Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Defying Normal by Skip Heitzig with Jeff Kinley – An Encouraging Challenge to Come Up Higher

Posted in Book Review, Defying Normal by

Defying Normal

Recently, I was presented with the opportunity to read Skip Heitzig’s latest book Defying Normal – Soaring Above the Status Quo.  This book focuses on the exemplary life of Daniel from his youth to old age.  Skip challenges readers, to not just go with the cultural flow, but come up higher and defy normal and live for the glory and honor of God.

Consistently and throughout his life Daniel was a man of integrity and one whom God used to influence national leaders and the people around him.  Most of us probably won’t rub elbows with presidents and kings.  But we will come into contact with family, friends, fellow believers, neighbors and co-workers.  If we live in a manner that honors and glorifies God, He may choose to use us to strengthen and encourage others or speak the truth, without compromise, from His Word.

In Defying Normal, Skip looks at how Daniel lived in regards to self-control, faith, humility, integrity, dependence, courage, hope and balance.  At the end of each chapter he exhorts readers to deliberate and think through how that quality or character trait can be exhibited in their own life and impact others for good and please God.

When I read about Daniel, I can’t help but admire him and wish I was more like him.  It’s easy to forget that he grew and developed his godly steadfast moral character over time in faithful obedience as he walked with God.

I recommend Skip Heitzig and Jeff Kinley’s book Defying Normal – Soaring Above the Status Quo.  I would like to thank Worthy Publishing Group for the opportunity to read Defying Normal in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Parables by John MacArthur – An Excellent Read and Resource

Posted in Bible Study, Book Review, BookLook, Parables, Pastor John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson Publishers by

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Pastor John MacArthur’s latest book is Parables – The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through The Stories Jesus Told. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book because of the solid Bible teaching it contains.

Before diving into the parables, Pastor MacArthur explains, from Matthew 13, why Jesus started teaching in parables.  He had specific truths He was trying to convey to those who had the ears to hear. It wasn’t to make it easy for the common people to understand what He was teaching. Instead, the symbolism used in the parables was to hide the truth from those who had no desire to know what Christ was saying.

Pastor MacArthur brings clarity and helps the reader understand the truths contained in these stories. Unlike allegories, not everything in a parable has significance, but there is a profound truth to be understood. In this book a parable is defined as, “an ingenious simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson.”

This book covers select parables in ten chapters, including the parables of the soils/seed, the good Samaritan, and the rich man and Lazarus. Some of the parables are only a sentence or two long, but there’s a meaning that Christ wanted His followers to understand.

In this day and age, it is important for Christians to be wise and discerning and know when a pastor or teacher is accurately teaching God’s Word. This book will help you to be equipped as you study God’s Word for yourself. One of the benefits to the reader is that you will be able to take what you’ve learned and apply it as you study the Bible and read Jesus’ parables and teachings for yourself.

I greatly appreciate Pastor John MacArthur’s high view of God and Scripture. He is thorough in his study and exposition of the Bible. He is insightful and courageous as he speaks the truth about what’s happening in our culture and in today’s churches.

I highly recommend Parables by Pastor John MacArthur. This book is a great resource for anyone who loves to read and study God’s Word and for those who are new to studying the Bible. Whether you are a new Christian or mature, you’ll want to read this book.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Parables by John MacArthur in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

A Little Wrong

Posted in Crown by

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I know it may not be popular
Some might take offense
But can I just say
Perhaps I’ve gotten it a little wrong

We often see it passed along
A picture of a little girl
Straightening her crown, reminding herself
She is a daughter of the King

Something about the picture
And the sentiments expressed
Appeals to my nature and tendency
To make much of myself

Scripture tells me I am to humble myself
Under the mighty hand of God
I am to worship the Lord my God
Him only will I serve

Along with the other saints
I rejoice and give thanks to God my Father
Amazed that He has adopted me
Made me His own

Here and now
I don’t have a crown to wear
But a cross to carry
And orders follow Christ

One day if I run the race well
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Lord will graciously give me a crown
But it won’t remain on my head

Instead, I will fall before Christ
The King of Righteousness
The One who paid the price for my sin
Seated at the right hand of the Father

I will joyfully place my crown in the pile
Amidst many crowns from all the saints
As we bow down and worship the Lamb
We will cry Worthy is the Lamb

By Susan Wachtel
February 5, 2016

Praise God, by His mercy and grace He has made me one His own.  May I spend the rest of my life glorifying, honoring and singing the praises of Christ Jesus my Lord.

