Category Archives: Uncategorized

Overshadow

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While ironing this evening I realized I continue to think about and focus on a difficult person in my life.  I’ve been more focused on the person than on God.  

I’ve let this person eclipse and overshadow and what God is able to do in my situation, including dealing with people who are too difficult for me to handle.  They are not too much for Him.

If perchance God continues to allow this person to misbehave, He will give me the wisdom on how to respond, the grace to respond with grace, even when it’s undeserved, just like He does with me.

More than anything, I need to be fully focused on the Lord, not my circumstances or people…but God.  May God overshadow all that concerns me today.  

2014 One Word…Trust

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Prov 3-5-6

Last year I participated in choosing one word to focus on for the New Year.  That word was Worship.  For 2014, I considered keeping my one word the same since I didn’t really make worship of God my main focus as much as I should have and wanted to.

After prayer and thinking about what I should focus on this year…I do believe my focus will be on Trust.  If there is one area I struggle with more than anything, its trust.  Trust of God and trusting people.

Trust

In Hebrew the word is batach and means to trust, trust in, to have confidence in, to be bold, to be secure.  To cause to trust, make secure.  To feel safe and be careless.

In the Greek the word is elpizō and means to hope and to hopefully trust in.

If I can learn to trust God more this year that will be a huge and I think it will have a trickle over effect in trusting people.

Perhaps part of trusting God is knowing that He is worthy and I can reinforce that through worship.

What would the Lord have you focus on this year?

One Word 365

A Good Word on Prayer

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Prayer is the struggling speech of the believer infant, the war cry of the fighting believer, and the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in the arms of Jesus.  It is the breath, the password, the comfort, the strength, and the privilege of a Christian.  So if you are a child of God, you will seek your Father’s face and live in your Father’s love.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Sin’s Dark Shadow Cast Upon the New Year

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Romans 1:16

I awaken to see the sun rise
On the dawning of a new year

Instead of celebrating
My heart is grieved

For sin will be politicized
Celebrated and glorified today

That which God has declared sinful
Will be paraded as something acceptable and good

That which You foretold in Your Word
Will be on display

For today I am living in
A Romans 1 kind of world

That which You have declared evil
Man has declared good

That which is good in Your sight
Has been perverted and called evil

Lord, even some in Your church
May not speak up and stand for the truth

For they fear being branded
As narrow minded, intolerant or bigoted

May I not mistake Your patience
And desire for all to come to repentance

As approval of sin
Or believe that You will not punish un-repented sin

God, You are still upon Your throne
Sovereign, Holy and Righteous

I don’t get to decide for myself what is sin
For You have clearly spoken in Your Word

When I look back and see Christ on the cross
I know what You think of sin

The sinless Son of God was crucified
As He bore my sin and the sin of all mankind

May I remember the punishment and wrath
You poured out upon Your only begotten Son

Because of His sacrifice
I have been forgiven

I have been fitted for heaven
Clothed in the righteousness of Christ

Christ paid my ransom and I have been bought back
From the slave master called sin

Lord give me a heart of compassion
For those still held captive by sin

May I warn the sinner on the broad path
That leads to destruction

Salvation is found in no other name under heaven or earth
By which man can be saved

May I remember that You stand ready to forgive
A repentant sinner who proclaims Christ as Lord

By Susan Wachtel
January 1, 2014

Romans 1:16-32
God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Just Thinking

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What does the victorious life in Christ look like?

How does that effect
What I do
Say
Think
Feel
Respond

When dealing with challenging people and circumstances how does the Lord want me to respond?  I’m not sure I know the answer…but I do know that I sure don’t feel like I’m handling it like I should.

Lord…I need Your wisdom to guide me.  Your Holy Spirit to put a guard over my mouth.  Draw me to You, to bring everything to you in prayer so I can receive wise counsel, comfort, strengthening, encouragement or woodshed time when needed.

Help me to keep my eyes and focus on You and Your Word.  May I be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You Lord for always hearing me and being my ever present help in times of trouble.

Sunday Morn Take Away 12/29/13

Posted in Chalkboard Scripture, Sunday Morn Take Away, Uncategorized by

Psalm 46

When going to church on Sunday morning, I bring my Bible and a notebook to jot down things that our Pastor Philip De Courcy says during his sermon.  When the notebook is filled it goes on the shelf, seldom to be opened again.

For a while now…I’ve been thinking that perhaps I need to have a more record of what I’m taking away from our Sunday morning service.  This won’t be a recap…more likely bullet points.  A place for me to record what the Lord is saying through the study of His Word.

