Wendy! It's Your Day!!!

It was brought to my attention that today is Wendy Bayne's birthday! Wendy lives in North Carolina. She has been reading my blog since about day one! Thank you, Wendy, for faithfully reading what little I have to say here. It was nice to meet you this past summer. I hope you have had a wonderful day and a blessed year!!

So Much to Praise Him For!

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I am reminded of how much I have for which to be thankful. The Lord meets me every morning at our "spot" and we have such a good time. Some days, I talk more than He does! Other days, I am rendered speechless as I soak up His Word, or as I sit quietly and let the Holy Spirit intercede for me. (Romans 8:26)

As I look back across my life of 30 years, I see how His hand guided me and comforted me. You've already heard more than you would probably like about my Dad's homegoing. You've heard how devastating the loss was for me. But my heavenly Father was there, all the time. He cared. He comforted. There was another tragedy in my family that happened two years after Dad's death. It was a deep wound to me, my husband and children that I won't soon forget. The Lord's comforting hand was there again. He saw my tears. He felt my anguish. He proved Himself faithful again. We have been serving in full time ministry for three years, but we have always been at least part time in the Lord's work for our entire eleven year marriage. We have faced job loss (more than once), financial reversal and stress, sickness and hospital bills and even threats on our lives. Through it all, He was faithful. He never failed me. Ever.
The Lord has not only seen us through hardships, but he has also lovingly blessed and rewarded us far more than we deserve or expect. We moved, rather suddenly, here to Hope last May. The church is letting us use a very nice parsonage. It's the nicest house we've ever lived in. Not only that, but my husband and I both agree that it is exactly what we would look for in a home that we wanted to buy, if we ever had the opportunity to buy one. The church put in a new stove before we moved in and the oven has a delay timer. You can pre-set it to come on at a certain time. I've always wanted an oven like that! They put in a new washer and dryer for us because before we moved, mine had "bitten the dust"! :) In October, the ladies of the church came to me and told me that the church wanted to buy me a new dining room table. My old one had been handed down to me by some family members. I had repainted it every time we added a child. It only had four chairs with it, so we used folding chairs to get us all around it. The men of the church handed me a check and said "Go pick one out that has enough chairs for your whole family." What a blessing! I don't believe any of this is a coincidence. I believe God blesses His people. These blessings are too specific for them to "just happen". God knows us. He knows how to show love better than any human can!
He also provides for His people. We've never missed a meal. Not because we've always had a full pantry, but because God has always provided what we need.
I have lived very far away from family at different times in my life. Each time the Lord gives me a friend, or many friends. He also enables me to get to see my loved ones. Three weeks ago I found out that my older brother, who pastors in Florida, would be coming for Thanksgiving! I haven't seen his family in two years! Not only that, but my sister is coming this week, also! That is just another of God's many blessings. I love my family so much. I'm so thankful to be able to see them again.

I am not as faithful to the Lord as I need to be. I fail Him often. I am happy to tell my church family that I make lots of mistakes. I want to be honest, and real, with others. The Christian life isn't always a time of reaping blessings, but there are benefits every day. (Psalm 68:19) I am thankful that even though I do fail my Lord, He is merciful and loving to me. Even when He must correct me, He does it with love.
I could go on and on praising the the Lord for his goodness to me. I am so unworthy!
Whatever may happen, I have a reason to praise the Lord. I praise Him in the midst of trial because He is in the trial right along with me. He stands beside me. I praise Him in times of blessing because, truly, all blessings come from His hand. As an old song says, "I have so much to Praise Him for!"
Indeed, I do.

Simple Pleasures

My family is rather strange. Yes, we admit it. We are unique; independent. Weird, okay? My family is weird. Putting a fancy word on it doesn't change the result. We don't go mixed swimming, we don't go to dances or the like and we don't go to movies. See? I told you we were weird! Instead, we enjoy "homebody" things. We like talking together, playing games together and of course, eating together! ☺ Since we will be out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided to do something special a little early just for the six of us. I am cooking our Thanksgiving meal tonight!! I enjoy doing things for my family. I only wish I could "go all out" every night for them!
There is one movie that I enjoy watching at this time every year, but I haven't been able to see it in quite a while. I first watched it with my Mom and Dad when I was about 14 years old or so. We all enjoyed it immensely. I had once owned it on VHS, but alas, the tape finally bit the dust. That was about four years ago! I had mentioned to my husband that I had seen this very movie for sale on Amazon.com, but it was almost $20!! I was hoping to save up and buy it for myself at some point.
Well, two days ago, as I was planning things for our family dinner, Terry told me that he ordered my movie! In fact, it wasn't just the movie I had wanted, but it was an entire set! He had found a set of movies that was a better deal. Yippee! I have been eagerly watching for the UPS truck to stop by ever since. I have told the children that after our family meal, we'll pull out "my favorite Thanksgiving movie" and watch it together. They have been grilling me for the title since then, but I wouldn't give in...till today! That's right, I just warmly greeted my UPS lady and received my special gift!!

