Different

August 30th, 2012 dsisler

Purse shopping is discouraging. For me, this has become one of the difficult tasks of my existence. I search for the perfect size, shape, texture, and even compartments. And if this isn’t enough, I must find a purse of a color or pattern that I really like because I will live with for months, perhaps years.
I also must admit that I have returned more purses than I have kept through the years. I believe the one purchased will fit the criteria, but as soon as I place all of the purse items into the newest one I find that it really isn’t.
So, recently I went to a local department store to search for a new purse. In the midst of all that were there, I found one that I thought just might do the trick. I headed to the checkout and placed my newest prize on the counter.
The young, almost 20 year-old male cashier looked at my purchase and then to my cart. The newest purchase was a red purse. The purse in my cart was also red. He was confused and asked, “What’s the difference?”
Well of course there were many difference. The size. The shape. The strap. The compartments. The color. I knew these differences, but this young man could not understand the purpose of my purchase.
I have to ask the question, “What’s the difference in your life?” What makes you different from your cubicle mate or your co-worker? What makes you different on the ball field? What makes you different on the expressway? What makes you different in this world?
I can tell you some of the things that make me different from the world. Here are some of them.
My Lord
When I accepted Jesus as the Lord of my life, I had to turn it all over to Him. Everything. Oh there are times I take some of it back and then I mess up, but I’ve learned that it is really much better if He is Lord of all.
My Spirit
God’s Holy Spirit lives within me and because of that, I am able to live more like I should. You see on my own, I allow my sinful nature to have complete control. With God’s Spirit, I have His control.
My Outlook
Because I am a follower of Jesus, I have a beautiful home waiting for me. I have hope that one day I will spend eternity with Jesus in the heaven He has prepared. Yes, this world is not my home. But until then, I will live differently in this world.
My Mission
My mission is Jesus’ mission. To make disciples. To teach His message. To share the Gospel. When my mission is to spread God’s message (of love, grace, forgiveness, acceptance), others will see that I am different from the rest of the world.
My Attitude
As a Christian, my attitude must be like Christ’s. Humble and not self-seeking. I must have a servant attitude. I must not think more highly of myself than I should. By keeping my attitude in check, I am able to serve Jesus to the best of my ability and live differently in this world.
There is a difference. Not just in the purse I purchased, but in my life as well. There are lists of ways for us to live in God’s Word. Sections of Scripture that teach us how to live different lives. If you have a chance, read through these passages and see where you’re missing the mark. Ask God to help you with these areas so that others may see that you are different.
Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Titus 3:1-11; and 1 Peter 1:13-2:3.
I didn’t return the purse. I have carried it cross-country and I think it might be okay for this season of my life. For that young clerk, yes, there is a difference. I pray that he saw that difference in me.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Ups and Downs

August 29th, 2012 dsisler

My husband and I made it to Ohio! It was a long trip and there were some ups and downs along the way. Most of the ups revolved around relationships. The people I met along the way, the talking with my husband, and my conversations with God.
The downs revolved around some of the scenery. There are some pretty places across our country, but I-70 along eastern Colorado and western Kansas could use a little boost (for those of you who are from this area of our country, please extend some grace…I’m still a bit tired from that 20+ hour road trip).

I’m certain the Israelites felt some of the same feelings while wandering through the wilderness in the book of Exodus. Their relationships had the opportunity to grow, but the scenery got to be a bit monotonous.
I believe Jonah experienced a little of this as well. The chance to work on his relationship with God and people was evident and he had plenty of time to do so. But three days in the belly of a big fish was probably not his ideal location for this opportunity.
Wherever your day is taking you, I pray that you will take the time to work on the relationships in your life. Your relationship with your spouse, your children, your co-workers, or with God.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 is considered to be the love chapter of the Bible. When we begin to look at love in this way and we know that this is the way love is to be expressed in our lives, our relationships with others will get better. There will be some amazing ups!
Pay attention to the ups. Don’t get bogged down by the downs. Work on the relationships in your life and enjoy the scenery as you go! The ups and downs in life are what makes it all so special.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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It’s Tuesday Morning

August 28th, 2012 dsisler

It’s Tuesday morning. I’m traveling with my husband. A long road trip from Colorado to Ohio…non-stop. Well of course we have stopped, but we didn’t stop to spend the night along the way.
So today I am going to do something that I haven’t done…I’m going to repurpose a past blog writing. It is “Sunrise, Sunset,” since I’ve been in this vehicle and have seen each of these in the past 12 hours.
So enjoy this repost. I did!
Sunrise, Sunset
Are you a sunrise person or a sunset person? I’ve always been an early riser, so I’ve enjoyed more sunrises than sunsets in my lifetime. I believed a sunrise was more beautiful, but I’m beginning to think that are each beautiful in their own way. For their own purpose.

