Wanda’s Journal

Finding Your Purpose

Last Sunday my husband preached a sermon entitled, “Finding Your Purpose.” He spoke about how as a child he wondered what his purpose was here on earth. I believe most people have asked that question at one time or another, as we all want to feel that our lives have meaning and that we are serving a purpose. The Bible teaches that man’s purpose is to worship God and serve Him. That includes witnessing to others and helping out whenever there is a need.

Everyone has something they are good at, and when we use our talents to serve God, we can be a blessing to others. I love the opportunity to minister to my readers through my books, and I always feel blessed when someone writes or emails me saying that something they read in one of my books has touched their life in a special way or helped them through a difficult time.

Please share your story of how God has used your talent to help someone, or if you have been helped or blessed by reading one of my books, please share that, too. Hearing that my readers are being blessed by my books reminds me to keep using my abilities for Him. I thank God for the purpose He has given me to bless others through the words He lays on my heart.

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55 Comments

  1. Wanda–I love you books and have read most of them several times. I don’t know how God has used my talents (other than as a mom) but when our twins were entering 2nd grade we moved them to parochial school. The change in them and our whole family has been great. My girls have such a different outlook on life in the 2 years they have been in their new school has been amazing to watch. My husband and I also have become much more envolved in our church. Thank you for all your stories! God Bless

  2. Your books have been a blessing to me.
    They help me to see that I am not the only
    one that goes through, hard difficult times.
    We all face these times in out lives.
    They have helped me to see that there are other
    ways of dealing with a difficult or hard time.
    Keep up the wonderful writing.
    God Bless,
    Cheryl

  3. I have found that most of the Amish books I have read have given me pause to think about my faith and my trust in God, especially concerning worry. Yesterday, my pastor preached a sermon called ‘God is For You’ and the main thing I walked away with was he said we have to repent of our thinking, it was like he was speaking directly to me.

  4. I have always sent encouraging notes to people throughout my Christian walk, seeking to stand beside others as they are ill, or need encouragement. Facebook gives me a way to encourage more people, including the writers who have blessed me with their stories!

  5. How my talents have been used by God:
    God has used my talents of Making cards for others for many years. Though I may not get a response back from some of them, I know that when I see them next they give me a huge smile, and that is telling me that the talent I am blessed with is being used by God.

    1. I too do the same. It amazes me how much people appreciate them. Things like facebook and e-mails are quite the same as a personal note to someone……especially our elderly who so often are forgotten….

  6. Oh Miss Wanda,
    Your books take me to a place that I can breath in. And I live for those times. I get so much joy out of your books and the stories that you write. I am always sad when I finish one of your books and don’t have another one to read. I wish you all the words and story ideas that the good lord can give you. Bless You

    Robin Wyatt

  7. I like that you write Amish books that are affordable! Because of books that you write I have good clean reading that is enjoyable!

  8. Wanda, I am very new to your books, but I am really enjoying them. You have a true calling in writing and sharing the Amish way of life. Your books are very inspirational. Just like a mirror, some only see one thing, and others see many different things. Your books show us that there are many different circumstances that enter our lives and there are many different ways to handle them. I look forward to reading more of your books.

  9. Wanda, I love your books. They have been my favorite Amish Novels. Filled with spiritual and personal journey’s. You give scripture as you character goes through trials. They have been a blessing.

  10. I truly love your books. I am working on a complete collection to one day share with my daughters.
    I truly love the life of the Amish. I admire them for their dedication and the faith that they have in God, no matter what the obstacle that they are faced with.
    I read the books, and desire to be a better person and I think that I am.
    I got an opportunity to go to a little Amish community in north Kentucky a couple of years ago, and it was just like I had read in the book.
    Thank you for bringing that world to us through the great stories. God bless!

  11. Wanda, I enjoy reading your Amish books so very much. As I read them, you help me to feel like I am part of their lives. You make it so personal, enabling me to share in their joys and heartaches. My husband is a pastor, and I thank God every day for the privilege and blessing of allowing us to minister in His name. Thank you for your ministry to me through your writings, and may God richly bless you, as you continue your work, Sandra

  12. I try to be an encourager and always see the good in people. I love your books as they help fill my lonely days. Thankful God has blessed you with such a wonderful gift.