Here's a hint: DORIS DAY!!! Don'tcha just love Doris Day?? ♥

This is the cover of the entire set which consists of seven movies!

Here they are!! The titles are as follows: Romance on the High Seas; My Dream is Yours; I'll See You In My Dreams (biographical movie of Gus Kahn, the man who composed such hits as "It Had to Be You"; "Pretty Baby" and "Carolina in the Mornin'"); On Moonlight Bay; By the Light of the Silvery Moon; Lucky Me

Can you figure out which one we'll be watching?

Here it is!

This is such a touching story. It is inspired by Booth Tarkington's Penrod stories. I love the way it makes you feel afterwards. It doesn't leave you depressed and "blah" the way some newer movies do. It makes you feel good. It makes you want to have a close-knit family.

Here's the sequel! It is equally good!

And here's the man who made it possible!

My husband and I do not have many material possessions. The ones we do have are not as precious to us as our children. Our dear children are eternal possessions! You can't get better than that! Recently in a sermon, my husband said he couldn't think of anything that he wouldn't give up to help one of his children stay close to God. Some would say we're anti-social. Some would say that because we homeschool and refrain from certain practices, that we are trying to shelter our children too much. We disagree. They see plenty of the outside world as we go soulwinning, as we interact with people in businesses, and in their homes, and so forth. Someday they will be able to go out and forge their own path in the world. Our desire is to prepare them for that day, and then be here when they need us. You would never see our U.S. Military sending a new recruit to Iraq without his first having finished Basic Training! No way! The first thing a soldier learns is how to fight and how to have the highest chance of survival. That's what we're doing with our "new recruits". We're training them rigorously in God's Word and by example. We're trying to teach them the way to have the highest chance of survival in the world.

I'm thankful for my close-knit family. I'm thankful for the simple pleasures.

City Girl Solutions

We recently attended a bonfire at a church member's house. At the bonfire, we did something that I haven't done for years - we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows! DEEE-LISH! I love roasted marshmallow's!! This is something that I, as a city girl, do not get to enjoy too often. While growing up, my Dad would sometimes roast marshmallows for me over the fire in the fireplace. It brings back sweet memories! *sigh*

While purchasing groceries for our Thanksgiving Day meal this past Saturday, I noticed those giant marshmallows in the baking aisle. I picked them up. No, I do not have a fireplace. No, I do not plan on camping out anytime soon. (Although I think it would be nice to do that...once!) I planned on roasting them another way. Below are photos of the experience.

The STAR! Hello, Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows! How have you been? It sure has been a loooong time! You haven't changed a bit.

Yep, you probably already knew where I was going with this. You people are so smart! Anyway, as I was saying, get your strong, handy husband to unwind a wire hanger and snip it down to a small size with wire cutters. Bat your eyelashes and look helpless. (Oh no! Did I just put that on here? I hope he doesn't read this! He'll find out all my secrets...oh well.) Place one - or three! - of those beautiful jet puffed marshmallow's onto the end of the hanger and rotate it over the flame of your gas stove. If you don't have a gas stove, then get out your camping equipment, and hurry! It's getting cold quickly!

If you have a gas stove, wire hanger, and our lovely star ready, then start cookin'! Get ready for that ooey-gooey, mouth watering taste of roasted marshmallows!!

When done properly, (Translation: when done the way you like them. You may like yours charred and black or maybe just barely dimpled. Whatever you like. We want you to have it your way. I'm here to please.) they are nicely browned with only slight blackening. This is what I call "Marshmallow Perfection"!

Next, it's time to clean up! Did you notice all that leftover marshmallow on the tip of your holder? Well, don't lick it off right away, that could result in serious injury! You could let it cool and just wash it, but that's so hum-drum. I have a more exciting method of clean up!

Simply hold your wire hanger (aka, marshmallow holder ) over the flame on your stove. I have no idea why the flame isn't showing in this photo. Probably because I'm using a point-n-shoot camera, or maybe it's because I'm a lousy photographer. Or maybe it's both! Anyway, let it flame up for a second or two.

Once you've held it for a few seconds (Please do not burn your house down.), remove it and let it cool down a moment. Then, take a paper towel and remove the black.

