Ordinary

October 14th, 2012 dsisler

I have enjoyed creating food art or food garnishes for years. So when I got the opportunity to see a live demonstration of a true artist at work on my recent SE Asia trip, I took the time to watch. It was exciting to see how they could take a piece of ordinary fruit or vegetable and create a masterpiece from it.

A pumalo (citrus fruit a little larger than a grapefruit and quite delicious) was torn apart to create a dog.
A watermelon was carved to create a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Additions to a pineapple gave the appearance of an exotic bird.
And who wouldn’t love a flower formed from a carrot? Or a bird made from a tomato?

Yes, these were masterpieces. Works of art. Beauty created from ordinary items.
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom. I know. I’ve seen it. I know. I am an example of how He does what He does.
Do you remember the song Ordinary People by Danniebelle Hall? The lyrics tell the greater story of those who are willing to do God’s will. Here are the lyrics to the chorus.
Just ordinary people,
God uses ordinary people.
He chooses people just like me and you
Who are willing to do as He commands.
God uses people that will give Him all
No matter how small your all may seem to you;
Because little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hand.[i]
We see great examples of this throughout Scripture. Noah who was willing to build an ark (Genesis 6:9-9:17). Deborah who was willing to lead Israel into battle (Judges 4-5). David who was willing to face a giant (1 Samuel 17). Mary who willingly gave birth to the Messiah (Matthew 1:18:25 and Luke 2:1-20). And then there is the young man, of whom the song speaks, who was willing to share his lunch with Jesus (John 6:1-15).
I love the last line of this song. “Little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hand.” What are you willing to place in the Master’s Hand? Regardless of what it is, be prepared for something great to come of it. Because my God is bigger and greater than I can even imagine. And He wants to work through us to further His Kingdom.
Now it may not be huge to us, like building an ark or bringing down a giant with a small stone, but it could be His gentle working through your life to plant seeds of God’s grace along your journey. It could be a smile that brings joy to a homeless person. It could be lending a sympathetic ear to someone who just needs someone to listen. To those you touch, it is huge.
There is a small verse in Philippians that says, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13 – NIV) God is working through us for His good purpose.
And then there is the passage in Nehemiah. “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of God.” (Nehemiah 6:15-16 – NIV) No small feat, the walls of Jerusalem were complete in 52 days. But it was God working through those who were willing to do His work that accomplished the task. And those around Jerusalem took note of it.
So we can confidently stand and willingly give ourselves to do God’s work. God will do amazing things through people who are willing to give Him their all. Who are willing to make them Lord of their lives.

For me, I’ve given God my blog. I’ve given Him my head (knowledge), my heart (compassion), and my hands (writing) for Him to use however He sees fit. It’s been amazing to me how this little thing has grown. How many people spend time reading my words, understanding my message, and then acting upon that message. It may be a little thing to me, but God is using this blog to spread His message throughout the world. 

Are you willing to place your “little” in the Master’s Hands? If so, you’ll be joining the multitudes who have done so and have seen God’s mighty work because of their willingness to do so. Come on, why not join us?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Ordinary People, Danniebelle Hall
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Bean Soup Project

October 13th, 2012 dsisler

I volunteer with a group of ladies to provide events for women at my local church. These annual events are filled with fun activities, shopping, a little bit of pampering, and of course food. It is such a joy to see the many women who attend these events and to hear the laughter, the chatting, and the fun they have with friends and family.

