Category Archives: The Gypsy Mama

Five Minute Friday – Where’s My Focus?

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I’ve got to confess I’m a former political junky.  I religiously listened to Dennis Prager and Hugh Hewitt and Fox News was my channel of choice. 
And then something happened.  Over four years ago, I met the man whom I would marry.  It was a turbulent year with significant changes and I didn’t have a lot of time to listen to my old favorite radio programs. 
After purchasing our home, Chris and I decided to do without cable TV to help cut expenses.  I wouldn’t have guessed it, but before long I really liked not watching television at home.  Peace replaced anxiety and my interest in politics dwindled.  That was a good thing.
On the heels of both conventions and all the brouhaha that surrounds a pivotal election, I’ve found my focus is back on politics.  Even more so this week with the horrific acts of violence perpetrated on our US Ambassador in Libya. 
I’ve been sucked back in to listening to radio programs and reading news stories on politics, elections and candidates.  Not in a good way.  Politics can be an all-consuming focus if I let it.   
I need to be informed on the people and issues.  I need be a responsible citizen and vote in the election.  But I need to keep my focus on that which matters most and that is God, salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit walking in a manner which is good and pleasing to my Heavenly Father. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Changes In the Last Year

Posted in Change, Five Minute Friday, Hope Out Loud, Jen Barrick, The Gypsy Mama by

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday.  Even though I’m a day late, I wanted to take this week’s writing challenge.
Recently I was asked the question, “What has changed in your life over the past year?” 
I was hard pressed to come up with an answer.  At first glance it seemed as though nothing had really changed.  But upon closer examination, there were many things that had changed.
There has been the passing of many dear friends who died.  For those that were Christians, I feel a peace and look forward to the day in which I will once again be reunited with them.  For those who were unbelievers or those I don’t know if they received Christ, I think about them often and wonder where they are now?  Heaven or hell?  There is one friend in particular I wish I had been bolder earlier on and made clear the Gospel message of sin, repentance and salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ. 
One of the changes for good is at the beginning of the year I started keeping a daily journal.  I write in it at the beginning of my day before I start reading a Bible chapter and sometimes I add to it with scripture verses that really stand out that day.  Sometimes it’s short and I usually start out saying, “Good morning Lord”.  Other times…it’s pleading “Help me Lord!!!” and bringing my situation or the concerns of others before Him. 
Keeping a journal has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but never, ever kept it up.  I’d start it but within a few days I stopped.  I’d stop because it wasn’t what I thought it should be, filled with eloquent prayers and words of wisdom. 
But then earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear Jennifer Barrick and herparents Andy and Linda speak.  They shared journal entries and prayers that Jen had written prior to their devastating car accident and after.  Hearing their story and being personally blessed by their faith recorded and preserved in Jen’s journals inspired me to continue my journal.
It’s exciting to write something that day, only to see the Lord work in that situation.  It’s heartening to know that our God sees and hears me and answers my prayers.  To know that He wants to have a personal ongoing relationship and He cares for me is what brings me back to that journal each day. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Beyond Comprehension

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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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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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Five Minute Friday…Not Chosen to Dance

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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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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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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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Five Minute Friday – Opportunities Abound

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

Though it’s a day late…I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday Challenge.
As I go through each day I see that opportunities abound.  Lord may You be my focus and may I see everything through Your eyes and perspective.
There are opportunities to:
  • Praise God, especially through trial and tribulation
  •  Forgive those who hurt me or do me wrong 
  • Witness of Christ to those who don’t yet know Him
  •  Encourage and strengthen the brethren 
  • Take courage from the Lord and face circumstances or people in the strength of the Lord
  •  Pray for a multitude of needs, especially and most importantly to pray for the salvation of the unsaved 
  • Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
  •  Turn away from that which is displeasing or sinful in God’s eyes
  •  Walk the narrow way that leads to salvation
  •  Speak words build people up in the Lord and speak the truth in love 
  • Read God’s Word each day
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute 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…Sobering Perspective

