Ukrainian Eggs – Blogging A to Z

April 24th, 2013 dsisler

I am so blessed to have my grandkids nearby. On one visit a while back, when Percy was napping I was able to spend some one-on-one time with Joy. She wanted to look at my Ukrainian Eggs. One by one, she held an egg and told me why she liked it or didn’t like it. She decided upon her favorites and then sat and listened to my explanation.

 

You see, I love creating. Anything. When I had the opportunity to learn how to make Ukrainian Eggs, well, it was just meant to be! My husband’s grandparents came to the United States from Russia. This was a chance for me to add a bit of his heritage and culture into our home. I learned the process and began making these lovely creations and still have a deep desire to continue this craft.

 

Everything about a Ukrainian Egg is representative of something else. The color, the symbol, and even the egg itself. And the best part is that each symbol leads to God! Yes, they are an evangelistic tool. So, I was once again given the opportunity to share with Joy the great news of the Gospel.

 

Symbols were very important to God throughout the Bible and we’ve carried that importance throughout the history of the world. You may be thinking of some, but I’ll give you a few here.

 

The Rainbow – represents God’s promise to never destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:12-17)

Baptism – represents the death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-4)

The Dove – represents the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

The Lord’s Supper – represents the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:17-26)

The Bride and Bridegroom – represents the Church, God’s people and Jesus (Ephesians 5:22-33)

The Empty Tomb – represents hope, eternal life, victory (1 Peter 1:3-5)

 

As I said, each symbol on a Ukrainian Egg means something. I was delighted to find that the symbol for “joy” was the red poppy. Each time I see a red poppy, I think of my granddaughter, as well as the joy in my life because Jesus is my personal savior. What about you? Do you see something and automatically think of someone or Jesus? I pray that you do.

 

If you’d like to leave me a comment, please click here. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Thank You, Lord! – Blogging A to Z

April 23rd, 2013 dsisler

I believe every day should be a day of thanksgiving. But today, I am especially thankful for all that God has blessed me and my family with. I have a warm home on this cold morning. I have a loving husband who cares for me so well. I have a job! I have three beautiful children and three little blessings called grandchildren.

 

I am thankful for the snow that is falling (yes, it’s snowing again in my neck of the woods). I’m thankful for my parents who taught me about God’s love. I’m thankful for Jesus who made my salvation possible. I’m thankful for a church family with whom I can praise Jesus. I’m thankful for good health. I’m thankful for…well, I believe this list could continue a while, but I think you get the idea. I am thankful.

 

I recall a short song we used to sing as I was growing up. Sometimes it was at camp around a campfire. Sometimes it was in a worship service. Whenever it was chosen, the message was simple. The message declared thankfulness. The message was of God’s love for me.

 

Today I share the song, “Thank You, Lord,” written by Seth and Bessie Sykes. Included are the verses (which we never sang), and what I liked about these words are how encompassing they are. Yes, we should thank God for all of these things, but most of all, we should thank God for what He’s done.

 

So take a look at these words and listen to this little song if you’d like. There is a link below to do so. “Thank You, Lord.”

 

  Some thank the Lord for friends and home,

For mercies sure and sweet;

But I would praise Him for His grace

In prayer I would repeat:

[Chorus]

Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow,

Some for the stars that shine;

My heart is filled with joy and praise,

Because I know He’s mine.

[Chorus]

I trust in Him from day to day,

I prove His saving grace;

I’ll sing this song of praise to Him

Until I see His face.

[Chorus]

Chorus:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,

Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free.[i]

You surely would love to listen to this reminder to be thankful and you can do so by clicking here.

 

God has certainly blessed us and deserves our thankfulness. So let’s look at just a few of the blessings God has lavished upon us and why we should be thankful.

 

We are to be thankful that His love just keeps going. It never gives up on us. Ever! “Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.” (Psalm 107:1 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for victory! As we are led to victory in Jesus, God is able to use us for His mighty purpose. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for stability in God’s Kingdom. When everything around us may be shifting or even sinking, God’s Kingdom stands firm! “So let us be thankful, because we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (Hebrews 12:28a – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful for God. Our praise should come from grateful hearts and His Name should always be our lips. “So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 – NCV)

 

We are to be thankful all the time. This passage tells us how to do so. “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, go continue to live in him. Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.” (Colossians 2:6-7 – NCV) We are to continue living in Jesus, keep our roots deep, build our lives on Jesus, and be strong in our faith. This is the path to thankfulness.

