Windswept Way by Irene Hannon- A Place of Hope, Beauty with People You’d Like to Know

Posted in Book Review, Christian Fiction, Forgiveness, Friendship, Hope Harbor Series, Irene Hannon, Love, NetGalley, Revell Publishing, Windswept Way by Susan Wachtel

Irene Hannon is one of my favorite writers and I was excited to read her newest book Windswept Way, the ninth book in the Hope Harbor series.

Ashley Scott is taking a leap of faith when she reaches out and sends a letter to Rose Fitzgerald, a reclusive 80-year-old woman who owns a mansion in Hope Harbor. Ashley has an unusual proposal for Rose to preserve the history of her home and bring back the love and joy which inspired Edgecliff to be built. The huge undertaking to make renovations and restore the Edgecliff gardens, will take time, hard work, money, and compromise.

Relationships will be forged, not only between Ashley and Rose, but also with the grounds-keeper Jonathan Gray. A man who prefers to stay in the background. The wounds he bears from his military service are more than skin deep. Will Ashley look beyond his outward appearance and see the proven character of this man?

Reading a novel in the Hope Harbor series is like coming home to a friendly place where you want to stay for a while. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book. Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan were all dealing with their own feelings, trials, and history. The characters were likable and I enjoyed watching them grow, change, and challenge themselves.

I enjoyed seeing the return of some of the town’s people in Hope Harbor, especially Charlie, a wise and caring man who reaches out and, befriends all sorts of people. He makes time for everyone he meets. The town’s clergymen were back too. I would like to have seen a little more depth to their relationship and get to know the men behind the jesting.

Faith was a part of the story, but I would have liked to have seen more of it in the character’s lives. I appreciated that the novel was clean and without sexual immorality and profanity. I would have like to have seen Ashley’s mother further developed.

I enjoy reading Irene Hannon’s books and recommend Windswept Way, which is part of the Hope Harbor series. Hope Harbor is a beautiful place I’d want to visit and stay for a while. The people are kind and caring, and make amends when they fall short.

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Windswept Way by Irene Hannon. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

18Feb2012

A Fragile Life

Posted in Fragile, Life, Love by Susan Wachtel

As we near home

I’m overcome with sadness

Thinking about how fragile life is

Memories of loved ones

Long since gone

Flood my mind

Time with them will never pass this way again

A chance to say I love you is gone

As soon as death shuts that door

Sickness and pain

Touch each life

Death is a certainty for us all

May I not take you for granted

Each day, tell you I love you

Hold you as if it may be the last time

Susan Wachtel

February 12, 2012

17Aug2009

As Christ So Loved the Church

Posted in Focus on the Family, Fred Stoeker, Hero, Jesus Christ, Love by Susan Wachtel

Last week I listened to several programs from Focus on the Family in which Fred Stoeker talked about his struggle with pornography and how he was able to overcome the addiction by God’s grace.

Not only was he able to overcome the addiction…but God who is able to do abundantly, exceedingly, more than we ask or imagine…changed the course of his family. While Fred’s father was addicted to pornography and passed that sin along to his son…Fred was able to draw a line in the sand and say no further. His son Jason is a man who is committed to purity and stands along with his dad in living and promoting purity.

It was an amazing story. I felt many emotions while listening to the program. I felt deeply grieved and saddened. No more so than to hear about pornography’s hold on Christian males and young people (both men and women). It’s significant and the ramifications are huge for the body of Christ. It renders the men and women that God has called to serve Him ineffective because they are caught in sin.

Any of us who has been caught in sin’s web know how effectively Satan uses it to trap, condemn and bind us. When we are trapped in our own sin…we don’t want to confront people in their sin…because we know that we are hypocrites. We are unwilling to take a stand for the truth because we are deeply embedded in our own sin. We don’t want to serve because we feel unworthy. There is always the nagging doubt…what if someone finds out?

Fred then made a comment about how God instructs husbands to be the leaders of their home and to love their wife as Christ so loves the church.

That thought…of a husband loving his wife as Christ so loved the church…took hold of me. What would that look like…if a husband really loved his wife that way?

What would it look like if Christians loved people as Christ loved the church? How would it affect our actions and how we treat people? What would our words be like?

Obviously, I feel inadequate and lacking when I measure myself against that standard of love. But then I thought…would I want how I love people to be the measure by which Christ loved me?

If Jesus Christ had the measure of love that I have…would He have gone to the cross? Would He have loved me…who denied Him and sinned against Him for far too many years? Would He have forgiven me of my sin?

In my sinful imperfect self…my love is very far from loving others as Christ so loved the church. Yet…as I submit myself to Jesus Christ and the Father’s will for me…if I yield more and more, day by day to the Holy Spirit…if I seek to know God through the study of His word and through prayer…I can grow in sanctification.

