An Unexpected Visitor

"And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with 

haste...and into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth."

Luke 1:39-40

Visitation by Domenico Ghirlandaio

During the holiday season your home can seem like Grand Central Station with a steady stream of family, friends, and well wishers - some of whom may drop in unexpectedly. 

Elizabeth had been living in relative seclusion when a young, pregnant Mary arrived at her doorstep over 2,000 years ago. Both women carried a promise so incredible that they could only find comfort and companionship in one another as Mary would remain with Elizabeth for some time. 

How often, when an unexpected visitor shows up on our doorstep do we react (at least inwardly) with frustration because they "didn't call first"? The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:2 to, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." That angel can be that neighbor who shows up unannounced with a fruit cake she just made offering a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on at just the right moment. It can be the mail carrier who, as you're signing for that eagerly anticipated package, shares a story that reminds you of what really matters. Perhaps he mentions that elderly neighbor who lives up the street who doesn't have anyone to shove the snow from their driveway. 

While the holiday season can be a busy and demanding time, let us not forget to entertain friends and strangers alike because those unexpected visitors can often bring unexpected blessings to both give and receive. 

Sitting at His feet, 

Valarie

The Big Story

"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Luke 2:7

I was working as a receptionist for a TV station several years ago when, late one afternoon shortly before Christmas, a man came in asking if he could speak with a member of the news staff. He explained to me that he along with his wife and their small children had been staying at a homeless shelter; but because of some minor technicality, there were being forced out onto the streets. I immediately paged a member of the news staff but they declined to help him. 

After he left the station....well, let's just say I couldn't let it go. Having full knowledge of the power of the media, I picked up the phone, dialed the shelter, and ask to speak with the woman in charge. I never misrepresented myself as a reporter but as it turned out, the mere mention of the station's call letters was enough. Although she declined to comment, she did in the end reconsider the matter. Less than an hour after making that phone call, the man walked back into the station with a big smile on his face and said to me, "I don't know what you did..." but he and his family would not have to leave the shelter.  

If we're not careful careful, we can get so caught up in chasing the big story or what we consider to be the next big thing that we miss the small, everyday miracles happening right in front of us. 

The big story of Christmas doesn't lie in a Christmas tree tall enough to make the Guinness Book of World Records. It doesn't lie in the most extravagantly decorated house on the block. It lies in an event which took place over 2,000 years ago when a poor and humble teenager from Nazareth said yes to what would be the greatest miracle ever known to man.

"Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Luke 1:38

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

The Other Brother

"And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father came

out and entreated him (to come in)." Luke 15:28

With the advent of the holiday season I find myself drawn more and more to the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and the love the father showed both sons. Even though the younger son left home and squandered his fortune, he didn't wait for him to crawl back begging for forgiveness. He ran out to meet him. 

When the older son who stayed home was angry, the father, in his joy that his younger son who had been lost but was now found, could have easily ignored him; but like with the prodigal brother, he went out to him, inviting him to come inside and enjoy the festivities. 

The holiday season is a time for reconciliation and forgiveness, for putting aside differences. Is there a friend or family member who, out of pride or unforgiveness, remains standing outside refusing to come in? Why not extend to him or her the gift of grace and hospitality.

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

Grace

Photo by Bahman Farzad

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, 

always having sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8

Grace has been described as having the unmerited favor of God. Grace has been a recurring theme for me these last few days. I was lying awake two nights ago when I thought of what it means to bestow that same unmerited favor onto other - to be a living, breathing epistle of His grace and mercy. 

"My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 

2 Corinthians 12:9

One of the hardest things to do is to bestow grace onto someone who may not deserve it; but as Christians, it is not our place to judge. It is to simply love others as He loves us. (John 13:34) The beautiful thing about grace is that it can be absolutely scandalous, allowing us to do the impossible, forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable. What right do I have to withhold the gift of grace from anyone when I have an unlimited supply of it?

When grace steps in, things like fear, doubt, judgment, and criticism have to take a hike because in the end, grace wins!

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

What Rainy Days Have Taught Me

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with 

silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby."

Langston Hughes

First of all, my thoughts and prayers are with those in Mexico and Texas impacted by Hurricane Patricia. 

