Happy 2024, dear readers! As we begin a new year, I (Melissa) would like to share a brief update with you: This past summer, Emily stepped down as co-administrator of The Valley ministry. While I’ve missed her support and help in matters big and small, her decision–made for her own wellbeing–has not affected our friendship, and […]
Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your story with us! Tell us about yourself! I’m Lauren Watt, and I’m 22 years old. I live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with my parents, crestepoo, and three lovebirds. I have two older brothers and a sister-in-law. I love reading and listening to audiobooks, crocheting, walking, and spending […]
Chronic Illness vs. Will If you’re like me, you’ve had loving friends gently challenge you not to use your health as an excuse, a crutch, or a cop-out for not doing certain things. While you want to accept any truth from their words, you also know, deeply and painfully, that your chronic illness is a […]
Christmas: Our Celebration Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the new-born King;Peace on earth, and mercy mild;God and sinners reconciled.”Joyful, all ye nations, rise,Join the triumph of the skies;With angelic hosts proclaim,“Christ is born in Bethlehem.” So begins one of the most well-known Christmas carols, a song of jubilant praise for the miracle of the […]
I recently read through Isaiah, and this passage stuck out to me: Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. And […]
Every time I read the book of Job, I see something else and learn something new that relates to my situation of chronic illness. When I read Job this year, I was in a few weeks of level, (relatively) easy terrain in between valleys–an unusual experience that, if I’m honest, I didn’t know how to […]
Wildfires: A Force of Destruction A couple months ago, my friend and I drove through Rocky Mountain National Park, up to the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,796 feet, down to the Continental Divide at 10,759 feet, and on to the trails, landscapes, and vistas beyond. I’d never been on the western side of the park, […]
Our last two devotional posts (Why Doesn’t God Heal My Chronic Illness? and God’s Providence in Chronic Illness) have been about embracing chronic illness, accepting what God gives us, and thanking God for the ways He uses our suffering for His glory. Does this mean we don’t ask God for change, that we throw up […]
In this interview, Sandra shares her story and testimony of God’s faithfulness and providence through her valley of chronic illness dealing with Type 1 Diabetes.
A few Sundays ago, the pastor of my church preached from Acts 23 in a sermon that spoke to my heart and encouraged me during the difficulties of chronic illness. With his permission, I’m sharing part of his sermon with you in the hope that you too can be encouraged by the reminder of God’s […]
The Valley 