 

We are to be thankful by sharing with others. This passage speaks to singing, but it also shows that we are to encourage one another through instruction. When we are firm in Christ’s teaching, wisdom will flow from us, like little musical notes. “Let the teaching of Christ live in you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and instruct each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 – NCV)

 

I’d say there is plenty to be thankful for. Perhaps you are struggling with health or a financial situation and you aren’t feeling as thankful as I am today. You can still be thankful for the reasons listed above. Our hearts are to be overflowing with thanksgiving to our Father in heaven, regardless of our situation here on earth.

 

So what are you thankful for? I would love to hear about your thankful heart today. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here. It would make my day!

 

Today let’s choose to be thankful. Today let’s choose to thank the One who has given us so much. Today let’s choose to be kind and gracious. Today let’s give thanks.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Thank You, Lord, Seth and Bessie Sykes, 1940, 1968 renewal by Singspiration Music.

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Shelter in Place – Blogging A to Z

April 22nd, 2013 dsisler

This past week has brought some great tragedies as well as some great victories. For those who are struggling through the healing process in Boston, my heart and prayers are stretched your way. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering you bear. For those who have lost a loved one this past week, I pray for strength and comfort as you deal with this loss.

 

As the events of last week developed, a phrase was repeated on Friday for those living in the Boston area. Shelter in place. For these communities, this phrase meant to remain inside. Keep doors locked. Not to answer the door unless it was a uniformed or well identified officer. Report any suspicious behavior.

 

While I would never suggest I understand what they were feeling, I might venture a guess. Perhaps fear. Perhaps uncertainty. Perhaps frustration. Perhaps anger. Perhaps loss of control.

 

These would be justifiable feelings during a day of violence in the streets of a city or town. And perhaps, there were even more emotions I cannot comprehend.

 

I heard this phrase during the day as I sat close to my television, my mind continued to dwell upon God and the shelter that I have in Him through the storms of my own life. I am certain I would feel many of the above emotions on a daily basis if I weren’t sheltered in His care.

 

So today, I offer some wonderful visions of being sheltered by God. I pray that you’ll find peace, comfort, safety and perhaps joy as you read through the following passages.

 

Deuteronomy 33:27a (NIV) tells us, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” In His arms we have refuge. In His arms we find protection. With God, we are in the shelter of His loving arms.

 

In Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV), David shares these words. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” This is one of my favorite verses about being sheltered. Knowing that I can trust my God in times of trouble to shelter me is very reassuring.

 

David certainly knew about God’s shelter and protection and asked for it frequently. In Psalm 5:11 (NIV), David rejoiced in God’s refuge. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” We can rejoice in God’s protection as well, because we love His name!

 

Another passage in which David praised God for protection is Psalm 32:7 (NIV). He says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When we hide from our enemies within the shelter of God’s protection, we will be delivered.

 

We read in Psalm 31:28 (NIV) that when we act justly and are faithful, God protects and is faithful to us. “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.” Oh and don’t forget our shelter is there for our protection forever!

 

And finally in Psalm 40:11 (NIV), David says, “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.” God’s love and truth always protect. What a promise!

 

I pray that these passages are as comforting to you as they are to me. The world we live in belongs to the evil one and that means there will be trouble here. But as we look to God, we know we are within His sheltering arms. We certainly can shelter in place with Him.

 

If you are waking this morning to fear and anxiety in your life, why not give it all to God? There may be consequences, but you can have peace and be sheltered in God’s loving arms in the midst of these troubling times. You’ve tried it your way, why not try it God’s? It is worth a try.

 

For those of us who are already sheltered in God’s arms, let’s keep these verses close to our hearts. They will continue to remind us that He is sheltering us. We have no reason to fear.