Posted in Depending on God, Economic Downturn, Five Minute Friday, Job Loss, Sobering Perspective, The Gypsy Mama by

Those days I feel overwhelmed
By the pressing, unrelenting demands of work
Come home weary and fatigued
When tempted to wonder, “How do others do it?”
Instead I look around and see
So many effected by the continuing downward spiral of our economy
Drivers and cars that used to head off to work
Now stay in the driveway each day
Lawns once green and manicured
Now have turned brown
Gardens once tended
Are now overgrown with weeds
Homes that used to show signs of life
Now stand empty for no one is home
Lord…may I have a heart of compassion
May I have a heart of gratitude for Your provisions
May I be faithful in prayer for those in need of jobs
Reach out where You lead
May I not presume upon my God
Who causes it to rain on the just and unjust alike
May I have a right perspective and attitude
Depending upon God for the strength to persevere
By Susan Wachtel
May 19, 2012
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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Five Minute Friday – Identity Found

Posted in Christian, Compromise, Five Minute Friday, Identity, Lotish Christians, Sin, The Gypsy Mama by

When I think how I would describe myself to someone, the first word that comes to mind is Christian.  Before I even think of myself as a woman, wife, daughter, sister and friend…I think of myself as a Christian.
My identity as a Christian impacts all the other roles and relationships that I have. 
Yesterday, as was I was driving home from work I was listening to a pastor talking about being a Christian.  He said the more we love the Lord and know Him through God’s Word and through prayer, the more we hate sin.  We see sin more from God’s perspective.  We know how destructive it is, not just in this life, but for eternity. 
I think that the devil likes to lull believers into complacency in our culture.  We end up blending in by watching the same movie, TV shows, reading the same books and listening to the same music, which is often profane.  Yet…we fail to see it because we are immersed in our culture.  Before long we start living like the world does and compromising our faith because of what we are filling our minds with.  The name I given it is “Lotish Christians”.  
Lord, may I be immersed in Your Word, draw me close to You through prayer and may I not forsake the fellowship of other believers.  May my identity in Christ triumph everything else. 
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1-2
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute 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 – Together Again

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Gospel Message, Heaven, Hell, The Gypsy Mama by

Recent days and months have had their share of sorrow in the death of precious friends.  I’ll tell you, there is a world of difference when a Christian dies and when an unbeliever dies. 
As a Christian I have confident hope and assurance that I will one day see my believing family and friends again.  It brings joy to think that I will once again see their face, hear their laugh and feel their warm embrace.  We will be together in heaven, a place where there is no more sin, sickness, sorrow or death.  We will be with our Savior and see Him face to face.  A place where worship and praise will never end.  Halleluiah, I long for that day.
But when someone dies who has not received Jesus Christ as their Savior, when they haven’t repented of their sin, when they haven’t cried out to the Lord for forgiveness…it’s not good!  It’s a place of eternal punishment, retribution, unrelenting suffering that will never, ever end. 
It almost feels more tortuous when I don’t know if my loved one is in heaven or hell. 
There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think of my precious friend.  I may hear some whose laugh sounds just like her laugh, or see someone who looks like her and I wonder…where is she today?  Will we ever be together again? 
Lord forgive me please for not being more bold in sharing the Gospel message, for worrying more about offending her rather than being concerned about the place she will spend eternity.  
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Loud & Clear