Our sunrises in Colorado begin in the east, but as the sun rises, it transforms the mountains to the west. The sunrise is as beautiful to the west as it is to the east.

Our sunsets in Colorado have the mountains as their backdrop. I have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets here.
I love that God has given us this type of beauty. Beauty for us to enjoy. Let me share a little of the references in the Bible and what God says about sunrises and sunsets.
Sunrise
In the Old Testament, there are many references to the sunrise. Most of them deal with something facing toward the sunrise. A building, an entrance, where the Israelites were to camp, or the direction they headed on a journey.
These accounts can be found in Exodus 27:13; 38:13; Numbers 2:3; 3:38; 21:11; 34:15; Joshua 1:15; and Joshua 19:12.
Also in the Old Testament, David shared that he was a light at sunrise in his world because he followed and trusted God. (2 Samuel 23:3-4)
In the New Testament, we see the scene at Jesus’ resurrection at sunrise in Mark 16:2-3. “Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’”
It seems appropriate that Jesus appeared just after sunrise. Especially since He is described as the “Bright Morning Star”(Revelation 22:16).
Sunset
In the Old Testament there are references to the sunset. If a cloak was used as a pledge, it was to be returned by sunset. These laws can be found in Exodus 22:6; Deuteronomy 23:11; and Deuteronomy 24:13.
During a battle with the Amalekites, Moses’ arms were held up until sunset so the Israelites would obtain victory (Exodus 17:12).
There are other references in the Old Testament that are too gruesome to mention at this time of day, but you can look them up if you’d like.
Mark 13:2 and Luke 4:40 tell us how Jesus was greeted with sick people at sunset. “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.” (Luke 4:40)
I have seen some beautiful sunrises here in Colorado. But I have equally seen some beautiful sunsets. I think these two events, that just happen to occur daily, are a reminder for us to think about our God and how our lives can be changed through Him.
At sunrise we can seek God and ask for His guidance throughout our day. We can know that it is a new day and that we have the opportunity for a “do over.” I guess that is why one of my favorite Bible verses is Lamentations 3:22-23. “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.”
At sunset we can once again approach God with our daily victories, troubles, struggles, temptations and sins. We can seek His grace and forgiveness and allow Him to cover us with His wings. Psalm 141:2 tells us, “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” The evening sacrifice is our lives, lived with God’s power and strength throughout the day.
Through my Christian walk, I can enjoy both sunrise and sunset as seen through Scripture. In Colorado, I can also enjoy both sunrise and sunset. I guess it’s not for me to debate any longer. I love them both!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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I Am Nearsighted

