The Faith I Want

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I was thinking about faith today and here are some reflections on the kind of faith that I want to have:

A defiant faith

Faith that turn the world upside down

Faith that knows the battle belongs to the Lord

Faith that does not lose hope

Faith that sings hymns of praise in the darkness

Faith that praises God when the world expects me to curse Him

Faith that dares to ask the Lord to let me walk on water

Faith that trusts God to shut the mouths of lions

Faith that rejoices in all circumstances

Faith that forgives and prays for those who hurt me

Faith that does not doubt or waver when it seems like the Lord is silent
Faith that looks to the Lord when my world seems like it’s caving in

Faith that repents and runs to the Lord when I’ve sinned

Faith that truly knows…it’s all about God

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Five Minute Friday – Not Home Yet

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Daily I am reminded
I am not home yet
For I am a stranger
Living in a strange land
A foreigner in a land
Not my own
An ambassador waiting for the King
To call me home before the battle begins
A bride waiting
For the Bridegroom to come take me to the Father’s house
For He has gone
To prepare a place for me
He promised that where He is
There I shall be also
He will come and take me home
And all who proclaim Christ as Lord
We will soon be removed
Before the great and dreadful Day of the Lord begins
When God’s wrath will be poured out
On those who reject God with a hardened heart
Those who close their eyes
In willful blindness
On those who plug their ears
Least they hear the truth and believe
Of God’s promises I am certain
I look back and see His faithful deliverance
I see Noah and his family
Shut in the ark, the door closed by God Himself
Lot and his family were removed before judgment began
Then the Lord rained down brimstone and fire from heaven
The Lord struck down the firstborn of Egypt
But passed over the children of Israel, seeing the blood of the Lamb
I am confident that there is a generation
Who in the twinkling of an eye will be snatched away, caught up
But the dead in Christ will rise first
Together they will be reunited and taken home
Join together with the Bridegroom
At the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
By Susan Wachtel
March 9, 2013
I confess that today I wrote for longer than five minutes. 

It’s another Saturday morn and I participating in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Fridaywriting 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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Such a Nice Surprise

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Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Cynthia at Prayer Notes by Cynthia letting me know that I had won coasters, The Old Rugged Cross, that she had made and designed. 
If you haven’t already discovered Cynthia’s blog, head on over.  You will find encouragement for your faith and some beautiful and unique art work and crafts.  Cynthia also has website at Etsy.
Thank you Cynthia…I feel most blessed.
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1,000 Gifts – February 23, 2013

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February 23, 2013 Saturday
22.  Thank You Lord for a weekend.  Time to care our home which You have provided and a time to worship, study Your word and to rest.
23.  Thank You for a bright and sunny day.
24.  Thank You for bringing the birds back.  During the cold days of winter they seemed to be few.  Thank You for our little wrens who are building a nest in our bird house. 
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Amazing Grace by Michael W Smith

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Sorry about the ad that comes first…you can skip it shortly. 

Amazing Grace is my absolute favorite hymn and I love this version.  It does capture my heartfelt thanksgiving to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Christ Jesus for the incredible and undeserved gift of forgiveness of my sins, eternal life and the promise of heaven.

I want this hymn sung at my memorial service.  I want it to be a huge celebration of God and His gift of Amazing Grace.
 



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Freedom Has a Price

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Oh how I hate incessant
Whining and complaining
About that which I can’t change
My only choice is to pick my poison
Oh how I hate
The nanny government
Sticking its nose
In the private and personal lives of citizens
Hands reaching through employers
Offering incentives
Dangling the carrot of money
Hoping we will respond like Pavlov’s dogs
Our government has lost its focus
No longer able to defend and protect
Its citizens against evil
Against people and governments bent on destruction
Freedom always has a price to pay
For me, it’s a little over $1.50 a day
To say “No”, my life is my own
It is to God to Whom I will give an account
by Susan Wachtel
February 23, 2013
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Five Minute Friday – Lasting Impression

