Play Your Song Michael Howard – Monday Musical Musings

July 8th, 2013 dsisler

I listened to a radio broadcast of a concert by a gospel singing group. There was singing, laughing, storytelling, and the message of the gospel shared. The group was called Soul’d Out and I really enjoyed the music.

 

After one story, the speaker shouted, “Play your song Michael Howard!” Michael Howard is the pianst for this group and when given the opportunity, he shines.

 

Yes, he can sure play the piano, but what caught my attention is that my youngest brother’s name is Michael Howard. So I chuckled while thinking of my brother playing the piano. But each time I hear Michael Howard (the pianist) play a tune on the radio, I have the opportunity to remember Michael Howard (my brother).

 

And it just so happens that today is Michael Howard’s (my brother) birthday! So happy birthday little brother. I love you!

 

Since today is also Monday Musical Musings, I suspect I should share some music. Michael Howard (the pianist) brings life to the group he plays for and when given the chance to share his talent solo, is able to bring the piano to life as well.

 

I share three pieces that I’ve found and the links to listen to this talented artist. I pray that you will join me in lifting up this young man as he continues to lift up our Savior to audiences around America.

 

“The Great Medley” can be heard at this link.

 

“How Great Thou Art” can be heard at this link.

 

And finally a piano duet of “Goodbye, World” can be heard at this link.

 

I am so thankful for the talented people in this world who use their ability to share God’s message with others. I find great joy as I listen to music lifting the Name of Jesus above all others. My soul is stirred to action as I hear the Gospel shared through music.

 

We see throughout Scripture how important music and musicians were in celebrations, worship, and gatherings. There were temple musicians who ministered with music. There were appointed “musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.” (1 Chronicles 15:16 – NIV)

 

The Book of Psalm is filled with praise to God through music. In a section of Psalm 27, we find that we are to make music to the Lord as we are safe within the shelter of the tabernacle.

 

When we are steadfast we are to make music. In Psalm 57:7 (NIV) we read these words. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will make music to the Lord.”

 

When all we have is in God we are to make music. “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’” (Psalm 87:7 – NIV)

 

At all times, it is good to make music to the Lord. “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.” (Psalm 92:1-3 – NIV)

 

Our joyful hearts are to praise God through music. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—should for joy before the Lord, the King.” (Psalm 98:4-6 – NIV)

 

We see other instances of praising God through music in Psalm 144:9; Psalm 147:7; and Psalm 149:3.

 

We do find examples of praise through music in the New Testament. Ephesians 5:18-20 (NIV) says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

All of these passages lead me to one conclusion. I believe we are supposed to praise God through music.

 

I pray that today you will be able to find some time to sing, make music to God, or simply listen to the Gospel through a song or two. It will lift your spirit and draw you closer to God. And it just might put a smile on your face.

 

It’s a good day. My brother is celebrating another year and my family is blessed that we have this spry young one in our midst. Happy birthday Michael Howard (my brother)! Make it a good day and play your song Michael Howard.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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In God’s Kingdom

July 7th, 2013 dsisler

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning here in Colorado. I just love the sunshine!

 

As part of a beautiful Sunday, I’m posting an old piece. One about my experience at an amusement park in Ohio last year while I was there caring for my mother after back surgery. Just reading it brings back the memories and desire to jump in my car and head there again.

 

Have a wonderful day today in God’s Kingdom!

 

Kings Island

 

I took a day off yesterday from caring for Mom. I had the opportunity to choose to do anything I wanted. So I chose to go to the local amusement park, Kings Island. It has been over 10 years since I went to the park and it was always so much fun.

 

We used to get Kings Island season passes for Christmas each year when we lived in this area and our family (brothers, sister, nieces, and nephews) would all gather together there. I have many fond memories at the park and today I made some new ones.

 

I went alone. I suppose I could have found someone to go with me, but to be honest, it was nice just to be alone…alone with thousands of my “closest” friends.

