Kris Vallotton • November 25, 2020

What I Realized When I Began to Give Thanks: Guest Post by Kathy Vallotton

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We have all been in a season of intense challenges. For the Vallotton Family, getting up each day and remaining hopeful has been a purposeful choice, and not an automatic feeling. Yet, as Thanksgiving Day nears, I have been reflecting on the profound power that this holiday invites us to experience. Thankfulness is the fruit of humility and the offspring of gratitude towards God.

With this in mind, I asked my wife, Kathy, to share her experience and what she’s learned from 2020 — the good, the God, and the ugly! (Spoiler: This is the title of her new book that comes out in April!) I hope what Kathy shares will help you to continue to move forward in this season with gratitude, humility, and grace.

Probably like you, I have been exposed to all kinds of information this year that can be, well, . . . pretty disheartening to the soul. 2020 was supposed to be the year where everything was going to come together. After all, it was the beginning of a new decade, laced with thoughts of all the great things that I was going to experience and accomplish in this stage of my life.

Then Covid struck and fear flooded the nations like a locomotive out of control, causing chaos at every bend. To make matters worse, we had no idea that the virus was going to last so long. In fact, I remember thinking that surely it would pass by summer, only to have summer end and now here we are, months later, still dealing with an escalated outbreak that seems to be setting new records every week.

I am normally a very positive person. In fact, Kris says I can always find the best in every situation, and for the most part, that’s a true statement. But by week three of the pandemic, I noticed that even I, the optimistic Kathy Vallotton, was becoming frightened by the thoughts that were pressing on my mind. I was feeling out of control, helpless and desperate in the situation. The media certainly wasn’t helping me out; they dramatize every Covid-19 statistical count, which fed my imagination that was already fat with fear.

I finally convinced myself that I needed to get my eyes off my surroundings and get them back on Jesus; the Foundation of my faith. Somehow, I had jumped tracks and ended up on the fear express…and I don’t think I was the only one on the train. I reflected on the scripture in Hebrews which says, “…let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God .” (Hebrew 12:1-2)

Jesus focused on the joy set before Him, instead of the cross in front of Him. What a profound statement. It hit me square in the face! In the midst of all the amazing things 2020 was bringing to us, I got stuck focusing on our troubles. Yes, we are in the midst of a pandemic, but God has given us the ability to choose which thoughts we are going to dwell on. In fact, the Bible tells us what to meditate on! In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

One day I decided that I had enough of stinking thinking! I vowed to God that I would find something to be thankful for each day. I began writing a thankful list that grew longer by the day. As I gave thanks, I felt like a heavy metal lid was lifted off my head. Suddenly I became aware that good things were happening all around me but the pandemic had blinded me to them. In fact, I realized that 2020 was one of the most awesome years of my life.

Here is a list of a few highlights that happened in this year! I am so thankful for them.

1. Our 10th grandchild, “Edie”, was born!

2. Our oldest granddaughter, Mesha, got married.

3. We have an amazing BSSM staff that pulled off a virtual graduation “in style.”
4. Our oldest grandson, Elijah, got married.

5. I have been having some breakthroughs with Parkinson’s.
6. I finished my first book, The Good, the God and the Ugly , which comes out in April 2021.
7. Kris and I are going to be great-grandparents!

8. Our kids bought a house just a few doors down from us.
The list goes on and on! The Lord has done so much in our lives this year…it’s stunning!
Any one thing on this list would be something worth celebrating, and I have been blessed with them all. Yes, it’s true, stuff happens in life, and I am so sorry for the hardships that some of you are going through. Yet thankfulness is a choice that we can make, even in the hardest seasons of our lives. Furthermore, breakthrough begins when we focus on the voice of God and not on our situations or circumstances. I have learned this year that I can’t trust my own feelings, but I can trust Jesus’ word in my life.
Another thing that has really helped me cultivate a thankful heart in the midst of this chaos is a tradition that we started in our home over a year ago, which we call “Family Dinner.” Most Sundays after church, all of our family comes to our house, (if they are able), and we just have a meal and hang out together. The conversation is always lively and fun as we encourage each other (and of course it wouldn’t be a Vallotton dinner without bantering and sarcasm). I only wished that we would have started the tradition earlier in our life. We rarely cancel Family Dinners, but when we do, it’s the grandkids who complain the most! They’re like, “You’re kidding, Grandma! It is the highlight of my week!” Personally, I think they are just trying to get a free meal! LOL
During this Thanksgiving season, I encourage you to take a moment each night before you doze off to sleep, to thank Jesus for the ways He has touched your life and those around you. Just remember, that in the midst of everything going on around you, “He’s got this, too!”
Oh, and by the way, I just googled the weather in Redding for Thanksgiving Day - 60 degrees with plenty of sunshine. I think a horseback ride is in order with my daughter. Just one more reason to be thankful!