This year I thought it would be good to add a service project of some sort. I didn’t know what, but I felt it might just be a great addition to this event, especially since our church strives to be an externally focused church.
With Fiesta Night as a theme, we decided to prepare Mexican soup mixes to give to local families in our community at Christmas. I found the recipe, calculated how much soup ingredients to purchase for 1,000 bags of soup mix, and then left the project in capable hands while I went on a two week vacation, followed by a two week service trip.
While I was away, ingredients were purchased (pounds and pounds and even more pounds of beans), soup seasoning packets were prepared, and other items gathered to pull this project together. I must say a big thank you to Kim and Jodie for all the work they did in order to make it the success it was.
Yes it was a success. The women who attended the event last night were thrilled to be able to do something for others. That room was busy during the entire event. People raved about how good it was to do something for others. And even when the beans ran out, they asked to be called when more beans were purchased so that the project could be finished.
It brought joy to my heart! Yes, the women enjoyed all the fun the evening offered, but they also thought of others. Others less fortunate. And they also were willing to do something about it. Prepare soup mixes.
God filled His Word with examples of those who shared with other less fortunate. We should see these examples and know that we are to do the same.
Acts 9:36 (NIV) speaks of Tabitha. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.” Her life mission was to help others. When she died, the poor felt helpless. But Peter entered the scene and miraculously brought her back to life. Once again, the poor of her community would be blessed by this woman.
When Paul was accepted by the other Apostles, they asked him to “remember the poor, the very thing he was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10 – NIV) Paul knew the importance of providing for the poor. He was concerned for their souls, but he was also concerned for their physical well-being.
The early church showed this same compassion. In Acts 2:44-45 (NIV), we see their response to the needy. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
In 1 John 3:17 (NIV), John shares why we should give. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” God’s love cannot be seen in those who do not give to those in need. I don’t know about you, but I want God’s love to shine through me. That means we must share with those in need.
There are other passages of Scripture that command us to be kind, compassionate, and generous.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 – NIV)
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18 – NIV)
And in Ephesians 4:28 (NIV), Paul encourages those who had been stealing to find something useful to do with their hands so “that he may have something useful to share with those in need.”
So you see we are to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. It might be difficult in our world today, but still, we must make an effort to find our own plan of action for this group of people. And as in all things, we must do so in love.
The bean soup project was a success. But I ask you, how is your local church reaching out to the poor of your community? If nothing, why not step up and start something. If there is already a program, why not join the cause. Get involved. You will find that you will be blessed far more than expected.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Scripture Cards

October 12th, 2012 dsisler

Before I left for SE Asia, our team leader encouraged us to write out Scripture cards to carry throughout the journey. She had written meaningful verses or passages of Scripture onto 3×5 index cards. The print was small and each verse was a different color so that she could separate them easily.

I began gathering verses. I read through the Book of Psalm to find all sorts of verses. I pulled my favorite verses. In my day-to-day Bible study, I would find verses that I could use. Some were shown to me through preaching or Bible teaching. This in itself was an amazing process.
I then typed each verse into a word document (the font is pretty small, but I’m still able to read it easily). From there, I created sections that were the size of a 3×5 card. I highlighted each verse and gave it a different color. The final step was to print this document onto cardstock and cut them to the right dimensions.

Then the real excitement began. I started using my Scripture cards. I read them as we landed in SE Asia. I read from them each morning and evening. I carried them with me throughout the day and was able to pull them out as needed.

What I found was that I could have God’s Word with me at all times and that meant more to me than I could have suspected.
As I prepared to leave SE Asia, I offered many unused items to our host family. Lotions, shampoo and conditioner, wet wipes, and other toiletries. But I also offered my Scripture cards. I knew I wouldn’t have them on my return flight, but I thought they might be of more value there. They accepted them.
So upon my return, a new set of Scripture cards were printed and once again, carried as I go. I read the passages I thought relevant before my service trip and realize how much God’s Hands were upon those selections. Not only for my journey, but for my everyday life.
Here are some of my favorite verses from my cards.
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1 – NIV)
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” (Psalm 89:1-2 – NIV)
“The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” (Psalm 28:8 – NIV)
“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1 – NIV)
“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see they have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” (Psalm 15:15-18 – NIV)
“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16 – NIV)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:2-4 – NIV)
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 – NIV)
Why not start your own set of Scripture cards? If you aren’t proficient on a computer, that’s okay. You can use 3×5 index cards and write verses in your own handwriting. Perhaps you might think of another way to accomplish this. However you do it, why not try it?
Just think…while you’re waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or picking up your kids from school, or at the DMV, or wherever you’re waiting, you can pull out Scripture cards to read. You could even read God’s Word while sitting at a traffic light!
Now don’t confuse this concept with actually picking up a copy of the Bible and reading or studying it. That must also be part of our daily routine. This idea is for times when you’re on the go and can read a verse or two from God’s Word.
I hope this excites you as much as it excites me. I love God’s message and enjoy all that He has to say to me (and you). Which leads to yet another verse. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”(Psalm 119:18 – NIV)
I pray that God’s Word, His Bible, would bring joy to your heart as you read it regularly. I know that is exactly what happened to me!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Path

October 11th, 2012 dsisler

On an excursion in SE Asia, we wandered into some out-of-the-way places. In fact, the only way to one of these locations was to follow a path. A narrow path.