  13. I just love your books! They really make my walk with the Lord stronger! I am a prayer warrior! 🙂 People will come to me if they need prayer, because they know I will always take the time to lift someone up in prayer! Blessings to you!

  14. Although sometimes our talents are not revealed until we are truly willing to accept however God would use us, it is always an important reminder to serve until God reveals it to you. Many times in my life, I was confused as to the direction He was leading me but if I kept busy in His work, I knew I was at least on the right path.
    One aspect I love when reading about the Amish people is that they are always busy. Whether they are working in the fields, the kitchen, fishing, visiting or smelling the wildflowers, they are busy. Sometimes I think we forget to be busy in the work of life and God’s work, without the distractions of the outside world, and to appreciate the little things like the wonderful smells of things baking in the kitchen to catching snowflakes during the first snowfall of the season. The characters in your books always have a constant amazement and appreciation for God’s creation.
    Reading your stories takes me to a different place and different emotions with each new adventure and all the different characters. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful Amish moments with us.

  15. I have read many of your book, most during the illness and passing of my father. He battled cancer for 6 yrs. During that time I was extremely encouraged and was able to share and encourage others around me. Many of the nurses and workers began reading your books. I try my best to always look for the good and bright spots in life and to be an encouragement and blessing to others. God is so GOOD!!!

  16. Thanks for posting this Wanda.Many times,especially in hard times I have asked just what is my purpose.I would love to have been able to hear your husband’s sermon on this.I think we all have a different purpose,but in the end it is still all about Jesus and what we can do to bring others to Him.I love your books.You and your husband are a blessing to me.Thanks for all you do and I hope you have a blessed week.

  17. I hope I have made a difference in the lives of the children that I have taught over a 34 year time period. Being a Mom was the first real way I hoped to put what talents I have to use. Teaching those students came in 2nd. I always enjoy reading about the teachers of the Amish children in your books. They often had real challenges!

  18. i don’t know if i’ve helped anyone except my kids.i try to be the best mom i can.i love your bookswanda.they seem to lift me up when i need it.

  19. Wanda, I “discovered” your books many years ago. I have always enjoyed them for they are well written and clean. As to using gifts….I suppose it would be in giving. I have tried always to give to others. Secret santa, sending a few dollars anonymously, taking them to doctors, etc. As my inlaws aged and became ill, I was their caregiver, as I had been before for my grandparents and others. I think that as we busy ourselves in services for others, we are blessed far more than they are. Thank you for sharing your craft with us, I look forward to many more.

  20. I love reading your books. It is so refreshing to read clean and uplifting stories. I love reading how the Amish are just like us, in that they are faced with trials and hard times and how they deal with things. I too deal with things through prayer, but sometimes we need a reminder and your books speak to me. I love getting lost in the stories, taking me out of my reality for a while as I read. Right now we are facing how to afford to send our son to a Christian college. His heart is in missions and he believes he belongs in Honduras ministering there. My daughter is considering marriage, but has only been dating this man 5 months, so there is a lot of prayers going up at this time for sure. We are active in our church and our Pastor preaches God’s Word whether we like it or not. He does not sugar coat things like a lot of preaching today. I am on the missions team as well as on the cleaning schedule at church and keep busy as a nurse. I love your work and I hope to be picked for the books 🙂

  21. Hi Wanda,
    You are the Author who started me in reading Amish Fiction. Thank you! I love your books and can’t wait to see you when you come to Pennsylvania.

  22. I LOVE reading your books. You are by far my favorite amish fiction author! Keep them coming please:))

  23. I’m reading Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls and she speaks of this frequently. I have often asked myself what my purpose is and I have stumbled upon a job recently that I feel was meant to be. The website has quadrupled since I started contributing and I feel that it’s only the beginning. It’s such a great feeling to share ones talents and interests with others. Thanks for the wonderful books. I get completely lost in them!

