Finally!

Here are the photos I mentioned a while back. I've been meaning to post these for some time now! These first ones are of me and my hubby painting our entry way at our house. The church painted all the walls white for us before we came, so they would be fresh and clean. I have gone through and painted some myself, choosing something other than white. I thought it would be welcoming if my entry way were a warm color so I chose a kind of mocha color. Oh, and we did this back at the first part of October.

Laci wanted to get in on the action!

Thanks, Honey, for your help! :-)

Here I am doing my part on the entry way. I didn't have any old shoes to paint in, so I went barefoot! And yes, I did step in wet paint!

During the month of September, Terry led our church in a Sunday School campaign/contest against his brother's church in Trenton, MO. The loser had to get a pie in the face, and well, we lost. We did get some great photos from it though! :o)

Lauren got to do the honors! She was only too happy to oblige!
She got him so hard that she bent the pie tin! Luckily, it didn't break his nose!
He's officially been "creamed."

The kids are enjoying breakfast! Say cheese, er, uh I mean oatmeal!

Leslie enjoys a smile and some cereal early in the morning.
This is kind of dark (sorry) but it's Laci on the treadmill! She's trying to walk, but I don't think she's ready for a treadmill yet!

Lord willing, we'll be getting to go home for Thanksgiving! I know! I was just home less than a month ago! What a blessing! My sister, Melanie, from North Carolina will be there this time with her hubby and three boys! I am really looking forward to it. I haven't seen them since last Christmas! I will try and get a whole new batch of photos for you. But, don't hold your breath...you know what happened last time I went home!

Who's Winning?

I Peter 1: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I Peter 2: 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
I'm trying to do better. I don't watch much TV, and I only listen to music that was produced 10 years ago, or was done by a "non-professional", but I still struggle. Do you ever play a song on the radio or stop "surfing" to watch a show that you've heard about, only to feel a terrible struggle 'neath your chest? I have! That struggle, if you're born again, is the Holy Spirit and your flesh battling it out. Who will win? Well, the stronger of the two, naturally. You may be thinking, "Well, that's the Holy Spirit- He's God, He's stronger than anything." Well, think again! You see, the Holy Spirit is very sensitive. You can quench Him easily. If you feed your flesh more than your Spirit, then your flesh will win. You do this by ignoring the Holy Spirit's tugging at your mind. When He tells you "You know this is wrong, don't do it." and you refuse to listen, then each time after that, the voice will not be as hard to ignore. If you rarely read your Bible, attend church, tithe, or do for others, oh, and here's a biggie -pray, then you will have an anemic spiritual life. Your flesh will be stronger, and your flesh will win those "battles", if you even have a "battle" going on. Maybe you never feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your mind. If you don't then you need to have a check up. Ask yourself: Am I saved? If you are for sure, then ask yourself :When was the last time I had a spiritual "meal" of Bible, and prayer. Not a "ritual" but an actual time where you talked with God and listened to His Word? There's an old illustration of the flesh and the Spirit that goes like this: A man had a white dog and a black dog that he was going to let fight each other. He fed the black dog meat two or three times a day for a week, while the white dog went hungry for a week. Which dog do you think won the fight? It's obvious: the black dog. The white dog was too weak with hunger to defend himself. Which one do you feed?
Christ is our example. We aren't to measure up to "Mr. or Mrs. Super Christian", because even they at their best are still just human. We are to measure up to Christ. We are to be holy, because He is holy! I have a loooong way to go! Would Jesus be pleased with my watching that new TV show? Well, there's cursing, nudity and inappropriate dialog...I don't think so. Does he want me listening to that new Southern Gospel group that sounds more country than Gospel? Does He get glory from that? No, I doubt it.I don't always choose for my Spirit - sometimes I fail and give over to my flesh, but I don't want to make it a habit! I want to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and feed my Spirit. And when there is a battle going on for my mind, I want my Spirit to win, hands down.

