Dissention…Reporting for Duty



Here I am boss

Reporting for duty

Have I got a good report for you





The assignment you gave

I executed with ease

As I got those tongues wagging





That place which seeks to be a beacon on a hill

Reflecting the Light of the world

Instead grew a little dimmer today





I started with those who are idle

Who have the time to talk

In no time at all…the seed of gossip blossomed





The trick is

When they are talking about others

They don’t have time to read the word of God





When they are negative and brooding

Completely lacking the joy of the Lord

They are not taking every thought captive





When they spend time

Debating about which songs should be sung

They don’t have the time to worship their Lord





When they set aside the diligent study of the Bible

How can they hold it up

To examine themselves in light of God’s word





When the rest on their laurels

Feel comfortable in their accomplishments

They won’t desire a fresh work of God in their life





When they fail to trust and respect

The leaders whom God raised up

A negative critical spirit takes its place





When they attempt to love on their own power

They will be unable to bear all things, nor hope and believe

Their love will never endure on its own





Some I will lure into exhaustion

Through pressing needs, good works and few helping hands

It’s there I will stir up resentment





May they bow their knee to their Lord

But never their will

There they can rest in a false sense of piety





Oh hater of their soul

The fruits of our labor

Are plentiful and abundant





May they never see it

Or recognize the handwriting of our work

It’s there we can turn them against one another





Render ineffective their witness

When they are focused on one another

They won’t remember to take the gospel to the lost and dying world





by Susan Bunts

September 23, 2008

Invisible



I am the nameless, faceless one

You seek to avoid





You see me coming down the street

And look down or walk the other way





Sometimes I mutter to myself

For there is no one else to listen or who cares





When I stand behind you in the checkout line

You hold your breath





It’s been…I don’t know how long

Since I’ve had a warm shower or put on clean clothes







Of course I know I stink

Thankfully after a while I became immune to the smell





Shame should be my name

Would it be better if I had never been born





My family doesn’t even know

If I’m dead or alive





There’s no means to contact me

No phone to pick up or place to drop by





Would they even recognize me

If they passed me on the street





Society thought they did good

In giving me the right to choose





Take my medication

Or be locked up for my own good





Do tell…how can someone not in their right mind

Make a rational decision





Even though you pass me by

With nary a look or a smile sent my way





No matter how hard you try to pretend I’m not…

I am here





By Susan Bunts

September 17, 2008

For a Season


Oh Lord, in these days
The place where we meet
Has been denied me for a season

My soul longs for
Cries out
For our time to connect

You have answered my prayers
Given me my heart’s desire
In ways that are more than I can ask or imagine

Yet that place where we meet
Where my mind processes all that is going on
Has been held at bay

It’s been replaced
By busyness and plans
That will soon come to fruition

But it’s in writing
That I reflect
So clearly see Your presence in my life

It’s when my fingers strike the keyboard
That I work through the emotions
Through the grid of Your Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading

As much as I love my betrothed
Look forward with eager anticipation to that day when we become one
My heart cries out and I long for You, Oh God

May I never say
My name is Ichabod
That the glory of the Lord has departed from my life

May I be mindful
Of Your presence in my life
Your leading, Your guidance, Your tender correction

There are not enough sermons
Nor Bible studies attended
That can take the place of time spend with You

Oh God…carry me through this season
Restore unto me the time and place
And let us meet once again…daily commune

Until then God
Carry me, enable me, strengthen me…bring me through
To that private place where we meet again, one day face to face

Susan Bunts
September 16, 2008

Victory

Tonight, the Lord enabled me

To snatch victory from the jaws of the enemy




When I heard the word…a smile crossed my lips

“Yes Lord…forgive”




The battle began early

I felt pummeled…assaulted on every side




Relentless…unending

Subtle…but it was an effective attack




Who would recognize it

Trace it back…to the enemy




Who would recognize the handwriting

Scripted by the hater of my soul




It felt like a war

The enemy was on every front




It left me wounded and numb

Spent…barely able to lift my head




Then the “piece of resistance”

