| Page 111

Be of Good Cheer

Valerie Basham

December 29, 2010

It seems to me that meekness is the hardest fruit of the Spirit to bring forth. When others falsely accuse you and gossip about your hard earned testimony, our human nature desperately longs to “right the wrongs.” However, the false accusations by our enemies are, in reality, a gift. Jesus said in Matt.5:11, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

If you are trying to serve God in any capacity, Satan is angry about it. If your pastor draws a line in the sand and boldly questions, “Who is on the Lord’s side?”, many will become angry. The truths of God’s Word anger unbelievers, because it forces them to face their sin. This is not fun – I know from experience. I faced the horrible facts about my own sin on June 12, 1993. I ran to the Savior, thankful for His gift of salvation. But Satan has blinded many from seeing the love of Christ. They are swallowing the lie from the devil that “they are really good people.” God’s Word says that there are none that are righteous. (Rom. 3:10, 23) They do want to hear this. Therefore, they desire to blame someone besides themselves for the sin in their lives. Often, God’s man is the target of the blame. Why? Because he is the one who held the flashlight of God’s Word in their eyes.

The truth also angers those who are backslidden on the Lord. You are backslidden if there ever was a time in your life when you were closer to the Lord than you are now. Have you ever prayed more than you do now? Have you ever read and studied God’s Word more than you do now? Are you as faithful to church as you have ever been? Are you harboring sin in your life, and not just outward sins, like lying or gossiping, but inward sins? Inward sins are things like pride, hate, grudges, unforgiving spirit, and so forth. For a person to get right after back sliding on the Lord they would need to repent to the Lord for their sin, and make restitution. If you have not forgiven someone, you should go to them and make it right. If you have lied about your pastor or a fellow church member you should apologize and rectify the situation. If you have stolen something, you should return it – whatever you need to do to get right, you should be willing to do it. If you are not, then you are also rebellious toward the Lord as well as backslidden.

If you are staring down the “gun barrel” of false accusation, resist the desire to justify yourself. Let God justify you. He does a much better, and more permanent, job than we ever could. He knows the truth. He is pleased when you do right, even when no one else is.

Perhaps you have been meek in the situation, but you find yourself not loving your accuser. Jesus said if we love those that love us, we’re no different than the lost. They, too, love those that love them. The test comes in loving those who hate us. Jesus says in Luke 6: 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. This is the mark of a true Christian – loving those who do not love us. It is such a hard thing to do. In fact, I’d venture to say that “we” can’t do it at all. Christ must do it through us. This means we must be a willing vessel for Him to use.

Rather than becoming angry at your accusers, pray for them. Another hard thing to do. Jesus says in Matt. 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Lastly, remember that your enemies are bestowing a gift upon you (Matt. 5:11-12), so you do genuinely have something for which to be thankful. You can glorify God and thank Him for counting you worthy to bear reproach for His sake.

Best of all, remember that HE is with you. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Yay! HE has overcome this wicked world, and the Wicked One!

The Lord is cheering you on from the threshold of Glory. He sees your sufferings, and He is pleased when you endure hardness as a good soldier. (2 Tim. 2:3)

I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 Perhaps it would be okay to change the “I” to “we”, just this once? 🙂 WE can do it, through HIM!

Because He lives,
Valerie

Christmas Recipes

Valerie Basham

1 comment

December 26, 2010

This year, I tried two new recipes for our Christmas meal. I got them from my Aunt Linda, who made both of these dishes for our Thanksgiving meal. These will serve a crowd easily – so they are perfect for feeding church family at potlucks – but I wanted to make them for my family, aka, “the guinea pigs”, before serving them to others. They passed the test and I will definitely be making these for a crowd next time around.

Pecan Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:
One 15 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained, 1 cup of juice reserved.
1 cup water
One 3 oz. pkg. orange gelatin dessert mix
One 3 oz. pkg. cherry gelatin dessert mix
One 16 oz. whole berry cranberry sauce
One 6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)

Directions:
Combine the pineapple juice (from the can) and the water in a small saucepan; bring to boil and remove from heat. Pour the juice mixture into a large bowl and add the gelatin dessert mixes, stir until dissolved. Add the drained pineapple, cranberry sauce, orange juice concentrate, nuts, and celery and mix well. Spray a 6 cup mold (I used a Bundt cake pan) with nonstick cooking spray. Pour gelatin mixture into the mold and refrigerate until firm.

Enjoy!! It’s DEE-LISH! 🙂

So, below is photo of my Christmas meal.

