Beautiful Balloons

June 27th, 2015 dsisler

 

This is one of my favorite mornings of the year. The anticipation. The sound. The sight. The satisfaction. Yes, it is a great morning for a balloon parade!

 

Each year, our neighboring town hosts a hot air balloon launch over a weekend in June. My delight is that I am able to sit on my back patio and watch as these beautiful, graceful flying contraptions float by my house.

 

One of the cool parts of this balloon parade is that you hear them before you see them. Until I moved to this neck of the country, I might have questioned what the sound of a burner was. But now, I know that when I hear that specific sound, there’s a hot air balloon nearby.

 

Another cool element to this fun morning is the beauty of each balloon. They sport a variety of colors, patterns and designs. Some are sponsored by organizations while most are private outfits with their own branding. Most are the normal shape of a hot air balloon, but then there are the occasional odd-shaped balloons. That’s part of the fun. Always wondering what will come into view next!

 

Isn’t that what life is like? Never really sure what will happen next. Will it be good news of a job? Will it be disappointing news of a medical diagnosis? Will the next thing bring a smile or will I be found weeping? Maybe this part of life isn’t fun.

 

For me, I’m a planner. I don’t like to leave anything to chance. So I plan and organize and am ready for any scenario.

 

But sometimes, all the planning, organizing and preparedness in the world isn’t enough for what is headed our way.

 

I do know one thing that we can do regardless of our situation. We can give each moment of each day to God. We can allow His mighty hands to be in control.

 

You see, King David had great wisdom in trusting God. Why? Because David knew that God knew him. Inside and out, God knew David. Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV) tells us, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”

 

Guess what? God knows you this intimately as well. God isn’t surprised by what is coming up next in our lives. There’s no guessing with Him. He knows. So why wouldn’t we trust our lives to His capable hands?

 

And here’s another thought. I am reminded of Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV). “He gives strength to the weary and increased the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope 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 be faint.”

 

Soar. Rise up like the balloons and eagles of the air. Hope in the Lord. Give Him your life. See what God is able to do through you and for you.

 

The balloons are gone, but my God is still alive and well and working in my life. I pray that you can say the same.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Blunders

June 26th, 2015 dsisler

 

What a great week this has been. I’ve been very productive at work. I’ve had some wonderful meetings with lovely ladies. I’ve had a few conversations with some neighbors. I had a great work out at Praise in Motion. And some personal situations have gone very well this week.

 

IMAG2201mHowever, I’ve had my blunders this week as well. Those moments when my stomach did a few flip flops because of something I thought I did, but wasn’t sure. Those moments when my confidence in myself plummeted. Those moments when I wondered who thought it was a good idea to hire me to do what I do?

 

I woke this morning to all the feelings in the second paragraph. But then I spent time with Jesus. Beautiful Scripture that I’ve read over and over began flooding my heart and mind.

 

Verses like:

 

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NIV)

 

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 – NIV)

 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 – NIV)

 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; you love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 – NIV)

 

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 – NIV)

 

“You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my Name.” (Matthew 15:16 – NIV)

 

God seems to know exactly what I need when I need it. He’s just that way.

 

Perhaps you are feeling a little more like my blundering self. If so, I pray that you will find comfort, confidence and courage in these verses of Scripture today. Believe what Jesus says about you. Bear fruit that will last. No more wandering around in the darkness. Walk in His wonderful light.

 

All because I spent a little time with Jesus.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Joy!

June 25th, 2015 dsisler

 

Over and over this week, I’ve been reminded about joy. The importance of having joy in our lives. The joy that we experience when we are in God’s presence. And of course, my granddaughter Joy!

 

?

Several years ago while shopping the cute little shops in Estes Park, we came across a store that had a wide variety of wind chimes. They were all shapes and sizes. They were all priced according to size or material. Each was as beautiful as the other.

 

What I realized is that I wanted one for my home. That’s when the fun began. I rang each chime listening for the perfect tones. I scoured the store until I found the perfect chime.

 

The wind chime I chose was named “Joy.” From the picture (which is the shadow of my wind chime) you can see a young maiden running with arms raised. She is free to move about as the wind blows and moves. She hasn’t a care in the world, but if she did, it wouldn’t cause her any distress. She is filled with joy.

 

Friend, when we allow God’s Spirit to work in our lives, that is how it can be for us as well. As Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) tells us, joy is a fruit that is produced through the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

 

Do you recall Jesus’ words in John 15:11 (NIV)? Jesus is teaching His beloved disciples about the importance of abiding in Him, about bearing fruit, and about joy. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” What is to be the basis of our joy? Being with Jesus. Remaining or abiding with Jesus continually and producing fruit. Abundant fruit.

 

I’m sure you’ve visited with a person or two who have an over-flowing abundance of joy. Don’t you just wonder what they’re doing to live such joy-filled lives? Don’t wonder any longer. This passage tells us the secret. Be with Jesus and produce fruit. Allow the Holy Spirit to develop and ripen the fruit with us. That’s where joy comes from!

