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Jesus Is My Example

Valerie Basham

January 14, 2008

Matt. 9:24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
Matt. 9:33-34 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. 34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Today, as I read these verses and one thing really stood out to me. In verse 24 Jesus is about to heal Jairus’s daughter, but first He tells them that the girl isn’t dead, she’s sleeping! This must have been funny to those at the house, because they began to laugh. In fact, they laughed Him to scorn. They mocked Him. A few verses later, we see Jesus has just cast out a demon. Yet, not all the people were willing to see Jesus has a healer and a miracle worker. The Pharisees accused Him of being a cohort of Satan – the prince of devils! Now, that hurts, doesn’t it?
I have not suffered the way our dear Savior did, not by any stretch of the imagination- not even close. But, the persecution and trouble that I have faced has been hard. It’s been very discouraging at times! When I read this, I took comfort that Jesus had been there too, and He was perfect! I noticed what Jesus did after He faced the laughter and the criticism of those who did not believe in Him:
Matt.9:345 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
He continued on! He went on teaching and preaching. He didn’t stop. He didn’t quit. He didn’t have a pity party (as I am prone to do!). He didn’t gripe. He didn’t write a hateful letter to them, or begin slandering them to his followers. What an amazing example Christ is! I’ll never be exactly like Christ, because I can never be perfect. But Jesus certainly gives me something to shoot for! Whether people laugh at me or criticize me, I hope and pray that I will continue working and serving my King. After all, Jesus knows my motives and my heart, and He’s the only one I need be concerned about! He’s the one I need to please- and that will keep me busy for the rest of my days.

Happy Birthday to a Very Special Person!

Valerie Basham

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January 13, 2008

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Dixie with her family: Brice, Courtney, Carrie, Bret and her hubby, Brian.

I just want to wish my best friend, Dixie, a wonderful birthday today. I met her for the first time when I was four years old when my family was living in Hot Springs. Then, I moved to Benton, and we didn’t see each other again until I was about 11. From that time until today she has been a faithful friend to me. She has listened to me, shared her heart with me, prayed for me, encouraged me, helped me, believed in me when no one else did, and most of all, loved me in spite of all my faults and failings.

Dixie,I could never thank you enough for all the joy you have added to my life. Thank you for being my best friend! I hope you have a blessed day and a wonderful year! I miss you, and I love you.

Studying God’s Word

Valerie Basham

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January 12, 2008

I want to read God’s Word everyday. I may not get to blog everyday, and that’s a bummer for me, since I love blogging! However, blogging will always take second place to my own devotional time. I not only want to read God’s Word, but also to study it, to break it down, memorize it, and meditate upon it. Through God’s Word, I can know my Savior like never before. I can read the Bible and walk away and forget it soon thereafter, but studying it helps ingrain His truths into my mind and heart. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Prov. 7:2-3
I want to share these tips for studying God’s Word that I believe are really going to help me this year.

When you’re studying scripture ask yourself these three questions about the passage:
1. Observation: What does it say?
2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
3. Application: What do I do?

The next time I’m studying out a specific book of the Bible, or a topic, I am going to ask myself these questions. I thought this was a concise way to study God’s Word in our daily devotions.

May we know Him better this year than ever before!

Happy reading! :0)

His Love Covered My Sin

Valerie Basham

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January 10, 2008

Prov.10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

I sure am glad that Jesus’ love was available to me. I was never an alcoholic, a thief, or a drug addict, but I was rebellious, selfish and lazy. In God’s eyes, sin is sin. There is no hierarchy of sin. If you have sinned in any way – even if you’ve just told what we call a “white lie” then you are guilty of all! James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Guess what! I’m guilty!

I can recall many times when I failed my parents, and others. I’ve developed an almost automatic response of “I’m sorry!” when something goes wrong! I’ve had to go to lots of people, young and old alike, and apologize – usually for something I’ve said that came out wrong! Not one time has anyone said “No, Valerie, I can’t forgive you.” Everyone has said “It’s okay. I forgive you.” You know, at that moment, when someone forgives me, I just feel like a ton of bricks has been lifted from my shoulders! It’s wonderful! That’s what love will do for you – it covers up your mistakes. It frees you from guilt, anger or resentment.
If you love someone, then you’ll forgive them, you’ll free them from guilt or maybe you’ll only be freeing yourself from the bondage of bitterness. Either way, you win.
Love received – such as Christ’s love – will free you from guilt, sin and an eternity in Hell. Again, it’s a win/win situation.
I recently heard a song called “To Rescue A Sinner Like Me” and man, was it great! I want to get the music for it. The words spoke to my heart. It talks about how unworthy we are and yet Jesus came and died to rescue a sinner like me! Folks, that’s really hard for me to understand, because I know what I am. Yet His love covered my sin.