- Kathy

I want to remind you again that no matter what challenges you may be facing this holiday season, there is nothing impossible for God ! There is no circumstance that He can't change, no hand dealt to you with which He can’t win, and no failure that He can’t restore! What are you thankful for this year? Please share in the comments below!

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Kathy's Mother's Day Message

By Kathy Vallotton • May 10, 2025

As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton

Character and Gifting: Favor with God and Favor with Man

By Kris Vallotton • March 5, 2025

Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.

4 Lessons After 50 Years of Marriage

By Kris Vallotton • February 12, 2025

Kathy and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we’ve been together for 54. We’ve experienced highs and lows together and built a life I never imagined possible! Over the past 50+ years, we’ve learned a few things that I want to share with you to help your marriage thrive! Know when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy. Kathy and I have learned when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy; this is the discipline of laying down your life for another. A practical example of this is when people find out we have horses. They say, “Oh wow, Kris, you have horses!” My response to them goes something like this, “No, I don’t have horses. Kathy has horses. I only pay for the horses.” Their next question for me usually is, “Don’t you like horses?” To which I respond, “No, I don’t like horses, but I like Kathy.” You see, I get a lot of joy out of doing what Kathy wants to do. I am willing to sacrifice my own pleasure to pursue what develops joy in our marriage. It’s not one-sided, Kathy does the same for me. 2. Forgiveness restores the standard. If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time, then you know the honeymoon phase doesn't last forever. The person that you love and cherish at the deepest level is the same person that will stretch, challenge, and offend you. I learned this lesson years ago when my kids were teenagers. I became angry with Kathy in front of them and treated her disrespectfully. An hour later, I apologized, and she forgave me. Colossians 3:13 tells us that “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive". The truth is, forgiveness restores the standard of holiness in us and through us. 3. It’s not bad if your spouse thinks differently than you. Men and women think differently, and this is metaphorically demonstrated in the way they were created. Please understand what I am trying to communicate here. I am not at all trying to dishonor either gender. I know that women and men are equally intelligent. When Kathy and I got married, I didn’t understand marriage or women at all. I was so ignorant that it wasn’t even funny. I just had no value for Kathy’s opinion, while we were making decisions, when she refused to produce the facts for her conclusions. She often prefaced her statements with phrases like, “I feel like...,” “It troubles me that...,” “I don’t feel good about that...,” and so on. But what I learned over time, as many of my great decisions began to turn into mistakes, was that her “It feels like” or “This troubles me” were often a lot more accurate than the so-called facts! As the years have rolled on, I have learned to invite the rest of me, and my other half, my wife, into all of my decisions. And she has learned the same thing. We were made to be together. We are one flesh, a mystery that continues to unfold with time. 4. Vision gives pain a purpose. It is my conviction that we are living in a generation perishing for lack of vision. This is evident in many different areas of life, but I also see it in marriages. Having a vision for your marriage will help you persevere through the harder seasons that you’ll face together. Many years ago I had a vision where I was standing next to this elderly gentleman and could see him perfectly, but the man could not see me. The older man was surrounded by children and grandchildren telling stories about the family's history, lineage, and favor with God. In the vision he said, “And all of this began with your great-great-grandmother and great-great-grandfather.” I looked up and above the mantle of the fireplace and there was a huge portrait of Kathy and me! The Lord spoke to me and said: “You are no longer to live for a ministry—you are to live to leave a legacy! Your children’s children’s children are depending on you leaving them a world in revival. From this day forward, you will live for a generation that you will never see. You are to have a one-hundred-year vision so that you can build from the future.” This vision of our future helped us in developing a strategy to apprehend God’s goals for our lives, and it was the fuel that kept us going in the harder seasons. Consequently, from that day on, we began to build from the future, as the Lord had said. Let me be clear: you don't have to have a literal vision like I did, but you should have a vision and a direction for the future! Your marriage isn’t just about you, it’s about the generations that will follow. The truth is, the way you love, lead, and fight for your marriage today is building a legacy for your children and their children. So take time with your spouse, dream with God, and dream with each other. Get a vision for your family’s future! The breakthrough you experience now will impact the generations to come.

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