A Vow to Remember

Fifteen years ago

I made a solemn vow

That I would always remember

That day is etched

Imagines seared

Permanently in my mind

The horror of planes

Filled with precious human souls

Lives extinguished in an instant

What kind of person would do this

Intentionally crash a plane into a building

That’s the day, I left naïve behind

Oh the living hell they must have endured

Above the points of impact, now left to choose

Do I jump or die in this inferno

Desperate phone calls and messages went out

Pleas for help that would never reach them

Love proclaimed by voices that would soon be silenced

Firemen and police officers

Dedicated to serve and protect

Answered the call that day and laid down their lives

110 story skyscrapers don’t collapse!

Not just one, but two towers came down that day

Dust clouds chasing those who miraculously survived

Unthinkable evil struck again

Another plane filled with precious human souls

Used as a missile, plowed headlong into the Pentagon

Lives extinguished

Devastating injuries

Wounds, far deeper, scared the souls of those who survived

The war against evil began that day

It started on United 93

Courageous, heroic passengers said, “No!  We’re taking it back.”

On that day it didn’t matter

Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Native American

We were all one…Americans United

Can it really be

There’s a generation that wasn’t alive

Or those who don’t remember that fateful day

There isn’t a day that goes by

When I don’t remember

Recall afresh the horror of that day

It may be a plane overhead

A tall building on the horizon

A police officer or firefighter passing by

An American flag flying in the breeze

Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

Singing “Oh, say, can you see” evokes tears

To those whose lives were extinguished

Those who lost family or friends

I vow to always remember

by Susan Wachtel

September 11, 2016

A Living Testimony

In eternity past

Before God formed this world

He planned for two hearts to become one

Their love for Christ

The Solid Rock foundation for their lives

Desire to honor and glorify the Lord

Unwavering trust

In both good times and bad

God is praised

Not only with their lips

But with their very lives

When trouble’s strong winds began to blow

Waves threatened to swamp them

They clung to Christ all the more

Their hope in Him could not be quenched

Though pain and suffering threatened to extinguish the flame

Hope’s light burned brighter in the darkness

Like Paul they believe

Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared

To the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ

This present life is passing away

It’s only when we die, that a Christian will be truly home

Until that time

Eyes focused on Christ

Hearts fully committed

Trust in the unfailing source of their strength

For each day, Christ is walking with them

Their young lives, a living testimony

To Christ their Savior and God

He alone is their hope

The proof and evidence of the resurrection to come

Of life everlasting, without end

For Tyler and Mariah

by Susan Wachtel

September 3, 2016

Escaping with Jacob by David Ramos – Learn to see God and Jacob through new eyes

Recently author David Ramos asked if I would be interesting in reading his 30 day devotional, Escaping with Jacob, which he is rereleasing in September 2016.  After reading his devotional Climbing with Abraham I was excited for this opportunity.

I found David’s devotional on the life of Jacob very insightful and encouraging.  I must confess I tend to view Jacob through cynical eyes and see his faults and failings before I see his growth and changing character.  Seeing God at work in the life of Jacob, a man who was deceitful and scheming brings me hope.  God took this man and changed not only his name to Israel (which means God prevails), but grew and changed him.  The change isn’t instantaneous; but over the course of a lifetime, Jacob grew into his new name Israel.  David reminded readers that God is not afraid of the messiness of our lives. 

David also keeps the reader focused on God.  Who God is and who He’s revealed Himself to be in the Bible, and in Jacob’s life, and how we can know with certainty He is our faithful and trustworthy God.  The One who is to be feared and reverenced for He alone is awesome. 

This summer, I’ve been reading through the book of Genesis as I prepare for a fall Bible study.  I’ve studied Genesis in-depth twice, so I’m familiar with Jacob.  Reading David’s devotional Escaping with Jacob was perfect timing.  I learned to see Jacob through new eyes and to marvel at God working in our messy and broken lives in a deeper way. 

If you are going through a period waiting and aren’t sure what the Lord may be doing in your life, or you are facing huge obstacles you can’t overcome, or your life is very messy, I would encourage you to read David Ramos’ devotional Escaping with Jacob.  Find encouragement as you see how God worked in the life Jacob. 

I would have like to have seen David present the Gospel message and tell readers how they can be saved from their sins through Christ and His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross.  There were a few things I disagreed with about David’s interpretation about Jacob.  Also, David mentioned “authors of Genesis” and it’s my understanding that Moses was the sole author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

I would like to thank David Ramos for the opportunity to read Escaping with Jacob in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Ace Collins’ Take-Your-Dog-to-the-Park Pack

Fall in love with these remarkable service dogs and their stories of courage, faith, and loyalty in Ace Collins’ new book, Service Tails. Their training was intense, their loyalty unquestioned and each step of the way they constantly adapt to better serve those they lead. These unforgettable dogs are more than heroes; they are models from which we can learn how to love and serve unconditionally.

Celebrate the release of Service Tails with Ace by entering to win the Take-Your-Dog-to-the-Park Pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Service Tails
• A copy of Man’s Best Hero
• A dog blanket
• A dog leash
• A dog-cape towel
• A dog bandana
• A dog toy
• Dog treats

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 30. The winner will be announced August 31 on the Litfuse blog.

Service Tails More Stories of Man’s Best Hero by Ace Collins – A Real Treat

As an animal lover, it didn’t take me long to request Ace Collins newest book Service Tails - More Stores of Man’s Best Hero.  What a treat it was to read this book.  With all that’s wrong in the world today, it was lovely to take some time and learn about how service dogs have been helping people with disabilities and health challenges live full and independent lives. 

Service Tails tells the stories of twelve different people, with various disabilities, whose lives were transformed for the better though the use of service dogs helping them live everyday life.  For years I’ve known about seeing-eye dogs that help the blind, but didn’t realize all the other areas that dogs could be trained to help.

I found it interesting to learn about how the dogs are trained.  Why one breed of dog is used over another.  Each organization takes a careful look at the needs of the disabled person and puts a lot of thought into selecting just the right animal.  Training may need to be customized so the dog is able to meet the needs of the person they will be serving.

In Service Tails you will learn how service dogs first started being used in the United States.  I felt grateful for the courageous and pioneering spirit of Morris Frank and his determination to get a guide dog so he could regain his freedom and independence.  But he didn’t stop there; he went on to share with other blind Americans the gift of guide dogs. 

It was heartwarming to hear about the bonding that happens between a person and their service dog.  However, it was disconcerting to read about the way people with disabilities are treated and may feel isolated, ignored or treated like a small child.  I was encouraged to see how the service animal helps breakdown some barriers for disabled people.  Instead of people shying away from a disabled person, they are now drawn to them because of the animal.  The service dog serves as a vehicle to help people see beyond the disability and see the person for who they are and things they may have in common. 

Service Tails is a book about heroes.  The disabled person who won’t settle for being isolated, giving up and living the rest of their life behind closed doors.  The service dogs whom God has gifted with the right temperament, skills, and intelligence to learn and help and serve people in need.  Not to be forgotten are the people who train and work with the dogs to prepare them for a life of serving, loving and caring for their own special person. 

I highly recommend Service Tails – More Stores of Man’s Best Hero by Ace Collins.  This book will encourage you and may give you a new perspective on disabled people and the dogs who serve them. 

I would like to thank Litfuse and Abingdon Press for the opportunity to read Service Tails by Ace Collins in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.