Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

The Dreaded Colonoscopy Day

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This was something that I had managed to put off for 6 years past the recommended time of age 50.  Yes…today was the dreaded colonoscopy day!  If it weren’t for a persistent husband and doctor, I hoped to go to the grave without experiencing it.

My anxiety level and dread were high and were somewhat abated by the fact I had a doctor I felt comfortable with and I knew my husband would be there for me…which he was.  Thank you Chris!

In my anxiety I searched a lot of websites to read up on what people experienced so that I would have an idea on what I was facing.  Of course everyone’s experience is different, so I took what I read with a grain of salt.  There were some pretty entertaining blog posts about colonoscopies, if that can be considered entertaining.

The worst part of the whole thing was drinking that wretched swill called Suprep.  It’s downright nasty.  Something invented by a wicked ugly person who should be slapped.  Even though I experienced the unlovely effects, they were expected.  Why in the world can’t some develop a colonoscopy prep that tastes good?  If they did, they would make a mint and retire early.  The yucky syrupy was made even more intolerable by adding 10 ounces of water to extend my experience of the disgusting taste.  Uhhhhhhhhhh!

Then I had the expected effects…which all things considered are not too bad.  If you’ve ever had a bad case of the stomach flu…you’ve been there.  I was on the frequent flyer program with my toilet.  Stay close by and for goodness sake don’t go anywhere during that time.  Once the Suprep had done its job I was feeling better, albeit a little weaker.

But as I dozed off for the night…I knew what’s coming in the morning.  Round two of Suprep, made even worse because I knew how awful the stuff tastes.  The first time I tried using a straw to bypass my taste buds…didn’t work for me.  I tried using cold water but no matter which way you slice it…it’s nauseating.  Literally nauseating!  If you can keep it down you are doing good.

The two additional 16 ounce glasses of water are hard to get down.  I felt waterlogged.  Thankfully once the medicine kicked in my tummy was feeling better.

Learn from my mistake and schedule your colonoscopy early in the day.  I scheduled my appointment for 12:30 pm.  Not good!  That made it about 40 hours of drinking clear fluids, eating some lemon Jell-O with some wretched Suprep and massive amounts of water thrown in.  But I’ve got to say the clear fluids and Jell-O make the ugly part easier as does eating light the day before.

Though I was feeling a bit tired and nervous, the colonoscopy itself was easy.  Today I met my met new best friend…the anesthesiologist!  Thanks to him I remember nothing of my colonoscopy time!

The place I went, Lone Star Endoscopy Center, was great as was Dr. Karen Steffer.  The people at the center and my doctor were very nice and make an unpleasant test not so bad.  Now if only they could do something about the Suprep!

The good thing about being adopted is that I don’t have information to put down for family medical history.  My standard answer is Unknown/Adopted.  The bad part is I don’t have a clue what’s floating around in my gene pool.

Thankfully today’s test came up clear, no polyps or concerns were found.  I got a clean bill of colon health.  Thank You Lord!  I got a ten year pass before the next colonoscopy.  I am in prayer that the rapture of the church will come long before then.

Thoughts and Reflections on the Supreme Court’s Ruling

Posted in Forgiveness, Gospel, Hillsdale College, Homosexual Marriage, Jesus Christ, Repentance, Salvation, Sin by

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Last Friday, June 26th, when the Supreme Court’s ruling was announced approving of homosexual marriage we were away on vacation and I wasn’t able to write anything.  That’s probably a good thing because I would have been reacting from the emotions of the moment rather than thinking things through.

Since that day I’ve had time to reflect and want to share some thoughts.

When I heard the announcement my heart was grieved.  I had been praying that the Lord in His mercy would spare the United States from going down that road of approving sin which God has clearly condemned in His perfect and inerrant Word.  Obviously the Lord’s answer was no and the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 5 to 4 in favor of homosexual marriage.

Where was God when this happened?  He was on His throne and continues to sovereignly rule and reign over all creation and sinful man.  His Son, the Lord Christ Jesus, is seated at the Father’s right hand ruling and reigning.  This is all under His sovereign control and perfect plan that He is working out.

