tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85271061961847344622024-03-13T08:25:08.017-05:00Val's Walk of Faith"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor"
Isa 61:3Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.comBlogger437125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-78486420148445005792012-04-03T17:56:00.002-05:002012-04-03T17:56:42.127-05:00Jehovah Jireh....always!I'm sure if I look back through all of my blog posts I would see so many titles similar to this one! That's because Jehovah Jireh continues to provide!! Today, I loaded my boys onto a bus bound for Pittsburgh, PA for their first mission trip and my Jehovah Jireh made it possible for them to go!! He is good and He is faithful! See, short of His Hand, there would've been no way possible for them to go. When I say no way, I mean NO WAY! Our budget has always been tight, but lately the squeeze seems to be smothering. But God, just showed up and showed off for them - AGAIN!! <br />
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My prayer for them this week is that they will see the Hand of God so clearly at work in and thru them. It was strange because I usually am so nervous to send them away, whenever they're with someone other than me, but this morning, I was filled with His peace. His peace that passes all understanding!! I hugged their necks, snuck a quick kiss on their cheeks (don't tell them I told) and sent them off! There were tears, but mostly because I wasn't able to go with them this time, not because I was afraid or worried. THAT's nothing short of His Hand as well. If I've been called anything it's been over-protective, but when it comes to work that has the potential to change someone's eternity - that's a no-brainer! God's got them!! Who am I to stand in His way?<br />
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So, I'll ask if when you read this you will pray - either for their trip if it's still happening now - or pray for their future. I KNOW that one of my boys is going to be in full time ministry so I ask you to pray for their protection. Not from threat or danger, but from the attacks of the enemy to distract them from God's call on their life!! Thanks so much!! Jehovah Jireh will provide......<br />Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-86234525992352899852012-03-13T08:38:00.001-05:002012-03-13T09:16:57.882-05:00Messengers, Angels and talking donkeys, oh my....Year of the Bible reading has us in Numbers. Tucked in the midst of all those laws are some AMAZING stories. When I say amazing, I mean ahhh-mazing!!! Numbers 22 is one of those places where you're reading along, waiting to see where the story goes and then WHAM! It's like the Lord wrote it to say 'Are you listening...REALLY listening?' <br />
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The Israelites have gained "a name" in the land as being chosen by God and had 'grown to cover the face of the land'. Balak, king of Moab, summons Balaam - a prophet - to get a curse put on these people (his enemy). Balaam tells him that he can't go against what the Lord has promised but that news doesn't sit well with this king so he sends even more princes out to "persuade" Balaam to come and pronounce this curse on the people. Balaam seems like he's really got it together - not going against what the Lord has commanded or promised - but then, as he always does - the Lord shows us that even in His chosen messengers there is still humanity, there are still problems and still issues. <br />
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The Lord told Balaam that HE would tell him when to go with the men and when he woke the very next day he got up and went with them. How often do I do that? How often do I feel the Lord call me to something and then when He asks me to wait for His lead, I just jump right in, take things by the reigns and find myself in a ditch, against a wall or flat on my face? See, that's just where Balaam ended up, riding his donkey and taking her by the reigns forging forward without the Word from the Lord. His donkey has more discernment than he did. She saw the angel of the Lord and tried to stop him. She ran into the ditch (he beat her back onto the road), she ran him into a wall (again he forced HIS will on her), then she just flopped down on her belly in fear of the Lord. <br />
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Balaam gets so mad that when his donkey opens her mouth to say "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" he simply replies (paraphrase) 'Because you've embarrassed me in front of all these princes." Again, how often have I been there? So caught up in myself that I miss a miracle...a TALKING DONKEY for crying out loud!!! No, the Lord hasn't made my dog talk to me...yet (I don't have a donkey)....but how many times have I overlooked miracles, blessings because I'm so caught up in getting my own way, worried about how other's will see me, or just downright mad? <br />
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It's so easy to sit back and judge the people in the Bible because we can read to the end of their story - we can see how the Lord either reveals Himself (like He did to Balaam by opening his eyes to what his donkey saw) or we can see how the Lord judges them and punishes them. We don't know the end of our story, however, we don't see the big picture of what God has planned for us so instead we - or should I say I - need to take these stories, these people and find ourselves (myself) in them. Read about each person and their situation in the Word of God and then take a long look at ourselves in the mirror before we cast judgement on them or before we think we have nothing to learn from them.<br />
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I challenged my Sunday school girls to memorize Romans 15:4 this year. "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." When we look at the Word of God we need to be ready to be taught, find endurance to face our hardships, be encouraged when we're fighting the enemy and then ultimately to find hope when we feel hopeless and to tell others about the hope we have! My prayer is that it doesn't take a talking donkey for the Lord to get my attention when I'm heading down a path that isn't the path HE has chosen for me!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-21151935458624798602012-02-28T20:08:00.002-05:002012-02-28T20:08:55.698-05:00Laws....Laws are a good thing. They protect us. They set standards and expectations for us to live our lives by. They determine right from wrong - good from evil. Without them there would be chaos. Laws are good. Really?....<br />
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Of course I think laws are good, but I also think they can intrude into placed they don't need to go....they can restrict freedoms...they can allow evil to reign. It's a fine line when laws are put into place between oppression and freedom. Fine line indeed.<br />
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We're in Leviticus in our YOTB reading and wow....the laws. The "if, then" statements....whew. Rough. Graphic even....especially those animal "entrails and dung"....ugh! Don't even get me started with the clean and the unclean! I was reading today about the uncleanness of women during their "monthly cycle" and it struck me how hard our ancestors had it. I mean really. Outside the camp for 7 days after - everything we touched was unclean - everything we sat or laid on was unclean. Whew..thank you Jesus for the 21st century! LOL<br />
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At one point I wrote in my journal - these laws Lord, what do they mean? Why are they here? And ever so gently I felt the Lord tell me, "So you could see and appreciate the fact that you could NEVER keep them all - that's what my Son came for". I love when He does that. When He reveals things to us and reminds us of basic principles we already know! <br />
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I was reminded of Psalm 119 and how often it said I will delight in your laws (precepts). Particularly...1 "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." Ps 119:1-2<br />
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I want my way to be blameless...to walk according to the law of the Lord...I want to blessed - to be considered blessed by the Lord!! I love the Word of God! I love His laws! I love that Jesus came not to do away with the Law but to fulfill it. He came so that when I do blow it - break His laws - I can be forgiven IMMEDIATELY! I don't have to wait for the 'day of atonement'. I don't have to go to the priest because the Great High Priest lives in me...He walks with me...He forgives me!!!<br />
