GraceValley Church Blog

The Impossible Is Possible

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:15:01 GMT

Finding Hope in God’s Miracles This Christmas Season

The Impossible is Possible

Have you ever had something unexpected happen? Have you ever said, “Well I didn’t see that coming?” Maybe it was an unexpected movie ending or an unexpected gift that was delivered. It may not happen often, but we have all probably experienced a surprise or two in our lives.

In Luke 1, we see some very unexpected and surprising news delivered. First, we see an elderly, childless couple be told that their prayer of having a child is going to be answered. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, was 88 years old. Talk about unexpected! Wow, that is stepping into the impossible. In verse 13 we read, “But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John’.”

Next we see that Mary was very distraught over some news that she had received. She was told that she was about to have a child which goes against all human possibility. This was impossible, and at that moment was very difficult news to hear. What would people think? The Bible tells us that Mary was greatly troubled. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Have you ever personally had some news delivered that was difficult to hear?

These miracle births have a message for you and I today. The message in these two miracles is this: What seems impossible is not; and God can still do impossible things in your life.

Maybe you are facing some impossible situations this Christmas season. Maybe there are some insurmountable challenges that your family, your finances, or your children are currently encountering. Maybe during this Christmas season you feel like you are hanging on for dear life. One thing that I have learned in life is that adversity always provides an opportunity. Whenever we encounter adversity in our lives, that is where most opportunities are born.

One unique difficulty of the season, however, is that the holidays tend to have a magnifying affect on our situations. Christmas can make the highs higher, and the lows lower. We all have highs and lows in life. Maybe for you they are being magnified right now. The greatest message that I can share with you today, from both of these miraculous births, is that God can do impossible things. Miracles still happen in the lives of ordinary people. In both Elizabeth and Mary’s story we see that the miraculous birth of a son, and our Savior, conveys this message for you and I today. The impossible is possible.

Jesus came from the throne of glory to this earth…for you. Jesus sees you. Jesus loves you. Put your trust in Him this Christmas season and see what impossible things He can make possible.

The One Gift We Really Need

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 15:30:00 GMT

From Childhood Wishes to Lasting Fulfillment in Christ

Christmas Lists

Do you still make a Christmas list? Perhaps you receive one from your kids. As a child, I remember wanting a skateboard so badly that it went straight to the top of my list. I just had to have one, and sure enough, I got one! I played with it for a couple of days, realized how much I disliked it, and went back to riding my bike. As soon as I got that one thing that I just had to have, I found myself moving on to something new very quickly. Do you remember that one thing that you desperately had to have for Christmas as a kid?

Sometimes our kids ask us for something, and we know it will be an absolute waste of money. They don’t need it. It will break. It will get lost. It will never last. And yet we get it for them because we love them and want to try and make them happy.

Question: Do you, as an adult, still find yourself wishing for that one thing? It may not be a skateboard but perhaps you’ve wished for something, thinking you will find contentment or purpose in it. Can those things be found in a Christmas gift?

Solomon, one of the wisest men in history, wrote to us at the end of his life about all the foolish mistakes he had made pursuing his one thing. He tried to find meaning and value in his life in all the wrong things and in all the wrong places. He wrote about going down every path imaginable, searching for more. Like Solomon, we often wander down paths searching for meaning and purpose.

King Solomon wrote after having obvious success that each of those paths were all dead ends. He was incredibly successful in every way that you and I would hope to be in our lives. He had great wealth, built lavish structures and accumulated countless possessions. He denied himself no pleasure. Yet here he is at the end of his life passing on wisdom to us, stating: These things are not it! All of his wealth, status, and possessions did not bring him fulfillment.

Solomon wrote to us, generously warning us to be smarter than he was. It reminds me of the quote: “Smart people learn from their mistakes, but truly wise people learn from the mistakes of others.”

I believe my parents knew in their hearts that a skateboard was not going to have a permanent place in my life, but they bought it for me because they wanted to make my Christmas morning special. God, our heavenly Father, has given us the ultimate Christmas gift - HIS SON! It is through Him that we find the hope, fulfillment, purpose, and meaning that we are all truly searching for.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Our purpose is not found in things that we attain. It is found in a relationship with Jesus. Born that night was everything that you and I need to make it in this life. He is Emmanuel - God with us!

This Christmas season, I hope you get that one thing and have a great time with your family. Most of all, my wish for you is that your fulfillment is found in Christ.

The Power of a Father’s Love

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:15:01 GMT

Walking Beside Our Children Through Pain, Dreams, and Finish Lines

His name was Derrick Redmond. It was his childhood dream to be an Olympic athlete and after many years of hard work, he was finally there. The 1992 Barcelona Olympics would be the stage where he would display his gift of speed. That day, Derrick was running toe to toe with the world’s best. As the race continued Derrick’s confidence was growing. He was stride for stride with the front of the pack and he knew that he had not even kicked into his fastest gear yet.

As Derrick made his move to the front of the pack, it happened. A sharp pain ran through the back of Derrick’s leg, he had pulled his hamstring. Not only would he not accomplish his dream of winning the race, he possibly would not even cross the finish line.

The next scene would become a defining moment. In the midst of the roar of the crowd and the agony of a great athlete, the most unthinkable thing happened. Derrick’s father came out of the crowd and ran toward his son.

At this point Derrick stood to his feet and he tried to finish the race. His face was etched with pain and drenched in tears as he fell back down. He stood to his feet one more time and tried to hop his way down the track. With every effort, the viewers groaned as if they could feel his pain.

He told his father that he had to finish the race and his father’s reply was, “Then we will finish the race together.” For the next two hundred meters the world witnessed the power of a father’s love. Derrick’s father put his arm around him and step by step, hop by hop, they began to make their way toward the finish line.

As they made their way down the track, the entire stadium stood and began to applaud. When they finally crossed the finish line, time stood still. The crowd’s applause grew even louder and Derrick threw his arms around his father. He did it! With his father’s help, he crossed the finish line.

This story gives us a powerful picture of what we, as fathers, can do to display love and assist our children in the pursuit of their dreams. Our children will have many “finish lines” to cross. (Finish lines are simply dreams.) We need to let our children know that they don’t have to finish first; in fact, sometimes the victory is found in just finishing. Our children also need to know that as they are heading toward their finish line, there will be obstacles. If they should happen to fall and life seems to knock them out of the race, we will be in the stands cheering them on just like Derrick’s father. And if their journey becomes impossible to bear, they can count on us to come out of the stands and carry them across the finish line. That’s the power of a father’s love.

The Purpose of a Wound

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:00:44 GMT

Breaking Free from Pain and Finding Healing in Christ

The purpose of a wound is found in John 10:10, which states, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy…” The enemy wants to wound you to steal your hope, kill your passion, and destroy your destiny. At the end of the day, the devil wants to take your joy.

I have learned that wounds come and go but it is my ability to forgive that allows me to survive those wounds. Too often we accept the marriage proposal of our wounds. What do I mean by this? A wound’s job is to position itself on one knee and entice you to say, “Yes.” It is a marriage proposal asking you to stay stuck and fixed on the pain of all the wounds in your life, for richer or poorer, until death does its part. Your wounds want you to take on its last name.

Many people have said “Yes” to the marriage proposal from their wounds. They have allowed bitterness to slip a wedding ring on their finger, and they have remained faithful to unforgiveness and brokenness.

The purpose of a wound is that you accept its marriage proposal and live the rest of your life in a marriage full of negative inner vows that never allow you to love, live, laugh or dream again. Yes, some wounds try to marry us to the concept that we can never heal.

Have you been married to the idea that you will never recover from what happened to you? Perhaps you find yourself so wounded that you feel like you will never get over what someone said to you or did to you. Maybe your wounds have made you feel like you are not good enough to be used or loved by God? My friend, it’s time for you to file for divorce.

Divorce? Yes! It’s time to divorce your wounds. Tell your wounds that you have outgrown them. They will no longer stunt your growth as a person. Tell your wounds you have grown apart. Tell them that they lied to you. Tell them you have found someone new; his name is Jesus, and He has won your heart and loves you. Jesus has shown you the way to freedom and restored your joy. Tell your wounds that they have just been served with divorce papers.

Whose Report Will You Believe?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Recognizing Satan’s Lies and Standing Firm in God’s Truth

Whose Report Will You Believe

Bearing False Witness

Satan, also known as the father of lies, often uses the tactic of bearing false witness against God, Jesus, and mankind, which he uses to sow discord, deceive, and lead people away from the truth.

Bearing False Witness Against God

Satan's false witness against God began in the Garden of Eden. In the Book of Genesis, Satan, in the form of a serpent, deceives Eve by twisting God's words. God had commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, warning that doing so would result in death. However, Satan falsely assures Eve that eating the fruit will not lead to death but will instead make them like God, knowing good and evil. This lie not only distorts God’s command but also questions His motives, suggesting that God is withholding something good from them. This act of deception leads to the fall of mankind, demonstrating how Satan's false witness can have horrible consequences.

