All is Calm (Sabbatical Post)

January 25th, 2016 dsisler

 

I’ve recently found a recipe on Pinterest for something to help with the calming of children. It’s called a calming jar and it is to be used during time out or any time a child need to focus their attention on something other than the situation at hand.

 

DSC00374I wonder how this might work on adults? Put one of these jars into the hands of someone who is angry or disgruntled and just maybe, their attitude might change? It might be worth a try in some instances.

 

But for me, I know where my calm comes from. It’s not from a jar. It’s not from myself (I know for a fact that I can get pretty worked up). It can’t be bought. It isn’t found in a location. My calm and my peace comes from God and His Holy Spirit who lives within me.

 

I’ve been on several interviews over the past three years and finally decided to be honest when asked the question, “How do you deal with a difficult customer/patient/client?” I can almost guarantee my response was the reason I wasn’t chosen for the job interviewing for.

 

So you’re probably asking, “What did you say?” Well, let me tell you.

 

First, I told them I would pray. Ask God to be in the middle of the situation and direct my words and my actions.

 

Second, I told them I would rely on the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead and guide me through the situation.

 

I must be honest, this method doesn’t work 100% of the time. It only works when I am open to the God and His Spirit to work in me. There are occasions when I miss the opportunity and the old me shows up instead of the God-working-in-me me.

 

So my response would still be the same if I were to go on an interview today. However, I must be willing to initiate this plan in order for it to work correctly.

 

I believe that God’s Spirit has a great effect on me and my emotions. When I allow Him to work through me, it is amazing what He can accomplish. I am calm. I am at peace. I am open to opportunities. I am a reflection of Him.

 

When I don’t allow the Holy Spirit to work through me, I am frenzied. I am uncertain. I am in turmoil. I am a reflection of me.

 

So today, as we head out into this world, let’s be mindful of how we act. Let’s be prepared to ask God’s Spirit to step in when necessary. Let’s be focused on what God wants us to do instead of what we want to do. Let’s use God’s Spirit. He is much more effective than a calming jar!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! (Sabbatical Post)

January 24th, 2016 dsisler

 

Summer will arrive next week…schools will be finished…vacations will begin…the heat of June, July and August will be oppressive…women’s Bible study will officially be over.

 

While there are some enjoyable events and happenings that go hand-in-hand with summer, I am always sad to see my time leading women in Bible study come to an end. I find great joy in sharing God’s message with others who want to know His Words.

 

So I am sad. There are only two more weeks that we will be together and what lessons we will cover! We are studying “Follow Me” by Randy Sprinkle and this book has changed my way of thinking on prayer and being a prayer walker and warrior.

 

Mr. Sprinkle brought to mind a correlation between our spiritual battles and the provisions we have while in battle. Let me share these with you.

 

As we read through Ephesians, the Apostle Paul helps us to understand the three primary forces at work around us as we live as Christians in our daily lives. In Ephesians 2:1-3, we are battling against the world (v. 2), the ruler of the kingdom of the air (v.2), and our sinful nature (v.3).

 

Oh how blessed we are to see that we have a great hope so that we are not left in this state nor are we left alone.

 

“But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 3:4-5)

 

If these two verses don’t make your heart leap for joy, I don’t know what greater message I could share with you today to lift your spirits. God loved us, when we were unlovable. God saved us, when we were unsaveable. God made us alive, when we were dead. Hallelujah!

 

Paul reminds us again in chapter six of Ephesians of what and whom our battle is against. We are to take our stand against the devil’s schemes; the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world; and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-12).

 

And as we see later in the Book of Ephesians, God didn’t leave us to fend for ourselves in this world and against the evil one and even against ourselves. He offers His armor, His full armor, for our battle. It’s up to us to put it on, but He’s giving it to us.

 

Let’s look at the equipment we have been given.

 

The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)

 

The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

 

The Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

 

The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

 

The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

 

The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

 

With all of this in mind, we as believers are also told to do a couple of things from this chapter. We are to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). We are to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11; 13; 14). We are to pray (Ephesians 6:18). We are to be alert (Ephesians 6:18).

 

Yes, there is a battle raging all around us and the evil one is continually looking for ways to drag us back to our former self. But we have a far greater power within us to lead us into this battle. Don’t give up the fight. Keep your armor on. Be alert. Be prepared. And do it all as you bathe it in prayer.