It’s turkey (which was nothing special, just cooked in an oven bag), the pecan cranberry salad, peas, homemade mashed potatoes, and the most wonderful creamy corn you’ve ever eaten…wait! You haven’t eaten it? Well, let’s change that, shall we? 😉 Here’s the recipe:

Cheesy Cream Corn

Ingredients:
3 pkgs. 16. oz. frozen corn (total 48 oz.)
2 pkgs. (one 8 oz. and one 3 oz. for 11 oz. total) cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup butter, cubed
3 Tablespoons water
3 Tablespoons milk
3 Tablespoons sugar
6 slices American cheese- cut into small pieces.

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until it is heated throughout and cheese is melted. Stir well before serving.

This one is amazing. Plan to make it for New Year’s. Or better yet, find something to celebrate tomorrow so you can enjoy it even sooner! 🙂

Happy Eating!
Valerie

Something for Melanie

Valerie Basham

1 comment

December 25, 2010

I entered the world on March 25, 19– What? Did you really think I’d tell you the year? 🙂 Four people were eagerly awaiting my arrival. They were my mother (of course), my dad, my brother (waiting rather calmly) and my sister (not waiting calmly at all). Melanie, my sister, had been praying for a sister. She was ecstatic to here that my Mom was expecting. For about 7-8 long months she had waited to see if the new baby on the way would be her answer to prayer, or whether it would be a boy.(I’m sure she would have loved a brother almost as much as a sister…heehee!) She had wanted me to be named Amy Elizabeth, like the girl in the original Clifford books. Instead, I came home as Valerie Ellen. She didn’t understand why, but then, she didn’t sign the birth certificate so she had to be happy with having a Valerie instead of an Amy.

Melanie was dee-lighted to have me in her world. She catered to my every need. She picked me up the minute I cried, every time I cried. My parents finally said “You are spoiling her. A little crying won’t hurt her.” So, she started letting me cry five minutes before picking me up. She loved to kiss me. And hug me. We had tea parties using my play dishes. She would make tuna salad sandwiches and pork ‘n’ beans and we would eat on my play dishes! (After she washed them, of course.) We also had milk in our tea cups. She would let me play with her dolls. She would read me books. And she babysat me a lot. I remember enjoying many a chicken pot pie with Melanie for lunch while we watched The Partridge Family on TV.

We were together on our first day at a new school. We stood outside on a chilly winter day, practically glued to each other. We saw my Dad drive away, leaving us there alone. We had to get there very early since Dad had to be at work in Little Rock – that meant 30 more minutes of driving. Finally, kids started arriving at school. We stayed together till we had to be separated at class time. As soon as lunch time came, I was at her elbow once more. Then, as soon as school was out in the afternoon, I was drawn to her like a magnet to metal. She did not roll her eyes at me, she did not shoo me away. She let me be there; she looked out for me.

As if that wasn’t enough, Melanie did more. She loved sewing, especially for others. She made me several pillows. My favorites were a trio of dolls. She made me Strawberry Shortcake, Blueberry Muffin and Raspberry Tart. Two years ago, my mom found the dolls in storage at her house and she returned them to me. About three weeks ago, all of my childhood sisterly memories flooded my mind when my youngest girl came to me, holding my old Blueberry Muffin doll and said “Mom, can you fix her? Her head is all bendy.” I added some stuffing to her neck and stitched up some holes by hand till she was almost as good as new.

It got me to thinking…could I repay some of the hard labor that my sister had put into sewing for me by sewing something for her? I’ve never been a seamstress – that was Melanie’s talent, not mine. But, I had learned to sew a few simple things. Maybe I could do something for her! I found an apron kit and decided that would be a simple thing to make that she could use. Well, it turns out I bought no ordinary apron. It had several things that I had never done before! I was ready to forget the whole thing more than once while working on it. I wanted so badly to make something for her, like she had done for me over the years, that I forged ahead. I also needed her advice while making the apron, but again, I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. I knew she would overlook my errors – she has been doing that with me for years.

I finally finished up the apron and even got it wrapped and given to my Mom to take to Melanie when she visited her for Christmas. Giving this to her was more exciting than receiving gifts myself.

Lauren, modeling Aunt Melanie’s apron. 🙂

Since becoming an adult, my relationship with my sister has grown deeper and stronger. I know she prays for me, and I pray for her. She is truly one of my best friends.

There is only one problem with the apron that I really wish I could fix. I wish I could give it to her in person, with a hug and personal words of thanks and love.

