But Wait…There’s More
The Early Bird Catches the Goldfinch
The early bird catches the Goldfinch…and maybe Towhee too.
It’s been at least three months, perhaps four since we put out the feeder to attract Goldfinches. After being captivated by all the outdoor birds and wildlife in our backyard…we were hoping to attract Goldfinches.
Valerie and Vince at Wild Birds Unlimited in Yorba Linda assured us that they would come. They said be patient…they are a little skittish…it may take them a while to come. Well after a couple of months of trying lure them our way in the front yard…we finally moved the feeding sock to the backyard. Again we waited. It took a couple more months…but this time we hit pay dirt.
Yesterday, while ironing Chris looked out the back window and saw birds on the sock. I ran out with my trusty camera…and was able to capture the elusive Goldfinches! Throughout the day…I’d glance out while I was busy cleaning…and found the little critters out there, coming and going throughout most of the day.
Despite the chilly morning, I braved the elements to capture our new friends, the Goldfinches, and few old pals as well. There is our beloved Towhees and of course our precious sparrows.
As a side note…a big thumbs up to Valerie and Vince at Wild Birds Unlimited in Yorba Linda, CA. Their customer service is simply the best. If you love birds…please be sure to pay them a visit.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
Love Letter
We both wept as you read
A love letter
Written from your heart
Recalling God’s providence
His miraculous work
In bringing us together
How He overcame obstacles
Combined our broken pieces into one
Smashed the word “impossible”
God has perfectly balanced our differences
Out of the ash heap of our weaknesses
He brought forth strength
He continues His work today
Turning us from blinding fear and unbelief
To unwavering faith and knowing that He is able
God has enabled you
To look beyond the surface
Love from the depths of your heart
Beloved, may I always remember
That you are God’s gift to me
From our heavenly Father above
Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 9, 2009
Dedicated to Chris Wachtel…my beloved husband.
A love letter
Written from your heart
Recalling God’s providence
His miraculous work
In bringing us together
How He overcame obstacles
Combined our broken pieces into one
Smashed the word “impossible”
God has perfectly balanced our differences
Out of the ash heap of our weaknesses
He brought forth strength
He continues His work today
Turning us from blinding fear and unbelief
To unwavering faith and knowing that He is able
God has enabled you
To look beyond the surface
Love from the depths of your heart
Beloved, may I always remember
That you are God’s gift to me
From our heavenly Father above
Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 9, 2009
Dedicated to Chris Wachtel…my beloved husband.
Humbled
He humbles me in every direction I turn
As I behold
The marvels of His creation anew
A sunset so brilliant and bold
No painter could begin to imagine
The colors, intensity and hues
Our Creator paints
A breathtaking evening sky
So that we might enjoy and proclaim His Excellencies
He creates with perfection
The humming bird that hovers above
A vision of beauty and delicate precision
Creation bears the mark of His perfect hand
But nothing in creation can compare
To humans created in God’s own image
Susan Bunts Wachtel
November 9, 2009
This poem is dedicated to Jun who inspired it by his reaction to an amazing sunset that captured our Creators marvelous work. Indeed Jun…God does humble me in every direction I turn. May you reflect on Him as you travel on the difficult road ahead…mindful that He is always with you.
Let All Creation Praise the Lord
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.
Psalm 148:13
The above photos were taken on our weekend trip down to San Diego. The spectacular sunset photos were take at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA.
A Weekend to Remember
Looking Through the Lens…Photography Contest
Have you been bitten by the photography bug? Do you get a high when you are looking at your latest batch of photos and discovered that you got one really great shot?
Be it people or nature shots…I love taking photos. So when Rachel at Hope Journey posted about a photography contest taking place at “Looking Through the Lens”…I was on it. Had to check it out to see if I would be able to submit an entry or two.
I can hardly wait to see all the entries. If you’d like to participate in the contest and post some of your favorite photographs…click on the link and go to “Looking Through the Lens” to learn the details about the contest. The deadline is November 10th…which is just around the corner…so don’t delay!
Below are my entries for the theme of Seasons.
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
This photograph really was taken in the winter…to be more specific…a California winter. It’s a view from the Oceanside pier in January as the sun was setting. To get the full effect of the colors of the sunset…click on the picture.
Is Your Email Saved?
I’ve wanted to write about the topic of email for some time now. Specifically, about the emails that I receive from Christians. More often than not the emails have been forwarded from someone else.