Words wielded…left me battered and bloody




Oh Lord…just get me through this day

Help me to not respond in kind




Understanding their true nature

Brought no comfort




Knowledge that they are but a puppet of the enemy

Was not a healing balm to my soul




But in the quiet…at the end of the day

I came to the end of my reserves




It was there that the Holy Spirit reminded me

Of my “new nature” in Christ




He’s the One

When He whispered the word, “Forgive”…peace filled my soul




He’s the One who will enable me to return the arena

Enter where the prowling lions seek to devour me




Yet I fear not…for He is the One

Who will shut tight the jaws that would otherwise crush me




Tonight…the Holy Spirit within

Enabled me to forgive




In doing so He snatched victory

From the deadly jaws of Satan




A powerful and effective foe to a created one

But a defeated foe to the Kind of kings and Lord of lords




By Susan Bunts

September 9, 2008

Only Believe




If I had believed those who told me

It’s God’s will that you never marry

Would I have ceased to pray

Never more asked God to grant me the desires of my heart





If I believed that the chapters yet to be written

Would never be different

From that which had gone before

Would my faith have failed me





If I believed the lies of the enemy

Doubted the goodness of God

Would I have presented my requests to Him

Confident that He is able





If I had never asked

God to bring me a godly husband

Would I have ever donned a wedding gown

Or felt your hand in mine





If I had not risked

Being embarrassed

Feeling the failure

Would I have gathered the courage to asked others to pray





If I had not heeded

The still small voice within

Would I have lacked the vision

To only believe





By Susan Bunts

September 3, 2008

Eternal Vision


Do I offer a prayer to God for my future
Seek His will
Then hesitate to follow where He leads?

Do I unburden my heart
Share my fears, hurt and sorrow
Then refuse to accept His comfort?

Do I know the Word of God
Even have it hidden within my heart
But fail to trust God’s goodness in my circumstances?

Do I give the enemy a foothold
Listen to the lies he whispers in my ears
Believe him who seeks steal, kill and destroy?

Or dare I have an eternal vision
Knowing that God’s plan may include pain
And one day He will turn it…to victory and gain?

Do I trust Him
Who takes away
Will one day restore?

Do I look back at the past
Feel the pain of the present
Am I unable to see past this moment?

Do I believe him
Who seeks to destroy my witness
Render it ineffective to an unbelieving world?

Or do I believe God
Know with confidence
God’s glory and goodness through all eternity far outweighs it all?

Will I choose to be earth bound
Focused on the past
The here and now?

Or will I have an eternal vision
Examine everything through the grid of eternity
Trust that everything is in the hands of my trustworthy God?

“Oh dear one,”
Whispers the still small voice within
“Won’t you trust Me in your pain?”

By Susan Bunts
August 30, 2008

The Measuring Rod



Do my words inflict wounds

On a weary burdened soul


Do my demands, my needs

Add to someone’s heavy load


Do I freely offer my opinion

But withhold a helping hand


Does my tongue tear people down

Fail to build them up


Does my speech contain truth

But lack love


Do I proclaim Christ

But fail to possess the love of the Lord


Do I know the truth of the Gospel

But refuse to let it change my heart


Am I quick to judge

But slow to love

Do I disguise pride

As concern


Does my attitude drive people away

Instead of draw them close


If 1 Corinthians 13 were the measuring rod

Would I be proven to be a Christian…by my love


Susan Bunts

August 26, 2008

Ready

Ready to stand
With the belt of truth girded about me

Ready to stand victorious
Obeying the Commander who called me to battle


Ready to stand firm…immovable
Cutting off all entanglements…breaking from this world

Ready to stand with an attitude of truthfulness
Committed…sincere…without hypocrisy

Ready and disciplined
Pursing that which is excellent…not settling for what is good

Ready to endure
Run the race…obtain the prize of our high calling

Ready to bring praise, glory and honor
To my great God and Savior, Christ Jesus my Lord


Susan Bunts
August 20, 2008


For Chris…my love and husband to be. I’m so grateful to have a partner as we endeavor to fight the good fight and seek by the power of God to endure till the end. By His power alone…may we present Jesus our shield covered with arrows from the enemy that missed because of His hand of protection upon us.

