"Beyond the Valley" has been a culmination of devotional thoughts expressed through experiences. As we come from different backgrounds and varying situations in life, the things that motivate us, and the way we deal with life can be hugely different. However, there are some similarities in some of our coping strategies. My reason for writing this book stems from my own personal strategy of creatively interpreting life experiences through poetry. This has helped me cope with situations in my life, which we all face from time to time like divorce, unemployment, bereavement and ill-health. As a mother of two, it has been a privilege to encourage my children in preparation for the challenges they will meet in later life; developing a trust in God and being able to ask for His guidance in the magnitude of choices they make. "Beyond the Valley" was written to show that it is not so much about doing great things, but doing things in a great and individual way. Our experiences and ambitions differ, but our importance and uniqueness should keep us rising to the top. When we think of the beauty of nature it can lift our spirits by the promise of better things to come. This adds a new and positive approach to life. Life may place us in a valley situation, but we needn't stay there. We can use these circumstances to enable us to rise above those troubles that prevent our success in life. There is always potential to be tapped and resources that we never thought were there. The same God who is with us in our valleys can also be with us on the mountaintop. He can give us the ability to reach forward courageously: Beyond the Valley!