Simply 4 God
Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 06:00AM 
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Lynn, who I met several months ago through her blog, Simply4God, in which Valerie shares her personal faith and family struggles, hurts, and joys, in order to help others understand that they are not alone and there is always hope.
Valerie, what are you most hopeful about for 2009, both personally and for our country?
For our country, I hope it will become a UNITED country instead of divided. I pray that race relations improve in the United States of America. The main thing I hope for it that our country returns back to God. This is a great country which was founded on God. Now it is really far apart from God. I was reading Isaiah 1:2-3 last night. It reads, "Hear O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey it's master's crib, but Israel does not know, my people do do understand."
People are wondering what is going on with the economy, with jobs, major industries going under, and they are looking to our new president to rescue the country. They are looking in the wrong place. They need to return to God, the One who is able to save us all.
Personally, I am really excited about signing up for Christian courses online. I hope to get a certificate before this year is out, in Biblical Studies. I hope to reach out to young women in my city who feel they do not have any hope.
How long have you been blogging and what is your mission as a blogger?
I started blogging about three years ago. I stopped because I did not feel the Spirit moving within my writing. So I waited for God's timing. Then, in May of last year, I felt led to write about my journey with Christ. The moment I began writing I could feel the Spirit in all of my writings. This time I felt it was right and I had a peace about it.
My mission is, one, to glorify God for who He is and what He has done for me.
Second, I want to let others know that what they are going through, they do not have to go through it alone. God is just waiting on them to come to Him. Once they do, they will realize how much better their lives will be. I just want them to realize that God loves them.
Does your family influence your blogging?
Oh yes! I believe 90% of my writing is about my family. I wrote about how I learned (through Christ) to forgive my sister for the hurt and pain she caused me so long ago. I wrote about the deaths of my mother and father and how I almost gave up on life until God stepped in and saved me. I write about my personal hardships which I endured such as abuse, rejection and depression. I write a lot about my daughter who is so much like me in school. She has such a powerful spirit and her friends just cling to her. She so loves God.
What new things do you see yourself taking on in 2009?
The main thing is an outreach to help our young women. That is the main focus of my attention right now. I see so many young girls and young ladies who are hurt, full of pain, and feel so abandoned that it breaks my heart. I just hope to be able to reach out to them and let them know there is hope. There is someone who cares and loves them and that is God and I.
What old things do you see yourself giving up this year, Valerie?
I still have self doubt. This is my biggest problem, which God is working on. Another thing is my pride. I just can't find it within myself to ask someone for help. Another is stubbornness, which is probably the reason I can't ask someone for help. I would say these are the main things I hope to give up this year--or should I say "overcome" this year?
Have you written anything specifically for your children? How old are they?
My oldest son is 18. I have two younger sons, one is 7 and the other is 5. I have one daughter who is 12.
I have written about them on my blog. My oldest has a form of Autism, and I wrote about how I blamed myself for his condition. But, God showed me that it was not my fault. God had great plans for him and those plans evolved over the years. He is a straight A student, has a natural talent for art and one of his teachers has said that he could be the next to come up with the next big computer program. He has been an inspiration to many of his classmates.
My daughter is the one I write about the most. She has the most drama to deal with, but she handles it spiritually. She always talks to God and me about how she should handle a situation going on with her friends. She has a beautiful spirit, and she maintains an A/B average.
The youngest are just beginning their school careers, but they are smart as well. All their teachers tell me they wish they could have a whole classroom of my kids. Respecting others is the first thing I taught them before they started school.
I could go on and on... I guess you can just read my blog and read about them as I do write about them a lot. I have prayed for them from the moment they entered the world until now. I will continue to write about them as I hope this will give parents hope when it comes to their children. I firmly stand on Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
What is the first thing you hope to learn when you get to heaven?
I hope to learn all that I can from God, Jesus Christ, and every major and key person in the Bible. I hope to learn all the miracles of Jesus and all that was not written in the Bible. I really hope to learn how to praise and worship God and Jesus the way they should be praised . I love praising the Lord! In heaven it will be 24 hours of continually praising God. Who wouldn't hope to learn about the Heavenly praise and worship of our awesome and mighty God?!
Simply4God, Valerie Lynn, blogging, children in Interview
Reader Comments (7)
The Spirit is Definitely at work in Valerie! The presence of God is felt from the moment I log on to her blog. If I had only one word to describe it - I'd say PRACTICAL. Yes, about 90% of her writings are about her family and everyday things...and that's good because we see she's one of us with real things going on, things that we can relate to. Her love for God and others is clearly felt and well communicated. Great interview questions BTW:)
Diane, I am so overwhelmed at my interview. I thank you my friend for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will always treasure this interview. God bless you my friend. I love you very much and pray God's blessing upon you and your family. Thank you again.
To God be the Glory for all He has done in our lives and for makiing this interview possible .
Am grateful to God for this interview for it not only proves what I already know about my beautiful sis Valerie, it also makes it available for others to see what a beautiful person she is and they would certainly want her as a friend in Christ
God bless you Diane looking forward to more of your interviews
My dearest Valerie,
This has truly touched my heart. I think you are a miracle worker. You have brought thought and longing into my heart and mind again.
You inspire me. Thank you.
Love you.
Loved this interview, and I am a fan of Valerie´s blog.
Thank you for taking the time to write this up.
Blessings
Thank you for the article about Valerie. She's definitely a blessing and sharing her words with others is spreading the Good News.
I am gratified by the comments received on my interview with Valerie Lynn. She is a very special lady who I pray will have the opportunity to touch many, many lives in the way that God has shown her.
Thank you, Valerie, for doing the interview, and thank you everyone else for reading and letting Valerie know how she has touched you.