I'm really out of shape! Yesterday, I did the Denise Austin Kickboxing workout, and let me tell you, it was hard! I felt great - when it was over! I'm pretty sore today, so I'll do something easier like walking or an easier workout video to give my muscles a rest.
The exercise made me feel so much better, though. I had energy for the day, and I had that "after workout happy feeling." I'm glad I did it.
The best part was as I was doing the punches and kicks, I could let out any frustration that I had! It was great.
I highly recommend exercise if you want to boost your energy level or get out any anger or frustration that you've been hanging onto. Oh, and it's good for your heart!
Of course, the best thing that you can do for your frustration or for your heart, is have a close walk with the Lord. I'm constantly working on mine. I want to be closer to Him everyday. Reading His Word, talking with the Lord, and then trying to obey Him- that's what I work at everyday. It's a blessing to know that I can call on Him 24/7 about anything, He's never too busy. At the same time, I want to take care of the temple He's given me, so I can reach my maximum potential for Him here.
Feeling blah? Try exercise! It will give you a boost! And thanks for praying for me! :0)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I've Been Feeling Sort of Blah...
For some reason I've been feeling kind of, well, icky lately. I'm sure part of it is that I'm a woman, and part of it is because the Devil wants to keep me in the "icky" frame of mind. I am trying to overcome this. I read my Bible, pray and I try to stay on top of things - and feelings- before they overwhelm me.
I have one more idea to try: Exercise! I used to workout everyday, and then Laci and home schooling won out, so it's been about 4 months! However, I need to get back in the old habit of moving. Because the morning is the best time for me to do this, I may have to post later in the day from now on. Hope you'll still check in, I want to keep in touch.
Exercise helps me in so many ways. 1. It gets my blood pumping and my brain awake. 2. It sends those wonderful endorphins to my brain- the "feel good" hormone - and boy, do I need that! 3. It burns calories! 'Nough said there. 4. I use weights, and that builds muscle, to help me lift my 25 pounder! 5. It makes me thirsty for water, and water is so good for me! I need to drink more of it.
I'm hoping this will help me kick out the "blahs" for good! I'll let you know if it helps. In the meantime, pray for me! :o)
I have one more idea to try: Exercise! I used to workout everyday, and then Laci and home schooling won out, so it's been about 4 months! However, I need to get back in the old habit of moving. Because the morning is the best time for me to do this, I may have to post later in the day from now on. Hope you'll still check in, I want to keep in touch.
Exercise helps me in so many ways. 1. It gets my blood pumping and my brain awake. 2. It sends those wonderful endorphins to my brain- the "feel good" hormone - and boy, do I need that! 3. It burns calories! 'Nough said there. 4. I use weights, and that builds muscle, to help me lift my 25 pounder! 5. It makes me thirsty for water, and water is so good for me! I need to drink more of it.
I'm hoping this will help me kick out the "blahs" for good! I'll let you know if it helps. In the meantime, pray for me! :o)
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Greatest Weakness
Proverbs 17:28 says, Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
I am a talker. That has gotten me in lots of trouble over the years. I just want to say to all my friends and family: I'm so sorry for saying things that have hurt you over the years. Thank you for putting up with me, and loving me in spite of myself.
My tongue is definitely my greatest weakness. Every time I read the verse above, I get convicted - okay, anytime I read a verse on talking or the tongue, I get convicted! (See my Proverbs for today)
The Bible says the tongue is a world of iniquity in James 3. In fact, that chapter has a lot to say about the tongue! The tongue is dealt with a lot in the Bible, so I must not be the only one who struggles with this. The tongue must be a battle for all of us. (whew! at least I'm not alone!)
I tried as a teen to change my personality, to suddenly be quiet, so I could stay out of trouble! When I tried it, everyone thought I had a bad attitude! It was then that I realized I can't change my personality. I simply must control it. I still struggle greatly. I would probably cry if my friends wrote in and listed all the times I had said something that hurt them - because I never mean to hurt anyone with my words. But it happens so fast! I must guard my tongue diligently.
