Sharing Some Blessings ~

I'm sorry it's been a while since I've posted here. We got back from our anniversary trip on Friday afternoon, and then Mom had to be at the airport early on Saturday. We also had our first "In Service Saturday" this past weekend, and then, poor Lauren got a stomach virus Saturday night! She is better now, praise the Lord, but still battling a fever. :o( Anyway, without further ado, here are some photos of our San Antonio trip! It didn't go exactly as planned, because the main thing we wanted to do was ride the boat on the River Walk, but, the River Walk was closed for cleaning until Jan. 11th! I was so disappointed. But I'm trying to look on the bright side...maybe I can come back for my birthday!! :) We still had a great time. We did get to walk along the River Walk (there's a great mall there where I bought several books at a Brentano's bookstore!), and we went through the Alamo for the fifth time, but this time, there were no children with us to constantly need something, so it was nice. BTW, if you need to know anything about the Alamo, well, after five trips, I'm your girl! :0) We also went through some museums and enjoyed our wonderful Grand Suite at the Holiday Inn Express! We ate at Olive Garden (YES!) and enjoyed being together. I was torn though, as I also wanted to be able to spend time with my Mom, who was home babysitting. Between getting root canals and my trip, I feel like I hardly saw her. The kids spent lots of quality time with her though!

Me at the River Walk - you can see it's low from being drained!
Terry at the River Walk
Hello, I'm your Alamo tour guide...just step this way to see a lock of Davy Crockett's hair!
The sacred Alamo - where over 250 brave men gave their lives for Texas liberty!


Our suite was named in honor of David Robinson - a former Spurs player.
It had two rooms! Here is the living room.

Here I am in the kitchen. The cabinets had real dishes in them!

It was so nice! We had two TVs, a King size bed, and a hot tub! It was heavenly.

Our first In-Service Saturday was a huge success! I went soul winning with Mrs. Caroline, and we got to see a young lady accept the Lord as her Savior! Praise the Lord! I was wanting to at least get to see one person accept Christ this year, and I did on January 5th! I hope that she is the first of many souls saved this year. The people had a great spirit. We had 12 show up to be involved. I made Taco Soup for lunch, and I think it went over well. Thank you to those who are praying for our work here. It has been slow by our time-table, but the Lord has been working according to His schedule, and that's the best timing of all!

As I was out visiting, I couldn't help but be heart broken over some of the situations we encountered. So many folks are wealthy, but unhappy. Some are so poor, and bitter! Some are just trying to survive and are so weary. I have days when I battle depression, but overall, I have a joyful spirit. Why? What's the difference between my life, and the lives of those listed above? One word: Jesus. Jesus makes all the difference. Now, some people get saved, but continue in sin or refuse to grow. They are not letting Jesus have all of them. When you trust Him for salvation, and give Him your life here and now, He will do great things!

What is the difference between me and the beggar on the street? Jesus.

What is the difference between my home, and a broken home? Jesus.

What is the difference between an alcoholic and me? Jesus.

What is the difference between my marriage and an unhappy one? Jesus.

What is the difference between my soul and a lost soul? Jesus.

Jesus has given me all I have. I can't take credit for not being a beggar, or an alcoholic, or divorced or anything. I am not in those situations because of Jesus. He makes all the difference.

Our 10th Anniversary Celebration

Hello everybody!
I just wanted to write and tell you that I will be leaving for San Antonio tomorrow. My husband and I are going to be spending two days and one night in the beautiful home of the River Walk!! I am really excited about it! We haven't been alone overnight in 7 years!
I will be taking my camera, so I hope to have some photos to share with you on Friday or Saturday.
I would appreciate your prayers for us as we travel, and that we will be able to enjoy our time alone to the fullest! By the time I get used to it being just the two of us, we'll be back home again! But that's okay. I will be glad to get away for a while, and I'll be glad to get back home! I am looking forward to a time of refreshment!
Oh, and please pray for my Mom, as she will be caring for the little Bashams while we are away!
Thank you for your support, prayers and friendship.

Your servant in the hill country ~

Valerie