by Valerie Murray | Mar 8, 2019 | Blog, Marriage |
My husband and I celebrate our 23rd anniversary on March 9th! One of our songs is, No Doubt About It by Neal McCoy. The words remind me how we are opposites who need each other to balance out our weaknesses: Like a hammer and a nail, socks and...
by Valerie Murray | Mar 6, 2019 | Blog, Book Reviews, Family, Marriage |
Have hurtful words wounded you? Breaking the Power of Negative Words by author Mary C. Busha, offers steps to help remove the harmful effects of negative words and guide you to healing. Part 1— Words Spoken to Us, explores the reasons behind unkind words said to us....
by Valerie Murray | Feb 22, 2019 | Blog, Book Reviews, Faith |
Whispers and Wildflowers by Sarah Beth Marr will take you on a 30-day retreat to draw closer to God. Each devotion reflects a gardening theme for your heart. If the busyness of life is stressing you out, this devotional will help you find spiritual rest. This book...
by Valerie Murray | Feb 19, 2019 | Blog, Facing Fear, Faith |
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” Timothy 2:13 I left the conference a few hours early. My dreams felt poked by a pin, slowly deflating any hope I had to write. Critique appointments were helpful, but edits had me doubting my...
by Valerie Murray | Feb 8, 2019 | Blog, Facing Fear, Faith |
My 15-year-old did something brave last week. She auditioned for the school play, Into the Woods. I stopped my chores and listened to her while she practiced at home. My ears didn’t hurt. In fact, it was enjoyable. I heard potential. Maybe she was even good?I coached...
by Valerie Murray | Jan 22, 2019 | Blog, Facing Fear, Faith |
During the opening session at the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, we were asked to stand up and say to the person next to us, “I am a writer.” It was then I realized I wasn’t the only one who struggled to call myself a writer. Almost everyone I met battled...
by Valerie Murray | Jan 20, 2019 | Blog, Book Reviews, Faith |
**This post contains affiliate links. I ran to my mailbox when I saw pictures of my friends holding a journal and a manifesto they received from hope*WRITERS. I wasn’t sure if all members received the gift, but of course, we did. Why I love hope*WRITERS! The hosts,...
by Valerie Murray | Jan 18, 2019 | Blog, Book Reviews, Facing Fear, Faith |
In True You: Letting Go of Your False Self to Uncover the Person God Created, Michelle DeRusha prunes open her soul through quiet reflection and discovers a deeper relationship with God. She comes to peace with her authentic self and learns to embrace her unique...
by Valerie Murray | Jan 4, 2019 | Blog, Book Reviews |
Sandi Patty’s singing has comforted me during some of the most painful times in my life. When I saw she’d written a memoir—The Voice: Listening for God’s Voice and Finding Your Own, I was excited to read about her life. During the peak of Sandi Patty’s career, when...
by Valerie Murray | Dec 30, 2018 | Blog, Facing Fear |
Heavenly Father,As I take the next step and wonder what lies ahead, I’m thankful for Your hand that steadies me. You spoke this world into being, painted the evergreens, gave life to the chirping birds speaking to me from their perch of leafless branches....
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
