Wedding Music – Day 1

March 11th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“Sing, Sing, Sing” – Musical Musings in March

 

sunrise 1-28-15I know many people who have pretty remarkable voices. I enjoy listeninPsg to someone who is able to sing beautifully and who are willing to use their voice to glorify God.

 

But I must admit, there is nothing more beautiful than hearing one of my grandchildren sing a little song for me. Or when I catch my husband (who doesn’t sing at all by the way) humming a few bars of a song.

 

In my earlier years, singing was the most important thing to me. My voice was an instrument that needed to be exercised, cared for and used daily for it to be at its best. I was committed to doing whatever needed to have a beautiful voice.

 

As the years have passed, singing is still important. But what has changed is that I don’t spend an hour a day working toward having a beautiful voice. I’d rather be studying God’s Word or writing a blog post. So this once beautiful, well-coiffed voice is now ordinary. I’m okay with that. And with this voice, I still sing, sing, sing praises to my God and King.

 

I imagine King David had a naturally beautiful voice. I imagine that his voice was one that others stopped to listen to. I imagine that his voice could be heard over the other voices singing. But I also imagine that King David’s voice was His gift from God in order to sing praises to God.

 

We see glimpses into this idea from Scripture. Psalm 104:33 (NIV) shares these words of David. “I will sing to the Lord all my life: I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

 

Psalm 96 is dedicated to singing. “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psalm 96:1-2 – NIV)

 

And if this isn’t enough, there are plenty more. Take a look at Psalm 9:11, or Psalm 30:4, or Psalm 33:1-3, or Psalm 47:6, or Psalm 68:4, or Psalm 81:1-2, or Psalm 95:1, or Psalm 98:1, or Psalm 149:1.

 

David loved to sing praises to God. And so should we! It doesn’t matter if you have a good voice or not, God delights in hearing us sing to Him. So today, let’s sing to the maker of heavens and earth. Let’s make music to glorify the Name of Jesus. Let’s sing, sing, sing!

 

“Sing, Sing, Sing”

 

Chorus:

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

 

What’s not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we’re living for

 

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we’re living for

(Chorus)[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to “Sing, Sing, Sing,” click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Words and Music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Matt Gilder and Daniel Carson, WorshipTogether.com, Six Steps Music, Vamos Publishing, Shadow Rock Music, 2008.

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“O Come to the Altar” – Musical Musings in March

March 10th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ve come to love the song I want to share with you today. It’s one that is sung frequently at Rocky and the message is so compelling. “O Come to the Altar” reminds us that Jesus is calling each one of us. Regardless of where we are or what is going on in our lives, Jesus is calling you to come to Him and allow Him to care for you.

 

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So what do you need to lie down at the altar? Sin? Brokenness? A parched soul? Sorrows? Ashes? What is it that you are still holding on to that is keeping you from living a life of freedom in Christ? That’s what Jesus wants.

 

We are reminded of Jesus’ loving words in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “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.”

 

Why would you hold on to these burdensome pieces of your life? If Jesus is asking you to give Him your burdens so that you could find rest, why haven’t you done this?

 

The good news is that Jesus will continue to call you to come into His presence and find rest. Peter tells us that “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b – NIV)

 

Maybe today is the day that you need to take that step toward the altar. Jesus is calling.

 

“O Come to the Altar”[i]

 

Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling

 

Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling

 

Chorus
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

 

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there’s no reason to wait
Jesus is calling

Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling
(Chorus)

 

Bridge
Oh what a Savior
Isn’t he wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before him
For he is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
(Chorus)

 

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found

 

Click here to have a listen!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O Come to the Altar,” words and music by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick and Wade Joye, Elevation Worship Publishing, 2015.

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“Happy, Happy, Happy” – Musical Musings in March

March 9th, 2016 dsisler

 

When I first heard this song, I smiled. A big smile. It’s fun. It’s energetic. It is one of those songs that can pull you out of the dumps and lift your spirits.

 

Now while there are some fun elements to this song, there is a message here for us.

 

We know there will be all kinds of trouble in this world (John 16:33), but we’ve been given several ways to help with all this trouble.

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus gave us God’s Spirit to help us in our times of trouble (John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:13).

 

We can acknowledge that through faith, troubles will produce fruit in our lives (James 1:2-4).

 

We can acknowledge that fear is driven away by love (1 John 4:18).

 

We can acknowledge our trust in God is far better than our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus will never leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20b).

 

Knowing all of this helps to live a life filled with joy and peace. And yes, even happiness.

 

Take a look at the lyrics below and then be sure to listen to this fun song. And remember; smile!

 

“Happy, Happy, Happy”[i]

 

Sorrow and pain, there’s all kinds of things
In our life that try to bring us down
Faith not fear, always draws Him near
And trusting frees my spirit I have found
It makes me . . .

 

Chorus
Happy, Happy, Happy
Happy, Happy, Happy
I have the joy of the Lord down in my soul
I’m so
Happy, Happy, Happy
Happy, Happy, Happy
Jesus saved my life and gave me hope
I love Him so

 

Joy and peace, His love has set me free
Praising Jesus everywhere I go
Life free from care, because He’s always there
No worry of tomorrow and it shows.
It makes me . . .
(Chorus)

 

Bridge
He is my Savior, He is my King,
He fills my heart with joy so I can sing
It makes me . . .

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to Sunday Drive sing “Happy, Happy, Happy.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Happy, Happy, Happy,” words and music by Jeff Treece, SundayDriveBand.com, 2014.