God has plainly revealed in His Word that this world will continue in its downward spiral of sin.  This ruling just gives evidence to that.  Reading Romans 1:18-32 is like reading today’s headline news.  Repeatedly the Lord reveals that He will give man over to his sin.  Why?  Because man has suppressed the truth in unrighteousness and denies God who has clearly revealed Himself in creation.  We do not glorify God.  As a result, our thinking has become futile and our foolish hearts are darkened.

On June 26, 2015, the United States of America clearly abandoned its roots that were once based on Judeo Christian values.

The five justices, not only ruled in favor of sin which God has condemned, they stepped over the line and went from interpreting the Constitution to making law.  If that’s what they want to do, they are in the wrong branch of government.  They should leave the court system and run for office.

So why go the route of the court to change the law?  Well…because 37 States have passed laws limiting marriage as being between one man and one woman or supporting the Defense of Marriage Act.  Going the legal route wasn’t working in favor of homosexual marriage advocates.

Where is this going to stop?  Will the courts soon be approving polygamy or family members marrying?  After all that’s marriage between consenting adults.  We are on that slippery slope and have a mind darkened by sin and corruption and it’s going to get a lot worse.

What’s so wrong about homosexuality?

God has declared it sinful in His perfect and inerrant Word, the Bible.  He is our Creator and He is God to whom we all will give an account.  In the Bible He declares what is sinful and right and wrong.  He has also declared adultery and all sex outside of marriage as sinful.

God ordained marriage as being between one man and one woman.  He blessed them and commanded that they go forth, be fruitful and multiply.  Apart from adoption or science homosexual couples cannot carry out that command.  Physically men and women are complimentary and are able to procreate.  Having two mommies or two daddies does not make up for not having a dad or mom.  The Lord designed family to be a father, mother and children.

I was very troubled by President Barack Obama’s action of bathing the White House in the rainbow colors of the gay liberation movement.  That was very divisive and beneath the dignity of the President of the United States of America.  President Obama is the President over all Americans, not just people who share his view on homosexual marriage.  He should be uniting not dividing.  There was a day when the President said that he believed that marriage was between one man and one woman.  I guess over time his beliefs changed or he didn’t really believe what he originally said.

This ruling is edging us ever closer to silencing those who disagree with homosexual marriage; who in keeping with the Bible call it sin.  We are a step away from forcing pastors, ministers, priests and clergy to either approve of and marry homosexual couples or face legal consequences including fines, imprisonment and loss of non-profit organization status.  Soon saying homosexuality is sin will be considered a hate crime.  We will be losing our Constitutional rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

All people, including homosexuals, are human beings created in God’s image and as a result should be treated with kindness, goodness, dignity and respect.  Their sin is no worse than mine is.  Homosexuality is not the unforgivable sin.  God has promised in His Word that if we repent of our sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we will be forgiven of our sin and spend eternity in heaven with Him.  If we fail to do that God has warned that we will be condemned of our sin and go to hell.

At the end of the day, the worst thing about the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of homosexual marriage will be the result of fewer people sharing the lifesaving message of the Gospel, that there is forgiveness of sin in Jesus Christ.  A broken and contrite heart God will not despise.

People don’t want to be thought of as a bigot or hater…so they may shut up and not share the Gospel.

Recently I watched a video that my friend Ken Kish shared which showed Penn Jillette, from Penn and Teller fame, talking about someone sharing the Gospel.  In the video Penn, an avowed atheist said that he respects Christians who share the Gospel even though he doesn’t believe it.  I won’t forget something he said, “How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?  How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”

Is my failure to share the Gospel with fellow sinners hatred?  At the very least it’s caring more about me and my comfort over their eternal salvation.

May Christians be men and women of courage and obedient to the Lord and share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with everyone: family and friends, neighbors and co-workers, heterosexuals and homosexuals.  For we are all sinners in need of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.

I know that there’s a lot of good commentary out there on the Supreme Court’s ruling and I would encourage you to read and stay informed.  I would also like to direct you to the Hillsdale College website where you can sign-up to take their course on the US Constitution for free.  With the upcoming elections and charged political landscape we owe it to ourselves and fellow citizens to be informed and know what rights, responsibilities and liberties we’ve been granted in our Constitution.  Be informed and select candidates who are in keeping with your morals and values.

