Remembering Rudy

Oh, how my heart hurts

For my sweet boy Rudy

Has passed away

So sudden and unexpected

I’m surrounded by so many memories

Everywhere I turn

I remember where you were

Because everything has a story

You came into my life during some difficult years

I remember adopting you, this cute little orange kitten

Rather scrappy but oh so full of personality

That boy could purr

When we open the door

You were always there to greet us

You never knew a stranger

Always eager to meet someone new

Perched on your cat stand

You looked out the window

Watched the birds

Then napped in the sun

With patience you waited for your brother Junior

Until he came out of hiding three weeks later

Then you became fast friends for life

Sure, you had your little tussles but they didn’t last

When Sissy came along

You watched and waited for her

Soon she was with you 24/7

How her heart must be hurting right now

I will always remember our drive from California to Texas, 3 ½ days

3 kitties in their carries, 2 birds in a cage, winding our way in 2 cars

Junior and Sissy slept in their litter box and piddled in their beds

Only Rudy got it right

Oh, how my sweet boy loved sunshine

Catching a patch of morning sunshine in the office

Sitting on the tub for early afternoon

Catching the last rays of sun as you lay on our bed

Boy oh boy, did Rudy love to eat

The big boy with the tiny meow

Persistently and loudly let us know it was breakfast time

Getting close to dinner, Rudy was there to keep me on track

Rudy knew the real deal

A piece of chicken or tuna, uh no thank you

Cat treats, No!  Wouldn’t touch it!

He stuck with the real stuff, canned food and dry

Towards the end of his days

When his sight was failing

He would tap his water so he could know it was there

Then we would find a little trail of Rudy prints on the floor

Rudy loved to be loved

He loved to meet new people

He made friends where ever he went, even the vets

We often heard, “He is so sweet!”

But he had a special friendship

With our friend Julie

My social butterfly needed companionship

So, Julie came and spent time with him while we were away

When we had guests

The other kitties were scarce

But Rudy safely guarded Ron and Carol

Keeping watch just outside their door

Rudy loved water, at bath time

He would sit on the side and drape his tail in the water

After a shower, he could be found sitting in the stall

Not the least disturbed by the water

Clipping his nails was a breeze

I could easily snip them off and be done

Not so with Junior who has to be tackled

Taking three times longer

Rudy wasn’t fearful or afraid

I never heard him growl or hiss

Towards the end, he was leery of our new dryer

He could see the clothes through the glass door and rushed on by

My favorite time with Ru was nap time

He would never sit on my lap

But he loved to curl up and lay by my side

Tucked safely under the blanket

He slept better than anyone I’ve ever known

And he snored…loudly!