The Heart of a Woman



Let me tell you a secret

Just between you and me

Share the heart of a women

And every girl’s dream

No matter if she’s a raving beauty

Or just a plain shy ordinary girl

The desire for a husband’s love

Runs ever so deep

Even those who are mentally challenged

Or those who have been deceived and bought the feminist lie

Have a desire to share their life

Know what it is to feel loved, honored and cherished

All too vividly

I remember the pain

Of a lifetime spent alone

With no end was in sight

Each passing year was harder

The pain was always there and cut like a knife

The rejoicing at the blessings of others,

Was followed by a tears shed in the solitude

It is with gratitude and thanksgiving I prepare,

To walk down the aisle

Veiled in white lace

Join hands with my love and say, “I do”

Even as I rejoice in God’s grace towards me

For love unmerited and undeserved

May I be humble and remember in prayer

The heart of the woman who still dreams of “that day”

By Susan Bunts

August 12, 2008

At no time have I been more aware of the ubiquitous desire of women to be married and be loved by a husband than when a precious friend who has the heart and mind of a child shared her desire to one day marry.





I spent far too many years alone. I had bought…hook, line and sinker…the feminist lies. You know the ones I mean. The line that “a woman needs a man, like a fish needs a bicycle” or that “men and women are basically the same”. Yeah right! Anyone who has spent time with the opposite sex…knows darn good and well…that men and women are very different. It’s not something cultural…however culture may shape the way it’s expressed. But instead it’s inherent…those difference were built in by our Designer.





Those differences are not something good or bad. They simply are. One sex is not superior to the other. One is not good and the other a wretch. Instead God designed us to complement each other and to keep things interesting…and challenging…He made us very different from one another.

One of the most amazing things I’ve been aware of since meeting my fiancé Chris is that the loneliness and the emptiness are gone. The desire to be well known and well loved is being fulfilled…day by day.


That’s not to say…we don’t have our challenges. The differences inherent in our personalities and those between men and women present a challenge to our relationship every day. Add on top of that…the stresses of planning a wedding…and oh baby, baby you’ve got “stress”.


While it’s not always easy it has been wonderful to fall in love, grow in love, to be in love. There is something noticeably different that I can’t quite put my finger on. My sister Denise commented recently that I seem to be more peaceful. I think that’s true…the anxiety and concerns that I will I be alone for the rest of my life are gone. The questioning…am I so unlovable that no body will ever love me…has been answered.

While I know I’m a lot less than perfect…I am most grateful to God for bringing Chris. A man who is mature in his faith. One who sees my flaws but has been able to look past them to see something good that God has given me. He is willing to work through the uncomfortable challenges and differences in us. Working through those times…and coming out on the other side have helped us to become closer.

When my precious childlike friend commented that she desires to one day marry…it was so painful. When I turn and see so many wonderful women around me…women who are smarter or prettier or better than me in so many respects…when I see them in the same predicament that I was for so many years…it hurts. I hurt for them because the pain of unending singleness and lack of romantic love is still very fresh. I know it well and it left many a scar. Part of me is tempted to cry out “Why…I don’t understand it”.


Yet…I know in part it’s the consequences and outworking of a society that has replaced marriage and family…with uncommitted sex and self-fulfillment. The millions of single men and women who are alone and lonely have reaped the consequences that have come from poor judgment and sin. Even those who are not outwardly sinning and breaking God’s commands are bearing the brunt of the increasing tidal wave of consequences.


I am so grateful to God for acting on my behalf. Fulfilling my life long dream to be married. For going before both Chris and I…preparing us and fitting us so perfectly for one another. By His divine plan and providence bring two people who otherwise would have never met, much less taken a second look at one another and allowing us to enter into the covenant of marriage. How marvelous and miraculous are Your ways oh God?


God answered my prayer for a husband and Chris’ prayer to be stretched and taken out of his comfort zone…in one fell swoop…by bringing us together. By removing our impaired vision when we first met and allowing us to see one another’s heart. By moving and stirring in our hearts that could have so easily been hardened and settled. By holding our hands as we crossed a mighty river of fear into the unknown. By helping and guiding us to say, “yes God”, when we encountered the scary territories of trusting God and learning to trust each other.


Dare I think that my mighty God who had compassion upon me…He who heard my cries does not hear the cries of my sisters who remain single not by choice? Do I think that God will not be moved to go before them…and give them the desires of their heart?


God is no respecter of persons. What He’s done for me…He is more than able to do the same and mightier works than these…for those whom He chooses to act.


