Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Five Minute Friday – Beyond Comprehension

Posted in Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

I’ve been thinking about salvation, repentance and grace lately. 
When I drive home I’ll often listen to Pastor Brian Brodersen who is currently teaching through the book of Romans.  He said something that really struck me the other day.  The only difference between the person who is saved and unsaved is the grace of God. 
How true!  As a Christian, the only thing I have to boast in is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I have been saved by God’s grace through faith, its God’s work alone that saved me.  Because of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross as payment in full for my sin, I have been forgiven by God the Father. 
What an outrageous plan…beyond human comprehension.  The Righteous for the unrighteous, the Just for the unjust, the Holy One for the sinful. 
I received and email from a gentleman I know via my blog, Pastor and Evangelist Jim Allis.  He has blessed me by sending some of his audio posts and we’ve exchanged emails.  He said something in his most recent email captured the importance of preaching the gospel message accurately. 
“Yes repentance is essential for a genuine conversion experience.  I fear there are many half Christians around if there could be such a description given where repentance is forgotten.  It is so clear in scripture. What must I do to be saved?” Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Some are preaching sometimes a soft gospel which is no gospel again.”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-12
 
Good golly…my Five Minute post is on time!  Head on over to Lisa Jo Baker’sTales from a Gypsy Mama and join in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Hello world!

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Welcome to WordPress.com! This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.

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Quiet Morn Reflections

Posted in Prayer by

Each morning for months now I’ve been praying about a disquieting situation.  My prayers have remained the same and yet it seems as though nothing has changed.  How long will it continue to be this way Lord?
Then suddenly the Lord has answered my prayer.  Unexpectedly and in a manner that I did not anticipate. 
I’m both relieved and saddened.  But now is the time to remain faithful and continue in prayer as the Lord works out His plan.
This is a good reminder to me to be faithful in prayer, not grow discouraged or disheartened when there seems to be no answer.  I need to be mindful that the Lord’s timing is often different than mine and His plans are always better. 
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Five Minute Friday – Only Through Stories

Posted in Alzheimer's, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

One of the downsides of marrying late in life is that you may not get to know your in-laws.  That’s the case for both Chris and me and we often feel the loss of not knowing them in person, but only through stories.
Actually, Chris was able to meet my mother Gayle when she was in her late stages of Alzheimer’s.  He met her for the first time on Easter Sunday 2008.  It was one of those awkward times you get with Alzheimer’s because she had a mouthful of food that she refused to swallow, nor would she spit it out.  With her mouthful of food she walked arm in arm with Chris back to her room. 
She sat on her sofa, next to Chris and to my amazement answered questions Chris asked her about her stuffed dog.  She even gave him a bite of her brownie.  She seemed to take to Chris right away.  But within a matter of days, Gayle was hospitalized for pneumonia and within a few weeks she was dead. 
In the ensuing months Chris and I were engaged and married.  Things would happen that would remind me of Gayle and I would tell Chris another Gayle story, of which there were many.
Stories like how she used to hide her used Depends in the closet, or when she would sit down on the floor and refuse to get up, or of the many hospital visits.  One of the most memorable was when she tried to “escape to Vegas” by climbing over the wall, only to hit her head and get an ugly gash on her forehead that needed stiches. 
One story that comes up regularly is the logic I had to use with Gayle to get her to do something she didn’t want to do.  I would tell Gayle, “You don’t have to want to do this, you cannot want to all you like, but you still have to do it.”  There was something crazy about that, but it worked.  She was satisfied that I knew she didn’t want to do it. 
I think both Chris and I feel a loss because we didn’t get to know each other’s parents and I often wonder what our lives would be like if we had that opportunity.

My Five Minute Friday,I mean Saturday submission is a day late again…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you too would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes and see what comes out.
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The Defeated Foe

Posted in Bible, Defeat, Prayer, Victory in Christ by

DEFEAT
Front and center!
I want a full report on your subject
Well most evil one
I am happy, excuse that vile word, to report success
In keeping this man down and defeated
I’ve been surprised at how easily he’s swayed
It doesn’t take much
To keep him from reading the Bible each day
Anything from fatigue to busyness
Or little distraction from an aptly timed phone call will do
To keep him from reading the Enemy’s wretched Book
Well done…that’s a must
If he reads it daily
He may actually begin to believe it and live it
It’s critical to cut off the lines of communication with the Enemy
I find he’s easily satisfied with talking to a friend
Instead of praying to his heavenly Father
I don’t even have to work at this one
It comes naturally…thanks to that good old sin nature
It’s a wonder what little grumbling and complaining will do
One of my favorites is when he thinks he can get through the day
On his own strength and relying on his own wisdom
What a joke! 
Well done…it’s imperative that he never knows the truth
That the battle has already been won
That he already has the victory in Christ
Defeat, we may never see him in the Lake of Fire with us
But we can make sure his life here on earth
Is a miserable and defeated existence
Carry on wretched one
Our time is growing short
Excellent work in rendering your foe ineffective and defeated
by Susan Wachtel
July 6, 2012
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Happy Independence Day 2012