I ask of you, dear reader, for two things: 1. Please forgive me if I have ever said something that hurt you. I assure you, I never meant to do it. I need every friend I have, and I need new ones, too. I don't want to run you off!
2. Please pray for me that I will control my tongue better.
I want to "refrain my lips" so that my foolishness will be hidden. Maybe one day I can even be mistaken for a "man [woman] of understanding"! :o)
I am a talker. That has gotten me in lots of trouble over the years. I just want to say to all my friends and family: I'm so sorry for saying things that have hurt you over the years. Thank you for putting up with me, and loving me in spite of myself.
My tongue is definitely my greatest weakness. Every time I read the verse above, I get convicted - okay, anytime I read a verse on talking or the tongue, I get convicted! (See my Proverbs for today)
The Bible says the tongue is a world of iniquity in James 3. In fact, that chapter has a lot to say about the tongue! The tongue is dealt with a lot in the Bible, so I must not be the only one who struggles with this. The tongue must be a battle for all of us. (whew! at least I'm not alone!)
I tried as a teen to change my personality, to suddenly be quiet, so I could stay out of trouble! When I tried it, everyone thought I had a bad attitude! It was then that I realized I can't change my personality. I simply must control it. I still struggle greatly. I would probably cry if my friends wrote in and listed all the times I had said something that hurt them - because I never mean to hurt anyone with my words. But it happens so fast! I must guard my tongue diligently.
I ask of you, dear reader, for two things: 1. Please forgive me if I have ever said something that hurt you. I assure you, I never meant to do it. I need every friend I have, and I need new ones, too. I don't want to run you off!
2. Please pray for me that I will control my tongue better.
I want to "refrain my lips" so that my foolishness will be hidden. Maybe one day I can even be mistaken for a "man [woman] of understanding"! :o)
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Some Things I Want to Lay Aside
The new year is drawing near! I love making new year resolutions. I don't always achieve the goals that I set, I but something in me says "Make a goal, try to reach it!"
This year instead of resolutions, I am going to use Hebrews 12:1 as my goal for the year. It says Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
I want to lay aside some "pet sins" this year. Oh, I want to take off 10 lbs., read more books, finally get my photos in albums and other "resolution" type things as well, but mostly, I want to start 2008 with fewer sins in my life than ever before.
Here are some of the things I want to get rid of: (please pray for me)
1. I want to keep all bitterness out of my life forever, but forever starts with 2008. Bitterness creeps in when you're not looking. You can be bitter at an enemy, or at a friend who forgot to invite your kid to her kid's party. I know, I've been bitter at some people that are very close to me. Bitterness is like drinking poison, and then waiting on the other person to die. They don't get harmed by it, you do. I don't want to be bitter at anyone in my family, my church or at any of my friends. (I don't know of any enemies, but I don't want to be bitter at them either!)
2. I want to lay aside the sin of worry this year. It's a battle. I'm a mother, therefore, I worry. I can only achieve this goal by maintaining a close walk with the Lord, and by trusting Him when heartaches - or the fear of heartaches- loom ahead.
3. I want to lay aside myself this year. I want to be self-less, not selfish. That's hard, because I have a certain way I like to do things. I will have to put my wishes aside and give over to others, maybe even to some I used to be bitter at! That's really hard! But again, through Christ I can do it!
4. I want to lay aside pride for 2008- and forever! Pride is terrible. It also creeps in unaware. It looks harmless, but it is one of the seven sins that God hates. (See Prov. 6:16-19) Pride keeps me from getting right with the Lord, or from going to that person that I am bitter at and making things right with them.
