Updates from Valerie Nance

Stuck in the Mud, the Blizzard, and on the Tracks — But Never Alone - Week 2

Stuck in the Mud, the Blizzard, and on the Tracks — But Never Alone - Week 2
# Blog Post Excerpt

When a winter blizzard blinds you completely—no visibility, no phone signal, no escape route—you learn something profound about God's perspective that you can't unlearn. Stuck perpendicular to a snow-covered road with a snowplow seconds away, one woman discovered that the very tools she thought she needed weren't what saved her; instead, God's all-seeing eye orchestrated a rescue so perfectly timed it defied explanation. In moments when life's storms leave us completely disoriented and unable to see danger, rescue, or even miracles unfolding around us, God sees everything—and He moves people to help in ways we never could have planned. This is what real faith looks like when the blizzard blinds us but God still sees.
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Stuck in the Mud, the Blizzard, and on the Tracks — But Never Alone Week 1

Stuck in the Mud, the Blizzard, and on the Tracks — But Never Alone Week 1
Life has a way of getting us stuck — sometimes literally. Over the years, I’ve found myself trapped in mud, blinded by blizzards, and even perched on railroad tracks, wondering how on earth I got there. Each moment was frightening in its own way, but each one also revealed something deeper about God’s presence and provision. In this three-week series, I’m sharing those stories — not just for the drama, but for the reminders they carry: that even in our most helpless moments, we are never alone.

Week 1: When the Van Sinks and So Do We
Have you ever gotten your vehicle stuck in mud, snow, or even on railroad tracks? I have — more than once. And let me tell you, those moments are equal parts frustrating and embarrassing. Over the next three weeks, I want to share three of those “stuck” stories, not just because they’re memorable, but because each one has become a metaphor for the times we get stuck in life.
One ministry assignment stands out. We were serving in a denomination that moved its pastors from place to place, and at this particular location, our 12-passenger van was… well, let’s call it “seasoned.” It was old, tired, and definitely not built for adventure. But it was all we had, and it was my job to drive it — picking people up for Sunday School, women’s ministries, youth activities, and more.
There was one family whose driveway tested both my patience and my prayer life. It wasn’t paved. It sat in a marshy area. And the moment moisture touched it, the whole thing turned into a mud pit. Every time I pulled in, I held my breath. More times than I care to admit, I’d feel the wheels spin, the van sink, and my heart drop. Stuck again.
And every time, I’d have to knock on the door and ask the dad to come pull me out. Humbling doesn’t even begin to describe it.
After a few years of this muddy ritual, we were finally able to purchase a new vehicle — a reliable one, one that didn’t sink at the first sign of rain. And just like that, I stopped getting stuck.

What I learned: Sometimes in life, we’re doing the best we can with the “old van” we’ve been given — limited resources, worn-out tools, or circumstances we didn’t choose. We navigate the same muddy paths again and again, getting stuck in the same places and needing help to get pulled out.

And then, eventually, something shifts: a new season, a new resource, a new strength, a new way forward. Suddenly, the places that used to trap us don’t anymore.

For further reflection and study, read Philippians 4:10–19. Journal about how God provided for Paul and how Paul says God will provide for you.




My Ultimate Deadend

Navigating life's unexpected transitions can feel like a storm of uncertainty, leaving you questioning your purpose and path as a Christian woman facing changes like an empty nest or a shifted calling. In the midst of this upheaval, there's a profound invitation to discover God's guiding hand, turning what seems like a dead end into a doorway for deeper faith and renewal. As hearts grapple with loss and identity shifts, unexpected blessings emerge, revealing how closed doors often lead to fresh beginnings and a truer sense of calling. Yet, the journey holds secrets of resilience and joy that only come from trusting in a higher plan, reminding us that every twist is part of a beautiful, purposeful story. Dive deeper into this transformative exploration and uncover how your own transition might just be the start of something extraordinary.
When life suddenly shifts—through retirement, loss, changing roles, or an unexpected ending—it can feel like purpose itself has slipped away. This heartfelt post explores how God meets believers in the confusion of transition, revealing that a closed door is not the end of a calling but often the beginning of something deeper, steadier, and unexpectedly beautiful. With themes of identity, surrender, grief, and renewed hope, it offers encouragement for anyone wondering whether their story has gone off course. If a season of change has left you feeling disoriented or unseen, this piece points to the quiet ways God may be leading you into healing, belonging, and a new beginning.
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Meet Valerie Nance

Hi, I'm Valerie

I know what it feels like to be stuck — to carry the weight of trauma, betrayal, and the daily grind that drains your spirit. I've been there. And I discovered that the most important relationship is with Jesus, and through Him, a new route to fulfillment is always possible.
As a Certified Encounter Coach and CCNI-certified professional, I'm uniquely gifted to walk alongside fellow Christians who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.
My approach is honest, encouraging, and deeply rooted in Scripture. I don't offer quick fixes — I offer a compassionate, personalized journey toward the life God designed for you.

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