The World Is Watching
Shortly after my husband’s death, I received a message from one of my readers. Without quoting it word for word, it went something like this: “Do you realize that the whole world is watching you right now? You and your family have been through a lot in the last few years, but your faith has remained strong. Now you’re faced with another tragic situation, and, once again, the world is watching to see if your faith holds steady.”
This message was an eye-opener for me. Although, realistically, the entire world doesn’t know about my husband’s passing, or all of the other things my family has been faced with in recent years. However, the people I know personally, and those who follow me on my social media pages, or my faithful readers, are most likely aware of the events that have been challenging for me and the rest of my family. People are not just watching me, though. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, and have put your trust in the Lord, then you can be sure that people are watching to see how you deal with life’s challenges. They want to know if your faith will hold true. They need to see the love of Jesus, shining through.
In order to remain strong in my faith, I must pray often, read my Bible, regularly, and focus on all the good things God has provided. When doubts creep in, and my faith is tested, I run to Jesus, and He ministers to me.
Has your faith been shaken recently? If so, what things are you doing to make it stronger? Does it help or hinder to know that people are watching you?
When my faith is shaken, I pray harder, ask friends to pray with me, lean on the scriptures. I love knowing people are watching because I may be the only person they see Jesus through.
Honestly, your strength has given me courage to continue on my road with my spouse. We truly never know the future and need to be reminded to live in the present, remembering He is in control.
praying for you! praying many blessings on your new home.
It helps me to know that people are watching me in some ways. My faith is stronger than ever and I thank God for that. I know he is with me and guiding me everyday .
It helps me to know that people are watching me in some ways. My faith is stronger than ever and I thank God for that. I know he is with me and guiding me everyday .
When my faith is shaken, I turn to God for answers and pray
Wow, your strength and resilience are awesome. What a blessing you are to so many people. Thank You for sharing that beautiful story of finding your new home. God Bless.
Love tat you found a smaller house and closer to your family. Love your books. God Bless You!
I feel people are always watching me. I am a high school teacher. I pray I am the Jesus my students need to see. My faith is always challenge and I keep praying through the good times and the bad.
Wanda, sometimes the world does seem to have focused on all of us at one time or another and it is only natural to feel uncomfortable under the spotlight. This is especially true when one is undergoing a particularly stressful period and everyone is wondering how you are going to fair in the end.
I am very glad that God is leading you to make this step, even though it was for a sad reason – and maybe Richard is still keeping watch over your well-being, too! Twenty-five years ago, my husband, older son and I went through a stressful situation when my younger son – then eleven – underwent open heart surgery to repair a ventral septal defect which he was born with (a hole between two chambers of his heart). God saw him and all of us through and he is still thriving at thirty-six…but we are all aware as he ages, things could change.
One day , one month, one year at a time…with God alongside, we will continue until we are called home – then we will celebrate for sure and certain!
I’m so happy for you and your new adventure into a new home. It’s exciting. God’s blessings on you and you new home.
learning to handle jealousy between my husband and son. son was in prison for 15 years. now home and husband is jealous of the son. Says i do too much for the son.
Husband is legally blind and told me a year ago, he’s a grown man and can take care of himself. So im letting handle his own things.
with God help i have more patience to deal with him. God helping him learn to deal with things or ask for help. I can’t do everything for him as I have done for 48 years.
With God’s help we will get thru this.
Husband is a new Christian and has a lot to learn on being a Christian. with God help he will get there and learn to not try and control us.
Many Prayers coming Sweet Wanda and for your Family ! When my faith is shaken I always Prayer harder and ask The Lord to lead me and guide me!
Dearest Wanda,
Your family, friends and faithful followers are watching you, not to see if you fall from your faith, but to follow your example. You live your faith in all circumstances, good and bad with grace and beauty. To make a big decision to purchase a new home so soon after your husband’s death took a great deal of prayer and courage and you took that leap of faith knowing that the Lord held you closely in His arms. What an inspiration you are to me and to others! Best Wishes on your new home; I know you will make it “Home” for yourself with your special touches. Know that many people love you and care about you, including me!
I love reading your books. The Amish are so inspiring.
I am so glad that the Lord opened a smaller home for you to move into, so now I will pray that your other home will sell quickly.
When the world is watching us in troubled times (or in good times), I’ve always been taught to encourage love, peace and hope and not fear or anger. Our actions and behaviors are on display and will point others toward God.
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.
It reminds me of the song I sang as a child, then sang to my children and now my grandchildren….
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan [blow] it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine
Sharon
I am going through a separation after almost 12 years. I must admit it’s been really hard for me. I feel lost most of the time. To be honest it’s been hard for me to stay close with our church because I chose to go to his families long time church and now that this is happening I haven’t went in almost a month and stayed away from everyone. I am praying for God to help me and lead me to what I’m supposed to do. it’s really tough! 😢
I believe that we as Christians are always being watched by other Christians and by unbelievers.
Recently we have been experiencing a financial situation that we certainly did not expect at our age (77/81).
God is graciously working this out for our good.
The prayers of our Christian friends have been a true blessing. The Lord has kept His arms around us and the curious eyes have seen Him in this situation.
Thank you, Wanda, for being a blessing and an example of a Godly Christian woman.
I agree with you, people are watching. I don’t want to let anyone down. However, the most important thing of all is God is watching me. He’s the most important in my life. Living on this earth and being human we will let people down. It’s inevitable. I’m thankful for The Lord and His mercy endures forever.
I absolutely love reading your books
I think it helps me to know that people are watching to see how Christian’s handle trials that come are way to keep me close to the Lord. Because I know in my heart that I would not want to be the reason that causes someone to stumble or not come to the Lord because I did not live up to my faith when a big trial came my way. I want them to see my faith and that the Lord is carrying me through this trial and that He is my anchor in this storm I am going through. When I go through trials it causes me to read my Bible more, to pray more and to be with Christian friends who will be there for me to lean on and encourage me and support me. I just don’t know what I would do without Jesus’ walking through those times with me.
My faith was shaken like it was never shaken in the past. My husband and I were scheduled to go to Yellowstone for our 60th anniversary trip on September 14th. On September 6th I passed out and fell. I ended up with a low back injury. A few days prior to my fall my husband had a leg injury. On September 13th we realized we couldn’t make our scheduled trip and canceled our reservations. We have had a long recovery that is still on going. We are thankful our injuries happened at home and not on the trip. Our anniversary on September 18th was spent at home not what we expected. We have learned to trust God more during this trying time. I spend more time reading my Bible and praying for the needs of others. It takes my mind off my own pain.
We have had difficulties arise, prayer is what gives us the strength to continue. The most difficult part is handing everything to God; as typical humans we want to help “fix” the problem. God is clearly able to solve the problems without our intervention! After all, He gave us His Son to meditate for us!! Praise the Lord.
Praying for you as you continue your journey.
I’m sure so many people appreciate you sharing your life with your life with us! I’m sorry about your husband‘s passing. Losing our loved ones is never easy. I’m glad you found a new home! Seemingly easily enough. That’s a welcome thing because moving combined with everything else is rough. Have a lovely day. Pam
I think how you act should be gracious and good all the time not just when people are “watching” you. I want my family and friends to watch over me and protect me from doing something wrong. Keeping my faith is up to me not someone else.
I love reading your books such a relaxing read
Yes, I’ve been through several things in the past few years that shake my faith, but those shakes make my faith stronger. How else would I be able to deal with it? (husband died, retirement, many health challenges, etc.) I thank God every day for being with me every step of the way!
I have been a fan if your books for many, many years. It makes visiting Amish country more meaningful. Thank you.
Wanda,
First I want to again say so sorry for your tremendous loss. Also I hope you enjoy your new home and making new memories with your family there. Yes the world is watching you and how you stand strong during these times. I pray the one who wrote this to you realizes the world is watching them too. The world is watching all Christians, now more than ever. They are searching for answers and the truth to how to live and survive in these trying times. I pray I am a good example to those who are watching me. I have been living with my daughter for the past 8 years while my husband is in southern Indiana waiting for a surgery he desperately needs. He can’t change jobs due to the insurance and it would be a pre existing condition if he got new insurance. I have had many tell me to divorce him, to leave him, that they couldn’t do what I am doing, and more. It is not easy, but I am able to do this and stay faithful to my husband because God gives me the strength and I love my husband with everything in me. I married him for better and worse, sickness and health, richer and poorer, till death do we part. I meant those words when I promised them to him on our wedding day and I mean them even more now. I cringe when I here someone announcing their engagement by saying they are going to TRY this marriage thing. You don’t try it, you DO IT. I hope those that see me and the walk I am walking right now and will see how with God all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13) God Bless Wanda
Vicki Glover
Sometimes I think when life gets tough(er) God moves in closer and then there are the “thin places” where we can almost feel him. I think you have likely been in those thin places before. And you will experience them again.
Mrs Wanda, my prayers are with you so much!! I still live your books more than any
I am always turning to my faith that’s the only thing in my life that is constant . I love to journal my emotions daily it also helps me.
Your faith and perseverance have certainly been an inspiration to me! I’m reading your book, Lydia’s Charm, right now. I can’t afford to buy books very often, but I bought this one at our library’s used bookstore, which saves me a lot of money.
How exciting that you have a new home! I pray that you will find peace, comfort, and happiness there!
There has been quite a lot going on in our lives these last couple years and I know people have been watching. I’ve been enjoying adding in praises to God and never forgetting gratitude and mindfulness. It’s what gets me through until my next prayer and my next writing in my journal. You are in my prayers and so excited for your new home! I bet your other home will sell faster than expected and I’ll be praying for it!!!
May your days be filled with blessings and love in your new home. It seems that God led you there.
When I take my walks, I talk to God. But sometimes, I get distracted and my mind just starts going to dark places-worrying about this world, my grandkids, driving with distracted and speeding drivers-I start to really get scared. Then I realize it is definitely time to start talking to God!!
When my son died, the guys I worked with in the city water/sewer department came to my office and their only question was, “Are you going to lose your faith? Please don’t lose your faith.” And we were able to talk about my faith in God. Yes, the world is watching us. They do want to see how our faith holds up in trials and tribulations. It does help to know this and to be able to talk about God’s sovereignty and help in times of trouble.
My faith has been tested recently with my daughter getting bullied in school. I’m just praying to god and reminding myself that she is going through this obstacle for a reason and that it will make her stronger. It helps to know that there are others that may be going through the same things and that I’m not alone in this.
I really appreciate you openness to share your life with us. People are always Christians to see how they react to something. I love that you keep your eyes on Jesus and trust him with everything.
So many things happening in the world and especially here in the USA leave me troubled &/or shaken, especially peoples reactions to it. I keep telling myself that God is ultimately in control–not me or anyone else although it seems otherwise sometimes.
I still have my faith in God. I admit I question God sometimes, but I still believe. He knows more than I do and what His purposes are. So I strive to trust and obey. The Psalms are especially helpful for me to read and I often use them as/in my prayers.
I don’t really know if other people are watching me or not. I usually feel like I am invisible. What I work on most of the time is not judging others. I can be very cynical/sarcastic and have to be very careful about that.
Last year my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer a second time. The first was back in 2013 and it brought us back to God and church. The fellowship there helped us through cancer, the death of a granddaughter and my hysterectomy because of fibroids. This time around we are living in a different state and since covid have been streaming services from our old church. I contacted the office administrator and asked for prayers. We’ve received get well cards, gift cards, facebook messages and phone calls. Our family also have supportive us. Our grandson has put his plans on hold so he could live with us. Fred had a scan last week and is cancer free. I couldn’t have handled this without the grace of God and the power of fellowship and family. God bless you.
Wanda. Just read your newsletter about moving. I’m sure it will be hard but it will be better for you. You know in your heart that you and Richard had talked about it and it’s also what he would want you to do. My prayers are with you as you start this new journey. God Bless You. Got my new book ordered from you too. Take Care of yourself. A book lover from Pennsylvania. Cindy Seaholtz
Wanda,
You are such an inspiration in many ways !! Hearing from you about your faith is very helpful to me and is much needed right now. Would like to ask to have your prayers for me, my husband and my two earthly sons, my other son is already happy and peaceful with Jesus!
And I absolutely love your writing, your books, no one else compares ! Hope there is many more to come!!
Keeping you in my prayers for your moving into your new home. Enjoy reading all your books they are an inspiration too me.
The world is watching is definitely an eye opener. Had not thought of that. Congrats on new home and May God Bless you and your new life.
thank you for such a faith inspired newsletter! we are continuing to pray for you daily!
I too am walking through my new normal. My husband of 45 years recently passed away. Even though it wasn’t unexpected, it’s still have to navigate through the unfamiliar territory. I honestly don’t know how people who don’t know Jesus survive??? Prays sent your way.
Janet Thomas
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I know the Lord will watch over you.
My sisters husband passed away in December last year. I’ve been trying to keep her busy to lessen her pain. We both attend church regularly & read scripture at home.
Hope your new home will bring you much happiness. ❤️
It always scares me to know others are watching. I feel as though I fall short as a Christian and want to be a good example but don’t want to do or say the wrong thing. It has been a scary time lately but I also really want to know that when others see me that they can see the light of Jesus.
Wanda you and your dear family are in my thoughts and prayers. Continue to leave on God and he will most definitely see you through. Super big hugs.
First – I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciate your transparency and consistency in kindness.
Second-I appreciate you so much!! You will never know how much you have blessed my life and the lives of so many others. Continue the work that God has called you to do 🩷🙏🏻🩷
My girlfriend since elementary school (we are now 66 years old) recently spent the last 5-6 months helping her husband and family before her fsther-in-law just gained his Heavenly Wings. My friend told me she now understood how my deep faith helped me when caring for both of my parents before they too gained their Heavenly wings and that the Bible became a safe place and prayer was a quiet place to let all feelings out and there were so many ugly abd good that needed to be released. God is such a solid base with my faith and I am glad I can be a model to share with others.
So sad to hear of your husbands passing. It is a blessing to have your children living so close to your new home. Prayers your other home sells quickly.
Dear Wanda,
I will be praying that your house will sell quickly and that you will have peace moving into your new home! This must be a difficult time for you as your husband recently passed into heaven and is with our Lord. Now, you are relocating into a new home in a new neighborhood. I pray you will find your neighbors to be just the right neighbors for you. God knows all about what you are going through and I know you have sought HIS face in the move! Blessings!
My faith seems to have gotten a little bit stronger lately…
Dear Wanda,
My prayers are with you as you go thru this transition moving into a new home for you!
May you have Peace and Comfort that God has lead you there!
My husband and I have started talking about this same situation because taking care of everything on our little four acres and buildings would be too much!
May God be ever close to you!
My family has had a few things that have rocked our faith. I never really thought about people watching me but I think it helped to know people were available. I think the thing that is exciting about knowing people are watching is that they get to see the praise in the process.
My world has been shaken up too.My husband died in 2023 after suffering years with Parkinson’s Disease.We were married 51 years.Our 21 year old son died in 1998 of a heart problem we didn’t know about.That is something you never get over.8 months after my husband died our 28 year old grandson died in a tragic way.My faith was shaken badly.When Charlie Kirk died I was devastated then too.I am so sad about that.I am praying and do have family and friends helping me.I am very sorry for all you have been through.Enjoy your new house and make new memories with your family close by.
My faith is being shaken right now. I am making a concerted effort to pray about the situation instead of getting nervous and doubting God’s presence in my life, but it is truly difficult. This has been going on for so long, and sometimes I think God just doesn’t care. Deep down I know he does, and when I panic, I know I need to pray about it.
Wanda, I have thought of you often with losing your husband. Your faith has and will continue to help you through all your trials. I have not had my faith shaken recently, but hope I can stay strong when something does happen. I guess it wouldn’t bother me if people are watching me. Thank you for the chance to win a book. Continue to stay strong and be happy in your new home.
We all have people watching us as we go through the trials of this life. You have shown that your faith has been your strength! “In our weakness, He is strong.”
I am truly sorry for the loss of your husband so soon. I am glad that you are finding your way after this great loss, with the help of the Lord.
I have been reading my Bible with a group of Ladies, and am trying to live my best life. I make lots of mistakes, but I know the lord forgives me and is looking out for my best interests. I am part of a bible study on Ruth, it has been a different study than when I have previously studied this book. Ruth also had people watching her, helping her and learning from her. In some ways it is nerve racking knowing people are watching us, but also helps keep us on track.
Wishing you many blessings
Recently a friend texted me that his granddaughter had attempted suicide taking 20 Tylenol and waiting 8 hours to tell her family, he asked me for prayers. I tearfully prayed for her with my husband that night and then reached out for some prayer warriors. We continued to pray for her for over 2 weeks as she went through kidney, liver swelling in the brain and vision loss. God was good and 2 days ago she was released from her therapy hospital and is now home and acting like a normal 17 year old. I have seen God help you on the many trials that you and your family have gone through. God is always there for us, we just need to ask and trust in His will in all things.
I feel as a Christian we are always being watch to see how we react when we go through tough times. People what to see how we handle the situation. Giving it all to God is not always easy because we are human but I have learned it is the only way to get through life.
In today’s world it is so refreshing to read your books. It gets me out of all the violence and hate this world has going on. It lets me transport my mind to a place of peace and love. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and I hope you love your new home.🩷
I have always heard the saying, “You may be the only Bible some people read.” How true that is! People who don’t know Jesus as their Savior may not open up a Bible and read the contents, but they will watch us Christians like a hawk. They will learn about Jesus through our actions , and reactions to the challenges in our lives.
My faith hasn’t been shaken recently or ever because I always tell myself that things could be worse and that God is looking out for me.
The world does watch, and it takes grace to move on while they watch. Doing your best to shine for Jesus. I would love to be entered into the drawing for a signed copy of your book. I love reading your stories of the Amish.
Grace to You
Try to do things that lifts your heart ,it can be simple things like baking for somebody, visiting someplace that you haven’t been before God hears prayers no matter where you are!
Wanda, I was thinking about selling my home and downsizing too. My son decided he didn’t want to move and bought my house. Now I live with him. I head the senior group at church and he drives the van for us. We just went to the mountains and had a great time getting apples, cider donuts and apple bread. I was so excited today when I found out I won your book and sone lovely extras! Thank you so much!
I never thought about this in terms of helping or hindering me, I guess. Now thinking in this perspective, I guess it help me to remained sharpened. Everyday is a challenge for the Christian. I need Christ everyday. I am nothing without Him! Trials help me to remain humble before Him and grounded in my faith. My greatest desire during a trial is that others see Christ at work and receive the Gospel; that the Gospel is always alive in and through me. I desire to see others come to know Christ. Life is difficult, with many uncertainties; however, Christ is the One certainty we have in this world. Though we may be shaken, Christ remains our steady anchor.