Because the weather here is fairly consistent without any extreme changes in temperature, I never bother to check the forecast. I typically dread rainy, cloudy, or otherwise overcast days; but lately I've found that I don't seem to mind when the clouds, the wind, and the rain come. Aside from wanting to curl up with a good book or a classic movie along with a glass of wine, I've learned a few lessons along the way.

Embrace the storm. The rain, no matter how hard or softly it falls, always has a healing, cleansing effect. If that downpour comes in the form of tears, allow it to have its way, praising the One who controls the wind, the rain, and the waves.

Photo by Sermon Spice

Storms aren't meant to last. The sun will come out again. In the meantime, sing, play, and dance in the rain.

Singin' in the Rain, 1952 MGM 

There is always a rainbow (or two) after every storm. There will always be storms in life. Sometimes it's just a drizzle. Other times it may feel as if we've been swept away by a monsoon; but the appearance of rainbows reminds us that God is always with us.

Photo by jetzworld

"When thous passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, 

they shall not overflow thee." 

Isaiah 43:2

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

When You Just Can't Let It Go

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, 

even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

I was sitting outdoors enjoying a perfect autumn afternoon. There was gentle breeze blowing through the trees leaving in its wake that peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). My neighbor, who is not a football fan, was watching the Seattle Seahawks play the Cincinnati Bengals, a game which they lost in overtime 27-24. 

Why, you might be asking, if he's not a football fan, would he show such interest in this game?

As it turns out, his great-niece and her husband are both Seahawks fan. Over the course of time, their relationship broke down leaving him hurt. That hurt eventually turned into anger and bitterness.

The average football game lasts three hours. Given this game went into overtime, I couldn't help but think of how much time and energy he wasted out of bitterness and unforgiveness. It takes a lot more energy to hold onto to unforgiveness than it does to forgive because forgiveness is about releasing. Pastor Jimmy Evans once said that when you hold onto unforgivenss, you are forever attached emotionally to that event. 

I remember a story Oprah Winfrey once told about the day she was taught a lesson about unforgiveness. She had been withholding forgiveness from someone who had offended her. One day, she spotted this person on Michigan Avenue in Chicago going into one of the really nice stores, happy as a lark. In that moment she realized that they didn't care one bit that she had been holding a grudge against them. 

I don't know the reason for the breakdown in the relationship between my neighbor and his great-niece. Part of forgiveness, as Iyanla VanZant put it, is giving up the hope of what could've been. There will probably be a lot of "could've beens" that he will have to let go of. The greater tragedy would be for him to never experience the healing that would come from turning the situation over to God regardless of the outcome.

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Terms & Conditions

Photo courtesy of Flickr

As I been forgiven much in my life, there has also been much that I've had to forgive. Over the summer I recalled a painful incident from my childhood which still stung as though it happened yesterday. When I addressed it and found a way to forgive, one very difficult yet important lesson came out of it. In order to forgive, I had to take "me" out of the picture. Forgiveness was impossible as long as I focused on the pain and the offenders. When I allowed the offense to be less about me, healing and forgiveness were inevitable.

We often withhold forgiveness because we believe that by offering forgiveness, we're letting the offender off the hook. NEWSFLASH!!! They were already let off the hook when their sins along with your and mine were nailed to the cross.

When someone offends us, the pain can sometimes cut so deep that we will only extend forgiveness on our terms. We wait for the offender to come to us asking or even begging for forgiveness; but as we see in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), the father didn't wait for his son to come to him asking for forgiveness. The only term he offered for forgiveness was love (Luke 15:20).

The amazing thing about forgiveness is that when God forgives us, He blots out the offense as though it never happened. Words cannot describe how awesome it feels to not only receive this kind of grace but to extend it to others as well. There is no offense so great or pain from that offense so great that His love, mercy, and grace cannot cover. (1 Peter 4:8)

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

The Power of Surrender

"No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God." Our Daily Bread

Over the course of summer I made a conscious effort to live more in the moment instead of always focusing on the outcome. Too often we treat life as though it were a highlight reel of coming attractions or an episode of our favorite tv show with a preview of what's to come instead of trusting an unknown future to a known God. (Corrie Ten Boom).  