When we let him sleep in our room

He slept the whole night through

It was fun to watch Rudy, even in his old age

Have moments when he was frisky and playful

Batting a catnip mouse on the floor

Or watching the ball go around the cat scratcher

The end came sudden and so unexpected

What seemed like a simple vet visit

Soon escalated into something serious

We had a hard decision to make

You sought to be alone, curled up in a corner

Suddenly, Sissy hissed, was afraid and stayed away

Junior who had been with you for years

Wouldn’t come near and ran away

As you laid in your bed in the sun

Sissy fearfully peered around the corner

With big eyes she watched

Then ran away

As we drove to the vet

I sat beside you

Petting you for the last time

My poor boy, you were suffering and in pain

In tears we held you

Heard you purr your last purr

And then you were gone

Rudy, you took a piece of my heart with you

It’s hard walking in our home and remember you are no longer there

Each room I enter there are memories of you

I miss you my sweet boy, you were my ray of sunshine

Ever so grateful that you were ours for 13 ½ years

Rudy, mama’s sweet boy

Adopted October 28, 2006

Died May 7, 2020

Hallmark of Sin

Hallmark Ornament

Today is a sad and grievous day

As news of Hallmark’s comprise with sin

Has been made known far and wide

It’s ironic that the definition of hallmark includes

Attesting to purity

A distinguishing characteristic

Instead of being part of our culture

Helping us celebrate the holidays

With cards, gifts and ornaments

Hallmark will now be known as an emblem of compromise

Conceding to the loud voices of political correctness

Approving of sin which God has clearly condemned

How is it that a channel once known as family-friendly

Is now putting on display

Applauding and approving same-sex marriage

While our culture and standards are ever-changing

On a slippery slope that approves and promotes sin

God’s Word and His perfect righteous standard will never change

What God in the Bible has declared sin

Remains sin today

How can one embrace and promote that which God will judge

As far back as I can remember

Hallmark has been a part of the Christmas season

But how can I spend money on a company that celebrates sin

Christmas is about Christ Jesus the Lord

A Savior was born, God incarnate

To redeem and save sinful man

It is particularly gross that at Christmastime

Hallmark embraces sin

Sin for which Christ died

Hallmark has bowed its knee

To the loud and vocal groups

That demand acceptance and approval of their sin

Forgetting about families

Trying to raise their children

In truth and righteousness

Disregarding religious groups

Christians and Jews whose standards come from the Bible

God’s Word, which is uncompromising and unchanging

Hallmark is on a slippery slope

Accepting and promoting sin

How long until it works its way into their movies and cards

Why would I now spend money on a Hallmark

It’s not just the TV channel I will turn off

It’s ornaments I will not buy, no more Hallmark cards to send

Though Hallmark has approved of sin

I must stand firm with God

Because at the end of the day

It’s about a human being created in God’s image

One who needs to hear the truth about sin

And forgiveness to the repentant sinner through Christ

By Susan Bunts Wachtel

December 16, 2019

I think Hallmark is shortsighted in giving way and compromising with the politically correct groups that demand acceptance and approval.  Hallmark is not calculating that they have offended conservatives who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and Christians and Jewish believers who believe the Bible is God's inerrant Word. 

It’s not just the Hallmark Channel or Hallmark movies that will be impacted.  I won’t be buying Hallmark products, including cards and gifts.  I hope that they will revisit this poor and wrong decision that they’ve made.  But if not…Hallmark will no longer be a part of my life. 

I did call Hallmark at 1-800-425-5627 and spoke with a representative.  I asked her to relay that this will impact more than just the Hallmark Channel.  She gave me the phone number for the Hallmark Channel, 888-390-7474, which I will also call.  I will also follow up with an email to Hallmark (https://care.hallmark.com/s/contactsupport). 

A Perfect Match

When we look at Ron & Carol

We think what a perfect match

Simply made for one another

How many roads have they traveled together

How many places have they seen

How many seas have they sailed

Together they have enjoyed and delighted in

Fishing at the camp

Cooking and trying new recipes together

Fine dining or even the occasional dive

Traveling to places near and far

Simply living everyday life together

How well they have embraced, loved and cared for

One another

Their children, families and friends

Both have a keen intellect

A good sense of humor

They are always willing to lend a helping hand

A listening ear

Wise counsel

And a heartfelt prayer

They have delighted in one another

In their joys and successes

And bearing one another’s burdens

When we think of Ron & Carol

We can’t imagine one without the other

We thank God for them

Bless them

Rejoice and celebrate their Anniversary

15 Years together

By Susan Wachtel

December 7, 2019

Four Soils of the Human Heart

The Seed

The Word of God

Sown into the sinful human heart

The sower proclaims the Word of God

Christ as Lord

Shares the Gospel message

The hard heart

Unreceptive to the Word

The seed cannot penetrate

The soil of the hardened human heart

Ears hear, but the words are not understood

Soon the evil one will snatch away what was sown

Dare I say

We all were born with a hard heart

Alive to sin and dead to God

The superficial heart

Soil that looks good at first glance

But lying beneath is a bedrock of stone

Seed is sown and springs up ever so quickly

Soon it will wither and die under the sun’s scorching heat

Roots cannot grow deep nor penetrate a heart of stone

A heart preoccupied

Good soil, polluted with weeds and thorns

Rob good seed of nutrients and light needed to grow

Soon the seed will be choked out, slowly over time it dies

Just like the cares, worries and riches of this world

Leave behind an empty shell, with no life, nor fruit of faith

  

Lastly, we see the good soil

A heart prepared by God through His Word

The seed of the Gospel is heard and understood

A repentant heart responds

Bearing the fruit of the Spirit

Obedience and faithfully persevering

What is necessary for bad soil?

