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Lessons from the Beauty Salon

Valerie Basham

March 6, 2011

I was just sitting here, looking at facebook, goofing off, and thinking. (Didn’t know I could do four things at once, didya? Weeeelll…I don’t like to brag.) As I was sitting here, I realized that it’s almost time to get my hair highlighted. Yep. I used to be a natural blond, but now I’m a blond from a bottle. I really don’t know why I keep highlighting it. I guess it’s because I’m insecure. Sorry, I digress. Thinking about the beauty salon reminded me of a time many moons ago, when I was about seventeen….

Dream sequence, picture that blurry, swirly image like in the movies. What? I know this isn’t a movie! Just bear with me! 🙂

I was sitting in the beauty salon chair at age seventeen. I was desperately wanting some guy to like me. In my desperation for romance, I decided to ask my hair dresser for beauty advice.

“Can you tell me how I could improve my make up?” I asked her. I’d been going to her for several years, so I trusted her opinion.

“Well, you look pretty good. Your face is a long oval shape. Your eyes are little too close together, but….”

What? Did she just say my eyes were too close together? HUH? Oh NO!!!! No wonder I never had a date! My eyes are too close together! I started looking in the mirror, panicking inside. She went on to say more but I didn’t hear any of it. I was worrying about my eyes.

This incident is funny to me now. I asked for her advice, and she, as a beauty expert, gave it. However, I didn’t exactly want what I got. I wanted tips on using eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, and so forth. I did not want to hear the truth about my looks. Today, some...number…of years later, I can see several lessons for life from this experience.

1. Be careful about asking for advice, you just might get some!

2. Be careful when giving others advice, even if they ask. Be gentle, be positive. Especially when dealing with a teenager. Remember Proverbs 16:21b …the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

3. There is no such thing as perfect beauty. Every woman alive would like to change something about themselves, for me, as you all know now, it’s my eyes. But hey, I can’t change them. I want to be happy with who I am. I can only take care of what I’ve got so I’ll feel my best. I am only alive to serve, so when I get depressed about my eyes, I need to just get busy thinking about others.

4. You may say ten positive things and only one negative thing to a person, but they will only remember the one negative. I am sure my stylist gave me some great tips on make up. But I only remember one thing she said that day.

I am so thankful that the Lord loves me in spite of my outward and inward flaws. He sees everything, and He loves me anyway. He loves me so much, that he gave me a wonderful man who actually likes my eyes! Isn’t He wonderful?

Valerie

Easy Pudding Cookies

Valerie Basham

1 comment

March 5, 2011

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened.
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O chocolate instant pudding
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups flour
1 pkg. (12 oz.) white chocolate chips, or 1 pkg. (6 squares) BAKER’S white chocolate, chopped.

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add dry pudding mix; beat until well blended. Add eggs and baking soda; mix well. Gradually add flour beating after each addition until well blended. Stir in chocolate.
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 1 minute on baking sheets; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

Enjoy!

Valerie

An Idea for Missionaries

Valerie Basham

4 comments

March 5, 2011

We recently had the Daniel Elliott family, missionaries to Mongolia, visit our church. We have supported them for five years now. They were such a blessing to us during their stay; I hated to see them go!

Since we are in the pastorate, we are always looking for ways to keep in touch with our missionaries. Of course, it helps if we can know them personally and can keep in touch with them in more ways than just a bi-monthly letter, if possible. The internet has certainly been a blessing in regards to contacting those across the ocean. Thanks to the world wide web, we can communicate with missionaries on their foreign fields daily, if we want to! It’s also great to receive real mail…you know, the kind that you can actually touch? 🙂 I have often wanted to send care packages to missionaries, but have not known what items they needed, the best way to send said items, or how long it would take.

Well, Bro. Elliott has THIS PAGE on his family’s website, and it is SO helpful! As a pastor’s wife, this information is a tool with which we can be a blessing to our partners around the world. And, as someone famous once said, that’s a good thing. 😉

If you are a missionary, perhaps you would consider adding such a page to your website or blog? It would be so helpful to your supporting churches and friends.

Just a thought. 🙂

Valerie

For Sale!

Valerie Basham

3 comments

March 5, 2011

I’m cleaning off the bookshelves around here, trying to get organized, de-clutter, and make room for new stuff! 🙂 I wanted to post some books for sale here, in case any of you readers would be interested. The prices include shipping. If you are able to pass along this link to friends or on your own blog, I’d really appreciate it! E-mail me for further information or questions on anything.

