| Page 103

Our "New" Bathroom

Valerie Basham

April 30, 2011

One thing my hubby and I tackled while I was away from blog-world, was our hallway bathroom. This is the bathroom our guests use, as well as our kids. I wanted to brighten it up a bit, so I chose a light yellow, semi-gloss paint. We also got a new shower curtain, that was more kid-like. Here are some before and after photos! (Click to enlarge.)

Our ceiling was peeling! So we scraped off the bad part and repainted it using a texture spray paint. We weren’t able to re-do the whole ceiling, but it needs it! Maybe someday…

This is a before/after as you walk into the bathroom, from the doorway.

This is as you leave the bathroom to enter the hallway. You can see this part used to be a dark paneling, we just painted over it. It’s much brighter! I love it!

We have also recently replaced the tub faucet, the cabinet door handles and put down some little adhesive duckies to help avoid slipping while in the shower. It’s like having a whole new room! I’m not a decorator, so I know there are many of you who could do a much better job on something like this, but I’m pleased. 🙂

I want to thank my wonderful husband for doing most of the painting. I am rather tied down with the kids, so if I’d had to do it alone, it still wouldn’t be finished! Thank you, sweetheart, for doing this for me! 🙂

Empty Tomb Cookies

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 29, 2011

This is a cookie recipe that a sweet lady in my church gave me. I had never done this type of Easter lesson with my kids before, though I’d heard of it. My oldest daughter read the Bible verses and we added the extra step of taping our oven door shut to represent the sealing of Jesus’ tomb. It was a wonderful time of teaching and fun! In years past, I’ve used the Resurrection Eggs, doing one per day for the 12 days preceding Resurrection Sunday. Maybe you can make this memory with your family next year, or anytime you want to teach about our Lord’s Resurrection.

Make these cookies are the evening before Resurrection Day. You will wake to
find the cookies as hollow as the tomb on that first Resurrection morning.

Ingredients:

1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
1 c. sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don’t wait until you’re
half done with the recipe! You will also need a zipper baggie, a wooden
spoon, tape and a Bible.

Place pecans in a zipper baggie and let the children beat them with the
wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was
arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to
drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave
His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush
the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed
by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar. Explain
that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves
us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are
formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes
of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John
3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie
sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body
was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that
Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66

NOW GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the
oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20, 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the
cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first
Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read
Matt. 28:1-9

Here are some photos of our experience. 🙂

The recipe tells you to mix for 12-15 minutes, so we all took turns. Here’s Lauren.

Mitchell looks focused, doesn’t he? 🙂

Leslie’s turn!

Last, but not least, Laci. 🙂

The finished product! It was hard to photograph, but they are hollow inside! He is risen!

The Potter’s Hands

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 28, 2011

Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

I apologize for being away so long. Things have been busy and rather painful lately. My husband has been facing some opposition as he labors here in this place. I would love to pour my heart out, to tell you the crazy accusations, to gripe and moan, but I’ll refrain. That’s why I haven’t posted; I’ve been worried my emotions would kidnap my will, and I’d write things that should have never been written.

During this time away, I’ve been praying, reading, meditating, talking to my husband and trying desperately to make sense of the events of the last two weeks. God has been so good to me. He has taken me by the hand, and led me down a path to restoration and healing. He has not “vindicated” me, He has not, through His word, proven to me that I’m right. Rather, He has used this time to teach me how badly I need Him and how much growing I still have to do.

Since I am in the habit of being transparent, I would like to bare my heart.I have been reading through Paul’s epistles in chronological order. I just finished Philippians, and it is no coincidence that my reading a few days ago directed me when I needed it most.

Philippians 3:13-14 Bretheren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I must forget the past – the mistakes of the past, the victories of the past, the pain and sorrow of the past – all of it. While I do not think I will ever literally forget everything from my past, I know I do not have to dwell on it. I can bring those thoughts into captivity (2 Cor. 10:5) and retreat into the arms of my Savior when Satan tempts me to think negative, depressing thoughts. I can purposely plan for the future; thinking about the things that I long to do for my Savior if He gives me the time on Earth to do it.

Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in the their shame, who mind earthly things.)

