“Daisies, Date Palm, Dill, Dove’s Dung and Daffodils” – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 14th, 2015 dsisler

 

I love flowers. I’m not a gardener, because gardening takes work and patience. I also tend to over water or under water any plants placed in my care. Flowers really don’t have a chance with me around. So I will stop by my local florist or grocery store for all of my floral arrangements.

 

dBut I still love flowers. So much so, that the heroines in the novels I write are named after flowers. Peony. Crisanta. Primrose. Iris. If I hear an unusual name, I tuck it away as if it were a secret treasure that will one day be discovered.

 

My Mom’s favorite flowers are daisies. And I must admit they bring a ray of sunshine to any room where they are displayed. Daisies bring a smile to my face. Not just because of the flower itself, but because of who loves them. Mom.

 

God apparently loves flowers too, for in the midst of all of His Creation, He created some beautiful flowers. And there are many references to flowers in Scripture, but since we are working with the letter “D” today, let’s look at a few that begin with the letter “D.”

 

First we have Date Palm or the technical name, Phoenix dactylifera. The New American Standard Version of the Bible uses this term in Exodus 15:27. “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”

 

The Hebrew nation had been released from bondage in Egypt and soon into their desert journey, they found a watering hole where the water was undrinkable. God produced fresh water from bitter water in this place to show Israel that He would care for their every need if they listened to Him.

 

This great nation then traveled on to Elim where they not only found good drinking water, but also date palms. I’m sure this would have been a grand treat in the middle of the desert.

 

The next flowering plant that can be found in Scripture is Dill (Anethum graveolens). I enjoy this fragrant, delicious herb, but I also know that it can take over an entire section of a garden if allowed.

 

In Isaiah’s section of woes, he uses a farming analogy. The farmer, at the right time, clears the land and levels it, but then he doesn’t leave it in that state. The farmer sows his crops.

 

Again from the New American Standard Bible we see that dill is one of those crops the farmer sows. “Does he not level its surface and sow dill and scatter cumin? And plant wheat in rows, barley in its place and rye within its area?” (Isaiah 28:25 – NASB)

 

In this same chapter, Isaiah goes on to remind of how different crops are treated after the harvest. “For dill is not threshed with a threshing sledge, or is the cartwheel driven over cumin; But dill is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a club.” (Isaiah 28:27 – NASB)

 

Dill is mentioned one more time in the New American Standard Bible. Jesus spoke the word in Matthew 23:23, again in relation with woes. As Jesus spoke to the Scribes and Pharisees, He condemned them for only tithing with spices and for neglecting people. Listen to Jesus’ words.

 

“Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 – NASB)

 

The final flowering plant I’d like to share with you is Dove’s Dung (Ornithogalum narbonense). The only place we find this term is in 2 Kings 6:25 and only in the New American Standard Bible. Other versions have chosen to translate this word as seed pods or wild onions.

 

Josephus, a Jewish historian, referred to dove’s dung as being used as a salt substitute. Apparently Dove’s Dung was a food eaten during the famine in Samaria as found in 2 Kings 6:25 and how expensive it was to purchase.

 

“There was a great famine in Samaria; and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver.” (2 Kings 6:25 – NASB)

 

I believe we can find a few lessons from these flowering plants that God has placed on this earth. See if you agree.

 

We should bask in and enjoy God’s creation.

 

We should trust God to care for us in all situations and we should listen to Him.

 

We should be mindful of the things in our lives that seem to consume us.

 

We should accept God’s “threshing” process to create Christ-like, usable people for His kingdom.

 

We should tithe in a way that is pleasing to God.

 

We should seek justice, mercy and faithfulness.

 

We should not neglect people.

 

We should be thankful for the great price Jesus paid so that we might have eternal life.

 

Who would have thought so many lessons could be learned from these three little flowering plants God created! I know I wasn’t expecting this, but I also believe that God can show up in the smallest of things in our lives and if we keep our eyes open, He will reveal Himself to us.

 

How has God revealed Himself to you today? What is He teaching you? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment to share your thoughts?