About two years ago I found the Morning Prayer of the Optina Elders tucked away in my Bible. I've started my day with it ever since then. In recent months this prayer has become more of a prayer of surrender for me than anything else. When I'm intentional about surrendering my will to God I can live moment to moment knowing that His grace is sufficient for whatever I may face. 

The Morning Prayer of the Last Optina Elders

O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy will. 

At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.

Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.

Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone. 

O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen.

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Wired for Worship

Photo by Mary Ann Morgan

"And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him...make us gods, which shall go before us..."

Exodus 32:1

How often are we like the children of Israel? When God doesn't show up in the timing or manner that we expect, how quick are we to chase after and worship other gods? We listen and we watch for a loud clap of thunder when He often shows up in that still, small voice.

When we praise and worship the one, true God, we invite His presence into our lives. God inhabits the praise of His people! No earthly worship experience will give you the joy and the peace you get when you worship God.

He may not show up when you want Him to but He's always on time! Until He does, keep praising and worshiping Him because He alone is worthy!

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

Photo by Beckaroonie

I was travelling from Santa Fe to Taos, New Mexico. There's a particularly scenic stretch of highway with a very steep mountain slope on one side. A mesh-like fence had been erected at the base of this slope. A friend explained to me that some years before a man and his wife were driving to Taos along that same stretch of highway when a rock came crashing through the passenger side window inuring the wife. She was left permanently disabled. Her husband, who owned a successful plumbing business, was forced to retire in order to care to for her. 

We've all heard the saying, "Tomorrow is not a guarantee". In truth, how likely are we to trust God with our tomorrows which can neither be seen nor felt? How likely are we to trust Him when life doesn't go according to plan? Can we trust Him when the career that we banked our future on ends suddenly due to injury? Can we trust him when that much anticipated job offer never comes through?

Can we trust him when we hear the words Autism or Down syndrome?

Let's face it. Uncertainty is a scary, uncomfortable feeling; but we really can trust an unknown future to a known God (Corrie Ten Boom). He who created the sun, the moon, and the stars hold all of our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows in the palm of His hand.

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Rest

Photo by Indy Kethdy

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

Rest has been a recurring theme for me this week. When we think of rest we usually think of it in terms of physical rest but there's also the much needed rest for our souls. 

Over the course of summer I found myself going through an unusually difficult time. While I experienced the peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), there came a point during the month of August where I began to feel as if my brain had been kicked into overdrive. I couldn't wait to turn the page to September because I knew that with crisp temperatures and changing colors, there would also be change in the seasons of life as well. 

As I flipped the page on my (in)courage perpetual calendar this morning, I was struck by this passage from Angie Smith:

"I'm going to give myself permission to rest today. 

To soak in all that Jesus has set in front of me, without allowing myself to wonder

what He hasn't."

Christ never promised that there wouldn't be days without adversity; but when we acknowledge the sovereignty of God over every situation, we can find peace in the midst of any storm.

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Simply Tuesday

Rarely do I find a book so enjoyable that I read it cover to cover twice but such is the case for the second time in a row with Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World by Emily Freeman. 

To give you an idea of why I'm reading it for a second time, here is just some of the reviews that have come in for Simply Tuesday:

"This book is like a deep breath for my soul." Ellie Holcomb

"We live in a time where we are led to believe that everything bigger is better and something in my soul has been telling me for a while now that isn't necessarily the case. That's why I'm so thankful for Emily Freeman's new book, Simply Tuesday." Rachel Macy Stafford

"It's simply Tuesday, an ordinary day filled with beautiful, breathtaking moments I missed, until Emily Freeman taught me how to see...through small-moment living, my hurried heart is learning how to slow down and savor." Renee Swope 

"Simply Tuesday could move you toward the settled rest that Jesus provides." Dr. Larry Cobb

"What if God takes great delight in the simple acts of bench-sitting and gate-opening and being kind to our next door neighbor? What if the kingdom of God is built on tiny, little gestures on simple days like Tuesday?" Deidre Riggs

"Emily Freeman is a writer after my own heart. She's not afraid to be quiet, to move at a leisurely pace, and to think probably a little too hard about things. She believes that meaning and delight and revelation are found in the small moments. Her writing will slow you down, help your soul exhale, and show you that Tuesday, and every ordinary day, is full of magic." Adam S. McHugh

"Many of us are living at an unhealthy pace. We run from one task to another to another. We end up skimming the surface of life. This book challenges us to be present in the moments that we find ourselves in, and to live at depth with others." Dave Runyon 

Simply Tuesday is on sale now!