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore – Hits the Target

Posted in Book Review, Drawing Fire, Tyndale House by

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I love a good mystery filled with intrigue and interesting characters.  I hit the target with Drawing Fire by author Janice Cantore who is a former Long Beach police officer.  This is the first book I’ve read by Janice Cantore and I look forward to reading her earlier books.

Drawing Fire is filled with suspense and lots of action, but not at the expense of character development.  I really liked the characters and learning about what drives them and makes them tick.  The story takes place in Long Beach, California.  Having lived in So Cal for many years it was fun to read about the various locations and visualize the scenes.

I appreciate when a Christian author weaves their faith into the characters and storyline.  I thought that Janice did a good job in showing what a loving and supportive Christian community can be like.  It wasn’t contrived but flowed naturally as we learn about the characters and see them interact in everyday life and in crisis situations.

At the end of Drawing Fire there are twelve discussion questions which can be used for a book club or the individual reader.  I found the questions compelling as I remembered the characters and storyline and wondered how I might have responded.

When Drawing Fire concludes the readers will know who done it, but things aren’t neatly and perfectly tied up, which is kind of like real life.  It proves to be a good stopping off point because the characters will be continued in the next book of the Cold Case Justice series.  That’s a book I will want to read.

I would like to thank Tyndale Publishers for the opportunity to read Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Give an Account

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If I remembered that I will give an account to the Lord for the words I speak…how would that change what I say?  I need to remember that all is open and laid bare before the Lord, there are no secrets with God.  May that truth change me even down to the thoughts and intentions of my heart.  What I think effects what I feel.  What I feel will be reflected in what I say.  What I feel doesn’t change what is true.

Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman – Mixed Emotions

Posted in Book Review, BookLook, Murder Freshly Baked by

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I really enjoy reading mystery novels and like to discover good authors that are new to me.  Now that’s a win-win recipe that I like to try and why I selected Murder Freshly Baked by author Vannetta Chapman.

Murder Freshly Baked is the third book in the Amish Village Mystery series and the first book I’ve read by Vannetta Chapman.  Overall I liked this book, but there were some things I struggled with especially early on.

I was lost at the beginning of the book because there were so many characters introduced right off the bat.  On the first page alone there were six characters carried over from the prior novels and four more were introduced before chapter one ended.  I would imagine that for people who have read the first two books it was like encountering old friends.  But for someone new to the series I had a hard time keeping everyone straight and understanding who’s who.  The first scenes had a lot going and with a character being murdered the story was off and running.  But I felt like I was back at the starting line just trying to figure out what was going on and who was involved.

Something else I struggled with is that the author is very wordy.  She goes into a lot of detail and uses many adjectives to describe the scenes and what people are doing.  For me the wordiness was almost to the point of distraction.  I don’t know if I just got used to the writer’s style or if the excessive descriptions lessened as the novel progressed.

But there was a point that I started to connect with the characters and was able to figure out who’s who and wasn’t as distracted.  I liked the characters and how they really seemed to care about one another.  This is not a fast-paced novel, but one in which you get to know the characters and I like finding out what makes people tick.

From a Christian perspective there were some things I appreciated about characters and how they interacted with one another.  However, I was surprised when the perfect opportunity for one of the characters to share the gospel message was missed.  Instead, practical advice was given on how to get out of a difficult situation.  Christian writers have a unique platform to share the Gospel message and Biblical truth.  When that opportunity is missed I don’t understand why.

The author could have done a better job introducing the characters to the reader and not assume that people had read the earlier books in the series.  The first flashback scene came out of nowhere and was a bit confusing until I learned that the former military character suffered PTSD.

At the end of the day, I liked Murder Freshly Baked, mostly because of the characters and I would recommend it with the caveat that people start with the first two books in this series.  It’s not a deep book, nor fast-paced, it wasn’t hard to figure out who committed the murder, but there was something appealing about the story, the people.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook and Zondervan Publishers for the opportunity to read Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary – An Excellent Read

Posted in Blogging for Books, Book Review by

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I was privileged to read Rifqa Bary’s excellent book Hiding in the Light – Why I Risked Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus.  I find it fascinating to hear the stories of people raised in Islam who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; people who have become Christians in spite of the great risk to their life.

