Dianna Buchwalter

Have you ever felt a passion deep within and just knew it came from above?  With a little persistence, patience and prayer you felt God would fulfill those desires. Have you watched those same dreams crash and burn when they didn’t come to fruition? For an entire year, I was sure God placed a yearning in my heart He intended to bring to pass. I had entry after entry in my journal of “coincidences” (which I don’t believe in) happen.  I heard from other trusted Christian friends on their opinion of the situation and it paralleled with mine. I earnestly fasted, prayed and read the word.  I had done everything I knew to do to make sure my feelings were aligned with God’s will and that I heard from Him and not just my own longings. But, I didn’t end up with what I prayed for.  How could I have been so wrong about something which felt so right? Reflecting back, it could have been either of the following: God used this particular circumstance to draw m...

Rain continued to fall from the heavens a few days ago. One day turned to two and then three. Horrific pictures were broadcast on television of people who had to evacuate the comfort of their homes due to an unwelcomed invader.  As of today, nineteen people have lost their lives from a natural resource that is beneficial and ironically needed for our survival-water.   Water is such a magnificent necessity. It quenches our thirst, cleanses our bodies and nourishes crops. It provides countless hours of free entertainment while we vacation at the beach.  However, the only way this water is favorable for us is when it’s in moderation and controlled. This same water that has many valuable uses is also powerful enough to destroy what we work all of our lives for, in an instant! “Mommy, God promised He wouldn’t destroy the earth with a flood ever again, so, why is it flooding?” is what my ten year old asked me as we watched the news together. I tried to explain ...

With all my recently found recipes on Pinterest, I was sure I needed a new set of pots and pans.  I had been in a funk and this would surely lift my spirits. I made my way to the cookware and stood in the middle of the aisle.  By all outward appearances, I must've looked like any other shopper.  Inside, however, a war had been waged for days in my psyche between God's truths and Satan's lies. "Oh no! Not again," I thought.  I had come to this store to escape those voices of deceit so why were they following me? As I looked around, I hoped I hadn't said what I thought out loud.  God knows I already felt half crazy but for someone else to think I was might do damage to my self esteem.  Not to mention, it would ruin my day should some friendly men in white coats come in to take me away.  I made my way to the car and sat there as I went over the lies that were clinging and clanging together and had threatened ...

The door of my heart was open to everyone but you. Freely giving pieces of myself until pain and emptiness grew. You, the One that could fill every hollow space. I rejected again. Your response: “I’ll wait.” As my car careened you charged your angels to intervene. Thankful for a moment but I quickly forgot, it was you who saved me from that dark spot. You, the One who rescued me and gave me life. I rejected again. Your response: “I’ll give her time.” Sunday mornings spent in bed from a late night that left me with an aching head. You, who whispered I love you anyway. I rejected again. Your response: “It doesn’t matter what you say.” Crying babies. Sleepless nights. Toxic relationships with too many fights. You, the One who makes all things new. I rejected again. Your response: “I’m not through.” Broken and lost, tired of running. I lifted my eyes to see You, the One most stunning. You, the living water who refreshes souls, lo...

A comb hadn’t touched his hair for days. Or so it seemed. It appeared he had been wearing the same clothes for weeks. As my car pulled closer, I glanced at this stranger who held a sign and I kept going.  My ten year old son said “Mom, he needs help.” I responded “I don’t have any money.” This event began a discussion with my son that has impacted not only him but me.  He went on to tell me that though we didn’t have money, we could still give him something.  Then he asked the question that caused my head to hang in shame and I was instantly convicted.  He asked “What would Jesus do?” In the book of Matthew, Jesus says that whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. (Matt. 25: 40-45) How many times have we prayed to be the hands and feet of Jesus and yet, when given an opportunity, we let it pass us by? This wander...

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8 (NIV) I AM the Alpha. I AM the salt of the earth. I AM the salt in your tears. I AM in the beating of heavy rains. I AM in every beat of your heart. I AM the rock upon which you stand. I AM your shield from rocks thrown from your enemies. I AM in the swirling winds of the sea. I AM in every swirl of your fingerprints.  I AM with you in the silence. I AM with you in the noise. I AM pleased to see the fruit of your labor. I AM the fruit that gives you nourishment. I AM on the wings of soaring eagles. I AM the wings that shelter you from the storm. I AM with the soldier whose soles of their feet enter dangerous ground. I AM crying out for the lost souls to return to me. I AM the warmth from the sun on a summer's day. I AM the SON who died to give you life. I AM your first breath. I AM y...

There’s a monster in our house.  That’s right-a big, ferocious tickle monster that comes out daily.  He seems to make his way to both of my children, upon request. The laughter that echoes out of their mouths will light up a room with joy. How ridiculous would it be if I told my kids I couldn’t tickle them because when they move, they could bump their heads on something and get hurt? Pretty silly idea, right? So many intoxicating, playful times would be lost all for what could happen. Life is filled with great moments like that. The kind that bring delight and pleasure. Sometimes, their short lived and others last much longer than we expect.  But, with those, also come the trials and heartache.  As we age, we witness more blows so we come to expect the bad will always follow the good. As a result, even when things are going smoothly, we will hold our breath and wait for the other shoe to drop. Why do we let the good things in our lives be overshado...