 

The weather is turning spring-like here in Colorado. My daffodils are beginning to pop through the earth. It is just a matter of time before all of the flowering trees in my yard are in full blossom. It is a wonderful time of the year to acknowledge our new life in Christ. I pray that you are doing just that.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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“Crown Him (Majesty)” – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 13th, 2015 dsisler

 

This past Sunday was Easter or Resurrection Sunday. During our contemporary worship service, we sang several hymns that were uplifting and also caused more emotion than usual for me. One of the hymns we sang was “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” with Chris Tomlin’s addition to the message of this hymn.

 

CCHow blessed to be able to sing praise to my God and King for His precious gift of salvation that I have received through His Son, Jesus Christ! And an even greater blessing is that I can sing His praise any time I wish. Not just on Sunday morning.

 

I must tell you that I just took a break to listen to this song and praise God right here at my desk in my office. Oh how glorious!

 

I might encourage you to do the same. Click on this link to listen to this worship song and sing praise to God in the moment.

 

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own;
Awake my soul and sing
Of Him who died for me
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.

Chorus:
Majesty, Lord of all
Let every throne before Him fall
The King of kings, O come adore
Our God who reigns forevermore.

Crown Him Lord of life
Who triumphed o’er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.

Bridge:
All hail, Redeemer, hail
For He has died for me
His praise and glory shall not fail
Throughout eternity.[i]

 

As I was researching this song for this piece, I found that the Scriptural reference for this hymn is from Revelation 19:12 (NIV). “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.”

 

This verse is from the section describing Christ returning as Warrior-Messiah King. Only our Warrior-Messiah King is able to wear these crowns for He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

 

What an image! Years ago an artist painted images of the Book of Revelation and set it to Scripture and music. I had the privilege of seeing this presentation at a national Christian convention. Those images have stayed in my mind and heart through these years.

 

Her image of Jesus in this form was most breath-taking. Wouldn’t you agree? For more of her (Pat Marvenko Smith, Revelation Illustrated, 1992) images, please visit her website at http://revelationillustrated.com/.

 

So today, let’s praise the Warrior-Messiah King as we crown Him with many crowns. For it is only through Him that we have redemption and everlasting life. It is only through Him that we have true freedom.

 

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to share God’s message of grace with you.

 

Thank you for stopping by for my third day of the A to Z challenge through April. And as always, I’d love to hear from you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Crown Him (Majesty), Chris Tomlin , Ed Cash , Matt Maher, Worship Together Music, 2012

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Blimp – Blogging from A to Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 12th, 2015 dsisler

 

Blimps fascinate me. They have for quite some time now. Their quiet approach. Their smooth sail. The fact that they are very large and yet have the ability to float through the air. They are a fun mode of transportation and through the cameras fixed upon them, they bring a bird’s-eye- view to many sporting events.

 

Years ago while living in a rural area of Ohio, the Goodyear Blimp would sail past our home. We lived near a main north/south interstate and the blimp would use that interstate as a guide. I often heard the blimp overhead and would run outside to glimpse the beautiful vessel. It was always a highlight for me.

 

Later, while living near Akron, Ohio, the home of one Goodyear Blimp, I created a Vacation Bible School curriculum built around the blimp. I was able to visit the Goodyear facility and tour the museum and gift shop. Those little gifts for the children made a huge impact.

 

I now live near Denver, Colorado and unfortunately, blimps and high altitude just don’t mix well. So, chances of me ever seeing a blimp here are pretty slim. When I do see a blimp elsewhere, my heart races…a glimpse of my beloved Goodyear Blimp continues to fill my heart with joy.

 

I could probably go on about the blimp, but that certainly isn’t my goal here. My goal is to show what God has taught me through my love of blimps.

 

They are Large

The Goodyear Blimps are 192 feet long, 55 feet in diameter and 59.5 feet high, with 202,700 cubic feet of helium and a gross weight of 12,840 pounds.

 

“Wow” is about all I can say. These blimps are very large. But I serve a God who is much larger than anything man could possibly build. A God who is larger than anything man could possibly imagine. And it is God who deserves my biggest “WOW!”

 

There’s a little children’s song that speaks to God’s bigness. Take a look at these words and see if you don’t agree.

 

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.

 

The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are His handiwork, too.

