In Your Eyes

Invisible,
Insignificant,
Irrelevant,
Just doesn’t matter.

Unworthy,
Undeserving,
Unimportant,
Not worth the bother.

Trash,
Refuse,
Garbage,
Only to be discarded.

To Forgive or Not to Forgive

To forgive or not to forgive, that is the question.
Whether it is easier to dwell upon an offense,
And grow hurt into anger and bitterness.

Or forgive the offender,
Whether repentant of their deed,
Or cold hearted and unresponsive.

To focus on the pain,
Feed a gloomy countenance,
That looms like a thundercloud overhead.

Or obey my heavenly Father’s command,
To forgive my fellow man,
That I too might be forgiven.

To believe the lies of the enemy,
Be controlled by that, which is temporary,
Fail to recognize that this too shall pass.

Or trust Jesus Christ my Savior,
Think upon that which is true, lovely and pure.
Seek that which is praiseworthy and of eternal value.

by Susan Bunts – December 18, 2006

This year has been not only a year of clarity…but one with many lessons in forgiveness.

I’m a pretty straight shooter in life…and when confronted with something that’s not right…I will likely speak my mind in a very direct manner. Not leave a lot of wiggle room. If I don’t speak my mind…then I hold onto that which bothered me and I can’t even look the person in the eye and I loose respect.

I don’t know quite what to do when I get no response. It’s hard…I’d prefer a response of “Go pound sand!” than to be ignored.

But when I’m met with silence…I have a choice. God calls me to forgive. That forgiveness should not be dependent on someone acknowledging an offense, apologizing or choosing to ignore me. If let my reaction and choice to forgive be dependent upon them…then I’m held hostage.

Instead my Father in heaven…has made it abundantly clear that I need to walk in present, everyday forgiveness. It is only by His strength and wisdom I can do that which goes against my nature…forgive.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” – Matthew 18:21-22

My Emmanuel…God with me

When uncertainties abound,
He was my steady Rock.

When friends were scarce,
He never left me, nor forsook me.

When my faith failed me,
He remained ever faithful.

When anxiety was my lot,
He invited me to cast my cares upon Him.

When my soul was inconsolable,
He comforted me.

When joy eluded me,
He arranged an appointment with joy.

When the phone did not ring,
He remained a friend…who sticks much closer than a brother.

When the road ahead was dark,
He was the light unto my path.

When understanding was absent,
He provided clarity and insight through His word.

When disappointment swamped my soul,
He was my bright and shinning hope.

When tears were shed in solitude,
His nail pierced hands wiped my eyes.

When fear gripped my heart,
He was my courage to forge ahead.

When my prayers failed me,
He interceded for me at the right hand of the Father.

When this little lamb strayed into the thicket of doubt and unbelief,
The Good Shepherd rescued me from the ravenous wolf.

When ready to live a settled for life,
He challenged me to come up higher.

When I stood firm and waited,
I saw the deliverance of my Lord…Emmanuel.

by Susan Bunts - 12/7/06

Many folks compose a letter each year to be enclosed with their Christmas cards. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with this tumultuous, roller coaster of a year. Even if I attempted to put pen to paper…goodness only knows the words…would soon be a novel, not a mere letter.

That being said…when all else failed me…Jesus Christ my Emmanuel remained with me each day, each step of the way. May this poem be my praise and thanksgiving to my faithful, loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also want to say thank you to those of you who prayed for me during this difficult and challenging year. Lord bless!

My Heart’s Desire

A certain wildness,
That can not be tamed.

Maddeningly aloof,
Yet I find myself drawn.

He hears me,
Like none before.

A quite confidence,
Seeks not the praise of men.

At times immovable,
Yet a plea for help will be answered.

Humble strength,
Helps those in need.

Vulnerability,
Deep beneath the surface.

Scars remain,
Hurt deep within the soul.

Faithfulness and truth,
Ever so rare in this generation.

My heart yearns,
Desires one…such as this.

Once Considered a Friend

There once was a man called friend.
With sparkling blue eyes and an engaging smile,
Who captured my heart.

A thoughtful, kind and caring soul.
Through thick and through thin,
A good friend to all.

Passionate and caring of things of import.
Arguments vocalized with a friendly banter,
Refusal to back down or be swayed from his point.

Then the day came, when rough waters abound.
A cry went out for the help of a supportive friend.
Only to be met with silence.

Confused information with participation.
Choices sent waves of disappointment;
From which he would not repent.