Nothing, do absolutely nothing!

What about good soil?

God uses His Word to prepare a sinner’s heart

Enables one to hear the Word

Understand it and bear fruit

So, which is it?

The Sovereignty of God?

The responsibility of man?

Yes!

By Susan Wachtel

March 10, 2019

This poem was inspired by a sermon from our Pastor, Tom Pennington on Matthew 13:1-23 – The Parable of the Sower, and from the notes that I took. 

I would like to encourage you to listen to this message, Four Soils Part 2.  Perhaps you are concerned about the salvation of a loved one…someone you’ve prayed for.  Maybe you are wondering if you are truly saved?  Was there a profession of faith?  When you look back do you see fruit?  Fruit of repentance?  Fruit of the Spirit? 

There is absolutely nothing more important than knowing with absolute assurance that you are saved, forgiven of your sin, all because of Jesus Christ and His perfect and complete atoning death on the cross. 

This last week, we saw news about celebrities who died unexpectedly.  One was pretty young.  The thing is, none of us knows the day and hour when we will die.  Once we die, there are no second chances.  There will be no changing our minds.  It’s important that we get it right today.  For today is the day of salvation.  2 Corinthians 6:2

That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea.  And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach.

And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.  Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil.  But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out.  And others fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.  He who has ears, let him hear.”  Matthew 13:1-9

Desperate Faith

He was a man of desperate faith

Jairus was willing to risk it all

As he fell at the feet of Jesus

Reputation, respect and honor

What did that mean to him now

As his little girl lay dying

He went to the One

The only One who had the power

Over sickness and disease, even life and death

In desperation he begged

My daughter, she is going to die, unless

Please…come…touch and heal her.  So, Jesus went.

She was desperate, when would she ever have another chance

The crowds said Jesus was coming

He alone had the power to heal her

For twelve long years, she was considered unclean

An outcast, no one would even touch her

Everything had been wasted on doctors who couldn’t help her

In faith, with a trembling hand

She reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak

Immediately, after twelve long years, she was healed

Instead of going on His way

Jesus stopped

“Who touched Me?”

He looked around and saw her

He cared for her, for she was someone’s beloved daughter too

She confessed, He proclaimed, “Your faith has made you well.”

Waiting, the father’s desperation grew

Every moment, with every delay

He wondered, was his daughter still alive

The synagogue officials came with grim news

Don’t bother, she’s dead

Then Jesus said, “Do not fear…only believe.”

When they arrived, they were greeted with weeping and wailing

Mourners laughed when Jesus said, “She’s asleep.”

But the place emptied when He said leave

Surrounded by those who loved this girl

Parents with desperate faith

Jesus commanded, “Talitha, arise!”  And she arose.

Astounded with joy

Her parents took her by the hand

“Tell no one!”  And Jesus departed

Susan Wachtel

January 7, 2019

A Defiant Faith

She has a defiant faith

One that rests

Not in her circumstances

But in God alone

When her prayers seem to be unanswered

And God is silent

She strengthens her heart mind soul and spirit

In God’s perfect and inerrant Word

When others give way to doubt or fear

She instead sets her mind on Christ

And remembers His benefits

Her soul bursts forth in worship and praise

She knows of her heavenly Father’s great love

Before the foundation of the world was laid

He called her to salvation through His Beloved Son’s sacrifice

He has sealed her with the Holy Spirit

If He has met her greatest needs

Surely, He will care for her needs today

She chooses to trust God as He has revealed Himself to be

Her confidence rests in His unchanging, merciful lovingkindness

She has a defiant faith, a confident faith

One that does not waver

Like a light that does not dim

She rests secure in the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ

By Susan Wachtel

December 19, 2018

To a strong woman of God who is trusting God in her time of waiting upon the Lord. 

Five Minute Friday – Handpicked Burdens

I’m so grateful to be participating in today’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement from others be sure to check it out. 

