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Lauren’s Prayers Are Answered!

Valerie Basham

May 1, 2008

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day when I could make this important announcement. Terry has resigned as Pastor here at Northside Baptist Church and has accepted the pastorate of Grace Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas. We are taking a church that not only has children, but teenagers as well! Lauren’s prayers have been answered! That’s right, God heard, and indeed answered, an eight year old girl’s prayers! What a mighty God we serve, and how wonderful He is to us!
We usually take our annual trip to Arkansas around the first part of May, but when Terry was asked to preach in view of a call in Hope on April 20th, we moved our vacation up a wee bit.We were not looking for a place to go. In fact, the Lord has really been blessing our work here – oh, not by giving us huge numbers or large offerings, but in baby steps. Here a little, there a little. We have been anticipating great things in 2008 – and trust me, a move was not one of them. Here are a few interesting things about all of this that really meant nothing until we received the call to Grace Baptist Church:
1. As stated before, we were not looking to leave. This was all done in God’s timing. An evangelist friend felt he should put our name in at this church, and it was of the Lord. They phoned Terry on April 2nd, and he drove to Hope to meet them on April 4th. They asked him to preach on April 20th. He preached there and we were called, unanimously, on April 27, 2008. That can only be the Lord!
2. We have had a real peace that God would bless our efforts to serve Him here, even when the battles were great. I’ve been using Hebrews 11:6 as my strength. It says: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Again, I was expecting the rewards to be given here in Burnet, but God had other plans.
3. We did not notice until after we were asked to go in view of a call that the stationary Terry had printed (at a costly amount) back in February did not have his name as Pastor on it! He did not do this intentionally, but I do not believe it was a coincidence. The church can continue to use this stationary after we are gone.
4. We are almost through with school for the year. This is a blessing! The children will not be uprooted from a school and friends because we home school…another benefit.
5. Terry had just discontinued our website (biblewaytexas.com) in mid March! (Although, as of now, it may still be going.) He simply felt he should end it. Again, it was of the Lord.
6. I have been unable to decide what theme to go with for a Mother/Daughter banquet. The Lord seemed silent on this subject, so I had decided to not have one this year.
7. I had just discontinued my monthly ladies newsletter due to financial and time constraints.
None of the above seemed very extraordinary at the time, but now, it seems clear it was God guiding us all along the way.

We make our move on May 15th! Grace Baptist Church is full of loving people. We had a feeling of being at home from the moment we walked through the door. The thought of packing and moving doesn’t exactly thrill me, but at least I’ve got experience. :o) This will be my 8th move in 10 years of marriage. Yes, please pray for me.The church has a parsonage. I am unsure of the address as of this time, but I’ll be posting my new information soon.
I praise the Lord for the success He’s granted us here at Northside. We have not accrued any debt in the church’s name. We have not seen the church split over something minute. We have seen souls saved on soul winning, and one saved in church. We have conducted a successful VBS (with only a few workers) and saw 7 girls saved. We’ve held Bible Institute classes, and a Ladies Bible Study. We have started Super Church. We have taken on five new missionaries for a total of 14. We have done a lot of work on the church building and parsonage. We are thankful to be able to say that we are leaving it better than we found it.
It will not be easy to say goodbye. We are dreading it. Please pray for us, the people here, and for the church to find a pastor quickly.I suppose my “Life in the Hill Country” is about to come to a close. I’m thankful that my life hasn’t yet! :o) I am not sure if we will have Internet access in Hope. If so, I’ll be starting a new blog. If not, well, I guess this will be it for a while.
Thanks for staying with me, guys. I hope we can keep in touch. Until then, I’ll be keeping you posted on the joys of packing, moving and starting over…again!

Full Circle

Valerie Basham

1 comment

April 30, 2008

The following is a little something I wrote on March 5, 2008. I love to write, and pour out my feelings on paper…or on a screen! ;o) The Lord brought this to mind again, and I wanted to share it with you. It was a lesson that I really needed!

Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.

