Behind

July 2nd, 2012 dsisler

I was going through my emails on Sunday afternoon. I had a boat load of them.
Blog posts I intend to read, but don’t have time at the moment…these continue to stay in my inbox until I have a spare moment to skim them for the shards of wisdom found in each one.
Notes from a faithful group of fellow writers that I can’t seem to find time to be part of…these will probably continue to grow until I finally say, “I want to be part of this group, but I can’t seem to find the time to commit.”
Reminders from my “personal trainer” of what I need to do on this particular day…these get moved to the “personal” folder of my email, because someday I will start with day one (today I filed day 205 away for future reference).
My recent favorite however, was an email of a blog post written by one of my favorite authors and speakers, Cindy Dagnan. Since her name caught my attention, I decided to read it.
It was about rejection. Rejection from publishers and how it affects us. But then she said, “As Christian writers, that rejection can be magnified, for if we are doing this right, our goal is to make His name famous. His alone.”[i]
Yes! As a Christian writer there is more at stake than just some words on paper. My message is God’s message. My goal must be to make His name famous.
I join a loyal group Christian authors from Moses to Max Lucado. From Paul to Priscilla Shirer. From Luke to C.S. Lewis. From King David to Cindy Dagnan. Everyone who joins this group has the same goal. For God to be magnified and for ourselves to be diminished. I cannot and must not take this task lightly.
The unknown author of 2 Samuel knew how to magnify God above himself. 2 Samuel 22:47 (NIV) says, “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!”
David knew this skill as well. He exalts God throughout the book of Psalm. Listen to these select verses.
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted!’” (Psalm 40:16 – NIV)
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” (Psalm 57:5 – NIV)
“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” (Psalm 148:13 – NIV)
Isaiah joined the exaltation parade by raising God above his own agenda. In Isaiah 12:4 (NIV), he says, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”
And finally, Paul exalted Christ in his ministry. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20 – NIV)
You may not be an author, but you also are called to magnify Jesus in all that you do. Others must see this exalted Christ within you. In your speech, in your actions, in your day-to-day living. May His Name be exalted above all.
I did find some humor during my email excursion. Some of the emails were very outdated. Another task for another day. Clearing out those emails that have no relevance to my life at this moment. I guess my lesson is to read my email when I receive it!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i] http://wordservewatercooler.com/author/cindydagnan/
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Darkness

July 1st, 2012 dsisler

I’m not crazy about darkness. My inner “there’s something lingering in that darkness and whatever it is wants to get me” syndrome takes over. I’m a scaredy cat at heart. I know it. My family knows it.
Growing up, my siblings and I wanted to watch Dark Shadows. The original television program Dark Shadows. However, our Dad didn’t want us to. But when Dad wasn’t around, we figured out a way to do so.
One of us would sit at the kitchen table where the television was visible to “stand guard” while the other two watched from the comfort of the family room couch. If the one standing guard saw the car pull into the driveway, scattering took place. The television would be turned off and we’d all head in different directions to act as if we had never viewed the show of horrors.
My siblings knew that show scared me, but I continued to watch it. I suspect part of me didn’t want my siblings to know just how frightened I was, but in retrospect, I think I was drawn to its darkness in some way.

In 2002, Mr. Kinkade was interviewed by the San Jose Mercury News and this is what he said about his technical skills, but also the use of light to symbolize the divine.
“I’m a warrior for light. With whatever talent and resources I have, I’m trying to bring light to penetrate the darkness many people feel.”
Jesus spoke very similar words as He began His ministry. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 – NIV) Jesus was and is that Light.
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, reflecting God’s light should be one of our goals. We have the Light within us. A great Light. A Light that has broken through the darkness and penetrated the deepest, darkest crevices of our souls.
That Light has exposed sin in our lives. That Light has shown us the despair of sin and the hope of salvation. That Light continues to reflect God’s goodness within us.
2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the ace of Christ.” God has placed this light within us. To replace the darkness and so that we might know God through Jesus.
There is a section in the book of Ephesians titled, “Living as Children of Light.” Yes, we once lived in darkness, but we must no longer live that way. We must “Live as children of light…and find out what pleases the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8b; 10 – NIV) We are called to be light in this world. We must be warriors for the Light.
Just as Jesus brought grace, hope and love to our lives, He can do the same for those living with the weight, care, and despair of sin.
With the Light, we must illuminate the world. It must be our goal to share the Gospel with each person.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) tells us that “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” He has brought us from that darkness for a purpose. To declare God’s praises. To share what He has done for you!
I pray that as my days go on, that others will be able to see God’s light within me. I pray that with God’s help, I can illuminate the dark path so that others might be able to run to Jesus.
Mr. Kinkade, I believe you accomplished your goal. I believe you brought light to the masses. Thank you for using and sharing your talent with the world.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Priceless

