“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8 The human heart has such an incredible capacity, yet such an unbelievable fragility. It can love and it can lose. It can carry hope and also hurt. It...
A few years ago, I was living a double life. The “seen” Valerie was a leader in ministry, friendly, engaging, and seemed to have it all together. Then there was the “unseen” Valerie who was acting out in fits of rage toward her family; battling anxiety,...
Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives all fear is gone Because I know, I know He holds the future And life is worth the living just because He lives Dressed up in a white bonnet and my prettiest pink dress with all the ruffles and...
When I think back on moments in my life, I can see how God was with me in the midst of things, even when I didn't know it. Even when I didn't feel Him, He was there. Wherever you are right now, God is not only listening, He is also in the process of rescuing,...
Lately, I have found my heart to be very heavy. There is so much fear, hatred, and division in the world. Some days I try to ignore it, other days it is too heavy to carry and my knees and my heart buckle under the pressure of its weight. Maybe you have...
From what I am seeing on the news and social media, this quarantine is affecting everyone quite differently. I am able to work from home, so you would think my introverted self would be thrilled! That is true, I love to be at home, yet I also live with 4 other...
We are living in unique times. One day, I can be full of hope and gratitude only to wake up the next day with a hopeless and weary feeling. Life is full of surprises, but there is a constant in the midst of the unknown or craziness. This week is known as Holy Week,...
This time of year has a special fragrance in the air. One that is crisp and nostalgic. I remember the joy, traditions, and delight that I experienced during Christmas time as a child. I wish all of our memories from Christmas were good. This can be a hard time...
There is a scene in the Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe where Mr. Tumnus is speaking with Lucy and says, “After all, He’s not a tame lion” and Lucy replies with, “No, but He is good.” I think of this often when I catch myself drifting back into a “tame” view of...