Decision Time

March 19th, 2012 dsisler

Decisions. Making decisions can sometimes be difficult, especially when it is a one where it will make a major impact in your life. There have been times when I’ve made  decisions without consulting God. Somehow, most of those decisions were the right ones and something good came from it.
It’s only been in the past ten years or so that I have really sought God’s counsel on decision making. I think the difference that comes with seeking God during these times is the peace that comes with the decision. When God is in the middle of it, He gives us peace.
Several years, I was making a huge decision. I decided to take a day and spend it in the mountains chatting with God. I found a lovely spot. The scenery was amazing. The weather perfect. With Bible in hand, I sat on a bench, telling God all about the decision to be made.

I flipped to the concordance of my Bible to search for verses about mountains…I chose to read Micah 4:2. “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.” It was a great verse to start with.
Allowing God to teach me something was a good step. Knowing that walking in His path would be the result was even better. I knew I needed Him to point me down the right path.
Then I read the entire chapter of Micah 4. It’s interesting that the section starting in verse 6 is titled, “The Lord’s Plan.” Could I possibly have found a better passage to read during this decision making excursion? I don’t think so. And I also don’t think it was by accident that I turned to this passage.
There were several verses that led me to believe that my decision was an easy one. Yes, there would be some major changes in my life, but I knew God was leading me in that direction.
There is one other verse in this chapter that I have held on to throughout these past few years. Micah 4:10b – “…for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.”
 This verse tells me that I must get out of my comfort zone to share the Gospel with anyone and everyone who will listen. It may even be that I am to leave the security that I am so accustomed to. But for certain, the Lord will be with me through it all.
Maybe this particular chapter will mean nothing to you. Maybe it’s just a chapter in the Old Testament that has no relevance in your life. For me, it was a turning point. A time when I asked God and He answered me. I do believe I can still repeat Micah 4:2. Will you join me? Are you willing to learn what He has to teach?
“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.”
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Christmas in March

March 18th, 2012 dsisler
Last weekend, Joy and Percy spent the night with us. I was tired. I had returned home from Florida and lost two hours to travel. It was the Saturday to lose an hour of sleep. I babysat the two grand kids on Saturday. But when Joy called and asked if she and Percy could spend the night, well, it didn’t matter how tired I was. These two were going to stay at Baba’s.
(I haven’t explained the “Baba” thing. When Bethany was pregnant with Joy, Bethany  wanted each of Joy’s grandparents to have a special name. One that would clearly say, “This is my grandma or grandpa.” My husband’s family is from Russia, and he called his grandparents Baba and Gido, so these are the “Americanized” names we chose for our grandchildren.)
On the trip to take the grand kids home last weekend, Joy spoke up from her car seat. “Baba, do you have any Christmas music? Mommy can’t find ours.” My heart melted. She wanted to listen to Christmas music. In March! A girl after my own heart. “Of course!” I said. “I always have Christmas music in my car.”
I scrolled through the CD’s that I had and decided the most “fun” CD was Michael Bublé’s newest Christmas album. And, by the way, if you’re looking for some new Christmas music, I highly recommend this one. It is so much fun…and his voice is divine.
As we listened to Michael croon to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells” and “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Joy was singing right along with him. But then, he sang her favorite song, “Feliz Navidad.” Oh how she enjoyed that one.
When I got back into the car after dropping off the kids, I restarted the CD and listened to it all the way home. There’s just something about Christmas music that brings joy to my soul. Rest to my weary body. Peace to my restless way of life.
For me, however, Christmas music isn’t the only way I am restored. More importantly, it isn’t my first “go to” to be restored. I know when I need restoration; I go to my heavenly Father. It is only in His arms that find real joy, real rest, and real peace.
Joy
Nehemiah gives such encouragement in chapter 8, verse 10. He says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When nothing else will do, God’s joy will give us the strength we need.
The book of Psalm says a lot about joy, but these two verses tell us of the joy God gives. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”(Psalm 126:3) “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.”(Psalm 119:111)
The New Testament is also filled with verses on joy. These are just a couple. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Peace
Jesus states in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Another of God’s glorious gifts he has given. His peace!
He also says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) It is only by being in Christ will we find true peace.
Paul tells us that Jesus is our peace in Ephesians 2:11. Through this “peace,” all barriers can be broken down. There is unity. Hostility is banished. Now that is real peace.
Rest
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” (Psalm 16:9) There is security in rest, but only when God is the center of that rest.
Psalm 62:5 also tells us that rest is accompanied by hope. “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest.” (Proverbs 16:10) I love this little verse…should almost be a nursery rhyme.
And of course, Jesus’ words to us when we just can’t seem to take one more step. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
These are just a few of the ways God brings restoration to our lives and souls. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can put these words into action. Then we will know that our joy, peace and rest come from God.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Death in a Pot

