Hi, my name is Valerie, and I crave your approval. I care deeply about my reputation. I’ll change my personality, my decisions, and pretty much anything else it takes to make you like me. Because I’m a master people-pleaser. Friends, that's a reflection of a sinful, deceptive, insecure heart. I have dwelled on a single comment someone made to…
Continue reading ➞ Whose Approval Will You Seek?
I used to cling to Philippians 4:19 for peace about my circumstances, expecting God to change them immediately and make me feel content. It says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Honestly, I was missing Paul's point. Paul was in prison when he wrote this to the…
Continue reading ➞ You Have Enough
I often catch my imagination running through all the possible outcomes of every situation. My mind can hardly keep up with all the “what-ifs.” Do you ever catch your mind running down this endless path? What if I fail the test? What if I never get married? What if I say the wrong thing? What…
I am a writer, but sometimes, I have no words. Writing has always brought me deep joy. I can write for hours on end. I lose myself in my work, and adrenaline rushes through my body — I consider that a great blessing. Of course, writer’s block comes and goes, and I typically run an…
Continue reading ➞ Our Ultimate Rest
Life is anything but easy.Most days, I hid behind a smile, burying my pain deep inside my heart. I did my best to show up for responsibilities, while the weight dragged my soul down. I sat in my car one morning and stared out the window before going into work, battling my rising anxiety. Darkness was…
Continue reading ➞ Peace Through Grace