Rifqa’s story is unique; she became a Christian when she was 12 years old and managed to keep it a secret from her family for four years.  At the age of 16, she faced a very real threat to her life when her parents found out that she was a Christian.  That night Rifqa had a life changing decision to make; should she stay and risk death at the hands of her very angry father, or face the possibility of being sent back to Sri Lanka against her will or should she leave and abandon it all for Christ.

Through the courageous help of friends and strangers Rifqa found safe haven.  But her new found peace was not to last for long.  A battle ensued; Rifqa’s parents wanted her back home, but her new found friends and allies were willing to risk much to help her find the freedom she wanted to worship God in safety.

This book is riveting and Rifqa is open and transparent and reveals what was happening with her mind, will and emotions as she struggled to live out her faith and how her family responded when they discovered she was no longer a Muslim.  I was shocked to hear of Rifqa’s experiences with the juvenile detention system, child protective services and foster care.  But the Lord always seemed to bring someone across Rifqa’s path to sow hope and encouragement into her turbulent life.  I was heartened to learn of those who are gifted and called to help children in crisis.

After reading Hiding in the Light, I have a better appreciation for what it takes for someone to make the courageous choice to believe in Jesus Christ and openly choose to live for Him when coming from a Muslim background.

I highly recommend Rifqa Bary’s new book Hiding in the Light.

I would like to thank the people at Blogging for Books and Water Brook Publishers for the opportunity to read Hiding in the Light in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Case of the Sin City Sister by Lynne Hinton – Mixed Emotions

Posted in Book Review, Christian Writer by

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I love a good mystery and finding a writer whose work is new to me.  That’s why I chose The Case of the Sin City Sister by Lynne Hinton.

In some respects I liked this book.  I found it interesting and thought that Lynne did a good job weaving the characters, from different times, places, and backgrounds into an intriguing storyline that takes place in New Mexico and Las Vegas.  I found myself looking forward to digging in and seeing what happened next and learning about what made the characters tick.

I appreciated that the book did not have the characters engaged in filthy language or sexual immorality.

There were some things I wish the author had handled differently since she is a Christian and has a Masters of Divinity degree.  As a Christian, when I’m reading a book by a Christian, and published by a Christian company, I hold it to a different standard than I do a secular book.  I look at the theology that’s in the book and compare it to the Bible.

In chapter one, the main character Sister Eve is speaking with Oliver, the Monk in charge of the monastery where she lives.  Eve’s been struggling to decide if she should remain a nun or return home and do the work she loves and has an affinity for, private detective work.  Oliver says to her, “If you are a true disciple, Sister, and I believe you are, then Christ lives in you.  If this is so, then the desire that is in your heart can be trusted.  It is the truth for you to live by.”  While that may be true to the degree a person is truly a Christian and obedient to Christ, that’s not complete and sound Biblical counsel regarding following our heart.

Starting on page 74 and the following pages references were made to telepathic communication, people being connected in their spirits and psychic energy.  This conversation was from a character who professed to be a believer in Jesus Christ.  The Bible is very clear and unambiguous in its condemnation psychic phenomenon.  It shouldn’t have any place in the life of a Christian.

I was puzzled by Eve’s impression of Las Vegas.  The character is a nun, someone who is supposedly sanctified.  Yet, Eve didn’t seem overly concerned or disturbed by the blatant sin that was on display in Las Vegas.  Some of her comments include, “There’s nothing that you can’t find or do or try.  It’s like anything’s possible there.”, “It was like living on stage.”, and “It’s like Disney World for grown-ups.”

There were a few references to Eve taking her rosary beads and reciting a prayer.  I think that the opportunity to model prayer, show the power of prayer and affirm that God hears and answer our prayers was missed by a long shot.

The main character Eve, seem more concerned about her sister’s physical safety rather than her eternal security.  I don’t recall any reference made to Dorisanne’s salvation nor the other characters in the book.

