Fighting Faith

The enemy seeks division,
Between me and my God,
He prods me to ask why,
Instead of trust and obey.

This trial will tell,
My faith, is it genuine and true?
Solid…unwavering…standing firm,
On the holy Word of God?

Will I permit circumstances to be my focus?
Give in…fall prey?
Believe him who was declared a liar from the beginning?
Or rise up…put on…the full armor of God?

The weapon supplied by my Father above,
When my mind is steeped in Scripture,
It’s then I might effectively wield,
The mighty Sword of the Spirit.

By Susan Bunts
February 11, 2008

Seeds of Doubt

Seeds of doubt,
So skillfully sown,
In the fertile ground.
Of a wound heart.

Forgiveness the healing balm,
To recondition the soil of my heart,
Then no weeds, thorns or thistles can grow,
From seeds of hurt, anger and bitterness.

By Susan Bunts
February 11, 2008

The Sanctified Tongue

Oh dear one,
Your testimony tells me,
You were saved,
Oh so many years ago.

But you cause me to wonder,
Has that salvation,
Worked it way,
To your tongue?

Gossip and slander,
So easily uttered,
About a fellow believer,
One considered a brother or sister in Christ.

Then tell me, please do,
What difference is there,
Between us and the unbeliever?
Dear Lord, what must they think?

Most certainly,
We are not perfect,
And will never be,
This side of eternity,

Yet, are we not washed,
In the same blood of the Lamb?
Did the nails not pierce His hands,
For your sin and mine?

We have been saved,
To the uttermost,
Through and through,
Dear Lord, now please sanctify our lips.

May our salvation,
Work its way,
From our heart to our tongue,
And now bring for praise for Christ Jesus our Lord.

by Susan Bunts
February 3, 2008

The Mother I Never Knew

My first nine months were spent in your womb,
But I never knew you.

The certificate says “Baby Girl Dawson”,
That’s all I know for sure.

All those years ago,
Abortion wasn’t even legal.

But I wonder did you love me,
Dare I even ask…why you didn’t want me?

What is the story,
On how I came to be?

Was I the product young love,
Or an illicit affair…or something more tragic?

Did you see me on that day,
Did you hold me in your arms?

Did you whisper sweet words of love,
And pray God’s blessing upon my life?

Or was I taken away,
Never to be seen again?

Was my birth a deep family secret,
Something not uttered in good company?

Do you ever shed a tear or feel guilty,
Or were you confident that you did the right thing?

Did you ever marry,
Have children that you called your own?

Do I have brothers and sisters,
Am I anyone’s spitting image?

During your day,
Do your thoughts every turn to me?

Do you ever wonder,
Who and what I came to be?

Do we share the same faith,
And one day I’ll meet you in heaven?

To the mother I never knew,
I do wonder about you.

It would be with fear and trembling,
That I would dare to try and find you.

For I fear,
Of the answers I might hear.

Susan Bunts
January 5, 2008

With a friend’s decision to adopt a child…my thoughts have turned to my own adoption…so many years ago. I was given up for adoption at birth…and adopted at the age of 3 months. The only thing I know about my birth mother is that her last name was Dawson.

It’s odd how a person who I never met…who I know nothing about can continue to be a part of my thoughts. Obviously I wonder what happened…why she gave me up for adoption. What her thoughts were over the years about her decision. Whatever happened with her life…did she go on to have a happy and successful life? Or was my birth…just another difficult circumstance in her life? Did she ever have children…do I have brothers and sisters? Do I look like anyone…is my personality or interests like anyone the family I never knew?

Abortion back then wasn’t an option…unless a woman chose to do a backstreet illegal abortion. I wonder…if it had been legal…would she still have made the same decision to give her baby up for adoption?

There are times I wonder…have I ever seen or met her? Would I like her…is she a good decent person? Or is she a wretch of a human being and the decision to have her baby adopted was one of the few good things she did? Is she still alive…how is her health? What diseases run in the family that I should know about? As much as ever contemplated the idea of trying to find her…I never followed through for fear of what I might find.