*Disclaimer: Valerie is not responsible for any injuries or home damage that may result from lazy roasting practices. Do not attempt if you are under 18 years of age. Do not attempt if you are accident prone. There. Did I cover all the bases?

Next, take a your SOS pad and....GASP!...I'm out of SOS pads! Okay, don't panic if you don't have SOS pads. Simply use a dishcloth and scrub it a little more with some dish soap.

Voila! You have a clean marshmallow holder, ready for use next time. Which in my case is right about now! (Don't worry if it's a little stained, it won't hurt you, I promise! Just look at me! I'm perfectly normal! :P )

I just wanted to throw this photo in for fun. It's just the sun reflecting on my faucet.

Another item I noticed when I was in the baking aisle recently, was Jet-Puffed Marshmallow's cousin, Marshmallow Creme! At that moment, inspiration hit! I decided to take my favorite cappuccino mix and couple it with Marshmallow creme! The result is a sensational twist on my morning routine! Oh, and go ahead and kill time by photographing inanimate objects. It's a hoot!

At first, Cappuccino would have none of it! He was so offended that I wanted to change him! He asked me, "Am I not good enough?" I explained that it had nothing to do with him, it was me! It was just me and my selfish desire to try something new.

He agreed to talk it through with Creme and try to come to a compromise...for me. I was so touched!

At last, they came to an agreement!! YEA! We've been living in harmony ever since!

Now, I can go on with the rest of my day at peace with myself and the world.

What? I heard that! I know I'm a little crazy and have a little too much time on my hands. You don't need to remind me. (sniff) The fact of the matter is, when you have very little talent, you must grasp at whatever amusements you can find. This one was very cheap (free) and made me laugh. Yes, I know, I need to get out more. You don't have to tell me that, either. Just be easy on me, people. Please? Oh, thank you!

Now, go on out there and be one with your morning beverage!

My Love Story ~ Part Fourteen

I can't believe I've dragged this story out for fourteen chapters, or posts, or whatever you want to call it. I apologize from the depths of my being if this has in any way discouraged you, bored you to tears, or disgusted you in general. Believe me, I understand those emotions, and I sincerely seek forgiveness. Thank you.
If you, however, do not understand what I am talking about, then click here to find out what you haven't been missing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had ended my "relationship" with Terry. It was over. I enjoyed being pursued, for the first time in my life, and I enjoyed the distraction from the pain of ending things with Mike. BUT...I couldn't seriously consider marrying this man! I had spent my entire life of nineteen years in either Hot Springs or Benton, Arkansas, which happened to be only 20 minutes from Little Rock! I was a city girl in every sense of the word! He was raised in the country. He was a preacher's kid, my parents' both worked in the secular world. He hunted deer, and ate them. He fished, and ate them, too. He loved four-wheel-dive vehicles, guns, and boats. I knew nothing about deer, fish, trucks, guns or boats. I only knew about malls, subdivisions - like the one I grew up in- and going to beauty salons. (Not that it did much good, but I always felt better for trying.) For fun, I would go with my Mom on Saturdays to the school where she taught and helped her decorate her bulletin boards. We would eat hamburgers right in her classroom!! (I know! Can you think of anything more fun?) When she became a principal, I would type things for her and roam the halls. It was a very wild life! I realized one night, as I was second guessing my decision, that I had, in fact, done the right thing.I knew opposites attracted, but we were just too opposite! As I looked at him in his black wranglers and his very brightly colored western shirt, all doubt vanished from my mind. I just wasn't a western girl. His Mom told me that he'd always wanted a girl with a pickup truck and a bass boat. That wasn't I!
Terry called me at work the day after our "break up".
"Valerie, why do you think we should just be friends? Did I do something?" He asked me. He didn't sound angry, like he had been the night before.
"No, Terry, you didn't do anything. I just feel....well...."(I hated having this conversation! Didn't he know I had made plans for the next forty years of my life, and he wasn't in them?) "I just feel smothered!" I finally blurted out. "You call me all the time, you leave notes and flowers on my car, and you've already said you loved me! I'm just not ready for that!" I said, with the fire in my voice that he loved.
There was silence.
"I feel like I've just been re-paid for all the girls that I stood up, or broke up with after leading them on." He said. He actually sounded...humble!
"Look, I wasn't leading you on. I really liked you, I still do, but we are so very different! I just don't think it will work. And besides, I'm leaving for college in about two months. There's no way it will work."
We said our goodbyes, and hung up.
Something inside of me said "You might be making a mistake, Valerie." But I ignored it. I knew I'd done the right thing. I'd been making a list of qualities to look for in a future mate since I was twelve years old. He wasn't measuring up to most of them.