Merry Christmas, Melanie, from across the miles. I love you so much.

Valerie

Christmas in a Cup

Valerie Basham

3 comments

December 19, 2010

Each year at Christmas time, I try to make a small gift to give the people in our church. This year, I made homemade hot cocoa! This recipe is delicious. It tastes like warm pudding! I wanted to pass along the idea to you. It’s an easy thing to make in large quantities or just for your family. If you like chocolate, you will like this for sure.

I found the following recipe at Taste of Home. 🙂

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

6-2/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
1 package (5 ounces) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup baking cocoa

Combine ingredients and stir. To enjoy cocoa, mix 2/3 cup of the mix with hot water. Add marshmallows if desired. Recipe makes about 21 servings.

Once I made the mix, I needed a cute way to give it. I found some adorable zipper treat bags at the dollar store, as well as some cute mugs! I was so glad to find the mugs, that way they have something they can reuse. I attached the directions with gift tags that I found at Hobby Lobby. My husband was kind enough to punch holes in them for me, and I filled them out while waiting for the kids at piano lessons. 🙂

I was so excited to get to give them away today. I think the folks really liked them, at least, I hope they did. They were made with much love. 🙂

Here are the zipper treat bags! I thought they were so cute! 🙂

The finished product! I made 35 of these, using three different styles of mugs. The other two styles are below.

Dear Reader, I wish there were a way to send you a cup of Christmas cocoa! Thank you for being my online friend!

Bath Time Rhyme

Valerie Basham

1 comment

December 18, 2010

When I was little, my mom would say this little poem while she helped me dry off after my bath. I loved it then, and I still love it today. I know she read it in a book at some point, but I have no idea which one, so I am unable to give credit. Just know that I’m not claiming to have written it! 😉 I’ve used it with each one of my kiddos and they always laugh as we do the motions! I thought I’d pass it along so that you, too, could enjoy it. It’s a simple way to make a fun memory with your little toddlers. (I even use it with my infant!)

After My Bath

After my bath, I try, try, try,

To wipe myself till I’m dry, dry, dry.

Hands to wipe, fingers and toes,

Two wet legs and a shiny nose!

Just think how much less time I’d take,

If I were a dog and could shake, shake, shake!

Take time to enjoy your kids today! 🙂

Valerie

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Valerie Basham

no comments

December 16, 2010

I awoke today thinking about Christmases past. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas at my home. I’d like to take you to my there for a bit…don’t worry, you’ll be home in time for supper. 🙂

This house, my home place, wasn’t always this dark or cold on Christamas Day. This kitchen/dining room is small, but that just made the love bounce around more, leaving smiles on every person’s face. I used to sit at that table, which was usually decked out in a red tablecloth with a gorgeous poinsettia centerpiece in the middle, and created a homemade “WELCOME HOME” sign for my sister. She was away at Hyles-Anderson College and I was counting down the days, literally, until my roommate would return for the holidays. Mom would be busy at the stove preparing her delicious stew. Dad sat in the recliner next to a blazing fireplace in the den. The den, which was next to the kitchen was only my second favorite room in the house. I loved sitting in the recliner next to that fireplace. It looks so lifeless today. It used to breathe cheer to all through this room.

What’s my favorite room? It’s the one right off the den. The living room. Truly, it is the room in which I lived during the holidays. Our Christmas tree was all decorated and shining beautifully in this room. Each year, right after Thanksgiving, I would eagerly “drag” my Dad out to our shed to bring in the Christmas decorations. He would lift and strain, veins and muscles bulging, to bring in each box. I un-packed them carefully and decorated our tree. But, it was a task that could not be done without one thing: Nat. King. Cole. That’s right. I had to have his Christmas record playing in the background, or decorating simply could not be done. (You can hear my favorite selection from that album by going to my featured video on the right hand side of this page, behind the photo gallery.)

It was heaven when school dismissed for two glorious weeks! I happily brought in the homemade Christmas crafts we made at school. Slowly, the gifts would pile up underneath that now absent tree. I admit it, I couldn’t resist shaking or smelling some of mine. That decorative soap my sister bought me one year really had me guessing! Dad and Mom would let me make a pallet on the floor beside the tree some nights. I loved sleeping in the glow of those multi-colored Christmas lights! On the floor beneath the tree, was a small nativity scene, which had a loft right above where baby Jesus lay. I would lie there and dream about what it would have been like to be in a loft the night the real Saviour was born.

My bedroom looked very different back then. There used to be two twin beds in here. Mine was a springy trundle bed that was up against a wall on one long side. I remember one year, when I was about ten, my brother preached a sermon in our chapel time in school about what we would give Jesus on His birthday. He told us how we often get so caught up in giving gifts to each other, that we neglect the One about whom the day is all about. He told us that Jesus simply wanted us as a gift. I sincerely wanted to remember Jesus that year, so I made a sign and taped it up on the wall, right by my bed. The sign said “Don’t forget to give Jesus his present.” First thing on Christmas morning, I prayed and thanked God for His Son, and gave Him my life. I’m sure it sounds corny to you, after all, I wasn’t even saved, but I was sincere in wanting to give Jesus my all. I’m sorry to say that since then, I haven’t been as giving. Perhaps I’ll re-gift myself to Him again this year! I’m always wanting to do more, and be more, for Him.

Christmas Day was always such a happy day! My sister was home, telling all about college life. My Aunt Kathleen and Grandmother from Phoenix, Arizona, were visiting us. My brother, Kevin, and his family would join us on the big day. My nephew, Levi, was a roly-poly butter ball of fun! I loved playing with him! The fireplace was roaring and good smells poured forth from that now darkened kitchen. Kathleen would be telling us stories about her year past, my Grandmother would be seated on the sofa, beneath a blanket, just taking it all in with a smile. Dad was always laughing and making jokes. I can still see him sitting in the tan recliner wearing a flannel shirt, tucked inside his crisp jeans. Our stockings were bulging from the mantle, and I couldn’t wait for the gift giving, and receiving, to begin!

After a quick breakfast, we gathered in our living room to open gifts. I can recall many of them! One year, I got a set of the Chronicles of Narnia as a gift from my Aunt. I didn’t realize at the time that one day my oldest child would enjoy them far more than I ever would. She has read each one more than once! The covers are torn and wrinkled, but it’s because the books have been well loved. I could go on and on, telling you about many other gifts which have meant so much to me over the years, but I’ll spare you the details. As we all gathered around the tree, coffee and hot cocoa in hand, we didn’t think about the work that needed to be done. We didn’t think about loved ones boarding planes, heading back to work and college. I didn’t think about the impending math test that awaited me upon my return to school. As you looked around the room at happy eyes and heard the joyful laughter, oohs and aahs, all you could see was the wealth of our family. Not because of the piles of gifts around each person’s seats, but because we had each other. People are more important than things, and we had lots of people. We were, indeed, rich.

Eventually, however, the happy Christmas Days would pass. Melanie would board a plane for Chicago/O’Hare. This bedroom that was once askew with suitcases and gifts, would now be quite empty in comparison. Only the Lord knows how many lonely tears soaked my pillow for many nights after. Kathleen and Grandmother would head back to arid Arizona. Mom and Dad would go back to work, and I, back to school. (And that aweful math test.)

When Melanie got married, everything seemed different at Christmas. Finally, things changed forever when Dad graduated to Heaven five and a half years ago. Christmas, as I’ve just recalled, stopped then. That first Christmas after Dad moved away found us all so heavy hearted. No one felt much like celebrating.

Nothing, not even a cold, vacant house, can stop me from going home for Christmas. My Mom escapes our homeplace each year to visit one of my siblings, so the house is definitely cold, dark and empty. But I visit it anyway. I can’t stay away from the center of so many joyous memories. Many of the gifts I received at those Christmases are torn, faded or broken. But my memories are as fresh and new as the day they were made!

So, you can mark it down. I’ll be home for Christmas, as the song says, if only in my dreams.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas,
Valerie

Mary for a Day

Valerie Basham

5 comments

December 13, 2010

While recently considering the Christmas story from Luke 2, I began to put myself in the place of Mary. What would it have been like to be the mother of the Savior of the world? Of course, I’ll never know, but it was fun to think about it. I thought I’d share my musings here. The Bible becomes very much alive when we place ourselves in the stories we read; after all, they really happened! So please, do not consider the following to be anything more than my own imagination! Thank you. 🙂

I am still very much in shock over the events of yesterday. It began as a normal day. I was preparing some bread, and doing many other mundane tasks, when I looked up to behold a man all made of light! I nearly fell down at the sight of him. He greeted me and went on to tell me that I would be the mother of the Messiah! Me?! I could scarcely take it all in. I asked him, how could this be? I have kept myself for Joseph, so there is no way that I could be a mother! The angel said that the Holy Ghost would overshadow me and this child would be of God. He said I would call him “Jesus”. I feel irreverent to even write about such things… I can’t tell anyone, for no one would believe that a poor woman such as myself would be chosen to be the one to bare the Messiah. And I completely understand their feelings! I, too, expected him to be born of a princess in a grand palace or temple! I am nothing but a home maker; a peasant. What would my God want with me?