So why am I making such an issue of the theological concerns I raised?  Christian authors have an incredible opportunity to impact both believers and unbelievers with the Gospel message and infallible truth from the Bible.  To not take that opportunity is one thing.  But when the religious and theological references don’t line up with Scripture that’s a more serious concern.

I have a mixed review on this book.  It was well-written and had some interesting and likable characters.  It kept me guessing.  But from a Christian theological perspective I think it missed the boat.  If you choose to read this book, read it for the storyline not the theology.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read The Case of the Sin City Sister by Lynne Hinton in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Operation Condemnation

Posted in Condemnation, poem, Spiritual Warfare, Uncategorized by

Rom 8-1

Captain Deceit, I’m reporting for duty
Do come in lieutenant, I have your next assignment

Your next target is a woman
She is a believer in our Enemy

Years ago she recognized her sin and repented
Then the Adversary snatched her from Satan’s clutches

The so called Holy One forgave all her sins
He even credited Christ’s righteousness to her account

While we are powerless to change her eternal destiny
We can assault her here on earth

I want you to rack her with guilt and condemnation
Daily, focus her mind on her many sins, past and present

Help her to see her willful sin
And the utter depravity of her heart

The pièce de résistance
Will be sins committed after she came to Christ

May she focus on her own wretchedness and unworthiness
Even question if she is really saved

Instead of being filled with joy and peace
Because Christ paid her sin debt

She will be burdened with guilt and brought low
And never desire to share the Gospel

May she be bound with chains
Link after link, memories of her sin

Distract her
So she can’t focus her mind

Do not let her open God’s perfect and inerrant Word
Or let her hide the Enemy’s truth and promises in her heart

Do not let her read or remember
There is no condemnation to those in Christ

Nor walk in freedom
For whom the Son sets free is free indeed

May those hell-bound unbelievers around her
See a fool burdened under the weight of her sin

May she not harken the door of a church
Where the Word of God is taught without compromise

Instead direct her to man’s wisdom
A life of self-effort and temporary rewards

May she not be encouraged and strengthen
By the body of Christ

Whatever you do, don’t let her pray
For her God will hear her prayers and answer

Like the vulnerable lamb who wanders from the flock
Attack and devour when she is alone

Do not let her put her hope in God
Instead cloud her mind with condemnation and defeat

Whatever you do, do not let her be filled with joy and peace
Or give praise, honor and glory to God

Remember, He is our ultimate Enemy
Who desires to save all those who are perishing

Good luck on your assignment lieutenant
Once you succeed, there are many more we need to defeat

by Susan Wachtel
May 14, 2015

The High Price of Sin

Posted in Consequences, Sin by

When I’m tempted to sin, I don’t fully realize the consequences that will impact my life and the lives of others around me. Some consequences may last a lifetime. Relationships that are damaged may not be restored until heaven, if ever. I’m blinded to the fact that I’m focused on myself; not God, nor others. I can be very shortsighted. If I knew the high price of my sin and it’s impact would I still choose to purposely and willfully sin? Lord, help me to love You more, obey You more and take You at Your Word!

 

Bella’s Gift – by Rick and Karen Santorum – A Challenge and Treasure

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A few years ago, I heard Rick and Karen Santorum on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk radio show as they shared about their daughter Bella.  I was also familiar with Rick from his 2012 Presidential bid and appreciated his conservative pro-life values.  That’s why I was eager for the chance to read their new book Bella’s Gift.

I really liked Bella’s Gift and highly recommend it.  This is a challenging book to read because you may find yourself evaluating what it means to be pro-life.  Especially, when you read about the ongoing fight the Santorum family had to endure to have their precious daughter Bella treated when she got sick and the ongoing care she had to receive at home on a daily basis.

I was very angry at what I read about the medical establishment, doctors and nurses, who refused to give Bella basic treatment that they would have given to any “normal child” who was sick.  But when it came to Bella, who has physical and mental disabilities as a result of Trisomy 18, she didn’t qualify in their minds for treatment.  It was shocking to hear them say that Bella’s condition was incompatible with life.  When treated properly Bella had a fighting chance of improving from her immediate sickness.

