About Me

Van Walton

Fun Facts about Van Walton

My favorite smell: The way the earth smells after it rains.

My favorite sound: The first notes of a grand symphony.

My favorite way to relax: Sitting anywhere outside - on my front porch, on my deck, or by the lake, early in the morning with my first cup of coffee.

My favorite birthday dessert: a Peach cobbler baked by my husband. He’s my fave chef!

I will not eat: Avocado. They turn my stomach into a volcano that never erupts.

Technology I couldn't live without and why: My laptop - it takes me anywhere I want to go.

One thing that makes me smile: My sons' faces!

FacebookFriend Van on Facebook

My Resources



My book, From the Pound to the Palace, is available for $10
from Proverbs 31 Ministries.


Pound to Palace


My book, Little Halos, is available for $5.99 from Proverbs
31 Ministries.


Little Halos


Proverbs 31 Ministries












Links




Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion

Friday, January 11, 2008

"COMFORT THOSE WITH THE COMFORT I HAVE GIVEN YOU"

These words were the marching orders God gave me one day when despair threatened to "take me down." Today - thirty - yes! thirty years later I continue to live by 2 Corinthians 1:3-7:
The God of All Comfort: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God...
I had no idea when, at the ripe age of 27, Jesus stepped into my space and spoke to me, encouraging me in the midst of my hopelessness, telling me that I would REALLY use my circumstances to comfort others.

As many of you read - I have shed a few tears lately, tears of grief for the family who lost their son and the young adults who lost their friend. I am slowly recovering this week from the went-back-to-college syndrome. My house seems so empty - my heart and life also.

BUT - the work I do, in Jesus' Name, does not come back void. It returns many fold. When you finish reading this post you will stand amazed at God's compassion and sweetness. I read these verses in my Bible this morning:

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I have a passionate relationship with the Latina community in Charlotte. I want to give to them what women's ministries has given to me over the years. I am so blessed to have been allowed to be the director of Hispanic Ministries for Proverbs 31 Mnistires (www.proverbios31.org.) I am also blessed to have met many dedicated sisters who share the same vision. This morning Judith left this comment on my blog. She wrote it in Spanish (as you can see.) I have translated it.
Mientras tus hijos, continuan sin ti. Dios te ha puesto hijas como nosotras para que continues haciendo tu trabajo. Te queremos."

While your sons have moved on, God has placed daughters like myself in your life so you might continue your work. We love you!


"...a good measure, presed down, shaken together and running over..."

If this doesn't spur me to press on, what will!

Gracias, Judith (thank you Judith) Now you have comforted me with the comfort which He has shown to you.

4 comments:

Laura said...

I really needed to hear this today, Dear One. Sometimes it feels like the seeds we plant fall on unfertile soil. You have been a blessing to me, with your gentle and encouraging ways. Yes, I know the Latino community is very blessed by your ministry in their lives! Love you, lady!

MrsProverbs31 said...

Hey, Van, I thought you might like to know that the quillow instructions are posted.

I will come back to visit later. Have to get dinner ready. Family is waiting.

http://mrsproverbs31.blogspot.com

Laura said...

Van,
Thanks for laughing at my goof! And you can make the recipe I posted as long as others are around to eat them!!
Sweet post - pray you will continue to allow God to bring you new children!

Heidi said...

Van,
This is so beautifully said. I went through a rough winter with my own health issues, at 41 I had a stroke. Now dr's are telling me that I may need open heart surgery.

Van, I'm standing on the promise that the only Open surgery that I will need will be the one I had this winter. I laid my life and body across his altar and started to weep. I have been a christian for 25 years, but I needed to come. Not out of sorrow or feeling sorry for myself, but for REJOICING>!! Rejoicing in my healing!!! See I have been blessed to be able comfort in the ministries that I do for New Life. But, it was time I needed the comforting. Jesus came in a big way and as I face a difficult procedure this Wednesday, I know I am in HIS REST and His Comfort. Thank you for reminding me of that this morning.