My Christmas Tree

December 26th, 2012 dsisler

The lights on my pre-lit tree are slowly going out. Light by light. String by string. When I first put it up this year, there was one section out. I placed two strings of lights in that area to make it look better. But then, each day as I turn it on, there was yet another section of the tree that was not illuminated.

 

When we built our home, there was a perfect nook for a Christmas tree. I was excited the first year when we placed our tree in that perfect place. However, it was far too wide at the base and it was far too short for the 17 foot ceiling, so I was disappointed.

 

We found our current tree to be a perfect fit for this area. It was narrower at the base and much taller. It was just right. Now that the lights are dimming, I’m wondering if I will ever find another tree to fit this area as well.

 

I wonder if it isn’t this same way with our lives. We find that we cannot find our way until we allow Jesus into our hearts. Isaiah announced, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) Without light, we are lost. And once He arrives, we shine brightly and stand tall and proclaim that we belong to Him.

 

But then, slowly that enthusiasm dies. Bit by bit, the light we proudly illuminated becomes dimmer to the world until there are whole areas of our lives where others never see Jesus through us.

 

For me, it seems to be the grocery store. I used to enjoy shopping, but now I just want to get it done. I rarely smile while I’m pushing that cart around. I rarely interact with others. I am there for one purpose only. To get my shopping done.

 

But what if Jesus’ light were to show up in that area of my life? It might just make a difference in someone’s life and I might enjoy shopping again!

 

Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 5 that we are a light. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 – NIV)

 

When we have Jesus’ light within us, others must see the Light through us. We are not called to hide it. We are called to shine!

 

So we must ask ourselves, “How am I doing with this light thing?” “Do my neighbors see the light or is that an area of the “Christmas tree” that isn’t lit?” “What other areas of my life needs a boost from a ‘light zapper’ to jump start the light?”

 

Obviously it’s easy to let our light shine at church with church people. But then we must ask ourselves, “Is it genuine?” “Is it Jesus’ light that is shining or my own?”

 

If your light is dimly shining or perhaps has gone out, isn’t it time to ask the Father of Lights to join you on this journey and restore His Light within you? Isn’t it time for Jesus, the Light of the world, to illuminate through you?

 

I don’t know what the outcome of this tree will be. But I do know what I need to do in my life to allow Jesus’ light to shine through me. And today, that is exactly what I plan to do!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Merry Christmas!

December 25th, 2012 dsisler

It’s Christmas Day. The day of the year we celebrate the birth of the Messiah. The Savior of the world.

 

Today I give you one Messianic prophecy that Jesus fulfilled. This prophecy gave hope to our world for generations. We are the benefactors of this prophecy and have the opportunity to know salvation because of Jesus.

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 – NIV)

 

I pray that you’ll run to the Wonderful Counselor in times of trouble. I pray that Mighty God will show up in mighty ways in your life. I pray that you will know the unconditional love of our Everlasting Father. I pray that the Prince of Peace will guide you to the peace for which you long.

 

I pray that in the midst of all the celebrations with family and friends you’ll take the time to acknowledge who has made your life worth living.

 

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Life is a Musical

December 24th, 2012 dsisler

One of my favorite ways to pass time is by watching musicals. The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Easter Parade. And this is just the beginning of my list. There are all the Disney musicals my children love.

 

www.photl.com

There are times when I need a good cry. It’s hard to explain, but when it’s been a while since I’ve cried, I create a situation for me to do so in order to keep from finding myself in a blubbering scene in public. So I watch Carousel. It works every time.

 

And to get my grandchildren interested in watching musicals, I have Pete’s Dragon recorded and we watch it on occasion.

 

Of course during the Christmas season, I am able to watch the best of the best musicals. White Christmas and Holiday Inn must be on my watch list.

 

So why is it we love musicals so much? Because of the tunes! Catchy songs like “Good Mornin’,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Money, Money, Money by the Pound,” “Easter Parade,” and “White Christmas” pull us in with their melodies and rhythms.

