Not on Monday

December 2nd, 2012 dsisler

My daughter is 34 weeks pregnant. Soon, there will be another little Storm running through the house.

 

As the time has approached, discussion with my oldest grandchild, Joy has been initiated. Topics of what to expect, how it would all work out, when it could happen. You know the types of things young children are interested in knowing.

 

At the end of one discussion, Joy said, “Mommy, can you make sure she isn’t born on a Monday?”

 

The innocence of childhood is priceless!

 

There are some things in life that we simply do not have control over. We must release our hold on these areas of our lives and allow them to happen as they will.

 

But there are those who struggle with letting go. We call them “control freaks.” Every detail must be attended to. Regardless of how minuscule it might be, a control freak must at least put a finger on it to make it their own.

 

And what about the times when that just isn’t possible? How are we to deal with those situations? Let’s see what God has to say about it.

 

Pray About It

There are many passages that teach us to pray about everything. God wants to hear about it all. Including the small stuff. So don’t hesitate to share it all with Him. Remember He cares for you!

 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18 – NIV)

 

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:13a, 16b)

 

And even if we don’t know what to pray, God has supplied His Spirit to help with that. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:26 – NIV)

 

Give It to Him

This may be the most difficult step to take. Giving it to Him and not taking it back! But God wants to carry your burdens. Your concerns. Your problems. Even the things you have no control over. He wants them all. His Word tells us so.

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22 – NIV)

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 – NIV)

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 – NIV)

 

After we give any issue to God, we must trust Him with their care. “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 paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

Don’t Worry About It

I hear you all screaming. “Ha! Easy for you to say!” I know. Worrying is so natural for us. But Scripture clearly tells us not to worry.

 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25 – NIV)

 

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27 – 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)

 

Think About Something Else

So if we aren’t to worry, what should we be doing? Thinking about and doing something else. Here are a few ideas from Scripture.

 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30 – NIV)

 

“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)

 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 – NIV)

 

Accept It as It Comes

Jesus is our example here. He accepted God’s plan. He fulfilled God’s plan. And He did so with an accepting spirit.

 

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 – NIV)

 

We also can see this same accepting spirit in the Apostle Paul as he shares with the Philippian Church. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 – NIV)

 

Praise God for the Result

In the end, God must be praised.

 

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14 – NIV)

 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 – NIV)

 

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 – NIV)

 

As I continue to wait for the birth of my fourth grandchild, I will keep these steps in mind. I pray that as you go through your daily life that you might find a message here. Something that will truly bless your heart through God’s Word.

 

What a comfort to know that God wants to care for us. Why would we ever want it any other way?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The True Light

December 1st, 2012 dsisler

The Christmas season has arrived. It’s December 1st and today the “open up a little door with candy inside” advent calendars begin. Christmas reading programs begin. Decorating and shopping is in full swing. Festivities and parties will keep us hopping. And families will gather.

 

Of course if you look at the advertising world, the Christmas season has been here since October!

 

When my children were young, we had an advent log. Holes were bored into a 4×4 piece of wood and candles were placed in each one. At the close of each day, a new candle was lit, we’d share a short devotion, and we would sing. By Christmas Eve, the room would be filled with great light and the Christmas season would once again come to an end. My sister and her family have continued this tradition and still visit the advent log on a daily basis.

 

The great light that shone through the darkness of our living room was a great reminder of Jesus. As the advent log was lit, more light was revealed. The same way Jesus was revealed to the world. At first, just a tiny glimpse. Prophecies of Jesus were given to Old Testament peoples which gave them a hope. Something to long and wait for.

 

Then the light grew brighter and brighter with each prophecy, until the full illumination of Jesus was fulfilled through His birth, His life, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection.

 

Isaiah was a great proclaimer of the promised Messiah. In his writings, he spoke of such a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2a – NIV) We know how dark the world can be. Without Jesus, there would be no light at all. How thankful we should be to God because He was willing to share the Light of Heaven with us here on earth.

 

Isaiah also said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1 – NIV) As Jesus shines His light into our lives, we then are to shine for the world to see Him through us. Our light should not be dim, but as bright as a cloudless, summer day in Colorado. Now that is bright!

 

Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, shared his thoughts on the Great Light in John 1:9 (NIV). “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Oh what a statement. As we look to the True Light and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, our lives are filled with His light.

 

As I sit at my desk, one of my Christmas trees is visible. It is covered with lights. I’m sure your Christmas tree is covered with lights as well. Let’s use these lights as a reminder to worship the True Light each day through the month of December.

 

Let’s not walk in darkness as the world does. Let’s allow the Light to penetrate the deepest, darkest areas of our lives and fill us with His light.

 

Philip P. Bliss, a great American songwriter, wrote a song about the Light of the world. Read through these words. Hum the tune if you know it. It is a great reminder of who and what Jesus is to the world.

 

The Light of the World is Jesus

 

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus![i]

 

Why not come to the Light?

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] The Light of the World is Jesus, Philip P. Bliss, 1875, Public Domain

 

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A Little Sleep, A Little Slumber

November 30th, 2012 dsisler

After my journey to SE Asia, I determined to enjoy my family as much as possible. My Mom is visiting with us from Ohio and her visit has been such a blessing to me. It’s so good to see her moving around again and enjoying life.