When I take the time to read the email…all too often I find myself wondering, “Did this come from a Christian?” Did they actually take the time to read this before they sent it? If they did read it, why did they think it was remotely fitting or appropriate for a Christian to send?
I receive emails from Christians that have filthy language, sexual innuendo or worse. There are the emails that mock people for their looks, how they dress and their race.
I’m not surprised when I receive something like that from an unbeliever. But when it’s from a Christian…not only am I shocked and amazed…I’m deeply saddened. In fact, I’d say I get less inappropriate emails from non Christians than I do from Christians. Why? Because the unbelievers know I’m a Christian and they are respectful of that fact.
If someone were to read the email that you send…would they know that you are a Christian?
Here are some general guidelines that all Christians should apply to our communication…be it emails, conversation, or what we read, watch and listen to.
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices. Colossians 3:7-9
….as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; – Ephesians 4:22
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. – Proverbs 11:20
….as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; – Ephesians 4:22
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. – Proverbs 11:20
At first glance some of the emails may seem funny…but when you take a closer look…be it something that mocks people, uses cuss words or laughs at sexual immorality…what’s so funny about that?
I don’t think it any accident that the enemy has deceived Christians to go along with the world and be just like them. We can even laugh at that which Christ died for. When we compromise…what does the world see different about Christians? What do we have to offer the world…when we are living like unbelievers?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1-2
I’m sure that there are many Christians that are shaking their heads…and saying, “Loosen up Susan…there’s no harm in it…we’re just having a good laugh or two. Who are you to judge?”
I’m not worthy to judge anyone. But I know that I will give an account to God. He tells me that I will give an account to Him…for every idle word. Everything will be laid bare before Him and He knows the motives of my heart.
It’s not about following the rules as much as it is about loving Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Wanting to live my life in such a manner that what I do is good and pleasing to Him.
Lest you think I’m deluding myself and believe that I actually achieve that all the time…I know that I don’t. I know that I fall short. Without the power of the Holy Spirit within me…I’m incapable living a life that is pleasing to God. But as I yield to God, strive to live in a manner worthy of my high calling…I’m able to do it more. I won’t be made perfect this side of heaven. But praise God…He is in the process of sanctifying me.
In light of God’s word…does your email reflect your Christian faith? Is your email saved?
Sinners & Saints
Today I found myself
Overwhelmed with sorrow
As I witnessed sin and rebellion
Active and alive in both sinners and saints
I was grieved over the one called Christian
Who powerfully wields their tongue
Only to criticize and condemn
In pride, crushes the reputation of others
I wondered do I pray
For the salvation
Of the one who proclaims belief in Christ
But is walking with one foot in the world
What do I say
To the brother or sister
Engaging in filthy language and course jesting
In whom there’s little difference from an unbeliever
Oh Lord,
May my heart be burdened
For their salvation and Christian walk
May I be faithful in prayer for both sinners and saints
Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 19, 2009
Recently God has burdened my heart to pray for other believers. I’ve tried to very specific. That their words, the overflow of the heart, would be good and pleasing to God. That their words would be used to encourage and build up others in the faith. That their lips would praise and glorify God. That they would be humble before God, burdened for the lost and faithful in prayer. That their Christian walk would be blameless.
That’s why I experienced profound sadness when I found that those prayers have not been answered yet.
But tonight I experienced some peace when studying Beth Moore’s “Jesus The One & Only”. In tonight’s lesson she explained that some believers choose to sit by the word of God, rather than sit under the authority of the word of God.
That insight helped me to understand…that while what I’m praying for people is in God’s will…it’s not something that He will force upon them. Instead He desires that we willingly choose to obey Him.
When I love God and choose to walk in a manner that is good and pleasing to Him that is more desirable than having God force me to be good.
Though momentarily discouraged…I’m reminded that I need to continue to be faithful in praying for we are engaged in a spiritual battle…and I don’t want my fellow saints to fall prey to the enemy.
Fresh Faith
One of the reasons I love to study the Bible is that each time I study a passage, whether it’s for the first time or the tenth…it’s fresh and new and applies to me right where I am.
Just recently I listened to Beth Moore’s “Believing God” study during my drive time. I think that this was the third time I’ve heard the study. The last time was back in the summer of 2006…a pivotal and transitional year for me. Both personally and professionally. God used that study to help me during a turbulent time.
