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Say Cheese!

Valerie Basham

April 12, 2012

Here are a few candid shots from that last few weeks (maybe months?) at our house. I should warn you, this post will be most appreciated by those related to us.

Consider yourself warned. 😉

I asked him to smile and he put up his dukes! Here he is in my sneakers!

Okay, more normal face here.

Matthew is walking our new dog…she looks familiar, doesn’t she?

C’mon, puppy!

Mitchell’s always good to bring me flowers, just like his dad would do when we were dating. He loved the way the leaves looked on this one!

Two more lovely roses from one of my guys. 🙂

Matthew cracked us up when he wanted his tennis shoes on as soon as he got up! He was still in his jammies! He’s snacking on some dry cereal while his oatmeal was cooking.

“Hey, I gotta be ready to run at any time!”

I cropped this from one of our Easter photos, that’s why it’s blurry. They just had the cutest expressions, and everyone else was looking away.

Terry was using tools to repair our couch a few nights ago. Matthew found a screwdriver and thought the freezer needed a tune up. I’m glad he put on the right shoes for the job – his Sunday dress shoes, no socks, with shorts! That’s my boy!

“Yep, almost done, Mom, and it’ll be good as new!”

Thanks for reading!

Leslie and Lauren

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 11, 2012

After Mitchell made his soup, it was Leslie’s turn to pick something to make with mom. She chose a recipe from the family favorite list, Ritz chicken! Here are some photos of her at work:

Concentrating.

Time for the sour cream!

Everybody’s favorite part – Ritz crackers! 🙂

Tada! It was yummy!

Oh, yeah, and she lost a tooth!

When Lauren’s turn rolled around, she decided to make her chocolate chip cookies and add walnuts this time. They were *very* good. Too good. Her mother ate too many! 🙂

I forgot to get her picture while she was working! She is such a pro, I just leave her to make, bake and cleanup! She’s such a help to me.

Small Story, Big Lesson

Valerie Basham

1 comment

April 10, 2012

We probably all know the story of Zacchaeus, the wee little man. How he climbed a Sycamore tree. How Jesus came by and told him to come down. How they ate together and Zacchaeus got right with his fellow man, by restoring four fold that which he had stolen. *Yawn* I must have heard the story a hundred times.

But today as I read this story to my first grader for our Bible time, I was moved to tears. I believe it was the Holy Spirit using this story at this time to strengthen me.

You see, I’m little. Not in stature, perhaps, I’m about average in height. But I’m little in the eyes of humanity. In fact, I’m nothing! I’m a mere speck on this planet in which we live! Zacchaeus was an important man in his town, but when he thought about how he looked to God, he realized just how small he was! Isn’t that the truth? Bill Clinton and Bill Gates inspire admiration and praise on Earth, but God just yawns at them!

I don’t think Zacchaeus expected Jesus to notice him. Zacchaeus climbed a tree. He probably imagined that Jesus would walk past him below, blessing those who thronged Him, talking to those who were outgoing, smiling at the humorous and listening to the intelligent. He would watch Jesus, as He got farther and farther away until he vanished from sight. He would wonder, “Did I just lay my very eyes on the Son of God? Wow! That was the Son of GOD!” He would go home, feeling the same as when he first entered the crowded street. And that would be that.

But Zacchaeus didn’t know Jesus! Jesus already knew him! Jesus looked away from the bold, the humorous and the intelligent ones around him and saw the man, Zacchaeus, up in a tree! Perhaps the shock of being noticed in a tree caused Zacchaeus to blush or duck behind a branch, I don’t know. But Jesus noticed this man who was so desperate to just look at the Lord, that he climbed a tree to do so! He saw the man that didn’t have the stature, and perhaps the courage, to get close to Savior of the world. But Jesus saw Zacchaeus. Jesus knew what to say, even if Zacchaeus didn’t. Jesus wanted to meet Zacchaeus, and Jesus changed him forever.