The angel also informed me that my cousin, Elisabeth, is expecting a baby! I was so happy to hear this since she has been barren for so many years. I feel that I can trust her with my news. I am packing to go to see her tomorrow. Of course, I must tell Joseph about all of this. I am afraid that he will think I’ve been unfaithful to him, but I’ve decided I cannot help what he thinks. He might even think I’m crazy! I told the angel that I am the Lord’s handmaid, for Him to use as He wishes. I will trust my God, even though I still feel like this must be a dream!

I have made it to Elisabeth’s house. I told Joseph the news before I left. He looked at me with love and said he understood, but yet, he seemed so sad. I am thinking that he is doubting me and my love for him. I have saved myself for him alone, and I am hoping he believes me. This reality – of being with child and not married – is sinking in. Joseph has put me away, for fear the Pharisees would have me stoned. He loves me so much. He is not the type to become angry, but I know he is doubting me. I will trust God.

I am glad that I will be with Elisabeth when her time comes. I want to know what to expect when my time arrives. She told me that when I saw her that her baby leaped inside of her! She knew that I had been told I’ll be the mother of our long awaited Messiah. That confirmed in my heart that all of this was real – believe me, at times, I wonder if I dreamed it all!

I hope Joseph will be more relaxed. He hasn’t been himself lately. I am fearing that he is considering breaking off our engagement. I am reminding myself to trust God.

Elisabeth’s baby arrived! He is so beautiful! Rosy, chubby cheeks and such a sweet smell! I am starting to get very excited about holding my own bundle. The Lord is constantly showing Himself real to me in all of this. I am ashamed that I’ve doubted Him – but, I am just a lowly handmaiden. I am being trusted with the most precious treasure on earth – more valuable than gold! I am scared at times but when those times come, I remind myself that He is with me – literally! I can’t wait to feel him kick for the first time!

I am nearing my time to be delivered and I’m so very excited! I have not been sick, as many women are. I take this as another blessing from my Father’s hand and a reminder that He is with me. Joseph has married me, despite my condition, but we have not been together as man and wife. He is treating me as a “holy” vessel, until our baby arrives. He told me that an angel appeared to him and told him that this baby was the promised one. I was right to trust God! My Lord is watching out for me.

Joseph has taken such good care of me. I know the whispers about us have bothered him, but he, too, is trusting God in all of this.

We just received word that everyone has been summoned back to their homelands to be taxed. Joseph doesn’t want to leave me behind since I am so very near to my time. I don’t want to be alone, either. I’m starting to get nervous. Most of my friends have forsaken me. Some of them believe that I have played the harlot on Joseph, others think Joseph and I have been with one another. It has hurt both of us deeply, but it’s been very revealing of who my true friends are. God is using this to teach me that I must rely upon Him alone for help, comfort, and strength. He has given me my wonderful husband, and that is enough.

I gave birth to my wonderful baby boy while we were in Bethlehem! I felt quite forsaken when we got to Bethlehem and discovered that the inn was full. We might have been able to get something if we’d had more money to offer the innkeeper. Tears started to well up in my eyes and I began to feel sorry for myself when the pains came upon me. Suddenly, I didn’t care about where I’d sleep for the night! There was only one thing on my mind – my baby, my Saviour! He arrived without any problems, and I wondered why I had been afraid? When I held him for the first time, I shed tears of joy. It didn’t matter that I was in a stable, or that we didn’t have a room. My baby was here! I couldn’t stop smiling! Joseph found a manger and placed clean hay in it to give our Jesus a bed so I could rest. Some very kind shepherds came over to visit us. I think they were in shock from seeing a host of angels light up the night sky, announcing our Messiah’s arrival. (We understood how they felt!) It was a blessing to have some company. We were so joyful, and yet had no one to share it with! Once again, God blessed me. I am looking forward to watching my son grow in the things of the Lord. I’ve been telling Him everyday how thankful I am that He has come, and how blessed I am to be chosen as His mother. I’m in love with my baby, I’m in love with my Messiah.