Election Confessions

Posted in Trusting God by

Daniel 2-21

Lord, I confess
As the election begins in earnest
There are times my heart is anxious
My mind filled with worry

I look around and see a nation
Seeped in sin and unrighteousness
Will You rightly and justly
Give us over to the judgment we deserve

Or will You respond with patience
In Your lovingkindness and mercy
Will You raise up a Josiah
Give us a godly leader who fears You

I see candidates of all kinds
Prideful, arrogant, rude
Contemptable, dishonest, liars
Who believe they are above reproach

Yet there are some
Men and women of integrity who fear You
Who desire to be upright and blameless
And humbly serve this nation

I see people deceived
Even believers have been taken in
I ask that You give Your people discernment
Help us to choose wisely

I confess my anxiety and worry are a sin
I have failed to trust You fully
But You are God who is sovereign and in control
You raise up kings and leaders and bring them down

When I feel anxious
Help me to repent and pray
Trust the One True and Living God
To whom we will all give an account one day

by Susan Wachtel
February 1, 2016

Blessings of a Different Sort

Posted in Blessing by

Psalm 40-11

It’s pretty common these days on social media to see blessings being passed along that talk about good fortune, financially or relationally, coming your way.

But there’s a blessing of a different sort that’s far better.

That is the blessing of having the Lord walk beside you in good times and bad.  Never leaving, nor forsaking you.

It’s the blessing of having faithful friends come alongside you in prayer and help you when you are in need.

It’s the blessing of a friend, picking up the phone and just listening as you share your concerns.

It’s the blessing of a friend who gives you a hug in the parking lot and says she’ll pray for you and wipes your tears away.

It’s the blessing of a friend that you don’t know about who lifts you in prayer when the Lord burdens her heart for you.  But the Lord knows and hears her prayers.

It’s the blessing of picking up the Bible in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep and you read through David’s Psalms and receive comfort for your soul.

It’s the blessing when you need godly wisdom and you call your Pastor and he guides you to the Book, The Bible, and you hear from God how you should respond to that hurt of offense or when your children or marriage is in trouble.

It’s the blessing when your husband holds you close in the middle of the night and lets you cry and share your hurting heart.

It’s the blessing when you lose a loved one to cancer and in the midst of your grief you are comforted to know with confidence that you will one day see them again.  In that place where there is no more sorrow, sickness, pain, suffering or death.

It’s the blessing when you realize you’ve really blow it big time and you go to your heavenly Father and confess your sin.  You repent and know with confidence the Lord God has forgiven you because of Christ and He will help you to walk in a manner worthy of your high calling.

It’s the blessing you received when the Lord redeems the trials, sorrow and pain you’ve experienced and allows you to come alongside someone else and comfort them as you’ve been comforted.

It’s a different kind of blessing that comes from God.  He has told us that in this life we will suffer persecution, trials and tribulation.  But we can be of good cheer for He, Jesus Christ, has overcome the world.

Let’s be honest, those other “blessings” don’t really come true.

What kind of blessing do you need tonight?  Ask the Lord.

What Defines You?

Posted in Uncategorized by

Does your sin define you?   Or does your repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who died to save you from your sin, define you?

From Outside In

Posted in Depression, God, poem, Prayer by

Psalm 34-18

Depression is my name
I’m otherwise known as the blues

I quietly slip in
Sometimes unnoticed

Before long I consume a person’s life
From the outside in

Soon the person you love
Seems to have slipped away

Consumed within themselves
Unable to express their all-consuming pain

Their world has shrunk
From the outside in

All hope seems to be gone
For they can’t see beyond

Help can only come from the Compassionate One
In faith pray without ceasing for the one you love

For only God can break depression’s chains
From the outside in

by Susan Wachtel
January 8, 2016

This may seem like a dark way to start the New Year, but I felt led to write this poem after seeing someone struggle with depression.  I want to bring hope to those who feel helpless as they watch a loved one’s world shrink.  Truly God can break those chains and restore hope.

Climbing with Abraham by David Ramos – A Thoughtful and Encouraging Devotional

Posted in Book Review, Climbing with Abraham by

Climbing with Abraham

I was recently contacted by author David Ramos with an offer to read his newest devotional Climbing with Abraham.  After reading David’s brief bio on Amazon, I decided to give the book a try and I’m so glad that I did.

