About Me
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!
Friend Van on FacebookMy Resources
My book, From the Pound to the Palace, is available for $10
from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
My book, Little Halos, is available for $5.99 from Proverbs
31 Ministries.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Links
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
TAKING A VACATION!
While I absolutely love writing and blogging – I have decided to take a three week vacation from blogging. Please do me a favor – if you know anyone who is on the move or anyone who has been called to God’s Wait Room please refer them to my blog. I have written extensively on both topics. All are welcome to read from my archives.
I’m off to visit family - my favorite place, Table Rock Lake in Missouri to visit my mother for a while. During my upcoming vacation DH and I will also visit his family for a few days. So I am signing off and will be back in July.
Happy Summer Days to you!
I’m off to visit family - my favorite place, Table Rock Lake in Missouri to visit my mother for a while. During my upcoming vacation DH and I will also visit his family for a few days. So I am signing off and will be back in July.
Happy Summer Days to you!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
GOD'S WAIT ROOM WEDNESDAYS
PROTECTING WHILE WAITING
Last Wednesday I compared my Time Trials in God's Wait Room to the life of the Robin family outside my kitchen door.
I have learned from them. Watching them as they wait for the little ones to poke their beaks through the 4 Robin-blue eggs inspires me.
Waiting is tough enough. How do you handle your waits? I am not very good at all about waiting - don't like it.
Look at this little mother (sorry about the blur- but you can see her beak and white throat)- sitting on the nest waiting during a mega deluge. She sits in dignity with her head held high, pr
otecting her little ones - doesn't even know them, but protects them any way. As she sat and looked at the rain come down by the buckets full I wondered what she thought. I wondered if she complained, worried, fretted... I know one thing,
otecting her little ones - doesn't even know them, but protects them any way. As she sat and looked at the rain come down by the buckets full I wondered what she thought. I wondered if she complained, worried, fretted... I know one thing,...once the sun came out and I stepped within feet of her nest she was back at it- protecting while waiting.
While you wait, is there something you need to protect?
After reading today's Proverbs 31 Encouragement Devotional, I know I need to be protecting my faith. I encourage you to read Susanne's words of wisdom.
Meanwhile, I wait for the Lord and (try to) keep his ways. He will exalt (us) to inherit the land, when the wicked are cut off - we will see it! (Psalm 37:34),
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
MOVIN' ON MONDAYS
STAND FIRM
Stand firm? That doesn’t sound like a move to me!
I have stood firm in the midst of a move. There are two ways to stand firm.
Way to stand firm number 1 – This “move” reminds me of a strong willed child who stands in the middle of a happy play ground listening to mother say, “Come on sweetie – time to go.”
Toddler plants both feet firmly on the play ground, stares mother down and doesn’t even need to refuse. Body language and actions relay the message loud and clear!
I have stood firm – firm in my play ground --- of sorts.
I did not want to leave Texas. My first son was born there and I had experienced the joy of sharing my baby’s firsts with other young mothers. I had left the work place and entered the world of play groups, parks, neighborhood gatherings, and necessary naps. Although I missed my teaching career I was challenged by motherhood and felt particularly supported by my circle of friends. I did not want to leave that comfortable niche behind! I liked that “play ground.” I cried and pouted when my husband announced our move. I fretted as we drove cross country. I allowed myself to sink into depression- refusing to exercise, meet others, or seek the positive in my new surroundings. I stood firm. Oh I moved all right – from my play ground to my pity party.
Way to stand firm number 2- There is another way to stand firm. The Bible speaks of firm foundations. Philippians 4:1 admonishes us to, “ stand firm in the Lord.”
Moving from Texas to Kentucky taught me about standing firm. Where I had learned to stand, take confidence and joy, in my house, my yard, my neighborhood, my church, and my friends, I now needed to “stand firm in the Lord,” take instruction from Him.
When I finally broke- due to a dear friend who pursued me during my transition, I began to learn to listen to God’s Word. I learned to step out of my areas of comfort and depend on Him.