Thus…I must lift up my sisters in prayer. Those whose pain…I know all to well. I also know my God. I know firsthand the compassionate, mighty, out working of His plan according to His perfect will and timing.

The Battle



Weary

From the seemingly endless attacks

Relentless

On every side

“No more!”

I cry out

I want to give up

Step aside

Take a break

For just a little while

What’s that?

Is that a snicker I hear?

“Discouragement,

Job well done!”

Success

She’s let down her shield again

We’ll win

If she comes to the battle alone

Victory is ours

If she comes unarmed and unprepared

The battle is on

Let’s turn up the heat

Be subtle

Lest she’ll turn to her God again

Oh no…she’s on bended knee

Pleading with her Lord for strength

She beseeches Him

To guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus

She remembers

He will never leave nor forsake her

She asks for wisdom

For God to guide her every step

If the battle remains between us

The victory is ours

If she enlists the help of her God

All is lost

Susan Bunts

August 10, 2008

Transforming Power

In my weakness
I want to turn around and walk away
But by the power of the Holy Spirit
I will return to the lion’s den this day

In my flesh
I want to strike back
But under the control of the Holy Spirit
I will choose to turn the other cheek

In my sin nature
I want to tell others of the offense against me
By the transforming power of Christ within
I will instead offer a prayer for the offender

In my humanity
Tears flow as I’m surrounded by quite
From the Word planted in my heart
I’m reminded that God will wipe every tear from my eyes

In my solitude
I attempt to wrestle against the spiritual forces of darkness
When I remember I am part of the body of Christ
I reach out and ask for my day to be covered in prayer

In my self confidence
I fail to prepare for spiritual warfare
In His wisdom, power and strength
I put on the full armor of God so I can stand against the devil’s schemes

By Susan Bunts
July 25, 2008

Scars & Wounds

Scars deeply embedded
Wounds left over from childhood
Seemingly dead and buried
Make themselves known
Affecting relationships even today

What I hear
Is much different than what was said
Unable to differentiate
What was intended
Verses what was felt

At any hint
Of irritation, anger or disappointment
I find my defenses mount up
Emotions shut down
Now I don’t have to feel or risk being hurt

Trying and stay ahead
Anticipate each move
Feeling justified
In my inability to trust
Will I ever feel loved?

Will I turn to Him
The One who binds my wounds
The Healer of my soul
Only He can set this prisoner free
Will I allow Him to show me how to trust again

Will I let the One
Who taught the angels to sing
To fill my heart and mouth
With songs of praise
How long until I sing the song of freedom

By Susan Bunts
July 23, 2008

Decisions…Prayerfully Considered

Decisions, decisions,
Oh Lord, may my response,
Be according to Your will,
Answering Your call,
Hearing Your voice alone.

If this is my imagine,
Trying to shape circumstances,
Interpreting the signs,
Imposing my will, but calling it Yours.
Stop me in my tracks…let me proceed no further.

May my desire,
Be obedience to my Father,
To please Him,
To love my Savior,
By serving the body of Christ where You have called me.

May I not seek my own glory,
Or try to proceed,
On my own strength, wisdom and power,
Instead may I know that this call is so far beyond me,
That I’m fully leaning and relying upon You.

Decisions, decisions,
May You guide my heart and mind,
Make Your leading clear,
Give me a holy unease,
If I dare to stray from the path You have set before me.

Susan Bunts
July 18, 2008

Tonight I received a phone called that seems to be the answer to a prayer. But as I started to pray that God would guide and direct me….make His leading clear, I realized that as much as I want to have my prayer answered…more than that…I desire to be in God’s will.

Because this decision will effect my husband to be…I needed to seek his counsel. To ask him to be in prayer regarding this. I also must willing to heed his counsel. He is a godly man…and God is well able to guide and direct Chris’ thinking, as well as my own. Will I choose to respect Chris’ wisdom and direction…even if it differs from mine?

In bringing Chris and I together God answered my prayer for a godly husband. At the same time…God answered Chris’ prayer to be stretched and taken out of his comfort zone. Sometimes, I teasingly tell Chris to stop the prayers for stretching…because when He stretches Chris…He’s stretching me too.

At the end of the day…I honestly don’t know which way God will direct us. Is this God answering Chris’ prayer for stretching? Will it be a test to see if I will respect and obey my husband to be? Even if it’s contrary to what I want or feel comfortable with?

