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

Monday, January 17, 2011

Movin' on Monday

Today I am dedicating my blog to a new friend – MC.

I recently met MC when Lysa,  who had received an e-mail from her, let me in on MC’s life so I could reach out to her and pray with her as she begins a most terrifying AND gratifying move.

Today MC moves from Brazil to Calgary! That’s a MOVE! She is moving from southern South America on the Atlantic coast to northwestern North America nearly to the Pacific coast. Cultures are different. She will no longer speak in her Portuguese tongue but hear English and French spoken. It's cold in Calgary right now. I bet it's tropical in Brazil! MC's friends and family are all in Brazil. Does she know anyone in Calgary?  

I don’t know about you, but this adventure terrifies me and at the same time excites me! What if God called me to make this move? Would I go? Would you? 

God does not waste anything. Lest you think your little life goes unnoticed by the King who rules the universe, think again! 

I have been allowed the awesome opportunity of creating a place for Latina women within the Proverbs 31 ministry. Consequently, any Hispanic correspondence that comes to us gets passed on to me. (We Americans get so confused about the world that any one in South America who contacts us gets sent over to me. And sometimes South Africans also fall into my basket!) I've met some amazing women!

Oh the joy of listening to stories of mended heartbreaks, victory-over-crushing circumstances, solved problems, restored relationships, women and men stepping into relationship with Jesus. 

So when Lysa and Holly introduced me to MC, I immediately contacted her. We have had a running conversation going on between Brazil and Charlotte for nearly two weeks now and MC is rapidly stepping into my inner circle of close friends. Her story is an amazing one. She is Brazilian, came to California as an exchange student, returned to Brazil, earned several degrees in the medical field, and today is moving to Canada – ALONE, to continue her work. 

Her life has not been without tragedy and pain. Yet she has managed to turn to God who is restoring and healing and redeeming this beautiful young lady.  I know how beautiful she is- she sent me pictures of herself and her family--- I feel like I have been to Brazil to visit her!   

Are you in the midst of a move? Has God plucked you out of your nest and nudged you on to a new place? Has it made you uncomfortable? 

Not one of God’s nudges,  however awkward it may feel for you, is a mistake. He knows the plans He has for you. He knows the outcome He has planned for you.  

When MC woke up this morning she immediately went to her heavenly Father. 

“I could never start my journey without lifting up my hands to worship and praise the Lord. God spoke to my heart from  Jeremiah 29:11  ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

Van, our dear Lord is really our provider, isn't He???!!”

Wandering Friend, if you find yourself moving today or facing a move in your near future, remember, life is an adventure with God. He is the ultimate pioneer. He has gone before you. Now he has returned to take you by the hand. Put your hand in the hand of the Man who is worthy to take you to places that may seem uncharted. Trust Him. He knows where He is taking you.   

Go! You don’t want to miss the incredible journey.

For more encouragement with the moves in your life, you might enjoy previous Movin’ on Mondays posts:


Shine,
Van



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My dear Van,

You brought me to tears today!
This post is simply beautiful!
Thank you very much for this!

You have been a rich evidence of God's constant love and care upon me!

Sweet blessings!

MC

Wendy Bello said...

I can so relate to all this! Yesterday we celebrated our 10th anniversary...not wedding, immigration anniversary!
A day like yesterday, ten years ago, we arrived in Toronto, temperature below zero; all covered in white. Our tropical island had a very much summery reading when we left.
Different language, different culture, different world. But in the midst of all that, GOD. He led us every step of the way. He provided friends, work, house, church. Everything. It was not an easy change, but our Lord is faithful.
And yes, Jeremiah 29:11 has been our reality all the time.
Dear MC, I hope my words come as further encouragement to you.
Many blessings!

Anonymous said...

Dear Wendy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm really comforted by our great God! He's leading me, and I truly believe, everything will go well!

I pray He keeps blessing you!

Prayerfully,

MC

Waleska said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Waleska said...

Even though our move was almost like this, I tell you it was for me.
We left Florida almost three years ago, but it feels like 10 years. I am living in Missouri now and the weather is weird. Imagine I am from Puerto Rico, so used to hot weather all year around!!
And yes Wendy, Jeremiah 29:11 had been ours also with Proverbs 3:5-6 next to it. God was and is there with us. He provided us with housing, jobs, church and many friends. It was not easy for me, but it was the right thing to do. A Leap of Faith. I always said YES to our Lord and He is faithful all the time, even when it feels different.
I hope you find encouragement in all this amazing women that will surround you with love and prayers (me included). May God show you His amazing work, and give you the comfort that you might need...Blessings!