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

Your Theme Song

I was watching UFC Sunday night and found myself fascinated by the whole walk-out process. Each fighter has a theme song played as they make their way from the locker room to the octagon, pumped up, surrounded by very stoic looking security personnel, coaches, trainers....their entourage. It got me to wondering...

Whether you're walking into a season of destiny and purpose or out of a season of hardship, what would your theme song be? Would it be something inspirational like the theme from Rocky? Would it be something whimsical like Tiptoe Through The Tulips? Would it be Gloria Gaynor's anthem about surviving a broken heart, I Will Survive?

I'd love to hear your thoughts....

Want to know what my walk-out song is? Stay tuned...

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

Tuesday People

"Sit on a bench, count the stars, and let your soul breathe."

Emily Freeman

Who are Tuesday people? Well, there are many ways to describe a Tuesday person but I'll start with just one. Tuesday people are grateful people. Tuesday people find a rainbow hidden in every cloud. Tuesday people find blessings in the things others take for granted. 

To a Tuesday person, a traffic jam is an opportunity to give thanks for the gift of transportation.

To a Tuesday person, having to stand in line at the grocery store means there is food to eat. 

Tuesday people are grateful for the line at the bank because it means there's a paycheck to deposit. 

A Tuesday person is grateful for an invitation to sit on the bench and just be. A Tuesday person is also grateful to extend that same invitation to someone and say that it's okay to just be still and know...

A Tuesday person doesn't worry about what's left on the to-do list because His grace is sufficient...

Simply Tuesday

On Sale Today!

"Is your soul held hostage by hustle? If you've grown weary of do more and dream bigger, small moment living is just what you need. Real life happens in the small moments we find on the most ordinary day of the week." Emily Freeman

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Stones

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

I've always said that whoever coined the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt" should've had their head examined.

Life is full of stones and those stones have a ripple effect for better or for worse. 

All to often, especially in world of social media, we hurl stones of hatred, bitterness, anger, and prejudice. I was nearly brought to tears as I watched Kathie Lee Gifford's moving tribute to her late husband Frank Gifford who passed away suddenly only one week ago. One valuable life lesson that Frank Gifford left to their children Cassidy and Cody and one that we can all learn from was to pick up a stone and see how far and how well they could hurl it.

Imagine the ripple effect we could create if we chose to hurl stones on love, patience, compassion, kindness, and peace....

Watch Kathie Lee's moving tribute to Frank Gifford here

Sitting at His feet,

Valarie

The Waiting

"And the earth was without form and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

Genesis 1:2 KJV

And the earth was without form...waiting. And darkness was upon the face of the deep...waiting. 

Waiting for that first burst of light to signify to all of Heaven that His work had begun.

Perhaps you're in a season of waiting with lessons to be learned or wounds to be healed. Perhaps there's a dream that you've given up on.

"Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you

will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6

While you're waiting, His spirit is hovering; so lift up your chin dear one and trust, knowing that in the end, all things will work together for your good...

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

Whispers

"He leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2

Take a moment to listen. Do you hear the gentle, loving whisper of a Heavenly Father who just wants you to be still and know? (Psalm 46:10) Is the sound of His voice leading you away from the pursuit of man's approval to the truth that you are already approved of, loved, adored, and cherished by Him? He wants to remind that He has not forgotten you because your name is forever inscribed on the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16)
Feel free to let go of yesterday' disappointments and frustrations, trusting in His plans (Jeremiah 29:11) for a better and brighter tomorrow!

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie

What If?

What if we stopped measuring the value of our days based on how much we achieve or by how many items we scratch off out to do list? What if our days were not about doing what glorifies us but about glorifying the One who created us? What if we committed our days not to what we can accomplish but to what He wants to accomplish in and through us?

Sitting at His feet,
Valarie