Will we be in unified in our decision…in step with one another? Of one accord?

I’m glad I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom or the fickle deceitfulness of my feelings. But instead I can fully lean and trust in God as He answers my prayer for Him to guide and direct Chris and I in an important decision.

A Delicate Subject

Dare I touch on a delicate subject? One of which I am far from being an expert? A topic that will make some people feel uncomfortable and maybe even blush…or laugh?

Well laugh they might…but yes of course I will broach the subject of sex. I bring a different perspective. That of being a single Christian woman who has chosen to do things God’s way…and not follow the ways of the world, nor her own wisdom or be motivated solely based on my feelings

I wish I could say that I always approached it like that…but I didn’t. Thank you Lord for Your forgiveness, restoration and love. Thank You Lord for Your wisdom…contained in the best Owner’s Manual…The Bible!

I have not been left to follow my own wisdom…or navigate the path filled with the pitfalls of this world all alone. Instead, praise God…I can know what God would have me do…and how I can live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him. How I can live my life once I get married in a way that is pleasing to God and my husband. To be the wife and help mate that God has called me to be. To be the wife that my husband deserves.

Sometimes I don’t know how to respond to the “knowing laughs” or suggestive comments that come from those around us that assume that my fiancé and I are engaging in pre-marital sex or living together outside of marriage.

When and where it’s appropriate…I do make it clear that we are conducting this relationship according to how God would have us live. But sometimes…I’m not sure how to answer the person who gives raises their eye brows and teases me when I say how tired I am. Or what do I say to the waitress who comments how “hot” our table is because we are holding hands across the table? I don’t want to draw the fire of “the lady doth protest too much” comments if I try and dispute what they say.

I find it shocking when some of those comments come from fellow Christians. If not an expectation, there is at least a resignation that “everyone’s doing it” inherent in the looks, smiles and comments that have been coming my way. Even at times from those in the Christian community.

I find it very depressing and sad when a Christian fails to see sin as sin. When they take it in stride or worse yet…even laugh about.

But I must tell you…that as my wedding day approaches I am more excited everyday at the prospects of being married to Chris.

Where exactly is the excitement and expectation on “what’s to come” from someone whose living with their fiancé? Where is the delight in discovering one another for those who choose to partake before they are committed to one another before God and man? Especially for the Christian who is “living in sin”…there is an inherent guilt and conflict that’s going on inside.

But in doing things God’s way…there is excitement, joy and peace. I’m comfortable in knowing I’m not sinning before and against God. I’m not compromising and being a hypocrite before man. I’m not being poor witness of the Gospel message that I say I believe.

I see the fruits of standing by the power of God and living in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Best yet…I get to see if I really, truly believe what I have professed to believe for lo these many years. Yet when I feel weak and vulnerable…I can turn to my Savior Jesus Christ who can enable me to follow Him.

When I find myself tempted…I find encouragement to live right before God as I listen to my beloved former Pastor Chuck Obremski…a godly man, husband and father…whose marriage I greatly admired. In his series on Marriage & Family, Chuck shared wisdom and counsel from God’s word. He and his lovely wife Linda left a shining example of a godly marriage.

Even though I prayed to God for many years that I would be married…I never dared to dream that I would find a godly man who love the Lord. Who has committed his life and seeks God’s will and plan in his life and in our marriage.

It is with joy and excitement I look forward to our wedding day and life together as husband and wife.

Eternal Destiny

Dare I take comfort in the thought,
That my loved one is no longer suffering?
When in fact, an unbeliever who perishes without Christ,
Has just begun to suffer and now knows the truth of eternal punishment.

Dare I take comfort in the calm assurance,
From a man who calls himself “Pastor”?
But one who fails to proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified,
As the only way to salvation.

Dare I take comfort in the platitudes offered,
By those who ignorantly believe that being “spiritual” saves us?
Saves us from what?
Condemnation from a holy, righteous, just God who was offended by our sin?

Dare I believe that I will live on in the memories of others?
What happens when they perish?
Or is it then that I perish…when no one remains who knew me?
When there is no one who was once touched and influenced by me?