I took my focus off myself and began to look beyond my house, my yard, my comfort. Soon I found myself listening to others. Hearing that they too had difficulties with standing firm.
Are you on the move? Stand firm in Jesus’ commands- love others as you love yourself. Jesus will make sure to fill you up as you stand firm in Him.
"…stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1
Stand firm? That doesn’t sound like a move to me!
I have stood firm in the midst of a move. There are two ways to stand firm.
Way to stand firm number 1 – This “move” reminds me of a strong willed child who stands in the middle of a happy play ground listening to mother say, “Come on sweetie – time to go.”
Toddler plants both feet firmly on the play ground, stares mother down and doesn’t even need to refuse. Body language and actions relay the message loud and clear!
I have stood firm – firm in my play ground --- of sorts.
I did not want to leave Texas. My first son was born there and I had experienced the joy of sharing my baby’s firsts with other young mothers. I had left the work place and entered the world of play groups, parks, neighborhood gatherings, and necessary naps. Although I missed my teaching career I was challenged by motherhood and felt particularly supported by my circle of friends. I did not want to leave that comfortable niche behind! I liked that “play ground.” I cried and pouted when my husband announced our move. I fretted as we drove cross country. I allowed myself to sink into depression- refusing to exercise, meet others, or seek the positive in my new surroundings. I stood firm. Oh I moved all right – from my play ground to my pity party.
Way to stand firm number 2- There is another way to stand firm. The Bible speaks of firm foundations. Philippians 4:1 admonishes us to, “ stand firm in the Lord.”
Moving from Texas to Kentucky taught me about standing firm. Where I had learned to stand, take confidence and joy, in my house, my yard, my neighborhood, my church, and my friends, I now needed to “stand firm in the Lord,” take instruction from Him.
When I finally broke- due to a dear friend who pursued me during my transition, I began to learn to listen to God’s Word. I learned to step out of my areas of comfort and depend on Him.
I took my focus off myself and began to look beyond my house, my yard, my comfort. Soon I found myself listening to others. Hearing that they too had difficulties with standing firm.
Are you on the move? Stand firm in Jesus’ commands- love others as you love yourself. Jesus will make sure to fill you up as you stand firm in Him.
"…stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
GOD'S WAIT ROOM WEDNESDAY
No Time for Lolligaggin'
Recently I noticed a flurry of activity and loud birdie noises whenever I stepped out onto my deck. Sometime, if my own busy activities permitted, I stopped and tried to find the source of all the angst. Never could spot it.
Then yesterday, while visiting with a friend in my family room, she stopped mid sentence and pointed out the robin sitting in one of my hanging pots – on my deck.
Now it came to me. Whenever I walked near, the mama and daddy birds, although waiting for the arrival of their little ones, they busied themselves protecting their young.
No time for LOLLIGAGGIN' NO MAM!
Does God have you in HIS WAIT ROOM?
Believe me - this is no time for LOLLIGGAGIN' In the WAIT lots must be accomplished!
This lesson from nature has just given me a new thought:
While I wait, I pray, protect, plan, and provide.
Pacing is not an acceptable activity in God's WAIT ROOM!
I have noticed a few things about the Robin family as they wait
I have noticed a few things about the Robin family as they wait
1- They sit in the nest, on their eggs – yesterday I noticed that mama bird as she sat on those eggs. Her mouth wide open. Was she praying? Her eyes and head never still – what was she looking for? God's hand of provision? Prowling enemies? A juicy worm down there in the dirt?
2- Neither parent is ever too far away that they don’t fly around loudly chirping when perceived danger lurks. Waiting is never an inactive activity!
3- All is quiet and peaceful as long as nothing comes near the nest. Although close by, they seem to rest, preparing themselves for battle when once again an enemy might show up.
Time spent as we wait is not wasted time. In the Wait we are called to action:
Pray
Protect
Plan
Prepare
Provide.
