Valerie Baptism at Church of Grace and Peace (youtube.com)

My Testimony (The Beginning)

A Walk That Changed Everything

In 2006, as I was getting out of bed one morning, a thought entered my mind: “I should go on a walk and talk to God.”

“You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” — Psalm 139:4 (NIV)

 

After getting ready, a sense of excitement came over me. I had a deep knowing that Almighty God would help with everything that concerned me.

“The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever.” — Psalm 138:8 (NKJV)
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

 

Little did I realize that this simple walk would mark the beginning of a completely new life—not only for me, but for my family and for the people whose lives I would later touch.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

As I began to seek God with all my heart, I began to truly find Him.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

 

Those walks became sacred moments. Although I was outside in broad daylight, it felt as though it was just God and me. I had full confidence that He heard my prayers.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” — 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

 

As our walks continued, my thoughts began to change. God was working in me and through me in ways I could not fully understand at the time.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2 (AMP)

 

Nothing was impossible then—and nothing is impossible now—for Almighty God.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

 

God desires for all people to know Him personally—not just to know of Him, but to truly know Him.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18

 

From that moment on, my relationship with God began to grow. Although I made plans, He directed my steps and brought divine connections into my life.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

 

Life taught me that every lesson—no matter how painful—makes us stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” — Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

 

Life is short. Each day is a gift. Speak life, walk in gratitude, and invest your time in what truly matters.           

Material things do not define who we are—it is our faith, obedience, and love that shape our lives.