These are sins that I have worked to get rid of for quite a while now. I feel just like Paul did in Romans 7:18-20 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. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I battle the flesh constantly. I know what is good to do, but when I'm in a situation where I need to be self-less, I see that I'm selfish. When I need to have a lowly spirit, I catch myself having a superior attitude. When I am broke, or a child is ill, I start to worry without even noticing. That is, until the Holy Spirit says "Uh, Valerie, I think you are supposed to be trusting Me." Ouch! I tell the Lord how sorry I am, and that I knew better. And then I get up and try again. He's so longsuffering with me. In fact, I need to be more longsuffering with others myself. That's another one I should add!
I hope I can start, not on January 1st, but on December 8th, to lay aside the weight of my pet sins, and start 2008 lighter than I've ever been before! :o)
This year instead of resolutions, I am going to use Hebrews 12:1 as my goal for the year. It says Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
I want to lay aside some "pet sins" this year. Oh, I want to take off 10 lbs., read more books, finally get my photos in albums and other "resolution" type things as well, but mostly, I want to start 2008 with fewer sins in my life than ever before.
Here are some of the things I want to get rid of: (please pray for me)
1. I want to keep all bitterness out of my life forever, but forever starts with 2008. Bitterness creeps in when you're not looking. You can be bitter at an enemy, or at a friend who forgot to invite your kid to her kid's party. I know, I've been bitter at some people that are very close to me. Bitterness is like drinking poison, and then waiting on the other person to die. They don't get harmed by it, you do. I don't want to be bitter at anyone in my family, my church or at any of my friends. (I don't know of any enemies, but I don't want to be bitter at them either!)
2. I want to lay aside the sin of worry this year. It's a battle. I'm a mother, therefore, I worry. I can only achieve this goal by maintaining a close walk with the Lord, and by trusting Him when heartaches - or the fear of heartaches- loom ahead.
3. I want to lay aside myself this year. I want to be self-less, not selfish. That's hard, because I have a certain way I like to do things. I will have to put my wishes aside and give over to others, maybe even to some I used to be bitter at! That's really hard! But again, through Christ I can do it!
4. I want to lay aside pride for 2008- and forever! Pride is terrible. It also creeps in unaware. It looks harmless, but it is one of the seven sins that God hates. (See Prov. 6:16-19) Pride keeps me from getting right with the Lord, or from going to that person that I am bitter at and making things right with them.
These are sins that I have worked to get rid of for quite a while now. I feel just like Paul did in Romans 7:18-20 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. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
I battle the flesh constantly. I know what is good to do, but when I'm in a situation where I need to be self-less, I see that I'm selfish. When I need to have a lowly spirit, I catch myself having a superior attitude. When I am broke, or a child is ill, I start to worry without even noticing. That is, until the Holy Spirit says "Uh, Valerie, I think you are supposed to be trusting Me." Ouch! I tell the Lord how sorry I am, and that I knew better. And then I get up and try again. He's so longsuffering with me. In fact, I need to be more longsuffering with others myself. That's another one I should add!
I hope I can start, not on January 1st, but on December 8th, to lay aside the weight of my pet sins, and start 2008 lighter than I've ever been before! :o)
Friday, December 7, 2007
It's a Special Day in the Basham Family!
One year ago today, the Lord blessed our home with our precious Laci Elizabeth! I am so thankful for you, sweetie! I pray that the Lord gives me wisdom as I raise you for Him. I pray you will trust Him at a young age, and live your life to please Him.
You bring great joy to me and your Daddy and your brother and sisters.
We love you so much!!
Laci is all smiles!
I'm one, I'm one! It's so much fun!
Laci asleep on our way home from Arkansas
Laci about 7 months
Laci after a bath: clean and happy!
Laci is a happy baby! She is always smiling, laughing or babbling trying to tell us something important! We are a blessed family to have four precious bundles of joy!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Good Friends are Forever
I'm so sorry that I failed to mention in a previous post that our Missions Conference was Dec. 2nd through the 4th! I was unable to post everyday because of homeschooling, cooking and preparing for our services each night.
We had a wonderful conference! We had Jeremy Tyler, and his family, missionaries to Brazil, as our main speaker. The church increased it's annual missions budget by over $5,000! We also took on two more missionaries! What a blessing! The Lord has done this.
