Have you ever seen a documentary on salt or done a little research on it? I’ve done both. Salt can be used and has been used for so many things. Besides the fact that it is a food enhancer, there are other uses. Throughout history it was used in medicines, to preserve meats, make pickled vegetables, and even as currency and partial salaries. We know that our bodies need salt to survive, but too much can cause health issues.
Salt
February 14th, 2012
dsisler I grew up in Upstate New York, and made many trips to the Salt Museum on Onondaga Lake. There is so much history, interesting facts, and details of salt harvesting to be found in this museum. The museum tells of how salt was harvested in the area and how it once produced all of the salt consumed in the United States for a while. But other salt mines can be found throughout the world and each has its own history to tell.
A couple of years ago, I heard of a use for salt that I thought I’d try. You know those days where you need to wash your hair, but don’t have the energy or the time to do so? Okay, maybe I’m talking to the women at this point. Well, I heard that if you rub salt onto your scalp, that it would absorb the oils and your hair would look clean. For me, it didn’t quite work that way.
The salt stuck to my scalp. And it wouldn’t come off. I used my hair brush, a towel, and even a fine-toothed comb. But nothing. The salt simply would not come out of my hair. Needless to say, I ended up washing my hair that day.
Why is it we like to take shortcuts? Maybe we feel like we are getting away with something. Maybe we are lazy. Maybe we are in too much of a hurry and need to find a way to make up time. Whatever the reason, we all take shortcuts when we can and hope that in the end we’ll come out a little better.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to our spiritual lives. We have been commissioned to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15); work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13); work at anything we do with all our heart (Colossians 3:23); and not to be lazy (Hebrews 6:12). And clearly in the Parable of the Gold Bags in Matthew 25, we are shown what our reward will be if we take shortcuts or are lazy. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my relationship with Jesus, I don’t want to take the easy road. I want that relationship to one that I work at with my whole heart.
I can’t say the same for my hair. Since the salt incident, I’ve found a good dry shampoo product that I use when I’m running out of time or just plain don’t want to wash my hair. Now you know one of my secrets.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
The Best of the Best
February 13th, 2012
dsisler Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage? If you are like me, you might have several. Why is it your favorite? Does it remind you of a specific time in your life? Does it remind you of something God has provided to you? Do you simply love the message? Whatever your reason, we can become attached to passage in God’s Word and whenever we hear it, we are comforted.
As I said earlier, I have several that I truly love. Each for a different reason, but each has a special place in my heart. Think of it like my children and grand children. I love them all, for different reasons, but the main reason is that they are my children and grand children. They are connected to me in a way that no other human is. My blood flows through them and that means we are family.
My first favorite 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.” I am so thankful that each day is a new day. That all of my “mess ups” can be put behind me each morning. And there is nothing like the feeling of being loved. And not just love, great love! And because of that love, I can withstand anything that Satan wants to throw at me. But most importantly, I love these verses because it states once again, God is faithful. Even when I am not. He will greet me each morning with something new. The choice is up to me. Will I meet Him and bask in His faithfulness and love? Or will I ignore Him and throw aside the mercies and compassions He longs to give me?
My second favorite verse if 2 Chronicles 16:9a. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”King Asa had rejected God’s strength and relied upon treaties with another country to keep his kingdom secure. This verse is in the middle of the account. God is looking to strengthen, but His desire is that our hearts are completely committed to Him. What alliances have I chosen instead of God’s strength? This verse is a reminder that He is searching. Now, am I that one whose heart is fully committed to Him?
My third favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The apostle Paul asked that God take away his “thorn in his flesh,” but God had other plans. Paul was reminded by these verses that it is only through God’s strength that we are able to do anything. I too, boast that I am weak. I know that I couldn’t make it through a day without God’s strength or grace.
As I view it, there are many great verses and passages in God’s Word. I love them all, because I love God’s Word. But I really love specific ones because of what I have gained from my insight into the verses. And because I’ve been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, I know what it means to be part of a family.
I’d love to hear from you. What is your favorite verse and why?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Whatever
February 12th, 2012
dsisler
You’ve heard it before. Thatword. You may have heard it from your teenager, your child, a co-worker, or even your spouse. Perhaps you have used it in the past or use it on a regular basis. And, you know, the word cannot just be spoken alone. There must be rolling of eyes, perhaps a hand gesture, or even someone walking away from you.
WHATEVER!
It is a word that clearly says, “I really don’t care about what you are saying and you can’t make me care!”
If you are like me, it is a word that sucks every bit of life from me. Especially when it comes from someone that I love. I want to shake them and say, “Why don’t you care?” “Am I really that unimportant to you?” “You need an attitude adjustment!” Now, I may not have tons of wisdom, but I do have some. Please give me that much!
Regardless of their reason for saying that word, my feelings get hurt, I feel as if I have no value, or it makes me angry. So why can that one little word mean so much? I believe it is because it is the final word.
The apostle Paul gives us an alternative use for this word that may help when we are in this situation. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whateveris noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whateveris admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Puts “whatever” into a completely different light doesn’t it?