Bearing False Witness Against Jesus

Satan’s deceit continued with Jesus. In the New Testament, Satan's efforts to bear false witness against Jesus are evident during the temptation in the wilderness. After Jesus fasts for forty days, Satan approaches Him with a series of temptations. He quotes Scripture, but he twists its meaning in an attempt to manipulate Jesus into disobeying God. For example, Satan challenges Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, misapplying Psalm 91:11-12 to suggest that angels would protect Him. Jesus rebukes Satan, correctly interpreting Scripture and refusing to test God.

Moreover, throughout Jesus’ ministry, Satan works through various means to discredit Him. Religious leaders, often influenced by Satan, accuse Jesus of blasphemy and consorting with demons. These false accusations culminate in Jesus' trial, where He is falsely accused and ultimately crucified. Despite these efforts, Jesus' resurrection triumphs over Satan's lies, reaffirming His divine authority and the truth of His mission.

Bearing False Witness Against Mankind

Satan's false witness extends to mankind, continually striving to lead people astray through deceit and temptation. In the Book of Job, Satan accuses Job of being faithful only because of God's protection and blessings. He challenges God, claiming that if Job were to suffer, he would curse God. This accusation is an example of Satan's attempt to undermine the integrity and faithfulness of God’s people. God permits Satan to test Job, who, despite immense suffering, remains faithful, thereby disproving Satan's false claim.

In contemporary contexts, Satan's false witness manifests in various ways. He sows seeds of doubt, fear, and confusion, leading people to question their worth, purpose, and relationship with God. He exploits human weaknesses, such as pride, greed, and envy, to foster sin and division. By bearing false witness about God's nature and intentions, Satan aims to separate people from God’s love and truth.

In conclusion, Satan’s bearing of false witness against God, Jesus, and mankind is revealed when God refers to him as the accuser who comes before God day and night, pointing out our flaws. By distorting the truth, he seeks to undermine faith, create doubt, and lead people away from the path of righteousness. Understanding these tactics is crucial for recognizing and resisting the lies that can distort one's relationship with God. As believers, we should refuse to agree with Satan about God, others, or ourselves.

When the Leaves Let Go

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:08:58 GMT

Finding Beauty in Change and Hope in Every Season

When the Leaves Let Go

There’s something about fall that makes us slow down and take notice. The crispness in the air. The

scent of a bonfire. Trees painted with leaves of gold, crimson, and orange. What a beautiful show.

Fall is a reminder that change can be beautiful. We watch the leaves turn and drift to the ground,

and while part of us knows it means the end of summer’s warmth, another part of us feels the

comfort of it all. We witness the rhythm of seasons, the promise that God is at work even in times of

transition.

Life has seasons, too. Some are full of energy and growth, like spring. Others feel warm and

abundant, like summer. But then there are seasons that feel more like fall; seasons of change, of

letting go, of preparing for something new.

If we’re honest, those seasons aren’t always easy. Change can be uncomfortable. Letting go of old

habits, relationships, or routines can feel like losing a part of ourselves. But fall shows us that letting

go is part of the process of renewal. Just as trees shed their leaves to prepare for the next season,

we too sometimes have to release what’s familiar to make room for what God is about to do.

I remember a time in my life when God was nudging me to step into something new. I could sense

the change coming, but I resisted it. I liked where I was. It felt safe and comfortable. But just like the

leaves can’t cling to the branch forever, I couldn’t hold on to that season. When I finally

surrendered and stepped forward, I realized God had been preparing me all along for something

better.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the

heavens.” That verse reminds me that no matter the season I’m in, whether it’s a season of growth,

waiting, change, or even loss, God is present and working for my good.

Fall also brings harvest, a time of gathering and gratitude. Spiritually speaking, it’s a reminder to

look back and thank God for what He’s done. Even in seasons of letting go, there’s always

something to celebrate. There are lessons learned, relationships deepened, and ways we’ve seen

God’s faithfulness.

This fall, as you sip your coffee on a cool morning or walk through a park filled with falling leaves, take a moment to reflect:

Is there something God is asking you to let go of so He can bring something new?
Are there blessings you need to stop and thank Him for?
Are you trusting that even in change, God’s plan is good?

The leaves will return in spring. Life will bloom again. And in the same way, God brings new life and

fresh beginnings to our hearts. So, as you enjoy the beauty of fall, let it remind you that change is not the end, it’s often the

beginning of something beautiful. Trust Him in the letting go, and look forward to the new season

He is preparing for you.