Most of you know that my church is small. My husband is the Pastor and we have four kids. My kids are the only ones in the church. My eight year old daughter is often discouraged because she doesn’t have any friends. At least once a week she goes forward during the invitation, (and is often the only one there) and asks Terry to pray with her that God will send her friends. As a Mom, this touches my heart.
I was recently explaining to the Lord myself that Lauren really needed friends; I told Him that it was very hard for a girl to not have friends. It was then that Lord said to me that He knew exactly what He was doing, and was I doubting Him? He then brought to my mind a fellow that my husband was friends with when his Dad pastored a small church in Virginia. From what Terry had said about him he wasn’t a great influence – but he was all he had! I asked my husband if his life was made better or worse by his one friend and he said “Definitely worse. That guy tried to get me and my brother (a year younger) to do things that could have killed us (i.e. stunts that were dangerous. The Lord graciously protected him during these years). He tried to get me to sneak out of the house one night when he stayed over at our house…my Dad caught us just in time.”
It was at that moment that I looked toward Heaven with a tear in my eye and thanked Him for NOT giving my daughter friends. I apologized for questioning His wisdom. I saw clearly that having no friends is better than having one bad friend. The Lord had brought me full circle. I went from being unhappy about a situation, to actually thanking Him for it!
God loves me, and He does know best.

The Dump Truck at my Door

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 29, 2008

I awoke to the loud beeping of a reverse alarm and an engine noise near my house. This truck sounded strangely close. It wasn’t trash day. There was no construction going on in my area. What could this be? I reached for my bathrobe on the bedpost, and without even stopping by a mirror to comb my hair, I went to the front window. Before my eyes, and my front door, was a large dump truck. My heart started pounding. What in the world was this?! I heard the hydraulic lift raising the bed of the dump truck. Just then, a knock on my door. I ran to open the door, despite my “sleepy head” appearance. A man stood before me in cover-alls to guard against the nippy start to the day. “Hi ya, lady. Where do want the load today?” The man had a kind of northern accent, and was chewing gum. (I thought this to be quite odd at 6 AM. I hadn’t even had a cup of coffee yet!) Pushing these thoughts aside, I stared at him rather blankly. “Load?” I asked. “Yeah.” he replied. “Ya know, your load of benefits for the day? Just tell me where ya want ’em and sign here.” He said, shoving a clipboard with an attached pen in my face.
“Oh. Of course!” I said, looking down at the paper before me. It read:
Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
This was my daily load of benefits from my Father! I hastily signed my name and smiled. “I’ll take them right here.” I said pointing at my office, where I read my Bible every day, and talked to my Father. “Okey dokey!” the man said to me while smacking his gum. He released the back of the truck and I watched in amazement as the benefits poured into my home! There was good health for the day. I saw “love, joy, peace, gentleness, long-suffering, meekness, goodness, faith and temperance”. There was the Holy Spirit! I saw “good husband, Mother, children, sister, brother, and in-laws” pass by me. I smiled at “godly and praying friends” as it rolled past me. I had a tear to my eye when I watched “a goodly heritage” come inside my home. It was a blessing to my heart to open a small package that contained “God’s compassion for the day. Lamentations 3:22-23” There were so many more, that I haven’t time to tell you all of them! I did not earn any of these benefits! They are all just perks to the Christian life.
How could I forget that these benefits would be arriving? This was something that the Lord gave me everyday! Probably because, like all of us, I tend to take things for granted. Nevertheless, the Lord is there everyday, with His “dump truck” load of benefits and blessings. Today, however, I was reminded to thank Him for them.

Of course, this story is fictional, springing forth from my overly-active imagination! I thought that if I could literally receive a “load of benefits” at my front door everyday, then maybe I would be more grateful for that which I already do receive everyday! Because they aren’t always visible, I often forget about the benefits and blessings that the Lord bestows upon me every single day of my life, and for eternity! Why, even during times of trial and testing, His “load of benefits” still arrives at my “door” every morning.I thank the Lord for this unspeakable gift!

He Makes My Home Heaven on Earth

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 26, 2008

I was through with guys for quite some time, at least I thought so. Little did I know the man of my dreams, the man that I never thought I could get, would come along during a deep valley in my life and literally sweep me off me feet. No, he did not buy me a huge diamond. I don’t drive an SUV. I don’t get the latest fashions or live in a condo on the beach. Instead, I had a man pursue me with all that was in him. He never gave up on trying to win my heart. And he succeeded. Today, I live a home where I am loved and even adored. This love and admiration I know I do not deserve, yet Terry looks past my faults and sees the good. He is a wonderful picture of Christ. Christ loved me in spite of my faults. Christ loved me so much that He gave me a home in heaven someday, and a home that is heaven on Earth today. Terry is the reason for my heavenly abode!

I have a husband who is honest with me about myself. Yes, this sometimes hurts. But sometimes, love hurts. He is loving. He is thoughtful. He is hard working. He is wise beyond his years. He is faithful to the Lord first, to me second, our kids third, his parents fourth and to our church family fifth. He has his priorities in order. He fixes brakes for our church people for free. He takes me on dates to the Olive Garden!! (YES!) He takes the kids fishing. He cleans my Mom’s gutters. He works on her car, in the hot sun. He bathes the kids when I am running late, or just to give me a break. He babysits our church kids so the ladies can attend our ladies fellowships or the Bible Study.