 

It’s been true for a long time. Music has been around since the beginning. And we find a whole list of songs throughout Scripture. So let’s see what musical numbers we find in God’s Word.

 

Moses begins our journey with his song in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. He concludes this song by telling the Hebrew nation that the words within his song were more than idle words. They were life. Moses was a great motivator.

 

Moses is joined by his sister Miriam and together they sang a duet after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15:1-18. They praise God for His mighty works and for His reign over the earth.

 

In Judges 5:1-31, Deborah recites details of the conquest Israel fought and won with God’s assistance. Her song begins with praise and ends with devotion to God. Life is victorious when God is in it with us.

 

We see Hannah praising God in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 for the gift of a son. She was so thrilled to finally be comforted in motherhood. “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is filled high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” (1 Samuel 2:1 – NIV) We too can use these words when our needs are satisfied by God.

 

Then there is David. The young shepherd who played his harp to the sheep and to King Saul. Whose anguish, requests, repentance and praise are noted throughout the Book of Psalm.

 

But we also see a special song by David in 2 Samuel 22:1-51 after God’s deliverance. After recalling the entire experience, David praised God. “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” (2 Samuel 22:47 – NIV)

 

Solomon is much like his father in the song writing department. Another book of songs are found in the Song of Songs. From friendship to lover, this book is filled with poetic music that shows great admiration.

 

After the birth of John the Baptizer, Zechariah’s song was filled with praise to God. But he also sang of what John’s role would be. That John would lead the way for the coming Messiah. That John would prepare the way for Him. What joy Zechariah must have felt to know that his son would do such a great thing. It’s no wonder he was singing!

 

Which leads me to our final song. Mary’s song. This young, righteous woman had just been told of her role in bringing the Messiah to the world. She was up to the task. And she couldn’t keep from singing.

 

We find her song in Luke 1:46-55. Let’s look into her heart for a moment and gain a little understanding of what she was feeling.

 

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” (Luke 1:46-47 – NIV)

 

Mary’s soul and spirit rejoiced!

 

Music has been important throughout time. And it hasn’t stopped. The great worship song writers of our time continue to share praise music with us and inspire us to live lives worthy of God’s gift of grace.

 

I believe we enter into a Christian musical during each worship service. There is music. There is a story. There is a message. There are people involved who lead us to a point where we are encouraged to make a decision. And God is in the midst of that worship musical.

 

Are you listening to God’s song? Is He calling you to something? Repentance? Service?

 

And, do you have a song? What ideas are included within your song? What message are you singing for the world to hear?

 

I do enjoy a good musical. There is just something about a great tune and meaningful lyrics that touches my soul in a way like nothing else can. I pray that you will find God’s music in your heart this Christmas and every day throughout the year.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

The Christmas Card

December 23rd, 2012 dsisler

Christmas cards are one of my favorite elements to the celebrations at Christmas. I enjoy receiving them. I enjoy sending them.

 

For our family, we create our own card each year. All through the year as we are out and about on photo shoots, we’re on the lookout for a special tree or a unique scene.

 

If we don’t find it out there somewhere, we search through the thousands of pictures we’ve already taken. We spend time searching for the perfect photo.

 

In the past we’ve written our own verse to go inside. Here is one example.

 

“Christmas is more than decorated trees,

And gifts placed under evergreens.

It’s more than just a holiday,

In truth it’s about a tiny babe.”

 

I didn’t say it was good verse writing. But it was an attempt each year to create something special for family and friends.

 

We’ve gotten a bit lazy. We create a card on one sheet of photo paper with just a small note. Not like the old days.

 

God sent His own Christmas card. Oh, it isn’t like anything we have ever seen before, for instead of being carried by the US Postal Service, it was carried by an angel. This was the message.

 

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 – NIV)

 

This is where the reinforcements were called in. Suddenly, the angel was accompanied by a great company of heavenly host. They all praised God and said,

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 – NIV)

 

Now that is a Christmas card no one can top!

 

God’s message to the shepherds on the hillside is the same message God has for each of us. It is good news of great joy, for without the birth of this tiny baby there wouldn’t have been Jesus the Messiah, the Savior of the world.