I appreciated the observations and insights that David shared from the life of Abraham.  Clearly he presents a high view of God and also shows how God cares for and knows each one of us individually.

David has a very warm and engaging writing style that invites the reader into the story.  As I was reading this devotional I found myself highlighting many sentences that jumped off the page at me.  Here are a few items that I highlighted:

·    God’s promises will not fail.
·    God’s patience is more powerful than our stumbles, and His love is as strong as we are fragile.
·    God knows your frustrations; keep on believing.
·    God saw Hagar when no one else did and He cared for her when no one else would.

There were times when reading this book I felt like God was speaking to me.  On a particularly hard day I was encouraged from the story of Hagar.  David shared, “You are not stuck, you are not forgotten and you are not hopeless.”  I needed that strengthening reminder about God on that specific day.

It seems like no matter how many times I’ve read or studied Scripture I can learn something new or fresh every time.  That’s why I appreciate the insights that David shared from the life of Abraham.  This is the first book I’ve read by him, but I hope it’s not the last one.

One thing I would have liked to have seen included is the actual Scripture verses instead of just the chapter and verse references.

I highly recommend Climbing with Abraham by author David Ramos.  You will be encouraged, strengthened and challenged as you read through the life of Abraham, a friend of God.

I would like to thank David Ramos for the opportunity to read Climbing with Abraham in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

End of Discussion by Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson – A Challenging, Important and Informative Read

Posted in Blogging for Books, Book Review, Uncategorized by

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With my head still buzzing after reading End of Discussion, I wanted to jot down why this is an important book to read, for both conservatives and liberals.

If you are a conservative, you may find yourself appalled and disbelieving the outrageous lies and tactics you see used by the left leaning media on a daily basis.  If you are a liberal you may offended by conservatives and their lack of compassion and how they seemingly want to impose their standards on others.

No matter which side of the aisle you stand, it seems like all manner of reason and open honest discussion have gone out the window in favor of a never-ending verbal warfare.  Instead of a dialogue the goal is to shut the other person up.

That’s where End of Discussion comes in.  Co-authors Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson have done a solid job in documenting the craziness that we are seeing in the media, politics, courts, boardrooms and universities.  These days, it seems like no one is immune from attack and everything is on the table.

If you find yourself shaking your head and popping an aspirin after listening to the news or radio talk show, you should read End of Discussion.  Not only do they share numerous examples of the various outrage they bring some well-reasoned thought and perspective to the table.  They share ideas on how we can more effectively respond to the issues at hand.

Both Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson are conservative, but they aren’t afraid to examine the conservative’s approach to issues, to see if it’s effective or if in fact we too are guilty of shutting down the discussion.

End of Discussion was challenging; it’s not a quick read.  Mary and Guy share a lot of examples and go into great detail of the outrage that seems to be increasing.  I appreciate their keen observations, wit and chill out perspective they bring to a very heated and hostile table.

If you think our society is less civil, really wimpy, and we act like children in need of a nanny to protect us, you aren’t far off in your assessment.  What’s sobering is that the government is more than happy to step in and play the nanny.  Perhaps it’s time we grow up and learn how to debate and have a dialogue with folks we disagree with.

One thing I wasn’t real keen on was the use of profanity.   Where actual events are shared, I can see why they allowed it.  But in their commentary and observation it wasn’t necessary.  It only adds to the crass and crude culture that is prevalent today.

I would like to thank the people at Blogging for Books and Crown Forum Publishing for the opportunity to read End of Discussion in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Gift of Reading

Posted in Gift of Reading by

Books

As of late, I’ve been reflecting on the gift of reading.  How important it is and how it affects every area of my life.

Not being able to read would affect my ability to learn other things like history or science or even math.  I might be able to have a rudimentary ability to do math, but would likely be limited to the basics and not be able learn advance math.  I can’t imagine attending college without being able to read, much less graduate high school.

If I couldn’t read my Bible, I wouldn’t know when a pastor or teacher is accurately teaching the Word of God.  I couldn’t study the Bible for myself and know the truth.  I wouldn’t be able to keep a journal and record my thoughts and feelings.

I might be able to learn driving skills, but I couldn’t get a license because I couldn’t pass a written driving test, read street signs or follow a map.

What kind of job would I have?  I couldn’t be a waitress because I couldn’t read the menu or write up a customer’s order.  I would likely be consigned to lower paying jobs.  How would I apply for a job, fill out an application or submit a resume?  These days many jobs require having a college degree.

How would I read a medicine bottle or following instructions for a recipe or read direction to put something together?

I would have to get my news from TV news or radio and would be unable to read the newspaper and understand the issues, facts and candidates for myself.  How could I vote without being able to read?

People might pass judgment and think I was stupid or lazy and not realize I didn’t have the same advantages that they had.  I would probably be shy and hold back on making friends because I wouldn’t want my secret discovered.  I would probably feel like I was less than because I couldn’t do what so many people can do so easily.

I wouldn’t be able to read a letter or write one to a loved one.

I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to read.  When I see a shelf filled with books, I’m drawn to it and can’t wait to see what adventures await me.  Books are my friends.

If I couldn’t read, I’m sure I would see books in a whole different light.  Perhaps, books would be my enemies.

While I don’t remember the process of learning how to read, I am so grateful for the teachers who helped me to learn of the greatest skill that has impacted me immeasurably and even for eternity.

I don’t remember most of my teachers by name, but I do recall my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Espinoza.  I’m sure that a lifelong love for reading started in her class.  To Mrs. Espinoza, and all my teachers, I thank you for giving me the gift of reading.

Thank You to God for enabling me to read and bringing people into my life who helped me to master that life transforming skill.

If you think of other ways that your life would be impacted if couldn’t read, please take a moment and leave a comment.  Also, don’t forget to take a moment and say thanks to those who helped you learn how to read.

Sunset to Sunrise

Posted in poem, Trusting God by

Sunset to Sunrise

 

From sunset to sunrise
I look to You O Lord
I find my security in You alone

My stomach churns in these uncertain times
Is this fear or anxiety
No, I think this is what grief feels like

I know You are at work in my circumstances
But what exactly what You want to accomplish
I don’t know, I can’t see it from here

May I trust You with the unknown future
May I remind myself You are good
You are and always will remain faithful

As the sun sets and darkness falls
Once again, I see fresh beauty anew
As if painted from the hand of the Creator

Help me to trust You O God
To bring beauty from these ashes
Reveal Your purpose in the pain

by Susan Wachtel
December 15, 2015

Seven Women And The Secret Of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas – An Interesting and Challenging Read

Posted in Book Review, BookLook, Thomas Nelson Publishers by

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After hearing author Eric Metaxas interviewed on several radio shows talking about his latest book, Seven Women And The Secret Of Their Greatness, I wanted to read about these influential women who impacted their generation, nation and beyond.  This is the first book I’ve read by this author.

The book focuses on the lives of Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Saint Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa.  Eric did a lot of research and went into great detail about their lives and the culture in which they lived and the impact they made.  Other than Corrie ten Boom, I knew precious little or nothing about their lives and how they influenced the world of their day.

Eric Metaxas is a Christian who is intelligent and well-informed.  As such, I wish he had included a brief chapter telling why he selected these women.  Based on his choice of women, I don’t believe this book is apologetic in nature.

I really enjoyed the chapters on Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Corrie ten Boom and Rosa Parks.  I found my faith was encouraged, challenged and strengthened by these women of great faith and strong conviction who endured much.  I struggling reading about Joan of Arc and Saint Maria of Paris, two very unconventional women, I think in part, because I was distracted by their theology and wondered how Biblical Christianity would respond them.  I knew of Mother Teresa, but didn’t know much about her life until I read this book.

This book is not a quick read, nor a light read.  But if you like to learn history through biographies, you will like this book.  This book gives the reader an appreciation for what women in the past had to endure, without the freedoms we have in this country that people fought for and the modern conveniences we can easily take for granted.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Seven Women by Eric Metaxas in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Faithful & Sudden

Posted in God's Faithfulness, poem, Praise, Praying, Uncategorized by

Heb 11-1

Prayers uttered in faith
Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past
Counting on His trustworthiness in the future
My God, He never changes

Days turn into weeks
Weeks into months
Yet, still there is no answer
My God, He is at work in ways we cannot see

One day, there will be a breakthrough
One day, His answer will come
Suddenly, swiftly
I must be prepared to move when He says go

Tonight, when there seems to be silence from heaven
When deliverance is far from my sight
I pray and I will praise my God
Confident, that one day soon, my deliverance will come

By Susan Wachtel
November 29, 2015

The Broad Road Church

Posted in Apostasy, False Teaching, God's Word, Heresy, poem, Truth by

1 John 2-19 B-W

My spirit is sobered
When I read Your Word
Only to find the prophesies
That some will abandon the faith

Even now I see signs of heresy
Apostasy
Blasphemy uttered from lips
Of those who call themselves Christian

It’s visible in the pulpit
Pastors and teachers
Even worship leaders are not immune
Leading astray the unwise sheep who sit in the pew

Seminaries once strong
No longer bastions of truth
Heretical teaching is commonplace
Unbelieving professors are wolves in sheep’s clothing

The full counsel of God’s Word is not taught
It’s been replaced with feel good “sermons”
God’s clear condemnation of sin is ignored
Immorality and unrepentant sinners embraced

Men are given the title of pastor
The truth be told
Some are nothing more than motivation speakers
Catering to the audience and tickling their ears

Pastors, there’s no need to study hard
Or accurately divide the Word of truth
Instead, find a readymade sermon online
Buy it today, preach it tomorrow

Even pastors who once seem solid
Elevate themselves; not God
Read their own books from the pulpit
Set aside the inerrant Word of God

There’s another book to hock
CD albums are ready to sell
Is the Word of God free and unfettered
No, but it’s available for a small fee

Preachers who should know better
Align themselves with false teachers
Come alongside those whose motivation is tainted
Fueled by pride, applause and the love of money

Sin is seldom mentioned
Truth, no longer spoken
For fear of causing offense
Or driving away those with deep pockets

Salvation found through Christ alone
Is so very narrow minded
The narrow road that leads to life is not mentioned
By those on the broad road leading to destruction

Father, You have forewarned us
Of the deception that will take place
The falling away of those who were with us, but not of us
Evidenced in fact that they did not remain

Father, may we abide and remain in Christ
Keep us in Your Word daily
Holy Spirit, give us wisdom and discernment
Raise up men who will unashamedly preach the Word

by Susan Wachtel
November 6, 2015

Departed

Posted in poem by

Mark 5-19-20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus and His disciples
Departed for the other side
To the Gadarenes
For a divine appointment was in store

Two demon-possessed men
So wild and violent, no one dared to pass by
They lived among the tombs
The spiritually dead among the physically dead

When they saw Him
They knew, it was God incarnate
The Son of God stood before them
The One Whom they had rebelled against in eternity past

They knew their day was coming
For torment and eternal punishment
They cried, “What have we to do with You, Jesus”
They begged Him, “Cast us into the herd of swine”

He commanded, “Be gone!”
The demons obeyed, departed and entered the swine
At breakneck speed they hurled themselves
Over a cliff, headlong into the sea and drown

Quickly the herdsmen departed
Made their way into the city
They declared all that had happened
Including a tale about tormented men set free

The townsmen made their way to Jesus
They witnessed for themselves
Two formerly demon-possessed men
Now clothed and in their right minds

They were overcome
With great fear
Urgently pleaded with Jesus
Depart from here

Before Jesus departed
One man begged to come with Him
“No,” He responded, “Depart”
“Proclaim to all you encounter what God has done for you.”

By Susan Wachtel
November 3, 2015

Just Thinking on Forgiveness and Obedience

Posted in Forgiveness, Obedience by

Matt 6-14-15

I am privileged to be a part of two Bible studies this year.  One of my favorite things about these studies is the discussion time that we have as a small group, following our personally studying of God’s Word.

I love hearing how other people answer the questions.  Sometimes it’s the way they word their answer that helps me to understand the Scripture passage in a fresh or clearer way.  Sometimes it’s an example they share; a story, a parable or something from their own life that helps me to understand the Scripture.

In this week’s lesson we studied the passage from Matthew 6, which includes God’s commands about forgiving others.  One question had us answer what we would advise a person who is struggling to forgive.

One response that was given was an example that many of us may have heard.  Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.  That’s a good example on the harm that unforgiveness does in our lives and just how crazy it is to not forgive.

But that got me to thinking about forgiveness, especially for believers in Christ.  Why should we forgive someone when they have hurt us, either purposely and intentionally or by accident?

First and foremost, God calls us, no He commands us to forgive others.  That alone should inform my actions and cause me to obey Christ.

But if it doesn’t cause me to forgive, what might prompt me to obedience?  I can look at my own life, my sin, my deceitfully wicked heart apart from Christ and see how much God has forgiven me.  When my huge sin debt has been wiped clean by holy and righteous God Himself, how can I hold onto an offense by another and refuse to forgive them?  When my grievous sin is weighed on the scales against the offense I’ve suffered, there is no comparison.

I may need to remind myself, especially if it’s a fellow Christian, Christ has forgiven them.  He died on the cross and paid the penalty for their sin, even the sin that hurt me.  Their sins are forgiven and cast as far as the east is from the west, as are mine.  How can I put myself over and above Christ and not forgive someone whom Christ died for and forgave?

If it’s an unbeliever, well Christ died to pay the sin debt all humanity.  He stands ready to forgive them and embrace them if they repent of their sins and receive Christ Jesus as Lord.  His righteousness will be applied to their account and their sin debt will be wiped clean.

God doesn’t say, “Forgive someone if they are a fellow Christian.”  No, He doesn’t make my forgiveness conditional on their repentance or if they are saved.  He tells me to forgive.

I have no solid ground to stand on when I choose to be unforgiving.  None!

Is it easy?  No, absolutely not.  But God can help me to forgive.  It’s a choice that I need to make every day.  When the enemy comes along and stirs up hurt feelings, I can choose to remind myself about what God has already spoken about forgiveness.  Speak the truth from God’s Word into my life, my heart, mind, will and emotions.  I can ask God in prayer to help my feelings catch up with my will to obey Him and forgive.

Another thought I had was about obedience to God.  I’m a little concerned about things I see in the church today.  It’s seems like we have a tendency to make it about us and not God.  We may focus on how we feel.  We talk about the benefits we may experience as a result of obedience.

But there seems to be a lack or reverence and obedience to God.  He is Holy and Righteous and Just and deserves nothing less than our full obedience.  Not because we feel like it, but because He is God!

That doesn’t mean that our feelings are always in line with obeying God as an act of our will.  When that’s the case, we can confess that and seek God’s help to heal our hurting hearts.  We can strengthen our minds with truth from God’s Word.

Lord, help me to love You more with each passing day.  Help me to know Your Word, to hunger and thirst for it.  Help me to hide Your Word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.  Help me to obey You, as an act of my will and out of love for You.  In Christ’s precious and saving name I pray…Amen!

Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter & Me – A Memoir by Lorilee Craker

Posted in Anne of Green Gables My Daughter & Me, Book Review, Tyndale House, Uncategorized by

AOG_update-200x300

First and foremost let me say, I love this book!  Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter & Me by Lorilee Craker is a lovely and delightful book.  In this heartfelt exploration about adoption the author shares about  feelings and emotions experienced by adoptees, adoptive parents and biological parents.

I’ve never read any books by Lorilee Craker, but when I read the description of this book, I was hooked.  “What my favorite book taught me about grace, belonging and the orphan in us all.”

I’m an adoptee and Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite books.  I think I’ve read every book by famed author, Lucy Maud Montgomery.  That’s why I couldn’t turn down this opportunity to read Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter & Me.

Throughout the book Lorilee skillfully weaves characters and scenes from much the beloved books, Anne of Green Gables, as she shares about her own life which began with her adoption.  Lorilee and her husband Doyle are the forever real parents to their sons Jonah and Ezra and their adopted daughter Phoebe.  She also shares about Phoebe’s unique and special journey to become part of the Craker family.

I really appreciated how Lorilee shared the birth mother’s perspective.  She was open and transparent in her quest to find her birth parents and what happened.  Even if an adoptee never seeks out their birth parents, the curiosity remains.

Lorilee shared about her own forever and very real parents and what she and her husband experienced when they flew halfway around the world to bring their daughter Phoebe home.

Interwoven throughout this book are scenes from the precious books and movies, Anne of Green Gables.  This memorable story is about a young girl with carrot red hair who was orphaned and adopted by the unlikely parents of spinster Marilla Cuthbert and her bachelor brother Matthew.  Who would ever think that a spinster and bachelor would be the perfect parents for this spunky, feisty and imaginative girl?  Anne’s life would be forever changed and filled to overflowing with love and friends on the enchanting and beautiful Prince Edward Island.