But I must say that what I learned back then pales in comparison to what I learned this time. So much so that I listened to many of the CDs at least twice this go around. There was so much good material that it was hard to take it all in during one sitting.
As I was driving home tonight…listening to a different study, I marveled at what I was hearing. Then I got to thinking…what’s the difference between what I’m hearing now compared to three years ago?
- Back then did I have a hard, unbelieving heart?
- Was there a lack of spiritual maturity?
- Or do I have a hunger and thirst for God’s word today that was missing a few years ago?
- If so…how did it develop?
- More importantly…how do I continue to grow and not grow cold in my love for God and His word?
I see the power in God’s word and the necessity for prayer that I didn’t fully understand back then. I want to know Him more and I want to dwell in His presence. I want Jesus Christ to be my All in all.
Together…Experiencing a Wild Beauty
Wachtel Wedding Pictures
It’s been a long time coming…but we’ve finally uploaded our wedding photos to Slide.com. If you want to see any of the pictures you can go to the website and view or download any of the pictures.
Ru Tube – Rudy’s Back Yard Encounter
Rudy was enjoying the view of backyard, when what to his wandering eye should appear, but outdoor kitty. Rudy was not pleased. Not pleased at all. Rudy has a tiny little voice. While his meow sounded sweet and cute…he was not a happy camper and made every attempt to let outdoor kitty know that his presence was not welcome!
Chris & Susan Wachtel Wedding Video – 10/4/08 Becoming One
This video is comprised of pictures and audio from our wedding which took place on October 4th, 2008.
Most importantly we thank Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith for bringing Chris and I together when it seemed all but impossible. For holding our marriage together as we learn to grow together.
There are so many people to thank who helped in all aspects of our wedding. We are so grateful for our family and friends love and support, both now and then. Without it, our marriage would not be nearly as rich.
Thank you Donna and Jay Hoyt for standing with me in place of my parents. Thank you to the Silvestri family Denise, Pete, Travis, Reed, Alyssa, Scott, Susan and Danica for being there. Thank you Susan for taking care of my make up!
Thank you to my new family for taking me in…Ron and Carol, Cindy, Molly and Nathan, Kylan and Madison, Andrew and Amber, Hannah and Zoe and Casey too. I look forward to a lifetime getting to know you.
Thank you to Pastor Dave Dunn…for performing our wedding ceremony…you did a marvelous job and made it so memorable and personal. Thank you to Chance Conner who performed the songs for our wedding…thank you for sharing your talents on our special day. Thank you to our wedding photographer Sherry Hebestreit and Mike Farrel who did the audio and video for our wedding.
Thank you to Chris, my beloved husband. Thank you for marrying me and loving me, working through the hard times and laughing with me during the good times. I love you so much. You are a good man and I am most blessed by God to call you my husband. Love you Dub! Happy 1st Anniversary!
"Tude"
I had a “tude” today
I could have given you a laundry list of everything that’s wrong
Lament about things that aren’t fair
Drone on about things that are just not right
I know that there is a fine line
Between a heart that is hurting, sadden and grieved
And spirit of grumbling and complaining against God
I crossed that line today
But my God was patient and gentle with me
I know that instead of whining and complaining
Against circumstances, people and God
That I should go before God with my cares and concerns
Today, He went before me
Offered grace and mercy when I deserved none
He heard my cry of pain
Thinly disguised as complaining
He worked out the circumstances of a busy day
Smoothed out the path before me
Allowed me to accomplish all that needed to done
Showed me that my fear was for naught
He led me to the healing balm of praise and worship
Through hymns, songs and spiritual songs
Reminded me of His sovereignty in all things
Assured me that He is working all these things for good
While I may not know His purpose
In allowing things that are wrong, not fair and just not right
He does have a purpose and a plan
None of it escapes His notice
At God’s appointed time
He will provide deliverance
Work through my circumstance
And bring much more than I could ask or imagine
Susan Bunts Wachtel
October 3, 2009
Yester day my attitude stinketh. I meditated on everything that wasn’t fair or right. I mulled over the things that are wrong in my life.
But I was amazed at how gently God dealt with me. I know that just like the Israelites grumbling and complaining as they walked through the desert was wrong and an offence to God…so too is my grumbling and complaining.