Creating a Life-Giving Atmosphere at Home

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:13:39 GMT

Designing a Home Where Love Speaks Louder Than Decor

When my friend, Rhonda, would call and ask if I wanted to come over and play Barbies, I would jump on my bike and pedal as fast as I could. It wasn’t that I was a fan of Barbies; in all reality I couldn’t stand the plastic shoes and matted hair. But Rhonda had the best selection of Barbie furniture of any girl in our neighborhood. She would spend hours styling Barbie while I would spend hours designing Barbie’s home.

As an adult, I still get a thrill designing homes; but the real appeal goes beyond decor… I love creating the atmosphere in a home . The glow of a candle, pillows tossed about a family room, children’s artwork displayed, even the sound of the dishwasher running creates an atmosphere; and it all speaks to the story being written inside.

My story? My parents married and divorced each other, not once but… twice . So when my husband and I married, we were intentional about creating the atmosphere of our home. We wanted it to be a place where people felt loved and welcomed; and experienced peace and joy!

In our early days, we learned three invaluable lessons that would have a far greater impact on the atmosphere of our home than any pretty decor.

The first was that we had a choice regarding the words we would speak ; and that choice carried the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21MSG says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit - you choose.”

Secondly, those life-giving words would be a gift to our marriage and our children. “ Watch the way you talk…Say only what helps, each word a gift." Ephesians 4:29

Lastly, because of this powerful gift, we would not allow any sarcasm, name-calling or snarky comments in our home . We weren’t legalistic about it but we knew that even the slightest hurtful word carried great power. Consider the passage in James 3:4. I love the visual that a small rudder on a huge ship can set its course even when facing the strongest of winds. “A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!” James goes on to say in verse 6: “A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By your speech you can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos.” If that is true, I believe that our words can turn chaos to harmony as well.

My question to you is this: Who is in your world and how are you speaking to them? What atmosphere are you setting? Is it one of harmony or chaos?

Not long ago, I found an entry in our son’s first grade journal that brought me to my knees in humble thanks.

The prompt from his teacher read:

“In one sentence tell me what you love the sound of?”

Drew’s response:

“I love the sound of my family loving each other.”

Those you cherish in your world will not remember the designer fabrics on your sofa, but they will remember the sound of love in your home - the atmosphere you have designed. I challenge you, as you begin this new school year, to guard the words that are spoken in your home and to create a beautiful atmosphere full of harmony.

Real Hope

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:53:52 GMT

When Jesus Wept: Finding Hope in Disappointment

John the apostle tells us in John 11:35 that, “Jesus wept” during a difficult moment. We have all had difficult moments in our lives. The fact that Jesus wept with Mary and Martha at the passing of their brother and his dear friend, Lazarus, shows us that He walked the same path as you and me. Jesus knew the outcome. He knew that Lazarus was going to be resurrected and yet he still felt deep emotion and sympathized with his dear friends. Jesus is with us in our sorrows as well as in our joys. He cares about us. He understands. He is with us in our most difficult moments. It is important to believe and remember that!

Mary and Martha were disappointed that Jesus hadn’t made it in time to save their brother; and I’m sure they felt let down. I, too, have experienced disappointment and I’m positive that I have let others down. Disappointment is a part of life but we have a choice to let it become either a barrier or a bridge.

Perhaps you have been disappointed or have disappointed someone else, and you’ve carried the weight of that burden for a season. Have you heard someone say, “I’m going to need some time?” But if we take too long to forgive someone (or even ourselves), it can become a barrier that prevents us from enjoying a fulfilling life. We can become consumed with the hurt disappointment causes. One thing I’ve learned, however, about overcoming disappointment is that forgiveness is the start - not the destination. I’ve realized that I need hope for the days to come, not just forgiveness for the days that have passed.

We all experience real life hurts and disappointments just as Mary and Martha did. We have challenges, difficulties and problems in which we are continually searching for a solution. In the midst of all of the imperfection that surrounds us, God does something almost too good to be true. He offers Himself as a solution to the problem. He was real and He was perfect, and yet willingly laid down his life for us. He took our imperfections. This act of grace brings real hope for our lives. This hope is powerful enough to help us overcome whatever we may be facing. The past carries hurts but we can either run from it or learn from it.

Are you holding on to disappointment, grief or pain? In the midst of the most difficult part of Mary and Martha’s story, Jesus wept with these two sisters. He cared for them and He cares for you. He still gets down in the middle of our sorrow and holds us close, mingling his tears with our own. He can help you revisit your past to redefine it and even redeem it. This is more than forgiveness; this is healing, redemption and restoration. And this is why Jesus came - to heal, redeem and restore us.