The phone remained silent; e-mails unanswered.
Hurt and withdrawal necessitated,
A decision…to give up.

Decision made to move on.
Eyes fixed forward, must not look back.
In reality…a struggle each day.

Until one day…success.
Conversation…but nary a thought of him came to mind.
Shocked, surprised and appalled!

How could I…what kind of a person am I?
To so easily forget,
One, once considered a friend?

What I Wouldn’t Give

Dear Chuck,
trials and tribulations abound.

Keenly aware,
how much I miss you.

My desire,
to pick up the phone.

Hear godly council,
from one whom I respect.

To once again,
sit under your teaching.

Knowing God,
will use His willing servant.

Speaking God’s word,
to correct, rebuke or encourage.

No doubt,
an occasional flinch would be seen.

As God’s word,
takes steady aim, piercing my heart.

A tear,
or two would be wiped away.

As I see,
my wobbly faith has fallen short.

Yet my God,
provided rich teaching from his humble servant.

Daily I feast,
to strengthen my heart, mind and soul.

Encouraged to know,
his humble servant finished well.

I know firsthand,
I witnessed the power of God’s word.

My prayer,
that I too will hear.

Jesus words,
“Well done, my faithful servant.”

P.S.,
I miss you my beloved Pastor.

Thanking God for my beloved former Pastor, Chuck Obremski and the dedicated servants at Kindred Community Church who carry on the mission of Reaching the World with the Word of God.

If you too are going through difficult times or times of temptation and trial, please click on the link to Kindred Community Church and listen to the online sermons or e-mail the audio ministry and request some of the teaching albums. Trust me…your faith will be strengthened and challenged. You will grow and your walk will be made steady as you feast on God’s word.

Lasting Impressions

Frustrated;
Hurt and angry too.

Caught between;
Inept and unwilling.

Faith and doubt;
Wavering in between.

Incapable or unwilling;
Beyond my understanding.

Disappointed;
Surely not what I imagined.

Courage;
Lacking these days.

Expectations;
Dashed against reality.

Messages;
No reply…still waiting.

Not even worth it;
A waste of time to ask why.

Forget about it;
Out with the old.

Respect for whom?
Where did it go?

Welcome to hell…step right in!

I awoke to the news today,
That evil personified had met his maker.

Today Al Zarqawi,
Was welcomed to the gates of hell.

Al, please meet your torturers,
They will be with you for eternity.

Yes…the temperature it a little hot,
Fear not…it will get worse.

Oh, those screams you hear,
Your voice will soon be added to them.

Take a good look around,
This is the last you will ever see of another soul.

Al Zarqawi,
Is that you trembling?

Tell me,
Do you think Nick Berg trembled at your hand?

Starting to sink in now?
A little too late to realize you’ve got it all wrong.

Don’t be getting weak kneed on me now,
After all, this will just last…for eternity.

Fret not…there is still plenty of room,
For all your friends.

See that spot…specially prepared for Osama,
He’ll be joining us soon.

Mr. Al Zarqawi,
It will be my pleasure to serve you justice for eternity.

What’s the matter…don’t you want to enter in?
Boys, “Grab him”.

Make no mistake,
You will enter in, it’s not optional.

Words Left Unspoken…

Desperation I fear is my lot,
Tempted to utter words,
Best left unspoken.

You failed me…
Where were you…
Why didn’t you fight for me?

My heart and mind,
Disconnected…
I don’t understand!

Trust evades me,
Trying,
Truly I am.

My faith,
My hope,
Where are you now?

Broad shoulders,
Carry a load,
I fear I’m only adding to.

My mind knows the truth,
My eyes have seen daily,
My ears have heard your words.

How do I bridge the gap?
Bring heart and mind in sync?
My desire…trust, hope and faith.


Have you ever doubted someone…whose only aim is do the right thing and help you? And you know your doubts and wobbly faith…adds to their burdens and an already heavy load? Sometimes…I don’t know the answer…or how to make that leap of faith. But I attempt to disarm its hold over me…by speaking the truth. Right now…somehow I need to make the connection between my heart and my mind. My lack of trust…is a reflection solely on me.

I’m sorry!

The Weight of His World

When you look in his eyes these days,
You’ll see someone carrying the burdens of many.

Desperate phone calls from those whose future is uncertain,
Pleas to know what will happen as they face the unknown.

A reputation for always doing the right thing,
He aims to treat everyone with respect.

Only now the answers are not forthcoming,
This time, the decisions are not his to make.