 

I’ve got the victory. You’ve got the victory. We’ve all got the victory now!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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The Great American Pass Time (Sabbatical Post)

January 23rd, 2016 dsisler

 

“Take me out to the ball game” can be heard around the country once again. Some may say it’s boring, but I like it. I enjoy the sounds of baseball. Bats hitting balls. Balls being caught in baseball gloves. The voice of umpires as they make calls. I don’t know, I just like it.

 

front porchI’ve been a baseball fan, off and on, throughout my life. I recall watching the Cincinnati Reds with my dad as a young teenager. I really enjoyed this activity with him.

 

I remember playing baseball in our back field with neighborhood friends during that time as well. Getting hit by a line drive baseball was not so fun, but still, it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

 

More recently, I went to a Spring Training Orioles baseball game with my dad, my son, and my nephew. We sat in the first row, just beside first base. It was awesome! We tried to watch for stray balls, but we missed one. My son, Philip, was hit in the stomach. It didn’t hurt him and he was able to keep the baseball, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

 

My husband loves baseball. He comes from a Baseball Hall of Fame family (on both sides). So naturally, his office is covered with baseball memorabilia and we enjoy watching baseball together. We have been anxious for the season to begin.

 

I’m sure you’re wondering how I’m going to bring this around to God. I could talk about the first mention of baseball in the Bible…you know “In the big inning…” But, no, that’s not where I’m heading.

 

I find some wisdom in keeping our eyes open. Watching out for what is coming our way. And God talks a lot about this in His Word. Let me point out a few.

 

  • Matthew 6:22 tells us that “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.”
  • Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
  • And in Psalm 119:37 he says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
  • “But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.” (Psalm 141:8)
  • John quotes Jesus in John 4:35. “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
  • Ephesians 4:18 says, “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.”
  • “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

 

These are just a few verses that teach us to keep our eyes open. To be aware of what’s going on around us and more importantly, what we are to be looking toward. Don’t get caught with your eyes shut. Don’t be looking the wrong direction.

 

If you are a baseball fan, you are as excited as I am that baseball is in full swing. If you’re not a baseball fan, I apologize for spending a whole day talking about it. Whatever the case, I pray that you will watch out for the stray balls of life and that God’s Word will give you insight on how to keep watch.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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27 Miles (Sabbatical Post)

January 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

I heard a tag line in a car commercial that I thought was interesting. “What good is 27 miles per gallon if the miles aren’t interesting?”

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve driven some stretches of 27 miles that have not been interesting…some, downright boring!

 

After my first visit to Colorado some ten years ago, I told my husband that there is no reason to drive east here. If you’re driving east, you can’t see the mountains and that is where the true beauty of Colorado lies.

 

I guess there are times when we need to be entertained or be visually inspired as we go through this life. But what about the times when we are on a boring stretch? What are we to do then?

 

I believe as we are on our spiritual journey we encounter the same realities. At times, we are on an interesting stretch of the journey. We may be on a learning streak or attended an uplifting conference.

 

But then we reach a section of the journey that is a little boring. Those “ho-hum” moments. We feel parched. Dry. Maybe we simply aren’t looking for ways to grow spiritually and the excitement is not visible.

 

Again, I ask the question. When we are on a boring stretch on this spiritual journey, what are we to do then?

 

Might I suggest that we make it exciting? Jump into a word study. Or perhaps find a topic you’re interested in and see how often it is mentioned in Scripture. Get into a Bible study with fellow believers.

 

And then there is the possibility of serving in some capacity. I generally find that offering my talents to others is a great way to bring excitement back into my spiritual life. And, oh the people you will meet along the way!

 

And of course, spend more time with God in prayer. Make it a conversation with Him. Don’t get bogged down on the words. Give Him your heart. Let God see you as your truest self. You will find that your spiritual journey will come back to life.

 

I still enjoy going west instead of east in Colorado. But I also know that I can only get home by heading east from just about anywhere I go here. And I also know that I am never under enthused when I see the mountains as I turn and head west. They still take my breath away and I appreciate them so much more.

 

It’s the same with my spiritual journey. I know that there are times when I’m just not where I should be in my excitement of being in God’s presence, but when I arrive, it is more glorious than I remembered. My breath is taken away and I appreciate that time so much more.

