Feeling Homesick

For some reason, every autumn, my thoughts turn homeward. I guess because autumn in Arkansas is so very refreshing! The summers are long, hot and humid and life as a member of Victory Baptist Church was always a flurry of activity in the summer - teen camp (where I met my hubby!), bus ministry promotions, revival meetings, and a vacation if you could squeeze one in! It was go, go, go. Then school resumed and life took on a more regular pace. We have hot summers here in Texas - they last till October or November! But, unlike Arkansas, there's not a distinct fall season. We have one, but it sort of blends in with winter, as we have mild winters. We do not have as many trees that change with the autumn season here either. Arkansas has beautiful colors! The crisp mornings in Arkansas, the beautiful leaves changing, the rhythm of school and church and soulwinning...oh how simple and wonderful those days were!
I guess what I miss most about Arkansas would be 2811 Karen Drive in Benton! My home! That was my safety net for all of life's hardships. I knew when I crossed that threshold that I had a Mom and Dad who loved me and cared about my problems. My mom would let me chatter away while we (well, mostly she) prepared supper. She listened and then offered caring advice, usually from Proverbs, as she is the Proverbs Queen! Then, Mom would listen to the same news again as I told Dad about it at supper. We'd eat, talk, laugh, then we all went about our evening routine. Sometimes, Dad and I would take a bike ride together if the weather was good. Or, I would just do homework, Dad would watch a little TV and Mom would write lesson plans and grade papers - sometimes we all graded papers!
Yes, I sure do miss those days. At the time though, I was in such a rush to grow up, I didn't really enjoy it to the fullest.
Now, some many years later, I look back with a heart of thankfulness on those wonderful, secure childhood days. I want to give my children the same wonderful memories that I have. I still long for Arkansas, but I know I can never recapture those days of yesteryear.I must look forward.

On July 29,2004 the Lord chose to take my Dad on home to be with Him. It was sudden. But, I knew exactly where he was, he was in our permanent home, Heaven. I recently had a dream where I discovered that my Dad wasn't dead, he was in prison! How awful! But in my dream I was glad of this news because that meant I could go see him! When I awoke, I realized that I was the one "in prison". Dad was truly free. I'm imprisoned in this flesh, in this wicked world, but Dad is free of the flesh, of sin and the world. You see, 2811 Karen Drive was just our temporary home. Today, friends, I miss Arkansas. But I long for Heaven even more. That will be my permanent home. That's where my Dad is! That's where my Savior is! Up there, I'll never be homesick again. It will be wonderful! No pain, no tears, no fear, no locks on doors! Jesus is there, and there are streets of gold! And I don't know for sure, but I bet they have gorgeous autumn colors there, too!

A Menagerie of Events ~

Well, there've been some interesting things going on in the Basham's hill country home lately. Sorry it's taken me a while to get these photos uploaded. About two weeks ago, I kept smelling an odd smell, like something burning. It was the same smell that I noticed when I turned the oven on and Leslie had put Mitchell's plastic "Old MacDonald Farm tractor" in the broiler without my knowing it! Yep, it was tractor toast. This time, however, the oven was off. We checked all the outlets, nothing. Finally the smell was strong enough that we tracked it down. Leslie had gingerly hung the pair of plastic shoes that decorated my baby shower cake after Laci's birth on top of our living room lamp's light bulb! Thankfully, they didn't catch anything on fire. By the time I found them, they were smoking. Where I had put them for her to find, I'll never know. I still need to put Leslie's baby shower stuff in my scrapbook, much less Laci's! For those of you who think I'm organized, think again! Just see the photo below for proof that I still have room for plenty of improvement in that area!

Notice the burned place on the upper left hand corner. I was supposed to write her name and date of her birth there...oh well.

Mitchell received a bee-bee gun on his 2nd birthday, but has never gotten to shoot it, or really been wanting to, for that matter. But this week he suddenly got the desire to shoot it! Well, for those that know Terry, you know it was a thrill to show his son how to shoot. Terry's a good shot, and knows a lot about all kinds of guns. Here's Mitch, appropriately outfitted in his camo, shooting his gun! Notice: Dad is very close by...after all, Mitch is only Five! We believe in teaching gun safety!!!!! You can click on the photos to see them better.

I don't know why the next picture is so purpley, I guess I did something wrong when taking it! Anyway, it touched my heart to see Lauren having her own devotions. Terry and I have a private devotions, and then I have a devotion time with the kids from the monthly booklet, Keys for Kids, while they eat breakfast, but we don't make a private time mandatory for the kids. We mostly do this because our parents didn't force us to have a quiet time with God as children, but they set the example and that's more important anyway. Lauren is using a small devotional book for kids, called "A Daily Adventure with God" that we purchased from some evangelists visiting our church. They are small books that walk you through a particular book of the Bible. Lauren's was John. If your interested, here's the info:

Ken Claypool

304 E. Bittersweet Rd.

Washington, IL 61531 or call 309.745.8416 or 309.698.2000

The books cost approx. $3.00 each. They are really good.