Terry doesn’t go out and shake hands with the Mayor or the Chief of Police. He isn’t trying to get in good with big name preachers. He isn’t wanting a full page story in the newspaper. He is content with serving, working and loving behind the scenes.

Someday, I’ll tell you all just how wonderful he is. I’ll tell you how we met at 14 and couldn’t stand each other!! I’ll tell you about how his life took a detour from the Lord, and how the Lord righted his vessel. I’ll tell you how he finally convinced me, and my Dad, to give him a chance. I’ll tell you how he’s weathered betrayal, disappointment, and even threats on his life for the cause of Christ. For now, I’ll just tell you that I am so unworthy to be loved by such a wonderful man. He often tells me how he “married above himself in the caste system”. The truth is, I’m the pauper in this relationship. I’m the beggar who married a prince.

Happy birthday, Terry.

I love you.

Happy Birthday To a Great Gal in Illinois

Valerie Basham

1 comment

April 25, 2008

Misty, left, with her friend Melissa. I got this photo from her blog!!

Terry’s cousin, (and my friend for many years prior to our marriage), Misty, had a birthday yesterday!! I’m still in Arkansas, and felt terrible yesterday when I remembered it was her birthday. I couldn’t get on the computer to wish her a happy birthday then, so here is a belated birthday wish.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISTY! So sorry I missed you yesterday. I hope you had a wonderful day. I hope you got to watch the fights, eat cake and ice cream, and get waited on hand and foot!!
Thanks for keeping in touch with me through the Internet and thanks for being a great cousin to all of us! I only wish we were closer to you so we could celebrate together!!!
We miss you!

Love from the whole gang:
Terry, Valerie, Lauren, Mitchell, Leslie and Laci

Saturday Snap Shots

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 19, 2008

I wanted to quickly share these photos before we left this morning. I came in to an empty play room and found Laci playing in the toy box! She was so happy and content, I snapped a few photos. Mitchell was the culprit responsible for her being inside the toy box!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!

Fitness Fridays: Pros and Cons of Weight Watchers

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 18, 2008

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Today I wanted to share my experience with Weight Watchers. I was a member two different times in my life. The first was right after Mitchell’s birth in 2003, the second after Laci’s birth in 2006. Both times I lost weight. Overall, I give Weight Watchers a big thumbs up. There are a few things about it which I did not like.

The Pros:

1. Weight Watchers is a plan you can live with forever! You do not need to purchase special food, or expensive equipment.Each food is given a Points value based on calories, fiber and fat. You figure the points using the Points Finder that you recieve when you join. You recieve your daily Points goal based on your gender, activity level and weight. It is all very easy to do. They give you a ton of recipes, but I found it best to use my old standard recipes and just eat less of the food rather than adapt it. I wanted something I can live with forever!

2. Weight Watchers helps you set small goals. They encourage you to lose 10% of your weight at a time. This is a very reachable goal. Every time you lose 5 lbs. you get a huge cheer and a small reward, like a book mark or a sticker that says “I lost 5 lbs.” This is great encouragement.

3. You want to attend meetings because if you miss a week, you still have to pay for that week. This keeps you accountable. I needed the accountability.

4. This plan allows you to eat out at any restaurant! By purchasing the “Dining Out Companion”, you automatically have hundreds of Points Values of lots of various restaurants at your fingertips. You can pick out what you will eat ahead of time and not use up all your points in one meal…and when you eat out, that’s easy to do!

5. You get to gain more Points to eat by exercising! This is great!

The Cons:

1. Attending meetings is better with a friend.I always felt very isolated and alone, even though I tried to talk to those around me. It was hard because everyone else had a friend with them.

2. It can get costly! There is a joining fee, plus a weekly fee. All the books cost extra as well. It is worth the cost, however, to be healthy. You must “weigh” the cost for yourself however! (Pun intended!;]) You’d hate to go bankrupt trying to lose weight!

3. Sometimes, figuring points can be tricky. If you have a lot of ingredients in a recipe, it can get confusing trying to figure out what the Points value is.

I hope this information is helpful. I enjoy Weight Watchers because of the accountability, and the ease of use. You don’t have to deny yourself anything forever on WW. It is a very doable plan!

