Category Archives: Uncategorized

Curl Up with A Wreath of Snow

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A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs is set in Stirling, Scotland during 1894.  Main characters Meg Campbell and Gordon Shaw are both heading by train to Edinburgh on Christmas Eve.  Most folks head home on Christmas Eve, so why is Meg leaving town without even saying goodbye to her family?  Though Stirling was once his hometown, Gordon is anxious to leave without anyone recognizing him.  A chance meeting on the train will reintroduce characters whose lives were profoundly changed by an accident that occurred twelve years earlier.  Through their Christian faith Meg and Gordon grapple with lies and truth, sin and forgiveness and the possibility of finding true love.  The story unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian Christmas. 
This is the first book that I’ve read by author Liz Curtis Higgs and I selected it because it’s fun to read a Christmas novel during the Christmas season.  The author’s style of writing was easy to get into.  When I wasn’t reading the book I found myself thinking about the characters and tried to figure out what was going on and how everything would be resolved.  I would recommend this book to fans of Liz Curtis Higgs and people who like to read Christmas novels and Christian fiction.  After this introduction to this author, I would like to read more of her books.
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 
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Rivival Needed

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Below is a comment from Ken at Following Jesus.  A while back I stumbled upon Ken’s blog and am blessed to read his posts.  He always seeks to glorify the Lord.  Kind of like Andrew…he brings people to Jesus.  I’m posting his comment in response to a recent post about the election.  Ken captures my feelings too about our nation and the need for repentance and revival

Hi Susan,
I struggled deciding what to do with this election. First off, no way I was I going to vote for Obama and was not liking Romney either. It was hard for me to vote for a Mormon.

Over the last couple of days one thing became clear to me, this nation needs a revival in the church. I believe us believers need to be on our knees praying for this nation, that God grant us repentance. If we are going to change the direction of this nation, it must start in the church.

I did not like the outcome of the election, however God is still sovereign. I can still look to heaven and rejoice because He is in control.

God bless,
Ken

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In the Quiet of Early Morn

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It’s in the quiet of early morn
I seek the Lord
Though others are fast asleep
The sun has yet to kiss the dawn
I meet with You
Before my day begins
I read from Your Word
You give me fresh eyes to see it anew
Scriptures I’ve read a dozen times before
Leap off the page and capture my attention
You give me wise counsel
For the day ahead
You are not a distant faraway God
But my loving Father who keeps His eye upon me
It’s in the quiet of early morn
I meet with my Heavenly Father above
By Susan Wachtel
November 11, 2012

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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As Election Day Draws Near

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When I originally started this blog I used to write about politics.  But over time I’ve spent less and less time writing about politics because compared to the importance of the Gospel message and its eternal consequences, politics pales in comparison. 
However, on Tuesday, November 6th, we are facing a pivotal election.  It is important for Christians and people who support Judeo Christian values to get out and exercise their God given right to vote. 
Something that I wrestled with four years ago was, how can I vote for a Mormon when the Mormon religion is in contradiction to Biblical Christianity.  That struggle was irrelevant after John McCain became the Republican nominee. 
As Election Day 2012 draws near I wanted to share some thoughts from our Pastor, Philip De Courcy, who answered the question, “Can a Christian Vote for a Mormon”.  Please click on the link and listen online or download and share this message with those who are also wrestling with the idea of voting for a Mormon.
I join with many Christians in this nation who are praying for this election and the next President of the United States. 
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Morning Light

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Tears shed in the dark of night
Are dried in the morning light
To the downcast soul
The Lord brought joy in the morning light
Though anxiety gripped my heart
The Lord exchanged it for His peace that passes all understanding
Susan Wachtel
November 2, 2012
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Five Minute Friday – Uprooted