Today we studied Psalm 46.

God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Noah Webster Quote…God can save by many or by few…  Their greatest weapon was their faith in God.

Psalm 46 is a celebration for what God does for those who trust Him.
Even in the face of monumental trouble.
Will we continue to trust Him?

God is our help in the midst of trouble
Not a bubble or protected from all trouble
God does promise to meet us in the midst of the trouble.
Sometimes God calms the storm.
Sometimes He calms us in the midst of the storm.
Our trust is in God Who is sure in the midst of trouble.

Martin Luther Quote…my conscience is bound by the Word of God.

Faith in God delivers security
A sense of well-being
Not an absence of trouble.
Security is the ever present presence of God

From Vs 1 – Trouble = a tight spot…painted into a corner
This was a time of great shaking for Israel…a time of upheaval.
No sense of security…nothing firm beneath your feet.

What are we going to do?
Trust in God
Deuteronomy 33:27
God was their greatest stronghold
Tucked under the shelter of God Himself
Our Shelter, our Safe Tower
Where will my shelter be this coming year?

Quote – Frederick Nolan…where God is, a spider’s web is like a wall.  Where God is not, a wall is like a spider’s web.

Our God is inexhaustible…an able supply of resources.
A Strong Refuge
Invincible, inexhaustible
He will supply the necessary strength equal to the trial.

God’s help is timely…in the nick of time…2 Kings 19:35
The strength of God that is our help when we need it.
There will be grace when we need it and for what we need it for.
God’s strength is timeless
He is our Help from of old.
His strength has always been present
Psalm 90:1-2 – our Refuge in every generation.
God is immutable…He does not change.
There is help from of old.

God has unlimited resources.  Faith in God provides sufficiency…waters that refresh.
2 Chronicles 32:30 Hezakah redirected the waters to come into the city of Jerusalem.
Rivers of Living Water
Peace, joy, comfort, righteousness
A living well and living water within you…the Holy Spirit
A fount of every blessing…calls for songs of loudest praise.

Story…Amazon River…pushes itself out to sea 90 miles.  Surrounded by salt water, underneath the boat was fresh water…but they didn’t know it.  They were asking for fresh water, but they already had an abundant supply.

Judgment is the process…peace is the outcome.
God of the armies of heaven
God will trouble those who are troubling you.

This and That

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No Five Minute Friday to prompt me.  No hustle and bustle of the holidays to distract me and keep me going like the Energizer bunny.

It’s seems this is the first quiet Saturday morn in weeks.  I have time to think and reflect on all that’s gone on in the last few weeks and months.  To quiet my heart and mind and listen to the Lord.

Lessons I’ve had in the past, some of which I’ve failed at miserably, are coming around again.  This time I’m facing those lessons with the Lord Jesus Christ, with my heavenly Father to give me wisdom and the Holy Spirit residing within me.  May I incline my ear to the Lord, listen carefully and follow His leading and guidance as I navigate these waters afresh.  

May I have the mind of Christ and the love of God.  May I be obedient and honor God with all I do, say, think and feel.  

May I stay in close communication with God, not forsake time in prayer and listening to Him through His Word, which is perfect, inerrant and complete.  May I boast in nothing except for Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  May my heart be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He nudges me or corrects me or convicts me of sin.  Help me to be mindful of my absolute need and dependence upon You Lord and please keep me close.  

As of late, I’ve been feeling empty, spent and depleted with nothing left to give.  Even the simplest task seems like more than I can handle.  I need to be fed and replenished spiritually from God’s Word and through worship and praise of my great God and Savior.  I need the physical rest and sleep so that I’m no operating on empty.  I need to renew my mind through the washing of the Word.  

I can scarcely believe that Christmas has already come and gone.  Not only that…but we are on the edge of a New Year.  I would never have guessed all the changes that happened in 2013, how it’s ending.  What will the new year hold?  Only the Lord knows and I need to stay close to Him each day.  Keep my eyes on Him, not my circumstances or other people.  

God Is Able – A Well-timed Message

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It was my pleasure to read Priscilla Shirer’s newest book God Is Able and it was a well-timed message that I need to be reminded about.

In God Is Able, Priscilla camps on two of the most powerful verses of scripture in the New Testament, Ephesians 3:20-21.  “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.”

Those are two life change verses if we can really grab a hold of what those verses are saying and apply them to our lives.  Priscilla digs in and shares what she learned by studying each word in those verses and applying them to her life.