  24. Wanda,
    Your writing is very inspiring. Thank you for the encouragement. I was good that my writing has encouraged others as well as cards that I send but I think my biggest talent is seeing what needs to be done and being there, without getting recognition for it! I love to do that and won’t share what I do but its fun to help those in need.
    Tina

  25. Thank you Wanda for your words of encouragement. We must all remember that God has a purpose for us all while we are here on this earth. We are all given talents to use to glorify God. It is our job to use those talents to glorify Him and not hide them under a bushel, we need to let them shine. May God continue to bless you as you use your God given talents as your light shines through your writings. I have been blessed every time I read one of your books. I would be very blessed to win a set of your books. I have been getting them from my local library which is very small so there is a limited amount of books. This would be very exciting to win. May you have a blessed week and thank you for sharing your blessings with others. In His love, Lisa

  26. I have read most of your books and they are such an inspiration. Looking forward to reading your new series.

  27. we believe in helping those in need. Many people call us mom and dad because we have helped them.that is our purpose in life now to try to make life better for others.

  28. I love your books! It is such a blessing to be able to read such inspirational stories!! I have been reading them for many years now, and I love how they make me stop and realize what is important in this life.

  29. I have been reading your books and find they really help me refocus on the important things in life like faith, friends and family. I work for a not-for-profit Association her in Adelaide and find that my God given talents of compassion and care shine through when helping parents and teachers.

  30. Since you are so close to the Amish I would be interested in your opinion of the TV Series “Breaking Amish”

  31. Wanda, I visit a elderly women on a weekly basic who has memory lost. Everyone says that it’s a nice thing for me to do. Thruthfully, I do it because it makes me feel good, and worthwhile. I get way more out of it than she does. I love listening to her stories. She is so wise. Reminds me of your books and how the young seeked out the elders for advice when needed.

    1. I enjoy crocheting and making things for friends and family but the greatest joy I get is making things for charity. The items are sent by mail or dropped off at a local yarn store.

  32. I love your books because there are so many life lessons in them along with spiritual lessons. They also remind us all that no matter our relationship with the Lord, problems will come and he will help us through them.

    Thanks for the beautiful books you have written! God has blessed your with a marvelous talent and we receive blessings from reading the books.

    Annetta Bullard

  33. Wanda, I like to send cards to people. I had many people tell me that it was the only birthday card they received & it made them feel special. I tell them I give God the glory for He is the provider. 🙂 I love to read your books, but, I have to get them from the library. I can’t afford to buy them or I would so I could read them anytime I want to. Keep writing & blessing us with your talent. 🙂

  34. Wanda, Thanks so very much for the wonderful life stories, your words of encouragement. The stories of the people and trails are such a great Blessing for me, very inspiring. I get lost and become a part of life of that person/ family.. I admire their dedication to God and family.
    Since I have learned of a very sever heart condition I have, I have been able to speak to other ladies, senior and teen openly about the emotions, trails, fear and joy I have been through since last October, and face daily. Take nothing for grated! Tomorrow is simply not a given. Only God.. Only Love is a given God, no matter what the obstacle is, or what the problem is, is always there. .I must remember that God has a purpose for me … for us all while we are here on this earth.
    I will keep reading!

  35. Wanda
    I have read several of your books and they have inspired me ~~~ my husband died of cancer jan 2006, and we have a daughter that has a learning disability , so it has been a struggle trying to guild her to become the young women her dad would have wanted her to be. She turned 29 on july 14. . her dad was 53 years old when he died and and i was only 49, and headed out into the job force to get me a job as i was a stay at home mom. I landed a job and have been working for 5 years now. keep writing!!!!!!!!

  36. Wanda, I love your books. I feel that they have helped me rethink my relationship with God which I seem to have lost as the years went by. Thank You.

  37. Wanda, I try to use my gifts through my Sunday School class. As class Secretary I try to get out and make visitations to shut in members or sick members who are hospitalized. Also I feel that I have the gift of praying for others. God places,on my heart people who I should pray for each day.
    I love your books. I’ve learned so much from your stories about the Amish. I like the fact that when I pick up one of your books there isn’t going to be any sex or bad language in them. I love how your stories center around God. I think you are a very down to earth person. You and all are both a part of God’s family and because of that we have a lot in common! May God bless your ministry.