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It’s not so much what she said
For she was not one for long conversations
But it’s what mom did that made a lasting impression
One day her life made an unexpected left turn
Went down a road she could never have imagined
It’s there she showed me how to be a strong woman
In the midst of her grief
She made plans for an education
That would allow her to provide
A move was in store
Our lives changed
Never to be the same
Focused and determined
She persevered the long days at school
Studied hard at night
Friendships were formed
That would last a lifetime
Together they achieved their goal…LVN
Another move, a new town
A new school, another goal before her
Friends and family would join her on the journey
Buckle down, study hard
Early mornings, late nights
Learn that which doesn’t come easy
The day came when she achieved her goal
Her tireless efforts were rewarded
A goal achieved, a degree received…Registered Nurse
When hard times come
It’s not the time to buckle under the stress
Nor focus on the past, or look in the rear view mirror
It’s the time to be strong
Focused and determined
She was rewarded with a career she loved for a lifetime
by Susan Wachtel
February 23, 2013
It’s another Saturday morn and I participating in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Fridaywriting 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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Five Minute Friday – My Beloved

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He is the Beloved Son of God
Christ Jesus
In Whom the Father is well pleased
His is my Beloved Savior
Who laid His glory aside
In order to become a man, my Kinsman
He is my beloved Sin Bearer
He paid the penalty for my sin
So that my sin debt was marked paid in full
He is my Beloved Redeemer
He ransomed my soul
From the slaved master called sin
He is my Beloved in Whom I found freedom
Freedom from the guilt of sin, the power of sin
One day from the presence of sin
He is my Beloved God
Who dares to call this sinner His beloved bride
One day He will take me home to a place He has prepared
by Susan Wachtel
February 16, 2013

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.  Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  1 John 3:1-3

It’s another Saturday morn and I participating 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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Five Minute Friday – My Soul Laid Bare

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Lord, I come before you
Open and transparent
My soul is laid bare before You
As long as I cling to sin
Prize it above You
Fail to recognize sin for what it is
Our fellowship is broken
You will not answer my prayers
The prayers of a prideful, unrepentant heart
By when I repent
When I confess my sin
When my heart is broken over that which breaks Your heart
It is then that the breach has been repaired
You once again receive me in Your loving-kindness
Once again our fellowship has been restored
By Susan Wachtel
February 9, 2013
During my devotional time, I’m writing out the Psalms.  Today I was in Psalm 66, verses 13-20, which fueled this poem.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!
Psalm 66:18-20
For some reason…my Five Minute Friday is usually written on Saturday. However, I still wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head over to her website “LisaJo 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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Trust Him By Faith

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During trials and tribulations
Though God seems distant and far away
He is much nearer than I know
For I am cupped in the palm of His hand
When God seems silent
His voice is drowned out by the noise of life
He bids me to be still
Incline my ear to Him and listen
When I’m tempted to fear and tremble
Walk by sight…focused on my circumstances
The Lord commands me
Take every thought captive in obedience to Christ
May I dare to walk by faith
Take God at His word
May I trust Him enough – to trust Him
Even when I don’t understand what He is accomplishing
By Susan Wachtel
February 8, 2013
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Mosiac Monday – Far Away

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These photos were taken on a recent cruise to Mexico.  We went on an excursion to Cabo San Lucas.  Just love the colors and sight.  It seems like there is never enough time to take all the photos I want.

Linking up with Mary Carroll at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

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Five Minute Friday – Fear Exchange

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It seems we’ve exchanged the fear of God
For fear of man
Instead of fearing what God can do
We are afraid of what man will say
We choose to forget that God is Holy, Holy, Holy
Fail to call sinful what God has declared sin
We no longer have reverence and awe of God
Fail to declare His Word with authority
Instead of loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength
We desire the approval of man
Instead of worshipping God and feeding the flock
Churches have become places where the ungodly are not confronted about sin and repentance
Lord, forgive us for dialing down Your Word
Protecting people from the Sword of the Spirit
Forgive us for being harsh and unforgiving
Where You abound in mercy and grace
Lord, restore in us a reverence and awe of You
May we fear You Lord and begin to gain wisdom
Susan Wachtel
February 2, 2013
Even though it’s Saturday I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday 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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Five Minute Friday – Fear Exchange

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It seems we’ve exchanged the fear of God

For fear of man

Instead of fearing what God can do

We are afraid of what man will say

We choose to forget that God is Holy, Holy, Holy

Fail to call sinful what God has declared sin

We no longer have reverence and awe of God

Fail to declare His Word with authority

Instead of loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength

We desire the approval of man

Instead of worshipping God and feeding the flock

Churches have become places where the ungodly are not confronted about sin and repentance