This story is made even richer as Lorilee shares about author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s life, who herself was orphaned.  While her story turned out different than Anne’s, it’s from her rich imagination this beloved character has a special place in the hearts of many young girls and women.

Lorilee delves into some painful and deep thoughts and emotions from those impacted by adoption.  She tackles the conundrum of how one who is chosen and adopted may focus on being abandoned, rejected and orphaned.  Most importantly she shares how God Himself has adopted Christian believers into His forever family.  Orphans are very close to His heart.

I highly and unreservedly recommend Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter & Me by author Lorilee Craker.  It’s filled with grace and truth; it will enrich your life and touch your heart.

I would like thank the people at Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter & Me in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Real Selfie

Posted in Sinful Wicked Heart by

Jer 17-9

At church on Sunday morning we are studying through the book of Romans. Our Pastor, Tom Pennington, is faithful to exegete the text. Sometimes it’s painful when I recognize myself in the passage we are studying. Last Sunday was no exception.

With a little levity Tom brought some perspective to all the “selfie” rage that’s going on in our world today and asked the following questions. What you would think if I opened up my wallet and whipped out an accordion picture holder and instead of picture of children or family, it was filled with pictures of me? Or what if you walked in my home and the entryway was filled with pictures of me?

Tom went on to share that with the selfie trend being so big there’s now software you can load on your smart phone to Photoshop your picture so you are looking good when you upload your latest selfie. Get rid of all those lines, wrinkles and blemishes.

That’s not to say that I don’t love seeing pictures of family and friends that they share on Facebook and Instagram. I really do, especially being so far away. But Tom’s illustrations kind of put things in perspective.

Where it really got painful is when Tom read through Roman 3:9-20 and said this scripture is a very telling “selfie” word picture of what we are really like. There’s no Photoshop for this word picture from God who really sees what we’re like deep down inside.

All Have Sinned
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.

10 As it is written:

“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

When I read that description, there’s no denying that I’m that sinner. I can see it plain as day. But praise God, He knew that we are sinners and He provided the perfect remedy for our sin. He gave His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus. And whosoever will believe in Him, he will not perish but have ever lasting life.

Thank You Jesus for paying the penalty on the cross for my great and grievous sin. Thank You for living a perfect and sinless life. Thank You Father for accepting Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment in full for my sin. Thank You for giving evidence that is undeniable and raising Him from the grave. Thank You Jesus, that as You are seated at the right hand of the Father You are interceding for me. Help me today to live a life dependent upon You. In Jesus Christ’s precious and saving name I pray…Amen!

Sin Gone Viral

Posted in Sin by

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On a recent visit to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens we were disappointed to see a sign “Disease Gone Viral in this Rose Garden”.

What followed was a garden with some empty flower beds. Some areas were planted with other flowers. But there were precious few rose bushes left in this garden. A very sad sight indeed.

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When I saw this sign, the first thing I thought of was sin. This blight that struck healthy rose bushes is like sin in my life. I can never be too vigilant about allowing sin into my life.

I need to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. What sin am I allowing into my life? What do I watch, read, see, eat, drink, smoke, say, or goodness only knows what else that will lead me down a deadly path of sin? If I fail to be on guard, sin can easily slip in unnoticed and quickly spread into other areas of my life.

My uncontrolled sin can affect others. It can cause devastating and deadly results that sometimes reach into eternity.

When sin creeps in, I need to take radical steps to stop it in its tracks. I must keep sin from spreading and taking over other areas of my life. Not let my heart become hardened or my conscience deadened. I need to put an end to sin. Not give Christ and fellow Christians a black-eye. Or give an unbeliever another reason to reject Christ Jesus as Lord.

Lord, help me to remember that this battle is more dangerous than I know and involves unseen powerful forces. But Lord, You can help me to wage war. May I put on the full armor of God each day. May I take my every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. When Your Holy Spirit prods my conscience, may I respond quickly in obedience and out of love for Christ Jesus and my heavenly Father. If I need to take radical steps to eliminate sin from my life, let me do it quickly. Don’t let me get away from sin. Let me be caught quickly and every time Lord. Keep me close to You. Let the light of Your Word expose darkness and sin in me. Give me discernment about the sin in the world around me. Help me to walk that narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Help me to remember that You are praying for me when I am tempted. It’s Your desire that I will not fail. Thank You for walking with me through every trial and temptation Lord. In Jesus mighty, powerful, precious and delivering name I pray. Amen!