In the WAIT step up to the call to action.
On another note – while you wait, I would like to encourage you to join my friend Wendy as she begins a summer book study.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner on-line study beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2009
After I read her book I posted a book review. This is what I wrote:
Her story is piercing and poignant. I read it in one day while I sat in airports and on airplanes. I had expected an emotionally riveting tale of an event in her life that changed her forever. I got that – and so much more.
In the WAIT step up to the call to action.
On another note – while you wait, I would like to encourage you to join my friend Wendy as she begins a summer book study.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner on-line study beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2009
After I read her book I posted a book review. This is what I wrote:
Her story is piercing and poignant. I read it in one day while I sat in airports and on airplanes. I had expected an emotionally riveting tale of an event in her life that changed her forever. I got that – and so much more.
What I received from Wendy was not only a visit to her dark corner, but the LIGHT that drew her into a joyful existence. When I turned the last page, the peace that flowed over me assured me there is only one PEACE that gives life meaning and that would be Jesus Christ and his Word of life. The Bible says about itself.“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
Why did I use the word piercing to describe Wendy’s book? Chapter after chapter she uses the Word of God to cut away her fear, the past that threatened to destroy her, and developed habits that disabled her. She used God’s Word to reaffirm what I know: Not only is God’s Word living and active, scripture contains a power to miraculously move readers and hearers into places of inspired purpose.
If you find yourself in God’s Wait Room right now, I recommend Wendy’s book. As you focus on God’s goodness you’ll forget the fear that threatens you. You will turn that last page and know the peace of newly fallen fresh rains that wash away the stains that darken your being. You will see the SON who invites you to step into a future filled with God’s goodness.
Monday, June 1, 2009
MOVIN' ON MONDAYS
Blessed is the (wo)man... for she will be like a tree planted by living waters.
I have already been on the move today!
Spent some time with my Father telling him all about me and mine. Asking Him to touch our lives and lead us. Read Tracie Miles Encouragement for today Devotion. I encourage you to read it too.
Took out the trash and recycling.
Led the way for my DH, into the jungle traffic of the city, so he could take his car to have it repaired.
Back to morning devos: Today is June first and I have read through the Pslams twice already this year. Now I start over. I read that I am blessed if I--
don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, sit in the seat of mockers. But delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night. If I practice staying away from evil and delight in God’s Word, then I am like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.
Have you recently moved? Got a move planned in your future? Contemplating a move?
I always make it clear on this blog that you may be on the move physically, relocating to a new home or maybe on the move emotionally or spiritually. Whatever the move take a look at your life. Do you need to move away from the wicked, a few bad-example sinners, or possibly some mockers?
I have already been on the move today!
Spent some time with my Father telling him all about me and mine. Asking Him to touch our lives and lead us. Read Tracie Miles Encouragement for today Devotion. I encourage you to read it too.
Took out the trash and recycling.
Led the way for my DH, into the jungle traffic of the city, so he could take his car to have it repaired.
Back to morning devos: Today is June first and I have read through the Pslams twice already this year. Now I start over. I read that I am blessed if I--
don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, sit in the seat of mockers. But delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night. If I practice staying away from evil and delight in God’s Word, then I am like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.
Have you recently moved? Got a move planned in your future? Contemplating a move?
I always make it clear on this blog that you may be on the move physically, relocating to a new home or maybe on the move emotionally or spiritually. Whatever the move take a look at your life. Do you need to move away from the wicked, a few bad-example sinners, or possibly some mockers?
Today Tracie reminded me that I need to move away from doubt - that is a mocker if I ever knew one - doubt caused by what I hear on the radio, see on the television or allow my mind to absorb when I am weak. Yes - today I am going to plant myself by Streams of living water and practice believing through faith.
One of the biggest leaps I ever took happened the day I realized it was up to me to plant myself next to Jesus and drink from His living water rather than allow myself to be brought down by worldly ways.
Today I challenge you – move next to the Stream of Living Water.
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