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“Grace Wins” – Musical Musings in March

March 8th, 2016 dsisler

 

Grace. This little word is so encouraging to me (and I pray it is to you as well). The simple definition of grace is “unmerited favor,” but some scholars have suggested that grace envelopes all of who God is and covers the entire expanse of time as we know it. Not such a little word, is it?

 

joyIn the Book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us of God’s grace.

 

  • Grace comes from God – Ephesians 1:2
  • Grace is glorious – Ephesians 1:6
  • Grace is part of God’s riches – Ephesians 1:7
  • Grace has saved us – Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8
  • Grace is part of the incomparable riches God has lavished upon us – Ephesians 2:7
  • Grace was imparted to Paul – Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 3:7; Ephesians 3:8
  • Grace has been given to us – Ephesians 4:7
  • Grace has been given to “all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” – Ephesians 6:24

 

These are just a few ideas from Scripture about grace. But what I believe we can see here is that even if we believe we are the chief of all sinners (as Paul did in 1 Timothy 1:15), God blesses us with His grace. He extends unmerited favor upon us.

 

Now if this isn’t something to get excited about, I don’t know what is. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that God’s grace is greater than all of your sin.

 

The song I’ve chosen today shares this idea as well. “Grace Wins” is a fun, uplifting song of the truth about grace. I pray that you’ll enjoy this song as I have. Because remember, grace wins! Every time!

 

“Grace Wins”[i]

 

Verse 1

In my weakest moment I see You, shaking Your head in disgrace

I can read the disappointment, written all over Your face

 

Verse 2

Here come those whispers in my ear, saying “who do you think you are?”

Guess you’re on your own from here, ‘cause grace could never reach that far

 

Pre-Chorus

But in the shadow of that shame, beat down by all the blame

I hear You call my name saying “it’s not over”

And my heart starts to beat so loud now, drowning out the doubt

I’m down but I’m not out

 

Chorus 1

There’s a war between guilt and grace, and they’re fighting for a sacred space

But I’m living proof, grace wins every time

No more lying down in death’s defeat, now I’m rising up in victory

Singing hallelujah, grace wins every time

 

Verse 3

Words can’t describe the way it feels, when mercy floods a thirsty soul

The broke inside begins to heal, and grace returns what guilty stole

 

Chorus 2

There’s a war between guilt and grace, and they’re fighting for a sacred space

But I’m living proof, grace wins every time

No more lying down in death’s defeat, now I’m rising up in victory

Singing hallelujah, grace wins every time

 

Bridge

For the prodigal son, grace wins. For the woman at the well, grace wins

For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins. For always and forever, grace wins

For the lost out on the streets, grace wins. For the worst part of you and me, grace wins

For the thief on the cross, grace wins. For a world that is lost

 

End

Ev-‘ry time

Yeah, I’m living proof, grace wins ev-‘ry time

 

Want to listen to this song? Click here!

 

GRACE and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Grace Wins,” words and music by Matthew West, Atlas Holdings, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, 2015

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“That’s Important to Me” – Musical Musings in March

March 7th, 2016 dsisler

 

A couple of pretty special ladies have passed away over the past few days. Nancy Reagan died yesterday. She will be missed by those who were closest to her, but she will also be missed by our nation. She touched many lives.

 

???????????????????????????????And then, Joey Feek passed away on Friday. While Nancy’s passing was very private, Joey’s was not. The world knew many details of her fight against cancer and her death. And they knew about her faith in God.

 

There are many songs I could have chosen today to remind us of life and death, or faith, or living a good life, but I’ve chosen one by Joey and Rory to help us remember what is really important in our lives.

 

So I have to ask the question. What is important to you? And once you’ve determined what is important to you, what steps are you taking to keep these important things at the surface all the time?

 

Here is a short list of things that are important to me:

 

Truth

So much hinges on this word. Truth. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit within us to help with this one. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13a – NIV)

 

Faith

This is a big one. Without my faith, I don’t believe I could make it through a single day. I’m not the only one. Just read Hebrews 11 if you think this isn’t important.

 

Family

I am so blessed to have a family who has pointed me toward Jesus. They have encouraged and disciplined and blessed me in more ways than I could express. How thankful I am for all I’ve learned from them. But equally as important to me is being part of God’s family. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20 – NIV)

 

I’ll stop here. But this is just an idea of what I’m asking you to do today. Think about what is really important to you and do what you have to do to keep it first and foremost in your life. Because to be honest, life is short. It doesn’t matter if you’re 40 or 94 years old, life is short.

 

Today’s song is one of Joey and Rory’s and is a reminder of what is important. I pray that you will find encouragement through their words today.

 

“That’s Important to Me”[i]

 

Not planning our day around a tv set
Paying our bills and staying out of debt
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

 

Openin’ the windows and lettin’ in air
Holding hands when we’re saying a prayer
That’s important to me
Yea, that’s important to me

 

Having somebody to share my life
Loving my husband, and being a wife
And the very best mother I can be
That’s important to me

 

Telling the truth, and being real
Feeding my family a home cooked meal
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

 

Planting a garden and watching it grow
Keeping it country on the radio
That’s important to me
Yea, that’s important to me

 

Always having you to hold,
Being beside you when we grow old
And they plant us ‘neath that big old tree
That’s important to me
Always having you to hold
 

Believing our dreams will take us somewhere
Still bein’ ourselves if we ever get there
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

Yea, that’s important to me
That’s important to me
 

Click here to listen to this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “That’s Important To Me,” words and music by Joey Martin, Rory Feek and Tim Johnson, 2005

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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.

  • 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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