The night before last I kept the grandkids overnight. Since Mom was sleeping in the room normally designated for these young ones, we set up a make shift bedroom in the living room. An inflatable bed and a couch served as our sleeping quarters for the night.

Joy (age 6) did wonderfully. Fell asleep, slept through the night, and woke up “first thing in the morning” to awaken her Aunt Candy.

Percy (age 21 months) didn’t do quite as well. Getting him to sleep wasn’t the issue. Keeping him asleep was. He slept the best after 4:30 a.m. which meant, that was my best sleep as well.

Yesterday, I spent the day with a cup of coffee in one hand most of the day. I was pretty tired.

But I found great joy in being with Joy and Percy. I found that holding these young ones close is still one of the best feelings in the world. I found that regardless of how tired I was, I enjoyed each moment I spent with them.

So for those of you who are tired, exhausted or weary, this morning I offer Scripture to encourage you. Scripture to help you keep going when you really feel like giving up. Scripture to lighten your burden just a bit.

Finding Rest in God
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tied and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 – 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – NIV)

Weariness
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” (Psalm 119:28 – NIV)

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25 – NIV)

Rest
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 – NIV)

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.” (Proverbs 6:10 – NIV) [NOTE: I have fallen in love with this little verse!]

Restoration
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 – NIV)

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10 – NIV)

Sleep
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2 – NIV)

“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 – NIV)

I pray that as you begin your day, you know where rest can be found. If you are struggling with a weariness that is more than you can bear, run into your Father’s arms. He’s waiting to offer His rest to you.

Perhaps you need to plaster your work area with these verses of Scripture. Or maybe in strategic areas around your home. Or even in your car. Keep them handy. Keep reminding yourself where you can continually find strength to get through one more day, hour, or minute.

I also pray that you’ll know that you can lean upon God for His source of strength and His peace for restful sleep. He’s offering. Why not accept?

I look forward to more sleepless nights ahead. Grandbaby number four should be arriving very soon. The joy of grand-motherhood far outweighs the weariness of sleep deprivation!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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Something New

November 29th, 2012 dsisler

There’s something new going on…my new website. A fresh, new look. A new host for my blog. It’s all new!

What isn’t new is the message. It will continue to be exactly what it has always been. God’s message. That will never change.

So here we go…God offers something new to those who seek Him and desire to do His will. Let’s see what He has to offer.

I might start with the new way, the living way to God. Jesus became that way. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood off Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God…” (Hebrews 10:19-21 – NIV)

David tells us that God will give us a new song. “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3 – NIV)

Ezekiel speaks of a new heart and a new spirit. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26 – NIV)

In Romans, Paul says we can live a new life. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4 – NIV)

We are a new creation according to 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Paul tells the Ephesian Church of a new attitude and a new self. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 – NIV)

And finally we see in Revelation that we have a new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:16 – NIV)

There is a whole lot of newness going on here. And it’s all because of Jesus. Everything I do is because of the new life I’ve received through Jesus Christ. And the same can be true for you as you approach the throne of grace and accept Jesus as your Savior.

The newness may wear off of this new website, but my newness in Christ never will. It will be fresh and new each day.

You may find a few new items on this website that I didn’t have with the old blog. I look forward to sharing recipes, an occasional newsletter, a featured article, and perhaps some other things. But for now I must learn how to do this blog posting thing all over again.

I am looking forward to this continued ministry of sharing God’s message. I’m glad you’re joining me on this “new” adventure!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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All Creation

November 28th, 2012 dsisler

I enjoy making food look attractive. I’ve been drawn to food art for some time now and when I have the opportunity to try my hand at it, I rarely hesitate.

I’ve created penguin villages. Viking ship watermelons. Apple birds. Radish mice. Leek and scallion flowers. Chocolate covered strawberries. Bread cornucopias. And fruit bouquets.

While I was in SE Asia, I had the opportunity to watch as some real pros worked their magic with food. They created works of art from melons, pineapples and pumelos. That was a sight to see.

My Mom is visiting with me and as we were shopping for Thanksgiving items, we saw a beautiful display of food art in a local grocery store. There was a display of poached pears that really caught my eye.

So, we tried our hands at poached pears a few days ago…they were delicious and were attractive! Now that is a bonus!

The one thing I have been unsuccessful in with this art form is using it for God’s glory. Psalm 96 tells vividly of how God’s creation praises Him.

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy, they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.” (Psalm 96:11-13a – NIV)

My penguin village may not come to life and start singing, but I can use this skill to bring praise to God.

All of my talent comes from God. As each one is perfected, glory to Him should be raised. All praise should be given to Him. I am nothing without Him.

But with my human faults and failures, I fail to honor God in this way all the time.

So how am I to use my talents for God? How can I bring praise to Jesus with each talent? How would my gifts exalt the Name of Jesus?

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Ahhh, I am to serve others. Food art may be more difficult to use in serving others than writing or teaching, but it is possible. There are opportunities where I might be able to bring joy to others through this art form. And as I create each piece, I can offer praise to the One who is the Master Creator!

How are you using your talents to glorify God? What steps do you need to take to offer thanks to God for the talents He has given you? How can you show others your gratitude to God for His gift? Are you utilizing the strength God offers as you serve others?

I am thankful for the ability to create beauty from ordinary food. I am also thankful that God creates beauty in ordinary people. “You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”(Psalm 92:4 – NIV)

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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