Many adoptions today are more open and children are able to know more about their birth parents. I think that’s a good thing…maybe?

The one scar that has remained in my life if the feeling of rejection. I knew that I was adopted for as long as I can remember…I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know that. It’s funny because even if a child is rejected by their birth mother…they are wanted by the family that adopts them. I wonder why the rejection is the dominate feeling?

The above picture is my first picture taken by a foster mother before I was adopted.

One I’ve Never Met

How is it,
That I can miss a man I’ve never met?

How is it,
That I still dream of a lifetime spent with one I’ve never known?

How is it,
That I desire to feel the warmth of an embrace that has never come?

How is it,
That I long to hold the hand of him that I’ve never held?

How is it,
That I miss the kiss from lips that I’ve never touched?

How is it,
That I can still hope that one day I may know him?

by Susan Bunts
December 3, 2007

Ode to Robert Goulet

Never would I have guessed,
That I would be so saddened,
To hear of your passing.

It’s been many a year,
Since I’ve heard your voice of gold,
But when I hear it…I am simply transported.

To think of you,
Brings a smile to my face,
Only good memories of laughter and song.

When I hear “If Ever I Would Leave You”,
My heart swells and I once again believe,
In love and happily ever after.

Who among us doesn’t face,
“The Impossible Dream”.
When I hear you…I’m infused with courage to fight the unbeatable foe.

You were most gifted by God,
I pray that your rest is now peaceful and calm,
That in eternity I will hear you sing glorious praise to my Savior.

By Susan Bunts
November 10, 2007

I penned the above poem upon hearing of Robert Goulet’s passing. Of course with the news they played Robert’s music. What a wonderful voice God gifted this man with. Upon hearing…I was reminded of only good memories…laughter and song. I’m saddened to know that another voice has been stilled, but I’m most thankful to still be able to partake of Robert Goulet’s music.

His Glory Descended

Standing in His presence,
His glory descended upon Kindred,
One body united in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A small taste of heaven,
Oh Lord I humbly pray,
Never bid me to leave Thee.

Worshiping before Your throne,
I now know,
Your glory alone is more than enough.

Our hearts bursting,
With the fullness of Christ,
Oh my Lord, You can not be contained.

May this be my Ebenezer stone…my remembrance,
May I never leave Your presence dear Lord,
Your glory so divine.

by Susan Bunts
November 5, 2007

This poem is dedicated to Christ Jesus our all sufficient Savior and Lord and to the body of Christ at Kindred Community Church.

And for my precious Pattie and Robyn Bolton…after experiencing a small taste of heaven and what it will be like worshiping before His throne…we can know that your precious husband and father Bob is complete and whole as he stands before his Savior Christ Jesus. One day we will join him…and Chuck and Hugo and worship our Savior truly as one body in Christ. Praise Him!

The above poem is my meager attempt to capture last night’s installation ceremony of our new precious and beloved Pastor Philip De Courcy.

The poem misses the mark...but by golly last night at Kindred Community Church God was present and made His presence and His glory known. Thank You Jesus!

Below are some slide show pictures that captured the ceremony. Welcome Pastor Philip…we thank God for bringing you to this body of Christ at Kindred!

Thank you Gloomy Gus!

Now who would have “thunk it” that one day,
I would say thank you to those so vocal,
Always eager to share their negative view.

For in everything you see a woe,
But you’ve inspired me,
To instead look for the rainbow.

Your gloomy countenance,
Has shown me the importance,
Of bathing in sunshine and warmth.

Where you so easily see what’s gone wrong,
I now desire to see,
What’s gone right.

Instead of an outlook to lighten the load,
Daily you carry the heavy rocks,
Of pessimism and disappointment.

A focus so narrow,
Your problems have become,
The only things in your sight.