I was heartened to read of the exceptional care that Bella received at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  A place where the doctors and nurses called Bella by name and chose to come alongside the Santorum family to fight for her life.  What a haven CHOP is for families with sick children.

I know the Santorum’s didn’t write this book seeking adulates for all they’ve done for their daughter Bella.  They are the first ones to tell you that their entire family has been blessed by Bella far more than any sacrifice they’ve made for their daughter.  It’s through Bella they have learned what pure and true love is.  They’ve seen a picture of what absolute dependence upon our heavenly Father looks like.

I appreciated Rick and Karen’s openness and transparency about their inner struggles, individually and as a couple, as they fought daily for Bella to live.  They shared how their faith was the driving force in their fight for Bella and how it upheld and sustained them in the very dark valleys they walked through.

Bella’s Gift will get you thinking.  Would I have the wherewithal to do what the Santorum’s did to help save their little girl?  Has the pro-abortion and right to die culture in our nation made it much easier do away with helpless disabled children?  Either killing them outright in the womb or refusing treatment once they are born?  After all, our culture doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to extinguishing the life of an innocent healthy pre-born baby when it’s not convenient for the parents.  Is a human being any less human or less valuable because they are disabled mentally or physically?  If I had a child who would be totally dependent upon me and require fulltime care, how would I respond?

I wanted Rick and Karen to give the names of the doctors, nurses and hospitals who didn’t want to treat Bella.  But at the end of the book I found out why they handled those people with grace.  It’s through their faith and because of the grace God has shown to them through Jesus Christ that they chose to forgive the doctors and nurses and pray for them.  Love covers a multitude of sins.

I highly recommend Bella’s Gift by Rick and Karen Santorum.  It will challenge you, help you grow in your faith and encourage you.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Bella’s Gift in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Grief: A Mama’s Unwanted Journey – by Shelley Ramsey – A Real Treasure

Posted in Book Review, BookLook, Grief: A Mama's Unwanted Journey by

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I didn’t set out to read Shelley Ramsey’s book Grief: A Mama’s Unwanted Journey.  But when the opportunity presented itself I decided to go for what might be a soul-wrenching subject.

I knew that because this was Shelley’s personal story about the loss of her son Joseph it might be hard to read and stir up an uneasy feeling within.  At times it was painful to read about Joseph’s death and how Shelley, her husband Phil and their sons Curt and Wyatt dealt with their grief in the days, weeks, months and years that followed.  Yet, I felt I could learn something from them.  Indeed, I did learn.

I learned about the importance of grief when we lose a loved one and about a unique grief that’s experienced when it involves the death of a child.  I learned that everyone handles and experiences their grief differently.  I learned that I don’t need to fear that grief will kill genuine faith in God and people need time to grieve.  I learned that sometimes the best response to someone going through grief is just to be there with them, be quiet, listen, pray, help where I can, and cry with them and to hold them.

I really liked Shelley Ramsey’s book Grief: A Mama’s Unwanted Journey.  It’s a place where life and death meet and faith and grief wrestle.  Shelley shared what she went through in a very open, transparent and real way.  At times it was painful and gritty…but this was a good and beneficial book to read.

We will all experience grief in our life and come alongside those who are grieving.  After reading this book I feel I have a better appreciation for something I can’t really understand until I experience it myself.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.  Or for people who have family and friends going through a season of grief.  Or for Christians who don’t quiet feel comfortable or know how to respond to someone who is grieving.   This is a powerful book and I will read it again.

I thank Shelley Ramsey for sharing a very personal and painful time in her life.  May the Lord use it to help others in their grief.

I would like to thank people at BookLook and WestBow Press for the opportunity to read Grief: A Mama’s Unwanted Journey in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Something Is Rotten in Baltimore

Posted in Death While In Police Custody, Ordered to Stand Down, Uncategorized by

Politically, I am a conservative and generally I side with the police and law enforcement 99% of the time.  But I’ve got to tell you…the situation in Baltimore is very disconcerting.

How can a person who has been arrested suffer a severed spinal cord and die while in police custody and the police department not offer and explanation and evidence?  Especially on the heels of South Carolina…that is unacceptable and frankly suspect.  It gives the appearance that there is something to hide.