Praise the Lord.

Lessons from Abram ~

Valerie Basham

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January 9, 2008

Genesis 14:21 -23 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

When I read the above passage earlier this week, it surprised me. The Bible is full of surprises, by the way. No matter how often you read it, you can always find something new in its pages. I had never noticed that Abram turned down the gifts that the King of Sodom had offered him, after he rescued the king and Lot from the hands of Chedorlaomer (please don’t ask me how to pronounce that…I’m sure the way you say it is right).
Abram doesn’t take gifts from the King of Sodom because the King of Sodom was not living right – remember, he was the King of Sodom, not a good place – and Abram did not want that wicked King to receive any praise for what God had done in Abram’s life. Abram only saved the King because Lot was with him, and he loved Lot.
I saw several great things in this passage. First of all, I find it amazing that Abram would save Lot. Lot wasn’t doing right with his life or with his family. Abram certainly was doing right by his. Lot wouldn’t have been in that situation had he not been rubbing elbows with the people of Sodom. But, Abram didn’t get full of pride and say “Well, you created this problem, you deal with it.” No, he went to Lot’s aid, even to the point of risking his life for him. How many times have I wanted to just leave a person in the midst of their problems because I think to myself “Well, they created that mess, so let them deal with it.” Abram sets a different example here. We should love and help everyone, whether the problem is of their own making or not.
I also see that Abram was being careful to see that God received the praise for his life. He didn’t want a wicked king to steal God’s glory because he gave him some little reward for his trouble. I want to be sure that God receives the praise for everything good that happens in my life. It isn’t because I’m so smart, or because I have so much wisdom, or any other reason. It’s because of Jesus. He’s everything He says He is, and so much more. Try Him and see for yourself if you haven’t already.
Also, we see at the end of the story, that God is proud of Abram for his decision to turn down the riches of the world and take God’s riches instead. I make brownies often for my kids. They’re easy. They’re good. So, I make them. I also purchase Chips Ahoy! or Oreos sometimes. After supper, I sometimes offer them a choice: mom-made brownies, or store-made cookies? When they choose the brownies, I am most pleased. They picked what I had made! I feel so happy and useful when they do that. I think that’s how God viewed it too. He was so happy that Abram chose Him, over the world. He was most pleased. “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Gen. 15:1
Wow! That’s pretty good, isn’t it? I hope that I can love others no matter how they live, or how they treat me. I hope that I will always choose to give God first place in all that I do. I want to always deflect any praise I receive back up to the One who deserves it all. Because without Him, I would be nothing.

It’s a Wonderful Life {The Book}

Valerie Basham

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January 8, 2008

I have a great book (no, this isn’t another post about the movie!)to recommend to everyone! It is geared for those serving in full-time or part-time ministry work, but it’s great for anyone! It is called It’s a Wonderful Life (of course, I would love a book with that title, right? ;o) It is written by Terrie Chappell, wife of Dr. Paul Chappell, pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California. My Mom bought it for me, and it has been both convicting, and encouraging. I will probably read it over again, this time marking and highlighting as I go along.
If you need a boost to your spiritual life this year, or just some encouragement that you’re not alone, then please click here and get this book!

Have a wonderful day! :o)

Sharing Some Blessings ~

Valerie Basham

2 comments

January 7, 2008

I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. We got back from our anniversary trip on Friday afternoon, and then Mom had to be at the airport early on Saturday. We also had our first “In Service Saturday” this past weekend, and then, poor Lauren got a stomach virus Saturday night! She is better now, praise the Lord, but still battling a fever. :o( Anyway, without further ado, here are some photos of our San Antonio trip! It didn’t go exactly as planned, because the main thing we wanted to do was ride the boat on the River Walk, but, the River Walk was closed for cleaning until Jan. 11th! I was so disappointed. But I’m trying to look on the bright side…maybe I can come back for my birthday!! 🙂 We still had a great time. We did get to walk along the River Walk (there’s a great mall there where I bought several books at a Brentano’s bookstore!), and we went through the Alamo for the fifth time, but this time, there were no children with us to constantly need something, so it was nice. BTW, if you need to know anything about the Alamo, well, after five trips, I’m your girl! :0) We also went through some museums and enjoyed our wonderful Grand Suite at the Holiday Inn Express! We ate at Olive Garden (YES!) and enjoyed being together. I was torn though, as I also wanted to be able to spend time with my Mom, who was home babysitting. Between getting root canals and my trip, I feel like I hardly saw her. The kids spent lots of quality time with her though!

Me at the River Walk – you can see it’s low from being drained!

