Dianna Buchwalter

Last summer, I bought a brand-new pair of shoes for our upcoming vacation. They felt perfect in the store. Before we left for our summer getaway, I decided to break them in for a day. Several hours later, those expensive, comfortable shoes gave me a blister, and I couldn’t get them off fast enough.   The unexpected pain made me think of our faith journey . It’s easy to trust God when life feels smooth and familiar. But what about when God calls us to something uncomfortable or unfamiliar?   In Joshua chapter 1 , after Moses had died, God appointed Joshua, his assistant, to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land . Can you imagine being given that task? The fear could have overwhelmed Joshua. However, God knew Joshua’s heart and what he needed to hear. In the first chapter alone, the Lord repeats the same message three times:   v. 6 Be strong and courageous…   v. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous   v. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courag...

  It’s two days before Christmas, and the house is currently empty, so I took advantage of the quiet moments and began reading Be Safe, Love Mom this morning. The book is written by a mom of four whose children serve in different U.S. military branches. It was a recommended read by a mom who has long been on this journey that we are soon approaching. From an early age, I knew my son wouldn’t go down the college route. Jeremy despised school. There were many parent-teacher conferences in those early years, and most teachers commented that Jeremy was too impulsive, un-focused, and disruptive to the class but had a heart of gold. I remember saying, “if I can just get him to graduate high school.” That’s how those thoughts ended for me, as I wasn’t sure what would come next for him. There wasn’t an urgency to have anything figured out back then, as time was on our side. As he matured, his character proved to be one I am very proud of. We often talked about the military as he grew, and...

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2 (NIV) Have you ever heard the expression “when God closes a door, He opens a window?” It’s simply saying that God can position us in such a way, whether through approval or rejection, that brings about the results He wants for us.  I remember a time when I was in a very comfortable place in life. No sooner than I got there that another opportunity presented itself. What was different about this situation was I found myself at a crossroads faced with two good choices. Ever been there? It would have been much easier if there was a clear direction I was to take. So, what happens if both windows are open at the same time?  Indecisiveness camped out and I found myself restless. As I did everything I knew to do: prayed without ceasing, read the Bible, made a pros and cons list...

The picture above is a present-day photo of my son,  Jeremy, who captured my heart 14 years ago. The picture below is who I still see.  A toddler - my baby. A cute, orange haired bundle of joy who first gave me the name “Mom.” In two weeks, he will be a freshman in high school. Deep breath. Gulp!  I remember swaddling him. His first steps.  The look of amazement at his first trip to the movie theater.  It’s hard to be prepared for your first child. We can read all the books, buy the best baby products and have the nursery decorated to a tee. But, when that child enters the world, everything changes. We’re scared and excited all at once.  And, somehow, with a little help from those who’ve already been there, prayer and guidance from our Heavenly Father, we eventually figure some of this parenting thing out. Yesterday, after getting advice from a friend, I bought my son an alarm clock. I realize I’m probably behind...

I fall on my knees in defeat, tired of the fight. Why does it have to be so hard, I cry out with all my might. Two steps forward and one step back seems to be the going rate. Where are you trying to get to, He asks. Don’t you know I’ll never allow you to be late? I have things I want to accomplish, I’m ready to begin. Your not ready for the task just yet my friend. Waiting can be so painful. It fills me with such strife. I know, He said, I waited for you to come to me for half your life. I’m working behind the scenes, good things are on the way. Will you trust me not just now but every day? Will I be enough for you when the answer is no? Will you move when I say go? You see, He said, I’m molding you into the person I created you to be. The process isn’t always easy but it’s placing your dependence on me. When you think the battle has been lost, I order my angels to hold you up. Spend some time with me, I AM the living w...

A few days ago, there was a dense fog that laid like a blanket covering the grounds and filling the air. As I drove my children to school all I could make out were the yellow and white lines on the pavement and the taillights in front of me. Traffic slowed as most people used common sense and caution but we all continued to move forward. We trusted the road ahead was clear though the view wasn't. I've had many adventures on the asphalt. I've witnessed drivers swerve in other lanes and I've done the same. Red lights have been run and speed limits ignored. Yet, with all these scenarios, I continue to get behind the wheel. Why? 1) My job appreciates it when I show up to work and these old feet won't get me there. 2) I presume I will be safe and all will be well. Driving takes faith, as does everything else in life. Our lives can easily be compared to excursions on the highway. We can't foresee what tunnels, twists and turns lay ahead until we get there. In ...

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...

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...