Dianna Buchwalter

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...

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.