Dare I serve a god,
Made of my own making…a god made in my own image?
A hodge podge of my own choosing…taking only what I like,
Selecting that which makes me feel comfortable and good about myself?

Or dare I believe that there is but One God?
One Mediator between God and man.
One Savior, Christ Jesus, whose blood was shed on the cross,
Who for once, for all…paid my sin debt in full.

Dare I acknowledge my sin?
Receive forgiveness through God’s only Son?
Dare I repent and loudly proclaim to a world lost in their sin,
Jesus Christ…salvation is found only in Him!

By Susan Bunts
July 5, 2008

Dedicated to those who are perishing in their sin…who have yet to receive Jesus Christ and Him crucified, His death on the cross as payment in full, covering their sin. Dedicated to those who call themselves pastor, but who do not know that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life…thus they can not boldly proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified. It is my prayer that one day your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and that you will not take or offer false comfort when someone dies without Christ. That instead it will become your life long mission to preach Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

Becoming One

It’s in becoming one,
Where we will learn to willingly surrender,
That which God will one day require of us.

It’s in becoming one,
We learn that submission and selflessness,
Are far superior to selfishness that the world inspires.

It’s in becoming one,
That we learn the eternal immeasurable value,
Of people and relationships over things.

It’s in becoming one,
We learn transparency and loving communication,
Choosing vulnerability and risking wounds from a faithful friend.

Oh Lord, may we realize,
That in avoiding selfless surrender,
We will only delay…even increase pain inherent in the inevitable.

Lord, may You bless and reward,
The fruits of our labor to become one,
Enable and strengthen us as we draw close to You!

By Susan Bunts
June 30, 2008

Dedicated to my love…Chris Wachtel…whom I will become one with on October 4th, 2008.

As we prepare ourselves to wed…we are not only amazed at how much work it is to get married but are becoming aware of just how painful that “becoming one” can be. Goodness knows that the sacrifices are many but the rewards are well worth it.

We contemplate the painful parting with things we once treasured and now find ourselves moving beyond our former lives. Forging ahead into “us” instead of “me”.

While at times it’s really hard…a reflection on the losses that so many people have experienced in recent days and weeks with the flooding in the Midwest serves as a timely reminder that which we may attempt to hold onto God may one day require of us. Will He have to pry it out of our tightly closed hands? How much better to come to Him with open hands and willingly surrender that which He has entrusted to us for a season.

In doing so…it is our prayer that God will reward and bless our willingly surrender to Him and His plan for our lives.

Just Right

Well the prospect of getting married for the first time at the age of 49 is very interesting, scary, intimidating and empowering all at once. Seeing 20 year old girls trying on wedding gowns with excitement as they weed through literally hundreds of gowns…scares me to death.

Yet at 49…putting up with a twerp named Michael at the jewelry store became a fun game to yank his chain as he tried to “help me” figure out what engagement ring I’d like. When repeatedly asked why I didn’t like ring after ring…I wanted to say, “It doesn’t matter why, I just don’t…move on.” Instead I was nice…well relatively and the search became easier and quicker when I stopped worrying about hurting his feelings when I didn’t like a ring he suggested. A quick look or seeing it on my finger quickly eliminated a multitude of choices.

Never one to buckle under heavy pressure to make a sale…it was easy to walk away and say we may be back. And indeed we might have, had it not been for God going before us and leading my fiancé Chris and me to just the right jewelry store.

But that’s what our whole relationship has been like. Both Chris and I can so clearly see God’s hand in our relationship. How he formed and shaped us to fit so perfectly together. Our differences and strengths complement each other. How God worked a miracle after introducing us the first time and took what at first seemed to be a dud…but later God would light a fire that would grow into love at His appointed time. How God brought us together and helped us in those early weeks and the ensuing months to navigate some rough waters…but we also delight and enjoy the smooth, calm seas when we come upon them.

To many people…it sounds crazy to say we got engaged to be married after dating for only 3 months. But what happens to folks approaching 50 isn’t necessarily what you would advise a 20 year old kid. Besides that…our whole relationship and engagement have proven themselves to be “just right”. So what would have been crazy 30 years ago…today I understand, delight and continue to be amazed by. Thank You Jesus!

At a recent graduation and promotion ceremony for home school children Pastor Philip De Courcy quoted Warren Wiersby who said, “God gives His best to those who resolve to leave the choice up to Him.” To that both Chris and I give a hearty “Amen”!