How often do I have the same low expectations of my Lord? “God’s busy helping that pastor of the huge church right now, he can’t help me.” I think to myself. Or, the Lord is occupied blessing the people in the eastern part of the U.S. right now, He can’t be bothered with my problems in my area. And I expect nothing. I muddle through, reading God’s Word, but not claiming it, praying prayers, but not believing that anything will change.

It was as though the Lord said to me through this story, “I see you, Valerie. You think you’re a nothing, and to the world, you are nothing, but to me, you are something – you are my child!”

I come before His presence today so thankful. I’m thankful that He saw a little girl from Hot Springs, Arkansas, who talked too much, wiggled a lot, disobeyed often and sought attention; He saw all of that and still wanted me! He said, “You don’t have to be anything great to be worthy of my love.” And from the moment I trusted Christ, I have never been the same!

Just as Zacchaeus changed his behavior, so have I. I want to be careful with my words, I want watch my quick temper, I want to stay in the background, and most of all, I just want to obey. And when I fail (everyday), I go to Him, and He sees that I’m different, He helps me and He forgives me. He gives me the strength to get up and keep going.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my thoughts. I was excited to about this reminder of a little man and God’s great love! I already received encouragement this morning in my regular daily Bible reading, so this blessing truly exceeded my expectations! But then, that’s how the Lord works! He is able, and often does, exceeding abundantly more than we ask or think! (Eph. 4:20)

And I give Him all the glory!

With love,

Chicken Riddle Soup

Valerie Basham

no comments

April 10, 2012

Several weeks ago now, Mitchell chose to prepare Chicken Riddle Soup for our enjoyment, and enjoy it we did! What’s the riddle, you ask? Why did the chicken cross the road? To get a cup of soup! 🙂 This is another recipe from our Pampered Chef Kids in the Kitchen cookbook. Mitchell had a good time making our dinner. He learned some helpful chopping skills…with a watchful mother breathing down his neck. And taking pictures. 🙂

Chopping carefully.

Peeling carrots.

Stirring and smiling!

Dee-lish!

Ingredients:
1 small onion
2 medium carrots
2 celery stalks
2 tbs. snipped parsley (I used dried flakes)
3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, about 3 breast halves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 garlic clove (I used 1 tsp. garlic powder)
2 pkgs. chicken flavor ramen noodle soup
5 cups water

Directions:

Peel carrots and chop carrots and celery into 1/4 inch thick slices. Chop onion into small chunks. Snip parsley with kitchen shears.
Rinse chicken under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towels. Working over the cutting board, use kitchen shears to cut chicken into small cubes.
Lightly spray 4 qt. casserole or large sauce pan with baking spray. Heat pan over medium high heat 3 minutes. Add chicken cubes, onion, salt, pepper. Press garlic into pan using garlic press. Cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
Stir in carrots, celery, seasoning packets from ramen noodles and water. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
Break noodles into small pieces and stir into simmering soup. Increase heat to medium and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Just before serving, stir in parsley.

Don’t worry, my son also works in the yard, fixes the van with his dad and hauls heavy objects to the trash. But even the manliest of men have to eat, right? This is simply an effort to teach my children (including the boys) some valuable life skills, try new recipes and spend quality time with them. And I love killing three birds with one stone!

If I were to kill birds, that is. Not Cardinals. Or Mocking Birds. Maybe a raven or something. Okay. I’m done.

Over and out.

Matthew Plays Dead

Valerie Basham

no comments

April 9, 2012

I’m so very behind on sharing things here, but in an effort to catch up, I’m sharing this little video of Matthew. My kids have taught him to play dead after being “shot”. He also does it on command! He is growing up so fast, just as the others are, and learning more and more each day. He has added the words “all gone” and “down” to his vocabulary, albeit they are still hard to understand, unless you’re his “mama”. He helps me with putting laundry in the dryer and putting groceries away, and he empties the small trash can in my room without being told! It’s so cute to see him carry it to the larger kitchen trashcan and dump the contents and then carry it back. He’s a joy to our whole family, that’s for sure.

