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A Willing Heart

Valerie Basham

October 13, 2011

Ex. 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

This verse stood out to me today. The word “willing” is used six times in this chapter in reference to people bringing their gifts or offering their service to the Lord as they built the Tabernacle. The phrases “wise hearted” and “whose heart stirred him up” are used twice. I’m thinking there is a lot to be said for a “willing heart”, and our hearts are powerful if they can “stir us up”. Everyone has a willing heart for something. People who are good at their jobs are that way because they are simply “willing” to do a good job, and it shows! Kids who do well in school, do so because they are “willing” to give their best and study. People who are great at playing the piano were willing to spend hours sitting at one, practicing. Their willingness to sacrifice their time is the reason they can make it look so easy.

Have you noticed that people do what they want to do? I recently received a lovely necklace with matching earrings from my sister-in-law. She made them herself! I absolutely love the gift, and I admire her skill! She used her talent for me because she wanted to. I didn’t ask her to. I didn’t expect her to. She was willing to do it and I’m so blessed because of it.

It’s true in our Christian life, too. We read our Bible every day because we want to. We submit to our husbands because we want to. We go to church, serve in some capacity, witness, and on and on only because we want to. No one can (nor should they have to) make us live for the Lord. We should be willing to do it. Christ died for me, the least I can do is live for Him. Am I where I want to be in my walk with God? No way. But I’m working to become better, because I want to.

I’m not sure how many folks in Israel were unwilling to bring an offering or do some service for the tabernacle. Moses doesn’t mention them. If we want to make our life count, if we want to be remembered, then we must give and serve willingly.

“Willingness” is the only difference between a cold, lukewarm, or hot Christian. I’m doing a “willing heart” checkup on myself today. How ’bout you?

Matthew Helps Out :)

Valerie Basham

2 comments

October 12, 2011

I captured a sweet moment on video and wanted to share it with friends and family. Mitchell does the after lunch dishes/kitchen cleanup (Lauren does breakfast). Well, Mitchell has been training a helper! At only 14 months, Matthew is learning to help out, in his own sweet way. 🙂 I could watch these over and over, for before I know it, Matthew will be as big as Mitchell! I’m treasuring these precious, fleeting days. ♥

More from Psalms

Valerie Basham

1 comment

October 12, 2011

I felt compelled to begin reading Psalms. About a week ago, that’s what I did. I’m also reading Matthew, Isaiah and Exodus. I usually don’t begin a new book until I’ve finished one, but my soul yearned for the comfort of Psalms so I gave in. I have enjoyed it so much. David has ups and downs, struggles and victories. He pours his heart out to the Lord time and time again, and always comes away changed. Terry and I often discuss our “Davidic moments”. In our family, that phrase refers to when we start out our quiet time or our day heavy-hearted, ready to quit, questioning God’s plan but end up joyful, encouraged, and with increased faith. How does this change take place? GOD! As we read His word and, like David, pour out our hearts before Him, He changes us. Not our circumstances, but us.

If you don’t already have a quiet time scheduled in your day to read God’s Word and pray, I encourage you begin now. It doesn’t have to take a long time, 15 minutes or more, if you have it. Something is better than nothing. 🙂

Here are some verses that blessed me today.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Oh how I needed to be reminded that joy will come!)

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Hallelujah! I need “strengthening”!)

Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thous shalt preserve me from trouble; thous shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. (I’m running to my “Hiding Place” today.)

Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. (I need mercy…desperately.)

I’m so thankful for His Word!

Letterhead Giveaway! {Closed}

Valerie Basham

17 comments

October 12, 2011

Do you have your own business? Needing stationery for a ministry? Or, perhaps you’d just like to write letters in style? If any of the above apply to you, then I have a GIVEAWAY for YOU! I’ve been contacted by UPrinting and given the opportunity to award one winner the following prize:

500 pcs. Letterheads for One (1) winner 5.5” x 8.5″

                70lb Offset
                Front Only Printing
                4 Business Days Print Turnaround Time
                *Free Shipping
                Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only
UPrinting is one of the leading printing companies that specializes in various printing services including letterhead.Visit UPrinting.com for more of their services and for more Letterhead design ideas.
How to enter:

Leave a comment saying you wanna enter! Please, leave a name on anonymous comments. If you have trouble commenting, email me using my contact page.

Like their Facebook page.

Follow them on Twitter.

Let me know in a comment which things you do. Each one is worth one entry. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 17. I must have winner’s information no later than Wednesday,October 19.