This path was on a hillside. To the right was the steep slope going up the hill. To the left was the steep slope going down the hill and into a rice paddy. Needless to say, a single misstep could have sent any one of us down that slope.
As we walked along in single file, I thought of several passages of Scripture that mention feet on a path. The main verse I thought of was, “Your word is lamp to my feet and light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV) In that moment when my footing could have been disastrous, God’s Word was a light for me to follow.
I also thought of the verse when Micah speaks of his desire to walk along God’s path. He knew that by learning what God had to say, he would be able to follow the path. It is the same for us. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” (Micah 4:2 – NIV)
And on the Scripture cards (I will share the value of these cards in another blog) I carried with me throughout my journey, I found three more passages that spoke to this topic.
“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” (Psalm 94:18-19 – NIV) How blessed we are to know that God’s love is supporting us. We know that sometimes we do slip. Sometimes we manage to fall down that slope into sin. But with God’s love supporting us, we have a greater chance of remaining on the path.
“For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 116:8-9 – NIV) Deliverance. This passage speaks of three specific things we can be delivered from as we walk with God. Deliverance from the death of our souls. Deliverance from tears in our eyes. Deliverance from stumbling feet.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 – ESV) If you’ve read my blog, you’ve seen these verses before. As we allow God to reign in our lives, He keeps us from stumbling. He keeps our feet steady and on the path.
Unfortunately, we sometimes take our eyes off the path. We take our eyes off of Jesus and then the inevitable happens. We stumble. We fall. Sometimes right into the rice paddies of sin below. But we are also assured that Jesus is right there to lend a helping hand to get us back on the path and guide our steps once again.
I urge you today to keep your eyes focused on the path set before you. Follow the Guide. Place your feet directly into the footprints of Jesus. By doing so, you’re guaranteeing a lighted path and steady feet.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Jet Lag? Yeah Right!

October 10th, 2012 dsisler

I have been dragging the past few days. I’ve been feeling “blah.” I’ve chosen to rest (including sleep) instead of moving about. I’ve pretty much been useless.

I believe there are several reasons for this. I suspect I can blame jet lag for some of it. Return culture shock for some of it. Getting used to some processed American food for some of it. But I believe the main culprit is Satan has been telling me lies and then, I in turn, believe them.
You see, I thought things like, “You were so busy doing God’s work, take a break.” “You’ve missed so much while you were away; take the time to get caught up.” “You really don’t have anything to do, just relax.”
And I did.
But here’s the thing. By listening to these lies, I not only did all these things, but I even cut back on my Bible study time. I cut back on my prayer time. I cut back on my personal time with God and guess what? I began to feel disconnected from God.
But guess who moved? It wasn’t God! It was me!
After a good dose of Bible study with some wonderful ladies, I realized what I had done. I had allowed Satan to pull me in. I cannot believe I was willing to put aside my spiritual well-being and growth for comfort. But I did.
So today begins anew…remember my favorite verse? “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”(Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)
Oh, how wonderful to know that God’s faithfulness is greater than I could ever imagine. To know that He is willing for me to start over each morning, just as if nothing had happened yesterday. But I know that I have to do my part. My faithfulness to Him must continually grow. I may never be as faithful as my God, but I can certainly try harder each day to be more faithful than the day before.
My personal time with God and the Lord Jesus Christ must come before anything else. Yes, including my sleep if need be.
So what is my plan? James 4:8 (NIV) tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
I must draw near to God (prayer and Bible study). Wash my hands (confess my sin). Purify my heart (become God-centered). These are literal steps I must take to be in God’s presence.
Psalm 51:10 (NIV) says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The next step is to ask God to do His work within me. Allowing God’s Spirit to continue the purifying process and to keep me on the correct path will take me then, to the next step.
Being with God. 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.’”
When I dwell in God’s presence, I find rest. I find protection. I find strength. And then I am ready to begin a new day being closer to God.
Perhaps you are feeling distant from God today. If so, why not try these simple steps to begin the process of an intimate relationship with the King of Kings? Nothing is worth being separated from God. Nothing.
So, don’t listen to that old devil. He’ll try every trick in the book to get you walk away from God. But you just turn to God and say, “You are my King forever! I will trust in You. Let’s take a little walk together. I love 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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