Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Bridge Tender – Insightful

Posted in Book Review, BookLook, Marybeth Whalen, Uncategorized by

_225_350_Book.1243.cover

When selecting a new book to read The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen caught my eye.  First the beautiful cover picture, then comments from other readers and finally the storyline drew me in.  I’m not usually one to read romance books, so I wasn’t entirely sure if I would like this book by an author who is new to me.

The story starts out with Emily and her husband Ryan on their honeymoon in Sunset Beach filled with carefree days, romance and love.  Fast forward five years and we find Emily getting dressed for Ryan’s funeral.  In the ensuing chapters, we learn about Emily and how she handles overwhelming grief and how life moves on in spite her.

I found the author very insightful on relationships, friendships, grief, loneliness and learning to live again after a huge loss.  Many times I found what was shared evoked in me a desire to appreciate what I have been given and to recognize that I don’t know how long I will have those gifts in my life.  I appreciated how Emily reasoned through her way to be supportive of her friend Marta who had a budding romantic relationship in the wake of Emily’s loss of her husband Ryan.  God and faith were part of what Emily wrestled through, but I would have appreciated an even greater emphasis on faith.

There were many times, I didn’t want to put the book down when duty or sleep called.  All in all The Bridge Tender holds a special place in my heart and look forward to reading more books by author Marybeth Whalen.  I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank the team at BookLook for providing me with a free copy of The Bridge Tender to read in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.

Feeling defeated?

Posted in Uncategorized by

I bless you to remember that satan is defeated foe. That you will recall the truth about your enemy and not be taken in by his lies. In the Bible, Holy and inerrant Word of God, we learn that from the beginning satan was a murderer, he is a liar and the father of lies. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy. Just as you would dismiss the words spoken to you by a known liar, I pray that you will dismiss the lies from the enemy. I pray that you will remember that on the cross Jesus Christ crushed the satan’s head. Jesus proved His victory when three days later He arose from the grave. Feeling defeated…then take a good look at the empty tomb. I pray that you will remember that you have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. You have been sealed for the day of redemption. Remember that Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father and He is interceding for you. Remember Who is on your side. I pray that you will remember that You have been give the Word of God which is living and active, and is more powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is able to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow and is the discerner of the thoughts and intentions of your heart. I pray that you will follow Jesus Christ’s example when He was tempted in the desert for 40 days and nights, that He responded by wielding the Sword of the Spirit. I pray that you will remember that satan’s doom is certain. Just as God has revealed in Scripture the devil, who deceived them, will be cast alive into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are at. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever…Amen! Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

 

Rising Faith

Posted in Faith, Prayer, Uncategorized by

I pray that your faith will stand strong, even in times of trials and tribulation or in the doldrums of life.  I pray that your faith will rise and be strengthened on the Solid Rock of Scripture.  In those times when God seems to be silent, that you will turn to God’s Word and remind yourself about who God is, see what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture.  I pray that you will hide God’s Word in your heart so that you may not sin against Him.  That when other’s faith fails them, praises of God will come forth from your lips, strengthening your heart and mind and the faith of other believers.  I pray for you to have a heart and mind that desires to know God more and to be obedient.  I pray that you will be open and teachable, bendable and yielded unto the Lord God Almighty.  I pray that you will fear God, not man.  That you will turn to the Bible, holy and inerrant Scripture, daily to know who you are in Christ.  That you will be bold, confident and unapologetic in your proclamation of the Gospel, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation of all who believe, first the Jew and then the Greek.  I pray that you will desire to bless the Lord each day with how you live, what you say and think, even down to the desires and thoughts and intentions of your heart.  I pray for you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to desire to be washed by the water of God’s Word daily.  It is in the incomparable, blessed and holy name of Jesus Christ I pray.   Amen and amen!

Where Will I Turn?

Posted in Uncategorized by

When I turn to myself
I come up empty

When I turn to the world
I come up with worthless and meaningless things

When I turn to the Lord
I receive Wisdom
Power
Strength
Understanding
Peace
Truth
Joy
and so much more

Help me to choose to turn to You Lord, every single time.

Critical Condition…WOW!

Posted in BookLook, Critical Condition, Uncategorized by

_225_350_Book.1168.coverIf you like mystery, intrigue and suspense, look no further than Richard L. Mabry’s newest book Critical Condition.  I love it when I find a good writer who is new to me, because that means I’ll be able to go back and read his earlier work.