 

God continued with His card sending. We have an entire book filled with His messages. They are all wrapped up neatly within the bindings of our Bibles. What a message He proclaims!

 

The Christmas cards I receive each year are placed in a prominent position in my home. They are special to me. Occasionally I will walk by and pick up each one and re-read the message enclosed.

 

I’m thankful to be able to pick up God’s Christmas card and re-read His message as well. It has become part of my daily routine.

 

Do you spend time reading God’s Word on a daily basis? It has a message specifically for you. It is filled with wonder, surprise, love stories, tenderness, miracles, gifts, hope, grace, and so much more. Regardless of what you are going through, you will find a special message from God that will touch your heart.

 

I pray that as you receive Christmas cards this year, you’ll think of the special message God sent those many years ago and have a renewed sense of wonder about the whole event.

 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

A Can of Biscuits

December 22nd, 2012 dsisler

My husband, daughter and I were out running errands yesterday. After grocery shopping for the upcoming festivities, we headed home. We were each tired from the crowds, the task, and the journey.

 

Suddenly, there was a loud pop. We were all startled by this sound. I pulled the car over to the side of highway and Mason jumped out to see what could possibly be wrong.

 

I sat in the driver’s seat and wondered what could have caused the sound, but didn’t come up with any real possibilities.

 

Candace was digging through the bags and finally came up with the culprit. A can of biscuits had indeed exploded.

 

Just as Mason motioned for me to pop the hood, I was able to tell him where the sound originated. Indeed it was not my car, but a can of biscuits!

 

Here in the high altitude of Colorado, it is not uncommon for items to burst open. Bags of potato chips have been known to pop on grocery store shelves (cans of Pringles really “pop” when they are opened here).

 

But when it is unexpected, a sound like this can cause some alarm. We were surprised. We were curious. We were confused. We felt uncertain.

 

I am thankful for the two passengers in my car. They sprang into action and within minutes had the solution. I wasn’t very useful in this situation.

 

I was reminded this week of the account in the Book of Acts where a young man fell from a third story window (Acts 20:7-12). The town was Troas. The preacher was Paul. The speech was long. The lamps were many. The young man was Eutychus.

 

“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.” (Acts 20:9 – NIV)

 

There have been many jokes at Eutychus’ expense about this situation through the years, but I’m sure the crowd was completely surprised and were in disbelief as the scene played out before them. They probably felt some of the same things we felt yesterday. Curious, confused, and uncertain.

 

Eutychus was dead. Those around him could verify the fact. Suddenly, Paul was beside the young man. Actually, Scripture says that Paul “threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him.” (Acts 20:10a – NIV) Then Paul pronounced to the crowd, “Don’t be alarmed. He’s alive!” (Acts 20:10b – NIV)

 

I’m sure Eutychus was not the only person near sleep by this point. It was midnight and Paul was still preaching. But this incident woke the crowd and rejuvenated their interest in the words spoken by Paul.

 

It’s a good thing too, because after this miraculous raising of the dead, Paul went back upstairs, shared The Lord’s Supper with the group, and continued preaching until daylight.

 

When it was all over, Acts 20:12 (NIV) tells us, “The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.”

 

What an experience this crowd had witnessed. The outcome was positive. The group was comforted by Paul’s words and actions. And this young man had great reason to rejoice.

 

The bursting biscuit can was a wake-up call for us. As the driver, I wasn’t as alert as I should have been. We each were suddenly wide awake and laughing as we continued home.

 

I believe we can all use a wake-up call when it comes to our spiritual journey. We wind up living mediocre lives without any real spiritual excitement. Why would we want to do so when there is so much in God’s realm that should thrill us?

 

I’d like to suggest that as the New Year approaches we make great strides to work on this area of our lives. Let’s not take our spiritual journey for granted. Let’s be more aware of all the wonder God is placing before us daily. Let’s be spiritually awake to hear and see all that God is sharing with us.

 

Are you with me on this one?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • 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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin