Val Barkley grew up in several Midwestern states, finally ending up in Kansas in her preteen years.  Always wanting approval, Val grew up insecure.  Her search for acceptance, security, and significance grew as her parents divorced.  In order to strive to be “somebody,” she looked to titles and labels through high school and college activities.  Through wearing many masks to assure everything was always “fine” in her life, she became quite the actress.  Through many years of struggles and sadness, Val was forced to find herself right in front of the only acceptance and security that she needed through Jesus Christ.  Val is passionate about pointing women to that same truth in God’s word.  Val wants women to understand that God alone makes us accepted, secure, and significant.  She also wants women to know that none of us are perfect, despite the fact that we think that all other women have it “all together!” Val wants women to be able to pray for one another and share our hearts instead of stating, “I’m fine!”    She therefore feels that she has no choice but to spill her story to encourage others, as she is still learning to follow Jesus.  Val is a teacher, to various grades, including middle school, which used to be favorite age.  Currently, she teaches her new favorite age- Kindergarten!  Val has spoken to various groups of women at different events.  She stopped writing on her blog, when she returned to teaching full-time.  She felt God’s call to return to writing and sharing what God is teaching her.  You can find Val writing, while eating popcorn and drinking an Ice, sitting by the sun and water, or spending time with her husband of almost 22 years, and three daughters.