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

Today at lunchtime, as I walked to my car I was talking with God.  “Lord, I don’t know why You keep me here and what is it that You want me to learn?  But whatever it is I’m begging you to help me learn the lesson so we can move on.  I’m overwhelmed Lord.”
I turned on the radio only to hear my words echoed.  The pastor was teaching through the book of Lamentations.  “You are overwhelmed and crying out to the Lord and asking why.  The truth is you’ve come up against life and life holds trials and tribulations.  Instead of asking why, what you need to do is to praise God in the midst of your trials and tribulations.” 
Wow!  God had my attention.  He wasn’t promising a quick deliverance from uncomfortable circumstances.  But He showing me that I could encourage my heart right where I was at by reminding myself and praising Him for who He is, both in the good times and bad. 
Lamentations 3:22-26
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
God you are indeed the God who hears my prayers, You are the One who never leaves me, nor forsakes me.  Great is Your faithfulness, Your mercies are new every morning and more than sufficient to help me right where I’m at today.  Help me to keep my heart and mind stayed on You.  May Your Holy Spirit bring to my mind truth found in Your word.  Lord help me to trust You even while I’m in the midst of uncomfortable places for You are always near.  Thank You Lord…I love You!  

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Brave & Courageous

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Friday’s topic at The Gypsy Mama is “Brave”. 
When I hear the word brave, I think of someone who is courageous and self-sacrificing in face of danger, giving little thought of the personal cost to themselves, and a willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect, rescue and help others.
I think of men and women who serve in the military to serve, protect and defend this nation.  Often they do so at a cost to themselves.  Their family also sacrifices so that our nation can be secure.
A living picture of bravery are police officers and fire fighters.  I’ll never forget the images of the men walking into the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001.  Men and women of like character serve and protect our towns and cities each day.  We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who daily serve, protect and defend us.
There’s another kind of bravery that I see in those courageously facing a terminal or devastating diseases.  Not giving up and not giving in to despair.  That’s not to say that their every moment is infused with courage, but they don’t stay there.  Instead they press on. 
A compelling picture of bravery is Christians who live in nations where being a Christian is a matter of life or death.  They willingly and daily choose to proclaim the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, no matter what the cost.  Accepting the cost rather than deny their Savior. 
Lord, may I be a brave and courageous person when the time of testing comes. 

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Empty Prayers

Posted in Empty Prayers, Faith, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

Today the Lord convicted me that I was praying empty prayers devoid of faith when praying for God to intervene in circumstances in my life.
My prayers have been passionate and my feelings have been laid bare before the Lord.  Each day, I’m praying for God to move in the circumstances and intervene on my behalf.  While I was praying the Lord helped me to see that I was being double minded.  I was asking for the Lord to be at work in my situation and immediately following that prayer I was planning how to handle it if or when the Lord did not answer my prayer as I had asked.
I’m wrestling about praying with faith and accepting God’s will.  I desire to pray with confidence in God and be assured that He is able to handle what concerns me.  Nothing is too hard for God.  
Then the doubt creeps in…I need to be practical, after all what I’m praying may not be God’s will for my circumstance?  
Erring on the side of faith, when I’m praying within the will of God as revealed in the Bible, I can pray with a confident expectation that God will act. 
The fine line is praying with expectation and a confident assurance in God, but not demanding my way when God chooses to act differently.  I need to remember that when God chooses to answer my prayers differently, it doesn’t change one iota who He is and what He is able to do.  I can trust the plan He is working out.  I will only know God’s will as He works out the circumstances in my life. 
Lord, may I err on the side of faith, of believing that You are well able to handle all that concerns me today.  Help me to pray Lord with unwavering faith and trust You in all circumstances.  May I not be double minded and remember that You are pleased with those who walk by faith. 
 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Heb 11:1
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. – Heb 11:6
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:7-8
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Listening To the Ache

Posted in Ache, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama, The Watered Soul by

I could easily writing about the ache that I have for heaven.  There’s not a day that goes by that I wonder, is today the day that Jesus will call His church home?  Is today the day in which I will meet my Lord and Savior.
However, after reading Wanda’s post at “The Watered Soul” it got me to thinking about a different kind of ache.  It’s the ache that I have in the midst of the busyness and pressing demand of life to be able to make the time to do things I love to do, to do things that really matter and make a difference. 
Oh I feel that ache often.  It’s the card that I don’t send because I don’t have time to sit down and write a few words of encouragement.  It’s the phone call I never make because I know the person likes to chat and I only have a few minutes.  It’s the doily that sits uncompleted on the table because I don’t sit down and take the time to finish it.  Or I don’t take a couple of hours to go to the park with my camera and snap some photos of God’s creation.  I feel that ache when thoughts that are going through my head that I don’t take the time to put pen to paper and really listen to what the Lord is teaching me.
Lord…show me how to get off the merry-go-round and LIVE life and not just continually run at a frantic pace, accomplishing stuff that’s of little consequence and of no eternal value.  Show me how Lord, show me how.  
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – True Grit