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He had a wanderlust that could not be quenched
Moving from town to town
Changing jobs at the drop of a hat
With family in tow, there was always another move in store
His wife became an expert packer
Frequent moves do not lend themselves to collecting precious things
Friendships started were once again uprooted
One could only hope it was at the beginning of the school year
The ripple effects would be felt over a lifetime
A consuming passion is what did him in
Cigarette after cigarette, no less than two packs a day
He died way too young, never to see his children grown
By the time she was ten, they had moved ten times
Is it any wonder that she doesn’t know how
To let the roots of friendship grow
Something is always held in reserve
So that the deep wounds of her soul won’t be hurt again
Will she ever be unafraid of the changes tomorrow will bring
She longs to be settled for a lifetime
Letting her roots grow deep
With the husband she loves, in the place she calls home
Susan Wachtel
November 3, 2012
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head 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 – On Any Given Day

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On any given day, whose voice am I listening to?
Am I listening to the Voice of Truth?
Do I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ?
Do I choose to think on that which is true, noble, just and pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy?
Do I choose to believe the best about people?  Don’t I want them to think the best about me?
What would my day look like if I did that?
Or do my thoughts follow my emotions and ever changing moods?
Do I listen to the voice of my enemy…the one who only seeks to kill, steal and destroy?
Why would I want to listen to someone who is a known liar…a liar from the beginning?  Someone in whom there is no truth?
Or do I listen to God’s voice through His Word? 
When praying do I stop to listen? 
Do I believe that in Christ I am a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come?
Do I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? 
Am I ready to say, “I can’t, God can…let’s go!”


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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There Are Days

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There are days…
I wish I could return
To the days of old
People and things I once loved
There are days…
Yet I know that can never be
Besides that, I couldn’t take with me
Knowledge, wisdom and experience I’ve gained
There are days…
But I wouldn’t want to trade
How the Lord has grown and changed me
Compared to who I used to be
Lord, Today is the day
I want to focus on You
Not on my problems or trials and tribulations
Help me to find joy in You today
By Susan Wachtel
October 24, 2012
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Five Minute Friday – Look Unto Me

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Look unto Me, my daughter
Gaze upon my holiness
My righteousness untainted by sin
Look unto Me
Start each day by reading my Word
Holy Scripture which is active and alive
Look unto Me
Keep short accounts and unbroken fellowship
Repent, turn and follow Me
Look unto Me
Guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
Be sanctified and set apart unto Me
Look unto Me
I will equip you for every good work
Strengthen and sustain you for what lies ahead
Susan Wachtel
October 20, 2012
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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“I Exalt You, O God” – Highly Recommended

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Reading Jerry Bridges’ book, “I Exalt You, O God” was refreshing and a privilege.  
Jerry keeps the focus on God, who He has revealed Himself to be in scripture and why He alone deserves our worship.  The introduction delves into the subject of what worship is and how God should be worshiped.  “We glorify God by ascribing to Him the honor and adoration due Him because of His excellence.  We also glorify God by reflecting His glory to others.”  Jerry has a lot of scripture throughout the book along with quotes from theologians, both past and present, to help the reader better grasp and understand what worship is and how it is lived out in our lives. 
“I Exalt You, O God” is theologically sound.  Through the 31 daily devotions and scripture passages, the reader will see and meditate on the greatness, holiness, wisdom and love of God so he can better understand the glory that is due Him.  Jerry asks the penetrating question, “How can we honor and adore One on Sunday whom we have not taken time to praise and give thanks to during the week?” 
Jerry challenges the reader to make sure he is coming to God through Christ Jesus and to examine his heart to ensure he is not cherishing sin.  These devotions help the reader to see how awesome, holy, infinitely great and unfathomable God is and that He is worthy of praise and worship.  He also helps the reader to recognize his own sinful state and great need for God’s mercy and grace found in Christ alone, not only for salvation but also in our daily walk with God.  Jerry concludes each day’s devotion by praying scripture that reinforces the character or attribute of God that was studied. 
I highly recommend “I Exalt You, O God” by Jerry Bridges.  The reader will both be challenged and inspired by this book and grow in a deeper understanding of the amazing and awesome God we serve.  This is a book that you will want to read again and again, and it will help you to grow in your worship of God.  It would make a great book for a new believer or someone who wants to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Who God is. 
An electronic copy of “I Exalt You, O God” was provided to me for review by Random House through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. 
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Trials & Tribulations…How do I respond?