For now, sleepless nights are his lot,
Dark circles bear witness, as does the pain in his eyes.

Most desperate to take care of his people,
None will ever fully know his efforts on their behalf.

He cries out to God for wisdom and strength,
As he carries the weight of his world on his shoulders.


For you...I thank you for everything you've done. I am most grateful and humbled...even though it doesn't always come through in what I say and do.

A Hope…a Chance…United 93

A hope…but not a guarantee,
A chance…but not a certainty,
Had the passengers on United 93.

A picture…
A realization…
Of the evil set before them.

Subdued initially by lies,
Communication with loved ones,
Their true mission revealed.

Awful truth sets in,
Oppressed, overwhelmed, just want to cry,
After all…what can we do?

A flicker of hope,
A strength surges through,
Hearts and minds steeled for the mission ahead.

Not a choice,
But a must,
We dare not allow them success.

A plan is formed,
Last goodbyes are said,
Ours the first step, in the war on terror.

Will they ever know the truth?
Will they know that we tried?
Will they remember…and never forget?

They must be strengthened,
And never loose sight,
Find courage, fight strong, finish the battle.

A hope…but not a guarantee,
A chance…but not a certainty,
Let’s roll…let’s fight, our battles’ begun.

Dedicated to the Passengers & Crew of United 93
Susan Bunts
5/2/06

An American’s Thanksgiving

My heartfelt thanksgiving,
For the blessings bestowed by my God

Chosen by the Father,
For salvation through his Son

Placed in a nation,
To be a light to the world

Given His Word,
God’s message to share

Our liberty and freedom,
Guaranteed in the Constitution

Our nation’s independence,
Protected by those who serve

One nation united,
All differences set aside

Reflecting with thanksgiving,
This fourth Thursday in November

Bowed in gratitude,
For the blessings from above

Humbled at the responsibilities,
Entrusted us by our God


By Susan Bunts
Thanksgiving 2005 – November 24th

Something Fierce

Dear Chuck,
Missing you something fierce today,
Someone stood in the pulpit,
But your shadow remains.

It's been thirty-five days,
Since you went to your great reward,
Forty-two since we heard the Word God,
Preached boldly from your lips.

How long will it be,
Until I stop counting the days?
How long will it be,
Until I sing praise once again, with my eyes open?

I hunger and thirst,
For expository preaching,
Long for sermons that challenge me,
Hold me accountable, my feet to the fire.

My dear Pastor,
My heart feels pierced.
Tears fill my eyes, and even overflow,
As I behold another, standing in your place.

How long will it be,
Until I no longer hold up the pattern.
Expecting the next man called,
To measure up to your legacy?

I look to the Lord,
Searching the Word of God,
My hurting heart cries out,
Receives comfort from my precious Savior.

Dear Pastor,
Missing you something fierce today,
But grateful to God,
For having loved you so well.

by Susan Bunts 10/23/05

Still feeling the passing of my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski something fierce. Keenly aware of his absence...some days more intensely than others. All the while turning to God...and being comforted in my grief.

And The Story Was Told

And the story was told,
of a man who lived his life well.

Started out life,
on the tough streets of Pittsburgh, PA.

School of hard knocks,
a reality, not just a phrase.

Then the real education began,
at an eternal and holy school.

Humbled before a Holy, Righteous God,
acknowledged his own sinful soul.

Received forgiveness,
Jesus Christ, the atonement for sin.

Learning life's lessons,
from the very Word of God.

Changed, transformed,
reflecting the light of our Lord.

Always found time,
to counsel a hurting, needful soul.

Wisdom, not his own,
but from the Holy Father above.

Direct from the pulpit,
a steady and penetrating gaze.

Proclaiming the gospel,
always, only, continually his aim.

Suffering and death,
a tool of salvation in the hands of a loving Father.

God, whose desire, His will,
that none should perish, but all come to repentance.

And the story was told,
of a man who live his life well.

Loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength,
like unto it, he loved his fellow man.


by Susan Bunts 9/27/05

Waiting

From unimaginable,
To Lord, if that's Your will,
To please Lord, don't let him suffer.

Waiting for news,
Prayerful and silent,
Hearts and minds focused on St. Joe's 391.

A glimmer,
A flicker,
A hope passes by.

He's able,
Not willing,
We know not why.

We wait,
We pray,
We look to our Lord.

He strengthens,
He comforts,
And each step He guides.

No breath,
No word,
We bow before our Lord.

We surrender,
We are humbled,
All trust in our Lord.


By Susan Bunts 9/17/05

As we await word on our beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski...I find throughout the day...my mind, heart, thoughts and prayers are focused on Saint Joseph's Hospital and what God is doing there. Each e-mail that comes I tremble when I open it and read slowly to take it in.

I hold my breath, focus...and look to Jesus...and make a decision to trust Him in and through all things.

Oh Lord!

Oh Lord, I am afraid,
Do not fear, for I am with you!

Oh Lord, I am filled with anxiety,
Be anxious for nothing, instead pray and bring your requests to me.

Oh Lord, I feel weighed down and burdened so,
Come unto me and I will give you rest.

Oh Lord, I am overwhelmed with sorrow,
I have taken up your infirmities and carried your sorrows.

Oh Lord, I am weak and weary,
I will give you strength and power.

Oh Lord, my soul is despairing,
Despair not, for I am your ever present help in times of trouble.

Oh Lord, I am alone…all have deserted me,
I will never leave you, nor forsake you.


By Susan Bunts - 9/5/05

The Example

Preaching and teaching the Word of God,
But a door is closed,
Uncertainty…confusion,
What would you have us to do Lord?

God is moving...leading,
Like the cloud by day or fire by night,
Trusting…believing,
Where should we go Lord?

Moving…following His lead,
Seeing His church grow,
Excitement…expectations,
What will our God do?

Doctors deliver a bad report,
Seeking guidance and wisdom,
Alarm…confusion,
By what means will he be healed?

Desire to keep preaching,
Reaching those not yet saved,
Passion…desire,
That the lost might be saved.

Hospitals…hate them,
But following Your will,
Humble…obedient,
The next step…in response to Your lead.

Surgery, radiation, and chemo too,
Wreaking havoc on the body,
Pain...unrelenting,
Seeking wholeness and healing.

Sustained by Your power,
Standing by Your mighty hand,
Strengthened…empowered,
Message shared...with those lost in their sin.

Standing amazed,
Silenced in awe,
Witness…participant,
Work of God, not of man.

Tool in the hand of the Master,
Used to do Your will,
Love…poured out,
Jesus…given to a world in need.

Praying, trusting and believing,
For wholeness and healing,
This world…or eternity,
Certainly in the world to come.

Heading the call of God,
To spread Your very Word,
Willing…servant,
Obedient...even to the end.

It’s all about Jesus,
It was, and is, and will always be,
Precious…Lord,
Savior, Messiah, He’s Jesus, my Jesus!


By Susan Bunts – 8/30/05

And God Said No

We prayed for healing and wholeness,
and God said, "No, I have another plan".

We cried out to remove this pain,
and God said, "No, I will help you bear it."

We prayed that he would remain a while longer,
and God said, "No, trust me."

We cried out for strength to bear our burdens,
and God said, "I am your strength and shield."

We prayed for peace,
and God said, "My peace I give you."

We cried out with praise for our great God and Savior,
and God said, "Come, I will give you rest."

by Susan Bunts 8/20/05

I Need a Sam

Like Frodo of old,
I need a Sam,
A friend by my side,
For all life's adventures.

A friend ever faithful,
A friend so true,
Through thick and through thin,
Even to the end, he's always my friend.

My Sam...where are you?

by Susan Bunts - 8/19/05

Deceived or Deceiver?

Arrogant
Narcissistic
Know It All

Yet Talented
Skillful
And a hard worker too

Player
User
There’s no one but you

Deceiver
No trust is bestowed upon you
No respect is due you

Empty
Disgusting
“Son of a”…yeah one of those too

Example to no one
Except to all
On what not to be

Friends
So called,
They see through you too

Deceived
Alone
And Facing the End

Will you get it, realize you erred
Or harden your heart
And face a fiery end

By Susan Bunts 8/12/05

It is not my intent with this posting to be ugly or vulgar. But just as God has given me words of inspiration lately summarizing my beloved Pastor’s living example and God’s wonderful plan…so too I feel as if I am bubbling forth with words to describe an experience with an individual I’ve met. This time with an unfavorable impression.

Well alrighty…I know this one is rather dark. Don’t mean to bring you down. One thing that I thank God for is gift discernment. I am very grateful for it…and I’m sure God has used it to spare me some pain over the years

As revolting as I found this individual to be…I know as a Christian that God can even reach out and touch this person and change him. That while I was repulsed…God still loves him. So I guess I’ll conclude this posting with a prayer God will reach out, touch this man’s heart…and bring him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That I’ll be able to stand back and see God do a great and mighty work in the life of a sinful man.

JOY

Our hearts filled with joy,
Singing praise and thanksgiving
Loudly proclaiming the glories of our God

Each moment a treasure
A precious gift from above
Given to His own, from the Savior with love

One heart,
One mind,
One body in Christ

One Father,
One Savior,
One Spirit indwelling

Laughter and joy and peace fill this place
As He endlessly pours out
His marvelous grace


Susan Bunts - 8/8/05

Yesterday's service was so wonderful...a true gift from God. I think all who attended were filled to overflowing with joy and peace from our Savior. What a delight. Yet...we remain ever cognizant that each moment is a gift...we are not promised even the next minute.

Trust in God, our faith and praise must not be based in our outward circumstances. Our eyes must be focused on God and Him alone. God alone is our Foundation, our Rock...He alone will never change. Circumstances will change, our health will decline and people will fail us. If our focus is not on Jesus Christ...we will be like that wave tossed to and fro on the windy sea of life.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might!

Amazing is Our God

We are witnesses
To our Amazing God

He sustains us
In our weakness

He strengthens us
For each battle

He equips us
Through His powerful and mighty Word

Mercy and Comfort
He pours out upon us

In answer to our prayers
His peace fills each heart, mind and soul

In sickness, pain and even death
Bringing glory to our God

Miraculous, Marvelous, Wonderful
Amazing is Our God


7/24/05 - Susan Bunts

Tears, Faith & Trust

A time for tears,
A time for faith,
A time for trust.

Broken hearts,
United hearts,
One in spirit.

No questioning why,
No asking when,
Knowing all our days, have been ordained.

Time for a sit down,
For a heart to heart,
Time to share, before one departs.

Love that will never die,
That can not be extinguished,
That will one day, reunite.

Time for tears,
Entrusted to our Savior,
Who redeemed us with His blood.

Time for faith,
In the Holy Spirit,
Who will enable us from within.

Time for trust,
In our Heavenly Father,
Who loves with an infinite love.


Susan Bunts
7/10/05

Today service was one that broke everyone's heart. We continue to see our beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski be devastated by an unrelenting disease. Yet at each stage, he and his wife Linda have been an example to us all. Trusting God and knowing that He has a purpose and plan in allowing this cancer in Chuck's life. Because of this living example...we as a congregation have been able to trust God, praise God and worship Him at every step. In the midst of tears...we are able to say "Praise God from whom all blessings flow". We are able to thank Him for his unending grace and mercy sufficient for all circumstances that He allows in our lives.

Not My Will

Confidence in my God,
Knowing He is able.

Prayers uttered in faith,
For wholeness and healing.

Yet with humility and surrender,
Not mine, but Thy will be done.


Susan Bunts
7/10/05

Immeasurable Beauty

My beloved Pastor
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
Powerfully transformed
A walking, living, breathing sermon

Firsthand knowledge of the Power of God
The Word of God
The enabling power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within

Powerful love for his Lord and Savior
For his congregation
For a lost and dying world

Grateful for each day
Using the gifts from God
Selfless, Giving and Caring

Courageous sacrifice
Radically committed
Poured out like a drink offering

Outward beauty and strength that is fading away
Inward beauty, character and strength
Growing stronger and deeper day by day

Straight shooter
Steady aim
Sharp unwavering focus

Focused on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal rewards to come
Looking forward to hearing those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

By Susan Bunts - July 3, 2005

This poem is my attempt to capture, to put into words, what it's been like over the past few years...and each week to witness my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski as he is fully trusting in God and obedient to Him while immersed in desperate circumstances. My heart breaks as I see Chuck's physical health continue to decline. To a world focused solely on the outward appearance...they will not see the immeasurable beauty that I see as I behold Chuck. While his outward beauty fades, it is being replaced with inner beauty of his soul that can never be taken away. I covet your continued prayers for Chuck and Linda.

Will You Ever?

Will you ever see a jet flying overhead
without being reminded of September 11th?

Will you ever see a plane again
without remembering images of a plane crashing into a building?

Will you ever see a skyscraper again
without envisioning innocent people plunging to their deaths and buildings crumbling to the ground?

Will you ever again see a fireman or policeman
without imagining them rushing in to save lives...only to loose their own?

Will you ever...see the American flag
or hear America the Beautiful
or see our proud and brave military
without a tear coming to your eye?

I hope not...I pray not...
Remember 9/11...


By Susan Bunts
Written on October 25, 2001