The Gift Exchange

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As the lights were dimmed

A hush came over the crowd

In the quiet a question was posed

What will you give Jesus for Christmas?

I knew in an instant

As his face came to my mind

Our relationship broken and strained

I would present this to my Lord

A beautifully wrapped package

Rested in my hand

Held close to my heart

Then raised to the Lord

In an instant my burden was lifted

Stress I had felt melted away

Once again my mind was focused

Aware of the presence of the Lord

How did this gift exchange happened

I will never fully know

As I presented my gift to the Lord

His peace filled my soul

by Susan Wachtel

December 12, 2012

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Oliver Twist – Most Excellent

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Focus on the Family Radio Theatre did a most excellent job in retelling Charles Dickens’ classic tale of orphan Oliver Twist.  It’s a quality production in every aspect, from the cast to the musical score, sound effects and narration. 
The talented cast did an outstanding job in bringing these memorable characters to life.  The story seems to come alive in the imagination of the listener.  The hardest part was waiting to listen to the next CD. 
This audio drama is a set that includes 5 CDs and a bonus DVD with footage on the making of the radio drama and interviews with experts on Charles Dickens.  After seeing the attention that was paid to the fine details it made me appreciate it even more.  I look forward to listening to it again and I want to read the book Oliver Twist.
The DVD also includes some true life, compelling stories on modern day orphans, a subject which is near and dear to the heart of Focus on the Family.
Oliver Twist would make an excellent gift!  I do believe that Mr. Dickens would himself be pleased with this radio drama.  I highly recommend Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s production of Oliver Twist.
Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this audio drama to listen to and review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
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Five Minute Friday – Giving Thanks

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Father as I meditate on Your loving-kindness and goodness
Thanksgiving comes from my heart and is on my lips
Thank You for sending Your Son to bear my sins upon the cross
Because of Christ, my sin debt was marked “Paid in Full”
Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ
Which cleansed me from all my sin
Thank You for the Gift of Promise
The Holy Spirit, my Guarantee of a future spent with You
Thank You for redeeming this wretched sinner
Taking my heart of stone and giving me a heart of flesh
Thank You for clothing me
In the righteousness of Christ
Thank You for Your life giving Word
Like a river of life for my thirsty soul
Thank You for Your transforming power
Empowering and enabling me to walk victoriously over sin
Thank You for the promise of heaven
An eternity spent with You…the Lover of my soul
By Susan Wachtel
November 23, 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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Five Minute Friday – Stay Close

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Like a ravenous wolf
The enemy trailed the flock of sheep
Watching and waiting
For an opportune time
Before long his next victim was in sight
A young lamb who had wandered from the flock
He lost sight of the Good Shepherd
Faced a vicious enemy alone
With lighting speed and power
The enemy pounced upon his prey
Tearing flesh, ripping muscle and crushing bone
Jaws poised and ready to clamp down on the lamb’s neck
Without warning the enemy was struck with a rod
The Good Shepherd went looking for His lost lamb
He heard the terror filled cries
Intent upon destruction he didn’t see the death blow coming
The lamb was freed
Saved from certain death
The Good Shepherd picked up the injured lamb
Carried him back to the fold
Tenderly his wounds were nursed
Healing balm applied
The Good Shepherd lovingly spoke
Precious lamb, stay close to the One who loves you
Susan Wachtel
November 17, 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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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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Five Minute Friday – Arms Open Wide

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Each Sunday, I take notes during our Pastor’s sermons.  A quote that the Pastor Philip gave on Sunday really struck me.  Following a service an older lady said to Pastor Lloyd Olgilvie, “I pray that your life will be as wonderful as it was in the mind of God when He created you.”
Isn’t that something to ponder?  I wonder…what did God design and plan for my life?  Will I receive it with arms open wide?  Am I willing to embrace the pain with the pleasure?  Am I willing to trust God with the unknown?  Am I willing to go down paths I never expected or feared and tried to avoid? 
Am I willing to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Christ?
When the rubber meets the road, do I trust God? 
Does my faith translate into action? 
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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