During this time, I expected to see him "on the rebound" and get another girlfriend. Two girls made their cases to him in one way or another. I just held my head high and pretended that I was sure of myself.
He didn't sit with anyone else. He didn't even flirt with anyone else! Now, that was something! In the past, he would flash that toothy grin of his in all directions when eligible girls were around. But not now. Whenever I was around him at church, I could feel him watching me.
A week or so passed. I noticed he started dressing better! He actually stopped wearing jeans and western shirts to every church service. He bought regular dress shoes instead of always wearing cowboy boots (and nothing against cowboy boots, I was just pleased to see the variety!). I noticed he ignored the girls who tried to flirt with him. I noticed that now I was watching him. Oh dear.
I started to miss being able to talk to him; to laugh with him. I missed his making fun of me, now that he was good natured about it. I missed his confidence. Okay, I'll admit it, I also missed that "butterfly" feeling I had whenever he was around me. One day, he had me so nervous that after we talked at my car, I pulled away from him in first gear. He leaned back in my window just as I moved forward, and said "Hey, Val, you're in the wrong gear." He then tapped my car and walked away. I looked down, and yep, he was right. He gave me the feeling that if I fell, he'd be there to catch me. I missed that security.
Deep down, I wanted give him another chance. I wasn't sure if I should, though. I talked to my Mom. She didn't know what to do, either. Now, let me just say that this was a new thing to me. My Mom always knew what to do. She had always been able to advise me from some past experience of her own, or tell me some Scripture that would apply. This time, she had nothing. She was stumped! I quickly ran to my room to record this moment in my journal. Okay, I didn't do that! I was just checking to see if you were awake!
"Valerie," Mom said to me while we prepared supper one night, (Translation: Mom made supper while I poured my heart out to her. I think I set the table or something.)"I think you should go talk to Bro. Graham about it. He knows Terry, and his family. Bro. Graham will know what you should do."
"Mom, Bro. Graham will just tell me to do what you say to do! He knows you and Dad are wise people, and he wouldn't want to take a chance on giving me advice that you wouldn't agree with or something." I explained.
"Okay," Mom said, thoughtfully. "Then go to him and say 'My parents don't know what I should do. They told me to do what you say to do.'"
"Okay. I guess it can't hurt to try."
As soon as I could, I cornered Bro. Graham to see if I could get some counsel. He was always so gracious by allowing young, dumb nineteen year olds to corner him! I explained that I had broken it off with Terry,aka, Bumper, and that now I was having second thoughts. I asked him if he thought Terry was sincere in his feelings for me. Bro. Graham said yes, he felt sure that Terry really did care for me.
"What should I do now?" I said, rather desperately. "I ended things with him! My parents said to tell you that they didn't know how to advise me, so whatever you say, goes."
"Well," Bro. Graham said, "Why don't you just talk to him? Or write him a letter?"
"You don't think that would be forward?" I asked. (Remember, I had vowed to never be forward again!)
"No, I don't." He said.
"Okay! I will! I'll write him!" I left his office feeling as though a load had been lifted.

I went home and penned a note to Terry, explaining that I did want to date him, but things had to slow down. I apologized for being so wishy-washy.I told him that I just needed to withdraw for a while and think things through. Basically, I did everything except beg. I left it in his mailbox at the college.

He made a bee-line for me after church one night, after he'd read my note.
"Valerie. I got your note." He said to me. "Are you sure you want me, Terry Lee Basham, II?" He asked me boldly.
"Yes! I'm sure. I like you! I just need things to slow down for a bit." I told him.

He smiled at me and gave me a wink, but he never made any promises.

To be continued...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY... November 17, 2008

Outside my window... The sun is glistening off of other's windows; some beautiful fall leaves dangle from the trees, and many, many more lie on the ground awaiting removal!

I am thinking...about trying to learn computer graphics!


I am thankful for...my brother and his family and my sister. They are all coming to visit next week!


From the learning rooms...clutter from the completed school day. We are winding up our Thanksgiving art projects.


From the kitchen...Busy Day Casserole.


I am wearing...a red-ish shirt and a black skirt. (Work clothes!)


I am creating...nothing now. I will be working on Christmas gifts for our church family very soon!


I am learning...not to worry or fear.


I am reading...Lassie Come Home


I am hoping...that I can have my house ready for company next week!


I am hearing...the dishwasher running. (Thank you, Lord, for appliances!)