Lord, forgive us for dialing down Your Word

Protecting people from the Sword of the Spirit

Forgive us for being harsh and unforgiving

Where You abound in mercy and grace

Lord, restore in us a reverence and awe of You

May we fear You Lord and begin to gain wisdom

Susan Wachtel

February 2, 2013

Even though it’s Saturday I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday 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 – Once Again

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Under fiery trials my faith grew weak
It tottered and wobbled until it failed me
The Lord Whom I love and trust was obscured
By circumstances fast spinning out of control
There I stood facing the enemy defeated
Clothed in my weakness, not the Lord’s Armor
But then I cried out to the Lord my God
Omnipotence Who reigns on high
I lifted my eyes unto Your throne
From whence cometh my Help
The Holy Spirit rose up within me
Strengthened my heart with truth from God’s Word
Encouraged, I remembered God’s faithfulness
His deliverance in times past, which is always on time
For God is always faithful
Though I may fail Him, He will NEVER fail me
The Lord Jesus has a firm grasp on me
Once again, in confidence I stand for He will NEVER let me go
By Susan Wachtel
January 26, 2013
Even though it’s Saturday I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday 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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Really Leon? Really? What in the world are you thinking?

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My posts about politics are few and far between these days. 
But with the announcement by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that women will be allowed to serve in combat roles, I cannot let this pass by without comment. 
I could easily rant and rave about this decision.  Instead, I found an excellent response in an article written by Ryan Smith on the Wall Street Journal Opinion section.  Take the time to read it and pass it along so that the citizens of this nation can see the conditions we would be putting our daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, aunts and friends in. 
Ryan Smith: The Reality That Awaits Women in Combat

Mr. Panetta, is there a reason why you announced the decision as you are leaving you post as Defense Secretary? 
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Five Minute Friday – The Cherished Cross

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Oh how I cherish the cross
When I gaze upon it
I see my Savior who died
To set me free
I see the holiness of God
And the ugliness of my sin
The chains of sin that once held me
Have been broken; I’ve been set free
The blood of Christ was shed
To cleanse me whiter than snow
The Father’s love so deep
He gave His only begotten Son
The place where my Kinsman Redeemer
Paid the price and made me His own
by Susan Wachtel
January 19, 2013
Though I’m a day late, I did not want to miss an opportunity to participate in Lisa-JoBaker’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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Grace by Max Lucado – This Book’s a Keeper and a Giver

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Author Max Lucado has a unique way of meditating on God, who He is and what He’s done for sinful man.  What better subject than grace!  The grace of God that saves us and gives us a new heart.  Our gracious  God who forgives us when by all rights He should have condemned us.  The grace of God demonstrated when He sent His Son to take our place and pay the penalty for our sin.  In exchange, He saved us by His marvelous, overflowing, unstoppable grace.  Grace that can soften a hardened heart and change a life.  Those are just some of the meditations on God’s grace that Max Lucado shares in his new book Grace – More Than We Deserve – Greater Than We Imagine.
Who doesn’t need to be under the fire hose of God’s grace?  Once you’ve been on the receiving end of God’s grace, often dispensed through the lives of His people, you want to learn how to live a grace filled and grace giving life. 
This book is a powerful reminder on God and the grace He freely gives us in abundance. 
I highly recommend Max Lucado’s newest book Grace – More Than We Deserve – Greater Than We Imagine.  This book is a keeper because you will want to read it again, ponder and reflect on our gracious God.  This book is a giver too; you’ll want to share this encouraging book with someone in need of an outpouring of God’s grace. 
A concern that I had with the Reader’s Guide written by Kate Etue, is that it was too self-focused and less God focused.  I also would appreciate Max Lucado broaching the subject of repentance, a subject that is seldom mentioned in Christian writing today.
A free copy of this book was provided to me by BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.  I under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
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1,000 Gifts – January 12, 2013

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January 12, 2013
19.  I’m thankful for the good health and strength to be able to clean and take care of our home. 
20.  I’m thankful to be able to listen to some great Bible study teachers, download their messages to my I-pod so I can listen while I’m cleaning, cooking or working.  The ability to download and immediately listen is something that I couldn’t have even imagined when I was young. 
21.  I’m grateful for solid Bible teachers who are diligent to study so they can preach and teach the Word of God accurately.  They don’t apologize for the truth in God’s Word that sometimes stings.  Their aim is not to please man but knowing they will give an account to God for how they handled His Word and shepherded His people.   
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