T.E. = Teacher’s Edition

BJU Press

English 2, 2nd Ed.:
T.E. (includes teacher toolkit CD) $25
Tests $3
Test Answer Key $3 (or both tests and tests key for $5)
Spelling 2 T.E .$10

English 5, 2nd Edition:
T.E. (includes teacher toolkit CD) $25
tests $3
test answer key $3 (or both tests and key for $5)
Spelling 5 T.E. $10
Booklinks: Derwood Inc. and The Secret of the Golden Cowrie (Lesson Guide and Reproducible books only) $2 each.

Math 5, 2nd Edition:
T.E. $25
tests $3
tests answer key $3 (or both tests and key for $5)
textbook (written in pencil from pages 1-27) $15
Student materials $6
Home Teacher packet (begins with lessons 1-8 missing): $5

A Beka K4:
Lesson plans for the current editions:
Numbers (loose leaf, needs to be put in binder): $8
Phonics, reading & writing (cursive) $12
Manuscript writing (loose leaf, needs to be put in binder): $8

A Beka Grade 1:
Arithmetic lesson plans (current edition): $15
Test & speed drill key $5

A Beka Grade 2:
Arithmetic:
lesson plans: $10
T.E. $15
test & speed drill key $5
Arithmetic games (missing calender pages) $3
tests and speed drills workbook (missing pages 1-4) $4

Language:
Language T.E.: $15
Letters & Sounds 2 T.E. $15
Phonics, Reading & Spelling lesson plans: $12

A Beka Grade 3:
Arithmetic, 4th Ed.:
T.E. $15
Lesson plans: $8
test & speed drill key: $5

Language, 3rd Ed.:
T.E. $15
Test key $5

Spelling textbook, 3rd Ed. (pages 16-24 & 64 written on in pencil) FREE with another purchase, just tell me you want it! 🙂

History & Geography, 4th Ed.:
Lesson plans: $10
Test & quiz key: $5
Answer key to text questions: $3
Map study skills key: $8

Science & Health:
Lesson plans: $8
Science answer key to text questions: $3
Health answer key to text questions: $3

A Beka Grade 4
Arithmetic, 3th Ed.:
T.E. $15
Lesson plans $10
Speed drill & test key $5

Language, 2nd Ed.:
Lesson plans: $10
T.E. $15
test & quiz key $5
Oral Language Exercises: $5

History & Geography, 2nd Ed.:
Lesson plans $10
test & quiz key: $5
Geography maps and reviews key: $8
Teaching maps: $3

Spelling, 2nd Ed.
T.E. $10

Science, 3rd Ed.:
Activity Book key: $8
Test & quiz key: $5
Teaching Charts (Grades 3-8): $3
Answer key to text questions: $3

A Beka Grade 5:
Arithmetic T.E. $15
Test & speed drill book, missing various pages – FREE with another purchase, just let me know you want it!
Test & speed drill key: $5

A Beka Readers:

Primary Bible Reader, 2nd Ed. for grades 1-3 (cover dog-eared) $3
Paths to Adventure, copyright 1996, Grade 3, good condition $3
Salute to Courage, copyright 1997, Grade 4, excellent cond. $3
Trails to Explore, copyright 1998, Grade 4, excellent cond. $3

Miscellaneous:

Managers of Their Chores, brand new, $12

Galloping the Globe, good condition, $12

If you would like any further information on any item, please contact me. I can email photos of anything you might like to see as well. I will take 10% off of an order of 3 or more items, since the shipping is included.

Price too high? Make an offer! You can contact me by e-mail to place your order or make an offer. Orders will be shipped once payment is received.

Thanks for your interest!
Valerie

Laci Helps Out…Sorta

Valerie Basham

3 comments

March 2, 2011

My husband was away for a few days last week attending a pastor’s conference. While he was away, I had my hands full! My little ones worked extra hard to get along and help me out. I captured a short video of Laci trying to do just that. She had wanted to feed Matthew his baby food, but I’d already fed him. He was playing with the spoon, so Laci got it and started to “feed” him. The problem was she didn’t have any food! This didn’t seem to bother either of them, as you can see below:

I’m never at a loss for laughs around here! I’m really enjoying these precious, fleeting days. 🙂

Valerie

Eyes For Each Other

Valerie Basham

1 comment

March 1, 2011

Matthew loves his sister, Leslie. And she loves him. I’m so blessed that all of my children truly love each other. Yes, we have our moments of bickering and trouble, but overall, we have a peaceful home. Our children wake up each day happy to see each other. They show love and kindness to each other. Leslie especially loves watching out for her baby brother.

I loved this photo of them looking at each other with such joy in their eyes. They definitely have “eyes for each other.” He lights up whenever she comes around, and she lights up at the opportunity to care for him, even in a small way.