Around the house...the usual clutter that needs picking up (by my children!); and the pile of laundry - Mt. Never-rest! :)


One of my favorite things...Christmas decorations!!


A few plans for the rest of the week: Homeschool, write notes, get ready for company.


Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is my three year old, Leslie, and my nearly two year old, Laci, wearing my shoes! I love the way they are embracing one another. My prayer is that they will feel the same way toward one another in ten, no, make it twenty years!

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. (I believe this can apply to sisters, also! ;)

A Pearl from Proverbs ~

I thought I'd share a little jewel - a pearl to be exact - that I gleaned from Proverbs today. I needed it!

Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Do we seek to love, or to separate?

Six Months Today

Jack Hyles once said that it takes about six months to adjust to a major change in one's life. I, and my family, have lived in Hope, Arkansas for six months today! I am grateful to the Lord for bringing us to this place. The fact that we have been here for half a year seems incredible to me! It has really flown by.
While the folks here have been so kind and loving to us, I still miss my "family" in Texas. I say family, because that's what they were. We served there for almost three years, and it tore my heart out to leave. To pack up and say goodbye to a church and a town that I had truly grown to love was heart wrenching. We had walked those streets talking to folks about Jesus. We had fought many spiritual battles in that town, because the enemy is everywhere! We also saw God win some wonderful victories there. I remember our first VBS, our first ladies meeting and ladies Bible study, I remember the first soul that came forward to that altar to receive our precious Savior into her heart. I remember the anger that grew inside some people because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I remember the times we barely made it financially. I remember the birth of our fourth child in the tiny little city of Llano. I remember how miraculously God led us to Dr. Skylar Forrister, a Christian who gave us free medical care when we had no insurance. I remember God testing us, and always proving Himself faithful, time and time again.
We have fought a few battles here, and I expect there will be more. Not because of our location in particular, but because wherever you are, if you are trying to serve the true and living God, the enemy will not be happy. He will kick up a fuss. I see the work here as yet another opportunity to see God provide; to see Him win more victories!
Northside Baptist Church, I miss you. I can honestly say, however, that I have no regrets. I surely did not do everything right there, but I did the one thing that God requires: I was faithful.
Grace Baptist Church, I'm thrilled to be here. I look forward to many years of service in Hope. I'm sure I will make some mistakes, but with all that is in me, I desire to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Some Thoughts on Our Homes ~

Yes, I know what you're thinking! "You actually think, Valerie?" Yes, folks, I'm trying something new, and so far, it's great! :)
I wanted to share my heart with you today. It seems that hardly a week passes without my hearing about a pastor, or a faithful layman, getting caught up in the sin of adultery. It grieves me deeply. Must these things be? I think not! The Devil knows how he can best destroy lives, and working from the inside out seems to be his method of destruction. The Devil learned during the days of Nero, and others like him, that persecuting Christians from without the body of Christ only fanned the flames of Christianity. Now, he knows the secret: if he can destroy the family and destroy the testimony of a Christian, then he has succeeded in harming the cause of Christ! His weapons? Clearly one of his favorites is adultery. I don't know of many baptist churches who have not had to deal with it.
I'd like to encourage myself, and the few ladies that read, to fortify our marriages. We must build up the walls that surround our homes, and keep out the "adulteress that hunts for the precious life" as Proverbs 6:26 calls her. I realize that some men who get caught up in adultery, do it because they seek after it. Other men, however, really do fall prey to a woman who is hunting for him. They truly don't see the "trap". Her intentions are to do harm, there's no question about it.
How can we help guard our marriages?
#1. Pray! We must pray for our husbands. Pray that the Lord will protect him from temptation. Ask the Lord to keep him close to Him.
#2. Watch. We must not be cynical, second guessing everything another woman does around our husbands, but we must listen to our "women's intuition" that often alerts us when danger is ahead. I have often told my husband to "be careful around so and so" because something that was said or done alerted me to this. Usually, my husband tells me later, "You were right about her!" There are women who desire to hurt, and some who are innocent. I must try to discern between the two, as much as I can. Of course, I'm never unkind to any woman. I just watch her!

The previous points were "defensive" measures. There are a few offensive measures we can take as well.