**FTC Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive letterhead printing service by hosting. Please visit UPrinting.com for available letterhead design and for more details.

Psalm 27:11,13-14

Valerie Basham

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October 11, 2011

Ps. 27:11 Teach my thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Today’s verses encouraged me so much. I just want to dissect them a bit, and share how they blessed me.

“lead me in a plain path” – I’ve always loved this verse. David asks God for a plain, or clear, path. Not an easy path, not a fun path or a path to wealth and fame, but clear. David doesn’t want to have any doubt that he’s headed in the direction in which God wants him to go. That is my prayer, also. I hate “ambiguous”. I like “obvious”. 🙂

“I had fainted, unless I believed” – Sometimes, our faith and belief that God is working is all we have. We can’t see Him working. Sometimes, I wonder if He even hears my prayers or knows I’m still alive. Then, the Holy Spirit inside me reminds me that feelings can be wrong. I must trust Him, even when I can’t see evidence that He is here.Because He is.

“to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” – I often feel encouraged that one day, when I die, I’ll be in heaven! Hallelujah! I’ll be with the Lord forever and ever! No pain, no sorrow, no tears, no goodbyes, no sin!! But, David says he believed that the he’d see God’s goodness in the land of the living. That means, on earth, while he’s still alive. I believe I’ll see God’s blessings now. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. As long as I’m alive, I must believe I’ll see the Lord’s goodness. I know I will after I die. It’s nice to know it while I’m still breathing, too.

“Wait on the LORD” – Waiting is very hard to do for me. I’m an instant gratification kind of girl. But waiting is good for me, and, it’s necessary. Not waiting would mean not following God’s plan. Bleck.

“be of good courage, and he will strengthen thine heart” – It sounds pie in the sky, doesn’t it? Like something I’d say to my four year old to stall her. But, it’s true. Just recently I’ve discovered that if I wait on the Lord and boldly face situations where it would be easier just to run, I get strength. Not enough to last all month or all week, but enough to last all day. Then, the next day, I get more, and so on. Before I know it, I’ve made it, not just a week, but a month or more.

“wait, I say, on the LORD.” – Repetition. Because I’m hard headed and stubborn.

God is good, even when life is bad.

My Mother, My Friend

Valerie Basham

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October 10, 2011

Today is a very special day for our family. Today is my wonderful mother’s birthday! My Mom has always been a hard worker – both in the workplace and at home. She managed, by God’s grace, to be a success both in her career and in her home. I remember hearing preachers say that women were supposed to stay at home with their children. I remember how my mother always said, “That’s right. Valerie, when you have children, stay at home with them! Don’t ever start working because if you do, it will be very hard to stop. You become dependent on the extra income.” I listened to her. I’ve never worked outside of my home, but I try to work just as hard at home as she did.

My Mom would tell you that she’s fallen short of the mark of “perfect mother”, but I would disagree. I learned from Mom that when a child feels loved and needed, it doesn’t matter whether the meals on the table are homemade from scratch, or Hamburger Helper. It doesn’t matter if the home is decorated beautifully or looks simple and clean. It doesn’t matter if a child has a multitude of toys or just a few. No material possessions or tangible elements can make a child feel loved. That comes from the parents and from the spirit of the woman. I’m trying to duplicate her spirit, but I often fail in my attempts.

My mom, no matter how tired she was at the end of the day, always had time to listen to me talk about my heartaches, problems, or fears. She always had time to care. Around the dinner table, we enjoyed each other’s company. I hardly recall the meals we consumed, but I do remember the wonderful conversations we shared, and the smiling faces around our table. I don’t remember most of the Christmas gifts or birthday presents I got over the years, but I remember vividly feeling loved each year and wanting time to stand still, for just a moment, so that I could take it all in and savor it.

Even today, I know I can call my mom and share a need with her and she will try to help in some way. I know she prays for me every day. I know she will listen to me, and she still has time to care about me.

I’m so thankful to have a mother who has worked so hard to give me the life I have. She has lived God’s Word and stayed true to Him regardless of what has happened in her life. Whenever I want to quit serving God, I think of Mom and Dad. They wouldn’t quit when problems came, they would claim God’s promises and keep going. So I will, too.

Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for being such a great Mom and a wonderful friend. I love you so very much.