Freedom of speech…absolutely!

Freedom to riot and threaten police and citizens and destroy property…absolutely not!

The mayor ordering the police to stand down during a riot?  Unconscionable!

Protecting rioters and not law abiding citizens and businesses?  Seriously?

What am I Sowing Today?

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What am I sowing into the lives of people?

Am I sowing words of life, truth, and love?

Am I merciful, kind and compassionate?

Does my love put God first and others before me?

Is love evident in my actions and words?

Does what I think I’m doing line up with what others perceive?

What fruit is my life bearing?

Do my outward actions reflect a heart that is right before God?

Am I more concerned about what people think of me or what God thinks?

Am I trying to bear fruit through my own efforts?

Am I honoring and glorifying God with how I live my life?

If not, why not?

If not now, when?

Piano Works…Starting All Over Again

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I’ve had my piano for as far back as I can remember.  It was given to me by my Grandmother.  It had belonged to my Aunt Joyce who was a really good piano player.

When I was a child I had taken lessons and had a rudimentary knowledge of the piano.  After the lessons stopped…so too I stopped playing the piano.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had the wisdom of hindsight and wished that I had kept up with learning and playing the piano.  My husband Chris has some piano background too.  For a few years now he’s wanted to get the piano tuned which we finally did.

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I can’t tell you when our piano has been tuned, if ever.   It was in much need of some tuning and TLC.  I found a gentleman in our area, Mike Carroll, and made an appointment.  It was fascinating watching him take the piano apart and clean it and then tune it.  Amazingly enough…it was very reasonable priced.  Now that I’ve done it…we’ll get that done every year.

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Since I’m starting at square one all over again…I bought a beginning piano book.  It starts with the basics which I need refreshing on.  So far so good…but I knew my biggest challenge would be able to read the music from the book.  Especially as I progress through the book and the tools, like listing what each note is, is slowly removed.

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In looking on the internet I found out that they have such a thing as music flash cards…to help you learn what each note is by sight.  I found a great website with online flashcards.  After spending a little time, I’m already better able to identify the notes.  I know that it will take time and practice…but I think it will be worth it.

Music Flash Cards

I’m looking forward to the day I can play hymns and other songs that I like.   Just listening to Chris practice for a little while was so soothing and relaxing.

Hummers in Roanoke! Yeah!!!

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Collage Hummer 2One of the hardest things to leave behind from our home in southern California was all of the wonderful birds.  The regulars included Towhees, Wrens, Warblers, Phoebes, and many kinds of Sparrows and Doves.  During the migration time we had Orioles and Black-headed Grosbeaks.  One of our favorites was the resident Hummingbirds that made our yard their home.

Our kitties loved spending time looking out the window at all the activity in the yard.  It was like big screen TV for cats!

Hummingbirds in this part of Texas are not here year round…only during the migration season.  I’ve been monitoring the maps to see when we should start seeing the Hummers come through…and mid-April was when the first sightings were being reported.

On Saturday I put out our Hummingbird feeder and it wasn’t even a day before we saw some activity.  Yeah!!!

Here we get Black-chinned Hummingbirds.  From the pictures I got today I think we have a male and female coming to our feeder.  They are beautiful creatures and a marvelous picture of God’s creation.

Below are a few pictures I was able to snap.  These birds seem very skittish and don’t linger long at the feeder.  I sure do enjoy them when I see them…I hope you do too.

 

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 Male Black-chinned Hummingbird

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 Female Black-chinned Hummingbird

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As a side note, my favorite Hummingbird Feeder we have is one that sticks on the window.  We got ours at Wild Birds Unlimited.  Already, it’s been through some crazy storms in the few days that included torrential rain, hail, lightning and thunder.  It stayed in place.

Trust Your Heart?

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We Love Pencil Drawing

It makes me a little crazy when I see home décor signs or Pinterest posts that that encourage us to “trust or follow your heart”.

In the Bible, God tells us that apart from God our hearts are deceitfully wicked above all things.  Repeatedly throughout the Bible I learn that, apart from Christ, the human heart is sinful, wicked, prideful, hardened, hard as stone, deceived, stubborn, turned away, from the Lord, not wholly devoted, divided, godless, unfeeling, embittered, perverse, arrogant, devises wicked plans, is cunning, proclaims folly, envies, is faithless, darkened, greedy, and unbelieving…to name a few things.  In this broken and sinful world, I’d rather trust in God’s inerrant Word than my heart!