#3. Words that build up. Never greet your husband (as I sometimes do!) with the cares of the day first thing after work. Let him relax first. Try to be positive, even when discussing the negatives. Don't be doom and gloom (as I sometimes am!). (Boy, this is really convicting me!) Brag on your husband, but be sincere. Say things that make him feel good. He will know if you're just saying nice things to "butter him up." Don't do that. Look him in the eye sometime, out of the blue, and say "You know, I don't know what my life would be like if I hadn't met you." or "I forgot to say this earlier, but I really appreciated your fixing that towel rack in my bathroom. I take those things for granted." My husband is my pastor, and I truly enjoy all of his sermons, but saying "That was a good sermon" two times a week (I teach our children's church on Sunday morning) would get old. I try to give specific compliments. "I really needed point number four!" or "I had never noticed that verse before!" And of course, I never give false praise.
Most extra-marital bonds begin because the man feels he can better connect emotionally with the mistress than his wife. We can stop that bond from forming by ensuring that our husbands connect with us first.
#4. Be sure the marital bed is right. Do not keep yourself from your husband. Build a happy marriage by realizing that "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13: 4. If you are married, then you have a license to be with your man! Do not feel inhibited. Be sure his needs are met. Keep yourself looking nice, especially when he comes home from work. Remember, he never sees the gals at work without makeup and a nice hair do.We need to remain attractive for our husbands. He married a beautiful lady, so don't change!

I realize that Paul Newman was a worldly figure. He may not have even been saved, but he did have a 50+ year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward. In Hollywood, that is incredible! He once made a statement that is burned in my mind. A reporter asked him if he was ever tempted to cheat on his wife. He replied "Why would I go out for hamburgers when I have steak at home?" That's the kind of wife I want to be in all areas of my marriage. I want to be "steak"!

I really needed these reminders. I'm going to go work on these things today. I hope they might have helped you, too.
Let's be on guard against Satan and his attacks on our homes!

I Qualify

I recently watched the autobiographical film of Audie Murphy. It corresponded perfectly with Veteran's Day, but I didn't do that on purpose. After watching the movie, I wanted to know more about the most decorated soldier of WWII, so I looked him up online. The photos of Audie Murphy show a clean cut, handsome man. He was only 5'5". His father abandoned the family when Audie was very young. Audie took it upon himself to help his mother by feeding the family, which consisted of eleven other siblings! If he didn't hunt rabbits and deer to feed the family, then the family would have gone hungry. One of his sister's is quoted as saying "He was my hero long before he ever did anything [in the war]." I should say so.
When his mother died suddenly, his younger siblings were turned over to foster care. He decided to join the military. He was turned down by both the Navy and Marines because he was too small and too young. Finally, he found a military home in the U.S. Army.
After getting inoculated for the first time in Basic Training, he was in the infirmary due to adverse reactions - he'd never had a shot before. When sailing across the Atlantic to his assignment in North Africa, he was in the sick bay - he'd never been on the ocean before. His superiors wanted to assign him to kitchen duty. His comrades all wanted to look out for him. Little did they know the big and brave heart that beat within his small frame! Audie Murphy killed 242 of the enemy himself during WWII. In one conflict, he ordered his men back, and proceeded to mount a burning tank. He used the gun on that tank to shoot down a host of German soldiers as they tried to overtake the wood that he was assigned to hold. The Germans kept edging closer, trying to see where this shooter was so they could take him down. They never thought of looking on top of a burning tank! What kind of man would stay on a burning tank? Only a hero. Only Audie Murphy. He successfully dismounted the tank shortly before it exploded. Unable to see him, the Germans retreated, Murphy and his men held the wood, and Murphy was awarded the highest honor of the land - the Congressional Medal of Honor - for his bravery "above and beyond the call of duty".
Audie Murphy was small. He was also young, he was only 17 when he entered the Army. He was nineteen when he got out. He was a nobody who said "Here am I, America. I'll serve. I'll fight." I only wish he were still alive so I could thank him.
All of this does have a spiritual application. You may, as I do, feel as though you have nothing to offer the Lord. You may have even been told that! But looks can be deceiving. The Bible says in I Cor. 1:26-27 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; God likes to use the "Audie Murphys" of the world. Remember David? He was just a Shepherd boy who loved the Lord with all his heart. God used him to be the most famous King in Israel. What about Mary, Jesus's mother? She was just a young teenage girl who vowed to keep herself pure. God used that purity in a great way, to bring forth God's own precious Son. I also think of the small lad with five loaves and two fish. What a tiny offering in man's opinion, but not to Jesus! He likes underdogs. In fact, I think He prefers them!
Those of us who don't look like much on the outside, might just be exactly the kind of person on the inside that God would like to use. He can take a willing vessel- regardless of shape, size or IQ- and defeat the enemy. Maybe not on top of a burning tank, but down on our knees at the altar, at a friend's sick bed, or at the home of some children who have no other hope- but Jesus. You probably won't get the Congressional Medal of Honor down here, but there is a greater reward awaiting you, rest assured.