 

The Apostle Paul got it. He understood joy. We also know all that he endured for the service of Christ. But over and over in his letters, he talks about joy. His joy. The joy he saw in others. What a blessing he must have been to others to see how regardless of circumstances, joy could abide.

 

Take a look at Colossians 1:9-11 (NIV) and see if you recognize some of Jesus’ teaching in Paul’s words. “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and my please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

 

Finding real joy in this world may be difficult. But finding joy in God’s love, provision, grace and Words (just to name a few) will never be elusive. It’s like the wind, blowing around you.

 

The question is, “how will you respond?”

 

Will you cower in a corner? Will you hold on to a post to keep from being blown away? Or will you lift your hands in thanksgiving and dance in the wind?

 

I pray that you will choose to live a life of joy and that your joy will be complete in Jesus Christ.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Psalm 27 – Word of God Wednesday

June 24th, 2015 dsisler

 

It’s Wednesday! If you read my blog last week, you know that from this point forward, I will be sharing just a little from God’s Word on Wednesdays. I pray that each week you will find comfort, encouragement, inspiration or hope from the passages that are chosen. Blessings to you on this wonderful Wednesday!

 

“I am pleading with the Eternal for this one thing, my soul’s desire:

To live with Him all of my days—in the shadow of His temple,

to behold His beauty and ponder His ways in the company of His people.

His house is my shelter and secret retreat.

It is there I find peace in the midst of storm and turmoil.

Safety sits with me in the hiding place of God.

He will set me on a rock, high above the fray.

God lifts me high above those with thoughts of death and

deceit that call for my life.

I will enter His presence, offering sacrifices and praise.

In His house, I am overcome with joy as I sing,

yes, and play music for the Eternal alone.”

(Psalm 27:4-6 – The Voice)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share

Wow!

June 23rd, 2015 dsisler

 

As the director of women’s ministry at one of our church campuses, I thought it would be good to offer a summer Bible study. I wondered if there were other women like me who missed the structure of being in God’s Word during these long summer months. I prayed that there would be others who felt how parched a soul could become during this dry spell we call summer break.

 

???????????????????????????????What I realize today is that women crave fellowship and God’s Word during the summer. Just now I ordered another 20 books for this upcoming study. I already have 10 on my shelf at work. So yes, this tells me that there are ladies out there who desire to be students of the Word even though our schedule says it’s time for vacation.

 

As I’ve talked to ladies, I’ve answered lots of questions and have met some new ladies in the process. But what I found on Sunday is that my memory isn’t nearly as good as I want it to be.

 

One particular gal asked about child care. I still have piece to figure out, so I told her I’d let her know. The problem? I didn’t write her name down. I knew her. I thought I would remember who asked this question. The real problem? I couldn’t remember who it was.

 

I tried. I mentally walked through the lobby, trying to remember each person that I spent time with on Sunday. But nothing. There was no recollection of this gal. I couldn’t remember if she was a young mom or a grandmother. I prayed that she would approach me again this coming Sunday so I could connect with her again.

 

But what I earnestly prayed was that God would help me in this situation. That He would step in and help me remember who it was I spoke with.

 

I have to tell you, it wasn’t very long before I had an email from this gal. As soon as I saw the email address, I remembered. It was Sally! I also have to tell you, God is so good.

 

This was a big deal for me. But I sit here and tell you today that God is good in so many ways. Big and small, God shows up in mighty ways to remind me of who He is and what He is capable of doing. From sparking my memory, to keeping me safe as I travel, to calming my cramping toes during Praise in Motion, God’s goodness is visible all around me. I sometimes miss these precious gifts.

 

I’m too busy. I’m too tired. I’m too hungry. I’m too perplexed. I’m too anxious. I’m too “whatever.” It’s during these times when I miss God’s goodness the most. Oh how many of these gifts I’ve missed in my lifetime!

 

So today, let’s take note of God’s goodness in our lives.

 

It may be someone you encounter.

It may be a gentle breeze.

It may be a cool cup of water.

It may be a comforting touch.

It may be a special word of encouragement.

It may be a smile.

It may be the Northern Lights.

It may be a song bird.

 

Here’s the next step. After you’ve spotted that good and perfect gift from God, thank Him. Psalm 136:1 (NIV) says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Thank God for the good He’s done in your life. For every good thing He’s given to you.

 

I learned a lesson from this issue. I will write down every name of every person I speak with on Sunday mornings! Not only will it help me to remember what I spoke to the person about, but I will thank God for the gift of that person and the relationship that I have with them.

 

I want to leave you with one more verse about God’s goodness. Enjoy your day. Keep your eyes open. Thank God for His goodness.

 

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

Share
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

  • Subscribe by Email

  • About Me

  • "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.

  • Bible Studies & Other Happenings

    Bible studies I’m currently leading:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

  • Categories

  • Recent Posts

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Linkedin