She doesn't do this faithfully every morning, but I want to encourage her for trying! Praise the Lord!
While Lauren was having devotions, Mitch (and Leslie) were helping me by making my bed. They wanted to surprise me, and they sure did! What a blessing! I didn't know Leslie was involved until I saw in the photo that she was sticking her head out from under the bed!

Psalm 127:3 says Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Sometimes, I don't feel like they are much of a reward, but the Bible says they are! When I feel that way, I remember days like the one pictured above, and it changes my outlook. I remember how fast they are growing up, and that this is my one chance to put into them what's right. Pray for me, that I will instill the right things into my precious "rewards".

Good Medicine!

Someone e-mailed this story to Terry, and I had to pass it along! I'm still fighting the allergies and this story has helped me feel so much better. As the Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. So enjoy this good medicine, and have a good day!

There was a feud between the Pastor and the Choir Director of The Hicksville Southern Baptist Church.It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "dedicating yourself to service" and the Choir Director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved".
Trying to believe it was a coincidence, the Pastor put the incident behind him. The next Sunday he preached on "Giving". Afterward, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid it All".
By this,time, the Pastor was losing his temper. Sunday Morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built.
A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "The Sins of Gossip". Would you believe the Choir Director selected:"I love To Tell The Story"?
There was no turning back. The following Sunday the Pastor told the congregation that unless something changed, he was considering resignation.The entire Church gasped when the Choir Director led them in: "Why Not Tonight"?
Truthfully, no one was surprised when the pastor resigned a week later,explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away. The Choir Director could not resist: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Love is the Foundation

Ephesians 3:13- 21
13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Well, today seems to be going better than yesterday! My kids all slept through the night, and I didn't over-sleep! I am trying to get today started off right!
I read the verses above as part of my Bible time today, and the Lord showed me something good. Verse 17 says "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," After we are rooted and grounded in love, then verse 18 and 19 is possible:[ that ye] "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." We can't comprehend God's love until we are first rooted and grounded in the love of God. When we get saved, we are rooted in Christ - we are part of His family. My roots take me back to Arkansas, to the family of Ron and Carolyn Courtney. I couldn't comprehend their love for me, until I was born into their family. It's the same for Christians. Until we are saved, and in God's family, we can't know His love. After salvation we can see how much God loves us! It is then that we see Him at work in our daily lives. It is then that verse 20 is real to us: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," I like that part -exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think! Amazing! We can't see that in our lives until we become part of His adoptive family. By the way, reading the Bible daily and talking to Him regularly help us see Him at work in our lives so much more! I wouldn't really know my family if I didn't keep in touch with them. If I never visited them, or called or wrote them, I wouldn't really know them. If we get saved and then don't "keep in touch" with the Lord, we can't really know Him.
I'm so glad I not only know that there is a God, but that I know God! To think that I have a relationship with the God of the Universe through His only Son! Now that will start anybody's day off right!

I'm getting up...again.

Here I am, at 5:15PM, just now getting to my devotions for the day! I would be making our dinner, but Terry is out right now so I am using this time to read my Bible, pray and post! What can I say? It's just been one of those days! It's Monday! No wait a minute. I can't blame Monday. It's just me.
For some reason, it is so easy for me to look around at my circumstances, than look up to the Lord. I know better, but I still do it. I read some great verses just now, that the Lord used to really encourage me. Proverbs 24:10 says "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." and my personal favorite, Prov.24:16a "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again..." I really like that last verse because that is me in a nutshell. I am "just" because I'm justified- I know I'm saved! I am a "man" because I'm hu-MAN. And I fall seven times a day, at least. I am always making mistakes. I lose my patience with someone, I think critical thoughts, I say those thoughts, I wish I could run away and never return, and the list is endless! I snap at my hubby or my kiddies. I fail to get up on time and end up having my devotions at 5 PM instead of AM!!!!
Yeah, I'll be honest. I have this great "plan" in mind for my tomorrow as I pillow my head at night, and somewhere in there, my plan becomes a nightmare! Nothing goes right!! Mostly it's my flesh causing the problem. It told me that it doesn't like getting up, or reading the Bible, or praying! It wants to sleep and write email and eat Oreos. It likes me to please it all the time!! See what I'm facing every day? However, the verse says that a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again. So I want you all to know that I failed today. I didn't have the kind of day that I had planned to have! I didn't have the right kind of day because of me. I want you to know I don't want to have "small strength", I want to be strong. So with God's help, and forgivness, I will now get up...again.

Thank You

I just wanted to say "Thank you" to those of you who patronize my site, and to those of you who were kind enough to pass on ideas for children's church! They were a big blessing! Blogging is very new to me, and I've had to figure it out on my own. To be honest , I really enjoy being able to "reach out and touch someone" anytime - day or night. I enjoy getting emails and comments so much! This has been a nice hobby for me, it's given me something to look forward to doing. Since I am in a small town, and church, it's easy to feel alone and isolated. Blogging has changed that for me! I've made new friends, and am keeping in better contact with old ones.

