving, and loving my faithful God. And in turn He has blessed me far beyond what I could imagine.

 

So today I’m sharing that piece from over a year ago. On July 29, 2012, I wrote:

 

“After much debate and for personal reasons, I’ve decided to take a break from several arenas of my life to gain a better perspective on living. This leave of absence may or may not be permanent. I think it will depend on what God teaches me over the next few weeks.

 

Where you won’t be seeing me:

 

Writing

At least not published writing. I know God isn’t finished with me yet in this area. If He was, I wouldn’t have more to say each day. So I will journal. Perhaps they will be posted on my blog down the road, but for now, I believe my writing will be my personal outlet.

 

For those who have faithfully followed my blog, thank you. It has meant so much to me to know that God has used my words to bring praise to His Name. Continue to follow other great bloggers out there. I guarantee you will be blessed. And who knows, I may come back with even greater understanding of God’s grace and love and pour it all out right here.

 

Social Media

I will be taking a break from it all. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google, and Pinterest. I have found that these medias take up a great deal of my time and energy. Feel free to send me a message, I’ll check occasionally, but really would rather getting a phone call or email to stay connected.

 

Making a Difference in Southeast Asia

I have decided to put this trip on hold. I’m not saying I won’t ever visit the area, it’s just not the right time for me to be stepping into this field.

 

Where you will be seeing me:

 

On the Job

I will be actively pursuing a full time position. If anyone is seeking a skilled secretary with great organizational skills, I’m the person you are looking for! It has been a rough two years with me being out of work. I’ve searched and searched, applied and applied, been rejected and rejected all over again. But there must be something out there. So it’s time to become dedicated to this area of my life and help out with the bills. I want to share a big thank you to my husband who has been so patient with the job search.

 

In Bible Study

I need God’s Word more than ever. His words of compassion, love, grace, and hope are what I cling to. Now more than ever. Just a few days ago I encouraged the reading of Isaiah 61…that chapter is at the top of my reading list.

 

At Church

I will stay connected with my local congregation because worshiping with my fellow believers will bring joy to my life.

 

I leave you with Paul’s prayer to the Ephesian Church. These words have become precious to me. These words have lifted my spirit on several occasions. These words are God’s message to you and me.

 

“I pray that out 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. 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.

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout tall generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:16-21 – NIV)”

 

If you know me at all, you know that I didn’t give up any of the above mentioned. And what I know from this side of this date is that God has done some remarkable things in my life since then. I have been blessed beyond my imagination because I chose not to give up.

 

And here’s the thing. God will do the same for you. Be patient. Let God do His work. In His time, He’ll create something beautiful.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Oh I Wish…

August 28th, 2013 dsisler

I’m re-reading a book that has been on my shelf for a while. I’ve mentioned it before. “Smart Women Keep it Simple” by Annie Chapman. It’s a good thing I’m not in any hurry to get this book read. For a while, I was reading a chapter a week. Lately however, I’ve been more focused and have been able to read a chapter a day.

 

A couple of days ago, I read the chapter about eliminating covetousness from our lives. Annie spoke of Esther and how her beauty placed her in a specific location for a specific moment. She then told Harriet Tubman’s story and the role her physical appearance made in her story. Take a look at what Annie has to say about these two women.

 

“Like Esther, Harriet exuded courage and faith. And like Esther, she was physically fitted for the role she’d play…Had Esther and Harriet Tubman exchanged physical appearances, neither could have filled the place God had for them.”[i]

 

What a contrast between these two women and yet we know from history that each of them did their part (with faith in God) to save a group of people. God had a plan for each of them and they answered their calling. They were women who used what they had to be useful to God.

 

So what about you and me? There doesn’t seem to be anything special about my physical appearance, but can God use me in the way that He used Esther or Harriet? Is there something I need to learn from these two women when it comes to physical appearances? And what does this have to do with covetousness?

 

Annie goes on to say this about people who read these two accounts. “The same is true for us—physically, financially, emotionally, relationally, intellectually. Before we were born, God fitted us for our place in His plan. If we waste our time coveting what He’s given another, we’re saying we don’t like His plan, and we’ll miss the joy of living out the particular and perfect plan for which we were created.”

 

I don’t know about you, but I have spent plenty of time wishing something were different about me. Believing that if I were just a few pounds thinner, a little more petite, had curly hair, or wasn’t as clumsy that someone might just like me more or even love me.

 

According to Annie (and to God), this is wasted time. God created me a specific way for a specific purpose. Knowing that and keeping that thought close to my heart allows me to be comfortable with who I am.

 

Do I occasionally fall back into the trap of wishing I looked, acted, thought, wrote, cooked, managed, counseled, evangelized, spoke, painted, encouraged like someone else? Oh yes. But I must keep reminding myself that God is using me to further His Kingdom. He is using others in their own way.

 

Instead of wishing for all of the things listed above, my thoughts and my actions should be drawing me closer to God. He created each of us with a longing inside that only He can satisfy. So when I feel inadequate by other standards, I am reminded to look to God and allow Him to show me what I’m worth.

 

I don’t know if you’re struggling with the sin of covetousness. But in this world of bigger and better things, I think we all get a good dose of “wanting what others have” through our lives. Keep this passage of Scripture in mind when you feel drawn to covet what your neighbor has.

 

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but he man who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 – NIV)

 

When we keep our eyes focused above, the cravings, lust and boasting of this world loses its hold on us.

 

Today, let’s keep our eyes turned upward. Let’s stay focused on what God has prepared us to do. Let’s push away from the table of covetousness. Let’s live forever!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Smart Women Keep it Simple, Annie Chapman with Maureen Rank, Published by Bethany House Publishers, 1992, p. 100-101.

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  • About Me

  • "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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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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