June 30th, 2012 dsisler

My brother Billy has been visiting us this past week. We have had some memorable moments throughout the week, but the one that we will remember most was a fishing trip for my brother and my 5 1/2 year old granddaughter, Joy.
It started with preparation several days before. A fishing rod was purchased. A weight added to the end of the fishing line. Lessons on casting. Hours of practice. All of this was done before we ever got to the lake.
Joy would stand in our driveway and cast her line across the street. One time, the weight stuck in a crevice in the road. She proudly proclaimed, “I caught the road!” And at one point, a car drove by as she cast her line, and again she announced, “I caught a car!”
Finally, Friday came. It was time to take Joy fishing. Billy was so excited and could hardly wait.
The lines were prepared. And then the first cast. Joy and Billy were fishing. Side by side. Life was perfect.
Except that Joy found other things to occupy her little mind and body.
There were boats. There were birds. There were rocks. There was water.
The fishing pole and bobber were checked only when reminded.
Billy on the other hand, was perfectly content to be standing on the side of the lake with a pole in hand. Of course, having Joy there made it priceless. It was a day he will not soon forget.
God gives us little snippets of priceless advice, encouragement, or direction in His Word. Sometimes we know exactly where to go to find them. Other times, we stumble upon them and wonder why we hadn’t seen them before. Or perhaps someone shares a section of Scripture with us.
Regardless of how we find these priceless words, learning from them is more important. Adding the wisdom to our lives makes the difference.
I have several lists of “go to” Scriptures that I like to keep handy. These lists give examples of what verses would be relevant in certain situations. The list I use more than others is the “truthful labels” list. So here are a few priceless pieces of Scripture to encourage you today.
I AM a New Creation – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NIV)
I AM Forgiven – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)
I AM God’s Delight – “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 – NIV)
I AM Confident – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6- NIV)
I AM an Heir of God – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17 – NIV)
I AM Assured of a Home in Heaven Forever – “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20 – NIV)
These are just a few…there are many more. Abundantly more. We simply need to be open to God’s priceless words.
This is the last day of vacation for my brother. He will be leaving this evening. But the week was filled with good times, great memories, and priceless adventures. What more could we have asked for?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Let Faith Arise