Posted in Hillsdale College, Independence Day, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Repentance, Revival, US Constitution by

Wishing my fellow citizens of the great nation a very Happy Independence Day. 
We are certainly living in some very trying and dark days for so many of our citizens. 
Last night, as I read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, I was reminded that our country has gone through and come out of much darker days than what we are enduing today. 
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address – November 19, 1863
“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.  We are met on a great battle-field of that war.  We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.  It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate – we can not consecrate – we can not hallow – this ground.  The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.  The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Gettysburg Foundation
Since this is an election year and our selection of President may set the course this nation goes down I want to have a better understanding of what our nation’s founder had in mind by reading the US Constitution.
US Constitution
If you would like to have a better understanding and grasp of the US Constitution, through Hillsdale College you can take an online 10 week course “Constitution 101:  The Meaning and History of the Constitution.” 
Lord…I pray that there will be revival in this nation.  That Your people who are called by Your name will repent and return to You.  That through Your Holy Spirit we will walk in a manner that is good and pleasing to You.  That even the thoughts and intentions of our heart will be good and pleasing to You.  I pray for the untold millions who are godless and without hope.  But I thank God that You tell us in Your word that You desire that all would come to repentance.  You tell us that today is the day of salvation.  May we be mindful that we are not promised tomorrow, much less our next breath.  I pray Lord for the unsaved, that they would repent of their sins, believe with their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord.  We thank You Lord for the assurance from Your word that all who come to You will not be cast out.  I pray that You will bring about revival in this nation and let it begin with me. 
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12
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One Thousand Gifts – At the End of the Day

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9.      For today I have a job, as does my husband.  The Lord has continued to provide for us through our jobs.  In today economy and job market that is no small feat. 
10.   For good health and the ability to perform my job. 
11.    Thank You Lord for keeping my heart and mind stayed on You.  
12.    Thank You Lord for giving me a desire to love and bless my enemies and to pray for them.
13.    Thank You for the Balanced Word by Dave Rolph and using his radio ministry to revive my spirit on my lunch hour.
14.    Thank You for answered prayer.
15.  Thank You for the prayers of my faithful friend.
 


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One Thousand Gifts – Thanks from a Grateful Heart – July 1, 2012

Posted in One Thousand Gifts by

As I start my day, on the Lord’s day here are a few things that I am grateful for:
4.      I live in a nation where I am free to go to church and worship
5.    Free to own and read my Bible
6.    Have the education and ability to read
7.    For the Holy Spirit who enables me to understand Gods word.
8.    For a church and pastors who are faithful to preach the full counsel of God’s word with authority.
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One Thousand Gifts – Thanks from a Grateful Heart

Posted in Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts by

I want to foster a grateful heart and remember the Lord’s many benefits and gifts to me each day.  Starting today, I’m going to join Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts and start counting. 
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s
Psalm 103: 1-5
Let the counting begin. 
1.      I am so grateful for my security and salvation found in Christ alone.
2.    I’m thankful for the gift of prayer and that I can cry out to the Lord anytime, night or day. 
3.    The Lord is never too busy to hear me. 

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Five Minute Friday…Not Chosen to Dance

Posted in Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

Hummm…dance is this week’s topic.  I think this is one of the most challenging yet. 
When I think of dancing, it doesn’t hold a lot of good memories for me.  But one good memory was when I was attending Prescott Jr. High.  In 7th grade I was going to my first dance.  I had taken tap, ballet and modern jazz…so I sort of knew how to dance, but nothing that would be in keeping with a school dance.
One of my friends was Alesha, a sweet beautiful young lady who enjoyed life.  Before the dance she took the time to teach me how to dance.  We played Three Dog Night’s song “Mama Told Me Not to Come” over and over again on the record player as she showed me how to dance.  Whenever I hear that song on the radio, it takes me back to that day.
When I think back to Jr. High and High School, it brings back some hard feelings.  Feeling of being socially awkward, not so pretty and not fitting in.  Memories of sitting on the sideline with some of the other girls who were not chosen to dance.  I couldn’t wait for the night to end.  Those memories left some indelible painful scars on my heart, mind and soul.  As a result I didn’t attend too many dances in high school.
Lord is it any wonder that I am forever grateful and take refuge in the fact that I was chosen by You.  Rejected by man, but accepted by the Lord.  May I be mindful that in Christ I was chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.  Is it any wonder when I hear praise and worship music my heart sings and I want to dance and celebrate the One who chose me?  Lord…I look forward to the day when I can dance with joy in heaven.  May I have glimpses of that day even now and be lost in wonder, love and praise.
Psalm 149:1-4
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.

