A Day in the Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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

 

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?

Together...Experiencing a Wild Beauty