June 29th, 2012 dsisler

Have you ever complained to God? I think we can answer this question with a unanimous “yes.” Complaining comes natural to us. When something isn’t right. If something doesn’t make sense. And that’s all it takes. The complaining begins.
I read through the book of Habakkuk yesterday. I found it quite interesting that Habakkuk had a couple of complaints for God. God answered each of Habakkuk’s complaints with words of encouragement.
First Habakkuk wondered why God was allowing Israel to continue in sin without coming to the aid of the prophet. Why God had not punished Israel for her transgressions. God answered Habakkuk. God told Habakkuk that He was going to do something. Something that Habakkuk would not believe even if he were told.
God was going to allow Israel to fall to the Babylonians.
And then Habakkuk wondered why God would allow a nation even more sinful than Israel to overtake them. Again God answered Habakkuk. God told Habakkuk that Babylon itself would fall.
In the end, Israel would receive correction for sin, Babylon would no longer be a threat to Israel, and God’s people would once again be restored.
Once God has given His answers to Habakkuk’s complaints, Habakkuk praises God for who He is and for what He would accomplish. Throughout his prayer, Habakkuk showed great faith in God.
God spoke of faith to Habakkuk in chapter 2, verse 4b (NIV). “…the righteous will live by his faith…” This verse is considered the main teaching of this book. Faith is the essence of who we are as Christians.
Dr. Halley shares some insight into faith and what it means. “Faith is the ability to feel so sure of God that, no matter how dark the day, there is no doubt as to the outcome.”[i]
I recall a time last year that was dark for me. I complained to God. He answered. I shared my despair with Him. He answered. Unfortunately, they weren’t the answers that I wanted.
Then came the moment when I surrendered my complaints and allowed my faith to take over.
A week into this dark period, I stood in a worship service. We sang a fairly new song. These are the words to the chorus.
“I lift my hands to believe again,
You are my refuge, you are my strength.
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember;
You are faithful God forever.”[ii]
In that moment, my faith in God brought me to the point where I could get through the situation.
But here’s the thing. I had to say it out loud. Sing it for others to hear. Profess that God was my refuge and my strength.
I also had to physically do something. I lifted my hands.
And then I believed again.
Oh, I have poured out my heart to God. Over and over again. But in the end, God’s faithfulness far overshadowed my complaints. God’s faithfulness stands forever. When my faith waivers, His faithfulness is rock solid.
Life isn’t fair. There will be situations that we simply don’t like. However, when we give all of our complaints to God, He will answer in His own way. Have faith that God knows what He is doing. God has a plan. God wants to implement that plan. If we are patient, He will do His best work in our lives.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna

[i]Halley’s Bible Handbook, Dr. Henry H. Halley, 2000, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, pg.470.
[ii]Let Faith Arise, Chris Tomlin
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What? Me Tired?

June 28th, 2012 dsisler

I’m tired. Have you said those words before? I know I have. As a young mother with three children 4 years and under, I was tired. But it never seemed to keep me from doing what was needed. What had to be done was complete. Anything else, well, simply didn’t.
During busy times in my life, I was tired. Like gearing up for Vacation Bible School. I created, developed, and wrote VBS programs for years. But it was hard work. By the end of each VBS, I was tired.
I was the choir director at most of the churches we ministered to through the years. Easter and Christmas Cantatas were busy times for me. Rehearsals, building sets, making costumes, memorizing music. These elements led to being tired.
And then there are the times with my family. My children and grandchildren live in Colorado, but my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family all live in Ohio. I live 1,200 miles from my family. When we are together, I want to do everything there is to do with them. I want to be in the middle of it all. When I am with my family, I am tired.
This morning I’m tired. My brother has been here this week and we have been on the go since his plane landed. With two grandkids in tow, it’s been a tiring week. But the thing is I wouldn’t change a thing. Being with my family is so good for me. Loving on those I love brings joy to my heart.
Jesus was tired on occasion. When He was tired He spent time with His Father. Over and over Jesus can be seen withdrawing from the crowd and praying through the night. It was good for Him. It brought joy to His heart.
Jesus also knew how to comfort those who were tired. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus tells the crowd of His plan for being weary. It is one He urges us to try as well. “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.”
How wonderful that we have a Savior who cares when we are tired. How wonderful that it is His desire to take that weariness and carry our load for us.
So why don’t we give our weariness to Jesus? Why aren’t we willing to give it to Jesus and accept rest in return?
I suspect we are a little stubborn. I suspect we are a little controlling. I suspect we are a little rebellious. I suspect we are a little “whatever your reason for not giving your weariness to Jesus might be” inserted here.
Jesus truly wants to take our weariness and burdens. He wants us to find rest. His rest. Isn’t it time to loosen the grip on these issues? Isn’t it time to give them all to Jesus?
Jesus’ gentle and humble heart knows exactly what we need. Rest for our souls. And He is offering it all to us. We simply need to accept it.
Yes, I am tired. But with Jesus in the middle of my life and my day, I know I can make it through the most tiring of days. Oh how I look forward to what the days ahead hold. With Jesus and my family.
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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