Thank you for stopping by, and please, do come back and say hello again!

If I can just keep going...

Well, I am a testimony that no matter how faithful you are to church, Bible reading and prayer, you still battle the flesh! Won't Heaven be wonderful? No more sin, no pain, NO ALLERGIES!! I have had more trouble the last few days with my allergies than I've had in ages. I haven't taken a Benedryl since Laci's birth, but I broke down early this morning and took one. I couldn't stand it any longer - I've had itchy eyes, sneezing and my asthma has been acting up. It's been bad enough that I wake up in the night needing to blow my nose! I love living here. It's peaceful - it's a town, but a small one, so the pace is slow. Think of Burnet like the Mayberry of Texas. The climate is great! Winter lasts about two weeks...ok, just kidding, but winter is very mild here. After living in northern Kansas, where you go soulwinning in below zero weather, this climate is awesome! It's gets cold at night and 70ish in the day. The people are friendly, and it's TEXAS! What's not to like? :-) BUT, we do have things blooming year round because of our mild climate, and that causes unsuspecting, non-native Texans like myself to suffer the consequences. This is just another fleshly thing to deal with, and I'll be so glad when I'll be rid of this old flesh! Not just because of my allergies, but because of sin. I am so tired of battling the fleshly desire of covetousness, gossip and myriad other sins!
Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Wow! That is my desire - to walk in the spirit. I would be a better mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter, everything- If I could just walk after the spirit, and not my old rotten flesh. The Bible says in Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. How true! The old saying, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." is true for all of us. I know not to gossip, or lose my patience with my kids, but doing it is a whole lot harder!! I don't battle external sins - like alcohol, smoking, etc.- but sins of the heart, which are just as rotten in God's eyes.
With God as my helper, I'm going to get up and keep going. My goal is Gal.5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. That should keep me busy! And when the flesh seems to be fighting me, I'll remember Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for due season we shall reap, if we faint not. I want to sow the kind of crop that will be fun to reap - I want to sow to the spirit and not the flesh. I'm so glad that the Lord will never leave me or forsake me, even when the flesh wins occasionally. Through Him, I've already won the war!
In the meantime, I'll keep the Puffs handy, and keep on fighting this flesh of mine.

Survival and Self Pity

We have had several disappointments today and yesterday. I don't want to bore you with all the details, and I don't want to whine. God has been too good to me, even in the times of trial, for me to whine. But have you ever just felt like a good pity party? The daily grind gets old sometimes, and if there is any line of work that has very little to offer in tangible rewards, it would be motherhood. There's no pay check, there's no vacation, or sick leave, no bonuses (unless getting a complete night's sleep every week or so could be counted as a bonus...yes, that's definitely a plus!). You can't be "mother of the month" in your home, or be "salesmother" of the week. The tangible results don't come until you see your child enter the world as a sane, well adjusted adult. Of course, the greatest result is that you see your child walk in the truths of God's Word by fearing Him, and serving Him. While I know in my heart that my kids are growing up way too fast, I sometimes get weary in well doing and feel they will be dependant upon me forever!
Yes, I feel like a pity party, but I try to do all I can to refuse self pity. This motto, "refuse self pity", was one I read in a small book, well a pamphlet really, about grief written by Elisabeth Elliot. She was the missionary wife whose first husband, Jim Elliot, was martyred while trying to win the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Her second husband suffered with cancer and died. I read this book when my mother passed it on to me shortly after my Dad went to Heaven. Mom said she really needed that reminder to "refuse self pity." So did I! We all want to feel sorry for ourselves at some point in time or another. Some of us have good reason! Losing your husband or child to death, even if they are in Heaven, is a good reason for self pity. After all we miss them! Losing a job, or facing financial ruin, well, that's a good reason too! There are lots of "good reasons." But, is it good for us to feel that way? NO WAY! No one wants to be around me when I'm that way, and I need people.
So, I want to thank the Lord for helping me to remember to "refuse self pity". It's a choice, you know. We can choose to not feel this way, we can choose to look on the bright side. We have so many blessings. I won't go into detail, but lately I've had some pretty big things go wrong for me. It's been a bummer. Terry and I try not to complain to others, well, we're a work in progress, but we're trying! In trying this, we have a good verse to remind us to whom we should complain: Psalm 142:2 I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble. This is what we try to do, we try to complain to Him, after all, He's the only one who can do anything about our trials! So as these things began happening, I felt sorry for myself. I cried and decided to go "pour my complaint before him". It didn't take long for me to feel pretty stupid for telling God my troubles! As I began griping to Him, I realized just Who I was talking to! I thought of what He did for me. I thought about Calvary, and how God gave up His only Son. I began remembering the day I was saved, the day that gift of His Son became personal. I began thinking of the wonderful Mom and Dad that He gave me!(Oh, how much they had to put up with from me!) And my wonderful husband and my four children. Then, I remembered my great church, and this house that is more than I deserve. I couldn't stay feeling sorry for myself, because the truth is, I deserve even worse problems than these. I deserve Hell. No, Lord, I can't complain to You or anyone else. You've been way too good to me already. I think I'll just say "Thank you."

Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

I promised in an earlier post to write about Terry's trip to West Virginia in a little more detail, so I am keeping my promise. Terry and I worked at this same church about 8 years ago - we moved when I was 7 months pregnant with our oldest child, so she was born there. We were only there a short time mostly because we were "green" in the ministry and really weren't prepared for what would be expected of us, or what life would be like in the mountains and valleys of West Virginia. It is a beautiful state! Sharp peaks and valleys, gorgeous fall colors, and lots of rivers and streams. But, it is 950 miles from my home! As a 21 year old expectant mother, it was scary. ANYWAY - this was Terry's first time back since we said good bye to the sweet people of Faithway Baptist Church some 7 -8 years ago. The people were so gracious and loving to him, and seemed to really enjoy his preaching. God used him, and that was such a blessing. Here in Texas, we are somewhat isolated from other like faith and practice churches, so this time of fellowship was so refreshing for him. He got a lot of good ideas and counsel. He made some new friends and saw several old friends as well, some of whom we've not seen in years! He got to visit with Bro. Graham a lot, as they shared a motel room and rental car! Terry discovered that Bro. Graham can live on a lot less sleep than he can! He has been pretty tired since he's been home.

I asked Terry to take some photos of the people for me, but the only one he took sums up life in West Virginia pretty well...

That's right, the sign says "Yield Airplane Runway"!! Right in the middle of a road in the hills, there is located, for your flying convenience, an airplane runway!! You can see the sign is on a tree. I'll never forget when we first saw this sign - we could not believe our eyes. But, we were city folks back then, this was country living! We experienced a lot for the first time in West Virginia - first time away from home, first time to see snow up to our knees, first ski trip, and first time to drive across an airplane runway!
Yep, that's West Virginia - wild and wonderful. Maybe you can visit sometime. One thing's sure: you'll never forget it!


Thank you, Bro. Gregory and Faithway Baptist Church, for opening your doors, and hearts, to us once again. It was a great week. I hope we don't have to wait another 8 years to see you all again!

Wanted: Ideas!

I welcome your ideas for any easy game, object lesson or the like for children's church. I am in charge of "super church", for ages 3-11, and I am always needing fresh ideas to keep the kids interested and having fun!

Below is an idea I would like to share with you. (Courtesy of my Mom, the super teacher.) First, you take a 1 lb. coffee can, emptied and cleaned, and an old tube sock. It can have holes, because you are going to snip off the foot part only leaving a rim below the tube part of the sock. Tape the sock to the top of the can, as shown below. Then, cover the can with any type of contact paper that you like. This is to cover the writing on the can and the taping. You then place small items in the can and allow the child to reach in and feel whatever you have inside. They must try to guess what it is, since they cannot look! The sock fits snugly around the arm and keeps them from seeing! It is good way to illustrate the blessing of our senses, or just for fun!
Send me your ideas at terryandvalerie@juno.com or post a comment on my blog! I need all the help I can get. :)

Who am I serving?

In my devotions this morning I read a verse that struck a chord in my heart. "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." Proverbs 15:27 I can't tell you how many times I've heard various and sundry preachers complain because they don't get gifts or love offerings from their people! I sometimes struggle with those same complaints: "Do the people like us? They don't seem to ever do anything for us." I am serving these people, but not for their glory. I am serving them to honor God. He is the one I must ultimately answer to. My prayer today, as I step out the front door to show His love to the people of Northside Baptist Church, is that I won't be greedy of gain, but that I'll hate gifts, and keep my eyes on Him. He will meet my needs as He sees fit. If it's His will for me to get a gift then I can claim Proverbs 17:8: A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
He's already given me so much, He's given me today!

Whew!

Another week has come and gone! My how time flies! I managed to hold it all together while Terry was away at a preacher's fellowship meeting this past week. My initial reaction is to write about all the stress I experienced this week - you know, how the kids spilled things, right when the phone was ringing and then Leslie pushed over Laci at that same moment, etc. etc. But I fear that I would get myself in a negative mood, not to mention bore you to death, dear reader! So, I will not get into that frame of mind. I'll suffice it to say that I kept everyone fed, clothed and in his/her right mind this past week. I managed to keep the house reasonably clean and got Lauren and Mitch through another week of third grade and kindergarten. I even got to read to Leslie some! I was in bed by 10:30 each night - the first time since Laci arrived on the scene - an act of sheer survival, but one I wish I could do every night! But I found myself wearing down emotionally. The only adults I spoke to (other than a 30 min. call to my Mom each morning) were the ones I saw at church Wed. night. I couldn't converse with Terry very much because it was so difficult to get a signal on his cell phone while he was in WV. Therefore, I felt so alone and tired. People - relationships - are so important! I knew a lady one time who said often that people are more important than things. It's true! I can live without a TV or a pool, or a nice car, or whatever, but I would have a very hard time living without people! People are more valuable to God - He sent His Son for them. Not for a Mercedes, or an iPod, or a DVD, player, but people! Sometimes I forget that and I really... well, hate to admit it, but covet (I know, I'm the only one) things that others have. Now all of you know how you should pray for me! Pray that I'll keep my focus straight! That I'll remember that people are more important than things - than money!!
I want to share more about his trip to WV, but I'll have to do that on another post, so stay tuned!
Have a great day in church tomorrow!

He Made It!

Terry arrived at our door safely at 12 noon today!! He was supposed to get home around 10, but he missed his flight in Pittsburgh and had to catch a later one. He is exhausted, but had a great time. He was able to visit with Bro. Graham a lot, as well as other preachers, and that was a big encouragement! I only wish I could have gone too! I was here holding down the fort. And I did a good job...well, the fort is still standing anyway! ha!

While I was on the phone to Terry last night, Bro. Graham asked to say hello to me, and he told me that the Lord really used Terry's message to speak to hearts. That's what it's all about! It' s an honor to be used by God to do the smallest of tasks for Him, but especially to preach His Word. We are so blessed.

I am so thankful that the Lord saw Terry safely home! Maybe life can get back to normal. Wait a minute, what is normal?

Almost There!

My husband comes home tomorrow!!! I have had two of the busiest days and nights of my life this week. Today will be no different, I am sure. It is such a blessing to have someone who can keep an eye on my children so I can shower at my leisure! This week I have had to do everything on the run! God has truly been my helper this week, and I thank Him for it! He has given me strength when I had none left, he has given me rest when I was about to collapse, and He has given me wisdom to handle each situation as it arose. Today, He has given me hope! Only one more day!!

Please pray for Terry has he travels home tomorrow. He will be leaving Pittsburgh at 6 am, but it's a two + hour drive to the airport, so he'll be leaving WV at 2AM in order to get to the airport and return the rental car. I am so glad that he and Bro. Graham are driving together. They can talk to each other and keep the driver awake! It's also been a hard week because I've hardly even talked to Terry. In West Virginia, the mountains inhibit cell phone usage greatly! He has had to go to a mountain top and stand in just the right spot to call me. I think I've talked to him 30 minutes total the last two days!

I had a nice surprise yesterday. Terry had a red rose delivered to me in honor of our engagement ten years ago. It was extra special because I am so tired. It brightened my day so much! The card read: "Thanks for saying Yes! Love, Terry" What a blessing! Truly, the Lord brought us together, and let me say, God knows what's best! He gave me a wonderful man whom I do not deserve! I'm so glad we'll be together soon, Lord willing. I'm ALMOST THERE!!

Thanks for Asking!

I'm so glad you asked me to marry you ten years ago today! You've made me the happiest woman alive! See you soon!

Terry and me on his 26th birthday, in Florida!
Terry and Lauren on his 29th birthday, along with his most prized possession - his new Bunn Coffeemaker!!
Terry and Leslie right after her birth - May of 2005
Terry, my wonderful husband and Pastor!

June 28, 2007

I love you! Have a great week!

A Day to Remember

September 11, 2001 is a sacred day in America. It should be. I remember very well exactly where I was and what I was doing when I received word that we were under attack in America. Until then, I never would have thought that America was vulnerable. I didn't know that such a tragedy as 9/11 was even possible here. That day changed me forever, as it did all of us.

September 11 has been a special day to me long before 2001, though. Since I was 9 years old, September 11 has been my pastor's birthday. We have celebrated that day for 20 years! Dr. Ken Graham became my pastor in January of 1988. Seems like yesterday! He has been my counselor, pastor and friend for 20 years. It was under his ministry that I was saved. It was he who put up with my weird teen years. It was through him that I met my husband! He married me and Terry in Jan. 1998. He gave Terry his first paid ministry job. He has been behind the pulpit of Victory Baptist Church giving direction and correction for almost 20 years. He was there during some dark days in my family - when my dad lost his job years ago, he was there. When my nephew was born with bacterial meningitis and nearly died, he was there. When my "partner", my Dad, went to Heaven three years ago, he was there. It was Bro. Graham who cried with us over the casket and said "I wish I could take this pain away from you." I knew he meant it. My parents never had "roast preacher" at home, instead they sent him notes of encouragement every week! My mom still continues this. When any conversation drifted to something negative about the church people or staff, my Mother always replied with: "I guess we should really pray for them." Or, " Yes, that's true, but did you notice (something positive about them)." One night right before I went to bed, I was telling her some things about a church staff member that really bothered me. When I turned off my alarm clock the next morning there was a note beside the clock from my Mom that read "If we prayed for people as much as we complain about them, we would see them change." OUCH! Talk about conviction. I knew she was right. Mom and Dad always lifted him up with prayer and positive talk. (Had to alliterate that...if you know Bro. Graham you know he's the king of alliteration!) They back him publicly and privately.(There I go again!) They follow him. They love him. So do I. I have since moved away from my hometown. I have a wonderful pastor now - my husband! But I'll always love my "home pastor" as I call him! I'm sorry I don't have a photo to put here, but I want to wish Dr. Ken Graham a happy birthday! If you have a loving pastor, thank God for him, and encourage him any way you can. Nothing is too small. The ministry is difficult - as life is! We need to lift each other up. Your preacher, however, is carrying the burdens of so many. He needs extra encouragement!