How many times have I looked back at my life and been exceedingly grateful that God did not answer my prayers and give me the desires of my heart?  More times than I can recall!  Praise God for His No’s!

How often is my heart swayed by emotions and feelings?  Driven by other people’s opinions and my desire to be accepted?  How often do I buy the world’s lie that I deserve something?  Praise God that He doesn’t give me what I really deserve.

The Bible also tells me that God can create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.  A broken and contrite heart God will not despise.  May the Lord guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  May my heart be tender and humble before the Lord.  May my heart be wholly devoted to the Lord.

Dead Wake by Erik Larson – Most Excellent…You won’t want to put it down

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I can’t say enough good things about Erik Larson’s new book Dead Wake – The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.  This book is most excellent and Erik Larson is a very gifted writer.

The author did extensive research, going back to original sources and also using more modern sources, to accurately portray what actually happened to the Lusitania and why.  Erik did a tremendous job in bringing to life the people involved; from the passengers who sailed on the Lusitania to the captain and crew of both the Lusitania and the German U-boat that sunk this beautiful and powerful ship.

The reader will gain insight into WWI history.  What was happening with President Woodrow Wilson and why did the US wait so long to get involved in the WWI?  Would the sinking of the Lusitania carrying US citizens be enough to rouse the troops to battle?  Why would the British government not protect the Lusitania’s passengers and crew when the ship was in imminent danger?  What did the Brit’s know about the German’s deadly plans and what could they have done?  Why did passengers board the ship when the morning newspaper carried an ominous warning from the German’s?  What was going on in the mind of the U-boat captain in the days and hours before this attack and afterwards?  What could possible justify a civilized government purposely and intentionally killing innocent people on a passenger ship?  How did this horrific act of terrorism affect the survivors of the Lusitania?  What kind of person cheers and applauds the death of innocent civilians?

I’m sure that somewhere in a high school or college history class the sinking of the Lusitania was briefly mentioned.  Until I read this book I would have been hard pressed to give you any details about it.

I highly recommend the book Dead Wake by Erik Larson.  In it he makes history come to life.  I do warn you, you may have some sleepless nights because you will want to stay up late and keep on reading.  I look forward to reading more books by Erik Larson.

If you are a history buff, love ships or mysteries or just like to understand what drives people and governments, you will like this book.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook and Crown Publishers for the opportunity to read Dead Wake in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Cards…What to do?

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What is it about cards that makes the so hard to get rid of or throw away.  I even hate saying those words…throw away.

How can I throw something away when someone I love and respect took the time to write out heart felt sentiments or words of encouragement.

I’ll put them in a box where they will remain until one day…probably many years from now.  I’ll go through them again and reread someone’s precious words.  Words made even more precious when it’s from someone who has passed away or is no longer in my life.

I touch the words and trace them with my fingers as if I’m touching the hand of a precious friend I will never see again…at least this side of eternity.  If the person wasn’t a believer, I won’t ever see them again.

For me that’s why it’s so hard to get rid of cards.

But how can I not get rid of them.  They only mean something to me.  I’ve probably not read most of them since they were given to me.  I put them in a box that I haven’t touch in a long time.  The dust bears witness to that.

We don’t have kids who we can designate to go through all our stuff when we die.  Even if we did have children, why would I want to make them go through all my stuff?

As we prepared to move to Texas I really struggled with the card issue.  I spent hours going through boxes and boxes of cards.  I went through a bunch and kept some and got rid of the rest.  But now I’m starting the struggle all over again.

But this time, I’ve come up with a solution of sorts.  I’m scanning them in and posting them to a private board in Pinterest.  That way I can look back at the cards and reread the precious words.

I’ll still keep some cards…but I can learn to let go too.

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If you ever watch the Decorah Eagle Cam you may find it interesting how to tell the difference between the mom and dad.

I found a great tutorial on You Tube on how to identify them.