Staying Afloat
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.
You and your family have certainly been through a lot. I was honored to pray for you all, and hope my prayers helped, in some small way. When I am feeling like my boat is rocking uncontrollably, I “try” to remember one of my favorite verses — Isaiah 40:30-31. Well, I have others too, but this is the one that came first to mind.
Hi, Those Bible verses are also highlighted in my Bible. Gives us strength, doesn’t it?
Fenna
For by grace you have been saved
Eph 2:8
I’ve been praying for you family for quite awhile. For by grace you have been saved
I’ve prayed for your daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, and you as you recovered from your fall but I somehow missed the heart issues of your husband. I pray that he is doing better. We wonder why it seems that once trouble comes, it’s often followed by even more. Your chosen verse is certainly one to carry close to our hearts!
I find comfort in this verse from the Book of Psalms.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1-3
May God bless you in the coming year!
Have been pray for you and your family. I too know the feeling of the boat sinking. Last year we visited the emergency room with my mom twice. When she fractured her back and then fractured her ribs. She then got sick with a bad cold. While still dealing with her ribs which we were told in December that her ribs healed half way. And since she has arthritis rehumatoid oesteoporosis her bones are too weak for surgery and there isn’t anything to do. The Bible verse that always helps me to cope and feel strong is Psalms 91.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own.
A little over a decade ago I was diagnosed with cancer literally as I was leaving to take my 4 month old baby to get kidney surgery done. The verse I held onto was, ” For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. ”
2 Tim. 1:7-8
Oh! I am sorry. I knew about your daughter and you but hadn’t heard about Richard. I pray everyone is healing. Those times are tough when we are in the midst of them. We can often allow ourselves to be swallowed up. Turning our heart and tears to God it what truly helps. There are so many scriptures that I have turned to to help be in some of the rocky moments in my life. What truly comes to mind is from Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid:do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV) As I sit here and right this it is a reminder to myself as I am in a rocky moment and see how God just used you and your journal entry to recall Gods promises. Thank you and blessing to you and your family for continued healing
I enjoy reading your books. My husband had a stroke 3 years ago. He did not recover as well as we would have hoped and prayed for. I have been riding that boat for 3 years I understand that feeling well. Your books take me away to another life that I enjoy reading about. Keep writing it is wonderful!
Prayers for all your concerns above in your post..
One of my favorite verses: *I will never leave thee or forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5*
Favorite Hymn that goes along with the verse is **Constantly Abiding**( by Anne S. Murphy)
I hope these bring you comfort !
Blessings for your whole family and the Doctors !
(I opened my hymn book to the above song and verse.)
Wanda,
I will be praying for your husband, I pray that all will go well and he will regain his health.
Praying for you, husband Richard and all your family. You’ll get through this together walking with God.
Judy
Dear Wanda,
I read your message about your husband and I said a prayer for him and for you. I will keep praying for both of you, and hopefully your husband will get better.
Love Stephanie
Come to me who all are weary and burdening I will give you rest. Psalm 118:14
I leaned on this verse for the last 10 years. Back in 2014 I married my husband and we both had adult children from previous marriage. I moved to his location since I was a teacher I could easily relocate. My 18 year old daughter came with me and stated college here in Asheville NC. After that his two adult children moved in with us with their babies. Through some unfortunate incidents they lost custody of their babies and keeping them out of the system I was able to gain custody. Solong story short, new marriage, new city, new job, 3 adult children and I have custody of two babies. The parents of the babies could only be with their child is if I was in the room. I had to rearrange my schedule constantly. The babies had to sleep in our bedroom then about 2020 everything was resolved with the parents and then Covid hit. That is a different journal for a different day.
May the good Lord bless and keep you in your trials and tribulations. I will hold both your husband and you in my prayers.
Praying for Richard that his procedure for his heart goes successfully. Still praying for you and your extended family. God is good. He hears and answers our prayers. May God bless you and your family.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippines 4:13
My verse is Psalms 28:7
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
My prayers are with you and Richard and the doctors. I hope the procedure is successful and your husband has a speedy recovery. You have certainly had an eventful season! Perhaps after this things will calm down for a while. Looking forward to the new book, which will be wonderful as always! Best wishes on your anniversary!
Wow, you and your family really have been tested. But, our God is a good God and answers prayers. May he bless you and yours and will send prayers to guide the surgeon and for your husbands successful surgery and rapid recovery.
Dear Ms. Brunstetter,
I am grateful to hear that the challenges that have rocked your boat are healed or healing. I will certainly pray for your husband and his scheduled surgery.
Your books give me peace and inspiration. One of my favorite Bible verses is: Psalm 62:1+2
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.He alone is my Rock and salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken.”
I lost my son in 2007 age 43
and my grandson in 2007 age 19 months. Without the strength from the Lord, I would not have made it thru those unexpected passings. He is my Rock.
Thank you for all the stories the Lord gives you to share with us.
May His blessings continue on you.
Love, Fenna
I definitely don’t feel like I’m staying above water.
Praying for your husband and the physicians that will be in the operating room preforming this procedures. You and your family are such an inspiration to all of your followers . Prayers coming your way. God bless all of you.
I just wanted to let you know that I have added your husband to my prayer list and also you and the rest of your family.
Sherrill ☺️
Psalms 125
I will be keeping you and your husband in my prayers.
I too have had arm issues. It’s not fun and physical therapy seems to hurt more each time! I feel wiped out afterwards!
I will pray for your family that everything works out for your husband . I like the verse John 3-16.
Thanks for all you do for your readers….. Praying for your husband ….my husband has heart problems.. His heart doctor calls him his miracle man !
Will be praying for your husband and that your arm would heal quickly!
Healing prayers for Richard. God is in control.
Wanda, your books is such an inspiration to me. I love reading them. I would love to have a signed book from you
Prayers for your husband and the family as he goes through this process..blessings to you all
Sincerely Kitty
My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13- ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This may seam like a very common bible verse however ever since I was diagnosed with a joint disorder that started when I was 12 years old, this verse has helped me get through every day. Prayers are being sent your way for your husband and your family.
I lean on Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I am so glad that the Lord has seen you through all these trials. God is so good! Psalm 126:5 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy”.
My daughter was born three months prematurely. She weighed 1 lb. 12 oz. That was in 1991. So many people prayed for her, including my in-laws’ church, my parents church, and my own church. My daughter was known throughout her childhood as a sweet, “angelic” child. Even today, she is extremely kind and thoughtful to everyone she meets. She is truly a gift to all, and a reminder that prayer works!
You have been having some real challenges. Will be praying for your husband’s upcoming procedure.
God bless!
I really needed your journal entry as that has been my life in the last few years. As my husband passed after his open heart surgeries, my daughter had a serious ski injury, my son diagnosed with a permanent debilitating illness. And my mother in the hospital just this week. I will add your husband to my prayers.
I shall say a prayer for you as well. Blessings, Wanda
The 23rd Psalm has been a comfort for me in times of uncertainty. The first verse “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” He is faithful and hears my plea for peace and comfort. So many wonderful verses have been mentioned in the posts, each one has special meaning! I am lifting your family up in prayer as you walk through this present valley. May God bless you.
Im on a cancer journey and God’s blessing with peace and hope for the journey a verse i found helpful was Isaiah 40:31 thanks for sharing this encouragement 🙏 for God’s healing and wisdom for your family in this time of heart concerns for your husband 🙏 ❤️
What typically comes to mind is that God never gives us more than we can handle. Oftentimes I think He has more confidence in me than I do!
Be well.
My prayers are with you and family. Your family has been through alot this past year. So glad you and daughter are coming along good. God put his arms out and helped with healing. God will be with Richard as he faces heart surgery and put his healing arms around him too. God Bless you and family. Prayers being sent too. Cindy Seaholtz
Wanda, I am praying for you and your wonderful family. A verse I love and start the day with, is not related to my health, per se, but for our times: 2 Chronicles 7:14 . “If my people, which are called by name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land.” Your rocky boat has not been alone. Your family has gone through a lot and experienced wonderful miracles. Bless you and your family. I pray Richard will be more comfortable after his upcoming procedure.
Matthew 5:16 let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father, which is in heaven. This verse has helped me to keep my eyes on Him and not myself.
🙏 for you and your family.
Many prayers for your family. It seems once the boat starts rocking it takes the hand of God to steady it once again. I have been reading your books for years, and I do enjoy all of them.
Matthew 516 let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. This verse has helped me to keep my eyes on Him and my purpose in life and not dwell on myself. He has been so faithful to me. Prayers for your family
My husband and I have found through our 55 years of marriage that God’s Grace will always be sufficient. His answers aren’t always as we would have them to be, but we can rest assured that He knows best and in His time the answers will come. It’s taken us through a child having spinal meningitis at 7 weeks which left her mentally handicapped with a multitude of behavioral issues, myself there’s been back, knee and heart surgeries, and like yours, my husband has heart issues from afib to valve problems. We like to say that GRACE describes our life starting with salvation and continues on daily! II Cor 12:9 is one of the best verses I can point you to. Will be praying for your hubby! God bless.
My prayers are with your husband and for the medical staff.