Terry at the River Walk

Hello, I’m your Alamo tour guide…just step this way to see a lock of Davy Crockett’s hair!

The sacred Alamo – where over 250 brave men gave their lives for Texas liberty!

Our suite was named in honor of David Robinson – a former Spurs player.
It had two rooms! Here is the living room.

Here I am in the kitchen. The cabinets had real dishes in them!

It was so nice! We had two TVs, a King size bed, and a hot tub! It was heavenly.

Our first In-Service Saturday was a huge success! I went soul winning with Mrs. Caroline, and we got to see a young lady accept the Lord as her Savior! Praise the Lord! I was wanting to at least get to see one person accept Christ this year, and I did on January 5th! I hope that she is the first of many souls saved this year. The people had a great spirit. We had 12 show up to be involved. I made Taco Soup for lunch, and I think it went over well. Thank you to those who are praying for our work here. It has been slow by our time-table, but the Lord has been working according to His schedule, and that’s the best timing of all!

As I was out visiting, I couldn’t help but be heart broken over some of the situations we encountered. So many folks are wealthy, but unhappy. Some are so poor, and bitter! Some are just trying to survive and are so weary. I have days when I battle depression, but overall, I have a joyful spirit. Why? What’s the difference between my life, and the lives of those listed above? One word: Jesus. Jesus makes all the difference. Now, some people get saved, but continue in sin or refuse to grow. They are not letting Jesus have all of them. When you trust Him for salvation, and give Him your life here and now, He will do great things!

What is the difference between me and the beggar on the street? Jesus.

What is the difference between my home, and a broken home? Jesus.

What is the difference between an alcoholic and me? Jesus.

What is the difference between my marriage and an unhappy one? Jesus.

What is the difference between my soul and a lost soul? Jesus.

Jesus has given me all I have. I can’t take credit for not being a beggar, or an alcoholic, or divorced or anything. I am not in those situations because of Jesus. He makes all the difference.

Our 10th Anniversary Celebration

Valerie Basham

3 comments

January 3, 2008

Hello everybody!
I just wanted to write and tell you that I will be leaving for San Antonio tomorrow. My husband and I are going to be spending two days and one night in the beautiful home of the River Walk!! I am really excited about it! We haven’t been alone overnight in 7 years!
I will be taking my camera, so I hope to have some photos to share with you on Friday or Saturday.
I would appreciate your prayers for us as we travel, and that we will be able to enjoy our time alone to the fullest! By the time I get used to it being just the two of us, we’ll be back home again! But that’s okay. I will be glad to get away for a while, and I’ll be glad to get back home! I am looking forward to a time of refreshment!
Oh, and please pray for my Mom, as she will be caring for the little Bashams while we are away!
Thank you for your support, prayers and friendship.

Your servant in the hill country ~

Valerie

My Love Story – Ten Years Later

Valerie Basham

2 comments

January 2, 2008

Terry and Valerie in Florida 2004

Terry and Valerie 2007

It was all I could do to walk away that cold January night. I headed for my car, staring at the dark concrete as I walked, tears stinging my eyes, wanting to turn back, but refusing. I knew that those first steps would be the hardest. I was walking away from a one year relationship with a guy that I thought consciously – but knew better subconsciously – would be my future husband. I did not admit to myself that I had “pushed” the relationship along the entire year. I had suggested that we go do “so and so”. I had asked if he would call. I had done almost everything for both of us. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want that. I wanted a guy that wanted me. But who would want me? Finally, the day came when I had to admit he wasn’t the one. He had been drinking. He had another girlfriend in another town. He was doing drugs. This relationship was turning into a nightmare. It was over. I knew I deserved better, but truthfully, I had zero faith that I would get anyone, much less anyone better. After our break up, he left our small college and headed for the hills, where he could party undisturbed by my “ideas” for another date.

I spent my teen years in an active youth group. We had several guys in our church, and they dated every girl in church, well every girl except me. I had only had a few long-distance relationships. When would some guy -that lived around there- want to date me? All my friends were not only seriously dating someone, but two were married!

Then, I met Terry. Well, I met him at teen camp when we were 15, but at 18, he came to my church’s college. He had also dated every girl in church – but me! (Do we see a pattern here?) He had been living a worldly life shortly before I broke it off with that guy. Terry came forward in church one night, crying and asking our church to forgive him. We did. That was that. He stayed in college. He kept going. That guy, didn’t. He quit.

Terry came to me one night after church and told me he was “crazy about me”. Okay. Right. I may be blond, people, but I’m not dumb. I had seen all the broken hearts he had left behind, and I had just been through that myself – I wasn’t about to do it again. I was preparing to leave for a Bible college in northern Indiana. I had had it with small churches and my hometown. I was moving on to bigger and better things…I thought.