I hope you enjoy this little clip. 🙂

He Lives!

Valerie Basham

1 comment

April 9, 2012

Our family attends church every time the doors are open, but Resurrection Sunday is a special day to remember the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am always happy to see people in church, but I hope that you are not depending upon church attendance, baptism or good works to take you to Heaven. If you have any doubts about this urgent matter, please go HERE for more information on how you can know you will be in Heaven someday. Also, feel free to email me if I may be of service to you, just click on my contact page above.

He took our place on that cross so that we could be spared the misery of eternity in Hell. What a thought! It reminds me of that lovely song “O What a Savior!” He is that, and so much more!

Happy Resurrection Sunday, from me and my family!

The Birthday

Valerie Basham

3 comments

April 7, 2012

This year, my birthday fell on a Sunday (March 25). Because of that, my husband wanted to celebrate it on the Saturday before. He hired a babysitter and took me out to Olive Garden for lunch! We both enjoyed salad, a bowl of potato soup, and we got those miniature versions of their desserts! And I didn’t eat a single bread stick! 🙂 After we ate, we visited Books-a-Million, Best Buy, Bath and Body Works and a few other stores in the mall. God gave me 70 degree temps and sunny, clear blue skies to enjoy! Terry took the kids shopping for gifts for me, but they wanted to wait until my real birthday to give them to me.

The next day, the Lord gave me another beautiful day! I awoke and went through my morning routine as usual, but not feeling quite right. I thought it was just stress and blew it off. Terry told the kids we’d all go out for a meal at the Chinese buffet for lunch and they would give me their gifts after that. Well, by the time we all got to church, I was feeling worse. I went to the nursery for Sunday School with Matthew like I always do. We sing some Bible songs and then he just plays. If he’s quiet, I can listen to my husband’s lesson over the speaker. I sat in the recliner, still not feeling the best. Suddenly, a situation erupted in Sunday school that was very stressful. I could hear it all over the speaker! I felt ill, but then, I was feeling ill before, so…was it emotional or physical? I started praying, and I prayed and prayed and prayed. I was so achy after Sunday school that it was all I could do to put Matthew in my lap for the morning service (we didn’t have a worker for that service in the nursery, so I had him stay with me). As soon as church started, I started shivering and feeling achier. A kind lady in our church offered to stay with Matthew in the nursery. She saw he was getting fidgety and, in a small congregation, that’s a big distraction! I was so thankful that she did this, because I was going to have to go home, I was too weak to handle him. I had my five year old snuggle up to me for warmth, but that didn’t help much. I have no idea what was preached that morning – my heart was broken as well as my body. I managed to carry our Bibles and my purse home, which isn’t far, but it felt far that day! Usually, my husband and I walk home together, but I was so sick, I just left alone. I changed my clothes and lay down. I think the kids were home by this time, I’m not sure. Lauren took Matthew for me, which was so helpful. When Terry came in, I had a high fever and was covered with several blankets.

The kids were disappointed to have to have sandwiches instead of Chinese, but they were also worried about me. They came in and checked on me often. They really wanted to give me their gifts, so I propped up on pillows and they quietly brought them in to me. They gave me my own pair of purple ear buds, a purple magnetic pencil can (to put on the fridge) and a box of my favorite candy! I had several sweet cards from loved ones and friends to open, and those words were just what I needed! The children sang “Happy Birthday” to me – it was prettier than a symphony to me! I had the best birthday party ever – right from my bedside.

I couldn’t make the Sunday evening service, so Lauren stayed home to watch Matthew and help me if I needed it. Again, what a blessing my twelve year old is! Thank you, Lauren, for loving your mother and showing it.