Gus, how often, I must ask, have you missed it?
Oh Lord I pray never let me overlook the opportunities and blessings,
That You wrap in the form of a problem, disappointment or woe.

Susan Bunts
November 1, 2007

Broken Lives & Tender Hearts

Was it just last week,
Here in this place,
I was overcome with tears,
Bearing a burden,
Much too heavy for me alone.

I cried out,
I beseeched Thee,
Oh Lord,
What are You doing through this?
Can anything good come from it?

I can’t go on,
With my life as it is,
Alone,
I pled…please take this from me,
Or take me home.

But today…You have shown me,
How You can use even this for good,
A heart that’s been tendered,
Is one able to reach out to others,
With compassion and my Savior’s love.

Strength and wisdom found in Christ alone,
You bid me to step out in faith,
Turn hurt and pain into healing,
As we take up one another’s burdens,
And lift them up to the Lord.

When I weep,
May I weep for another,
When I am weak,
May I find strength,
In helping another carry their burden.

by Susan Bunts
October 28, 2007

Finish Strong

Dear Chuck,
As I pause and reflect,
On the eve of the installation of our new Pastor,
Your passing seems all the more final.

But let me assure you,
Not day goes by,
In which I don’t feel the influence,
Of God’s humble servant.

God used you,
Your fiery passion,
To awaken and grow a love,
Even a longing for His Holy Word.

To this day…I still listen to your sermons,
All the while finding the Holy Spirit,
Guiding, correcting and convicting me of sin,
Through the power of God’s Word.

So many churches,
Have forsaken,
Turned their backs,
On the truth of God’s Word.

Praise God…and Him only,
For Kindred will not go down that road,
He has prepared another faithful servant,
Able, most willing to preach the full counsel of God’s Word.

I still delight at handing out your messages,
Knowing firsthand that God will touch hearts,
Those whose circumstances are most desperate,
Bring comfort and strength as they depend on my Lord.

I think of you often,
Thank my God daily,
For messages delivered through His faithful servants,
God's call…to run the race well and finish strong.

by Susan Bunts
October 12, 2007

When Faith Comes Crashing In

Not the first of Your servants,
To experience doubt and unbelief,
A failure of faith.

From hope to despair,
The light turns to dark,
All comes crashing in.

Like David of old,
My soul cries out,
Have you forgotten, yeah even forsaken me?

I feel like Elijah,
Following his victory on the mount,
I am overcome with fear, trembling and doubt.

I let go,
I give up,
Ask the walls to come tumbling down upon me.

Your word assures me,
It bids me to trust Thee,
Believe in that which is yet unseen.

I can not,
It is beyond me,
My hope has been deferred for far too long.

I cry out,
In words known only,
To the Holy Spirit within.

He pleads,
He carries my requests,
Before the very throne room of God.

I bow before Thee,
In silence I wait,
You are my only hope.

Trembling with disbelief,
I dare not look up,
Else You will see tears shed in doubt and unbelief.

I lay them on the alter,
Take from You courage,
To believe in more than that which is seen.

I ask You for hope,
For the faith to believe,
To trust in Your goodness and mercy towards me.

In my circumstances,
You are at work, perfectly fitting him,
Whom You have chosen for me.

Dear Lord, how might I persuade you?
When Adam walked with You,
You declared, “It is not good for man to be alone!”

As Jacob wrestled with You Lord, so too will I cling,
I will not, no I will not let go,
Until Thou blesses me.

by Susan Bunts
October 12, 2007

Broken Heart & Answered Prayer

Oh dear Lord, I pray,
Protect my heart,
May I not go down that wrong path again.

For my broken heart,
My soul,
Still bear the scars.

Wounds that once bled,
Now healed,
Through the touch of Your hand…filled with grace, mercy and love.

Like Sarah and Hannah of old,
I know,
The ache and longing of desire unfulfilled.