Critical Condition is the first book that I’ve read by Richard L. Mabry M.D. and I wasn’t disappointed.  He skillfully draws the reader in to the storyline and reveals the characters, almost like pealing an onion, layer by layer you learn about the characters and what motivates them and what brought them to this place and how will it end.

Dr. Mabry brings a different twist to mystery novels.  The story includes characters who are doctors and the reader gets to view the events through the different lens of medicine.

The story is fast paced and more than once kept me up late because I didn’t want to put the book down.  I can tell a good book when it leaves me thinking about the characters and try to figure out what will happen even when I’m not reading the book.

I especially appreciated how Dr. Mabry has interwoven faith into the storyline through the characters as they struggle with and grow in their faith.  Faith seemed to be a natural part of the characters, not just something thrown in because this a book by a Christian author.  I appreciate a writer who doesn’t have to turn to immorality to tell a good story

I give a big thumbs up to Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry M.D.  I look forward to reading more novels by this writer.

I would like to thank the people at BookLook for giving me a copy of Critical Condition to read and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Just Thinking on Life, Heaven and @#!*%

Posted in Uncategorized by

There have been a number of thoughts and ideas that have been ruminating in my mind in the last few days.  Some prompted by conversations or podcasts I’ve recently listened to.

Yesterday I made a comment “What price can you put on happiness?” and the response was, “Life isn’t necessarily about our happiness.”

Obviously, happiness should never come at the price of disobedience to God, choosing sin or going outside His will for us as revealed in the Bible.  However, I believe that God does want us to be content and joyful in Him, regardless of our circumstances.  That happiness, joy and contentment may be a choice that I have to make each day.  What kind of witness am I for God if I’m continually downcast about my circumstances?

At the same time, I’m still learning that life isn’t about me.  It’s about God and loving Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and it’s about loving others as I love myself.  That may mean that God takes me through challenging circumstances that won’t outwardly produce happiness.  But that brings me back to a choice.  Will I choose to rejoice in God, Who He is and the work He is doing in and through my life, even in or especially during the trials of my life?

Yesterday I heard a quote something to the effect of “If people could see just 15 seconds of what @#!*% is like it would make them passionate and effective evangelists.”  These days there are lots of books about heaven and what it’s like.  Who doesn’t want to go to heaven?  As crazy as it seems, even unbelievers may believe in heaven and desire to go there.  I can imagine and talk about the wonders that await believers in heaven.  But shouldn’t the eternal suffering of those going to @#!*% motivate me even more to share the Gospel message of salvation found in Christ Jesus alone?  While I won’t be able to see 15 seconds of what @#!*% is like, I can read what the Bible says about @#!*% and know that I don’t want my family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or even my enemies to go there.

On a recently Family Life Today podcast author and speaker Gloria Furman shared that she realized that her children were eternal beings and that what she was doing in everyday life, from cleaning up messes to changing diapers to refereeing a squabble, was potentially impacting them for eternity.

What holds true for a mom and dad raising their children holds true for all parts of life.  We are interacting with eternal beings everywhere.  At home, in the workplace, marketplace and even on the roadway.

If I remembered that, would it change how I treat people?   Knowing that these people are eternal beings and I can make an impact for good or evil, for heaven or @#!*% .

Help Me to Remember

Posted in Uncategorized by

LORD, when I don’t understand what You are doing in trials and tribulations, may I remember that You are good all the time.  Help me to remember that You never waste our trials.  For those who love You and have been called according to Your purposes, You are working ALL things together for good.  Help me to not only walk by faith, but pray in faith, trusting that You are Who You have revealed Yourself to be in Your perfect and inerrant Word of God.  When I feel helpless and don’t know how to help someone, may I be confident that You are able to help them and do a marvelous and might work in their life.  You are able to do exceedingly, abundantly and beyond what I can ask or think.

Be Prepared to Be Blessed

Posted in Ruth Stingley, Speak to Your Heart, Uncategorized by

While I didn’t have a lot of people leave comments on my recent post “Blessings from a Precious Friend”, I did have a few people that responded and they will be receiving a book from the giveaway of Ruth Stingley’s book Speak to Your Heart – 70 Biblical Blessings to Encourage and Challenge Yourself and Others.

Congratulations to:

Denise at Just Me, Being Me and The Lighthouse of Prayer

Jim Allis at his blog Jim Allis

Loralee at Little House on the Ridge and This & That

I know that the Lord will bless you through Ruth’s book…I will also try to contact you via email to get your mailing address.  Please feel free to send me an email at susanwalkergirl@gmail.com.