So glad He came,
Valerie

And Now She is Four

Valerie Basham

2 comments

December 7, 2010

Here’s a look at Laci during the past four years. We were so thrilled to find out on my birthday in 2006 that I was expecting our fourth child. I was very surprised and scared since I still had a “baby” – a nine month old at the time! God knows best, and I’m ashamed of myself for doubting Him, because Laci has a been a joy to our family. She’s had an eventful four years – the cord around her neck at birth gave us a scare, and a febrile seizure in February scared us again. We are so thankful the Lord carried her safely through each experience.

She loves Dora the Explorer, singing, coloring, cutting, and talking. She likes “squeezer yogurt” (yogurt in packets) and applesauce. Her best friend is her sister, Leslie, and I hope they stay that way forever. Her favorite relative is Aunt Melanie, second would be her cousin Stephen and third would be her Uncle Walter, but we don’t know why…just kidding! She loves Sunday School, but she hates sitting still. She is a bundle of energy, emotion and expression – and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I love you, Laci! Happy birthday!!

A few hours old.

Their friendship started early. 🙂

I love her eyes!

My big one year old!

With her favorite Aunt! 🙂

I pray the Lord gives me a lifetime of loving Laci, and all of my precious “rewards”.

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Valerie

Sunday Snapshots

Valerie Basham

no comments

December 5, 2010

I am just now getting some pics posted of our Thanksgiving week. We were able to take the whole week off of school and spend three days in Benton visiting my family there. My brother from Florida was there for a week with his family, my sister came in from North Carolina, and my Mom was there, which came in very handy since we were all at her house! lol! We were able to go to Batesville to spend time with my Aunts & Uncles there. It was a wonderful week with my family. For more details about exactly why it was so wonderful, please go HERE. 🙂

And now, here are the pics!

Lauren drew this cute “life size” man!

My girl is ironing!! YAY! What a blessing! I’m so proud of her. The best part is that she wants to do this.

My favorite “M&Ms” 🙂

My sweetie and my Uncle Bobby visiting at my Uncle Gary’s house. Matthew is just hanging out. 🙂

This the room where we ate. My Aunt and Uncle added this room on to their house about 7 years ago. I think my Aunt Linda is a superb decorator! She also cooked some wonderful food, for which my sister, sister-in-law and I got the recipes. When I make them, I’ll let you know. It was all SO tasty!

Lauren with her “bestie” for the week, her cousin Ashley from Florida. She really enjoyed getting to play with her for the week. I hate that we only see them once a year.

Last, but not least, Leslie lost her first tooth that week. My third child to begin losing teeth. It’s kinda bittersweet.

How was your Thanksgiving? I’d love to hear about it…or about your weather…or about the price of tea in China…anything. It’s getting lonely around here. 😉

Waiting on the edge of my seat for a response,

Valerie

I Blew It

Valerie Basham

1 comment

November 30, 2010

Prov. 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

In obedience to scripture, I need you to do something for me. Picture my face (feel free to look to your left at the top of the page, my picture is there with my husband – got it? Okay.), so picture my face, with my hand over my mouth. Yep. That’s me today. I have done foolishly, and my hand is over my mouth, hiding a blushing face. I’m so mad at myself! I knew better, yet I blew it, plain and simple.

I like keeping things real here, so I figure I’ll just share my heart. Recently, in a facebook debate over a spiritual issue, I got carried away. I popped off and now I regret it. It all started out so innocently, with no ill intent, but soon it escalated and got out of hand. As I reflect on it now, I can see how my “good intentions” were being used of the Devil. I got so focused on this issue, that I failed to serve my family and my Lord as I should. I became so distracted, so focused on this one thing (which is not even a doctrinal issue), that I couldn’t even get what the Lord had for me from His Word.

I haven’t changed my position, because I have the Bible to back me up, but I do wish I had just stayed out of it. Even though I’m sad about getting carried away, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit convicted me about it – it’s just another confirmation that I’m His child. I’m also grateful that I have read enough scripture to have it immediately flood my heart, reminding me of how I’ve failed. Still, I hate that I have let my Lord down. He did not receive any glory from that silly debate.

Some verses that the Lord brought to mind are these:

Prov. 10:19 In the multitude of words, there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
{My words a-boun-ded – that’s not a good thing!}

Rom. 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
{From the beginning, it was doubtful that these people would change their minds – why did I bother?}

1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
{As I said before, this did not bring glory to the Lord.}

I’m grateful the I have this verse as well: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I’ve confessed it to the Lord, and now to you. I am thankful for His forgiveness, but my goal is to be more Christlike and not disappoint my Savior. Yes, I have a long way to go.

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…

I’m so disappointed in me, and I’m so discouraged, but with God’s help, I am going to get up and keep going.

Thankful for His grace,