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do, for you!
I believe the last little part of that song is where the lesson is learned. God is big and He can do anything…for me and you. It is His desire to be everything and anything for us. We simply need to acknowledge and accept Him.

 

They are Quiet

These large vessels are propelled by two engines, small in comparison to the blimp itself. Because of their size, these airships are quiet in comparison to airplanes.

 

There are times in my life when I need to be quiet and listen for God’s voice and guidance. God knew we would need times of quietness and He gently leads us in this direction in Psalm 46:10 (NIV). “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

In this fast-paced world, finding a quiet place in our lives may be difficult. But if we heed God’s word and allow His quietness to direct our path, we will find His peace and we will know that He is God.

 

They are Safe

In over 50 years of using blimps, Goodyear has flown passengers without any serious injuries. Some say it is the safest form of transportation devised.

 

I find great peace in knowing that within God’s arms I am safe. There are several images of God’s safety in Scripture. In Psalm 3:3 (NIV), King David spoke of God as being his shield. “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”

 

In Proverbs 18:10 (NIV), we find refuge in God’s Name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

 

We find that God is the Guardian or Overseer of our souls from 1 Peter 2:25 (NIV). “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

 

And from Isaiah 41:13 (NIV), we can know safety because God upholds us. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”

 

They Take Their Time

The usual cruising speed of the Goodyear Blimp is 35 miles per hour. However, the top speed for the blimp is 53 mph.

 

Patience is not an easy virtue, but it is one that God speaks to quite often in Scripture. Listen to these words of King David and see if they might be words you need to hear today. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7a – NIV)

 

Or maybe Isaiah’s words are what you need today. “Those who wait in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

 

Then there are the Apostle Paul’s words in this passage. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 – NIV)

 

Perhaps you need all of them! I know I do! I need to slow down in order to hear and see what God is teaching. Maybe you do too.

 

These are just some of my thoughts on the Goodyear Blimp and what God has taught me along the way. Perhaps you’ve learned something through this piece. I pray that God is teaching you to hear His voice and follow His leading. It’s exactly what He is doing with me.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

If I have piqued your interest at all in blimps, take a look at the official Goodyear Blimp website at www.goodyearblimp.com.

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“A” – Blogging from A-Z (Sabbatical Post)

December 11th, 2015 dsisler

 

We have actually made it to the first day of April, 2013. In some ways it is difficult to believe (there is still a bit of snow in my front yard!) And yet, the year seems like it is flying! We are already one quarter of the way through the year. There are only 268 days until Christmas. 2013 is sailing by.

 

AApril 1st of course is destined to be a day of practical jokes. However, I have a few fond memories of this day. My family moved on this day in 1996…oh wait, I didn’t really want to move from my dear friends, so it really isn’t a fond memory and we awoke to snow that morning. Perhaps God does have a sense of humor.

 

Regardless of how I feel about April 1st, I did have a great April last year. I joined a challenge with a group of other writers and I was able to work through numerous issues with my blogging and writing. I have continued to be part of this group and have grown close to several members. It was a great opportunity to grow myself and my platform.

 

This April will be a little different. I found a new challenge to join. It’s called “Blogging from A-Z.” Starting with the first day of the month, we are to write about a theme or an idea or even an item beginning with the letter “A.” On April 2nd, the blog post would be connected to the letter “B.” This would continue through the month, except for Sundays.

 

So with my calendar ready, I’m prepared to share a theme each day in relation to a letter of the alphabet. At first I thought it might be a real challenge, but after preparing my calendar, I’ve decided I could write several months’ worth of blog posts according to this method.

 

So today, let’s look at some Biblical friends whose names begin with the letter “A.”

 

Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) – Abel’s offering was favored by God. Abel’s brother Cain became angry when God didn’t favor his own. Out of his anger, Cain killed Abel and was punished by God.

 

Abigail (1 Samuel 25:2-44) – A wise woman who kept David from bloodshed. She was praised for her good judgment and eventually became David’s wife.

 

Ariel (Ezra 8:16) – Ariel was a leader who traveled with returning exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ariel was sent (with several other leaders) to find a group of Levites to go on this journey to be attendants in the temple. Ariel’s name means “lion of God” or “altar hearth.”