Not only do we praise and thank God for what He’s done to bring us and hold us together…but we continue to be in awe of how He cares and is working in each area of our relationship.

Steering us to just the right engagement and wedding rings in a matter of minutes when by happenstance we walked into the jewelry store at the mall. To providing an alternative for me on finding a wedding dress by ordering online. I was able to order two different dresses and the designer Martin McCrea was willing to allow me to order both styles with the understanding that I will keep the one I like best and return the other one.

God continues to work out the details. This time in the form of a wedding reception. After investigating alternative and prices for having a wedding reception, both Chris and I were a little overwhelmed. To have a wedding reception that costs under $5,000 would be a feat in and of itself. Even then…that’s keeping the arrangements small and low key. It’s not uncommon for a wedding reception to cost between $10,000 to $20,000…or more! Holy smokes! Money that could be applied to a home purchase or honeymoon…is gone in one fell swoop! Don’t get me wrong….it’s a once in a lifetime event and we want to do it right. It’s just for Chris and me…that’s plumb crazy.

It was with amazement and gratitude we humbly accepted the offer of friends to hold a cake and punch wedding reception in their humble abode. Sure we’ll have to scale things back including the guest list that grew exponentially. But that’s not a bad thing. We pray that it will help us to keep first things first.

That first thing is to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior…to thank Him for what He’s doing. We want our wedding and marriage to reflect His glory in our lives.

When Chris and I left the choosing up to God…He brought us just the right mate.

After the recent death of my mom Gayle Lorenat, I find it hits me at odd times. The sadness and grief of her passing. Some of the things I’m arranging now…she would have been a part of. As much as I waited and looked forward to that day…she did too. But God has provided, guided and directed in the absence of parents to come alongside me.

“So, what are you doing on Saturday?”

“So, what are you doing on Saturday?”, Chris asked.

Trust me…if I had known what was following that question…I’d have wrapped up my answer right quick and said, “Not much, why…what did you want to do?”

But instead I was blissfully ignorant as to what Chris wanted to do. So I droned on and on that I needed to go to Washington Mutual to take proof that my mother had died…and get their help wrapping up her affairs. While it’s been one month since she died…there are still a lot of details to work out.

But Chris waited patiently until I stopped talking. I’m not even sure what happened next…if I asked him what he wanted to do…or if he just said it. I guess I should have suspected something because this was the second day in a row that Chris asked about Saturday.

Chris volunteered, “Well…I had something in mind that I’d like us to do.”

I’m thinking maybe it’s the hot air balloon ride that he talked about recently. Maybe he’s made arrangements for us to go out to celebrate our third month anniversary. Three months…but I keep looking at the calendar and I’m certain…it must be three years…or has it been ten or twenty years? Surely we can’t have only known each other for only three months now could we?

“I’d like for us to go shopping for an engagement ring.” When Chris saw the quizzical look on my face…he realized he needed to explain further. “Susan Harriett Bunts, will you be my bride?”

Holy smokes…this is something I’ve been waiting for, for my entire life. Something I’ve dreamed about…but never really let myself believe would happen…just in case God had a different plan. But those words had actually been spoken…and not on some movie screen…and it wasn’t someone recounting their wonderful engagement story. But instead Chris Wachtel was actually proposing to me! Holy Mackanole!!! Imagine that. Wow God…You truly are the best Matchmaker. Wow!

I’m sure my jaw dropped open and just plain stayed there. That is in between the “Wows” and the “Are you’re serious?” Finally when I realized…that Chris wasn’t just yanking my chain…I figured that I’d better seal the deal with an emphatic, “Yes”! “Yes Chris, I’d love to marry you. I love you so much!”

I’m not sure how many times I said “Wow” or how many times I asked if Chris if he was serious before I realized…this is the real deal. This man…whom I have come to love so deeply in so short a time…has actually asked me to marry him. And I said, “Yes!”

I cautioned Chris that this is going to be for life…till death do us part. He’s got two options to get out of our marriage…death or the rapture. I feel like I’ve won the lottery…got the grand prize. I reminded Chris that my flaws far out weigh any good attributes…but that didn’t seem to act as a deterrent. Instead he felt the same certitude that I do about him. This is the right thing and the right time.