Not many mighty and not many noble are called to serve the Lord? Oh good. That means I qualify.

My Love Story ~ Part Thirteen

Click here for previous details about my crazy romance. Thank you for reading! :)
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I had taken the plunge with Bumper..um, I mean Terry, as I was now calling him. I had actually gone on a date with him. Things had already been progressing swiftly in our relationship, but now...well, things were really heating up! He all but proposed to me during the aftermath of that first date. Wait a minute, now that I think about it, I believe he did propose to me!
One conversation, that flattered me and at the same time scared me a little, took place after church one Sunday night. Terry and I and several of our friends were chatting after church on the sidewalk. Somehow, the conversation shifted to how much Terry liked me.
"I'd crawl across two miles of broken glass just to kiss her feet." He said proudly. What? What did he say? I turned a deep shade of crimson. I'm sure you see what I mean. Flattering? Almost too flattering. I started shifting back and forth from one foot to the other. Everyone laughed. It was a joke. I was a joke! This guy was either trying to dupe me, or he was a little off his rocker. Some would say both! I wanted to make a quick exit, but there was no discreet opportunity for me to take my leave. Finally, the laughter and guffawing died down and my friends left. Terry walked me to my car.
"Maybe we could go out again sometime soon." He said, with emphasis on "soon".
"Uh, yeah, maybe." I said.
"I think you're wonderful, Valerie. I love your passion, your spunk. You remind me of my favorite dog." He said. And yes, he was being serious.
"Your favorite dog?" I asked in amazement. "Okay, Terry, what's the joke now? Because I'm not stupid. I'm not like some of the girls from your past, okay? I don't care how suave you are or how smart or handsome you are..."
"You think I'm handsome?" He interrupted me, grinning from ear to ear.
"I..I didn't say that. I just meant IF you were handsome, it wouldn't matter to me. Looks are not the most important thing." I said, trying to regain my serious tone.
"Well, I like your looks." He said raising his eyebrows and smiling.
"Thank you. But as I was saying, I don't care what you think. I don't wanna be like any one's DOG! Goodnight!" I said abruptly. I began getting into my car.
"Well you didn't let me finish! I wasn't calling you a dog. I was just saying you had spunk." He said while pulling me by the arm back out of my car. I jerked away from him and stood up on my own.
"HUH? What does a dog have to do with "spunk"? "
"When I was a kid I had a dog named Belle. She was a beautiful dog. I wanted to hunt with her. I'd take her out, and she would walk along beside me, like a bird dog. She wouldn't run after the scent. She was just along for the ride. And then, later on, I got a dog named Boots. Boots wasn't an ugly dog, but she wasn't as pretty as Belle. Boots would run as hard as she could looking for the scent. She'd dive in holes and she wouldn't quit until she'd gotten what she was after."
I stood listening with my arms crossed and a smug expression. I could not believe my ears.
"What are you saying? That I'm like the uglier of your two hunting dogs? You're telling me that I'm like a dog! I heard you with my own ears!" I said. If he wanted fire, he was gettin' it now!
"I'm telling you that you have passion. You're a go-getter. You're smart and funny and you have drive. That's what I'm telling you. But here you go gettin' up on your hind legs.. wait a minute! I DIDN'T MEAN THAT! " He said trying to prevent my having another outburst. "You know what I mean, don't you? You're more than just good looks. And looks do matter to me." He said with a wink.
"Yes, you've mentioned that." I said, turning away from him. "I'm really glad you like my "passion" and my "spunk". I'm glad I remind you of Babs." I said with a sigh.
"Boots." He corrected me.
"Whatever. But I really need to get home now. Thanks for....the compliment?" I said questioningly.
The next morning I found a small bunch of pink carnations and a card on the windshield of my car. He had written more of the same from the night before: he liked me, he enjoyed being with me, and so forth. He hadn't actually said "I love you" but he might as well have.
He began calling me at work on every break. That would be three times a day. He saw me at church. Every time I saw him, he began showering me with compliments and kind words.
I started to feel smothered. And I'm sure you're getting a little sick of it, too, right? Well, I understand! That makes two of us!
Then, it happened. One day, as I was in my car about to pull away from church he stopped me. I rolled down my window.
"Yeah?"
"I just wanted to tell you something." He said. There was a pause. I gave him the "I'm waiting" look.
"I love you."
There was a pause again. What should I do? I wasn't ready to commit to loving him! I liked him fine, but love? No. I just wasn't there yet.
"Thank you." I said smiling.
"You're not gonna say it back, are you?" He said with a knowing look. "I didn't think you would. But that's okay. I don't care if you say it or not."
I smiled a coy smile and rolled up my window. I left him standing there. He watched me drive away. What was I going to do? We had only been "dating" for about two months. This guy was really serious.
I was no longer smothered. Now I was suffocating. If we were meant to be together, then why did I feel this way? I finally decided that I had been wrong in feeling that our hearts were knit. I was so glad I'd never expressed these feelings to him before. I was so glad I hadn't uttered those three precious words to him. I would ask him if we could just be friends. Surely we could slow things down and just be friends. Surely.
After church on a Sunday evening, I decided to tell him how I felt. He was standing in our church lobby. Summer had just begun so it was still daylight after our evening service.
"Terry, I think it would be best if we were just friends." I just spit the words out as quickly as I could. I thought that if I said them nonchalantly, it would make it seem more friendly; less like an official "break up". His eyes widened, but he didn't say anything. I guess it was sinking in.
"Can we just be friends?" I asked as nicely as I could.
"No." He said flatly.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I guess this is it, then. Well. See ya later." I said as I backed away from him.
I chatted with a few friends for a while, but suddenly, I didn't feel like talking. I decided to just go home. No Taco Bell. Just Mom, Dad and Subway sandwiches. I longed for the sweet security of 2811 Karen Drive.
As I got into my car, I saw Terry out in our ball field, playing catch with a guy. He seemed really angry. I felt bad at first, but then I remembered that it really would have never worked. I was sure I had done the right thing.