 

It can be the same for you. Is it time to head home? Why not take the time today to be in God’s presence? Ask Him to join you on your spiritual journey. Ask Him to meet you there. “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.” (Micah 4:2a – NIV)

 

And just to make myself clear, He isn’t the One who moved.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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When This You See… (Sabbatical Post)

January 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

The mother of my grandchildren, my daughter Bethany, does a great job of giving thoughtful gifts. Gifts that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

 

This past Mother’s Day was no different. She showed up with a framed piece of art with handprints of the three kids. I’m sure it wasn’t easy getting the two-year old and the four-month old to cooperate, but it looks great.

 

The verse that goes with the handprints says, “Baba may hold our hands for a little while, but she will hold our hearts forever.”

 

There are other items around my house that are reminders of my grandchildren. Of course, Joy has overtaken my home with her name in many pieces of décor. Grace now has a prominent place in my living room. Percy and Archer share a photo frame that sit on top of the entertainment center.

 

There are Willow Tree figurines. Photographs. Artwork. Toys. A highchair. A baby swing. Child protective electric outlet covers.

 

All of these little reminders are in place so that I might remember my grandchildren. With my past memory issues, maybe this isn’t so far-fetched. But at this stage in my life, I certainly would never forget my babies!

 

I have a little sampler that hangs in my bathroom that says, “When this you see remember me.”

 

There is a little part of us that perhaps believes someone just might forget us. That we might fall through the cracks in another’s mind. That we might not be as unforgettable as we’d like.

 

How blessed we are that we are not far from our heavenly Father’s thoughts. And we have that assurance from Scripture.

 

In the Old Testament, we read of God remembering those He loved. Noah (Genesis 8:1), Abraham (Genesis 19:29), Rachel (Genesis 30:22), Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19), Israel (Psalm 98:3; Psalm 115:12), and King David (Psalm 119:49).

 

In the New Testament, Jesus remembered the thief on the cross (Luke 23:42-43).

 

But throughout Scripture we see glimpses of what God remembers (and doesn’t remember).

 

God remembered His covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:15-16). God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 2:24). God remembered the covenant He made to a thousand generations (Psalm 105:8; Psalm 105:42; Psalm 106:45). God remembered us in our low estate (Psalm 136:23). God did not remember our sin (Isaiah 43:25). God remembered to be merciful (Luke 1:54). God remembered gifts to the poor (Acts 10:31). God doesn’t remember our sin and lawless acts (Hebrews 10:17).

 

Remembrance is not a one way street however. God has asked us to remember too.

 

Remember the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8). Remember the commands of the Lord (Numbers 15:39-40). Remember the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 8:18; Nehemiah 4:14). Remember what God has done (1 Chronicles 16:12). Remember His covenant and obey His precepts (Psalm 103:18). Remember God’s ways (Isaiah 64:5). Remember this (2 Corinthians 9:6). Remember our former state (Ephesians 2:11-13). Remember hospitality and prisoners (Hebrews 13:1-3). Remember our leaders (Hebrews 13:7). Remember this (James 5:20). Remember the words of Christ and the apostles (Jude 1:17).

 

Unfortunately, our memories aren’t as good as they should be. I sometimes seem to forget God completely. It’s at those moments when I must cry out to God and ask forgiveness. Then I must make an extra effort to remember all that He has done for me. To remember where I was and that I don’t want to wind up there again.

 

There are so many things to remember, but we have a special gift from our heavenly Father to help us. As a believer, we have His Holy Spirit within us to remind us of all we’ve learned. Jesus offered these words in John 14:26 (NIV). “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” How blessed we are to have this wonderful gift!

 

So, how is your memory? Do you remember all that God has done for you? Do you remember to spend time with God? Do you remember to acknowledge Him throughout your day?

 

If you struggle with this, why not place strategic items around your life to remind you to think of God. For me, it may be the sampler in my bathroom that sparks my memory to praise God. It might be a verse of Scripture hung in my office. It might be a small rock in my purse that when touched prompts me to think of God. It might be an alarm set on my phone. These are just some of my ways to remember God throughout my day.

 

Yours may be completely different and I would love to hear how you remember God. Why not leave me a comment to tell me how you do so? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

 

What it boils down to is that we must try to remember God as we go about our busy lives, because He is remembering us. All the time.

 

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.

  • 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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