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When I first saw this week’s word “Grit” the movie True Grit came to mind.  I remember the scene of John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn riding his horse across a meadow with guns blazing.
Grit…now that’s a rather interesting word.
Some people are like gritty sandpaper in my life.  God uses them to buff out and polish off some of the rough not so pretty parts of my personality or character.  The key is, to having the perspective that God is using them in the middle of those difficult days with difficult people.  It doesn’t feel too good, but in retrospect I see how God uses them.
In fact I have one of those sandpaper people in my life right now.  I find myself saying, “Lord, I don’t understand?”  The other day when I was bemoaning the latest offence the Lord impressed upon me that perhaps I should ask, “Lord, what lesson do You want me to learn in this?”
Before I get too cocky and think too highly of myself, I need to remember thatI may be someone’s gritty, irritating sandpaper person. 
Here’s one of the definitions of the word grit:  firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.
Now I rather like that!  I would like it to be said, “Now she displayed a lot of grit.”  But I want to be a godly woman of grit.  Not one that is self-willed and unyielding, but one who can stand firm because I know my God, who He is and what He can do and because I know Whose I am. 

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.  It’s kind of fun!
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Five Minute Friday…Delight In the Lord

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As soon as I heard the word delight, Psalm 37:4 came to mind.  “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
I also thought of a quote from Michelle at “A HeartSurrendered”, “God will never introduce anything into your life that is a substitute for Him.”
I’ve been the recipient of God’s goodness and grace when He answered my lifelong prayer to be married by bringing Chris Wachtel into my life.  God has given me the love of photography, writing and music.  How easy it is in my sinful nature to replace God in Whom I delight with the gifts and blessings He bestows upon me.
Whenever I get unbalanced in life and my love for the Lord wanes He has a way of getting my attention.  When that happens I remember that I need to guard my heart and keep my mind it stayed on the Lord. 
How easy it is to fall into the trap of replacing God with people or things or work, none of which is bad in and of itself.  But when taken to excess and when my heart, mind, time, attention and affection is focused on anyone or anything else other than God first, I’ve failed to delight myself in the Lord.
Oh Lord, teach me to guard my heart and keep You first place in my heart, mind and soul. 

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy ofThe Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Real Sad

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When I looked up the word real, some of the synonyms were “actual, factual and genuine.” 
When I think of my brother Patrick Bunts who has been missing now for about six or seven years now, I feel genuinely sad.  The last time I remember speaking to him was at Christmas time, when he called my mother’s room at the assisted living facility at Brighton Gardens.  I didn’t think his phone call was motivated by real good intentions. 
In the intervening years, I’ve done searches for him and found information that indicates he is alive.  But my attempts to contact him have returned void.
Patrick was in possession of our family picture albums which I would love have to have back.  I believe he also may have a Christmas apron that belonged to my mother, which I would love to hold in my hands once again. 
Sometimes when I think about those missing picture albums, I ask myself do I miss them more than I do my brother?  While I do long to see them once again, there is never a day that goes by in which I don’t think about Patrick and wonder where he’s at.  There’s not a day that I don’t pray for his salvation.  There’s not a day in which I don’t pray that the Lord will bring someone in his life that will speak the truth of the Gospel message to him. 
When I think of Patrick, I feel real sad.  Not only do I have a brother that’s missing, but I have a brother who is lost.  
This post is being linked to The Gypsy Mama’s 5-Minute Friday where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and give it a try!
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