Kris Vallotton • November 11, 2015

What Would It Look Like to Have a City Transformed by God?

My close friend, Julie Winter, is running for Redding City Council. I have worked with her for more than a decade. Julie is one of the most intelligent and forward thinking leaders I have ever met. This is only the 2nd time I have ever endorsed a candidate for an office in my life, but I feel like Julie’s candidacy is motivated by divine providence. This guest blog by Julie is a great overview of her vision for our city.

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Living and serving in the Bethel community for 26 years, I’ve been challenged by the question, “What would it look like to have a city transformed by the Kingdom of God?” As a nurse practitioner, I look at this question from an analytical perspective that begs the question “Can you measure it?” If Redding was truly transformed, then statistics for social issues like crime, divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse and homelessness would improve. If Redding was transformed, our unemployment rate would drop to less than five percent and median income would rise from a low of $44K to surpass the national average of $52K. If Redding was transformed, our health statistics, which are some of the poorest in the state, would improve.

I wondered why didn’t SOMEONE come up with a strategic plan for transformation? What are the root causes of so many of the social issues that cause tremendous pain for our citizens and business owners? Why are people homeless? Why are people committing crime? Why are people substance abusing? If we don’t answer these questions, we will come up with the wrong solutions. This is the type of analyses I do daily when patients present with “symptoms.” So why weren’t leaders stepping up with strategic solutions?

Little did I realize that I was part of the solution. Challenged to run for city council by three people whom I deeply respected, I began a journey of prayer, measuring the personal cost and deciding if I could make a difference. The two issues that have driven me are the increasing hopelessness that I see in my patients daily, and the fact that my two sons have been unable to find work to support their families in Redding. Our best and brightest leave to make their dreams come true somewhere else. Will my grandchildren have a future in Redding?

After answering yes, I would pay the price, and yes, I think I can be part of a city wide transformation, I’ve entered the race for Redding City Council, 2016. I have jumped off the cliff so to speak, way beyond my comfort level or expertise. Yet, if I don’t, who will? Daily, I feel the pleasure of the Lord in this. I’d love to have an entire revelation of strategy, but it seems to come in small bits from a variety of sources. He is the light that shines on my feet, but I do not see much beyond that. However, his voice I do know, and I cling to his presence where all knowledge, wisdom, faith, love and hope abound. There are no problems he does not have a solution for. This gives me courage and confidence for the future of our city.

We have so many genuine needs, the social issues being the most prominent in everyone’s mind. However, what will actually change the social issues, which are driven by hopelessness more than anything else? Obviously, the foremost answer to this question on a personal level is the transformation of Christ living in us, the hope of glory. Nothing compares to this. Beyond this, I believe that If we could change one thing first, it would be the economy. What people want more, per research done by Gallup, is a good job. Jobs provide hope and sustenance for families and revenues that fund solutions for our social issues. If we try to fix homelessness or substance abuse without changing our low unemployment and median income rates, we will exhaust every resource we have and still be in the same boat. Yes, we can and should work on these problems with the resources we have, but long term solutions require foundational economic change.

Historically, our city has built economic foundational stones based upon resource extraction like mining and timber. These industries brought in money from outside the community and spawned many other related wood and paper product industries. When these industries left or diminished, our city relied upon service and retail industries. Unfortunately, service and retail sectors don’t generate new money, but rely upon re-circulation of existing money. When an economic downturn hits, the economic wall of Redding collapses, because we never replaced those key foundation stones with sectors that bring in outside money.

I believe Redding is in the midst of an economic transformation. As I look to see what talents God has given our community to steward, I see several areas of prominence. First, we have a small, but growing technology and entrepreneur sector. Our relative proximity to the Bay Area, mobility of many of these jobs, low cost of living and quality of life make many Redding desirable for technology. It is estimated that 70 percent of all jobs in California will be in STEM in the next ten years, so we need to create the infrastructure for the jobs of the future. The rising level of entrepreneurs and startups are bringing a sense of hope and destiny for our city. Secondly, God has gifted us with abundant natural beauty that we currently under-utilize. The Sacramento riverfront area alone, not to mention our world class fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, biking, watersports, skiing, makes Redding the perfect place for a destination city. If Palm Springs could turn sand and sunshine into a resort, what are we doing with what we’ve been given? Making Redding a world class destination city would result in the birth of many businesses related to this as well as businesses related to our outdoor lifestyle. One of our most incredible assets are the people who move here, many of them from other countries. These people are often risk takers and come with different educational training, skill sets, talents, resources, and a new way of looking at problems. I also believe Redding has tremendous potential in the creative arts, and could be the northstate hub for entertainment, largely because of the talented people in our community.

So what do we need to do? As a city we need to identify these new business leaders of the future and find out what they need to be more successful. One of the most powerful things we can do is speak positively about our city, not only in our conversations, but on social media. We need to shout about the successes of companies like Limelight Health, Tegile, Spiritus Solutions, and Moseley Family Cellars to name a few. The greatest enemy we face in our community right now is not people, but hopelessness. And the greatest way to defeat hopelessness is to share the testimonies of success.

Lastly, we need to get involved. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he found the people living among the ruins. They had lived among the ruins for years, without attempting to rebuild because they had lost hope. Nehemiah brought both hope and strategy. In reality, the people had everything they needed to rebuild their own walls. It was just a matter of being responsible for the wall in front of their home. We too, have everything we need to rebuild our walls in Redding. It’s just a matter of not walking by the discarded stones, but getting involved, picking them up and resetting them in the wall. If you don’t do it, who will?

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Julie Winter is a Family Nurse Practitioner and serves on the board of Advance Redding, Bethel Church and her NP professional organization. She also serves on the Community Development Advisory Committee for the City of Redding. Julie is running for Redding City Council in 2016 and you can find her on Facebook as well as get more information on what you can do to help at juliewinter.com.

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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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