Ready or Not

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:40:08 GMT

Embracing Change with Faith and Growth

I love this time of year when the leaves begin to turn and summer gives way to fall. Watching the leaves reveal their varying colors creating picturesque landscapes is mesmerizing. Seasonal change is inevitable. In the same way, change is an inevitable part of our lives. In fact, Heraclitus of Ephesus asserted that, “The only constant in life is change.” Ben Franklin reminds us of the importance of personally adapting to life’s seasons of change when he said, “When you are finished changing, you are finished”.

If the one constant is that change will affect each of us, then the variable would be how each of us will embrace change. Change can be enjoyable, even exciting for some, and very difficult for others. Some are able to passionately embrace change with skill. They thrive in it. However, being that we tend to be creatures of habit, it is understandable that others can become overwhelmed by change and succumb to the newness of it. Personally, I have had to learn to embrace change. In doing so, I have discovered that making room for change carries many benefits, perhaps the most important is unexpected growth. As scary as it can be, change can be good when we learn to navigate through it. True growth happens when we learn to embrace change as it arrives.

As we journey through life, there will be change; job, location, relationship, economic and health changes, just to name a few. Beyond the landscape of our individual lives, the world around us is changing and many times it is beyond our control. The question we must ask ourselves is what will we do about it? Complain, wish for the way it was, or to make the most of it and prepare for unexpected growth.

As a follower of Christ, there is great comfort in knowing that no matter what changes we face there is one in whom we can put our trust who never changes. Faith is a steadying force that allows us to navigate the changes that occur in our world, and in our lives, without losing our way. Faith keeps us focused and keeps our feet on the ground when everything else seems to be topsy-turvy. I pray that as you encounter change, you will always know that you can rely on the God who never changes.

Overcoming Mistakes

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:09:42 GMT

Can we overcome the promises we've broken?

We all love the story of the underdog that overcomes. We all love a good against all odds, rags to riches, Cinderella type story. Why is that? Because they resonate with our own stories, and stir hope that maybe that story can be our story too. I may not know you, but here is what I know about you. There are challenges, problems, issues, mountains, things in your life that you hope to, want to, and need to overcome. Me too.

In our journey to overcome any mistake we have made, we are faced with several questions that we wrestle with in some way. We have all broken promises, done some things that we aren’t proud of, and made assumptions about ourselves and others that affect our relationships. In the Bible, Peter had done some pretty impulsive things. He had made several poor decisions. He even broke a promise to God.

Maybe you are the exception to this, but I have never met anyone who claims that they have never broken a promise. I don’t know about you, and I am not proud of it, but I have broken a few promises. Peter broke a promise to God himself. I have broken plenty of those too. And if you are honest, so have you. The question becomes CAN WE OVERCOME THE PROMISES WE’VE BROKEN?

Peter looks Jesus in the eye and says even if everyone else runs away, I won’t. In fact, I will die before I ever disown you. Within an hour of two of making this promise to Jesus himself here he is already having broken it. So Peter denies Jesus not once, not twice, but three times. All of a sudden there is more to this than can I overcome the promises I have broken. This moment raises another pretty familiar question in our lives too.

CAN I OVERCOME THE THINGS I HAVE DONE? Have you ever done something in your life that took you somewhere you never wanted to go? Have you done something that you wish you could go back and have a do-over? This moment is Peter’s worst moment in his entire life. Peter has to be feeling pretty helpless here. He is not able to get to Jesus, to have a conversation with Him, to try and make things right. He can only standby and watch as Jesus is beaten, dies on a cross, and is put into the grave.

I think we have all experienced this moment in our lives. A moment where we are trying to make things right. When we have done something wrong, assumptions are made by us, and about us. There is a conclusion to every story. Can we ever change our conclusion? CAN I OVERCOME THE CONCLUSIONS THAT I HAVE REACHED?

I had two completely different responses when my brother would tell me “dad wants to see you”. When I knew that I had done something wrong, it was a whole lot harder to go see him. My conclusion in those moments was, this is probably not going to go well for me. Have you ever been there? Many times we draw on assumptions and we don’t take the time to really learn about others. Peter needed some help with that. My guess is that we could all use some help there too.

Maybe we need to rethink the conclusions that we have made about ourselves, about others and maybe we need to rethink some of the conclusions that we’ve made about Jesus. We don’t have to wait any longer. That is the hope of Easter.

I want to overcome the promises I have broken, the things I have done, and the conclusions I have reached. This helps me to grow and become better.