Hadn't I?

To be continued...

For My Good

It was a night I will never forget. My Dad had to go into heart surgery in Little Rock, Arkansas, and I was in Lawrence, Kansas. I couldn't get there in time to see him before his operation, so I stayed home. I felt like the Lord was going to take him home that night, but I held out hope that I was wrong. At around 3:00 on the morning of July 29, 2004, the phone rang. Someone on the other end, I don't even remember who, told me that my Dad's blood was not clotting after the surgery.
I began trembling with fear of losing him.I went into our tiny bathroom in our duplex. I sat down beside the tub with tears flowing, begging God to allow my Dad's blood to clot. I've never prayed such a specific and strange prayer in my life! I wept uncontrollably. I pleaded with my Savior, I reminded Him that my Dad was a soul winner, he'd knocked on 20 doors just the night before his surgery! I told Him that Dad was a faithful man, a man who would sacrifice his very livelihood for Christ's sake, if necessary. I prayed with all that was in my aching soul.
The phone call came an hour later. Dad had, in fact, shed the confines of his earthly body and was now meeting our Savior face to face. I was happy that Dad was now free from pain and sin, but I missed him so much. We were very close. I literally wept for hours. My mouth was dry, my face was swollen, my head throbbed and the desire to live was taken away. I cried until I felt I had no more tears left, but then, more came! Where could they be coming from? I knew not.
The days and weeks stretched out ahead of me, long and bleak. I managed to keep breathing, to keep going, step by step. God provided grace for each new day. Some days, I was amazed at how I felt His presence. Other days, I just barely eeked by. I got to know my Lord on an entirely new level by experiencing that trail. He was so real to me, that I felt I could touch Him!

The night was not as bleak last night, as it was on July 29, 2004, but it was close. In January, we will be getting a president who does not believe the way I do. I do not feel that he loves our country very much. I do not agree with most of his ideas. But through this trial, we Christians can know Jesus like never before. If persecution does come our way, we can draw closer to our Savior than we ever have before.
You never know, America may draw so close to our Lord that they feel they can touch Him.

I am thankful that God took care of me through those very dark days of my life. I have learned so much, and I can assure you, it was for my good as Romans 8:28 states. No, it didn't feel good, but I think I put too much stock in feelings. This time in America's history is also for my good. He knows that I live in America. In fact, He knows each one of His children, down to the number of hairs on our heads! I believe that when it's all over, we will most assuredly say,"It was for our good."

...He hath done all things well:.. Mark 7:37

My Election Day Theme Song

No matter what the outcome of today's election is, I am thankful for America's system of government. I am thankful that we have a peaceful passing of the baton in our Presidential leadership. We have not had to go to war to get a new leader...praise God!
I'd like to share the song that is on my heart and lips today. I'm singing it whenever fear of the future (which isn't given to me by God!) creeps upon me. I am also in prayer for our nation today, that regardless of who takes the Oval office, our nation will experience revival.

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name!

On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Verses I'm claiming today:

Psalm 118 :5- 9
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Whatever happens, may God get the glory. My hope rests upon Him.