There is such a thing as people who are so in love with this world, that things with eternal value (souls), do not matter. People who, I fear, are not even saved. Whether saved or not, they are clearly enemies of the cross. These people are everywhere. The Lord convicted me of two things in reading this passage. The first was, am I an enemy of the cross? Is my “belly” my god? I hope not! I want to guard against that! The second thing was that Paul said “now tell you even weeping…” He wasn’t angry at these folks, he was heartbroken! Oh, how wicked I am! I get angry at these people, not saddened! I tell you this in shame.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever, things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When life gets overwhelming and my emotions carry me away into the depths of despair, I can change my thinking – and my talking – to the things that are true (Jesus loves me and is with me no matter what), honest (speaking truth in love is NEVER wrong, even when the truth hurts), just (God is always right and will set things right in HIS time), pure (God’s Word is pure, and source of good thoughts!) lovely (My Savior is altogether lovely!), and good report (the souls saved, the souls baptized, the lives changed). There are so many good things to think about, why do I always gravitate toward the negative? Oh! Because I’m a dirty, rotten sinner.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I am to be satisfied with my lot in this life, my place on this earth, and the task God has given me. If the Lord wants me to sit in dust and ashes or in the White House, I should be content and live joyfully for Him. I have failed on this, many times! I often look around at others’ ministries, lives, jobs – whatever – and longed to be in their place or doing what they are doing. The truth is, I wouldn’t like it even if I could trade places with them! It isn’t a “job” problem, it’s an attitude problem. When I am looking for the bad, I’ll find it, wherever I go. I know I shouldn’t compare myself to them because the Bible says that is “unwise”. (2 Cor. 10:12)

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.

I look at the above list of my “wrongs” and I know I cannot correct all of these things myself. I am unable to will myself to think right thoughts, to speak right words, and to have the right heart and attitude. Christ must help me. And this verse says He will.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

No matter what happens, my God will take care of me. I cannot be separated from His love! As the song says, “Hallelujah, what a Savior! Hallelujah, what a friend! Saving, keeping, loving, HE is with me to the end.” Even if I lose my very life, He will guide me safely to my Heavenly home.

I feel as though the Potter has had to break my vessel, so that He can re-make it. The breaking is painful, but necessary. The re-molding isn’t comfortable either – my flesh resists the changes He is making – but in the end, it will be worth it. He is giving me a chance to love, truly love the enemies of the cross. I know I will fail, because I have such a wicked heart, but I hope I will come closer than I’ve ever been before.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts. I write to you with heaviness of heart and mind; a great weight pressing down upon me that I would love to run out from under, but cannot. I fall down beneath the load, to look over and see the feet of my Lord. I am not alone! He knows where I am, what I am doing, and what the outcome will be.

Resting in the Potter’s hands,

Haystack Cookies & Weight Loss Stuff

Valerie Basham

4 comments

April 20, 2011

I have, for several weeks, tried to lose some weight. I have been the perpetual yo-yoer…is that even a word? I lose two, gain two. I lose five, gain five. And so forth. It’s been *sigh* very frustrating, to say the least. I had started writing about my weight loss on a private blog, so as to be open about some of my frustrations with life, and thus, my motivation for eating badly. BUT…only a few folks read it, and I found I’m a people person. I need people.

So, I’ve decided to start sharing about my efforts right here! Why not, right? I am not able to join Weight Watchers in real life at this time. I have tried WW online, and, while it worked for me in the past I gave it a whirl immediately following Matt’s birth. Fail. It did not work for me. I am not at a point in my life where I can regularly post what I’m eating online.

I think I’ve found a happy medium. I dug out my old WW materials (not the new points system, but the old one), and have started tracking my points on a plain ol’ piece of white paper. (Fancy, huh?) I need some sort of accountability. I need convenience. This method seems to be the best way. I will not be posting a weekly weight gain or loss here…I tried that, too, and, once again, fail. I didn’t like the pressure. You guys don’t need to know if I’m succeeding or failing, do ya? Nah! I just want a place to blog about new weight loss helps and ideas, and to hear yours…I hope! 🙂

The ministry has been a big reason for my emotional eating. We’ve been facing some tough situations lately, and food has been my ally, my comfort, my retreat (emphasis on “treat”! lol!). I’m doing better at acknowledging that food will not solve my problems or transport me to a safe haven. Yes, it does make me feel good for a moment, but I know deep down that that moment is far too brief, and truly not worth it.