My Five Minute Friday submission is a day late again…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in TheGypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you too would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes and see what comes out.

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Resolved 2012

Posted in Al Mohler, CJ Mahaney, Pastor John MacArthur, Resolved Conference by

Resolved 2012, Sunday from Resolved on Vimeo.

Do you want to be inspired, challenged, encouraged and convicted in your Christian walk?

Go to the Resolved website and watch or download this years messages.  

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The Hawk

Posted in Uncategorized by

As I walked out the door
I heard a the flutter of many wings
Birds flying this way and that, trying to escape
It seemed as though all were gone
Yet I still heard frantic flapping in the tree
Suddenly he appeared
A hawk swept down from the branches
His prey held firmly in his grasp
A helpless dove, wings beating their last flap
I was sickened by the sight
Suddenly the hawk took flight with the lifeless bird
The only evidence, feathers along the path
Susan Wachtel
June 24, 2012
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Simple Secrets to a Happy Life – A Real Treat

Posted in Book Sneeze, Luci Swindoll, Simple Secrets To A Happy Life by

It was a real treat to read Luci Swindoll’s book “Simple Secrets to a Happy Life”.  In the book, Luci shares with her readers 50 ways to make the most of every day.  The book is divided into five areas: Beginning with the Basics, Developing Your Style, Achieving Balance, Living the Good Life and Staying Connected.
Taking a play from her Mother’s handbook, each chapter begins with an imperative verb and the title is five words long.  The chapters are short, but filled with some good thoughts to ponder and actions to take such as: Make Something with Your Hands; Find Contentment in Doing Without; Establish Integrity in Your Life; Get Doctrine Under Your Belt; and Forgive Others Over and Over. 
I found it quite enjoyable to read one or two chapters in the evening.  Luci talks about things she was taught as a child that have served her well, which she continues to do to this day and the lessons she has learned over 79 years.  She’s open and transparent and shares about her successes and failures, and how she enjoys life.
In “Simple Secrets to a Happy Life” you get a feel for who Luci Swindoll is; a woman who loves the Lord, her family, friends and life.  She seems purposeful and intent on living with integrity, developing lifelong friendships and making the most of this gift called life. 
I highly recommend “Simple Secrets to a Happy Life” by Luci Swindoll.  This is a book you will want to read again and share with your friends. 
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Five Minute Friday – The Risk of Procrastination

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Risk, The Gypsy Mama by

At the prompting of my sister Denise, I decided to actually post for Five Minute Friday on Friday.  She even gave me the topic to write about for the word Risk.  Thanks Denise for holding my feet to the fire!
Whether it’s at work or at home, procrastination always has its risks and consequences.  One of the biggest consequences is stress.  When I delay completing work or following through on a commitment, my stress level increases.  Definitely not good! 
When my stress level is high, my thinking is not as focused as it should be and it’s harder to complete my work. 
If I procrastinate and delay completing work on one project, it impacts other work that I’m supposed to complete after that.  It’s like a downward spiral and hard to get out of.
Another risk is that my integrity will wane.  If I don’t keep my word and do what I said I would do and be respectful of how my work impacts others, I will lack integrity.
Show how should I handle procrastination in my life?
I need to go to the Lord each day and seek His direction and help. 
If I find myself procrastinating regularly, perhaps I need to look at my schedule.  I need to choose wisely what I commit myself to.  When I say yes to one thing, even if by default, I’m saying no to something else which may be more important. 
 
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s FiveMinute Friday challenge.  I encourage you to go on over and read some of the wonderful posts from others who join in.  You will be encouraged. 
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Five Minute Friday – Narrow Path

Posted in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, Five Minute Friday, Norrow Path, The Gypsy Mama by

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. – Matthew 7:13-14
The first Sunday after I recognized that I was a sinner and unable to save myself and received Christ at the age of 32, I started going to church.  During the ensuing years I went to a church that was Christian-lite.  From there I moved to a church that did expositional preaching but it was large and I found it easy to fade into the crowd.  One of my biggest regrets was moving to a church that didn’t preach the Word, but desired to make the unsaved feel comfortable being at church, rather than feed the flock. 
While at that church I grew very weak and took one of my biggest stumbles which I regret to this day.  Thank You Lord for Your mercies are new every morning and Your forgiveness is complete. 
When this prodigal recognized her sin and wanted to come home, the Lord brought me to Bible Study Fellowship.  It was through this in-depth Bible study that I began walking on the narrow path.  Soon after the Lord led me to a church where I was able to get well grounded in the Word of God. 
It wasn’t until I began studying the Bible, day by day for myself, through the power of the Holy Spirit I intentionally and purposefully began walking on that narrow path.  Through my personally study of the Word of God and applying it that I began to see that the Lord had a message for me. 
These days, I continue to participate in an in-depth Bible study through Community Bible Study.  May I seek to know You more Lord and obey Your commands through Your sustaining grace.  May I grow in wisdom, knowledge and truth.  May Your Word continue to illuminate the narrow path ahead. 
My Five Minute Friday submission is a day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  I must confess I took longer than five minutes this week, but it felt good to write and remember the goodness of the Lord.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes
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Five Minute Friday – Letting Go of Expectation