Today word prompt:  Burden

The burdens the Lord brings

Or allows into our lives

He never meant for us to carry them alone

He has a good purpose and plan

A design for each one

He knows our burdens and cares for each one of us

A burden that will cause us

To repent of our sin

Cry out to the Lord for forgiveness

A burden that will reveal

Our weakness and deep abiding need

Cause us to depend and rely upon the Lord

A burden that will grow and change us

Take us from selfish and self-focused

Develop a compassionate and caring heart

The Lord invites us to cast our burdens upon Him

He is the Lord and daily bears our burdens

We in turn are to bear one another’s burdens

Won’t you come to the One who invites you

Take Christ’s yoke upon you and learn

For His yoke is easy and His burden is light

Susan Wachtel

November 9, 2018

Five Minute Friday – It Only Takes a Moment

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  But it feels so good to dive back in.  If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement from others be sure to check it out. 

Today word prompt:  Moment

It only takes a moment

For everything in your life to change

One moment

And things will never be the same again

Sometimes those are good moments

Filled with happiness, excitement and joy

Other times, it’s a sad or desperate moment

One that you will look back on and wonder

What if

If only

I wish

The thing of it is

We don’t know when those moments are coming

We don’t know

When it will be the last time…

You’ll see that loved one alive

Or the last time you get to say I love you

The final time you will hear their voice

The last message that will come across your phone

When that moment comes

Only then you realize…

No more chances to say I’m sorry, I was wrong, please forgive me

No more opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ

No longer can you tell them what they’ve meant to you

Your words of encouragement will not be heard by the one who needs it the most

No longer will you be able to hold their hand

Look into their eyes

Laugh together so hard it makes you cry

Hug them and feel them hold you tight

So today

For a moment

Take a moment

To be with

To do or say

That which you can’t do

When the one you love has been taken away

Susan Wachtel

October 26, 2018

In light of the recent death of my brother, Michael Bunts, I’m very aware of those moments that have passed and I can’t get back or do over. 

When a fellow Christian dies you miss them, are profoundly sad and grieve their loss.  But it’s a grief with hope in the knowledge that their life is not over and you will see them again in heaven.  They are in the presence of God, where we long to be.

But when it’s someone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ, or hasn’t repented of their sin and put their faith in the complete and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, that’s a sadness without hope for their eternal security.

Even in that profound sadness and loss…there is always hope for the believer based on who God is.  Sovereign, Righteous, Holy, Holy, Holy, Compassionate, Truth, Deliverer, Refuge, Strong Tower, Strength, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Great High Priest, Everywhere Present, Creator, Eternal, Without Beginning and Without End, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth and the Life, The Narrow Gate, Without Sin, Pure, The Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World, Resurrected Savior, Kind, Patient, the Mighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ the Son of God, Immanuel, Messiah, Wrathful, Punishes the Wicked, Merciful, Gracious, Just, Judge…and so much more.

Farewell Little Friends

Though some may tell me different

I know my hummingbird friends have departed

They arrived in the cool of springtime

Spent the long, hot summer days with us

Zipping to and fro throughout the yard

Feisty and quarreling over who will have time at the feeders

Don’t worry little friends, there’s enough for all

Another fresh batch of nectar will be made

Just this week, I couldn’t help but notice

There weren’t as many around

Oh, there was the occasional hum of wings

Little jewels getting their nourishment from flowers

Some resting on feeders

Drinking deeply without interruption from others

But the clicking and territorial fights have ceased

Now I delight to see the stranger passing through

Their fine-tuned flying skills and delicate beauty

A testimony to their Creator

I will miss you my little friends

I wish you a safe journey as you head south

Come spring, your feeders will be filled and ready

Already looking forward to your return

By Susan Wachtel

September 1, 2018

Five Minute Friday – Rush to the Lord

Today, I’m participating in this week’s Five Minute Friday writing  challenge.  If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement be sure to check it out. 

Today word prompt:  Rush

Start

Lord, I confess to You

So much of the time I feel rushed

I rush from morning to night

I rush to take care of the urgent

How much of what man considers urgent is truly important?

How much of it has eternal consequences?