  38. Wanda, your books are amazing! God is working amazing things through you. I find a lesson learned in every book!! I highlight lessons and pass your books on to others. I always look forward to your next book.
    I thank God for your books and your amazing gifts, and I thank you for using the amazing talents God has given you.
    God Bless You!
    Rachael

  39. Wanda,
    I love your books. After having a hard day when reading one of them at night I feel very relaxed and calmed down and in a wonderful mood. I feel like I can sleep at night and have wonderful dreams. I have learned so much over the years from your books and the Amish. I also love that the fact there clean stories without foul language. I hope to meet you someday!

  40. Dearest Wanda~ Have read every one of your wonderful books. I have been blessed with a wonderful man and have never had to work full time, which has given me the opportunity to be a volunteer in many ways. From home health care to feeding other volunteer workers to just driving an elderly person to an appointment. Your books have given me insight to a simpler life, which I myself already demonstrate in my life. I have several Amish friends and most of your “fiction” is actually factual in a way…keep up the good work, will keep reading your honest down to earth books!

  41. Hi Wanda , I have read quite a few of your books and have been so very blessed by them , I remember this …. Referring to the benefits of marriage , About a kite , I would be the kite and my husband the string on the kite that he would pull on it and bring me back in if I would be tempted to go too far . I think this is one of the books I read of yours but I forget the name of it . Forgive me if I am wrong , I think of this “kite ” analogy at times when I feel like I want to do things my way instead of being submissive to my husband and you know what most of the time he is the one that is right . So yes thanks for writing and being a spirit filled minister in your work .

  42. I try to send encouragement to others through cards and prayers. I love passing along good Christian fiction and your books Wanda are highly sought after for the message they bring.

    My husband was so surprised at how much The Half Stitched Musical touched him. He didn’t know that God played an important part in your book and this production. We both went away Blessed and teary-eyed.

    Thank you for being so faithful serving our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

    Blessings!
    Judy B

  43. Mrs. Brunstetter,
    I wish to compliment your book “A Vow for Always.” You wrote masterfully in this book. I recognized the same names and wondered why you used the same names in different locations without once ever guessing the ending. I have reread this little book several times remaining amazed at how skillfully you interwove the events. Congratuations.

    I am a writer of sorts. I pray for the Lord to guide me as I learn to be comfortable with expressing myself for others to read. God bless.

  44. My talent is being an encourager to others. I’m a great cheerleader! I enjoy reading your books and they are a blessing and encouragement to me. Your writings show struggles but a dependence on God knowing He is in control. Thanks for the opportunity to win…Have a blessed week…Linda

  45. I have just been introduced to your writings and sent off a quilt square last week for your donation quilt. Thank you for writing good decent books.

  46. Wanda god has chose me and my talents to help a sick little girl. She has a rare genetic disease and her family struggles to get the girl up to Ohio for her medical treatment. The family asked me to host a benefit for them and I did. I got tons of silent auction items for the benefit and I got some people to help serve and set up the BBQ. We had some vendors there to sell stuff and give the girls family. At the end of the benefit we raised 15,000 dollars that helped them fly to Ohio, get a rental car and a hotel for 26 days. The little girl had brain surgery later that year and the first book she read was one of your books. If I win I am going to give the books to her for her enjoyment. I Found out whAt my purpose was by helping that girl and her family.

  47. I have really enjoyed reading about our Amish friends. I like your style of writing. I have spend many hours reading your wonderful books. It has drew me closer to our Lord Jesus.

  48. I believe God has given me the talent to make simple birthday/ anniversary cards showing my memories of them or just a wish for them. On my brother’s 70th I used poster board and made a large card with several pages, I drew stick figures or simple people pictures of him and his family each one with a silly word or thought about growing old or something I remember he did to me when we were little. One time he tied me to the seat at church with my ties on my dress. He really enjoyed the card and said he would save it! It took a lot of time but it was worth it seeing his appreciation. It is cheaper but also you put your own thoughts in them and anyone can draw stick figures! I enjoyed this website! My sister LindaBelle sent it to me this morning. Yesterday she convinced me to start writing again and I sat and wrote 17 pages so far!

  49. I have read your books over the years, and I believe it was those and other Amish books which drew me to visit Lanaster, Pa. and actually get to see the Amish people.. Since those many years ago I have visited almost twice a year as much as I could.. They are truly a simple loving and giving people. Their ability to forgive is a message to all of us.. They have taught me many things over the years.. I thank you for showing me how to truly see God’s work in action…