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THANK YOU JESUS......Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-43246643028441817042012-02-20T14:58:00.001-05:002012-02-20T14:58:47.650-05:00Throw up a prayer....I haven't blogged much the past couple of weeks because it's been pure insanity here - as I'm sure most of you can relate to! I'm still LOVING Year of the Bible reading with my church family! Great stuff! <br />
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I work with our student ministry called CIA - Christ in Action - and we are preparing for our coffeehouse this weekend. We'll be doing 2 shows and one will be strictly for local homeless shelters and other agencies and we are busy finalizing details. As usual, the enemy is BUSY! Please lift us up to the Father! Both those of us directing and the kids involved! They want to offer their best and things always seem hairy around this time! Thanks everyone......Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-56971348253366476602012-02-08T16:33:00.000-05:002012-02-08T16:33:08.005-05:00Mercy....This year as we're reading thru the Bible one picture that has been painted so perfectly - so beautifully to me once again is that of God's great mercy. The mercy He's shown to those in His Word and the mercy He's shown to me in my life! <br />
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So far this week we've been reading about Joseph. I love Joseph's story because it's a promise of the Providence of God. I had never truly understood God's Providence until several years ago when I studied Esther. I mean, I knew of it, I had even seen it in my own life, but once I truly dug into the Word - dug beyond the superficial-ness of Bible reading I saw God working ALL THINGS together for the good of His people. Joseph is another great story of God's Sovereignty. <br />
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God took what Joseph's brother's intended as harm and turned it into not only something for Joseph's good, but something for the good of all of Egypt! Now, God hasn't done anything so big as to save a nation thru me, but I can tell you some of the things He has done for me! Here's one example - before I was married I lived in Florida and I LOVED it - I mean LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it!! I was involved in a Christian singles group, living with a family who I adored and who had opened their hearts and their home to me. I had a nice job and was doing ok for myself. Then all of a sudden, God spoke to me and He told me it's time to get back to WV......I didn't want to! In fact, I told him no for a long time! But God persisted...he wouldn't relent....so off I went. With tears in my eyes, I packed my little grey Chevy Cavalier and drove north.<br />
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So I get back to WV, things are not so great between my parents and I, but I meet a good guy. We dated for almost a year, but deep down he was just a distraction because I knew he wasn't what the Lord had in store for my life. I broke up with him - which didn't go well (that's a whole other blog) - then a girl I worked with decides she needs to introduce me to a guy, a divorced guy with 2 kids. Yeah right. So I agree just to shut her up! Little did I know, the night she introduced us was God's Providence working in my life!<br />
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I met my husband that night!! I saw God's plan work. Now I can look back and see that His prodding when I lived in Florida was His design for me to meet my mate! PROVIDENCE! Love how He showed me mercy by sending me my man!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-38558995194606685432012-02-06T15:08:00.000-05:002012-02-06T15:08:49.862-05:00He Changed MY Name.....So this past week was a bit crazy for me - lots going on and not feeling too great on top of that. The good thing about the past week's reading with Year of the Bible was thru the life of Jacob. One of my FAV stories from the Word. Jacob enters the world needy - clinging to his brother's heel - not wanting to be left alone! Oh how I can relate to that. Being the baby of 4 siblings, I've never really been alone. I mean, sure I've had down time or times when other siblings were gone, but it was short-lived. I knew there was always someone around to talk to, be with or just have around. Never really liked being alone because I just rarely ever was alone!<br />
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Then Jacob (a bit of a Momma's boy - favored child - sorry, can't relate to that one) exploits his brother's weakness to gain what he wanted. Hate to say this, to admit it, especially on the web where it's here forever, but I can relate to that one too. Ugh. His pattern of selfishness continues as he and his Momma scheme to trick Isaac into giving him the blessing which puts him in a heap of trouble with his big, brute of a brother who says he's gonna kill him for his deception. (Fortunately I'm out on that one as well! lol - the death threats anyway - the deception and selfishness...not so much) <br />
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This leads to my FAVORITE part of Jacob's story. He's been on the run - worked for his wives (oh and got a little taste of his own medicine with his Father-in-law) - has acquired great personal wealth and success and was about to come face to face with his brother. But prior to that he has a wrestling match that will forever change him. I've heard this story all my life - I've even done Bible studies based on his story but yesterday God gave me a fresh look - a new revelation about Jacob - and about myself. <br />
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"And <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-953N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-955O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>“I will not let you go unless you bless me.”" Gen 32: 24-26. I have heard many well intending preachers, teachers and even some Nationally acclaimed pastors preach about Jacob's cry "I will not let you go unless you bless me" as an example of not giving up on prayer - they are totally right in their point - but maybe a bit off base on this particular example. You see, Jacob's name had not yet been changed, his walk hadn't been changed, his life hadn't been changed. He wasn't suddenly having a big spiritual epiphany in the midst of this wrestling match - he was trying to exploit this man for his personal gain. A talent he had learned and had developed to an art! Jacob was still Jacob. However, God is still God!<br />
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God, was instead exposing Jacob TO Jacob. He was holding up this GIGANTIC mirror for Jacob to take a good, long, hard look at himself. He invited Jacob to recall his name - saying "“What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”" (vs 27) You see Jacob's name means supplanter or to take the place of (another), as through force, scheming, or strategy or the like (dictionary.com) - Jacob was born and given the name that would predict who he was - BUT GOD (two best words EVER) had other plans for Jacob. "Then he said, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-957P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-957Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>you have striven with God and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-957R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>with men, and have prevailed.”" (vs 28). God gave Jacob a new name. A name that means "God contended" and guess what contended means according to dictionary.com? Are you ready......"to struggle in opposition, to strive in rivalry, to assert or maintain earnestly"! Yes God struggled and prevailed over the struggler - the schemer! He broke Him and gave him a new name, gave him a new walk, gave him a new life!!<br />
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That's the best part of the Lord - He's in the business of taking the messed up and making them new! Creating in them a new heart! For HIS glory!! He did it to Jacob - and so many others in the Word - and He did it to me!! He changed me...He changed my walk...He gave me a new life...and He hasn't stopped changing me...He hasn't stopped making me more like His Son!! I will not let Him go - not for MY blessing but for HIS GLORY!!!.....Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-20071050189252050442012-01-30T22:32:00.002-05:002012-01-30T22:32:38.615-05:00Perspective....Sometimes we need a little perspective - don't you think? Like we need to see things from a different angle, through someone else's eyes, etc. For instance, there was one of those crazy pictures on Facebook that had something in it that totally freaked everyone out but you had to kind of take a good long look to see it. Once you saw the thing though, your view of the picture was NEVER the same! It reminded me of how the Lord works.<br />