When I read about Jesus, He didn’t rush

Though He had people coming to Him night and day

Desperate with crippling sickness and disease

A pressing needs that only the Savior could meet

Yet Jesus, the Son of God

Took time to pray to His Father in heaven

Jesus was driven to do His Father’s will, not man’s

He responded with grace, mercy and compassion

May I rush to spend time with Christ Jesus

May I focus my mind on Your life changing Word

May I rush before the Father’s throne of grace

May I bring Him my prayers and wait upon the Lord

Help me to make a priority

That which is important to You

May I rush to come before the Lord

May I be quick to listen and obey

by Susan Wachtel

August 31, 2018

End…Times Up

I’m so looking forward to fall.  While I’m not in school, I will be back in Bible study classes.  I desperately need the disciple and focus of in-depth Bible study.  More than I know, I the community of believers.

How about you?  Are you in a good Bible study?  If not…now is a good time to jump in.  A lot of studies begin in early September.  There a are a number of in-depth, verse by verse studies available, like Community Bible Study, Bible Study Fellowship, Precepts or perhaps a study at a local church near you. 

I cannot adequately explain how important it is for you know God’s Word for yourself.  God will use it to grow you and change you.  He will enable you to be discerning and wise and read, understand and obey His Word. 

Discipline from the Father’s Hand

From the heart of the Father

Through the work of the Son

A call to the church to be holy and sanctified

Commanded by the Savior

Authority given to the church

Discipline one caught up in sin

The honor and glory of the Lord to be upheld

Protect the flock and keep her pure

A healthy reverence and fear of sin

Do not neglect

Nor turn a blind eye

To the one going astray

Serious measures must be taken

With the aim to restore

A repentant sinner to the Lord

Proper sense of shame

A tool in the hands of the Lord

To bring one to repentance

The one who knows

Go in private to the brother gone astray

Confront, admonish with the aim to reprove

With ongoing rebellion

Bring two or three witnesses

Rebuke and correct

When faced with open defiance

Hand them over

Remove them from your midst

Be warned dear church

First examine yourself according to the Word

Ensure your heart and mind are right before the Lord

Be filled with genuine love for the sinner

With gentleness and humility

Desire to forgive

From the heart of the Father - Love

Through the work of the Son - Forgiveness

A broken and contrite heart He will not despise

By Susan Wachtel

August 12, 2018

Precious Friend

She’s like a breath of fresh air

Or a ray of sunshine

Lighting up the room

Sharing what she loves

Giving of herself

She delights in, inspires and encourages others

Gifted by God

Recreating the beauty around her with paint

Capturing a moment in time with her camera

The Lord and His Word are never far from her thoughts

She’s sees His hand in creation

All around her analogies of what God and faith are like

Never an unkind word comes from her mouth

Gratitude and thanksgiving flow from her heart

A gentle, peaceful spirit and ever so kind

So grateful I am, for my precious friend

Susan Wachtel

July 27, 2018

This Broken World

It’s times like this Lord

I’m reminded of the brokenness of this world

It’s hard to know what to pray

Or how to pray

What can I do

Being so very far away

Let them be aware of Your nearness

Your presences guiding them through each day

Give them strength when they grow weary

In unseen ways, You help them to carry their heavy burdens

In ways, both big and small

Reveal Your tender mercies

Bring to remembrance a hymn or Scripture verse

That stokes the fires of faith within

A timely phone call from family or friends

Just to listen so they know someone cares

Bring to mind Christ Jesus the Lord

At the right hand of the Father interceding for them

When grief and sadness overwhelm them

Holy Spirit translate their groaning into prayer

Their tears are precious to You

You note each one that falls and hold them in a bottle

For the mind that is failing

Allow moments of clarity each day

Though they may forget everything else

Let them never, no never, forget their God

Their suffering is great

I can’t help but ask how long O Lord

I find assurance in knowing You have numbered our days

You know our end from the beginning

You have promised when this life is over

Your saints will be welcomed home in the loving arms of their Savior

In heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, sickness or death

Until then Lord, bring them through this broken world

Susan Wachtel

February 11, 2018