August 27th, 2012 dsisler

I am nearsighted. Now if you’re trying to remember how this works, when you’re nearsighted you can see things that are up-close but things further away seem blurry.
I have tried bi-focals on several occasions, but they just never seemed to work for me. So when I need to read or use the computer, I simply remove my glasses and do my reading. It works relatively well, but it isn’t perfect.
I recently had an eye exam. My eye sight has improved! In fact, over the past few years, my eye sight has steadily improved. Well, my nearsightedness has improved.  My far sightedness has remained the same, however.
I was actually pretty excited about it. I hoped that one day I would be able to toss my glasses completely. Then I mentioned it to my youngest daughter. She worked in the optical department at a local eye glass store and she mentioned that at my age it is common for this phenomenon to occur.
Wow was I disappointed! Of course, the “at my age” conversation wasn’t all that fun either.
I have learned through the years how important eyesight can be. Knowing people who have lost their sight due to disease or accident has helped me to see that this is one sense that I would be disappointed to lose.
But what about our spiritual sight. Am I spiritually nearsighted? Am I sometimes too focused on myself to miss what others are battling? Do I see things that are up-close in focus but things further away seem blurry? Yes, sometimes I believe I fall into this trap.
If I’m really honest, I might even say that it occurs more often than not.
Jesus had something to say about this during the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 – NIV)
When my eyes are strictly focused on myself or those closest to me, I miss the opportunity to be filled with God’s light. But sometimes this is so difficult to do. So where do we begin to widen the view we see with our eyes?
Psalm 16:8 (NIV) shares how David was able to do so. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” We must keep our eyes upon God.
We also must keep God’s commands and precepts in sight. Psalm 19:8 (NIV) says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
We must turn from worthless things. “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:37 – NIV) Focusing on things that are not important will draw our attention away from God’s purpose. Worthless things will always cause farsightedness.
When we’ve set our eyes upon God, focused on His precepts, and turned from worthless things, our eyesight will improve!
The passage of Scripture that I have used as the structure for this blog is from Ephesians 1:18 (NIV). “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…”
I am certain that each of us would want this for ourselves. For our spiritual eyes to be unselfish. For our spiritual eyes to be healthy. For our spiritual eyes to have 20/20 vision.
It is possible. But it will take effort on your part. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to see what God is preparing for you. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to see others before yourself. You will need to open your spiritual eyes to God’s wonderful law and see how His light will shine through your eyes.
All this I pray for you!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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My Heart

August 26th, 2012 dsisler

I am continuing to prepare for my SE Asia service trip. There are now 28 days (four weeks from today) until we leave. The plane tickets have been purchased. Training has begun. Details of what we’ll be doing are coming together. God has blessed me abundantly. The excitement is building. It is really going to happen!
I purchased a couple of journals to take along. One for personal thoughts and one for blog writing. The journal that will be filled with my personal thoughts of the day is a pink book with “Joy” written on the front. There is a passage of Scripture at the bottom of each page. One reference got my attention.
“The cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15b – NIV)
I love to eat! I love to entertain! I love feasting! And what could be better than a continual feast?
Memories of festivals come to mind from my past, and yes, they were enjoyable. Anticipation and excitement accompanied the prospect of attending a festival. And of course, the festival foods were a highlight.
But that isn’t what this verse is speaking of.
When our hearts are in line God’s heart, His plans, and His attitudes, “life is as joyful and satisfying as the days of a festival.”[i]
What do we need to do to get our hearts in line with God’s? Let’s explore what God’s Word has to say about it.
We must ask for it. Psalm 51:10 (NIV) are David’s words, but they are words we can pray as well. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Allowing God to work in us is a great first step.
David also notes that we are to seek God and hide God’s Words in or hearts. “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) Seeking and hiding are great ways to line up with God’s heart.
In Acts 13:22 (NIV), Paul quoted God and this is what God said about David. “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” If we want to line our hearts up with God’s heart, we need to do everything God wants us to do.
So what does God want us to do? Here are just a few verses that lead us in the direction of lining up with God’s heart.
Psalm 86:12 (NIV) shows us, “I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Our hearts praising and glorifying God will always line up with God’s heart.

We see in John 14:1 (NIV) that we are “not to let our hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” When we trust in God, our hearts will be in line with God’s heart.

Our hearts are filled with love because we have the Holy Spirit within us. Romans 5:5 (NIV) says, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Hearts filled with love line up perfectly with God’s heart. Because God is love!
Allowing God’s peace to rule our hearts put us in line with God’s heart. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) tells us, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The benefit here? Our hearts will be protected.
Peace should be the ruler of our hearts. Colossians 3:15 (NIV) reminds us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
And, we are to have thankful hearts. Peace and thanksgiving. These are qualities we are to possess for alignment with God’s heart.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other ways to place our hearts in line with God’s. What passages do you recall? I’d love to hear from you! Why not share?
I cannot wait to write in my personal journal. I believe God has great things in store for me as I walk the paths of this journey. I pray that my heart will continue to be in line with God’s. I also pray that God will show me any undesirable thoughts or feelings that might be lingering in my heart.
“The cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15b – NIV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]NIV Study Bible, 2002, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, pg. 1308.
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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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