Dianna Buchwalter

Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart Birthday parties are hassle free and relaxing…said no parent ever!  For any of us who’ve had or will have to plan a child’s birthday party, it can be quite stressful. Once the day arrives and things run smoothly, we find a moment to exhale and enjoy the look on our child’s face as they beam with joy over a time celebrated just for them.  We watch with anticipation as they unwrap their presents and wait for the smile that appears followed by a thank you (hopefully). Why do we do this? Because we love our children and it brings us happiness to see theirs. My nine year old will be moving to double digits in a few short weeks and in preparation, I’ve asked him what he would like for his birthday.  Though I can’t afford everything on the list, I’m sure he will be quite pleased on his special day.  In addition to purchasing new video games and Pokémon...

The older I get, the more I seem to reflect on my childhood. One major milestone for me and I assume a lot of youth, was getting my drivers license. I was 15 and my first car was a blue Pontiac Grand-Am. I drove that car until the tires were bald. You couldn’t tell me anything at that age because I knew it all. Yep, I had all I needed in that 4 door car. What an accomplishment it was to have this new found independence and freedom. 15 was also a hard age. I wasn’t a little girl anymore. I was stubborn and far from God. I believed in Him but I wanted no part of living the Christian life. The Christian life was boring. I wanted fun and to make my own rules. As I was reading out of 1 Samuel this morning, I had to stop for a moment to ponder on David. A man after God’s own heart. David was the youngest in his family. A shepherd. Most know the story of how David killed the giant, Goliath, with a rock. Some think he was around the age of 15 (give or take a few years). David ki...

The past came knocking today, with nothing new to say; She told it to leave and yet there it stayed. It invaded her thoughts and held her captive within; Bringing visions and flashbacks of a life lived in sin. The trip down memory lane revealed a girl covered in shame; Saddened by her choices and haunted from outside voices. She remembered she was washed clean one glorious day when she grew tired of living life her way; In an instant He made her new, not by good works but just by asking Him to. So, she slammed the door and fell to her knees, thankful these were distant memories; For where she was and where she is, was a lifetime apart when she recalled she was His. The light broke through and a smile reappeared, as her future was calling and it was instantly clear; She wasn’t her past nor her mistakes, she was God's daughter and all sins He erased.