Valerie

My Silly Goose :)

Valerie Basham

no comments

February 25, 2011

A few nights ago, I was playing with my girls on my bed and taking some pictures, when I decided to record Laci without her knowing. I captured a very funny moment! She was looking for a little fairy doll when she broke out into her own little song about it! She is singing, “Where are you, fairy? Where are you fairy?”
We have laughed and laughed about this since then. She is a silly goose, but we love her!

Hope you enjoy it, too! 🙂

Priceless

Valerie Basham

2 comments

February 24, 2011

There are so many priceless moments that I am privileged to enjoy as I stay home with my children. I enjoyed one such moment two days ago.

We were cleaning up the house before bedtime and I came in the living room to find this:

Laci had climbed into the highchair! What I loved most, though, was her response when I asked her if she was stuck.

“No, I’m not stuck. I just can’t get out.”

Motherhood is wonderful. 🙂

Enemies?

Valerie Basham

no comments

February 23, 2011

My pastor (and sweetheart) has been away at conference this week, so I have not had much time to blog. There are five kids around here that keep wanting me to feed them among other things. haha! Anyway, this morning as I was having my quiet time, I decided to make a new prayer list. I have categories such as family, friends, church family, missionaries, and special needs. Today, I made a new category for my prayer list, and I wanted to share it while I had a few minutes.

I added the category of “enemies”. Before you panic and think “Wow, what kind of person is this lady, that she has enough enemies to list?” Allow me to me explain. Our church has been fighting some battles lately. Those fighting us would be what I would classify as “enemies”, but it’s not me or my husband that they dislike (though they might say that), but rather, what we stand for. They are enemies of the Gospel. They are trying to thwart God’s Word being preached and practiced in the congregation of the church. These people are not our enemies, but we seem to be theirs.

We are told in Matthew 5:44 to pray for our enemies, for those who speak evil against us. Earlier in that chapter we are told that it’s a blessing to be persecuted for the cause of Christ.

So, in trying to obey the Bible (my final authority), I made a new category for my prayer list. I’m using only initials, to protect their identities. I am praying for them. I pray they will get saved if they are not, or that they will come back to Christ if they are backslidden. I pray that God will change their hearts. I pray that I can have the right spirit toward them. I love them and I sincerely want them to be friends of the cross, not enemies.

Valerie

Thank You, Lord, for Pain

Valerie Basham

3 comments

February 18, 2011

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We are in a small building project at our house! We (translation: Terry and the older kids) are building a treehouse! Last Wednesday, my 11 year old was outside admiring the progress on the treehouse. She was looking up at the floor of the treehouse when she stepped on a 4 inch nail that was sticking up out of a board on the “construction site.” A four inch rusty nail. It went through her sneaker at an angle. We took her to the emergency room where they did an x-ray of her foot. That revealed that the nail narrowly missed hitting one of the many small bones that are in the foot. She had her tetanus shot booster in September, so we knew that was a good thing. We were concerned about infection setting in, so the doctor gave her a very strong antibiotic. So far she is healing up nicely. Just today is she finally able to walk on it without wincing in pain.

This experience provided for an interesting conversation last night. She looked at her swollen foot while sitting next to me and said, “I hate being able to feel pain!” As soon as she said it, I could see the wheels turning as she considered what she had just said. She followed her initial statement with, “Of course, if I didn’t feel pain, I might still be walking around with a nail in my foot!” I laughed and said, “You are exactly right. We can actually thank God for pain! Pain protects us from getting hurt even worse.”

Today, as I begin a new day, I am reminded of pain. Satan brings up the sins of my past. That’s painful. I recall how others have hurt me. More pain. I think of my Dad’s sudden home going and I feel yet another type of pain. At first glance, it seems as though our life would be better off without pain. But then, I paused and considered that, just like my daughter did.

The pain of past sin reminds me of Calvary, and the price that was paid for that sin. Jesus gave His life so that I might have forgiveness.That humbles me and I cry out to my Savior for help to do better! I thank Him for His mercy and His love. Yes, that pain is beneficial.

The pain of hurts from others gives me empathy for those who are also being hurt. It teaches me “what that feels like”, so that I will not do the same to others. It gives me the opportunity to obey the Scriptures by praying for those who are my enemies and who despitefully use me. (Matthew 5:44) I see that this pain is also for my good.

The pain of grief enables me to have compassion for others who have suffered loss. It reminds me that life is truly a vapor (James 4:14) and I must do what I can to show others the way of the cross today. I am not promised a tomorrow. It reminds me of Heaven, and how wonderful it will be to be there someday! In fact, I might be one breath, one heartbeat from that glorious home above! I’m not planning on hastening the process of death, but it doesn’t frighten me, either. To behold my Savior’s face! What a day that will be!

Upon reflection, I can, in fact, thank God for pain.