 

I first went to the kiddie section. I guess old habits are hard to break, but it was fun to see children enjoy the rides as much as my children did.

 

I rode the Racer…three times! It is my favorite roller coaster hands down. I do believe they took the old seats out and put in a new, smaller version because it was a little snug in those seats. It certainly couldn’t be that I’m a little heavier than the last time I rode the Racer.

 

Another favorite ride is the Viking Ship. Oh how I love it. However, my tummy wasn’t as excited as it should have been to be on this ride. I could only ride this one once.

 

I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I’m so afraid of heights and I didn’t go near the edge, but I had to go. Just because. I took a picture from the top to prove I was there. With my stomach doing flip flops the whole time.

 

I sat near the water fountains for hours. Simply enjoying the sound, the sights, and the smells…

 

Of funnel cake and Starbucks and LaRosa’s and Skyline. Oh it was glorious!

 

I was at Kings Island yesterday, but I live in the King’s Kingdom daily.

 

The King’s Kingdom is glorious. I find joy in His Kingdom. I find love in His Kingdom. I find acceptance in His Kingdom. I find everything I need in His Kingdom.

 

But this Kingdom is so much more.

 

The King’s Kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36 says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

 

The King’s Kingdom is filled with light. “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and 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)

 

The King’s Kingdom will not be shaken. Hebrews 12:28-29 assures us, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”

 

The King’s Kingdom has been promised. “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)

 

Yes, the King’s Kingdom is full of blessings for those who live in the Kingdom and love the King.

 

Kings Island is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. I was glad to be part of it. I hope they won’t be celebrating their 50th before I return.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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In His Presence

July 6th, 2013 dsisler

I have been so busy lately that I have neglected to sit on the back deck and enjoy my morning coffee. So when I woke up this morning that is where I headed. My day will get busy. I have grocery shopping to do. I have cleaning to do. I have to go to work later. And my granddaughter Joy will be spending the night. But knowing what was to come, I wanted to bring a little refreshment to my life.

 

Swinging, my husband and I talked about projects, about the kids and grandkids, and about life in general. We chatted about the coolness of the morning, the slight breeze that always feels delightful, and even commented on how clean the air smelled.

 

Obviously it had been a while since we spent some quality time on the deck together. And it was over far too quickly. However, I am ready to face the busyness of my day because of the time that I spent with my husband this morning.

 

It’s the same way when I spend time with my heavenly Father too. I get a new perspective. I am refreshed. I find focus. My relationship is strengthened. Neglecting that time with God is not an option. It is a lifeline.

 

Today I offer Scripture that reassures us of the benefits we have as we spend time with God. If nothing else, they should entice you to be in God’s presence on a daily basis.

 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3 – NIV)

 

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5 – NIV)

 

“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” (Psalm 25:115 – NIV)

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1 – 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 gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11 – NIV)

 

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5 – NIV)

 

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2 – NIV)

 

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3a – NIV)

 

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1 – NIV)

 

This is only a sampling of the goodness God has to bestow upon us as we are in relationship with Him. I pray that you are blessed today because you spent some time in His presence.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Still Workin’

July 5th, 2013 dsisler

If you recall, I recently shared that I was making a décor change in my family room area. I purchased navy blue curtains, but after seeing them hanging, I knew it wasn’t the look I was going for. I really wanted denim curtains.

 

I found the denim fabric, found fabric for the valances that I liked, pulled out the sewing machine, and began the process of creating curtains.

 

Yesterday afternoon, I thought the transformation was complete. It looked great. I loved the warmth I felt while in the room. It was perfect.

 

Until my husband said, “Is that side shorter than the other?” I inspected it and sure enough it looked like the one valance was shorter. But that wasn’t enough.

 

My husband pulled out the tape measure and measured them all. I had indeed created one valance that wasn’t the correct length. Guess my project isn’t quite finished after all.