For those who are interested in learning more about the book please check out Speak to Your Heart website and Amazon.

Strange Fire – A Hard Read, But Worthwhile

Posted in Uncategorized by

Strange Fire_240_360_Book.1000.cover

Previously I’ve read books by Pastor John MacArthur and frequently listen to his sermons and conference messages.  Pastor MacArthur has a passion for the Word of God and his teaching is theologically sound.  That’s why I wanted to read his newest book, Strange Fire, to learn more about the charismatic movement.

I found Strange Fire very challenging to get through it.  This book includes a lot of details about the background of the charismatic movement founders in the early 1900’s and goes through present day.  Scripture is interspersed throughout the book and is used as a plumb line to measure the actions, words and deeds of prominent charismatic leaders to see if they are biblically sound.

As a Christian, I was appalled at the teaching, claims and lives of prominent charismatic leaders.  It was painful to learn that instead of being run out of town these immoral charlatans, frauds and apostates were applauded, embraced and heralded as healers and prophets.  It’s frightening and tragic to think of how many people have been deceived and taken in by this false gospel that dishonors God.

It was refreshing in the last section of the book to see what is the true work of the Holy Spirit is in the world and the life of Christians.  This book helped me to understand clearly the importance of sola Scriptura and the importance of using the Bible to evaluate those who claim to be healers, prophets or speaking in tongues.  Does what they say and do line up with Scripture?

All in all this was a very painful book to read.  Even so, I would recommend this book to Christians so they can better understand a movement that calls itself Christian, but may not line up with the Word of God.

I would also recommend that readers go to the Strange Fire Conference website and listen to or download the messages from the 2013 conference.

I would like to thank Booksneeze for providing me with a free copy of Strange Fire in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.

Five Minute Friday – Blessings from a Precious Friend

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Ruth Stingley, Speak to Your Heart, Uncategorized by

When my dear friend Ruth told me that she was writing a book of Biblical blessings, I was so excited and could hardly wait until it was published.  I looked forward to holding “Speak to Your Heart” in my hands and reading the blessings which she had written.

Ruth Stingley is a prayer warrior.  If I’m going through difficult times, need encouragement or wisdom Ruth is a person I want to have praying alongside me.  It’s been my privilege to have this lovely woman of God pray for me over the years.

Her prayers are Christ centered and honoring to God.  She is realistic and doesn’t deny that bad or difficult things happen.  But rather than be overwhelmed by circumstances, Ruth is in awe and overwhelmed by her Heavenly Father, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit Who dwells within her.  She has a confidence and assurance of who she is in Christ and the spiritual blessings that God has given believers.  She takes time to meditate on scripture and dwell on God as He has revealed Himself in the Bible and sing His praises.

Because of the many blessings I have received from Ruth, I want to pass those blessings along and offer Ruth Stingley’s book “Speak to Your Heart” to one reader.  If you would like to receive this book, please leave a comment and on May 1st, I’ll select one person’s name.  If you are the winner, I’ll notify you via email or on this blog.  Once I get your mailing information I’ll send you a copy of the book.

In the meantime, check out Ruth’s website Speak to Your Heart and learn more about the author and her book.

Good golly it’s Friday and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to “Lisa Jo Baker”, and take some time to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Passing the Baton

Posted in Uncategorized by

Image

What a nice surprise when I received an email from Wanda at The Watered Soul passing the baton of the Liebster Award to four other bloggers and me.  

Every week, Wanda takes the time to highlight and direct her readers to other bloggers who have posts that are encouraging, introspective, honest and challenging.  Through her blog I have found many treasures.  Wanda is a very thoughtful, giving, caring and encouraging woman of God.  Thank you Wanda!  I so enjoyed reading your responses to Denise’s questions at Refine Me Lord.  