 

I’m reminded of a song…perhaps you know it. Forever Reign.[i]

 

You are good You are good
When there’s nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You’re the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost its sting

[Chorus]
Oh I’m running to Your arms
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I’m made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I’m letting go

[Repeat Chorus]

My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus
Jesus

 

If you’d like to listen to this beautiful melody, click here to hear Hillsong’s version of this song.

 

Thanks for stopping by this morning. If you’d like to leave a comment, please click here. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna


[i] Forever Reign, Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram, 2010

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Blogging A to Z – Break #3 – NAPA Know How

April 21st, 2013 dsisler

Through the month of April, I am blogging through the alphabet. Each day of the month corresponds with a letter of the alphabet, but on Sunday’s, there is a reprieve from this structure. We are able to write anything we like.

 

So each Sunday through April, I will share a post from the past. One that I really enjoyed writing or one that I need to read on that particular day. I pray that you’ll enjoy these pieces as much this time as you did the first.

 

Thanks for stopping by…it’s such a pleasure to see your smiling face!

 

NAPA Know How

 

My son, Philip, got a new car last summer. Well it actually was a used car, but new to him. It needed some work, so my husband, Mason, helped out.

 

http://www.komets.com/partners/napa-auto-parts

At one point, Mason pulled a hose from the engine and saw a crack. He thought it should be replaced, so he asked if I wouldn’t mind going to the NAPA store. I headed inside to gather my purse and keys and then it hit me. I was going to the NAPA store! The new NAPA store! I actually said it out loud. “I’m going to the new NAPA store!”

 

I then laughed at myself and headed to the NAPA store.

 

I am a NASCAR fan. Love to watch the races. Enjoy rooting for my driver and his team. And it just so happens, my favorite driver drove the NAPA car for years. I even made a Ukrainian Egg that looks like his race car with NAPA on the side.

 

Now you know why this was a big deal.

 

I got to the new NAPA store and couldn’t believe how nice it was. Race drivers on the front door. Big open area inside. It was the nicest auto parts store I’ve ever been in!

 

Unfortunately, they didn’t have the part, so I left empty handed.

 

After that experience, my mind wandered to the fact that there are days when I’m not that excited to study God’s Word. Or maybe go to a church service. Or spend just a few minutes in prayer with God.

 

Ouch!

 

I want desperately to be as excited to be with God as I am with other areas in my life. I want to run to His Word and say, “I am going to study and learn what God has to say to me today!” But some days it’s just not as exciting as I desire it to be.

 

So how do I put the excitement back into my study time, my prayer time, my devotional time?

 

I look with fresh eyes.

Just as we need regular eye exams, we need to examine our spiritual eyes to see if they align with God’s Word. David knew how important this was when he penned these words. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18 – NIV)

 

The writer of Hebrews tells us where our eyes should be. “Let us ix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2a – NIV)

 

By looking at my time with God with a new perspective, God’s perspective, my desire to do so will increase. I will not be able to wait for our next time together.

 

I listen with open ears.

Isn’t it easy to tune out noise? I’ve heard of people who live in the path of an airline runway not hear the planes taking off after a while. Now that is tuning out.

 

What if we do the same thing when it comes to listening to God? Not ignoring Him because it’s what we want to do, but because we’ve heard it so many times before.

 

I believe Solomon knew the possibility and wrote these words for us to consider.

“…turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding…” (Proverbs 2:2 – NIV) We must continually turn our ear to God’s voice and words.

 

Isaiah was thrilled with the prospect of being awakened by God daily. “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” (Isaiah 50:4 – NIV)

 

Oh, how I want Isaiah’s thoughts to be my thoughts. To say, “Waken me Lord, to listen to what you have in store for me today.”

 

I approach with a teachable mind.

I believe I join God in Bible study some days and think I know it all. But I know nothing when compared to God’s infinite wisdom. If I am not open to learning from Him continually, I may as well shut the Bible now and never open it again. I must be teachable. Always.

 

Paul tells the Roman church, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 – NIV) We cannot think the way the world thinks. Our minds need to be renewed by God. It is only then that His will becomes clear.

 

When we are teachable, God’s peace will flood our souls. His perfect peace will be with us. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV) Now that is worthwhile!

 

I rest with a renewed heart.