Indeed that is true. Christians are always being watched. Especially when hard times hit us. My dad says in his sermon… Eyes that See Us. Sometimes things do hit us hard but I run to prayer and recite Psalms 91. And although I sometimes feel like is too much and I’m going to throw in the towel. Talking to God in prayer is always good for me.
When I am faced with challenges, I too pray. I don’t know what people do who don’t have the Lord in their life to turn to when they have challenges. I try to remember to pray to be yank for my blessings every day as well. I am not always good at that as God knows and I am apologetic but I do my best.
After my husbands stroke I had key verses to help me stay focus. It amazes me how quickly I could get depressed and waiver. Stay focused on God and in his word is my best advice.
Wanda, praying for the sale of your home & many new blessings to your new home. I so enjoy your books and newsletters. Praying the Lord showers you with many blessings.
One of my family members is undergoing 4th stage lung cancer, which though he has never smoked, is due to a genetic anomaly. It has been a trying year for my family watching our loved one going through this. We have been continuing to pray for him on a daily basis and have asked for prayers from our fellow Christians. Some days are harder than others, but we are trying to do our best and I am thankful for God and my faith which is helping to sustain me through it all.
I cannot imagine feeling that the world is watching me for any reason! When my daughter was born three months premature, I learned that several churches were praying for her and that gave me comfort. 34 years later, she just learned that she is expecting her first child!
I hope you find peace and comfort in your new home!
I lean even more on God when things in my world are shaken! There are times I wonder if he is saying, ‘You again?’, as I ask for his strength and guidance to get me over the next huddle! But, if I didn’t have my faith in my Lord and Savior, I don’t know how I could cope everyday! I pray for those who don’t know him.
Congratulations on your new Home. Glad you will be close to your family. I have not had my faith shaken but, I know my family (grandchildren) will be watching to see how I will react in certain situations. I always tell them we need to pray for that person or give it to our Jesus.
I recently had my 3rd heart attack. God has been with me through it all. If it wasn’t for Him I don’t think I would be here. He has plans for me and I don’t want to let him down. God is Great..
I do believe that people are watching and judging all Christians. We need to stay strong and don’t stray from our beliefs.
I do believe that people are watching us. We need to continue holding true to our faith and beliefs. When I am struggling I pray for strength.
You are always on my prayer list. When times are tough, there are extra prayers. May the new house be a blessing for you and the family. To help keep me in check with my Lord- praying, reading, and fellowships are essential. I have also added lots of Bible games to my phone.
May God continue his blessings and protection on you.
I am currently reading your book titled The Brides of Big Valley and I’m really enjoying reading it. I have also read your set of books about the Cooking Classes.
I would love to win this book that your giving away.
I really enjoy reading your books.
Well something happened and I lost my written thoughts on the World is watching us. Hope I can remember what i said.
The world may be watching us but the only one that really counts is God!! He always watches over us. it doesn’t matter who is watching us! Our actions and how we do things are only important to God. We need to please him and when we do something not good, we need to pray for his forgiveness. If someone treats you meanly, take it to God in prayer. I just got my 3 minute devotional and will try to do better each day by sitting time aside for daily reading of the devotional. All your writings make me a better person with God’s guidance.
Praise God! Wanda, you are doing great! And your new house looks awesome! God Bless and Keep you and all yours, and many more years of love, joy, peace, happiness, and Blessings!!!
In Christ Jesus,
Tyler
I joined a friends of the library group a few years ago. The ladies that are in it are 20 years or more older than me. I can tell you, I certainly watched them & learned a lot. Now I’m more aware of how I see people watching me, and I try to always do my best!
love reading your books can’t wait for the next new book
I was told that people were watching me, back in the early 90’s , my husband had a break down and was in the the the hospital for depression. I was told that spouses leave their spouses at a time like that. But, when we took our vows, we both agreed that it was a life time commitment. We got through it and have been married 55 years as of June. My song that I favored and still do is “I Just Keep Trusting my Lord”.