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!

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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

Saturday, January 17, 2009

THE WINNER IS...

... before I announce the winner, I want to address one of the comments left on my blog Wednesday:


Samantha wrote – “i was wondering if you could answer a question. Um, you mentioned people who shine God's light through clouds... how do i do that?”

I have struggled most of my life wondering that very thing, because we are encouraged to rejoice in the lord ALWAYS. Philippians 4:4

Another verse in the first chapter of James says, “ Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…”

I do not like the idea of having to go through trials in order to become mature and complete. But recently I have come to the conclusion that, “in this life there will be trials.” I might as well face it and accept it.

Because I want the best God has to give me, I have begun to take Him at His word.

If He suggests that we rejoice, He must know what’s best. So with His help, I try.

I’m not always successful, often failing, but I keep trying…

So I have been digging around in God’s Word and this is what I learned:

Back to Samantha’s question, “How do I do that?” Allow God’s light to shine in the midst of clouds.

I believe God shines through our lives, even when we feel like we are being sacrificed. He shines when we

Thank God by offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psa. 116:17).

Praise Him even though we don’t feel like it. (Heb. 13:15; Psa. 50:23).

Use our special abilities and talents to serve Him and others instead of centering on ourselves: (Phil 4:18);

Finally, maybe this is the first step we should take, asking God to forgive, telling Him our actions have broken us: (Psa. 51:17).

I also believe that we put Him and others first, even though we are frantic to protect ourselves: Romans 12:1-2:

So, in a nutshell I have learned to praise Him, thank Him, and serve others to get my mind off myself.

Guess what – IT WORKS! His plan for our lives is a divine design. I am amazed at how He removes my fear, dread, despair, and agony when I sing a song of praise to Him.

Try it and be amazed!

Watch the Son break through your clouds!

Oh and the winner of the drawing for my books is :

Stacey – I drew the ninth entry – 2009, choosing ‘9’ because we are in the year 2009! Cograts Stacey. I left a comment on your blog so you would know how to contact me with your address.

3 comments:

Stacey said...

Thanks Van! I lookforward to getting the book! Blessings.

Stacey said...

Hi Val; got your second email, I sent my address to your proverbs.org email address. We are on our way out for Kayla's surgery, so I'll check back later to see if you got it. Thank you!!!

Casey S. said...

Thank you for answering that question. These are all things that I am trying to work on and it's great to have the reminders there. Thanks for the post!

Have a blessed day.