At the same time, I know that saying “No more desserts EVER” is totally ridiculous! I want to make life changes, not temporary crash diet attempts. And, let’s face it, I like dessert!

So, I’ve been surfing the ‘net to find some things that will help me in my journey. I wanted to share a few with you. 🙂

Haystack Cookies

Ingredients:

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup Fiber One cereal

Directions:

Heat peanut butter and chocolate chips in microwave for about a minute, until melted. (chips will look the same, but they are very soft and “stirable”. )

Add cereal and stir gently until each bit is covered in the mixture.

Place dollups of mixture on a piece of foil, a tray, or something. You might want to spray it first with Pam.

You should have nine little mounds of sweet goodness. Each cookie is one point each (old points system).

Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until firm.

Store in fridge.

I’ve made these this week and can personally testify to their goodness! They are also very filling since they are made with a high fiber cereal.

One more thing before you go. 🙂 Here are a couple of links that are really great! Check them out!

Hungry Girl (sign up for her helpful weight loss tips & tricks emails! I love ’em!)
Gina’s Skinny Recipes

A Favorite Poem

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 17, 2011

This was one of my favorite poems from my high school days. I always think about it whenever we have a rainstorm or shower, and we’ve had several of those lately! I love the imagery, both literal and figurative. I love the thought of being pure and clean from all of my sins! I look forward to the day I am in my glorified body, free forever from this rotten flesh. I’m so very grateful for my salvation! I’m so grateful for forgiveness when I fail him.

The Lord has been dealing with me lately regarding some sins of the heart – the ones people can’t see, but He sees perfectly. It has been a painful and humbling time for me, but the feeling of being right with God is worth the discomfort of His correction. It’s wonderful to feel clean and forgiven!
Psalm 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

I Saw God Wash the World

By Dr. William L. Stidger

I saw God wash the world last night
With His sweet showers on high;
And then when morning came
I saw him hang it out to dry.

He washed each slender blade of grass
And every trembling tree;
He flung his showers against the hills
And swept the rolling sea.

The white rose is a deeper white;
The red, a richer red
Since God washed every fragrant face
And put them all to bed.

There’s not a bird, there’s not a bee
That wings along the way,
But is a cleaner bird and bee
Than it was yesterday.

I saw God wash the world last night;
Ah, would He had washed me
As clean of all my dust and dirt
As that old white birch tree!

Cute Jammies

Valerie Basham

2 comments

April 16, 2011

The warmer weather has arrived in Arkansas! We are actually wearing our summer jammies some evenings! We still have some nights which are rather chilly, so we have to be prepared either way for a few more weeks. I wanted to show you Matthew’s cute little summer pj’s! I just loved the way he looked in them! He’s growing up soooo fast.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 15, 2011

I wanted to share this oh-so-yummy dessert recipe that my wonderful sister gave me a few years ago. It’s so easy, and so delicious. Every time I make them for a church function, they get devoured and, every time I make them for us, I have fight devouring them all myself! Hope you like it them as much as we do.

Ingredients:
1 yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. water
1 pkg. chocolate chips (12 oz.)

Directions:
Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray.
Pre-heat oven to 350.
Mix cake mix, eggs, oil and water together in a medium sized bowl. (Batter will be thick.)
Add chocolate chips.
Spread in pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.
Have me over for a taste test.
What? You want some for yourself? Oh. Never mind.

Fixing Up, Growing Up

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 14, 2011

My children are growing up so quickly. Today is my baby’s nine month birthday! Can it really be nine months ago that I had him? The calendar says yes, but my mind can’t truly comprehend it. My oldest is blossoming into young-womanhood, my son is getting stronger and taller with each passing day, my five year old is almost six now and reading, reading, reading! And, my little Laci is changing, too. Her hair is getting thicker and curlier by the day, and her face is changing from the toddler look, to the little girl look.