As I love God and yield and submit myself…He will help me to grow and learn how to do what’s impossible to do without Him. This side of heaven…I’ll never achieve that perfect love. But that shouldn’t stop me from doing what God has commanded me to do. To have that perfect love…to love as Christ Jesus loved…requires that I deny myself daily.

But oh… to think how marvelous heaven will be…when all the saints around us are able to love with a more perfect love. Love untainted by sin and selfishness.

15Aug2009

Leftover Love

Posted in Christian Marriage, Love, Marriage, Time by Susan Wachtel

Theirs was a leftover kind of love
Surely it didn’t start out that way
But before they knew it
All they had left at the end of the day
Was bits and pieces
Scraps from their day

The morning comes early
Goodness knows there is never enough sleep
One rises more easily
The other has a slow wake-up call
An extra cup of coffee
Helps them to keep running on empty

Soon they are off and running
Going their separate ways
There may be a text message
To say I love you
A phone call in the middle of the day
Just to check in

Their jobs are most demanding
Of time, energy and attention
Their very best is given each day
To a company of relative strangers
Of course there is shopping and errands
Necessary to run their household so efficiently

When they arrive home
There is much work that still needs to be done
Lawns to be mowed
Bills that must be paid
Cleaning and laundry
And a meal to prepare

They sit down at the table
Hold hands and say a grace
Both are so tired from their day
Conversation may not ensue
Sometimes they wonder
What’s it all for

Activities abound
Responsibilities call
Bible study, worship and prayer
Serving the body of Christ
It’s all good and yet…
With each demand…there’s a little less to give one another

A sense of accomplishment is never felt
For there are walls left unpainted
Boxes still unpacked
A garden that needs tending
Poems left unwritten
Books yet to be read

At the end of the day
Both fall into bed
With nothing left to give
Exhaustion lures one to sleep
The other reads to quiet the mind
Until a welcome sleep finally comes

In the middle of the night
They awaken ever so briefly
Look over at the one
To whom they pledged their life and love
And wonder…how can our marriage survive
On leftover love

Susan Bunts Wachtel
August 14, 2009

While I know our situation is not unique…we are finding it a challenge with the demands and necessities of life to find the time to spend together as husband and wife.

22Jul2009

A Love Story Never Told

Posted in God's Love, Love, Redemption, Salvation by Susan Wachtel

Theirs was a love story never to be told
A tale of deliverance
An outrageous work of God

Even some of God’s saints
Might turn away if the truth were known
Reviling their sinful past

Most would never believe it
Some would say it couldn’t be done
They could never imagine what God would do

Redeeming two very broken souls
Taking bits and pieces and knitting them together into one flesh
Accomplishing what man said is impossible

Some do not believe in miracles today
Certain they are a thing of the past
But these two could tell a different story

Proclaiming the wonders of God’s redemption
Testifying of His marvelous grace
Their lives bearing witness to God’s outrageous love

Susan Bunts Wachtel
July 21, 2009

19Feb2009

The Path Not Chosen

Posted in Alzheimer's, Gayle Lorenat, Love by Susan Wachtel

On a path
She did not choose
Yet it will willed by God

Slowly
Eventually all
Would be taken from her

Even there
Blessings were found
In the midst of Alzheimer’s

Once unable
To openly express love
She unashamedly offers hugs and affection

Susan Bunts Wachtel
April 2009

While unpacking the remaining boxes from our move I discovered a writing tablet that I used to carry with me on my visits to see my mom. I discovered this poem that I had written just before her death. The exact date is unknown…but it was in late April 2008 shortly before her death.

My mother Gayle Lorenat feared Alzheimer’s because her sister had died from it. She saw its effects and the devastation first hand. I hated it because it took a smart, bright, proper woman…and robbed her of dignity. Yet at the end of her life…after six years of Alzheimer’s I had to admit…there were a few blessings from God in the midst. One of those blessings was that my mother who had never been one to be affectionate or say I love you was finally able to freely express love.

The picture above was taken of my mother, Gayle Lorenat shortly after we moved her into Brighton Gardens. She was more with it at that time and tried to give the appearance of normal. She had to wear a bracelet that would set off an alarm because she liked to “escape”. I called it her “LoJack” bracelet. She would walk away and have no idea how to get back. She was unable to communicate coherently.

2Nov2008

Is It Love?