Terry sent me a rose to work the next day with a note that read “Since you don’t believe me, I’ll convince you.” It was unsigned, but I knew who had sent it. I was reeling. This was what I wanted! Someone who wasn’t afraid to win me. That was the end of February,1997. And let me tell you, convince me he did! He had his work cut out as I am very stubborn! He had to win my Dad over, as well as me! Dad wasn’t too fond of any guys at our church after what that guy had done. Terry prayed and worked very hard at winning me. Our first date was April 25,1997. We got lost! We finally made it to the restaurant. It was, well, it was exactly how I envisioned a date to be. After all, this was my first date! Well, the first date that I hadn’t organized! ;o) We dated “steadily” from then on. We were soul mates. It was obvious to us, but I will admit that at 19, you’re still very immature!!!

He purposed marriage to me on Sept. 11, 1997. We were married January 2, 1998. He has not been perfect, but then, neither have I. We have our ups, and our downs. Life has hurled many trials our way. Some trials our closest friends don’t even know about. But through it all, God’s love has led us. And through all my faults and failures, Terry’s love has been there – waiting for me, and winning me all over again! He’s a wonderful husband, he’s my best friend. He’s a great leader. He’s a tender hearted soul winner. He’s an honorable man and loving father. Every quality I looked for in a husband, he has it and more!

I love you, Terry. Thank you for wanting me. Thank you for convincing me. Thank you for 10 exciting years.

Terry and Lauren with her new doll, Christmas 2007

(She named the doll Elsa)

Terry and Mitchell shooting his BB gun.

Terry and Leslie with her broken arm. 😦

Terry with Leslie and Laci

A New Year, a New Me!

Valerie Basham

1 comment

January 1, 2008

I absolutely love the New Year! I hope all of you had a fun New Year’s Eve. I did. I was reading in bed when the new year was rung in by millions the world over…it was perfect! Of course, if you read my post from yesterday, you know that I had a root canal done on the last day of 2007. I thought it was great. I am sore today though, but I’m not complaining! :o)
I want to share with you some of my goals for 2008. Do you set goals or make resolutions? I should set up a poll asking that question. I love doing that every year. Even when I don’t come close to achieving my goals, I feel better because I tried!
This is the month that fitness clubs, Weight Watchers, Slim-Fast and the like push to get people to join and/or buy their weight loss products. Their motto is usually “A New Year, A New You!” or something along those lines. Now, I was made a “new creature” when I was saved on June 12, 1993. I will not be really “new” until I get to Heaven and get my glorified body. If you are not sure of your salvation, then start 2008 as a child of God. Here’s the four step plan:
1. Realize that all are sinners. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2. Realize that your sin demands a price. Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death;
3. Realize that Jesus paid that price for YOU!! Romans 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
4. Realize that you must receive Him. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
If you believe what the Bible says, and believe that Jesus truly did die to save you, then you can call upon Him today and He will save you. And it’s not just a salvation for today, it’s for eternity. Remember, it isn’t works plus Jesus, or being good plus Jesus, it’s all Jesus! Won’t you trust in Him alone to save you today? It will be the best decision you make all year.

Even though I’ll never be truly “new” on this earth, I do strive to start fresh and new every year. I set goals for the year, and then I set goals for the month and smaller goals for the week, and so forth. I love making lists and checking them off!! I’ll list my resolutions here and, Lord willing, I can let you know on December 31st, 2008 (If I’m not getting another root canal!) how I did on reaching my goals.

1. Read and study my Bible more this year than ever before.
2. Read at least 10 books.
3. Exercise at least 3 times a week. (Maybe even lose 10 lbs.!)
4. Lead at least one person to the Lord, but as many as God will allow me to. Be more faithful at my soul winning efforts.
5. Be more long-suffering with my children. (This is a sugar coated way of saying “CONTROL MY TEMPER!”)
6. Work at being creative at home, with school and with Super Church.
7. Go to God for my needs or desires, before concocting my own plan to achieve them.
8. Take my worries to Christ, instead of my husband.
9. Find ways to ease my husband’s ministry or work load. Be a better help- meet to him.
10. Be a more loving wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, niece, teacher and friend. I want to find unique ways to show my love for the above relationships.

Whether or not you make resoultions, you have been given another year. You made it through 2007! Praise the Lord! 2008 stretches out before us, fresh and empty. How will we fill the pages of this year’s calendar? Will we waste soul winning opportunities? Will we fight and bicker with our loved ones? Will we let another year go without really seeing any change in our walk with God? (and no one has arrived in this area!) Let’s not let 2008 go by without giving it our all!

I wish you all a happy and productive 2008!!