Why a whole chapter devoted to “Now”?  When you think about it, do you really get that the Lord God Almighty loves you, is there and available to be at work in your life in that impossible situation you are dealing with right now?  He is well able to work exceedingly abundantly in those circumstances that are beyond you.  Our circumstances are never beyond God.

One of the things I appreciate about Priscilla’s writing is that she has a high and holy view of God.  She does not downplay the sovereignty of God.  Sometimes God’s work that is beyond what we can imagine is when God in His sovereignty says “No”.  He is doing a work in us and through us that may impact others.  He desires to grow us and transform us into the image of Christ.

I enjoy Priscilla’s style of writing.  I feel like I’m sitting across the table from a friend, who is being open, honest, real and transparent.

I recommend God Is Able by Priscilla Shirer.  This book would be excellent for someone who wants to better understand God’s love and His power at work in the lives of His people.  Perhaps for a person who is going through difficult circumstances and needs some hope.  Or maybe if you just want to sit down and meditate on the awesome and amazing God we serve.

I would like to thank B&H Publishing Group for providing me a copy of God Is Able to read in exchange for an honest review.

I am pleased to announce that B&H Publishing Group has provided me with an extra copy to give away.  If you would like to read God Is Able please leave a comment or send me an email at susanwalkergirl@gmail.com.  On Saturday, November 30th, I’ll will select a winner and notify you via email to get your mailing address.

Evangelize to Me by Ceil

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It was a Five Minute Friday post that led me to blogger Ceil’s website Evangelize to Me.  After reading her post, I signed up to follow her blog.  On those busy days when I feel spent and need some encouragement or correction, it’s good to drop by Ceil’s blog and read about what she’s learning from the Lord.  

Earlier this week, I dropped by and read her post, “A Parable and a Pruning”.  In this post she shares about how she pruned a bush that was overgrown but had bare branches on the inside and she applied that to how the Lord sometime prunes us when our inner life is barren.  

I would encourage you to drop by Evangelize to Me and be encouraged and challenged in your faith by this precious sister in Christ.

Thank you to Wanda at the Well Watered Soul for an opportunity to join with you and others in highlighting posts by fellow bloggers.  
 

Five Minute Friday – Fly Out the Window

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In the middle of a busy and somewhat chaotic week, the Lord was there to meet me and had some lessons for me.

I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the amount of things I had to accomplish, requests coming in right and left and I was seeing the stress on others too.  I was overwhelmed and felt unable to do what I needed to or be of help to anyone.

When I stepped away for while I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me and asking me, “Susan, where’s your focus?  It’s not on God, but it’s on your circumstances and people.  You need to get your focus back on Me.”

In my own strength and power I would be unable to accomplish what I needed to.  My peace would fly out the window.  I wouldn’t be living in a manner that glorifies God.  I would be of no help to others or be able to encourage and strengthen others.

Instead I need to see my circumstance through my God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine.  I need to be going to my Heavenly Father in prayer, with thanksgiving and present my requests to Him.

I need to be prayed up and taking my every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  Let God overwhelm my impossible circumstances with His overcoming power.

Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” 2 Chronicles 14:11

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It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.

A Sailor’s Dying Wish

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On my drive home tonight I listened to the Hugh Hewitt show and was greatly moved by an article that Hugh read.  I encourage you to click on the link and read about “A Sailor’s Dying Wish” by Jennie Haskamp.  

 

It’s the kind of article that make you proud to be an American and grateful for the sacrifice of servicemen and women who protect and defect our nation, both in the past and present.  

 

 

Beware…

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“Beware of the Bareness of Busyness”

When I heard that quote, my ears perked up…that’s it!  That describes my life the last few months.  It’s getting busier and busier and I feel emptier and emptier.

I’m busy at work, I’m busy at home…and there is very little downtime.  The pace is too much!  There’s no let up.

I spend time in Word of God in the morning and at night.  I pray.  When I go to lunch or on my drive home, I listen to Bible studies or worship music…but there’s something still missing.

My life feels lifeless.

I think it’s because during my day, I’m not taking the time to listen to that still small voice.  I’m not hearing God’s gentle whisper or even His shouting to get my attention.  My attention is elsewhere.

I don’t take the time to write it down and think about it.  To see where it applies to my life.  I’m not taking time to enjoy the gifts that God has given me.  Nor taking the time to say thank You.

When people aren’t listening to me…I stop talking to them.  I don’t want to waste my time.

Does God ever feel like that?

Perhaps God’s silence, His deafening silence, is finally getting my attention.  Oh Lord…help me to hear You, to really listen and obey.