Below are my responses to Wanda’s questions:  

1.    If you could rent a time machine for a day would you like to revisit the past or be catapulted into the future?  The day I long for most is the rapture, so perhaps to go forward and see that day and moment when the Lord Jesus Christ will call His church home.  But since no man knows the day or the hour of the rapture that may be a little tough.
2.    What is one of the best pieces of advice you ever received?  From my dear friend Margaret James who knew of my heart’s desire to be married, “Don’t settle!”.  Thank You Lord…I didn’t settle and He gave me the man who is just right for me.  
3.    Which color would best describe your personality?  Green, in its many different shades, is my favorite color.  Not sure if that describes my personality?  But it reflects so much of what I love and appreciate.  
4.    What is one thing you would include on your bucket list if you had one?  I would love to go on a cruise to Alaska and Hawaii too.
5.    What is something you once believed was truth but no longer do?  Before I repented and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I was caught up and believed the lies of the new age movement.  In hindsight, I recognize it was a bunch of lies and garbage from the pit of hell.  I can’t take any credit for my salvation because I was blind to the truth revealed in God’s Word about Who He is and how I could be saved through the atoning death of His Son Jesus Christ.  God alone opened my eye and turned my heart of stone into a heart of flesh.  
6.    If you were to write a book telling your life’s story what would you title the book?  Amazing Grace
7.    What is something you would like to change on your blog but not quite sure how?  I would like to know how to respond via email to the people who leave comments on my blog so that it shows their comments and my response.  Not sure if there is a simple way to do that?  
8.    When it comes to blogging do you have specific schedule or do you write when you feel inspired?  I write when I feel inspired and when I have time.  Now that I’m a homemaker, I hope to be able to write more often.  
9.    What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday?  Golly…I’m not sure.  Until recently my Saturdays were filled with cleaning and errands.  I guess I’ll be finding out.  
10.    What color are the walls in your favorite room of your home?  Gold is the color in my favorite room, our den.  We have two beautiful chairs which we acquired when we moved into our home and one has beautiful gold threads in the design.  It’s a peaceful and quiet room.  It’s the place where Chris and I will watch old movies or some PBS dramas or I might knit dishrags or crochet doilies.  
11.    If you had to pass along one word of wisdom to next generation, what would it be?  Read God’s Word daily, know it well and obey Him in all things.  You will never regret it.  

In receiving this award I’m supposed to pass the baton along to 5 other bloggers with a new list of 11 questions.  I’m passing the Liebster Award to 5 godly beloved bloggers:  

Jim at Jim Allis
Michelle at A Heart Surrendered
Debbie at Make It Delightful
David at Pilgrim Scribblings
Ken at Following Jesus

I’d also love to hear from any of my readers answering the questions below.  

1.    Who has been the most influential person in your life?  

2.    Where would you like to go on your dream vacation?  

3.    How old were you when you received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?  

4.    What do you want to achieve through your blog?  

5.    What is your favorite book of the Bible?

6.    Who is your favorite artist?

7.    What new skill, talent or hobby would you want to learn if you had the time?

8.    Do you like to read fiction or non-fiction books?

9.    What is your favorite time of day?

10.    Do you like to sleep in or rise early?

11.    What is your favorite animal?

A New Chapter

Posted in Uncategorized by

ecc 11-7

I have now officially begun a new chapter in my life…that of homemaker.  To be honest with you, I’m not even sure what that will look like as I ease into this role.

Yesterday was my first day at home.  It’s a different pace than my work-a-day world, but at first I have much I need to accomplish.  A good and thorough cleaning of our home is top on the list.

Four months ago when I had left my job of 29 years, I brought home boxes of things I had at work including pictures and decorations, cards and notes that I had saved.  Where I left them is where they remained until yesterday when I finally had the time to go through the boxes and decide what to keep or get rid of.

As I read the cards and notes, they brought back a lot of memories, some good and some painful.

It got me to thinking, how much do I do that emotionally and mentally.  How often do I hold on to thoughts and feelings from the past and not let them go?  In doing that, don’t I have less room for the present and what’s going on in my life today?  Are my thoughts and feelings colored by what I’ve held on to from the past?  Do I fail to see people and circumstances through fresh eyes?  Is my holding on to things and memories, in part, not fully trusting God?

Perhaps with some peace and quiet in my days, I will be learning a lot.  May I have the ears to hear what the Lord Jesus is teaching me through His Word and prayer and the Holy Spirit within me.  May I commit each day to the Lord and be about my Father’s business.

Far Beyond

Posted in Uncategorized by

When my circumstances are far beyond me
I acknowledge Your ways are not my ways
Far beyond my understanding

When I’m in the dark place
You are my ray of light
Guiding my next step on the path before me

Father, when I am inconsolable
It’s in Your presence I find peace
It’s You alone Who can comfort me

When grief and tears consume me
You whisper hope in my ear
Jesus, my confidence is in You alone

When words fail me
Your Holy Spirit perfectly translates my groans
Into prayers before Your throne of grace

When my world crumbles around me
You take up the dark and jagged pieces
Work them perfectly into Your sovereign plan

But LORD, right now
I just need You to hold me
Be here with me in my grief

by Susan Wachtel
March 23, 2014

Five Minute Friday – God’s Blessings in Strange Packages

Posted in Uncategorized by

Sometimes God’s blessings come in some mighty strange packages.  