I first met Amanda Tyler in 1994 at summer camp!! She lived in Illinois, and I in Arkansas. We saw each other once a year until 1996 and we wrote letters (long before email was available or affordable, I'm not sure which!). We continued writing, calling and emailing over these past 11 years and I was wondering if I'd ever see her again!! We wrote while she was a student at Crown College, after we were both married, and while our families were growing, but never seeing each other. Praise the Lord, we finally got together! I got to meet her husband and their three precious boys!
We just picked up where we left off, or at least I felt that way! I enjoyed their visit so much, but it went by way too fast! I hope and pray it won't be another 11 years before I see her again!
I have another great friend, Dixie, whom I've not seen in over four years! (or is it six?) I have friends in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee - that I keep in touch with, but don't get to see too often. I hate that. I was thinking about it yesterday, about how I seldom see my close friends, and got a little teary. You know me, I get reminiscent very easily! I should call this blog "Going down Memory Lane"! Anyway, I thought about how I don't see most of my friends too often and I realized that I will see them again...someday. I will either see them here, or in the air when the trumpet sounds! We have one grand thing in common: we're saved. We know we'll be in Heaven someday. That is a great comfort. I wrote the following poem to express my feelings (writing is good therapy. Judging by this blog, I've got lots of problems! ;o). Please don't criticize it, I'm no poet, that's for sure. I just want share my heart with you.
Eleven years haven't changed Amanda a bit! What a joy to get be with her again! Thank you for coming down, Amanda!
Lauren enjoyed being with Josiah (left) and Jonathan.
Jeremy and Amanda Tyler, Missionaries to Brazil.
The Whole Tyler Gang!
We had a wonderful conference! We had Jeremy Tyler, and his family, missionaries to Brazil, as our main speaker. The church increased it's annual missions budget by over $5,000! We also took on two more missionaries! What a blessing! The Lord has done this.
I first met Amanda Tyler in 1994 at summer camp!! She lived in Illinois, and I in Arkansas. We saw each other once a year until 1996 and we wrote letters (long before email was available or affordable, I'm not sure which!). We continued writing, calling and emailing over these past 11 years and I was wondering if I'd ever see her again!! We wrote while she was a student at Crown College, after we were both married, and while our families were growing, but never seeing each other. Praise the Lord, we finally got together! I got to meet her husband and their three precious boys!
We just picked up where we left off, or at least I felt that way! I enjoyed their visit so much, but it went by way too fast! I hope and pray it won't be another 11 years before I see her again!
I have another great friend, Dixie, whom I've not seen in over four years! (or is it six?) I have friends in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee - that I keep in touch with, but don't get to see too often. I hate that. I was thinking about it yesterday, about how I seldom see my close friends, and got a little teary. You know me, I get reminiscent very easily! I should call this blog "Going down Memory Lane"! Anyway, I thought about how I don't see most of my friends too often and I realized that I will see them again...someday. I will either see them here, or in the air when the trumpet sounds! We have one grand thing in common: we're saved. We know we'll be in Heaven someday. That is a great comfort. I wrote the following poem to express my feelings (writing is good therapy. Judging by this blog, I've got lots of problems! ;o). Please don't criticize it, I'm no poet, that's for sure. I just want share my heart with you.
When Will We Meet Again?
When will we meet again, my friend,
Our friendship to renew?
Will our visits be abundant,
Or will they be but few?
I so enjoy the time we spend
Sharing in God's sweet gift.
When I'm with you my burdens ease
And my spirit seems to lift.
Our laughter fills my heart with mirth-
With joy and happiness!
I cannot put it into words,
How our friendship gives me bliss.
I know for sure our hearts were knit
By our Savior up above.
He made this bond within our souls
By His redeeming love.
You ask when will we meet again?
This comfort I can share:
If I don't see you here, my friend,
I'll see you in the air!
Eleven years haven't changed Amanda a bit! What a joy to get be with her again! Thank you for coming down, Amanda!