For those that have recovered: “As each of you have received a gift. Use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”(Philemon1:24)
Praying for your husband’s upcoming procedure on 2/4. May God guide the doctors’ hands and may the procedure be successful with a full and quick recovery!
My prayers are with your whole family in this time that your husband is going into surgery. I pray that God will guide the doctors hands and have a successful outcome. My dad had a lot of heart problems and in the end it is what took him to the good Lord. He was doing the one thing he loved best , mowing his grass and he was found on he ground next to his tractor. I miss him a lot but I know he is in a much better place than we are. I have a lot of things in my life that i struggle with worry . the one verse I try to remember each storm is Cast your care to him for he cares for you 1Peter 5:7. its so hard not to worry but I know he’s always here and answers our prayers.
I’ll be praying for your husband, you and your family.
Hebrews 4:16 reads “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
2024 was challenging for me, with many health issues and a significant fall. However, God never left my side. When you going through hard times, I think it is easy to forget God is next to us, holding our hand. Once you focus on that, things seem less difficult.
Proverbs 3:5-6- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths.
It’s so good to hear that your granddaughter and baby are doing better as well as your progress since breaking your arm. May God continue to bring healing to you and your family. Prayers for your husband and his heart issues as well as his recovery from upcoming surgery.
A scripture I turn to many times during challenges in life is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight” proverbs 3:5-6
Also Hebrews 11:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end
May God continue to comfort guide and heal everything (everyone) in your life
Tonya Turner
Romans 8:28.Prayers for Richard,the surgeon and all of your family.I hope your arm heals soon too.God Bless you and all of your family.
When it rains it pours, yes? Prayers for your family and especially for your dear husband. God always shows up big and will have all of you cocooned in his loving care.
My favorite verse to go to is Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an unexpected end.
God is a GOOD GREAT GOD! So thankful we can go to Him anytime. We’ll be praying for your husband for good results. AND peace for you.
My favorite verse came to be so special to me following my late husband’s death years ago. I repeat it over and over when I need it, which is often. This lonely road would be would impossible without God’s strength. I hope that all who read this will pray for me. Thanks!
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Praying for your family during these times. Praying for your husband’s upcoming procedure that God has His hand on the surgeon that the doctor has a clear mind and vision. Prayers for everyone involved during this procedure.
Wanda, praying that your arm will heal soon. So happy that the Lord is with you so you can continue to write your books. I have read so many of your books and then passed them on to other believers and some who have found the Lord through them.
Blessings to you and your family!
Prayers for your Husband and you all. 🙏🙏🙏
Praying for you and your family for this coming year. Only God knows the outcome of our lives.
We are in year 5 of our family boat being rocked. There have been multiple cancer diagnosis, mental health battles, financial battles… The list goes on and on. I hold on to Scriptures that remind me that God will never leave or forsake us, that he will provide for all of our needs according to his riches, he never changes, we are healed by his wounds, he will renew our minds, etc. Every problem we have faced it are currently facing, there is a promise in Scripture and it keeps my faith apart in those moments I feel like I’m sinking.
The verse that helps me the most is Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
This is the first Bible verse I memorized! It has helped me in many circumstances.
My last year was very much like yours…turbulent, worrisome, and scary. I started with an emergency temporary colostomy. While recovering, I ended up with large blood clots the size of my little finger in both of my lungs. My life was saved each time by miraculous doctors. I still don’t have any where near my strength back, but I am so grateful to be alive. Hopefully I have another miracle waiting as I am having a reverse colostomy at the end of February.
My prayers are offered up for Richard, you, and your family for improved health and peace in your heart.
Prayers to you and your family. I can’t think of any scriptures.
I would love to win a copy of your book. Praying for your husband. I have mitral valve prolapse myself and I take medicine to try to keep it controlled. I do have spells of my heart skipping beats, beating way too fast and that makes me breathless. It’s not a good feeling.
Playing for the doctor’s hands while he fixes your husband’s problems.
I love reading your books about the Amish and realizing we are the same in so many ways. Prayers for your entire family. God bless!
Wanda, I will most certainly pray for your husband, you, and your family. After all, I have heard that if you ask you will be answered. We might not know how God will answer, because each prayer from each person is different…therefore, each answer will be different, too.
My favorite verse is John 3:16❤️ I am Praying for you, your husband, the medical staff, and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻May God Bless you all🙏🏻🙏🏻My boat was rocked last year when my son had a cyst removed from his head. Thank God everything turned out good.
I tend to fall back on everything happens for a reason. I’m a firm believer in your thoughts create your reality too.
I will keep your husband & entire family in my thoughts & prayers.