New Strength

Valerie Basham

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October 10, 2011

Is. 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I’ve heard this verse quoted and even sung most of my life. I’d say it’s right up there with Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28 in the popularity department. But, most of my life, I really didn’t know what it meant.I used to think, “Of course you have strength when you’re just waiting! Who’s doing anything when they’re waiting?” I pictured someone sitting on the sidelines of a ball game, waiting.

But, in the Christian life, there is no such thing as just sitting on the sidelines. Or, there shouldn’t be. All Christians are to be busy while we wait upon the Lord’s return. A Christian should be busy praying, reading and studying God’s Word, caring for our families and teaching our children the Bible, witnessing to friends and family, helping others, and serving in our churches just to name a few. This can get exhausting! Especially when you’re waiting on the Lord to send a blessing; to make your efforts bring forth fruit. Because, only God can save someone or help someone to grow in knowledge of Him.

Tick tock, tick tock…when? When will He send His blessings? I’ve been waiting on the Lord for some time now. I have had so many lonely days when my spirit was restless and I was ready to give up. Then, just recently, I realized that I hadn’t given up. In fact, I seem to have more enthusiasm, not less. I have some hope, even if it’s not much. I feel like I have my “second wind”; I feel good! Have circumstances improved? Not really. Has God sent that blessing I’m waiting for? Well, not yet, but I think He will soon! Then, I remembered this verse, and I realized that, like all of God’s Word, this part is true, too. If I wait, if I stay busy for Him, He will renew my strength and help to keep running, to keep walking, to keep going, for Him.

Thank you, Lord, for the trials. Thank you for the strength to carry on.

Counting Down the Days!

Valerie Basham

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October 9, 2011

Seven months ago, a very good online-slash-telephone friend called me and invited me to speak at the ladies conference she hosts every year. I was shocked! I am not a speaker. A writer, sort of; a talker, definitely, but a speaker, NO WAY! I’ve never spoken at an event before (other than a few ladies Bible studies) and am very nervous at the thought of doing so. Because this is not something I sought out for myself, I felt this must be something God wants me to do. If He opens up an opportunity for me, I don’t want to tell Him no.

But…I’m still nervous! 🙂

It all takes place on Oct.21-22 (Fri, & Sat.) at First Baptist Church in Sauk Village, Illinois, near Chicago. They are flying me in for this meeting, so please pray that I will be a blessing. I don’t want them to feel they’ve wasted a cent of the Lord’s money on me. I am speaking at three sessions: a main session, a session to teen girls and a session on homeschooling. I have made notes and feel somewhat prepared, but I know that the most important thing I could have is the Lord’s power. I want to be a blessing and an encouragement, but I’m so aware that I am nothing. HE must increase, and I must decrease!

The theme is “Joy for the Journey” and I certainly am joyful at the opportunity to be used in any capacity for the Lord.

If you’re in the Chicago area, I’d love to meet you! For information please contact me. If you think of it, please pray for the meeting. Thank you so much!

11 days and counting! 🙂

Beginning Again

Valerie Basham

1 comment

October 7, 2011

Psalm 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the mediation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.

As I read this Psalm this morning, my heart cried out in agreement with David’s words! Oh how I want to cleansed from “secret faults” or sins that I am unaware that I’m committing. In fact, I want the Lord to make me aware of them. I want to cease all sin, if it is possible to do so.

I also do not want to give in to the presumptuous sins, the ones I know I’m committing. There are times each month when it is easy for me justify a bad temper or ill nature. I don’t ever want to justify sin. I can also justify harsh words sometimes, by saying “I was provoked! It’s so-and-so’s fault!” But the truth is, it is my fault when that happens. I control my tongue, not so-and-so.

Psalm 19:14 is my husband’s life verse and it should be mine, also. 99.9% of the sin I commit is either thinking bad thoughts or saying hurtful words. I want to defeat that sin, but I can only do so with the Lord’s help. May all the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart to be acceptable to the Lord. What is it they say? “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”?

I begin -again – today.

Encouragement from the Lord

Valerie Basham

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October 6, 2011

Is. 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Ps. 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in the presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

What a blessing to be reminded today that the Lord is with me, and He will increase my strength just when I need it. He will direct me on this road of life. I have not felt well for several days. My allergies and asthma are really giving me fits. When I do feel well, I also feel “drugged” from the cold medicine I’m taking. I am thankful that the Lord will increase my strength when I’m faint, both physically and spiritually. When I feel ill physically, it’s hard to concentrate on His Word and glean what I need from it. I’m so thankful that when I’m weak, when I’m weary, He will uphold me and keep me going.