March 17th, 2012 dsisler

I love to cook. I enjoy reading recipes, trying new ideas, and then of course, eating what I’ve made. It’s in my blood. My Great-Grandmothers and Grandmothers were excellent cooks. My Mother is still a wonderful inspiration to get into the kitchen and prepare a fabulous meal for the people I love. I’ve learned so much from these wonderful women and am blessed to call them family.
 I’ve enjoyed several creations of my own. In years past, I was able to go to a farm and purchase fresh milk, directly from the cow. It was fun to draw the cream off the top of the bottle. I always saved out a little to use in my coffee, but then fresh butter was made.
I made my own cottage cheese and a few other cheeses. Upon remembering this, I recall having to go to the library to do research on how this process works. Boy, have times changed! And I supposed I just gave my age away. During this time period, I gained quite a bit of weight. Everything was so much tastier because of the freshness of the product! It was worth it.
Another odd food item I made in years past was marshmallows. If you’ve never had a home-made marshmallow, you haven’t lived. They are so tasty! Again, research at the library brought me to this delicious confection. This I might have to make again…this time for my grand kids!
Believe it or not, there is an account of an odd cooking experience in the Bible. In 2 Kings 4, we see there was a famine in the area. Elisha was hosting a meeting of local prophets. Yes, like a preacher’s meeting. When it was time to feed the group, a large pot was placed over a fire for a stew to be prepared.
Someone from the group went to the fields and gathered herbs and some gourds from a wild vine. He brought them back, cut them up, and put them into the pot. No one knew what this particular gourd was, but it was the only gourd to be found.
When the stew was finished, it was poured out for the group. Upon eating it, they all cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” They could not eat it. Perhaps it was an exaggeration. Maybe it just tasted awful. But remember, this was a group of preachers (sorry all my preacher friends…I had to put that in).
Elisha didn’t panic. He simply asked for some flour. He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” There was nothing harmful in the pot.
Now I can’t say that I’ve made anything that horrible, but I’ve made a few things that I will never make again. Sometimes recipes just don’t live up to the expectation. Sometimes substitutions just aren’t adequate. Sometimes (as in my current situation) the altitude messes with the outcome.
Whatever it might be, it’s no reason to give up on cooking. We just keep trying until we get it right. This idea can be translated into other areas of our life as well. Whether it is a new skill you are learning or a project that just doesn’t seem to come together. Don’t panic. Keep going. Keep working. Your best effort will be rewarded.
Now, I think I must go find a cow.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Storm