If you had asked me a few months ago what my plans would be for the coming year, I would have guessed that our lives would continue to go on pretty much as they always have, including working during the week and occasional vacations a few times a year.  

Never would I have guessed the sudden turn our lives would take.  Sometimes God allows those clarifying times in our lives to help us to see what’s most important.  In the last few months, God has done just that in my life.  

He has helped me to see that other things had usurped what should be first in my life…God, His Word, my husband Chris and our marriage, the church and our family and friends.  

As a Christian, I think of course God is first in my life.  After all the years I’ve wait to find my husband of course Chris is a priority in my life.  But when I started to see how I’ve been investing my time and attention in the last few months…I didn’t see God, my husband, friends, our church and our home as my top priorities.  Instead I saw work at the top of this list.  As a result of how I’ve invested my time and attention, everything else, including that which should be my top priorities had been put on the back burner and fallen short.

After seeing our lives with new clarity and the toll misplaced priorities have taken, my husband and I decided that it is time to have me quit work and stay at home.  To take care of my husband and our home that God has blessed us with.  To restore order and put a stop to the chaos of our lives.  To put God first…to take the time to study and read His word.  Not just go through the motions and forget what I’ve just read when I close my Bible.  

I’m doing the countdown now…just 6 more working days and then I will be a homemaker.  Not sure what all that means or looks like…but I’m relieved and excited.  I’m prayerful that the Lord will bless us as we seek to put first that which He has revealed as most important.  I’m looking forward to the love, joy and peace that will fill our lives and our home.

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to “Lisa Jo Baker”, and take some time to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Living Brave – Five Minute Friday 02/07/14

Posted in Uncategorized by

It’s hard to focus my thoughts these days because I’m weary in many respects and my mind is preoccupied by things of precious little consequence, especially in light of eternity.

What does it mean to live brave…what does that look like in my everyday life?  

First and foremost it means having my heart and mind focused on God.  To read His word daily, to know what He reveals about Himself, about me, about this fallen and broken world in which I live.  About seeing the beauty that’s here even in the midst of sin and brokenness.  

It’s about worshiping God everyday…really every moment…in thought, word and deed.  Singing songs of praise, worship and adoration.  Praising God even when things are amiss…praising Him for who He is.  Praising Christ and remembering what He has done for me and all those whom He has called.  

It’s about persevering in prayer no matter what.  Especially when it seems like God is not answering my prayers and no solution or help is in sight.  

It’s about taking the time each day to write about what I’m learning in this thing called life, so I don’t forget it.  

Lord…help me to keep my focus on You.  To be willing to praise and worship You at all times.  To trust You in the dark and when it feels You are far away.  To bring to mind Your perfect and true Word and to choose to believe You and walk by faith, not by sight.

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to “Lisa Jo Baker”, and take some time to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.

1/11/14 Five Minute Friday – This Tapestry Called Life

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Uncategorized by

Thank You Lord
For helping me to see
That I’m viewing this tapestry called life
From the back side

That which appears
Nothing more than a tangled mess of threads
Ugly, random and without purpose
Looks much different from the other side

There is a day coming
When I will view this tapestry
From Your side
From God’s perspective

It is then I will see purpose and meaning
In trials and tribulation
I will comprehend that which I could not see
This side of heaven

What seems like justice delayed
Is not justice denied
All Your accounts are not settled
Here on earth

You are patient, merciful and compassionate
To the ungodly and unrighteous
You desire for all to come to repentance
That no one would perish

Those who have been declared righteous
Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross
One day their pain will cease
Their suffering will be redeemed

It is not so with the ungodly and unrighteous
Those who reject Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sin
For they will give an account to God
To the One who is holy, righteous and just

One day I will see
How You perfectly wove the dark threads
Along with the bright and beautiful colors
In this tapestry called life

By Susan Wachtel
January 11, 2014

Yesterday morning I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  After writing, I had to head out the door for a busy day after a long week.  But I still wanted to post something for this week’s submission.  If you would like to try your hand at the five minute challenge, head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker 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.