In the midst of my bad attitude day…God led me to put in a worship CD from Kristen and Keith Getty called “Awaken the Dawn”. Was a wonderful way to be reminded about the sovereignty of God! Of His tender loving care even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
In thinking about the sin of grumbling and complaining…I see that it is simply a manifestation of doubt and unbelief. It’s doubting God…doubting that He is who He says He is. Displaying a lack of confidence that He can do what He says He can do. It’s my failure to trust His goodness and character. It’s focusing on me. It’s wanting things my way, in my timing. It’s having no regard for God’s plan, purpose and timing.
Grumbling and complaining is doing the easy thing. It’s not disciplining my heart and mind to go to God in prayer and lift up what concerns me.
When I grumble and complain…there is no room for thanksgiving or prayer for others. Just as the Israelites complained about the manna that God provided…my bad attitude and grumbling was really a complaint against what God has seen fit to provide me.
When I grumble and complain, I fail to recognize that God is doing a greater work to conform me to the image and likeness of Christ.
Complaining make my heart hard and resistant to the hands of the skillful, knowledgeable Potter who seeks to form this pot as He sees fit. The hardness of my heart against my circumstances and God makes the work that God is doing in me, more painful than it needs to be.
Thank You Lord Jesus for Your mercy to me.
Eyes on Jesus
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of myself
I have hope that does not fade
Instead of myself
I have hope that does not fade
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of being overcome with fear
I stand firm in faith
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of my circumstances
I have a peace which passes all understanding
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of focusing on my enemies
I believe that He will deliver me
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead my weaknesses and limitations
I pray with confidence that He will do the impossible
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of remembering my sin
I have the assurance of God’s forgiveness
When I have my eyes on Jesus
Instead of the here and now
I have the promise of heaven that will never pass away
Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 23, 2009
Remnants of Sin
The remnants of sin
In a life before Christ
Leaves ugly black marks
On the fragile human soul
A life spent in rebellion against God
Entangled by sin
Experienced momentary pleasures
Never thinking about the long lasting, devastating consequences of sin
Be it the woman who bought the lie
Gave herself freely
To any Tom, Dick and Harry
Now has trouble bonding to the one she’s committed her life to
Or to the man
Who experienced sensual pleasures
With numerous women who meant nothing at the time
Now memories of their faces invade his mind when he’s with his wife
Maybe it’s the woman
Who found herself pregnant by a man she did not love
Now each year a depression creeps over her
At the anniversary when that tiny life within was extinguished
Perhaps it’s a craving
For drugs or alcohol
Oh if only there was something to numb that pain
So deep inside that just won’t go away
Oh how effectively the enemy uses the past
We desire to counsel our children of the price they will pay
But he throws the past in our face
He shouts hypocrite, liar, sinner!!!
We waver in the temptation
To just shut up
After all…how do you tell your child
Do as I say, not as I did
Then the Holy Spirit reminds you
For your sins Christ died
That black stain of sin
Has been washed white as snow
As Christ’s blood flowed down Calvary’s cross
When He shouted, “It is finished!”
Your sin debt was paid in full
Nothing more must be done…only believe
That’s when the soul healing begins
With each accusation of the enemy
God reminds that you are a new creation in Christ
Sanctified, set apart, made righteous by the precious blood of the Lamb
By Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 22, 2009
This poem is dedicated to a dear friend…who now and again can’t seem to escape from the effects of sin and poor choices from earlier in their life.
I find myself getting so mad at the enemy. Not only does Satan deceive us…and lead us to follow him and rebel against God and His word…but then he turns around and accuses us after we’ve repented and are walking with the Lord.
If we knew back then how the choice to sin would impact our lives until the day we die…we would likely make different choice.
But praise God for the salvation that He offers through Jesus Christ and His attaining death on the cross. Have you received Christ’s forgiveness for your sins?