How I did this week…

Week two of the exercise regimen went well! Despite having to leave for the dentist at 7 AM on Wednesday, and being ill on Thursay, I managed to exercise three days this week! I will be out of state next week, but I hope to get in some walking while I’m gone. Terry has lost 4 lbs. and I have lost 7, and that’s encouraging. But the best part is feeling stronger and more energetic!

Here’s a little tip to help you at the weigh-in, should you decide to join Weight Watchers. I highly recommend this method! ;] Have a great week everyone!!

PS..Please read my comments for even more info on WW from readers. If you have anything to share, please, PLEASE, comment! You will be helping me out so much!

Thanks!!

Just Had To Share This…

Valerie Basham

2 comments

April 18, 2008

Okay, most of you know that we, well okay, I am an “I Love Lucy” fan. My kids are also fans, and we are slowly winning Terry over to our side. It is funny because, really, I have lots “Lucy” moments. Anyway, we have all six seasons. Since we love the show, we spend hours (just kidding folks) teaching our children things like singing “Babalu” while pounding on a chair or table. Laci has mastered the technique of doing it on her belly! I just captured this on video and I had to share it with you. Hope you like it.

This next clip will be most appreciated by relatives, so non-relatives, feel free to skip this one! I just thought you would enjoy hearing some of Laci’s new lingo.

Arkansas is Calling My Name

Valerie Basham

4 comments

April 17, 2008

Yes, it’s that time of year again! The changing of the seasons is barely noticeable here in Texas. Things look browner in winter and greener in spring, but that’s about it. The weather is slowly getting warmer, and in winter it will slowly get cooler. With every changing season, I suppose I long for home! Not just the natural beauty of the natural state, but home. You know, seeing the smiling face of my Mom and enjoying the flood of happy memories that wrap their arms around me as I cross that threshold on 2811 Karen Street in Benton. My childhood greets me as I walk through the garage and remember coasting in on my bike and hopping off for a cold drink. And it just gets better as I enter the kitchen, the den, and of course, my room! It’s as though I never grew up. (Okay, no comments please about my not having grown up in reality!)
Terry also longs for good ol’ Arkansas. He loves fishing in the Saline River. He has decided this would be a good time of year to visit the River once again. We are all heading out on Saturday, April 19th, for home sweet home.
I can feel Arkansas, or home, calling my name. The Lord is graciously allowing me to answer!
Please pray for us as we travel. We’ve had another smaller bout with a stomach virus. I am praying we’ll all be 100% for the trip on Saturday. We’ll be coming home on Friday, April 25th. I’ll be posting that day for sure. A very special guy has a birthday that day!! I’ll give you a hint, he’s the one who’s wanting to go fishing in Arkansas. Yep, Terry will be the big 3-0 on Friday the 25th.
Thanks for your prayers and friendship.
See you tomorrow!!

The Lethal Combination

Valerie Basham

1 comment

April 16, 2008

I Sam. 21:6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
I Sam. 21: 8-9 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

We see in the above verses that David is on the run from Saul. He has just been warned by his best friend, and Saul’s own son, Jonathan, that he needs to “get out of Dodge”. David heads to Nob, where the priest Ahimelech is. The priest is curious as to why the hero of Israel is alone. David tells him that the “king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee…” (I Sam.21:2) This was the truth, for the King had sent him on a business. It wasn’t King Saul, but the King of Kings! And his business was staying alive. David was being very discreet.
He continues to tell the priest that he needs bread. The priest offers him the shewbread, after he confirms that David is pure. David then asks for a weapon. Ahimelech tells him that all he has is Goliath’s sword. David says (I like this part!)
“There is none like that; give it me.” This sword was a token from the greatest battle in Israel. A battle that David himself had fought. God delivered a giant into the hand of a young man! What a boost to his spirit to be reminded of a great victory during a time of trial in his life. Isn’t God good?
The thing that caught my eye was that David received food or nourishment for the journey from the priest, or at church. He also received a weapon there. When we go to church, we receive the food for our journey, from God’s Word, as the Pastor preaches. We also receive a weapon to fight the spiritual battles in our lives at church. We get “ammunition” from the Bible, so to speak! Likewise, when we get in God’s Word daily, we receive food from the Lord. When we go to God in prayer, we are using our greatest weapon against Satan.
There have been times that I have felt the enemy breathing down my neck. But just when I needed it, I received the “shewbread” to give me strength, I am reminded of a great victory that God wrought in my life and I remember to use the weapon needed to fight in spiritual warfare -God’s Word! It isn’t long before I see a victory!
Yes, any way you slice it, God’s Word and prayer are a lethal combination.