That night, around 2 AM, the stomach flu hit me! I spent the next day in bed, and two days after that fighting it, even though I was up and around by that time. Finally, on Thursday of that week, I felt better. My appetite was off for a while longer, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing! I’ve still not eaten a single piece of the candy the kids gave me – it doesn’t sound good anymore! 😦

When it was all over, I realized how happy I was, and that surprised me! I had the worst birthday ever, and the best! I had my heart broken, my body broken, but I felt happy! The Lord was using this to show me that I’m growing, I’m learning, and that’s just what He wants me to do. In years’ past, I would have inwardly grumbled, and maybe outwardly complained, about these problems. While I was sad about the events, I was also joyful. I know, that doesn’t make sense, unless you’re a child of God, and then you understand. Not too long before this, I’d asked the Lord to help me be sweet, not cynical from our trials. I believe He is helping me with that. I do feel joyful! I am doing what God says to do in 2 Tim. 2:3, I’m enduring hardness. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that. Actually, a few months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that! I can see some growth! My hearts’ desire is to keep growing, but I know Satan (and others) would love it if I digress. With God’s help, I will continue to move forward in my Christian life.

I am now a year older, and feeling better than I did a year ago! This year, God gave me a very special gift from Heaven. He showed me that life doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be wonderful. ♥

Comfort

Valerie Basham

5 comments

April 4, 2012

I have so much to share, and yet, so little time these days! God has been lovingly guiding me and helping me in a very special way the past few weeks. I’ve endured more heartache, but somehow I’m managing things better! In fact, the trial no longer feels like a “valley”. Instead, it feels like I’m out of the valley, climbing up a mountain! Jagged rocks, steep inclines, snakes, bees, dirt falling in my eyes, sweat dripping, striving for each and every motion as I struggle upward the side of a very steep cliff. And, I’m doing it! I’m making it up despite the turmoil, despite the difficulty. The Lord is cheering me on through His word and pointing to the place where I should move next as I go. He says, “Go to this rock here. Now bring your right foot up there, now steady! hold on! Move your other hand to this branch and grab it.” I follow His directions and through Him, I’m making slow, but certain, progress.

Today, I read the book of Ruth. I thoroughly enjoy love stories, especially true to life ones! Ruth is one of the best ones in the Bible. I jotted down several encouraging verses and thoughts. One of the verses was a familiar one and extremely encouraging:

Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

I love that! I love thinking about that! I am under God’s wings! He is protecting me! What a comfort that is! I put my thoughts on this verse to a little poem:

Snuggle me, Father, under your wings,

Calm the dull ache in me.

Show me the wonder of commonplace things,

From fear and stress set me free!

~VCB

It’s true – I often worry and fret over things. I hate it, and I know it’s wrong, but it’s also become a habit! The Lord has freed me from these emotions lately, though. He is giving me the victory day by day.

I’d love to share some photos and tell you about my very eventful birthday, but it’s time to run along and begin my day. Thank you for reading! I hope to see you soon!

Learning

Valerie Basham

2 comments

March 16, 2012

Every time I experience a trial, I always see lessons the Lord is teaching me. This time is no different. I am learning several things, one of which is to rejoice with those who rejoice.(Rom. 12:15) My dad used to say that misery loves company, and I’ve found that to be true. I want to mope and gripe and feel sorry for myself. And, when I fight those emotions and refuse self pity, I find myself agitated and sad when others have good news to share or when others are happy! That’s not right. I am to obey God’s Word, whether I feel like obeying it or not. He says I should rejoice with those that rejoice – and He doesn’t mean faking it either. It’s easy for me to weep with those who are weeping, but hard to feel happy for others unless I’m already happy.

So that’s it. Hard lesson…and I haven’t arrived, but I’m learning.

Chicken Tacos

Valerie Basham

1 comment

March 16, 2012

I found this recipe on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. I have heard several friends say it was great, and after making it myself, I’d have to agree. Hope you like it, too (if you haven’t yet tried it)!

Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 jar (16 oz.) salsa

Package taco seasoning

small flour tortillas

Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or any other taco toppings you enjoy.

Directions:

Place chicken, salsa and taco seasoning in slow cooker and give it a stir. Cook on high 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. With fork and knife, shred chicken at the end of cooking time. Serve on flour tortillas with other taco toppings. Enjoy! (This makes a lot – great for company!)