May I balance,
Stepping out in faith,
With pursuing Your perfect will.

May Your delay,
Not be a denial,
But instead the working out of each fine detail.

May my life, my story,
Be a testimony,
To Your unfailing love.

May those who have written me off,
Said never will it be,
Be silenced…as they see You are God who still answers prayer.

Susan Bunts
October 9, 2007

That You Might Know My Jesus

Dear Papa,
I pray that one day,
You might know my Jesus.

You confess that you just don’t know for sure,
That the Bible alone reveals,
The One True God called Jehovah.

How can there only be one way?
How narrow to say salvation is found in no other.
That the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

You say that my good works,
Count for nothing,
That salvation comes only through the blood of the Lamb.

I know so very well…I’m no saint,
Nor a wretch…deserving of hell.
Surely He must grade on a curve.

Dear Papa…I beg you please,
Cry out to Him…challenge Him,
Ask that He might reveal Himself to thee.

Dear Jesus…
I beg You…I plead…
Pour out Your mercy upon my Dad.

Bring him to the end of himself,
That he might look up and see,
My Savior’s face…and receive.

Welcome him into the fold,
Grant him life everlasting.
Come into his heart and reside.

His debt marked “paid in full”,
Cleansed…
Made whiter than snow.

Dedicated to Terry

By Susan Bunts
October 3, 2007

We all have loved ones…family and friends who are yet unsaved. It’s a heavy burden…especially as we see an aging parent remain resolute in their unbelief. Yet…our God is a God of mercy and grace…and He just loves to work miracles in the least likely souls. Tonight my heart is burdened for a dear friend Terry as she is in prayer for a loved one’s salvation. Terry…so many people join with you in your ongoing prayer…and we look forward to God answering those prayers in a way we can not even ask or imagine. Blessings to you dear one.

Sunshine and Shadows

In the quite of the day I rise,
Only to face those who come against me,
Armed with lies and deceit.

The darkness of my trials threatens to overtake me,
Then I look up and feel a ray of sun upon my face,
Bathing in the warmth…I’m reminded of Your love and faithfulness to me.

As the enemy whispers messages of defeat and destruction,
I hold fast to the One who enables me,
To be steadfast and immovable through the power of the Holy Spirit within.

Dedicated to you…

by Susan Bunts
October 2, 2007

This morning God laid upon my heart someone facing a heavy burden and trial. As I walked into work…I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun upon my face...reminding me of God's love which chases the darkness and shadows away. When darkness threatens overtake him…it is my prayer that God will remind this precious man of His love and care for him. May he be confident in his Saviors ability to bring him through each trial and tribulation he faces.

Hope Deferred

From my lips,
“Hope deferred makes my heart sick.”

Seemingly incongruent,
Yet both hope and despair fill my heart.

I’m so small,
Incapable when seen through my own eyes.

In the delay,
You promise a purpose.

You pause,
Seeking to grow my faith.

My difficulties,
You delight to handling with ease.

Your word assures,
Nothing is impossible with You.

My burdens unbearable,
They are all small to my God.

An answer forthcoming,
Much greater than I can ask or imagine.

by Susan Bunts 9/23/07

As I walked to my car on Wednesday after Bible study I ended my conversation Mike quoting the verse, “Hope deferred makes a heart sick.” - Proverbs 13:12

My heavy is heart and grows weary as prayers seemingly go unanswered. But God had planned a message of hope in Pastor Philip De Courcy’s first sermon at Kindred Community Church.

Many tears were shed as we saw God’s faithful answer to our many prayers for a man of God, faithful to preach His Word. A man who speaks with authority because he speaks the Word of God. Yet humble…ever mindful but there for the grace of God, there go I.

I still wait for an answer to my prayers…and was reminded that there is no better person to put my hope in…Christ Jesus my Lord. To Him who is able to do more than I can even ask or imagine. Nothing, no nothing is impossible with my God. I wait expectantly upon my Lord.