We are so excited to see what God is going to do in and through us. We both want to have God at the center of our relationship and use it to bring Him praise, glory and honor.

Chris and I are very much aware of what a miracle God has already done in bringing us together. Two broken people…so unworthy. Unworthy of God, His salvation and unworthy of each other and the love we have for one another. But we serve a big God. One who is bigger still. Our problems, flaws, hurts, pain and the baggage that we will both bring to our marriage…are out shadowed by our God.

To the many people who I shamelessly and repeatedly asked to pray that God would bring me a husband…I thank you. You are many…because while I was ready to accept God’s will…I didn’t want to get to heaven only to find out that I didn’t have it because I didn’t ask for it.

To Michael Paddison…the man that God used to bring Chris and me together…we are eternally grateful. Thank goodness that you had eyes to see that which we could not see. You were right.

While we don’t have a date set yet…and the details we will need to work out are plentiful…I don’t want to miss the marriage because of the engagement period or wedding. I am so looking forward to our marriage Chris and the road we will take to get there…and the path God will lead us on.

Chris…you are the love of my life. I don’t want to miss one day without you.

Thank You Jesus!

Fiancée, engaged, married, wedding, wife…those are some words I never expected to hear associated with me. Thank you Chris for making my life long dream come true. I’m glad that dream is coming true with you.

Hard Work

“Relationships are really hard work!” he said.
Indeed they are,
But I’m glad to be doing that work with you.

When we step back…we clearly see,
God’s hand in bringing us together.
It’s very evident…plain for all to see.

As perfectly as He fitted us for one another,
We are being challenged,
By some of the differences we see.

He is the Potter…we are the clay,
We are continually being remolded,
Made into what He would have us be.

He’s bringing together,
A man and a woman,
With personalities that had nearly 50 years to set.

That “bringing together” is bound to hurt.
But thankfully,
It’s with someone I trust and respect.

May I never cease to marvel,
Even be amazed,
At how God has brought us together.

May we trust Him!
Eagerly anticipate what He is going to do,
With two souls yielded to the skillful Potter’s hands.

By Susan Bunts
May 19, 2008

Dedicated to Chris Wachtel…the one I love.

Both Chris and I marvel at how God has brought us together. We shake our heads in amazement that it’s only been two and a half months since we started dating. God turbo charged our relationship through the sickness and death of my mother…just a little over a month into our relationship. God used those circumstances to reveal Chris’ character…his emotional and spiritual maturity.

I’ve been speculating and teasing Chris that one day we are going to have our first argument. He tells me I’m a worry wart and it will be fine. Recently we both concluded that relationships are very hard work. But even with the work….it’s worth it.

It’s quite interesting bringing two people together that have been alone for close to 50 years. There’s the men/women difference and the personality differences. But I’ve got to say…while challenging…it sure helps when the person that’s meeting those challenges with me is someone whom I respect and trust. It’s a whole different ball game when it’s with a man who love the Lord and seeks to do God’s will before his own. Now that’s not only someone I can trust…but love.

I’m not the only one who’s happy Chris has come along. My kitty Rudy…loves Chris and is certain God brought Chris just for him.

Concurrently Providential

When I see you,
I can perfectly see God’s presence in my life.

His mercy and grace,
Poured out in abundance to one so undeserving.

His sovereign plan,
That brought us together…in His perfect timing.

How He spent a lifetime,
Fitting us and forming two broken pieces for one another.

Yet…He left surprises,
In which we can delight and discover as we grow together.

I see His providence,
Because He went before me and prepared me for you.

I can testify to His concurrence,
As He worked a “good bad” in order to bring me to you.

Before you…He brought men into my life,
That made me desire…even long for a good man who loves the Lord.

Yet…He has given even more,
Deep blue eyes and warm smile…that melt my heart.

Chris…until “That Day”…and beyond,
May He continually, concurrently, providentially work His sovereign plan in us!

By Susan Bunts
May 21, 2008

Dedicated to Chris…the one I love

This poem was inspired by a sermon by Pastor Philip De Courcy that taught us about the sovereignty of God through His providence and concurrence in our lives. That sermon was providentially timed and has caused me to reflect and appreciate even more what God is doing in Chris and my life…and in our relationship.