Be Encouraged

by Valerie Denay Staton

When shadows fall around you and the road feels long and steep, when worry creeps in softly and tries to steal your sleep—

When dreams feel dim or distant and hope seems slow to rise, remember every sunrise begins in darkened skies.

Even in the silence, when answers seem delayed, a thousand gentle mercies are quietly being made.

For strength is born in waiting, and courage grows in prayer; God made to you, a promise, that He will always be there.

So, lift your eyes to heaven – let faith restore your view. Almighty God, who walks beside you, will surely carry you through.

Be encouraged!

Beach or Mountains?

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

I like both. I cannot swim however I like to sit and watch the waves, feel the wind, stroll along the beach (when the sun is not being tempermental), and collect beautiful seashells. I also like to sit and watch the sun set surrounded by shades of pink, yellow, orange, and blue.

I love everything about the mountains except my ear popping. Our chuch routinely take trips just to take in God’s magnificent works. Once we get to the mountaintop and look down on the trees, land, animals and vegetation it puts our lives into perspective. How blessed we are to receive so many fabulous gifts from God.

My Family’s Top Three Meals

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

Lately our top three meals have been Tossed Salad, Seafood (salmon and tuna) , and chicken (baked or fried) with rice or potatoes and vegetables. Quick meals! No one wants to cook. I’m usually writing, publishing, or marketing books.

Trying to lose a few pounds! I don’t eat much at all. Perhaps that’s the problem…

Unbroken

by Valerie Denay Staton

I have walked through thunder, let rain write stories on my skin. Felt the ache of heavy stones, linger in my bones.

Still—I am standing.

Every scar became a furrow and every tear, a seed. What tried to bury me only taught me how to push through the dirt. Push through the dirt and reach for the sun!

I am not made of surrender. I am strong. I am resilient. I am…unbroken.

Self-Love

by Valerie Denay Staton

Self-love is recognizing your value. Self-love is knowing your worth. It is understanding your potential. It is believing that you are enough.

It grows each time you choose rest
over running on empty, truth over pretending, kindness over criticism.

It blooms when you see yourself clearly
not perfect, but beautifully human,
learning, trying, becoming.

And one day you realize you are finally giving yourself the same love you’ve offered everyone else.