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Sometimes He gives us glimpses of situations or people just how He sees them. Sometimes though, He has to shove our faces up close to the thing to get our attention - at least He does with me. He only does it because He has something planned for me, something that will make me more like His Son. THAT is the truth.<br />
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Lately, my perspective has been a little foggy. The Lord has some areas in me that need some remodeling and the Great Designer has been busy moving things around, shaking them up, changing my perspective. He's done it with the gentle pressure of a Master Craftsman, but the work is being done for sure! The awesome thing about all this work is that my view....my attitude...my perspective will NEVER be the same! <br />
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One perspective the Lord has blessed me with recently is how fleeting the time with my kids is becoming. My oldest starts High school next year. HIGH SCHOOL!!! Ugh!! This hasn't been an exceptionally fun season - as I'm sure any parent of a teenager would agree - but the Lord reminded me to slow down, to lighten up a bit and to remember these babies that He has entrusted me with are not my own! They were bought with a price! They belong to Him! So I'm doing my best to change THAT perspective as well - look at that thing from a different angle - and asking the Lord to remind me that they will NEVER be this way again!! (ok a little sniff on that one!)Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-88645862225115958762012-01-27T09:35:00.000-05:002012-01-27T09:35:23.719-05:00Why do I linger?....I am falling in love anew with the Word this year with our "Year of the Bible" at church. Whenever I'm with someone from church we immediately start saying "Man, did you read...." it's great! Last night my precious friends from One Voice came over to practice and as soon as we finish singing we immediately start talking about the Word of God. "Aren't you glad we're out of Job?....but don't you love the truths of God's faithfulness...what about Sarah and Abraham?....I never got that Sarai laughed when God told Abe she was gonna have a baby!..." these were some of the conversations! All I could think about was Jer 31:3 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people." He is definitely writing His law on our hearts....LOVE it!!<br />
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So today I'm thinking about Lot. Something that jumped out at me - it's kinda been jumping out with several people thru the Word - the fact that we settle, we linger. Lot was in Sodom, God was coming to destroy it, Abraham had prayed for Lot's deliverance from the destruction, and the destruction was coming! Lot had already seen the miracle of the three men blinding the men of the city who were trying to "know them" and their prediction of God's wrath on the city and His protection of Lot and his family was coming to fruition and what did Lot do?....."As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” But he lingered." (Gen 19:15-16) The city is under attack for it's sin and yet Lot lingered. Don't you think he would want to run as fast as possible? Get his family out of there? And yet, he lingers, he waits around. <br />
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I can relate. How often do I feel the Lord calling me to something, something better, something bigger and yet I linger? How often do I hear him say, 'Get away from this place, this PERSON, now and don't look back!' and still I linger, I delay. Sometimes it's out of fear, or uncertainty, but sometimes it's because I LIKE where I am...who I'm with...what I'm doing. Sometimes it's FUN, or I'm getting some attention from it. But ultimately, if I don't go, destruction follows.<br />
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God is faithful...He is gentle...He is loving....and all too often, He needs to shake things up! He's got some destroying to do in my life. He's got some things in me that need to GO and I do not need to ever look at them again! THAT's what I love about Him. I heard this quote this year and it's the truth in my life right now...."God is the constant page-turner"....I'm anxious to see what page He turns in me!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-54043480546305373422012-01-24T08:58:00.001-05:002012-01-24T08:58:25.186-05:00Consider it joy when you face trials.....REALLY?.....So this past week we've been in Job. Yeah, I know, right. Not exactly the most uplifting and encouraging way to start the year. I mean, it starts off well, but then again, if the Lord INVITES the enemy to take a look at one of His servants.....that certainly can't end well. As I talked with my Sunday school class this past week one of the things that they loved (and I did too) was the thought that the Lord would think enough of me to say to the enemy...."Have you considered my servant Valarie?"....To think that the Creator of the Universe would think so highly of me as to know that whatever the enemy tried to sling my way, I would continue to honor Him through it all. Wow.....<br />
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The thing that really got me as I sat listening to these, not even 18 year old, girls say this was, Lord how different would my life have been had I understood this concept at their age? How many choices would've been made differently? How many situations I got myself into would've turned out differently? I could spend ALOT of time beating myself up (because I'm certainly good at that) over the should have's...the could have's....but right in the middle of it all I felt the Lord gently say..."You're right where I want you girl, the past is just that - the past - I wrote it that way for a reason. You just keep doing what you're doing. I'll take care of all that - in fact, I already have."<br />
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He's ever so gentle with me, ever so patient. I certainly don't deserve that. I certainly have brought Him pain, disappointment, even shame. BUT GOD....my two favorite words ever....in His love and compassion and patience with me still welcomes me home, still takes me in His arms, still holds me up when I stumble and picks me up when I fall. That's His specialty. I love that about Him! So, when I feel the enemy shaking things around me, tugging at what I love and hold dear, trying to steal my joy, I will remember, he's only done so because my Abba Daddy has said "Have you considered Valarie? There's are some things in her I need to work on. You can't have her. You can't destroy her, but why don't you shake things up a bit. I've got some work to do to make her more like my Son." and I can rest, I can trust, I can face whatever he brings because my God - He's a big G God and HE has got this thing!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-60271646266590399912012-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:002012-01-22T21:37:41.051-05:00Whew....time flies when you're having fun.....At least that's the story I'm going with! <br />
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I can't believe another year has flown by. I remember when I was little my parents talking about how time seemed to just fly by and I would think, "Are you kidding me? This is the LONGEST school year ever!" Lol....little did I know how right they were. I watch my now 14 year old walk into the room and he's as tall as me (taller he would argue) and it seems like just last week I was rocking him in my arms. CRAZY! <br />
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Well, I've been on a bit of a wild ride since I last posted. Nothing too major, but just life, but through it all the Lord has continued to sustain, to provide, to bless and to take me places I didn't expect to be. Sometimes to places I didn't WANT to be but just like always, it's to place HE knows best! Fortunately after (ahem) years of walking with the Lord I've finally gotten it thru this thick head of mine that His ways are NOT my ways....and it's a good thing they're not!!! <br />