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When I’m in the middle of trials and tribulations, it seems that if I just knew what work God was doing in the midst of them, I could endure them with patience and persevere through His power and strengthen.
I fear that all too often I rely on my own strength, rather than run to the throne of grace in prayer.
When I grumble and complain, rather than pray, I’m living like an unbeliever. 
May I remember that unbelief is what resulted in the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Unbelief…not good, not good at all. 
It’s okay to ask God questions, as long as I’m okay that He chooses not to answer.  May I trust God even when He is silent. 
Trials and tribulations remind me that I’m not in control, except for how I respond. 
Oh Lord, may I trust You with even when I don’t understand, nor like my lot.  May I be mindful of Your goodness and know that it never changes.  May my love for You never depend upon favorable circumstances.  May I praise You in the good times and bad.  May I be dependent upon You and not my own strength.
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Five Minute Friday – A Welcome Relief

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Lately it seems as though there’s not enough time in my day to sit down and write, even for five minutes.
But when I find that time, or make that time, it’s a welcome relief to shut out the world and spend a few minutes just writing  
With the busyness of my life, when I sit down, it’s hard to quiet my mind.  To tune out the voices of pressing demands and things that must be done.  
  
Be it taking pen to paper or putting my fingers on the keyboard, it’s kind of exciting.  Sometimes I don’t know what I’m going to say.  Will I jot down that thought that comes to mind or will I pass judgment and edit it out of existence because it doesn’t sound fitting or proper or good enough? 
Or will I share from my heart, my sins, weakness and vulnerability?  Will I be real without condoning something that is sinful or wrong before God? 
Something new that I started during my devotional time is to read a Psalm or few verses if it’s a long one, and then write a prayer and praises to God.  It’s a wonderful way to start my day.  A way to lift my eyes unto His throne.  To know that my God is mighty and huge and what seems like a big problem to me is but a speck of dust in His capable and loving hands. 
Sometimes I find that welcome relief at the end of the day when I write about what’s perplexing, frustrating or amazing me.  Writing is a way to quiet my mind and reflect upon my day from a new and fresh perspective or to unburden my heart, heavy from the cares of the day.  
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head 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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For You and Not Against You

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How easy it is to grumble and complain
About everything you are not
Than bring you before the throne of grace in prayer
How easy it is to focus on what you say or don’t say
Do or don’t do
Rather than be concerned if my own heart is right before the Lord
How easy it is to forget that I am for you
And not against you
That I have been called to come alongside you and be your champion
Lord, help me to focus on what You are calling me to be
To remove the plank from my own eye
In humility help remove the speck from another’s eye
by Susan Wachtel
September 11, 2012
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Of the World

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On Saturday I stopped by the library to drop off a movie and was chatting with the librarian. Someone else was returning a movie that they like and highly recommended it.  The librarian asked if I wanted to check it out.  I brought it home and my husband and I watched it on Saturday night.  

Vain
Empty 
Devoid of lasting or eternal value

Godless
Sin exalted 
Self-worship
No awareness of God 
Except to use His name in vain

To quote our friend Harry, there’s ninety minutes of my life I’ll never get back again.  


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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.

Happy blogging!

The Hawk

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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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Rear View Mirror Living

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How often do I live life
Looking in the rear view mirror
Trying to move forward
All the while glancing back
Trying to focus on today
But thinking of the past
Why do I live with past regrets
Of sins confessed, repented of and forgiven
Which only robs each day
Of peace, hope and joy
How often do I mourn what’s lost
Failing to trust God’s plan for today
When will I choose to let go of my grief
Embrace and celebrate what the Lord has given me today?
by Susan Wachtel
May 19, 2012
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