On Photography

November 2nd, 2012 dsisler

On the final leg of my journey from SE Asia to Denver, I sat next to an interesting gal that I became acquainted with. She lives in Australia at the moment, but was raised in Ireland and has lived all over the world. She was going to visit friends in Boulder for three weeks where she hoped to get a little respite from caring for a seriously ill friend.

Moira had the window seat, but as we passed over the first mountain range, she urged me to look. The view was stunning. I pulled out my camera and took a shot of the scene. As the trip continued, Moira and I spoke on many topics and as we passed over interesting topography, she would encourage me to look. Of course, the photographer in me continued to take shots.
At one point, I asked if she had a camera to take a photo or two. And she answered with an interesting comment. “I have given up on cameras and rely only on my eye and my memory for scenes. In the past when I took pictures I was always disappointed. They were never as beautiful as the real thing.”
I had mixed feelings about this comment. Yes, in years past, I’ve had some pretty lousy cameras and the shots taken with those were truly unacceptable. I believe some might even accuse me of purchasing a “cheap” camera.
But I also know that with my husband’s professional cameras and lenses, he can take some pretty great shots. They may not be 100% as beautiful as the original scene, but they are pretty close.
I would have to say it is the quality of the camera that makes the difference.
So here are a few thoughts from my two-hour journey with Moira.
If we rely on a “cheap” relationship with God, we will be disappointed. Not because God didn’t keep His promises or His end of the bargain, but because you didn’t do your part. God wants 100% of you. Not just the pieces and parts you want to give Him. The places and areas that are least important to you, so they are easy to give Him. No, He wants it all. And that means even the hard parts. The places of your heart that you aren’t quite ready to hand over. He wants them, too.
By “upgrading” our relationship with God, we can guarantee fulfillment. Complete beauty. In John 10:10b (NIV), Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” God wants us to have full lives and that is only achieved by giving 100% of ourselves to Jesus. You will never regret having done so.
And I believe the last thing I learned from Moira’s statement is that we will always have a better understanding of something when we see it, read it, believe it for ourselves. When we rely on someone else for our understanding of Scripture, it will never be as beautiful as when we study it for ourselves. Our own spiritual “eyes” will allow us to see God’s perfect, complete beauty as we spend time with Him.
Moira has gone back to Australia to care for her friend. I would ask for prayers for this dear care-giver. Her desire to help a friend in need is indeed inspiring. Please pray for strength, comfort, and peace for Moira.
I would also ask for prayers for her friend. I’ve managed to forget her name, but God knows who she is. Please pray the same things for Moira’s friend. Strength, comfort, and peace. And if it would glorify God, that she might be healed of this horrible disease.
How are your spiritual eyes? Are they focused on God? Is He blurred due to your lack of attention? If so, why not take this opportunity to “upgrade” your relationship with Him. Let Him show you the sights in His Word. Let Him guide you to a better understanding of full life. Don’t miss it! It’s beautiful!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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I Did It!

November 1st, 2012 dsisler

It is November 1. That means, last night was Halloween. On my way into women’s Bible study yesterday morning, I was listening to K-Love. Perhaps you heard the announcer say these words (my paraphrase).

“Whether you are for or against Halloween, here is one thing to think about. Tonight, people will knock on your door. They will be asking you for something. Begging you for something. What is the one thing you can give them?”

I knew immediately the “one thing” I could give. God’s love.
So I stopped by my local office supply store, purchased small labels and proceeded to print 450 labels. The labels read, “God love YOU! John 3:16.” I then put one label on each piece of candy.
As each child came to my home last night, I gave them a piece of God’s love.
You know that’s one of our commands. To make disciples. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“Go” is usually the word people focus on. Perhaps we are to go somewhere, but last night these children came to me. So if we focus on “make disciples” we can do that anywhere, anytime. And that is what we are called to do.
Now I’m not saying that every person who received candy at my home last night will turn their lives to Jesus, but I’ve at least planted a seed. It is at least a possibility now.
Paul shared his thoughts on this in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV). “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
So you see, I’ve done my little piece, but at least I did something. To be honest, I am ashamed that I haven’t thought to do this until now…and it wasn’t even my idea!
Since my journey to SE Asia, I’ve been more conscious of my American freedoms. Sharing God’s love with others is one of those freedoms.
I’m wondering if each person who comes to my door (you know those solicitors) shouldn’t receive this same message? I’m thinking “YES!” They are coming to me. I have something to share with them.
So what are you willing to do today to “make disciples?” I know it’s a daunting task. I know you may need to step out of your comfort zone. I know you may feel uneasy. But be assured of this. If you choose to do so, Jesus will be with you. Always. He said He would be.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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This is My First Post

October 31st, 2012 dsisler

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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Perfection!

October 31st, 2012 dsisler

Perfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I think there is perfection in our world. The perfect combination of flavors brings a smile to my face. I believe I’ve seen perfect sunsets. I’ve experienced perfect days.

Imperfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I must admit there is imperfection in our world. Computers that aren’t compatible with upgraded programs. Potholes that cause flat tires. The absence of fireflies in Colorado.
Perfection and imperfection. I believe we can look at these words through Scripture and find God’s view on them. So let’s do that. Let’s see what He has to say about perfection and imperfection.
Imperfection
We know from the Old Testament that the Hebrew nation was to provide sacrifices without blemish. They weren’t to have imperfections. (Leviticus 22:21; Numbers 19:2)
We are imperfect. If you read through all of the lists of sins we are to get rid of, you and I both know that we haven’t achieved that task yet. You’ve seen the lists. Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:22-31; Ephesians 5:3-4; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 1 Peter 2:1. Unfortunately, some of those sins are still in my life. I am imperfect.
Perfection
Paul’s final words to in 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) were, “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”Aim for perfection. Now that I think I can do.
Yes, we are to rid ourselves of the sins listed above, but we also have lists to show us how we are to live. Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; 32-5:2; Philippians 2:14-16; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 John 1:7; Jude 1:20-23.
“Aim for perfection.” Other versions of the Bible have translated this phrase a little differently. Maybe we can gain some insight from them.
“Keep things in good repair.” (The Message)
“…be made complete…” (New American Standard)
“Try to be complete.” (New Century Version)
“Aim for restoration.” (English Standard Version)
I love the ESV translation. “Aim for restoration.” It seems to help me understand that it is a work in progress. That it is a time-consuming project. Maybe even that it is a never-ending task. I must continue to work at living the way God wants me to live, because I know that it is only through Him that I am perfect.
I believe that as we remove a sin from our life, we must replace that void with something. Something good. Remove something from the imperfection list and replace it with something from the perfection list.
I also believe that I cannot do this without God and His Holy Spirit working in my life. My sinful nature is too strong for me to battle on my own. And God has given me the perfect tools to go into battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us of the armor we are to take up and use. God’s armor.
Let’s strive today to live as godly men and women. Let’s utilize the tools (God’s armor and His Holy Spirit) as we head into battle. Let’s aim for perfection. Aim for restoration. Let others see Jesus through you that “…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” (1 Peter 2:12 – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Distractions

October 30th, 2012 dsisler

How easily are you distracted? Distracted during a conversation or while you’re heading in a specific direction? Or what distracts you from studying God’s Word or your prayer time with Him?

I was having a conversation with a co-worker. I couldn’t tell you what the topic was, but it was one that had kept our attention for some time. Then suddenly, I saw them.
My cubicle mate had dangling earrings. They were a combination of blues, greens and a mixture of the two colors. They were large, shiny and the shape of a teardrop. It was as if I were a fish and these fishing lures were drawing me to them.
I stopped talking. I was mesmerized by their shape, color and design. If in fact I were a fish, I would have been dinner.
Oh how often I am distracted from spending time with God or helping someone in need. The unfortunate thing is that it happens daily for me. I’ll be focused on my study time and then my mind begins to wander. I’ll remember something else I wanted to do. Or I’ll read a verse of Scripture and think, “I could use that in a blog post.” Or an interruption will draw me from my study time and it then becomes more difficult to return.
The same can be said of my prayer time. I’ve learned through the years that unless I physically speak my prayers, chances are pretty good that I’ll end up being distracted by something and then my prayer time with God is disjointed.
But I know I am not alone in this dilemma. The distractions of this world and life have kept many from spending time with God and accepting what He has to offer.
Martha was one such woman. Martha and her family had a close relationship with Jesus. Apparently, close enough to make a complaint about her sister to Jesus.
Jesus was passing through town with His disciples. Martha opened her home to the group. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master, while Martha was busy preparing a meal and their home for their guests.
Martha wasn’t happy with the way Mary was behaving. And she told Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b – NIV)
Jesus’ response was priceless. “Martha, Martha.”(Luke 10:41a – NIV) Now this wasn’t the end of Jesus’ response, but it tells us the message Jesus wanted to convey.
“Donna, Donna. Why are you worried about this particular thing?” “Donna, Donna. Really? You made the same mistake again?” “Donna, Donna. What were you thinking?” “Donna, Donna. Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Yes, I can hear Jesus saying these same words to me. “Donna, Donna.” (You can insert your name here anytime you want.)
For Martha, she had been “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40a – NIV) And by being distracted, she missed the message.
Jesus continued with His response in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary chose the better. Mary got the “one thing.” She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His words. To know that her life would be different because of knowing this Man. She knew in that moment that her spiritual needs far outweighed her physical needs.
What lessons to learn from Mary!
My friend and I speak of that moment on occasion. Of how I was so drawn to those earrings. To be honest, they were not something I would normally be drawn to. They weren’t a color I care for. They were not my style at all. Honestly, I rarely wear jewelry. But that didn’t matter. The distraction was there and the conversation was lost.
The distractions of our lives don’t even have to be something we like. It doesn’t have to be something we’re usually drawn toward. If we are not careful, anything can distract us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing.
Isn’t it time we realize that our spiritual desires need to take precedence over our physical desires? Isn’t it time to realize that Jesus can make all the difference in our lives? Isn’t it time that we understood the “one thing?” I say yes.
My mind must stay focused. My heart must be in tune with God. My actions must show that nothing can distract me from listening to Jesus.
I don’t like hearing the words, “Donna, Donna.” What about you? Are you willing to be undistracted? I pray that you will come to the understanding that Jesus wants us to listen and hear His message and that He is more important than any distraction.
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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