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God
It’s hard to be still. Yet that is when we hear Him speak. When Jesus and the disciples were out on a boat in a storm Jesus was sleeping. He spoke to the waves, “Peace be still.” In the middle of a tornado is the eye of the storm. The place where it is peaceful and still. Thats where Jesus is. So in my troubles when the boat is tipping and things are whirling around me I need to stop and be still so He can show up in His great and mighty ways!
I am sending healing thoughts and prayers that all goes well as your husband has his procedure. Hugs and love are also being sent. Praying God is watching over him when he has his heart procedure. 🙏💜🤗🙏💜🤗🙏💜🤗🙏💜🤗
We can stay afloat through faith
Many Prayers coming for your Husband You and Your Family And for the Doctors who are doing his Surgery!
God is so Good! I was watching videos of the Ohio State football’s team praying before the game. I love it
I would love to win book. I review print books only. I love your books.
Thank you for sharing what your family has been through. Glad to hear some prayers have been answered. We will continue to pray for your family.
Dear Wanda and Richard,
The only thing I want to reply is that I will pray the 4th of February for Richard and you and your family at 16.00 p.m in my own country the Netherlands.
God bless you,
Yours sincerely,
Jet ter Mors
I will continue to pray for you and your family and the physicians that are working to heal you. I have several favorite Bible verses, but the one I like the most is: Whatever you ask for prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22 Blessings to you always, Linda W
Psalms 46:1-3 is the verse that helps me through the storms. Keeping you and Richard in my thoughts and prayers.
You and your family have been through a lot the last few years. So glad you are all doing better.
Wanda & Richard, Happy, happy Anniversary! I pray that The Surgeon’s hands be on Richard and on the medical team that will be serving him. May peace that passes all understanding be upon you and your family during this time of need. Blessings
Hi there I love your books. I will pray for your husband Richard for healing for his upcoming procedure.
Hi Wanda. I love the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I can’t do anything without God being the center of my life. I work with adults with disabilities. Some of our folks have been labeled and have a hard time l. I always tell them you can do it with the Lord by your side. God bless.
I’m praying for your husband. I know how it feels about heart issues. My husband had a heart attack 2 years ago. He has 4 stints. I Thank God that he’s here with me.🙏🙏
Dearest Wanda, Thank you for sharing your situations and struggles you and your husband are currently walking thru you both are in my prayers.
The following is a verse that comes to mind,
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
Life can be hard. Things knock us down and we feel out of control. I do my best to keep my trust in The Lord. In the storms of life I like to remind myself that Jesus walks on the water. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17
I just saw your post about your husbands surgery today. But, we are 3 hours ahead of you in Pacific time so I had time to pray for him. I had an Aortic valve replaced 6 years ago. Everything went very well. I am so thankful and gave God the glory for it. You have certainly had your share of serious health issues with your family. I am so thankful we have the Lord to lean on and depend on. God Bless and I will continue to pray.
My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13- ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I have found along with prayer this verse gives me hope. Praying for Richard and you
God is good all the time. All the time God is good. Our family had some unexpected and difficult times beginning in 2023. We see only a tiny fraction of what’s happening. God sees all and how He will bring glory to Him through it all.
I am praying for your family and husband. God is gracious and faithful.
In my quiet time I think of the Lord Jesus and the joy he has brought to us. You are very blessed. God’s Blessings to you and praying healing for your husband!
Wanda,
I’ve put your name and your husband’s on my prayers list. I pray while I knit or crochet prayer shawls and baby/christening blankets. I also pray when I walk through a nearby Caledonia Conservancy property and when I work in my gardens.
I’ve enjoyed all of your books that I’ve read.
I use the Amish Inspirations perpetual calendar. I’m ordering the other one I just saw on your website.
Best wishes and healing to you and your family.
I am very sorry that you have been faced with so many challenges. I will continue to hold you up in my prayers. Praying for miracles. With God all things are possible.God Bless you
One Bible verse has helped me work through my hard times for decades, Psalm 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Whether I was working with a difficult manager, or undergoing cancer treatment , or my current survivorship treatments, I am reminded to trust God and consider what he may be guiding me to do because he will lead me to do what is best.
You and your family are in my prayers. I’m going through a rough patch, myself. My big brother died in September, then I had a mini-stroke this past January caused By the emotional stress that my ex-sister-in-law is putting my family through and my blood thinner being off. The bible verses that are helping me get through it are: psalm 23. It reminds me that God is with me. I just started PT, and I am graduating from OT, next week.
Gods healing Prayers for your husband, your hand snd family!
You and family have been through many complicated health challenges
this past year and our Prayers go out you!
May God keep his healing hand upon All of you and especially your husband at this time!!!