Five Minute Friday – Broken Lives

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DSC_5560-Pencil Detailed

It seems all around me
I see fragile lives
And broken people

Broken lives
Broken hearts and minds
Broken bodies, souls and spirits

Broken by sin
Selfishness, pride and arrogance
Sickness and disease

Left to our own devices
We are undone and without hope
Destined to a Christless eternity

But there is One
To Whom we can turn
The One who forgives, heals and restores

One God
One Father, One Son and One Spirit
One Way to salvation thru Jesus Christ the Lord

In Christ we are freed from sin
That so easily entangles us
God forgives us completely and we are restored

He gives us a new nature
We are dead to sin
Alive to Christ

He walks with us through every trial
Equips us for every battle, every day
One day He will lead us home victoriously

by Susan Wachtel
July 27, 2013

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.

Five Minute Friday – Strategic Connection

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The rhythm of life
Continues to speed up and up and up
It’s such a frantic pace
I can scarcely keep up

Every day…from morning till night
I’m busy, busy, busy
Most of it
Is of no eternal consequence

All around me people seek connection
By Facebook, Twitter, email and cell
Talking to a friend face to face, iPhone in hand
They are disconnected and distracted

Is all this connection glorifying God
Is it putting the Christ and others first
Or have we been bamboozled by the enemy
Who strategically uses anything to keep us from what really matters

Susan Wachtel
June 22, 2013

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.

Five Minute Friday – Whom will I listen to?

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Bible Heart Sepia

Just coming back from vacation and after listening to the world’s messages on television, I’m struck by the contrast to the Word of God and Christ’s message to the church.

The world’s messages:

  • Entitlement
  • I deserve this
  • Dissatisfied with what I have
  • Always wanting more
  • It’s all about me
  • If it feels good, do it
  • Elevate myself
  • It’s important that people feel good about themselves
  • Approval of everyone’s choices and lifestyle, except the narrow minded, bigoted, rightwing conservative Christians who think they know right from wrong.
  • Everyone goes to heaven except for a few people who were really evil, like Hitler.
  • Get even when I have been wronged
  • All paths lead to God or heaven

Christ’s Messages to His followers

• Die to self, pick up your cross daily and follow Me.
• Forgive those who hurt you, persecute and despitefully use you.
• Trust God, in good times and bad
• Thy will be done
• Glorify God
• Be sanctified, set apart, dedicated unto the Lord
• Be thankful always
• Trust that God is doing a good and perfect work, even in your affliction and pain
• Do good, even to your enemies
• When I am weak, then I am strong
• Guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
• Choose to meditate on that which is true, just, noble, pure, lovely and of good report
• Repent, godly sorrow leads to repentance
• What I deserve is hell for I have sinned against a holy, righteous and just God.
• What I have received is mercy and the grace of God.
• There is an objective standard of right and wrong which God has revealed in the inerrant Word of God, the Bible
• That which God has declared sin, is sin
• There is One Way to salvation, through Jesus Christ. Those who confess with their mouth, believe with their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord will be saved.

Lord, help me to listen to Your Word and tune out the world’s messages. Holy Spirit, guide me and help me to understand, apply and practice the truth revealed in Your word. Please put a guard around me, may I put on the full armor of God each day.

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.

Five Minute Friday –Soon Fall Away

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ImageFrom the dawn of a new day
Until the midnight hour
It seems as if I’m in a race

Non-stop
Fast paced
Going, going, going

The shot has been fired
A new day has begun
No time to rest

Oh Lord, I am so weary
More than fatigue
From a restless night’s sleep

It’s a weariness of my mind
Precious little time to think
Meditate on You and Your Word

Instead my day is filled
With things that are perishing
Worthless things of no eternal value

Thoughts, time and attention
On that which will soon fall away
Like chaff blown away in the wind

Lord, help me to desire You above all things
Pursue You diligently
Through the study of Your Word and prayer

May love for You consume me
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit
Give me the mind of Christ

By Susan Wachtel
June 8, 2013

Okay…I confess I took longer than five minutes…but I needed to reflect on what the last few months have been like.  I start each day with reading God’s Word, a devotional and writing in a journal.  I end the day reading the Bible.  I’m in prayer each day and listen to solid Bible teachers in my car and as time permits on my I-pod.  But I must say…even with that, it’s not enough.  The non-stop, fast pace has left me weary.  Thankfully not weariness of my soul…but of my mind and body.  

I’m looking forward to an upcoming vacation.  Where I can rest and draw near to the Lord.  Spend time with and enjoy the gift He has given me in my husband Chris.  