When all the looking, hearing, and teaching moments have occurred, if my heart is not changed, it is for nothing. My heart must rest in God’s love and Word. When I’ve found that place, I can repeat the words of David.

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 – NIV)

 

When my heart is at rest, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11 – NIV)

 

Storing up precious Words from God…now that is heart changing.

 

My words today are not just for your benefit, they are for mine as well. I don’t want to take God for granted and with the words written today, I will run into God’s arms daily. I pray that you will do the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If you’d like to leave me a comment, please click here.

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Rummikub – Blogging from A to Z

April 20th, 2013 dsisler

I’m addicted to this game. It’s actually a game that I’m pretty good at. I love sitting around the table with the tiles scattered about. I love the interaction. I love the strategy. I love the game.

 

But I don’t get to play Rummikub this way very often. So I’ve chosen to play this game online. There is still sitting around a table (a virtual table) and there are still tiles, but they are very organized. And newbie Rummikub players are often shown how the game is supposed to “look.” There can be interaction, but I really like the strategy of my game, so I generally keep quiet.

 

I really enjoy the fact that I can play this particular game with people from all over the world. There is no language barrier. It’s numerical. So I might play against a person from Canada, Australia, and Greece all at the same time. We are worlds apart, but right there together playing this simple game that really has no purpose except entertainment.

 

There are some elements of this gaming thing that remind me of my spiritual life. Typically, I am very organized about how I study the Bible. If I’m writing something specific, like a blog or a Bible study, I spend time reading a section of Scripture and allow God to work on me as to what it means. Then I am able to move in the direction of writing. Whether it’s coming up with questions or just writing about the passage.

 

Then there is the fact that I am a Christian and how many there are across this globe who also make the same claim. And because we have a common factor, we are connected. We may not be able to speak the same language, but because Jesus is our Savior, we speak His universal language. Love. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. I love being part of God’s Church!

 

This fact can be traced back to the first century Church who were scattered due to persecution in Jerusalem. And wherever they went, they took Jesus with them. They shared His message with others. They lived the Christian life in their communities. And because of their efforts and God’s Hand, the Church grew by amazing numbers. Regardless of the persecution that followed, Jesus’ Name continued to be preached. People followed.

 

And why do you suppose this is the case?

 

I believe it’s because of the message. His message. I could spend days sharing His complete message, but let’s just look at his I am statements from the Gospel of John and we’ll get a very good idea of what His message was and is.

 

Jesus said:

 

“I am the Bread of Life” – John 6:35

Jesus said that anyone who comes to Him and believes in Him would never be hungry or thirsty. Jesus brings spiritual refreshment to our parched souls.

 

“I am the Light of the world” – John 9:5

Jesus said He would give light to those living in darkness. Jesus brings spiritual light to dark souls.

 

“I am the Gate for the sheep” – John 10:7

Jesus said He was the entrance to the Kingdom of heaven and will provide protection against those who would do harm to His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual entry and protection for our wandering souls.

 

“I am the Good Shepherd” – John 10:11

Jesus said that He would lay down His life for His sheep. Jesus brings spiritual redemption to our unsaved souls.

 

“I am the Resurrection and the Life” – John 11:25

Jesus said that He would provide life to those who believe in Him and that life will be eternal! Jesus brings spiritual life to our dead souls.

 

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” – John14:6

Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only truth. Jesus is the only life. Jesus brings spiritual direction, truth, and life to our out-of-control souls.

 

“I am the True Vine” – John 15:1

Jesus said the He would provide all that is needed for us to grow and produce abundant fruit as long as we remain in Him and love Him. Jesus brings spiritual completion to our weary souls.

 

Can you understand why Jesus’ message was so exciting in the first century? Can you understand why it is relevant for our lives today? It’s the same message for a world that is still dark. He has so much to offer. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Will you accept Jesus as your Savior today? Will you accept Him as everything you could ever want, wish for or hope for? If so, I’d love to talk to you. Send me a message so we can begin the dialogue.

 

I don’t have the opportunity to play Rummikub nearly as often as I’d like. But when I can catch a quick game, I certainly don’t pass up the opportunity. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Reading? Playing a game? Chatting with a friend? Maybe you’d like to share that with me?

 

If you’d like to leave a comment, click here. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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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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