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We've started on a journey at church of reading chronologically thru the Bible in a year, as a body, so I hope to get back to blogging a bit more regularly....no promises for the 2 of you reading this...;-) but we shall see. My prayer for this year is that the Lord will continue to stretch me, to KICK me out of comfort zone and to take me on the WILDEST ride of my life.....I've got my seat belt locked and Lord, I'M READY!!! <br />
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Here we go........... Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-15995116500530057742011-07-25T11:27:00.003-05:002011-07-25T11:47:19.121-05:00God has brought me from a Mighty Long Way...Boy will that title preach or what? Can't believe it's been a year since I've blogged, but in this instant world of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>, Twitter, and the like, blogging seems like a relic sometimes doesn't it? I started this process knowing only a few close friends - and hopefully one day my kids would be able to know my heart and I've fallen short on staying faithful to them this past year. For that I'm sorry. So much has gone on. Job change (or loss of said job), kids growing up, middle school started for my middle son, broken bones, broken relationships....broken.....so many changes....but like the lyrics of that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Geron</span> Davis song says "God has brought me from a mighty long way"!!! He's the ONE constant in my life, in this world!! For THAT, I am thankful.<br />So, today I'm coming off a whirlwind week. My boys went to Camp Paradise - first time for my middle child - and my baby girl went to hang out with Aunt Regina while I worked at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">LifeWay</span> You Lead conference and then had the honor of attending the Living Proof Live event with Beth Moore this weekend. Every time I've gone to one of her events the Lord has been faithful to give me a WORD and He did NOT disappoint again this weekend! Only this time, I got a BUNCH of them!! My intention is to try to blog about some of those this coming week and to continue to try to blog at least weekly. Again, knowing that only a few who care and hopefully one day my kids will likely be the only ones who read it. My hope is that someone will benefit from my words, not because they are MY words - as if I have anything to offer - but that the Word of the Lord will speak to them as He did to me! He is all I have to offer anyone! He is my life!!<br />So, this weekend one thing He clearly spoke to me about came from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deut</span> 6:23. "But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers." The Lord brought me out....that He might bring me in....that was my Word from early Friday night! When I look back at what the Lord has brought me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> - make a timeline of my life -I can see His hand so clearly - so faithful. Sometimes He brought me out of BIG things, drugs, alcohol, etc...sometimes it was not so BIG things...but sin none the less. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIDENOTE</span>: Isn't it just like our nature to "classify" sin as BIG sins and not so BIG sins. Sin is sin! Murder = gossip. Stealing = overeating. Rape = <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">prayerlessness</span>. He sees it as the same, only we put it in categories.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, back on topic. God brought me out....to bring me in. He is constantly changing me. Constantly making me more like His Son. Constantly cleaning me up and cleaning me out so that He can use me. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">THAT's</span> the bottom line! He'll continue this work til He takes me home and the older I'm getting the quicker this process is becoming. Not less painful, but thankfully I'm not quite as stubborn as I was...not quite...;-)<br />So I'll wrap this blog up with this line from Sheila West - speaker at You Lead. "God loves you too much to leave you where you are." Do it Lord.....Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-11728970197106379852010-07-31T19:52:00.003-05:002010-07-31T20:01:50.305-05:00Wow......I'm sure no one will even be reading this blog, but hopefully one day my kids will pop on here and be able to find comfort in knowing that their Momma loved Jesus, loved their Daddy and ADORED them! So, for that reason, I will try to get back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggy</span> world.<br /><br />Let's see if I can sum up the last 5 months in a just a few sentences. Still working part time, though my boss was gracious enough to let me work from home!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">YAY</span> GOD and thanks Roy! We have moved and I'll make the story of our move another blog entry....WAY too amazing not to share it. God was so faithful and he TOTALLY showed off with our new home!! We have a pool for crying out loud!!!!! Hubby got a new work van that we are allowed to use for our family - again God showing off! Kids have been doing GREAT - though they're kinda 'bored' since Momma has to work M - Th. We are blessed. I mean, I can't even begin to explain to you how blessed we are!!! God has been so faithful to me and to my family - despite our shortcomings and He has just blown me away this summer!!! <br /><br />So, it's getting late on this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-Lord's day evening and I will get back to blogging soon but for now all I can tell you is that God is good!!! He provides, He sustains, He blesses, He loves!!! If you don't believe that.....well you're just looking at the wrong thing!!! "Seek <strong>first</strong> His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mth</span> 6:33 Jesus' words, NOT mine! Just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">sayin</span>.......Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-72171703998975514232010-02-23T15:12:00.002-05:002010-02-23T15:28:44.935-05:00OH NO HE DI'INT!!It's been a while since I've taken the time to sit down and blog, but after my morning I knew I was gonna share this story! I'm going to warn you that if you think I've got it together you are going to be sadly disappointed in me, but if you're willing to hear this as one who messes up like the rest of us then read on....just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tryin</span>' to keep it real!<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alot</span> has changed since I was last on here. We're fixing to move....still don't know where, but we are...and I started a part-time job. The Lord was faithful to provide it for me - though it wasn't something I really WANTED, it was something I really NEEDED to do during this time for my family! He was gracious enough to give me a Christian office and not just one of those feel good Christian offices, but I know the owner and he's a real, talk it and walk it Christian...fruit EVERYWHERE if you know what I mean. The in God's loving generosity to me He gave me a job that allows me to take my kids to school every day and pick them up - basically I work while they're in school. They're home...I'm home! God is good!<br />So back to this morning. My #2 child's grade level left today for their DC trip and we were just not in a financial place to let him go. When I woke him this am he went straight to the clock, looked at it and goes "Well mom, they're loading the bus for DC right now!" He was then very quiet on the way to school and asked if we could go visit my stepson this summer who lives very close to DC. By the time we got to school I was about to explode into tears, but I waited until he was out of the car. <br />As I drove home to get ready for work I proceeded to have myself quite the little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hissy</span> fit with God. I told Him how tired I was of this and of that, how I understood why people walk away from Him when it feels like He's not doing anything to help us. (AS IF!..ugh) Just sat in that car and pitched myself a good one. No response. No special little song on the radio to cheer me up. No Scripture brought to my mind to remind me who I am...who He is. NOTHING. Until....<br />I leave the house with #1 to take him to school (he goes later than #2 and #3). We're driving by this sweet little church with one of those electronic signs out front and they always have the best verses or sayings on there so I was sure to look as we drove by. What was there....."In your anger do not sin" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ps</span> 4:4!!! OH YES IT WAS!!! I immediately start cracking up and apologizing to God for my behavior. Doesn't He just kill you?! Then I got to work and started making my calls and don't you know that for well over an hour EVERY call that placed me on hold either had Christian music playing or even a Pastor teaching!!!! I just sat there cracking up at how patient He is, how kind and loving He is, and yet how gentle - even in correction - He is!!!<br />Anyway, it ended up being a great day and when I picked up #2 today he goes "Mom I had a blast at school today and guess what....NO HOMEWORK this week!" So even if he's still a little sad about missing this trip, he's just as happy here with us AND he doesn't have to miss his guitar lesson! That's right, my little man is seeing that glass half full! Makes my heart skip a beat!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-17528525995704429502010-01-27T15:05:00.002-05:002010-01-27T15:24:49.238-05:00Alive and active indeed......I love to study the Bible. I mean, to find the ins and outs of Scripture - there's nothing better. However, I did my first precept study last fall - and it wasn't even a REAL precept - it was BASED on precept. It was Kay Arthur's Covenant study and let me tell you that it CHANGED MY LIFE! Not Kay Arthur, not the study, but the Word of God changed me......AGAIN!!!<br /><br />Here's a little background.....I had heard of Kay Arthur's precept studies and heard about the lists, and the coloring and the marking and I have to tell you just talking about it gave me a bit of a headache. I'm not really a detail kinda girl, more of a big picture person. So when I was asked to join the Covenant study by our women's director this people <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pleaser</span> of course said yes - all the while kicking and screaming! Then the Lord started peeling back the veil - giving me glimpses of things I'd NEVER seen in His Word and when it came time to sign up for the full fledged Genesis precept, I was one of the first on the list!!! <br /><br />So, 3 weeks ago I began this journey diving into Genesis and let me tell you friends - the pool is DEEP!! We have spent 3 weeks and haven't made it past Gen 2:4!!!!!!! Who knew?! (besides God of course) I have learned more about creation and the great lengths God went to to use His Word to prove His Word over and over then I have ever known. I have learned that I don't need ANYONE else to spoon feed me the Word. I have learned that even this ditsy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">blonde</span> can GET IT!! God's Word has become alive and active to me like never before - and not just parts of it - ALL OF IT!!! The hard part now comes in making what's alive and active motivate me to clean up the junk in me that God can't use. That's where the work truly is. Not in the studying, but in the applying! I will tell you though, that I'm LOVING it! I mean, I can't say I won't ever do another kind of study cause you know I LOVE me some Beth Moore and Priscilla <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shirer</span> and so many other anointed teachers, but I can say that I don't NEED them to teach me because "No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord', because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest." Heb 8:11Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-15599025719091606652010-01-19T09:47:00.002-05:002010-01-19T10:04:29.491-05:00Wow.....I can't even believe how long it's been since I've blogged. So long in fact, that no one will likely notice that I HAVE blogged! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lol</span> That's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> really because this is mainly for my kids anyway!! ;-)<br /><br />2010......WOW! Where in the world did 2009 go? I mean really! I can vividly remember my parents talking about how time seemed to fly the older they were getting and I would think "Are you kidding me? I'm never gonna turn _____(fill in the blank! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>)!" Now I know just how right they were...about many things!<br /><br />So today I just wanted to post about my hopes for the new year. It's starting with mixed blessings for my family. We're moving....again. Long story. But I'm really anxious to see how the Lord is gonna make this happen, because it's gonna be NOTHING short of His hand doing it! We're also starting with some big changes with Jimmy's job. Changes that are for the good, both for the position he's in and financially. Also BIG changes at our church!!! A pastor that I never thought would return is in fact coming home...Rev. Clint <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pressley</span>! AMAZING how the Lord did that work! I can't wait for this adventure!! <br /><br />Changes with One Voice. One of our sweet members has decided to pull out because of her commitments at home (which I FULLY understand) but I will still miss her presence! We're also facing some exciting months ahead with several opportunities that the Lord has presented us with. Keep us humble Lord!! <br /><br />So, all in all 2010 is off to a bumpy but thrilling start. I'm kinda seeing it like a roller coaster. Right now we're on the climb up the tallest hill of the ride, but I can see the crest and I can't wait til I can let go with both hands, throw my arms in the air and scream (like a girl of course) as we race down the other side in complete joy!!! All things joy!!! NO FEAR, NO WORRIES, just reckless, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">abandoned</span> JOY!!!! That's my motto for 2010 and I know the enemy hears that and he's already starting to plot against me, but to him I say "You are DEFEATED by the power of Jesus and I WILL WIN because I am HIS!!!"<br /><br />Today in my <em>God Calling</em> it talked about the anticipatory love of God and it compared that love to a Mother's love as she prepares a gift for her child for a birthday or for Christmas. Where do we, as Mom's learn that kind of joy? From our Father, of course!! Listen to these words from the book..."The Anticipatory Love of God is a thing mortals seldom realize. Dwell on this thought. Dismiss from your minds the thought of a grudging God, who had to petitioned with sighs and tears and much speaking before reluctantly He loosed the desired treasures. Man's thoughts of Me need revolutionizing." That's what I'm gonna do this year...revolutionize how I see God...how BIG He really is....how He's anticipating the revelation of His plans for me!!! Does that blow your mind like it does mine? God - the Creator - the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sustainer</span> of the Universe - the Redeemer of the lost - is finding joy in revealing His plans for my life - to me!!!!! Somebody wants to say "There ain't no high like the Most High!!!" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span><br /><br />So thanks for listening to my ramblings and I pray that 2010 bring revolution to how you see God as well!!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-49102812779447450212009-08-06T08:20:00.002-05:002009-08-06T08:40:41.136-05:00Storms.....I actually love storms...at least when I'm at home, when my man and my babies are all safely tucked in with me. I don't love the ones where we're glued to the skies because tornadoes have been seen or predicted - those I could do without - but a good rattling of the house and watching the yard light up at midnight from the lightning - love it! I think it's because when I was little my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">PawPaw</span> used to sit me on his lap during the storms and tell me God was bowling. (yeah I know, not very theological, but it kept his little "brown eyed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">huzzy</span>" - what he called me - from being scared) The thunder was him rolling the ball and the rain fell because He's so big and His bowling ball is so heavy the clouds couldn't hold the rain in. The lightning - you guessed it - a strike! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> Funny thing is I've tried that with my kids and they just look at me and go "Yeah right Mom". Oh the power of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">PawPaw</span>!