March 16th, 2012 dsisler

A couple of years ago my husband and I went on a getaway for our anniversary. We decided to go to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. September is not ski season (we don’t ski anyway), but still there is a lot to do in Steamboat. We also thought there might be a chance to get some good photos of the changing colors of the Aspen trees.
We headed in the direction of Steamboat, enjoying one another’s company. In Rabbit Ears Pass, the snow began to fall. The further we went, the worse the weather became. Soon, we were in a full blown blizzard. The roads became treacherous and Mason was worried that we wouldn’t be able to finish our trip and that we should turn back.
My thought was that we should continue. We’d come to this point, why not keep going? We did keep going. It wasn’t pleasant, but we managed to come out on the other side of the pass without any real problems.
The weekend was fabulous. The sun shone the entire time we were in Steamboat and we were able to relax and enjoy our time together. All too soon it was time to head back to our daily lives. We packed up and headed home.
The trip home was priceless. We were rewarded with some beautiful scenery.  The fresh snow covered evergreen trees and there was a stark contrast between dark and light. Aspen trees with their changing colors of yellows, golds, and reds were also contrasted between the snow that covered them.  What a photographers dream. Many photos were taken on that trip home.
There are times in life when things are going along splendidly. No worries, concerns, or disappointments. Then a storm invades our lives out of nowhere. It becomes difficult to continue on and only with the help and strength from God are we able to do so. At some point after the storm, something beautiful is visible. Perhaps it is a changed life. Or maybe an attitude change. Whatever it might be, God’s hand can be seen in the situation.
My prayer would be that in the midst of the storm, remember that there is something to look forward to on the other side. Yes, it will be difficult. Yes, you will want to give up. But don’t! Continue on and you’ll find a great reward when it is complete.
Vince Gill wrote a song called “The Rock of Your Love.” In the chorus he sings,
“Let the storm clouds roll;
Let the rain flood my soul.
I’ll still be here when the troubles come;
Standin’ on the rock of your love.”
When we know that God is in the midst of the storm with us, it is much easier to weather that storm. His love, His comfort, His strength are all available to us during these difficult times. I pray that we stand on that Rock for stability.
David shares his pain with God in Psalm 61:1-2. He says, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
God does hear your cry. He hears your prayers. He leads you to the Rock. During those most difficult times, lean on Him. Allow Him to bring you through to see the beauty on the other side.
Mason and I have not seen such a dramatic change in scenery since that trip to Steamboat. We’ve seen some beautiful places since then, but nothing compares to that trip. I once again am thankful to live in this beautiful place called Colorado.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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The Name

March 15th, 2012 dsisler

A name. It is part of what defines you. Sometimes people hear a name and say, “it fits that person.” Sometimes, not so much. When children are born, we take great lengths to find the perfect name for the child. It might be given before birth or perhaps after, but still it is not given without great deliberation.

My children were no different. Philip Daniel, Candace Lee, and Bethany Joy were all given with great care and thought. Each named after a person or simply because we liked a name. And each of their names can be found in the Bible…Philip and Candace in the same chapter of the book of Acts. I would assume that my parents spent time in deciding upon my name and the names of my siblings.
Names are important. They have been since the beginning of time. Adam took the time to name each animal God had created. The final name he gave was to Eve, his perfect mate.
God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah in Genesis 17. He gave the name of Israel to Jacob in Genesis 32. And in the New Testament, we see Jesus changing the name of Simon to Peter in Matthew 16, after Peter’s confession of Christ.
With these new names, their lives were changed. Changed to be committed people of God. Their new names would reflect who they belonged to. The Lord.
Also in Scripture, we see many names for God. But I don’t want to look at the list of names; I want to discuss The Name.
“The name of the Lordis a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 NKJV)
Wow! This verse tells us that His Name is amazing and powerful. Yet sometimes we dismiss it, forget it, or ignore its power. There are other verses that lead us to this conclusion as well.
  • Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.”
  • Isaiah 12:4 – “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.”
  • Micah 5:4 – “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.”
  • Deuteronomy 28:58 – “…revere this glorious and awesome name—the Lord your God.”
His Name. That’s it. The Proverbs passage tells us His Name is a strong tower. That in His Name there is great strength and protection. Simply in His Name.
And what are we to do? We are to run to it for safety. Run. Directly to him. We see from the following passages how we are to run.
  • Psalm 119:32 – “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
  • 1 Corinthians 9:26 – “Do not run like someone running aimlessly.”
  • Hebrews 23:1a-2b – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
The Amplified Version adds some insight into the Proverbs passage. Take a look.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.”(Proverbs 18:10)
The consistently righteous man knows where the power is. It is in the Name of God. He knows outside the safety of the strong tower, evil will be there to lure him into its clutches.
I didn’t care for my name for years and I really don’t like the song “Donna,” even though I hear it quite often from people. But through the years I’ve come to enjoy hearing my name. Especially from those who love me. I look forward to the day when Jesus calls me by name, and then writes my new name on a white stone. I wonder what that name will be?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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  • "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.

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