Not Yet Healed
That which is meant
To help and encourage
Only serves to hurt and tear open
Wounds not yet healed
Though I’m tempted
To reach for the phone
I go before the Lord
Cry out in my pain
The wait has been so long
Never would I have imagined
But the Lord encourages me
To trust Him still more
Trust Him more than what past failures
Might predict about future success
Instead see how God takes our brokenness and frailty
And makes us whole and strong in Christ
The Lord bids me to come
Pour out my burdens at the foot of the cross
Receive comfort while the wait is long
Stand firm…see my deliverance and victory in the Lord
Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 21, 2009
To help and encourage
Only serves to hurt and tear open
Wounds not yet healed
Though I’m tempted
To reach for the phone
I go before the Lord
Cry out in my pain
The wait has been so long
Never would I have imagined
But the Lord encourages me
To trust Him still more
Trust Him more than what past failures
Might predict about future success
Instead see how God takes our brokenness and frailty
And makes us whole and strong in Christ
The Lord bids me to come
Pour out my burdens at the foot of the cross
Receive comfort while the wait is long
Stand firm…see my deliverance and victory in the Lord
Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 21, 2009
God Stop – Faith…Expecting the Unexpected
This fall started out the same as usual…but quickly took a detour from the route I expected and planned. I started out in one Bible study and due to changing circumstances made the move to a different study.
Thursday was my first week with the new group. This is the first women’s Bible study I’ve been involved with through my church. We are going through Beth Moore’s study, “Jesus the One and Only”.
I think that God prepared the way for this move as I worked on Beth Moore’s “Psalms of Ascent” study this summer. It was so different from the Bible study I’ve been in for over ten years that it took me a little while to get used it. But before long I was enjoying the new study. One thing I liked in particular were the “ah ha” moments I experienced as I started to think of my life, beliefs and thinking in light of God’s Word.
Because I started the study a week late…I did not have my first week’s questions completed. So mostly I listened while the other women shared their answers.
One of the segments spoke about the different responses that Zechariah and Mary had when the angel Gabriel visited them with good news about God’s miraculous intervention in their lives.
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth had wanted to have a child for years. They prayed for many years, but now their bodies were well past the child bearing years. But the angel came to tell that their prayer had been answered and that Elizabeth would give birth to a boy. He was to be called John. He was to be no ordinary child, but instead he was the forerunner of the Messiah and would prepare the way of the Lord.
Zechariah responded with doubt and unbelief and asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
As a result of his unbelief…the angel struck Zechariah mute until after John was born.
Now Mary on the other hand had a much bigger miracle in store. She hadn’t prayed to have a child. In fact she was betrothed to Joseph and still a virgin when the angel Gabriel informed her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would give birth to a Son. She was to call Him Jesus and He was the Holy One and would be called the Son of God.
Mary also asked angel a question, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
But Mary’s question wasn’t motivated by doubt and unbelief. The angel did not rebuke her. Perhaps Mary’s question was motivated by wonder and amazement how God would accomplish this impossible event.
After reading the events from Luke 1, I started to think about at what point did Mary conceive Jesus? Was it at the moment she believed the angel’s words? Or was it when she was in route to see her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant in her old age.
Was it similar to the ten lepers in Luke 17, who cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”? Jesus heard their cries and told them to go show themselves to the priests. As they went and obeyed Jesus command they were healed.
Did the Holy Spirit come upon Mary as she went forth in faith?
The study also provoked me to challenge myself…when I pray, do I pray in such a manner that I’m ready for God to knock my socks off? Do I believe God for the impossible? When I’m praying do I look at my circumstances or is my focus on God? Am I prepared to trust and wait upon God and His timing in answering my prayers?
Well…I look forward to the study as I seek to know Jesus more…and have Him be my All in all.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
God Stop – The Root of the Problem
Ever since Chris and I moved into our new home we’ve been battling spider plants. They take up a large part of the planter in the front of our home. We would like to get rid of them and plant something more beautiful or appealing.
But it’s so hard to get the plants out. First we tried to whack them…thinking that they would die. They just came back hardier than ever and thrived. We’d pull the plants out…but much of the root remained behind and soon plants were shooting up and looking better than ever.
Today Chris did battle again. This time…we’ve tried a different tactic. We stopped the sprinklers from watering the plants. That’s allowed the dirt to dry out.
So today…Chris was able to actually make some progress in getting the roots out. When we looked at the mess of tangled roots it reminded me of sin and its effects in our lives.
The root ball that Chris was able to get out of the ground was a tangled mess. The small little plants had large embedded, entangled roots that went very deep. Just as the roots send out tendrils that go all throughout the planter…so too sin does in our lives. In his efforts to get the roots out, one of the trowels was bent. When we work to get sin out of our lives, it can be a very painful process.
In the end…just like the plants…it’s better that we never let the sin get started in our life. Otherwise something that looks pretty and harmless can take over.