I’m asking for the Lord to show me how to have a balance.  To be a dedicated worker, with quality work, a good attitude and be caring about the people I see each day…but somehow, slow down and spend more time with the Lord.  Write down the things I am thankful for, the verses that jump off the page when I’m reading, the encouragement and conviction of the Holy Spirit and to meditate on the Lord.  

I want to be able to take the time to read more Christian bloggers, the words of precious men and women who love the Lord Jesus and share from their heart, encourage, exhort and challenge their readers.  

I want to be consumed by the Lord, with an unquenchable desire, hunger and thirst for His word and to know Him more and just spend time with Him and reflect on my awesome God.  

How about you precious friend…do you too need more time with the Lord?

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.

Five Minute Friday – A Heavenward View

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Dear one, this is my prayer for you in your affliction
While you undergo trials and tribulation
Faith will rise
Hope will not be extinguished
        But the Spirit will fan the flames
                From the embers, your hope in the Lord will burn hot
Trust in the Lord will increase
Unquenchable will be your desire for God’s Word
Praise and thanksgiving will flow from your lips
Peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
Joy will fill your soul
You will pray without ceasing,
Confident that God hears your cries
He sees your affliction and He cares
Your face will reflect the glory of the Lord
        Time spent with Him
Remember…you are a son or daughter of the King of kings
        And Lord of lords
Your focus will be heavenward, not inward
Confident that your deliverance will come from the Lord
Certain that the Lord is walking with you in your trial
        He is well able to bring you through this tribulation
The Lord is in the fire with you
        Refining your faith as pure gold
May you not loose heart or hope or faith
        May your trust in the Lord never waver

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing 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.
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Joni & Ken – An Untold Love Story – Open & Transparent

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After hearing Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada on several radio programs I was excited at the opportunity to read their new book Joni & Ken An Untold Love Story.
Many people may be familiar with Joni and her story on how she became a quadriplegic and know her through her writing or ministry, Joni & Friends.  But many people may be less familiar with her husband Ken Tada.  Through this book you will get to know the man who made a commitment, for better or for worse.
Rather than your typical biography Joni & Ken’s story seems to be told from a perspective of someone looking back on their lives with a spotlight on significant events and seasons of their life.  Joni and Ken are open and transparent.  They are godly people who love the Lord and each other, but don’t try to pretend that after they married, life was happily ever after.  Even good marriages can be trying, but add to that the everyday challenges of quadriplegia.  In their book, Joni and Ken shared about their struggles and the toll that it took on their marriage and a stretch in the doldrums, living separate lives together.
Dealing with quadriplegia would be hard enough, but then came excruciating pain without relief.  What would the diagnosis of breast cancer bring?  That much strain could bring even the best of marriages to the breaking point.  But God had another plan…instead this would be Joni & Ken’s finest hour.  God had been preparing Ken for this season when he would called to take care of the precious gift of his bride, Joni. 
I must confess I found Ken and Joni’s openness and transparency painful, sobering and at times depressing.  I was challenged because it caused me to reflect my own brokenness, but it was a much needed reminder of my absolute dependence upon God, each and every day. 
I recommend this book, especially for couples and individuals who may be going through a difficult season in their lives.  I think your commitment to your marriage and faith will be encouraged and strengthened.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book free from the publisher through Book Sneeze’ book review blogger program.  I was not required to give a favorable review. 
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Happy Mother’s Day!

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Something I especially appreciate about participating in Five Minute Friday is reading the different blog post from other bloggers.  The word is the same, but each message is unique.

One post that I read touched me greatly.  To be blessed, whether you are a mother or not, head on over and read Gretchen’s post “To the God Who Knows”.

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Five Minute Friday – In Christ I Find

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In Christ, I find comfort
When I am afflicted
In Christ, I find strength
When I am weak and unable to go on
In Christ, I find peace
For my troubled soul, peace with God and with man
In Christ, I find wisdom
As I read God’s Word and obey
In Christ, I find justice
Assurance that one day there will be a reckoning
In Christ, I find abundant mercy
For on the cross He died take away my sin
In Christ, I find propitiation  
In His sacrificial death the Father’s wrath was satisfied
In Christ, I find grace
Abounding grace to live each day, for every situation
In Christ, I find forgiveness
For my own sins and the grace to forgive others
In Christ, I find direction
A Guiding Light for each step I take
Susan Wachtel
May 11, 2013
It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s FiveMinute Friday writing 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.
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