Posted in Chris Wachtel, Falling in Love, Love, Mature Love by Susan Wachtel

They say its love

When I look into your eyes

And see stars

They say its love

When I kiss your lips

And hear fireworks all around us

They say its love

When we are making love

All night long

But I ask

Wouldn’t any fool stick around

When it’s easy, magical and fun

What about the times

When I look into your eyes

And see your beautiful blue eyes looking back

What about the times

When all our busy schedules afford

Is a quick kiss as we head out the door

What about the times

After an exhausting day…we come home spent

And we are most grateful to fall into each others arms

Is it love

That says “I love you”

When everyday is like a fairy tale

Or is it true love

When I come home weary from fighting the battle

And find…the one will stand with me

Or is it true love

When I’m swimming against the tide…about to drown

And out reaches a hand…to hold me up

Or is it true love

That says…I’m committed

And would marry you all over again…no matter what

Susan Bunts Wachtel

November 1, 2008

To Chris…the one I love. Thank you for sticking around…fighting the good fight…holding me up in prayer before the throne room of God. Thanks for being willing to pursue a mature love that sticks with it in good times and bad…who doesn’t get weak-kneed and afraid…when the challenges don’t stop and the tough times outweigh the good.

24Jul2008

Scars & Wounds

Posted in Freedom, Healer, Love, poem, Scars, Sing a New Song, Trust, Uncategorized, Wounds by Susan Wachtel

Scars deeply embedded
Wounds left over from childhood
Seemingly dead and buried
Make themselves known
Affecting relationships even today

What I hear
Is much different than what was said
Unable to differentiate
What was intended
Verses what was felt

At any hint
Of irritation, anger or disappointment
I find my defenses mount up
Emotions shut down
Now I don’t have to feel or risk being hurt

Trying and stay ahead
Anticipate each move
Feeling justified
In my inability to trust
Will I ever feel loved?

Will I turn to Him
The One who binds my wounds
The Healer of my soul
Only He can set this prisoner free
Will I allow Him to show me how to trust again

Will I let the One
Who taught the angels to sing
To fill my heart and mouth
With songs of praise
How long until I sing the song of freedom

By Susan Bunts
July 23, 2008

26May2008

Hard Work

Posted in Chris Wachtel, Dating, Love, Relationships by Susan Wachtel

“Relationships are really hard work!” he said.
Indeed they are,
But I’m glad to be doing that work with you.

When we step back…we clearly see,
God’s hand in bringing us together.
It’s very evident…plain for all to see.

As perfectly as He fitted us for one another,
We are being challenged,
By some of the differences we see.

He is the Potter…we are the clay,
We are continually being remolded,
Made into what He would have us be.

He’s bringing together,
A man and a woman,
With personalities that had nearly 50 years to set.

That “bringing together” is bound to hurt.
But thankfully,
It’s with someone I trust and respect.

May I never cease to marvel,
Even be amazed,
At how God has brought us together.

May we trust Him!
Eagerly anticipate what He is going to do,
With two souls yielded to the skillful Potter’s hands.

By Susan Bunts
May 19, 2008

Dedicated to Chris Wachtel…the one I love.

Both Chris and I marvel at how God has brought us together. We shake our heads in amazement that it’s only been two and a half months since we started dating. God turbo charged our relationship through the sickness and death of my mother…just a little over a month into our relationship. God used those circumstances to reveal Chris’ character…his emotional and spiritual maturity.

I’ve been speculating and teasing Chris that one day we are going to have our first argument. He tells me I’m a worry wart and it will be fine. Recently we both concluded that relationships are very hard work. But even with the work….it’s worth it.

It’s quite interesting bringing two people together that have been alone for close to 50 years. There’s the men/women difference and the personality differences. But I’ve got to say…while challenging…it sure helps when the person that’s meeting those challenges with me is someone whom I respect and trust. It’s a whole different ball game when it’s with a man who love the Lord and seeks to do God’s will before his own. Now that’s not only someone I can trust…but love.

I’m not the only one who’s happy Chris has come along. My kitty Rudy…loves Chris and is certain God brought Chris just for him.

22May2008

Concurrently Providential

Posted in Chris Wachtel, Concurrence, God's Sovereignty, Love, Pastor Philip De Courcy, Providence by Susan Wachtel

When I see you,
I can perfectly see God’s presence in my life.

His mercy and grace,
Poured out in abundance to one so undeserving.

His sovereign plan,
That brought us together…in His perfect timing.

How He spent a lifetime,
Fitting us and forming two broken pieces for one another.

Yet…He left surprises,
In which we can delight and discover as we grow together.

I see His providence,
Because He went before me and prepared me for you.

I can testify to His concurrence,
As He worked a “good bad” in order to bring me to you.

Before you…He brought men into my life,
That made me desire…even long for a good man who loves the Lord.

Yet…He has given even more,
Deep blue eyes and warm smile…that melt my heart.

Chris…until “That Day”…and beyond,
May He continually, concurrently, providentially work His sovereign plan in us!

By Susan Bunts
May 21, 2008

Dedicated to Chris…the one I love

This poem was inspired by a sermon by Pastor Philip De Courcy that taught us about the sovereignty of God through His providence and concurrence in our lives. That sermon was providentially timed and has caused me to reflect and appreciate even more what God is doing in Chris and my life…and in our relationship.

20May2008

Hard Work

Posted in Chris Wachtel, Dating, Love, Relationships, Uncategorized by Susan Wachtel