 

I wonder if God doesn’t feel like this some at times. He sees me going on the right path and I am growing spiritually. But then there is one little thing that gets me off the path or stops my spiritual growth. It’s been a number of things through my life. Busyness. Laziness. A person. A possession. Attitude. Sin.

 

It’s a good thing that God is still willing to do His work in me. That I am not a hopeless case. That He loves me enough to pull me back into the work area and do His tweaking.

 

Now I’m not saying that it is all up to Him. By no means. I must do my part. I am called to transform (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24).

 

As I grow spiritually, I am being made new (2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:9-10).

 

And as I allow God’s Spirit to do His work in me, I become more like Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:4-6).

 

Maybe you remember the little kids tune about God working on us.

 

He’s still workin’ on me to make me what I ought to be.

It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars;

The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.

How loving and patient He must be.

He’s still workin’ on me.[i]

 

I don’t know about you, but this idea fills my heart with hope. Hope that He will continue to work on me and through me until I am what He wants me to be.

 

I am pleased with the outcome of the room transformation. It fulfills the vision that I had. I like it a lot.

 

I pray that God is pleased with the transformation going on in my life. I pray that I am fulfilling His vision. I know for sure that He not only likes me, He loves me. That’s why I keep moving closer to Him. That’s why I dig a little deeper. That’s why I allow His Spirit to work within me. That’s why I continue to do what I do. Because He loves me.

 

What is your transformation status? Have you stalled? Are you working a little harder to day than you did yesterday? I pray that you will continue to transform. I pray that you will open your heart to God’s Spirit and allow Him to do His work in you. I pray that you know just how much God loves you.

 

He’s still workin’!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] He’s Still Workin’ on Me, WORDS & MUSIC: Joel Hemphill, © 1980 by Hemphill Music Company






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4th of July

							
 July 4th, 2013  dsisler 

			
							

								
America celebrates its 237th birthday today. It may not be the perfect country and we’ve certainly do not hold the same values as those who fought so diligently for her freedom, but I am still proud to say that I am an American.


 


While traveling to SE Asia last fall, I was stopped by a group of high schoolers who were working on a project. They wanted to interview me. Of course the first question was where I was from. As soon as I said America, their eyes lit up. They knew America. They knew what stood for. They liked America.


 


They asked what I did for a living…of course at the time I was a starving artist with no employment. I wanted these young folks from a foreign land to know that yes, America is a great country, but that we have our problems and unemployment was one of them.


 


My group finally pulled me away from this enthusiastic group and we moved along to dinner.


 


I brought home many lessons from my trip to SE Asia, but one of them was to embrace the freedoms I have here in America. I can voice my opinion. I can vote for my candidate. I can move about without being watched. I can write and post my thoughts and feelings without reprimand.


 


I live in freedom here in America and I am so thankful for those who have fought through the years for my freedom. I am thankful for those men and women who willingly placed their lives on the line for my freedom. I am thankful for those who sacrificially gave their lives so that I might know and love freedom.


 


I am also thankful for the One who gave His life so that I might have spiritual freedom. It is only through Jesus Christ that can know what freedom is truly about.


 


Because of Jesus, I am free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:18).


 


I am free from the holdings of earthly pleasure (Colossians 3:2).


 


I am free from the guilt of my sin (Philippians 3:13).


 


I am free from all the trappings of this world (Ephesians 2:1-10).


 


I am free to believe God (John 6:29).


 


I am free (John 8:31-32).


 


Yes, I am free indeed! I pray that you can say the same thing today, for there is truly nothing outside of Jesus Christ. There is nothing this world holds that is more important than freedom in Christ.


 


There have been a few areas in which I’ve gone back to my old ways of living since my trip to SE Asia. There are some things I take for granted. But what I will never again take for granted what God has done for me and that I live in a country where I can proclaim His Name.


 


Happy Birthday America!


 


Grace and peace be yours in abundance,


 


Donna


 


If you would like to read more about freedom from sin, take a look at these passages. Psalm 101:12; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 53:5; and Hebrews 10:11.


 


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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
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  • 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.
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