 

Andrew (Matthew 1:29-34; John 1:35-42) – We don’t know much about Andrew, but what we do know is impressive. In John, we find Andrew listening to John the Baptizer and encountering Jesus for the first time. He immediately followed Jesus and brought his brother, Peter to meet Jesus. The rest, as they say is history. And what history!

 

Apollos (Acts 18:24-28) – A Jew from Alexandria, Apollos was a learned man and had great knowledge of Scripture. Although he had been instructed in the way of the Lord, spoke with great fervor, and taught about Jesus accurately, he only knew of John’s baptism. Another “A” named saint, Aquila, along with his wife Priscilla, explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos. Paul mentions Apollos several times, but one that shows his acceptance is from 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV). “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”

 

What examples we can find from these characters in Scripture. We learn obedience from Abel, good judgment from Abigail, and willingness to follow God’s lead from Ariel. From Andrew we learn faithfulness and a sense of urgency and from Apollos the desire to never stop learning and the understanding of sharing God’s message with others. Each of them faced a challenge and with God’s help were able to overcome their challenge.

 

What challenges are you facing today? Please know that with God, we have the ability to be overcomers and conquerors (Romans 8:37). There is no reason to face these challenges alone. God is with you!

 

I look forward to this April challenge. I pray that you will be blessed by my words and through God’s abundant blessings.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Remember (Sabbatical Post)

December 10th, 2015 dsisler

 

Two years ago, Mom and I spent a week in Daytona together. On one of those days, Mom and I went to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando. It was amazing. Our first “experience” was in the upper room.

 

A character playing the role of Jesus entered the room and spoke. He shared some of the teachings of Jesus and then led us in a special service. The special service we know as The Lord’s Supper or Communion.

 

I was drawn back in time and thought of the events that took place.

 

The upper room was prepared. 13 Jewish men sat at the table to observe the Passover Feast. To remember the events of that night long ago when the Hebrew Nation was released from slavery and allowed to leave Egypt for the first time in 400 years.

 

In the midst of the meal, Jesus instituted a special observance. The Lord’s Supper…His Supper.

 

This initial Supper is recorded in three of the four gospels. Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22 give us the details of the meal and the context where Jesus first shared in this symbolic meal.

 

Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it. He then gave it to His disciples. “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then in the same way He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples. “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

 

In all accounts, Jesus tells the disciples that He would not eat or drink of this new covenant until He was with them in His Father’s kingdom, at the great wedding banquet.

 

There is one other location in Scripture where we find the account of the Lord’s Supper. It is in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34. The gospel of Luke and the 1 Corinthians passage give us six more words. “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Perhaps you’ve seen these words on the front of a Communion Table at the front of a local church. They are a reminder that we are to do this…in remembrance of what Jesus did for us.

 

A few other mentions of this remembrance can be found. They show us different names for this observance. Let’s see what they say.

 

Acts 2:42. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Here we see it called breaking of bread.

 

Acts 20:7. “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” In this passage, the Lord’s Supper is mentioned as to break bread.

 

1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 21. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” The Lord’s table is yet another reference.

 

Regardless of the term we determine to call our special time with God, we are called to proclaim the Lord’s death until His return, be reverent, to partake in a worthy manner, to examine ourselves, and to remember. (1 Corinthians 11:26-29; Luke 22:19)

 

What a special week. The week we remember all that Christ did for us. His teachings, His actions, His love. They all point us to the cross and empty tomb. Today is no different. During that holy week, on Thursday, He met with His closest friends and celebrated the Passover meal with them. Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus? If so, won’t you join me this coming Lord’s Day to remember?

 

If you are not a believer, there is no better time than now to accept Jesus as your Savior.

 

I was introduced to a song this past Sunday that was sung during our Communion service that touched me. I’d like to share the lyrics with you (almost reminds you of Musical Musing in March doesn’t it?).

 

“Carried to the Table”

 

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master’s courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

 

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord

 

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I’m healed and unashamed

 

You carried me, my God
You carried me[i]

I would love for you hear this wonderful song. You can do so by clicking on this link. I pray that God will touch you today in a special way.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Carried to the Table, Leeland, 2006

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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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