A Beauty Tip for Everyone

My Proverbs for today is one that brings back many memories!
Proverbs 11: 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Isn't this an unusual scripture? In today's world, I've seen jewelry in some very ridiculous places, but one place I've never seen it, is in a pig's nose!
I say it brings back memories, because I first read this verse when I was 10 years old in a book called Those Kids from Proverbsville by Elizabeth Rice Hanford. My sister bought it for me as a gift at the gift shop at Hyles-Anderson College when she was a student. There was a story in it about discretion using this very verse as it's foundation. I will never forget it, because this was an area in my life that my Mother was really trying perfect in me.
As a talkative person, I often speak before I think! I hope I'm a lot better now, but at 10, I had a lot to learn about discretion! I would say some things that would hurt or even offend others, simply because I wasn't thinking about what I was saying and how someone else would take what I was saying. I also tended to "dominate the conversation"! I didn't mean for others to think I was trying to "take over", I just really enjoyed talking and trying to make others smile or even laugh! Back then, I just made people cry! (And not tears of joy!)
Today's verse is also a beauty tip! After all, who wants to look like a pig with a ring in her nose? Yet, the Bible says that's what an attractive woman looks like when she has no discretion. She's repulsive and odd!
I hope I'm not alone in this "battle for the tongue". I still want to be very careful in choosing my words, and in my spirit as I speak those words. I don't want to repulse others. I want to be warm and friendly and welcoming to those God allows me to meet. Not domineering, just a "happy medium" as my Grandmother used to say.
I'm a pastor's wife, and I feel pressure to be "just right" for everybody. I worry that when a visitor doesn't come back to our church, it might be because I wasn't friendly enough, or maybe I was too friendly! But, then the Holy Spirit tells me that I just have to relax and be "me" and He will give the increase! Whew! That's a relief!
So by God's grace I will go out tomorrow and do my best to be pleasing in my speech. I pray that the folks at my church see, and hear, Jesus in me everyday from the inside out!

I Love to Escape!

As a stay at home Mom, I find my life somewhat isolated and tedious. That's why I love to escape! Sometimes, I escape with my husband on a date! But, that's not too often. I can't get out alone or on a date when I want to, so I try to escape with a good book whenever I get a few minutes. Here are a few of my favorite stories. Please email me at valeriebasham@yahoo.com or please post here if you have any goodies that you'd like to share. I'm always looking for new good books! Oh and by the way, some of these are young adult books, but I feel that a good story is a good story, no matter what age group! I must also add here, that these do not ever replace my Bible time! In fact, I try to not pick up a book to read for pleasure until I have read my Bible for the day, it should be first on my "reading list" everyday!

The Laura Ingalls Wilder books
The Anne of Green Gables series- L.M. Montgomery
Tuck Everlasting -Natalie Babbit
Number the Stars- Lois Lowery
Christy- Catherine Marshall
The Love Comes Softly Series -Janette Oke
The Canadian West Series - Janette Oke
The Blue Bottle Club- Penelope J. Stokes (I'm reading this one now)

I love reading Biographies, but haven't read any lately. The one I've read most recently is Laughs, Luck and Lucy by Jess Oppenheimer, the creator and producer of the I Love Lucy show. It is very funny and a good read. I also love the book Gifted Hands, the autobiography of Ben Carson, a famous neurosurgeon who came out of the projects of Detroit to be one of the most renowned surgeons of our time. He is a Christian. This will encourage and inspire you! Also, the autobiography of George Mueller is excellent. Another must read!

Here are a few of my favorite non-fiction books:
Sheet Music - Kevin Leman
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours - Kevin Leman
What Every Mom Needs - Elise Morgan and Carol Kuykendall
Honey for a Child's Heart - Gladys Hunt
More Hours in My Day- Emilie Barnes
Things Happen when Women Care - Emilie Barnes
50 Veteran Homeschoolers: Things We Wish We'd Known - Compiled and edited by Bill & Diana Waring
Slow & Steady Get Me Ready!- June R. Oberlander (a book to help you prepare your pre-schooler for school)
Help for the Harried Homeschooler - Christine M. Field

Odds & Ends I enjoy:
Simple & Delicious Magazine
Fix it & Forget it - Feasting with your slow cooker (a great cookbook - recipes do not have very many ingredients and it's all for your crockpot! Even desserts!)

Maybe you can try some of these books on for size to create your own escape. It's really wonderful to get new ideas, to travel back in time, to visit different places or to meet famous people without leaving the comfort of your own home! So happy reading!!

He Is With Me

Today, as I awoke to another day of work, I stumbled in to my "spot". And as usual, I have to steel myself against the interruptions that come. This is "my quiet time" and I must guard it, as I know if I don't seek God early, I'll not get to see Him at all! My days are so busy.
I began my prayer time, really kind of thinking "When will He answer all of these needs? And, is it worth this time and effort?" Then I realized God knew my thoughts, so I just said it out loud to Him. "Lord, are you there? It feels like you're not listening so why am I working so hard to get here in my spot if you're not going to help me in a way where I can really see that it's You?" Then, I knew He was there, He's always there. It was just my focus that was off. But still, when will I see the miracles that I am praying for? I needed personal affirmation that He was there, and that He loved me. Today. So, I told Him that.
I went on to my Bible time and the Lord showed up.(Thank you Lord!)
Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
I got the message. He was there, and I had to wait on Him for His timing to see my miracles take place. These verses spoke to me loud and clear: "Hey, Valerie, be content! I am here, and I will never leave!"
So, just because I'm fighting my flesh, or failing Him in some way, and He feels like He's a million miles away, He isn't. He's right beside me, and He's working - at His pace, not mine! I'm so glad that knowing the Lord doesn't depend on my feelings, because they change daily, or hourly! :o) It depends on His faithfulness, which never waivers, at all!

She's Looking for the "Precious Life"

In just about every church we've been a part of, we have dealt with the wicked sin of adultery. I suppose it isn't discussed very much because it is of a delicate nature. I am not going to be crass today, but I believe all of us women - Christian women - need to be on guard. Notice that I stated that this is happening in our churches. Of course it is rampant in the world. It goes on everyday, unrestrained. But why in our churches? Do we not realize that Satan wants these types of sins to pervade the Church more than anywhere else? If he can fell a Pastor, evangelist, youth director, missionary, deacon, or Sunday School teacher with this heinous sin then hasn't he accomplished so much more harm on the cause of Christ than if Tom Cruise is brought down by this sin? Don't we already "expect" to hear of such wickedness in Hollywood? But Church? Nah, those are "Christian people."
I know this isn't a popular topic, and I hope I don't lose good friends for writing about it, but I don't care. I'm tired of seeing Christian homes destroyed by sensual lust right in the church pew! It's so wrong, and so avoidable...if we listen to Scripture.
Proverbs 6:26 says For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Notice that last part, "the adulteress will hunt for the precious life." That means that she sets her eyes on the prize! She goes for the person with a reputation. If you have been a godly wife to your husband, then he is happy. If you have bragged on him and encouraged him, and loved him, then he is confident. These are the qualities the adulteress wants. She wants someone who is confident, but she doesn't want to marry and build her own man up, she wants one who's already "assembled" so to speak.
Now, I'm a blond, but I'm not dumb. I have a sixth sense about people, and especially women, that I believe all women have!It's something our husbands just don't have. You've heard of "women's intuition"? Well, I believe it's the Holy Spirit if you're saved, but there is something that we women have that helps us to protect our families. We need to listen that "voice" that's telling us when something isn't right. I've been able to warn my husband that some woman, or teenage girl, doesn't have the right motives. And he has always stepped back and said "You know, I believe you're right! I wouldn't have seen it if you hadn't said something."
I have invested almost 10 years in my marriage, and I pray I get about 30 or 40 more! But if we're going to make it that long, then I need to guard my family from the adulteress who's hunting for the precious life - mine! I understand there are some men who go searching for that sort of thing, and that is just as wicked. But I see the warning about "the strange woman" so many times in Proverbs! We need to do our part to protect our homes from the wreck and ruin that Satan would love to see take place in our families - as Christians. Let's stop and listen to that voice - and keep Satan out of our marriages!
Oh, and by the way, while we're on guard against other women, let's be sure that we don't dress or talk like the "adulteress" ourselves! I never want a lady to be uncomfortable with how I carry myself in the presence of her husband! With God as our helper, we can safeguard our homes!

The World was not Worthy

There are so many great truths in Hebrews! I love the verses that are well known. Hebrews 4:15 & 16, 10:25, 11:1,6 are a few. Of course, most Bible-believing Baptists know all about Hebrews 11 - "The Hall of Faith" it has been called. It is an amazing chapter! It chronicles the lives of great Old Testament Christians beginning with Abel, telling of the sacrifices they made for the cause of Christ. And yet, they never saw the promise of a Savior fulfilled! They believed in Him, yet they never saw Him. But they didn't just believe in Him the way people do today, with lipservice only. Some lost everything, some died for Him.
These passages always make me get a lump in my throat...they are so convicting.
Hebrews 11:36-39
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
I am such a wimp! And if you're honest, you probably are too. How can I complain about the trials I am facing? And believe you me, I am queen of the complaint kingdom! The Bible - God's Word- says of these great Christians, "(Of whom the world was not worthy:)" Wow! God values faithfulness. He values loyalty. These folks simply trusted Him and kept going even though it cost them the ultimate sacrifice in some cases...their lives, and God said the world wasn't worthy of them.
Hebrews 11:6 says But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. To please the Lord we must have faith in Him and realize that He rewards us for seeking to know Him more.

I believe that if these great Christians could die for Him, then I surely could live for Him. With His help, I want to be faithful to Him till the very end.