Lauren enjoyed being with Josiah (left) and Jonathan.
Jeremy and Amanda Tyler, Missionaries to Brazil.
The Whole Tyler Gang!I am praying for you guys to have safety, and to gather your support quickly!
Thank you for everything!
Monday, December 3, 2007
My Home was a Haven
I remember my turbulent teen years like they were yesterday. If you didn't go through some rough, emotional times as a teen then I'd like to shake your hand. I think most of us had a hard time being a teenager. The age between childhood and adulthood is difficult. As you near the "big" age of 18, the pressure just increases. "What will you do with the rest of your life?" Everyone seems to ask. If you do have an idea of what you want to do, chances are it won't work out exactly as you have in mind. That's life.
If I did anything right as a teen, it was having a good relationship with the Lord, and with my parents. Oh, I put them through a lot of late night talks and some tears, but we loved each other. I knew it, and I hope they knew it too. I had plans to marry a certain someone. He turned out to be a fake and a liar. I just want to say "Thank you Lord for not letting me get involved with that guy forever!" It was hard to let go of him, because I had those afore- mentioned plans. I did it though, because I knew the Lord didn't want me to be with him, and I knew my parents didn't.
After the break up, I just wanted to be away from everybody. All my close friends were either married or engaged. I didn't fit in anywhere...anywhere except home.
Mom and Dad were always there. Steadfast in their Bibles (Dad would often read it aloud while Mom fixed her hair for work). Steadfast in their zeal for the Lord - they were genuine, faithful Christians. They were steadfast in their soul winning efforts. They both made telling the lost about the Lord a high priority. They were steadfast in their love for each other. Oh, they had a disagreement or two...who doesn't? But I never feared my Dad and Mom getting a divorce. I knew they loved each other. They were steadfast in their love for me. When this guy was gone, they were there. When my friends moved away, they were there. When I eventually moved away, they were still there if I needed them. I got phone calls, letters, cards and most of all, I knew they were praying daily for me.
My home was a haven. When I broke up with that guy, I stopped going to Taco Bell after church. (Our local church hang out) I went home and enjoyed a Subway sandwich with Mom and Dad and all the love a girl could need. I hope and pray that my home is a haven for my family. I don't want a home that is full of strife, or hatred. I want people to feel our love for each other the minute they walk in the door.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making my home a haven.
If I did anything right as a teen, it was having a good relationship with the Lord, and with my parents. Oh, I put them through a lot of late night talks and some tears, but we loved each other. I knew it, and I hope they knew it too. I had plans to marry a certain someone. He turned out to be a fake and a liar. I just want to say "Thank you Lord for not letting me get involved with that guy forever!" It was hard to let go of him, because I had those afore- mentioned plans. I did it though, because I knew the Lord didn't want me to be with him, and I knew my parents didn't.
After the break up, I just wanted to be away from everybody. All my close friends were either married or engaged. I didn't fit in anywhere...anywhere except home.
Mom and Dad were always there. Steadfast in their Bibles (Dad would often read it aloud while Mom fixed her hair for work). Steadfast in their zeal for the Lord - they were genuine, faithful Christians. They were steadfast in their soul winning efforts. They both made telling the lost about the Lord a high priority. They were steadfast in their love for each other. Oh, they had a disagreement or two...who doesn't? But I never feared my Dad and Mom getting a divorce. I knew they loved each other. They were steadfast in their love for me. When this guy was gone, they were there. When my friends moved away, they were there. When I eventually moved away, they were still there if I needed them. I got phone calls, letters, cards and most of all, I knew they were praying daily for me.
My home was a haven. When I broke up with that guy, I stopped going to Taco Bell after church. (Our local church hang out) I went home and enjoyed a Subway sandwich with Mom and Dad and all the love a girl could need. I hope and pray that my home is a haven for my family. I don't want a home that is full of strife, or hatred. I want people to feel our love for each other the minute they walk in the door.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making my home a haven.