Wanda Brunstetter

Bittersweet Memories

Shalyn Sattler — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:55:54 +0000

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word, “Bittersweet” is defined as “being at once bitter and sweet, especially pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret.”

Basically, a bittersweet feeling is a mixed emotional state combining happiness and sadness at the same time. It represents joy of a memory, tempered by sadness that it has now passed.

Since the passing of my husband, I have had many bittersweet memories that included being at certain places where the two of us had gone, and thinking about certain things that occurred during the years we spent together as husband and wife.

My husband’s recent birthday was one of those days filled with bittersweet memories. It helped to talk about him and focus on the happy times we used to share.

Although some of the bittersweet memories have brought me to tears, they have also helped in my emotional healing as I continue to walk a new path without him.

Have there been any bittersweet moments in your life recently? If so, how did you cope with them?

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The Best Medicine

Shalyn Sattler — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:21:43 +0000

We all have days, weeks, or sometimes even months when we feel sad due to unexpected things that occur in our life. A feeling of sadness is normal, especially during the loss of someone we love. Sickness, financial difficulties, or relationships that have gone sour can also cause us to feel sad. However, if those feelings linger too long, despair and depression can take over. God’s Word has plenty to say on this topic. For instance, one of my favorite Bible verses, which is found in Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says: “A cheerful heart is good medicine; but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

We don’t feel well emotionally, or physically, when we are sad all the time. It’s harder to function when despair sets in. Positive thoughts are replaced with negative ones, and a feeling of hopelessness can drag us down spiritually.

The Bible also has something to say about what we should do when sadness lingers too long or we are in a negative mood. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) says: “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Here’s what I do when I’m absorbed in sadness for too long: I pray, spend time in God’s Word, sing praise songs, spend time with positive people who make me smile and laugh, and focus on beautiful things God created, like a sunrise, sunset, birds chirping happily in my yard, and the list goes on.

What do you do when sadness takes over for too long? Is there something special that brings joy back into your life?

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One Day at a Time

Shalyn Sattler — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:23:22 +0000

As the days keep moving on in this New Year, and I work on my next book, scheduled to come out later this year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when things go wrong or there are too many interruptions. Sometimes other issues pop up that need my attention, and it temporarily slows my writing schedule down. If you’re wondering how I deal with it and still manage to get everything done, it’s fairly simple—I take one day at a time. Sometimes, it’s one hour at a time, or even one minute at a time. We aren’t promised tomorrow, but it’s what we do today that counts.

In Matthew 6:34 (KJV), it says, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”

How do you deal with the challenges of life? Have you learned to take one day at a time, or do you worry about tomorrow and wonder how you’ll get everything done?

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Regrets

Shalyn Sattler — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:18:51 +0000

With a New Year beginning, and an old year left behind, it’s sometimes easier to focus on a person’s regrets about not doing all the things they had planned to do in the previous year. Or some might dwell upon the regrets of not doing or saying what they should have in the old year, rather than focusing on the opportunity to say or do things in a better way during the New Year.

After losing my husband last summer, which I’m sure, is part of the grieving process, there have been a few times when I’ve thought about some things I could have said or done differently over the years, or even during the days shortly before his passing. But then, I must call myself up short, knowing that I did my best, and so I change my focus to remembering many of the good times we had together, and how we kept the promises we had made to each other when we said our wedding vows. I also think about the last words Richard and I spoke to each other, less than 24 hours before his death. We kissed one final time, and both said, “I love you.” That is most certainly worth focusing on, don’t you think?

How about you? Are you looking forward to what lies ahead in the New Year, and leaving any regrets from the previous year behind?

In Philippians 3:13&14, this is what God’s Word says about regrets: “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

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Thankful

Shalyn Sattler — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:31:30 +0000

At this time of the year, I often think about some of the things I’m most thankful for. Even when we are going through difficult times there is always something to praise God for and be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18.

As I reflect on some of the things I am most thankful for, the following comes to mind: My relatives. My friends. My church family. My pastor and his wife. My publisher. My dear readers. The joy of writing books. Memories of the years I had with my loving husband. My faith in God, and knowing how much He loves and cares for me. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34.

What are some of the things you’re most thankful for today?

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The World Is Watching

Shalyn Sattler — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:33:05 +0000

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?

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Special Friendships

Shalyn Sattler — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:32:43 +0000

I was pleased and surprised when four of our dear Amish friends came all the way from Indiana to Washington State for my husband’s Memorial Service. One of the men, who is a bishop in their Amish community, spoke during the service, in addition to several other speakers. What a joy and a privilege it was to have these two Amish couples, who my husband and I became friends with over 20 years ago stay in my home for two full days and nights. The women were so helpful in preparing and setting things out for our meals, and then they cleaned up and put everything away after we had eaten. The men helped, too, and while the women picked blueberries from our berry patch, some weeds were pulled in the the flowerbeds by the men.

Friends from our church prepared a lovely meal, consisting of sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts and beverages, which were served to our family and those who attended the memorial service.

How thankful I am for good friends, who not only offered their help, but gave me comfort during a very difficult time.

How important has a special friendship been to you during a time of need? Is there anything specific you would like share?

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Faith

Shalyn Sattler — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:52:48 +0000

The recent passing of my dear husband, Richard, has drawn me to the Scriptures to seek comfort from God’s Holy Word. Here is one such verse: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Through all the pain and suffering Richard dealt with, his faith in God never wavered, and mine didn’t either. Richard was ready to exit this earth because he knew when his soul left his earthly body, he would be taken to a new home with Jesus, where pain and suffering does not exist. His faith was strong, right up to the end. Although I, and our family members, will miss Richard very, very much, I have the faith to believe that as a born-again Christian, my dear husband is in a far better place, no longer in pain or bound by this earth. I always believe that someday we will be reunited in heaven.

What strengthens your faith and how have you dealt with the struggles you’ve faced here on earth? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, in childlike faith, read John 3:16 and insert your name in the place where it says, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

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Pictures in Amish Country

Shalyn Sattler — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:58:34 +0000

I am sometimes asked if, while visiting Amish country, it’s all right to take pictures of Amish people, homes, barns, etc.

Some more progressive Amish don’t mind having their pictures taken, but unless they haven’t joined the church yet, they normally won’t pose for a photograph. Most Amish don’t mind people taking pictures of their homes, farms, horses, and buggies. Some of the more conservative Amish don’t want tourists taking pictures of them or anything on their property. It’s always best to ask first before taking pictures, especially if the photos will include Amish people. For pictures of barns, homes, horses, and buggies, it’s usually fine to take pictures as long as you’re not invading anyone’s private property.

Have you ever had someone take a picture of you without your permission? If so, how did it make you feel? What are some reasons we might not want to have our photograph taken?

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The Appeal of the Amish Way

Shalyn Sattler — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:48:57 +0000

I often hear from my readers that they enjoy reading my Amish-themed novels, and also the cookbooks with Amish recipes. Many times I am asked what appeals to me about the Amish way of life, and what made me decide to write about the Plain people. For one thing, I was, and still am, drawn to their simple lifestyle and the fact that they don’t put emphasis on worldly things. I also appreciate that my Amish friends put God first, and then their family. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to their faithfulness to God and family, the Amish people I am privileged to know personally do a lot to help other people. When I’m with our Amish friends I see their family closeness, and my desire to be closer to my own family grows stronger. When I’m visiting our Amish friends I feel calm, relaxed, and closer to God. All of these things are why I write Amish-themed novels that I enjoy sharing with my readers.

How about you? What do you admire about the Amish way of life? What do you enjoy most about reading my books that are set in Amish country and reflect the Plain people’s simple way of living?

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