When we are faced with a situation where the conversation ends with “whatever,” think about the things God wants us to think about. What is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. These thoughts will fill us with life! Abundant life! They will restore us so that we might be able to move on with our day.
And what does God promise? Peace. Peace in an otherwise hostile situation. Isn’t it wonderful how God knows exactly what we need? How He knew 2,000 years ago that that one little word, “whatever,” would take on a different meaning and supplied a way for us to react to it. I can now thank God for the “whatever’s” in my life and rejoice that I can use that very same word in a positive way. Whatever!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
My Diamond Tree
February 11th, 2012
dsisler Years ago, my Grandparents had a terraced garden in their small backyard. They always had great success and many of us were beneficiaries of their efforts. One particular year, Grandpa was laid up after surgery and was not able to help out as he usually did. They asked if I’d like to help. Of course I said yes!
I enjoyed the time I spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s. You knew you’d be well fed and would have a chance to hear Grandpa’s newest tale. But during this particular summer, I was in the garden on most visits. Weeding, watering, pruning, and staking were daily tasks and to be honest, it was therapeutic.
After one particular visit, I noticed that the diamond from my engagement ring was missing. Somewhere in that garden lay my precious stone. It was discouraging to me. I quickly recovered and knew I’d never retrieve it from the soil or the produce. I joked with my Grandparents that if a diamond tree were produced, the diamonds would be mine!
I find it interesting that in Matthew 13, Jesus shares parables with the crowds and the disciples relating the Kingdom of Heaven to several earthly illustrations, most involving working the land in planting or harvesting:
- The Parable of the Sower – hearing the message of the kingdom and how each person responds to it
- The Parable of the Weeds – speaks of the growth of the kingdom of heaven
- The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast – the productivity of the kingdom of heaven
- The Parable of the Hidden Treasure – the priceless value of our eternal life
- The Parable of the Pearl – what am I willing to give up for that greatest treasure?
- The Parable of the Net – victory for the righteous
Jesus ends this section of parables with this verse. “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his store room new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:52) As a teacher, this concept is a wonderful revelation. Not only are we to teach the old treasures, but the new as well. I love that God continues to show me new treasures each time I enter into His presence and spend time in His Word.
We can learn a few lessons from these parables. First, we see that we are never to stop learning. Dig deep. Search for those hidden treasures in God’s Word. Be open to His guidance, and you will be rewarded with renewed passion for the old treasures and exhilaration for the new.
Secondly, what are you willing to sacrifice for God’s Kingdom? Don’t skim over this question or say you’ll think about it later. If you can’t give an answer, might I suggest that you aren’t sacrificing anything? Clearly we are called to give up everything for the Pearl of Great Price. It is the only way we can find our identity in the Kingdom.
That garden never produced a diamond tree. It did however produce very good vegetables, some bonding time with my Grandparents, and a time of reflection for me. Perhaps that hidden treasure is still there, but I know it won’t be found by me.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Building a Doll House: And So It Begins – Chapter 1
February 10th, 2012
dsisler You’ve seen these books. “What I Learned From God While…” Fill in the blank. Quilting, gardening, cooking, brewing tea, and the list could go on. Well here’s my version. “What I Learned From God While Building a Doll House.” I believe that God taught me some lessons during this process and I would like to take the opportunity to relate with you what God desires for each of us and for what He desires in our homes.
We first got the idea of building a doll house for our granddaughter when she saw a doll house in a toy store and was mesmerized by it. We thought it would be a fun and exciting process, so we began our journey.
We started at the hobby shop. Standing in front of half a dozen fully built houses was inspiring. We decided upon one and asked to see it closer. The store manager lifted it off the shelf and we inspected it. Yes, this was the perfect house for Joy. Along the wall were accessories: furniture, knick knacks, fireplaces, flooring, wall paper, lights…the list could go on, but you understand. Then the manager asked if we were thinking of adding electric for the house to have lights. “Of course,” we said. “I quit before I got to that point,” replied the manager. “It’s a lot more work than most people realize. I hope you’re giving yourself plenty of time to complete this project,” he added. It was at that point we began to understand the enormous task we had thought to undertake.
We purchased the house kit and a few accessories and left the hobby shop with our heads spinning.
Think a moment about the creation of the world, the universe, and man. Can you imagine what Jesus and the Holy Spirit thought when God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). Were there questions? Maybe opposition? I don’t think so. They all agreed to the plan. And I’m sure they didn’t have the overwhelming feeling Mason and I had at this undertaking, but none the less, they knew what it meant. What it would cost. Rejection, pain, inconsiderate words and actions on man’s part, and death.
Oh yes, creation was the beginning of the fall, but there’s so much more! Through the resurrection of Jesus, we have the opportunity to accept the grace offered by God and along with it, the hope for a future with God for eternity.
That first step into God’s grace may seem daunting, almost impossible. And on our own, it is. We can only understand His forgiveness when we submit completely to Him. And through His love and strength, we are able to overcome any “trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword…In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35, 37)With Him on our side, we have nothing to fear.
This is the first part of many chapters in this story. The “chapters” will be intertwined with other writings on my blog and together, will be a completed work. Join me on this journey. Enjoy the process and the finished project. We did and still are.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna



