Wanda E. Brunstetter's Blog

At this time of the year, I often think about some of the things I’m most thankful for. Even when we are going through difficult times there is always something to praise God for and be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18.

As I reflect on some of the things I am most thankful for, the following comes to mind: My relatives. My friends. My church family. My pastor and his wife. My publisher. My dear readers. The joy of writing books. Memories of the years I had with my loving husband. My faith in God, and knowing how much He loves and cares for me. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34.

What are some of the things you’re most thankful for today?

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Shortly after my husband’s death, I received a message from one of my readers. Without quoting it word for word, it went something like this: “Do you realize that the whole world is watching you right now? You and your family have been through a lot in the last few years, but your faith has remained strong. Now you’re faced with another tragic situation, and, once again, the world is watching to see if your faith holds steady.”

This message was an eye-opener for me. Although, realistically, the entire world doesn’t know about my husband’s passing, or all of the other things my family has been faced with in recent years. However, the people I know personally, and those who follow me on my social media pages, or my faithful readers, are most likely aware of the events that have been challenging for me and the rest of my family. People are not just watching me, though. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, and have put your trust in the Lord, then you can be sure that people are watching to see how you deal with life’s challenges. They want to know if your faith will hold true. They need to see the love of Jesus, shining through.

In order to remain strong in my faith, I must pray often, read my Bible, regularly, and focus on all the good things God has provided. When doubts creep in, and my faith is tested, I run to Jesus, and He ministers to me.

Has your faith been shaken recently? If so, what things are you doing to make it stronger? Does it help or hinder to know that people are watching you?

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I was pleased and surprised when four of our dear Amish friends came all the way from Indiana to Washington State for my husband’s Memorial Service. One of the men, who is a bishop in their Amish community, spoke during the service, in addition to several other speakers. What a joy and a privilege it was to have these two Amish couples, who my husband and I became friends with over 20 years ago stay in my home for two full days and nights. The women were so helpful in preparing and setting things out for our meals, and then they cleaned up and put everything away after we had eaten. The men helped, too, and while the women picked blueberries from our berry patch, some weeds were pulled in the the flowerbeds by the men.

Friends from our church prepared a lovely meal, consisting of sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts and beverages, which were served to our family and those who attended the memorial service.

How thankful I am for good friends, who not only offered their help, but gave me comfort during a very difficult time.

How important has a special friendship been to you during a time of need? Is there anything specific you would like share?

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The recent passing of my dear husband, Richard, has drawn me to the Scriptures to seek comfort from God’s Holy Word. Here is one such verse: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Through all the pain and suffering Richard dealt with, his faith in God never wavered, and mine didn’t either. Richard was ready to exit this earth because he knew when his soul left his earthly body, he would be taken to a new home with Jesus, where pain and suffering does not exist. His faith was strong, right up to the end. Although I, and our family members, will miss Richard very, very much, I have the faith to believe that as a born-again Christian, my dear husband is in a far better place, no longer in pain or bound by this earth. I always believe that someday we will be reunited in heaven.

What strengthens your faith and how have you dealt with the struggles you’ve faced here on earth? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, in childlike faith, read John 3:16 and insert your name in the place where it says, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

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I am sometimes asked if, while visiting Amish country, it’s all right to take pictures of Amish people, homes, barns, etc.

Some more progressive Amish don’t mind having their pictures taken, but unless they haven’t joined the church yet, they normally won’t pose for a photograph. Most Amish don’t mind people taking pictures of their homes, farms, horses, and buggies. Some of the more conservative Amish don’t want tourists taking pictures of them or anything on their property. It’s always best to ask first before taking pictures, especially if the photos will include Amish people. For pictures of barns, homes, horses, and buggies, it’s usually fine to take pictures as long as you’re not invading anyone’s private property.

Have you ever had someone take a picture of you without your permission? If so, how did it make you feel? What are some reasons we might not want to have our photograph taken?

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I often hear from my readers that they enjoy reading my Amish-themed novels, and also the cookbooks with Amish recipes. Many times I am asked what appeals to me about the Amish way of life, and what made me decide to write about the Plain people. For one thing, I was, and still am, drawn to their simple lifestyle and the fact that they don’t put emphasis on worldly things. I also appreciate that my Amish friends put God first, and then their family. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to their faithfulness to God and family, the Amish people I am privileged to know personally do a lot to help other people. When I’m with our Amish friends I see their family closeness, and my desire to be closer to my own family grows stronger. When I’m visiting our Amish friends I feel calm, relaxed, and closer to God. All of these things are why I write Amish-themed novels that I enjoy sharing with my readers.

How about you? What do you admire about the Amish way of life? What do you enjoy most about reading my books that are set in Amish country and reflect the Plain people’s simple way of living?

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Life is full of decision making, and sometimes we know that the choices we make are the right ones. Other times we look back and feel as if a choice we made was a mistake. I have found that when it comes to making a choice about something, it’s always best if I take the time to pray about it first before making a final decision. Sometimes there is also an advantage of talking with someone you trust and getting their advice. Weighing the pros and cons is also helpful, but the fact is, once we’ve made a decision, there is no way we can know for sure how things will work out once we’ve made our choice. The important thing is how we deal with our choices even if we feel they were not thought through properly. Even a wrong choice can work for our good if we pray about it and ask the Lord to use it for His good.

How about you? Have you made any choices that you later regretted? How did you make the best of those decisions, and perhaps, even learn from them?

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In the Book of Psalm, verse 46:10, it says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I cherish those words. They mean so much to me. In all honesty, it’s hard for me to be still. I’m a doer, and since there is always so much to be done, I’m normally on the go. Even so, I am aware of the importance of spending some quiet time each day, and being in the presence of God makes it even more special. When I find a place to sit and be still, it’s often outdoors, weather permitting. If the weather is not cooperating, then I like to sit near a window where I can look out and see what things are growing in our yard.

While being still and focusing on God and His beautiful creation, I will often read from my daily devotional or a passage from the God’s Word.

Do you take time regularly to be still and think about God and all that He’s done for you? If so, where do you like to be during this time of renewal?

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When my husband was hospitalized a few weeks ago, he gave me his watch for safe-keeping. Somehow, I guess in my shock from learning of his heart condition, my mind went blank and I couldn’t remember where I had put the watch. I looked in my purse, my coat pockets, and in every bag we had taken on our overnight journey to the hospital that is three hours from where we live. Nothing. No sign of the watch anywhere, and no memory of where I’d put it. All I could think to do at that point was to promise that I would buy him a new watch.

After searching for two weeks, I finally I did what I should have done in the first place. I prayed about it. A few more days went by, and I continued to pray. Then, the other day, upon entering our bathroom, I spotted my cosmetic bag lying on a bench. I was sure I had looked in there before, but figured it wouldn’t hurt to look again. The small front pocket of the quilted bag has always been reserved for things like cotton swabs, shower caps, and smaller items that need less room. What I found inside that small pocket was my husband’s watch. What a pleasant surprise! I was almost certain that I had looked in there before. If I had, then I’m guessing I must have only searched in the larger portion of the cosmetic bag and hadn’t bothered looking in the smaller section.

How about you? Have you ever lost an item and prayed for guidance to finding it? Did it stay lost, or did you eventually find what had been missing?

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My topic this month is about how we can stay afloat when our boat seems to be sinking.

Ever since our daughter suffered a stroke nearly two years ago, things have often felt like we’ve been riding on a boat in rough waters. Many prayers went up for our daughter, and I’m happy to say that she’s made a lot of progress and is back teaching music to elementary school children.

About a year after our daughter’s stroke, her oldest daughter had complications and nearly lost her life while giving birth to her baby girl, who was born seven weeks early. Now, almost a year later, our granddaughter and her little girl are both doing well.

Last summer, it was my turn to rock the boat. While at a family reunion in Pennsylvania, I fell and broke my left arm. I was fitted for a brace and had to wear it for ten weeks. Even after I was allowed to take the brace off, the broken bone had only partially healed. Now, 6 months from returning home with a broken arm, I’m still seeing a physical therapist to hopefully regain my range of motion and lessen the pain and swelling. How thankful I am that I can still type and continue to write novels.

More recently, my husband was hospitalized with some heart issues. It’s been a physical and emotional journey for us, and there have been times when I’ve felt like our boat that had been rocking for two years, was beginning to sink. But with the support of family and friends, along with lots of prayer and time spent in God’s Word, we have managed to stay afloat. Several Scriptures have helped us rise above the turbulent waters. One in particular spoke to my heart recently. It’s found in Galatians 6:9 (KJV): “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

How about you? Do you have a favorite Bible verse that’s helped you stay afloat during difficult times? If so, please feel free to share it with your comments.

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