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><br />So, I'm in a bit of a storm right now. Some people would look at my life, the pattern of the way things have happened in it, and think that I've always been attacked following a major spiritual event. They would be right. I went to hear our preacher's wife lead an amazing women's event - it was the final night in a series she'd been doing - and that night ended up in the hospital bleeding internally and losing a baby. I went to another women's event on a Saturday at our church and my Daddy went to be with Jesus on the following Tuesday. I had been on a retreat with my Sunday school class and my brother-in-law died the following week. So, after going to Deeper Still this weekend - well, I've learned to brace myself. Life did not disappoint. Fortunately it's not anything as tragic as a death or an illness, but it's a storm for my family. Long story short, our landlord has decided to sell his house and we've got to move. Right before school starts. Special. We've had this conversation with them before and they decided to wait but this time events in their life have lead them to this decision. I don't blame them.<br /><br />When you read that last paragraph some people might say "Girl, I'd stop going to those things if I was you. Every time you do something bad happens." But I say "Look how faithful the Lord has been to fill me up so that when those storms have hit - I'm READY!" And He was faithful again. Last weekend Priscilla <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shirer</span> brought the thunder with her when she taught from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eph</span> 3:20-21. Among the many nuggets God gave me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> her was this one: When you pray, be specific. Ask God specifically for things that you want. Ask Him to specifically meet this need or that one. But then say to Him "But God if you have something better in store for me....GIVE ME THAT!!!" So that's what I'm asking Him to do. I'm asking Him for something better! I have no idea what that something better will look like - and frankly I could care less - I just want HIS something better for my life! I want Him to go BEYOND the beyond that I could ask for or imagine! That's the truth of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eph</span> 3:20-21. His Spirit is at work in me and that power, combined with my faith in Him, combined with the pattern of faithfulness I can see in my life bring me rest! As Jesus slept on a cushion in the boat during the squall on the sea in Mark 4, so I will crawl up in my Abba Daddy's lap and rest while this storm passes by. That doesn't mean I won't see the storm, hear it or even feel it's power trying to shake me, but I will rest. I'll rest because I know who holds tomorrow and He is Faithful!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-17354884548783956762009-07-31T07:04:00.003-05:002009-07-31T07:29:25.376-05:00Forgiven...That's a hard word in this world. Forgiven. Lots of times we say we forgive people. Someone steps on your toe, "Oh, I'm sorry", "It's okay" we answer. Forgiven. Someone takes your seat at a party "Oh, I didn't know this was your seat", "Oh, that's all right" we offer up. Forgiven, but are they really? Someone talks about you behind your back, "You know I really didn't mean that" they say, "Oh, I understand" we say, but do we really? Are we willing to trust them with our secrets again? Forgiven. It's easier said than done - for most of us anyway. I know there have been people in my life that I've had a HARD time forgiving. They've done unspeakable things to me. Things that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">could've</span> destroyed me - literally and figuratively.<br /><br />This morning God had me in Exodus and the study I'm doing talked about "Israel's Golden Boy" and since we were in Exodus I thought - Moses. Surely we're gonna read about Moses, and of course we did, but he wasn't the 'golden boy' in this story. Today the focus was Aaron. In Ex 38 Moses is on the mountaintop quite busy with the Most High. Meanwhile, Aaron was left with "the people". They got bored, they got lonely, they got scared so they went to Aaron for help. What did the golden boy do? Gave them what they wanted. A god. A god made of gold in the shape of a calf. Strike 1. Then when baby brother returns with the "Word" what does Aaron do? Blames the people. Strike 2. They asked for his help and he gave them what they wanted. I think he could see on Moses' face that he wasn't buying it so then he tries to play it off as a miracle. "I put their gold in the fire and out popped this calf". (my paraphrase of course) Strike 3. You'd certainly think that God would be ready to move on from Aaron, don't you? I mean, maybe he'd get to herd the cattle, or maybe carry Moses' tent around for him, but no. Just a couple chapters over (40) we find God telling Moses to go get Aaron and anoint him as priest.<br /><br />Say what?! Yes that's what I said. Aaron becomes priest! Not only that, but his sons, they do too! In fact "Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue for all generations to come." Ex 40:15b. Don't you just love that about God? Not only did He forgive Aaron, but He turned around and poured a blessing on his entire family line! Amazing!!<br /><br />That my friends, is forgiveness. In my own life I can tell you that the Lord took a girl who was born into a family that served Him. A family that raised her to know, love and serve Him. However, that girl made some mistakes....just a few......THOUSAND! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span> Yet He has turned my life around. He has blessed me beyond measure. He has given me a life that I surely didn't imagine I'd have. He has blessed me with a man that I adore (and adores me too, most of the time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>), with kids that couldn't be any more amazing if they even tried, with a family that I love and with friends that love on and support me every day. He has used me in the ministries He has blessed me with and that, in and of itself is a miracle!<br />He is faithful. He reminds me every day that I'm nothing without Him. He does it in a way that doesn't condemn me, but convinces me not to even try it on my own. He is good. He IS forgiveness!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-67865105901619255192009-07-20T07:45:00.002-05:002009-07-20T08:04:21.555-05:00Why.......Why is it that bad things have to happen? I know the whole sin in the world speech but I still sometimes wonder why. <br />Why is it that the ones we love hurt us most? Shouldn't they be the very ones that do their best to NEVER hurt us?<br />Why are family dynamics so difficult to deal with? Webster's defines family as a group of persons that come from the same ancestors. Shouldn't that mean something? <br />This post has become very depressing hasn't it? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I'm really not sad this morning just shaking my head in amazement at some of the relationships in my life. Sometimes I'm so overwhelmed at the things people do to one another - the things they say, the way they act - that cause pain that I just can't even imagine. <br />Don't get me wrong. I KNOW I've treated people I love badly. I've taken out anger on them, I've spoken hatefully to them, I've ignored them - but I can honestly say that I have been sorry for it! I can honestly say that MOST of the time it wasn't intentional. I didn't set out to hurt them. Then I have hurt after the fact.<br />It just amazes me how the Lord can turn a life around. I have seen in the last week, a change in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">some one's</span> life that has been such a witness to those that they love! I have sat, shaking my head, at how the Lord has used their life to impact so many lives around them. Like tossing a rock into water and the ripples it makes, their life has been making ripples in the lives of the people around them that don't know the Lord. AMAZING!<br />Then the question that comes to my mind is....why don't they trust him too? Why don't they just turn their life over to him? Why do they continue to run, to hurt, to lose, to fight? Why? He's waiting to show them love. He's waiting to bring them peace. He's waiting to give them life. He's waiting to.......... Why don't they let Him?............<br />These questions were true in my own life at one time. Then finally I realized how very much I needed Him in my life. How I was never going to find the peace I was longing for apart from Him. He has changed my life. Sure, I still blow it.....daily, but He's there to pick me up, dust me off, and set me out to try it again - this time in His strength. He's there to love me. He shows it to me every day. He forgives. He is patient. He is kind. He never hurts me but corrects me when I need it - the way a Father should. He's there. Always. That makes me wonder why? Why would the Creator of the Universe, the God of Heaven, the King of all Kings do all this for me? For me?! Because He is faithful, He is loving, He is mercy, He is.........<br /><em>Oh how he loves you and me.</em><br /><em>Oh how he loves you and me.</em><br /><em>He gave His life, what more could He give?</em><br /><em>Oh how He loves you,</em><br /><em>Oh how He loves me,</em><br /><em>Oh how He loves you and me.</em>Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-62490808573437846732009-07-01T07:57:00.003-05:002009-07-01T08:20:52.739-05:00One Voice World Tour Stop 2!<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>. That's what my man called last nights event!. He's our road manager. One Voice (the ladies group I sing with) sang at a Missions Festival about a 3 weeks ago and last night we sang at the Charlotte Rescue Mission and today I just can't stop smiling. It was incredible!! When I began asking the Lord which songs to sing He gave them to me immediately and I have to admit that sometimes when that happens I get a little nervous. Not that I don't trust Him, but I know myself well enough that sometimes I get in his way. This time - as He does EVERY TIME - He was faithful!!<br />We sang "He Reigns with Awesome God" and some of the men knew that one and they sang along and clapped and hollered! It was great! Then we sang "Orphans of God" and I think for the first time - in a very long time - I could see the entire room on the edge of their seats listening to the message that "There are no strangers, there are no outcasts, there are no orphans of God. So many fallen, but hallelujah, there are no orphans of God." Could there have been a more encouraging song for that particular group of men.....I think not! God you are so good!!<br />Then we sang "Shackles" and this group of ethnically diverse men were on their feet!! We loved every minute of it!! But most importantly God was glorified!!<br />The message that followed was just amazing and I was reminded of the amazing teachers we are blessed with at my church. I mean, it was GREAT!!! God's Word never fails!!<br />Over the days leading up the event I was asking God over and over to give me the right words to say to these men and to guard my mouth so that I wouldn't get lost in nervous chatter. (I tend to do that when I'm in front of people - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>) But yesterday God led me to a verse that just blew my mind. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ps</span> 119:50 "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." I know that in that room there were men suffering. Suffering from losses. Suffering from addictions. Suffering from disappointments. Suffering. All of us are suffering and that is what the Lord was reminding me. Sure, I have a home. I have food. But I'm not that far from where they are.....none of us are really. And as I walked in that place and saw all their faces I was just overcome with the weight of suffering. But then that second line in Psalms. "Your promise preserves my life." What promise? Well, the promise that He will never leave me. The promise that He will never walk away from me. The promise that I am engraved on the palm of His hand. The promise that He knows my name. The promise that I can do all things <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> His Son. And I tell ya, I was then overcome with HIM!! I was a wreck! I didn't know if I could stand up there and sing to these men, much less speak to them because I was so emotional, but my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">girlfriends</span> surrounded me and we went before the throne and I could feel the Father telling me, I brought you here for a reason and don't you worry girl, I'll get you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span>! AND HE DID! Not only did He get me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span>, He gave me words that hopefully touched someone and I know it made them smile.....what more could I ask?<br />So today, I'm so overwhelmed again. I'm overwhelmed that the Creator of the Universe, the Maker of the Stars, the God of heaven would use me. Me. I'm so grateful that He gave me this opportunity and I'm praying that He'll give me others. I'm praying that He'll use 'One Voice' to accomplish His mission of spreading His Message to this city. "You broke the chains now I can lift my hands, and I'm gonna praise You, I'm gonna praise You"!!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-66223459014478793942009-06-26T15:48:00.002-05:002009-06-26T15:48:42.082-05:00It's my BIRTHDAY!!I'm not proud. I'll be glad to tell you it's my birthday!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-27306540624873295172009-06-25T08:18:00.003-05:002009-06-25T08:37:41.019-05:00God is working.......<em>He's still working, God is working even now. Tho' we often don't know just how, God is working, He's still working, God is working even now.</em> LOVE<em> </em>me some<em> </em>Brooklyn Tab!!! It's so true. God is working. He's been working on me over these last weeks so much that I'm tired from it. ;-) That's the good thing tho, at least I know He cares. <br />There's been so many exciting things going on. We've got our annual Celebrate America program coming this weekend (it's so funny that going in this is my least favorite show but after it's over He always blesses me tremendously!), and getting ready for that with practice on SATURDAY....ugh.....We're just coming out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">VBS</span> which is always fun, but this year was a bit stressful because we had a mini "musical" in which my oldest had a part so it was studying lines, practice, etc. The ladies group I sing with, "One Voice" has been busy as well. We had the Breath of Heaven event in April, then a wedding in May (congrats Mandy!), then we sang at a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Missions</span> benefit in June and next week we're going to the Charlotte Rescue Mission to sing and we're singing at our Deacon's Wives meeting in August. whew....We're also working on a few other events (Jimmy has taken it upon himself to become our manager! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>) so if your church needs some music let me know!! We'll even travel as long as we can be fed! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> <br />This is how I know God is working. I wasn't sure about the direction of this group and what we should be doing so I began praying for the Lord to either close the door for us or to swing it wide and well.....He is faithful! <br />Also, there are exciting things coming with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">STMM</span>. The conference in Sept is starting to sell tickets, but we can always use more. If you wanna travel to - or if you live in - the Southern Ill area in Sept then check it out. Here's a <a href="http://www.speakingthrume.com/pages.asp?pageid=82060">link.</a> It's gonna be great and we're praying the Lord will send people, the people of His choosing, to hear a Word!! BTW did I mention that Travis <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cottrell</span> will be leading worship. OH YES THAT'S WHAT I SAID!!!! ;-) If you can't come would you please be in prayer for this conference? We will most certainly appreciate it.<br />So, here it is summer, the months of slacking (as if), and we're slamming! I have to admit, I LOVE it!! Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!! and if you don't know what tomorrow is, then shame on you! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">JK</span>! I don't know what my plans are, but who cares! I'm alive another year, I'm (relatively) healthy, I'm in love with the most amazing man God <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">could've</span> chosen for me, my kids are happy and healthy and I have a circle of friends who love me, challenge me and lift me up. What more could a girl ask for? Million dollars maybe?.....<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span> If I had a million you can slap guarantee I'd be getting 365 pairs of shoes - one for each day of the year! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> Sad, I know.Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-46001534068089369272009-06-19T08:03:00.002-05:002009-06-19T08:08:11.822-05:00For my brother......Jeff, it's quite possible that you won't see this post, but my prayer is that you will! I just wanted to say Happy Birthday and that I love you! I can't begin to imagine how hard it was growing up with 3 sisters but you have to know that you were/are our hero! You've protected us, loved us, made fun of us (Bubble 2 - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>), picked on us, fought for us, helped us and just been there for us and I know it wasn't always easy, or even what you WANTED to do, but you did it.<br />I hope your birthday is a great one and I hope that you don't start to fall apart now that you're <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>50</strong></span>!!!!!!!!<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span><br /><br />Love you!<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">BiKay</span>Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-22376788263624138212009-06-08T12:48:00.003-05:002009-06-08T13:18:48.581-05:00Our weekend!This weekend was a TOTAL blast for my family! First "One Voice" sang at the World Outback Missions Festival then we loaded up the Smith girls and headed to the pond to fish. Here's a few pics from the fun we had.<br /><div align="center">Maddie's first fish - not too close Jimmy! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UNclmvII/AAAAAAAAASw/kXij57vIDWk/s1600-h/P6060408.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345020922747600002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UNclmvII/AAAAAAAAASw/kXij57vIDWk/s320/P6060408.JPG" /></a> Here she is reeling in the "big catch"!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UNMoETmI/AAAAAAAAASo/8jQVY1ZDHu0/s1600-h/P6060407.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345020918462959202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UNMoETmI/AAAAAAAAASo/8jQVY1ZDHu0/s320/P6060407.JPG" /></a>Josh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">caught</span> a few as well.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UM-HqVFI/AAAAAAAAASg/vfwW6QhqxUM/s1600-h/P6060406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345020914568942674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1UM-HqVFI/AAAAAAAAASg/vfwW6QhqxUM/s320/P6060406.JPG" /></a>Sheldon was certainly not to be outdone.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RkHuFHNI/AAAAAAAAASY/MXxYgdvlOXs/s1600-h/P6060405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345018013748108498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RkHuFHNI/AAAAAAAAASY/MXxYgdvlOXs/s320/P6060405.JPG" /></a> Here's all us girls <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">singin</span>'! <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1Rj03AxVI/AAAAAAAAASQ/dYWVDfCnVQg/s1600-h/P6050395.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345018008685299026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1Rj03AxVI/AAAAAAAAASQ/dYWVDfCnVQg/s320/P6050395.JPG" /></a> Note Beth left her mic to go cut the rug! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjrlatKI/AAAAAAAAASI/deDSVsEMjwA/s1600-h/P6050389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345018006195582114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjrlatKI/AAAAAAAAASI/deDSVsEMjwA/s320/P6050389.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Praisin</span>' in a stable!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjQrpPqI/AAAAAAAAASA/SNLUiS8MuCc/s1600-h/P6050384.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345017998973943458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjQrpPqI/AAAAAAAAASA/SNLUiS8MuCc/s320/P6050384.JPG" /></a> Yes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Liney</span> was the only fan we had that day! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjGG7pAI/AAAAAAAAAR4/xD2DbyHD_rE/s1600-h/P6050383.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345017996135605250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vpFGe3y0w3A/Si1RjGG7pAI/AAAAAAAAAR4/xD2DbyHD_rE/s320/P6050383.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>It really was a great weekend and we had EXCELLENT weather. We called this the "One Voice Outback World Tour"! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> Seriously though we were honored to be a part of the day and we got some praise on too! Hopefully those listening enjoyed it as well.Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-24052475641083018072009-05-26T20:45:00.002-05:002009-05-26T20:54:01.631-05:00Don't try to tell me.......That God's not in the miracle business anymore!! I can tell you that He most certainly is! I got one today in fact!<br />In Jan. my oldest son went for an eye exam and was told he needed glasses. I noticed the Dr. was doing lots more tests than usual and at the end of the exam she rather nonchalantly goes "Yeah, I think he has glaucoma, but you don't need to worry." AS IF! He's 11 for Pete's sake, not 91. So I take him to my family Dr. who says he sees the same problem and then refers me on to a specialist. We had our first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>. back in April and the specialist does a TON of testing - I mean we were there for 1 hr and 45 min - but I was glad they were checking so many things. <br />After all was said and done he said he felt certain it was glaucoma - which is EXTREMELY rare in kids - but before he sentenced him to a lifetime of daily eye drops he wanted to recheck him in 2 weeks. <br />The 2 weeks came and a few days before the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>. they call me to reschedule. Today was the follow up. The didn't do all the tests from the first time, but according to the ones they did do - they were all NORMAL!!! Yes, no signs of glaucoma!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! He did say that the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">inital</span> "cupping" of the optic nerve (the thing they saw that started this whole ball rolling) was still there and it was something they needed to watch, but at this point my son is HEALED people!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">WOOOHOOOOOO</span>!<br />For those of you who have prayed I say the most sincere heart felt thank you I can possibly offer! You'll never know this side of heaven what it meant! To those who offered words of advice or encouragement I say thank you so much! To my Abba Father, my Heavenly Father, my Jehovah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rapha</span> there are no words........Thank you seems so inadequate. All I can say is PRAISE YOU, PRAISE YOU, PRAISE YOU!!! I will never cease to sing of your mercy and love for my family!!! THANK YOU my Father!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527106196184734462.post-3567656085476899342009-05-18T12:23:00.003-05:002009-05-18T12:34:51.793-05:00The Word is alive!Before I jump into my title today, I'll do a little debriefing from my weekend. My sweet nephew JR graduated from High school Saturday so the kids and I loaded up and went to WV. It was a super quick trip - left Friday, came back Saturday - but it was well worth it. Jay graduated from a small Christian school and they allowed each graduate to speak. (yeah, it was that small) My sweet nephew has been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thru</span> so much in his life - losing his dad a few years ago - and he has always been a very caring and compassionate person. His speech left the entire room in tears - even the Principal was seen wiping a few tears away. He's an amazing boy who is totally sold out to Jesus and I know the Lord is gonna do great things with him! I love you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jaybir</span> and I'm so very proud to be your Aunt "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wal</span>"! (think wow) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lol</span><br />So this past week has been busy, busy for me. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">STMM</span> team has really been picking up and we're in the process of creating a prayer team - in fact it's about ready to roll! So we've been taking prayer requests and have been praying over them. Here's where things get good! I read the first request that came in and the Lord took me to Isaiah to share some Scripture with this sweet sister. I did. Then I read the second request. I began searching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thru</span> Scripture and asking the Lord for something to share, but the Lord sent me right back to the same verse! I just love that! I mean, here were 2 women with 2 very different requests and yet, the same verse was alive for both of them! I then poured <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">thru</span> all the requests that came that day and as I read each one I just sat there having me some church right at my computer desk! You guessed it, the same Scripture applied to each and every situation!!!! The Word is alive y'all! If you don't believe me, just dig in and see for yourself - I dare you!!!Valariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12889118194966934464noreply@blogger.com1