*big sigh*

Yesterday, I noticed that her hair is long enough for her to pull it down and twirl it with her left hand. I also noticed that she had gotten syrup in it from breakfast! We washed that out and then, after it dried, we decided we could put it up in a pony-tail…well, it would be more like a “pig-tail”, to keep it out of her way as she goes about wreaking joy and havoc. 😉 We couldn’t find any scrunchies, so I improvised with a jaw clip. I couldn’t believe it stayed in her hair! She looked all dressed up.

And sooo grown up. *sniff sniff*

{click to enlarge}

(This pose was her idea! ha!)

Ever since the day I had my first sweet baby, older women have said to me, “Treasure these days with your little ones. They go by so quickly.” As a new, nervous and sleep-deprived mother, the days seemed to drag. It didn’t take me long, though, to see that they were exactly right.

So, I’m taking their advice. I treasure each busy, crazy, loud, wild, messy and happy moment with my five precious rewards. Why God would trust me to raise children, I’ll never understand, but I’m so glad He did.

Having Fun

Valerie Basham

no comments

April 13, 2011

I recently discovered Picasa, a photo sharing, photo editing program by Google. I know. It’s been around for eons, but I’m just now taking the time to investigate it. It’s free and it is SO fun! I have had a blast creating photo collages for my blog. I made some for my “About Me” tab, as I mentioned in an earlier post.

I’ve been wanting to play around with trying to make a collage using Paint Shop Pro, but it takes a while to locate, open, and re-size several photos. That’s where Picasa is so wonderful! It pulls up all of the photos on my hard drive and allows me to pick from various albums with ease. I’ve been wanting to make a collage for a while now because it’s a quick way to display a group of photos. And, I like “quick”. I mean, I love blogging, but I can’t just sit around and do it all day. 😉

My first collage was this one of Matthew. I hadn’t figured out how to put a border around each photo when I made this one! I love these photos I snapped of him on his brother’s bed, playing with Elmo. 🙂

{click to enlarge}

I’ve also been having fun teaching myself some web design. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely not ready to start my own business, but I feel good about what I’ve learned. It has really stretched my brain, something house work just doesn’t do – though some may be surprised at that news. lol!

Let’s see…this week, I’ve learned how to make a photo collage, create a scrolling marquee of my blog buttons (bottom of page), change the color of my footer (behind the scrolling marquee. It used to be gray. I don’t know why.), add meta tags to the HTML of my template (to make my blog easier for search engines to find), and I’ve been trying to learn how to make a tab box so that I can save some space. I’d like to combine “recent posts”, “recent comments”, and “archives” into a box with tabs. On WordPress, you just get a plugin like that. Apparently not so with Blogger. I’ve read tutorials and worked and worked on a test blog. I always get stumped when it tells me to locate the code for “sidebar wrapper”. I can find no such thing, so I’m stuck.
If anyone has any words of wisdom, please, PLEASE let me know. 🙂

I love this hobby! Thank you for supporting it by reading. You are like the cherry on top of the sundae. Without you, blogging is good, but with you, it’s perfect!

Spring Break

Valerie Basham

no comments

April 12, 2011

It’s hard to believe that our spring break is over! It was a fun week full of nothing spectacular. We didn’t take a trip or do anything special. We enjoyed being together, without the busy-ness of school work on our agenda. The kids spent long hours out of doors, late nights reading, and mornings sleeping in even later! I had a lot of fun working on my blog (scroll to the bottom of my home page to see one of the results of my efforts!), cleaning out closets and wiping out cabinets. I also made some charts (you can read about them here) to make school time and grocery shopping go more smoothly.

We also began work on our bathroom. The main bathroom has needed a face lift for some time now. We are re-painting it and touching up some things. I have taken some before photos, so stay tuned!

All in all, it was a very fun week! I’m thankful that we had no broken bones or trips to the ER! We did have an unspoken prayer request come up, that we would deeply appreciate prayer for, if you think of us.

Here are a few snapshots of the week…I’m afraid I was so busy and out of my “normal” (what’s that?) routine that I didn’t take many photos. Oh! And I recently discovered Picasa photo software! I’ve had a great time playing with it and creating photo collages like the one below. I’ve added some on the “About Me” tab, too!

{click to enlarge}