New Here?

It's been a while since I have been in this space.

Honestly, too long.

But for whatever reason, I keep feeling this pull to step back into the blogging world. To share with a bit more depth than social media typcially allows. Because in truth, I have missed connecting with all of you and long to get back at it.

Just in case there are some new faces here...

Hi, I'm Valerie.

I am a military wife, mother of two boys, author, and content manager for a military ministry. I absolutely love encouraging others. Whether that is through the written word or just sharing a cup of coffee together and diving into deep discussion. In my spare time you can find me dabbling in creative outlets (I will go ahead and tell you, I don't excell at many of said outlets. It's just relaxing for me. Peep my latest creative hobby of painting with watercolors on old hymnal pages.) I also enjoy sifting through unique finds at antique stores in hopes of turning someone else's junk into a personal treasure.

I LOVE diving into a good book (currently reading: Theo of Golden by: Allen Levi). I also enjoy a good podcast series and listening to theological discussions. It is not uncommon for me to go about my day with one earbud in my ear at all times. (current favorite: Live Free with Josh Howerton)

Our family currently calls Florida home and in truth, I would plant myself here forever if the military would allow. I love the salty sea breeze. Yes, even the heat and humidity. After eight years of cold weather living, I happily traded the snowflakes for sand. There's beauty to both and I am grateful for our time in Colorado and New York, but in truth, the south will always feel like home to us. As a matter of fact, as I was dreaming about writing this earlier this morning, I was sitting watching the waves crash onto the sea shore and enjoying my boys being silly and splashing around in the water. It was the perfect backdrop to get lost in my thoughts and do a little mental planning for this space.

In this season, our home has been a place of welcome. My husband and I have the privlidge of leading a connect group in our home, and it's such a blessing. I may have mentioned to my husband just last week how much I enjoy hosting and having people regularly in our home. This season of life is full. My boys are growing and with that comes more independence. They are needing me less and less (I remember dreaming of this very stage of life when they were toddlers.. haha). In some ways, theres a sweetness to the quiet moments and in other ways, it serves as a reminder that there is a day quickly approaching where I will have to release them into the wild for good.

Okay, I'm getting a bit teary just thinking of it and need to move on.

One of my favorite ways to spend my time is writing. It doesn't matter if I am hunkering down and creating a manuscript for a new children's book, planning out a Youversion Bible study (shameless plug: you can find the ministry I work for on Youversion: just search Homefront Heroes Ministries), dreaming and outlining a book for women (next shameless plug: Yes, you heard that right), or just making day to day lists so that I can check off each item and find satisfaction in it.

I thank God for the gift of writing and for the words He puts on my heart. If you find yourself in this space because you discovered my latest children's book: Never "Goodbye." Always "See You Later!" or you found me on social media and gave me a follow, I pray you leave encouraged. No matter whether the topic is silly or sentimental, I hope my love for the Lord rings louder than anything else. His nearness and intentionality will never cease to amaze me.

Never “Goodbye.” Always “See You Later!”

I do hope you will stick around this space for a bit. I hope my little corner of the internet will bring a smile to your face. May you walk away from the words I write feeling seen and encouraged.

Here's a little bit of what you can expect to see on my page in the future. I will dive into all things related to Faith, Family, Friendships, and all the crazy moments of this nomadic military life. I am eager to provide some tried and true tips along the way of things that have worked for our family.

I hope this gives you a bit better idea of who I am, and what you will find in this space. If you want to stick around for all the fun, be sure to subsribe. You will be the first to know all the fun things along the way.

Do we have anything in common? Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments. As a fellow podcast junkie I am always eager to hear what others are listening to.