September 11 is also a special day for me in another way. It was Sept.11, 1997 that my husband asked me to marry him! Ten years ago today, I became engaged! We had known each other for years, and never liked each other. But I guess maturity changes things! Terry is in West Virginia preaching at a fellowship meeting, in fact, he's with Bro.Graham, so I don't get to see him. I just want to say that I am so glad he asked me that question...and that I had the sense to say yes!

Need a good laugh?

I was having trouble with the youtube videos that I embedded onto my blog, so I just removed them. However, be not dismayed, I have put the link to them here:

Enjoy this hilarious, but oh so true, rendition of Pachelbel's Canon in D.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uISuvTiTYJA


Whatever you do, don't mess with this old lady! You will love this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAwoZMc7JnA

Godly Sorrow

This morning in my devotions I read an interesting verse that I wanted to share. It's from II Corinthians 7. Paul is telling the church at Corinth that his first letter to them made them sorry, but it led them to repentance and for that he was glad. They had changed their minds, and lives, because of the letter he had written to them concerning the sins that they were committing. II Cor. 7:10 says "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." That is so true. How many times I have been under conviction during a sermon, or in my devotional reading for the day, and been so sad! Sad that I had let myself enjoy a particular sin, or neglect my walk with the Lord, or any number of things I do wrong daily! I feel almost depressed as I go to Him and ask forgiveness. I am ashamed and embarrassed. Yet, He forgives me (I John 1:9) and forgets (Ps. 103:12)! I can get up from that spot of repentance and start anew! As the verse says, salvation cannot be repented of - once you get saved you're saved, once you sincerely ask God to forgive you, He forgives you! You can't change it! However, the sorrow of the world leaves you hopeless. Alcohol can't ease the pain forever, drugs can't, friends can't - they only mask your problems for a while. You may find temporary relief, but it's only temporary. Jesus saves forever! When trials come, He is with me forever!
I am so thankful for "godly sorrow". I am so glad that my sorrow does me some good - it leads me to go to God and get right. And boy, I have to get right all the time!

A busy, but blessed, week!

TADA! It only took a week...and six days.

Before

Ever just had "one of those days"? I have had one of those days all this week! For starters, I have been trying to get Laci on a good schedule for going to bed at night and napping in the day. My goal was to have my devotional time at the same time each morning. And get both girls asleep for naps and teach Mitchell during that time. Well, it just didn't work. I would get my prayer time in, but not my Bible time, or vice- versa. Neither girl would nap at the same time, Laci hardly napped at all! It was very discouraging. I was getting about 4 hours sleep a night all week because Laci just wouldn't or couldn't stay asleep. We checked the usual : fever? No.Runny nose? No. Teething? Well, that's a possibility until they're 2!! Appetite normal? You bet! She was just fussy, pulling at her ear and not sleeping! Laci's problems caused Leslie to "fall awake" so now I had two up at 3 AM. Terry would take Leslie to our bed with him and I would have Laci. Finally, on Thursday, with red, burning eyes, I asked Terry(who was equally exhausted) if he thought I should take her in to see Dr. Sky (for more info on him read earlier post on "He's everything he says He is...."). Maybe she had an ear infection??Well, he was booked until Fiday. So I took her the 30 min. drive to see the dr. at 9 on Fri. morning - leaving Terry with the other three - fully convinced that she was just "going through a phase, and I would just have to tough it out". After all, I had been there, done that! Dr. Sky was, as usual, very kind and said I did the right thing to come in and have her checked. We joked about how I could save a lot of gas if I could just by an otoscope (to check the ears) and have him show me what an infected ear looks like! ha ha! Well, sure enough he said her left ear was infected! She had a cold about 3 weeks ago, and has seemed fine until this week. I guess she wasn't really over it! Anyway, I got home, went dropped off Laci's Rx and headed home to check on Lauren's progress with school and eat lunch, then I went Wal-Mart in Marble Falls, picked up Laci's Rx, came home, cleaned the kitchen, listened to Lauren read, give her an arithmetic test and a science quiz, then teach Mitch. Then it was supper time, and laundry and on and on and ...well you get the idea. In all this chaos I just want to say that the Lord was so good to me in several ways:

1. I am so thankful that I listened to my husband and took Laci in to see the dr. If I hadn't, I would only have many more nights of no sleep ahead of me, because the drs. office is closed Sat. and Sun.

2. If I had to take her on Monday, I would have had to take all of the children with me, because Terry flies out of Austin Mon. at 6 to go to West Virginia to preach at preacher's fellowship conference. He won't be back till Thursday! What a blessing.

3. Terry surprised me by asking his parents to watch ALL FOUR kids at our house so we could go out to eat at the Bluebonnet Cafe'!! It was so nice to be alone for 2 hours! After all the lost sleep I had had this past week, my patience and nerves were wearing very thin! What a blessing to relax and not have a child asking for something every time I blink. Thank you, Honey!

4. The BATHROOM IS DONE!! We took showers in the new bathroom last night! Yea! All that needs to be done now is the floor in there, but that will have to wait until he gets back from his trip.Here are some photos of the new, well, improved bathroom! (See above)

Today has been really busy too. Writing this now is my first break all day! Terry started his Bible Institute today (he teaches one course per semester to any church members, or non members for that matter, who are interested. It's free. This semester is "Studying the Bible and building a Bible lesson" Next semester will be a shortened course on Baptist History. For more info about our church, click here.) Then, he had to put new breaks on the car, he gave one of our church kids a haircut, mowed our lawn and now he's making visits. I have been cleaning, doing laundry and ironing for his trip, and of course, taking care of the kiddos. I still have to get my super church stuff ready and prep for school this week, and I HOPE I'll get to bed before midnight tonight!

I am so thankful the Lord has seen me through this week. I am constantly amazed at how the Lord puts up with me. I gripe, I complain - oh, not out loud, but he hears my thoughts - and yet He has mercies that are new every morning. (Lam.3:22,23) He blesses me when I don't deserve it - I never deserve it! Even when I'm good, I don't deserve His love. Isn't He good to us?

Focus on the Negative!?

If you are in the ministry in any capacity - full time, part time, whatever, then you have had your share of downs. You have a plan for a new and exciting program and everyone gets sick, or no one cares. That's a bummer! We have been in several churches, and sometimes we just don't see the results we were hoping for. I believe whether your church runs 10 or 10,000 there are discouraging times of many shapes and sizes. In my short ministry experience of 10 years, we have moved several times. We never left under bad circumstances, but we were always hoping things would be even better at the next location. This I know: there are problems everywhere! I often think of this as the "grass is greener syndrome". I get that way any time things get rough! I think "so and so has a church of ___ (whatever number). Or "So and so has this better or that bigger than we do" It LOOKS really good from 100 or more miles away! But if we zoom in, we see the problems that person is facing, and then the weeds start to show!

It is in these times and only these times, that I focus on the negative! I think about the drawbacks to the climate of that "other place" maybe it's freezing 9 mos. of the year, maybe it's 115 degrees in the summer and humid (we have low humidity and a mild winter climate! yea!). Or whatever is different. I think about the possible problems that that church might be facing that we are not - needing to build a building (that's good, but hard!) - having large debt, and on I go thinking of all the negatives that I can! It makes my problems seem smaller, and my blessings so much bigger and better! After a good look at the negaitves, I have successfully cured myeself of the "grass is greener syndrome". Maybe you could try it!

I have a feeling we all go through this, whether in full time ministry or not!

I thank the Lord for helping bloom where I'm planted - whether I'm in a desert or a rain forest!

Photos You Might Like...

Three little stair steps: (t-b) Lauren, Mitchell and Leslie

Lauren wearing a dress that her cousin Ashley in Florida gave her.

Lauren and Mitch showing their H.E.Buddy Reading certificates and T-shirts awarded by our local grocery store, HEB, during their summer reading club.

He's everything He says He is....and more

So many times I catch myself asking "Lord, can you really take care of me in this situation?" After all, some situations seem really impossible! I'd like to say that yes, He can provide what you need in any situation, and then provide more than you need! When coming to Northside Baptist Church in October of 2005, we were not sure if the Church could pay us enough to live on. We knew however, that this was where God wanted us to be, and that somehow He would provide. With a little fear and trepidation on my part, we moved here and decided to trust God. Well, as the title of a book by our friend, Evangelist Tim Green and his family says: He's Everything He Claims to be and More! He has provided in so many ways! The church pays us enough to live on, and even more! When I found out I was expecting our fourth child, and only native Texan, in March of '06, He provided a wonderful Doctor to deliver the baby. After meeting with 3 other doctors, and asking the Lord to direct us, we finally found Dr. Sky (short for Skylar). He is the son of a Church of Christ preacher from Tennessee and a godly man himself. He has 5 kids of his own and often takes missionary trips where he can offer people free medical care. We found him by calling the hospital in the town He practices in. They didn't know we were a Pastor's family, yet they recommended him for his kindness and Christian qualities. Later, after meeting him and loving him and his staff, he told us that he gives preachers and their families free office visits!!! He isn't an OB/GYN, he's a family Doctor who maintains a license to deliver babies. The great thing about that is that our whole family goes to him, and he is like part of our family. When Laci was born there were a few minor complications, yet I knew that God would help me, well, us through them. I knew He had led me to the place that I was in, and that knowledge offers a wonderful peace, even in turmoil. He provided a wonderful doctor, and even more!
Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Can He provide in a small, close knit town where you are a total stranger? Yes, He can. Do I still question Him sometimes? Yes!! I wish I never did, but remembering past miracles encourages me to keep trusting Him. He is so patient, longsuffering and forgiving with me! I am so glad I know Him! He truly is all He claims to be...and more!

He saved me...and keeps me saved.
He loves me when I'm good...and when I'm bad.
He forgives me...and then forgets.
He lets me pray directly to Him...and then talks back to me through His living Word.
He gave me His Son, Jesus....and the Holy Spirit.
He served Me...and lets me serve Him.
He'll never leave me....or forsake me.

VBS was a Great Success!

Terry leading the VBS kids in a game.

Devontae enjoying the super slide!

Some of the kids that came to VBS. They are waiting in line to shoot the water balloon launcher!

My daughter, Lauren, with two VBS friends, Shonda and Synthia.
She has been praying for God to send some kids to our church, and through VBS, He did!

We hosted our first ever Vacation Bible School Aug. 6-8. It was a big success! We had 25 kids come each of the three days.Since we don't have many kids in our church, these were mostly new contacts and a great way to reach some families with the Gospel. It was a blessing to get to work together as a church on this endeavor. We saw 6 girls trust Christ as Savior during VBS, and that made it worth all the effort! We didn't use a pre-packaged curriculum, Terry designed the theme, lessons, games - everything - himself. The theme was "Heaven Bound". It was a great week! I am already looking forward to next year's VBS.

Sometimes I Lose my Focus

Lauren and Mitchell only 2 1/2 years ago! How they've changed!

Some days are so busy that I think I'm going to collapse during dinner. Homeschooling two kids, having a toddler and infant to care for, i.e., read to, talk to, play with, care for,etc... can be so exhausting. I spend my days putting out fires! Sometimes I hear myself saying, "When will you guys grow up??" But then, something brings me back to reality...they ARE growing up, and way too fast! Today I was downloading some photo CDs onto my new computer (yes, the one I bought over 9 mos. ago, I told you I was busy! ha!) and I couldn't believe how much my kids have changed in the last two years! It's amazing. It won't be long and my toddler, Leslie and my infant, Laci will be so different as well. Then I won't be asking "When will you grow up?" I'll be wishing I could slow them down!

I'm so thankful I can be a stay-at-home Mom and enjoy these fleeting days. Yes, sometimes I lose my focus, but I'm so glad that I don't lose it for long.

Basham Birthdays Are Full of FUN! :-)

Lauren turned 8 on August 27th. At first she wanted a swimming pool cake that she saw in a magazine, but then, Scooby-Doo fever set in after her brother got the 3rd season of the original Scooby-Doo series on his birthday! She switched at the last minute to a Scooby-Doo theme. I was able to make this cake for her.

Mitchell turned 5 on August 8th. My how time flies! He picked out this race car cake from a cake decorating book that my Mother-in-law gave me. The other side looks terrible, but this side did ok. Making these cakes is fun, but it can also be stressful with a toddler and an infant underfoot. It is truly an act of love!

Good Work!

Terry and his dad installing the tub where the leaky shower once stood.

Terry's "work of art"! He soldered these pipes himself, and didn't burn the house down! He isn't afraid of anything! :-)

Renovations

We are blessed to live in the biggest parsonage in Texas! No kidding, at 3,800 square feet, it must be a record contender as far as parsonages go! Because of this wonderful old house, we can live on a small salary from our church full-time. However, it is an older home and as houses go, it needs maintenance! One area that's been screaming for help since our arrival two years ago, is the master bath. It is huge! It has a jacuzzi tub(which until my handy-man husband fixed it, didn't even work!) a large lavatory, and a shower with two big cabinets! We could still fit a small armchair in there too, if we had one! Anyway, you get the picture. Well, the shower has been leaking and having problems, so Terry tore it all out one week ago. He has had to re-plumb the shower so that we can install a new tub and shower combo thingy. He has worked for three days on this, and, Lord willing, will finish up today or tomorrow. Here's some photos (above) of the progress to date.

Laci,Leslie and Me

Welcome!

Hello! This is my first attempt at "blogging". I find that this is a great way to keep in touch with friends from all over. Anyone who'd like to know what's going on with the Bashams in Texas can find out with just a click! We are coming up on our 2 year anniversary at Northside Baptist Church in Burnet(that's burn-it) Texas, right in the heart of the Hill Country.
I hope to have exciting updates on our family and church, and I want to hear from you all as well.

Thanks for stopping by!