Valerie M. Bodden

True rest

As we head into the weekend, it's worth remembering that our true rest doesn't come from a day off work or sleeping in or even a...

Trust in the Lord

Last week, I asked my newsletter subscribers for their favorite verses about trusting in the Lord. And they delivered! As I read the...

Be Bold

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. -2 Corinthians 3:12 The other day as I went to post a verse on Facebook, I found...

It's a Pretty Clear Message

We're quickly approaching Easter, the most joyous season of the year. I always love Lent and the time it offers to reflect and prepare...

Encouragement, Revisions, and a New Title

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." -1 Thessalonians 5:11 I've been thinking about this verse a lot lately....

Be still

Anyone else have a problem with being still? I am a get-things-done kind of person. I don't like just sitting around--sometimes it even...

Rejoice always

Our circumstances may change from day to day, but our response doesn't: each day we rejoice in the Lord. I admit, I find it easier to...

A Valentine's Day Christian Romance

It's Valentine's Week, and love is in the air, so what better time to release a new book? Especially one that combines love, faith, and...

Tell the Whole World

We had a missionary speak at church this weekend, and I have to say, I was just blown away by the work God is doing to bring his word to...

Book Review - Ruth: Living in God's Unfailing Faithfulness

I had the privilege of editing this book by a wonderful Christian woman, leader, and mentor, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If,...

Powerful Reassurance

If I had to choose one book of the Bible to read over and over again, I think it would be Romans 8. There's just so much goodness in...

Christian Book Review: His Father's Son by Autumn Macarthur

Luke and Anna broke up years ago, after she agreed to her father’s demand that they put their unplanned baby up for adoption. Unknown to...

Sneak Peek of Not Until Forever (Hope Springs Christian Romance Book 1)

I'm beyond excited to announce that Not Until Forever has an official cover. Thanks to everyone who participated in my cover poll. So...

The Only Way to Win the Struggle with Self-Doubt: God

Writers are rather notorious for wrestling with self-doubt, and I’m no exception. But if I had to guess, I’d imagine that self-doubt...

Happy New Year!

I know people either love or hate New Year's resolutions. I tend to make New Year's goals rather than resolutions because goals just seem...

Merry Christmas

Thanks for being on this journey with me, friends. Wishing you a Christmas filled with true joy as we celebrate our Savior's birth.

Jesus Is the Light

I joke sometimes that I'm solar powered. So on this shortest day of the year (which is so overcast here that it hardly seems to have...

Victory Even in Death

I've been thinking about this verse today after learning that a dear Christian woman from our previous congregation was called home to...

A Bookish Christmas Giveaway!

How’s your Christmas shopping going? If you just ran and hid under the covers because you’re not done yet, don’t worry—you’re in good...

Beyond Compare

This time of year, I find myself doing a lot of comparison shopping. Is this toy cheaper on Amazon or at Wal-Mart? Will my daughter like...