Posted in Expectations, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

When I hear the word expectation the first thing that comes to mind was our first year of marriage.
One of the best examples of our differences and expectations is getting up in the morning.  I tend to rise early in the morning and once I’m up, I’m awake.  Chris says I’m perky and very talkative.  On the other hand, morning is not Chris’ favorite time of day.  He wakes up more slowly and is quiet. 
My expectation was that when Chris got up he would want to talk and be engaging.  From my past experiences, I thought that when someone was quiet and silent that they were angry.
As you can imagine, I interpreted Chris’ quiet wake up time as anger at me.  I didn’t have a clue as to what he was angry about, but I couldn’t understand why he was so quiet.  Chris assured me that he wasn’t angry that he was just waking up differently than I do.  Even though he explained it, I don’t think I quite understood that until later. 
These days we both have our routines.  I still get up early and do many things and find myself talking to our kitties and birds.  Chris gets up a little bit later and wakes up more slowly. 
Once I was able to let go of my expectation and stop coloring and interpreting Chris based on past experiences, I was able to let Chris be himself. 


A day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The GypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and give it a try and be sure to read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Taming the Tongue

Posted in Grace to You, Pastor John MacArthur by
While taking my morning walk I usually listen to various podcasts.  Yesterday and today, I’ve been listening to recent programs from Grace to You called”Taming the Tongue”.  During the program, Pastor John MacArthur read a list of descriptions from the Bible about the tongue:

“Scriptures refer to the disaster of the mouth.  The Bible refers directly or indirectly to:
a wicked tongue,
a deceitful tongue,
a lying tongue,
a perverse tongue,
a filthy tongue,
a corrupt tongue,
a bitter tongue,
an angry tongue,
a crafty tongue,
a flattering tongue,
a slanderous tongue,
a gossiping tongue,
a back-biting tongue,
a blaspheming tongue,
a foolish tongue,
a boasting tongue,
a murmuring tongue,
a complaining tongue,
a cursing tongue,
a contentious tongue,
a sensual tongue,
a vile tongue,
a tale-bearing tongue,
a whispering tongue,
an exaggerating tongue, etc.
Did you see yourself anywhere in there?  No wonder God put your tongue in a cage behind your teeth, walled in by your mouth.”
I’d like to say, none of those descriptions fit me, but if I said that I would have a lying tongue.  
Thank You Lord for Your Word which encourages, corrects and convicts.  Lord…help me to have a repentant heart in areas that I have sinned against You.  May even the thoughts and intentions of my heart be good and pleasing to You. 

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How Do I See God?

Posted in God's Holiness, Jesus Christ, Redeemer, Sin Debt by

Whom do I see when I think of God
Do I see Him as gentle and benevolent
Like a doddering old grandfather
Who has no impact on how I live my life
Do I see man’s picture of Jesus
Dialed down and nonthreatening
Repackaged to be more appealing to unbelievers
Someone who treats our sins superficially
Or do I read God’s Word with reverence
Am I in awe of God Who is Holy, Holy, Holy
Do I remember my redemption came at a price
My sin debt was paid for by the Holy Lamb of God
By Susan Wachtel
June 2, 2012

Psalm 111:9-10
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Five Minute Friday – How Do I See God?

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Holiness of God, Sin Debt, The Gypsy Mama by

Whom do I see when I think of God
Do I see Him as gentle and benevolent
Like a doddering old grandfather
Who has no impact on how I live my life
Do I see man’s picture of Jesus
Dialed down and nonthreatening
Repackaged to be more appealing to unbelievers
Someone who treats our sins superficially
Or do I read God’s Word with reverence
Am I in awe of God Who is Holy, Holy, Holy
Do I remember my redemption came at a price
My sin debt was paid for by the Holy Lamb of God
by Susan Wachtel
June 2, 2012

Psalm 111:9-10
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
A day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The GypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and give it a try and be sure to read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Election Time Again – Need Some Help?

Posted in Nancy's Picks, Robyn Nordell, Voting by
Are you finding it a challenge to determine whom best represents your values and ideas?  Who has the gumption to stick to their guns and do the right thing no matter what?

Too often my vote is not for the candidate that I feel is the best person for the job, but the less of evil.  That’s how I feel about this primary election.  My candidate dropped out of the race, but I still need to make a decision.
To help me better informed about the candidates and issues I used a few resources including the following:
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