Micca Campbell

Happy Thursday.

My heart was both heavy and full yesterday. As I read your comments, I could identify with your pain, fear, and doubt. And yet, my heart was also full as I read about your hope and as you identified God’s leading in your situation. I was reminded of how much God is involved in our lives and is at work on our behalf.

My prayer for you today is that you would realize the height and depth of God’s love for you. 

You’re in for a treat today! I would like to introduce you to my dear friend, Karen. She’s beautiful inside and out. Her heart for others to know God’s Word and find freedom is contagious. She is bold for Christ but her spirit is gentle. Here’s Karen!

Hi Y’all!  You’re in the right place; this really is Micca’s blog.  She’s just giving me the sweet honor of being her guest blogger today!  So, who am I, how do I know Micca and what in the world is she doing letting me put a post up on her blog?

I’ll answer that last question first. I had the wonderful blessing of meeting Micca at last year’s She Speaks Conference when I was assigned to her speakers group.  Recently I reconnected with Micca via email and God continues to use her as a huge source of encouragement in my life.

So who am I?  I’m Karen and I am passionate about God’s Word.  I hope that when you finish reading this post that what you will remember is just, well, that, you have met a sister who loves Jesus and is compelled to share God’s Word with women.

At this point I need to be really honest with you about something.  Things will probably go better that way for both of us!  You should know I didn’t grow up in the church.  I wasn’t part of a youth group.  I never attended a church camp.  But, I did attend Vacation Bible School a couple of times when I was around 8 or 9 years old!  And I clearly remember not excelling in the Vacation Bible School craft area!

I trusted Jesus Christ when I was a freshman at the University of Memphis (back then it was called Memphis State!) and I was baptized at 18.  But, it would be many years before I made him, Lord of my life.   At 40 years of age I stopped running from God and I fell in love with Jesus.   The last eight years have seen me face down in God’s Word and allowing him to heal me, change me and make me a new creation in him.

Today I walk free in Christ!  Leaving behind a past of childhood sexual abuse, a lifetime of chasing after significance from this world and not understanding who I am in Christ.  As the women’s ministry director at my church, and as a speaker, I have the amazing privilege to be used by God as I teach women his Word.  I would love to share the messages God has placed on my heart with you and your women.  Please contact me at Karen@summitlife.com for a list of my speaking topics or visit my blog at www.KarenBarrows.blogspot.com

I’m thankful that Micca has allowed me to share with you today!  I leave you with the same sweet encouragement that Micca has given me: “Nothing gives me strength and renews my spirit and commitment like spending time with Jesus for no other reason but to worship Him and let Him love on me.”  I pray that today you will spend time with Jesus for no other reason but to worship Him and let Him love on you!

Blessings!

Karen

Perhaps you, like Karen, are in a place where you have accepted Christ’s death on a cross for your sins, but you’ve yet to make Him Lord. Maybe you identify with Karen’s abuse. If you’d like a word of encouragement, you can visit Karen’s blog or email her a question or comment. Karen@summitlife.com

Thanks, Karen for being my quest today. I look forward to having you again. I’ve asked Karen to share her story about how she overcome her abuse. Be sure and check back often. You don’t want to miss it!!

I hated it when he had to be gone for a whole week. It seemed like an eternity, and I missed him terribly. In fact, I missed him before he ever left. Parting was such agony. I would kiss and hug him again and again trying to store up enough affection that would last me until he returned. It was never enough. As soon as Porter drove away, it felt as if someone had torn him from my side. I would mope around the apartment thinking about him and wonder if he was thinking about me. I missed his laugh, I missed him coming home at night, I missed seeing and touching him.

When he returned home, our reunion was such bliss. I was always waiting on him to arrive in his company parking lot. Porter was my whole world.

When he died, I felt betrayed by God. For a while, I turned my back on my faith because it felt as if God had turned His back on me. Sound familiar to anyone?

My emotions often told me I was alone in my pain and that my grief over the death of Porter would never end. During the day, I could control my feelings. There was much to do that would occupy my mind. When night fell, all appeared cold, lonely, and depressing. I used sleep like a drug. I would escape from my heartache and drift into the unconsciousness of slumber land. This was no way to live. I had to make a choice.

Like many, I could have given up on life, remained in my grief, hardened my heart, and given way to bitterness. Instead, I decided to give God a second change. I learned to trust Him, again.

You can too.

The truth is, throughout the ages, God has always been near to the broken-hearted, and still is today. From the cloud in your storm, God is leading, protecting, and providing for you, too, no matter what your emotions say.

While this tragedy caused me to doubt God’s love and promises, I had to trust God over my emotions. That was my first step toward trusting God, again. It took me awhile, but eventually I learned to say, “Lord, this is not what I planed or even what I want, but I trust you.” Submitting to God’s will in that way allowed peace to flood my entire being. Besides, God promised that Porter and I would meet again. Not on this earth, but in our heavenly home. Only this time, he’ll be waiting for me.

If some situation or heartache has caused you to doubt God’s love and provision, will take a step of faith today? Will you choose to trust Him over your emotions? If you do, your heavenly Father will take it from there…

To read my story, click on Micca’s story above.

If you need prayer today, would you leave a comment? You don’t have to go into details. Just say, “I need prayer,” and I will gladly lift you to the Father’s throne.

Be sure and visit again tomorrow! I will have a guest posting tomorrow—my dear friend, Karen Barrows, and she will bless your heart!

Happy New Year!! Wow, the older I get the faster time fly’s. I can hardly believe it’s 2012. Yet I know it is because I got the “New Years” phone call from my mom.

“Did you eat your black-eyed peas?” she asked.

My mom believes in the southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Years for good luck.  My question is, “What if you don’t like black-eyed peas? Are you cursed throughout the year?”  Certainly not.

Just how many black-eyed peas does a person have to consume to be “lucky” all year long?

Some say you have to eat 365 peas. That’s a pea of luck for each day of the year. Others say you must put a coin in the pot before serving the peas. Whoever gets the coin has extra good luck throughout the year. But what if the person swallows the coin?  How lucky is that? Not so much, I say.

So, I take my chances. Sometimes I eat back-eyed peas and other years I live on the edge and take my chances without consuming the traditional dish.

How about you? Do you have a New Year’s tradition?

One you could start this year is to learn more about God’s Word! I don’t know how lucky it will make you, but you will gain a closer relationship with God and experience more peace and joy in your life.

Laura Rath is leading a group of ladies from 12 states in an online study of my book, An Untroubled Heart; Finding a Faith Stronger Thank All Your Fear!

It begins this week, but  you can still sign up!! Visit Laura’s blog at www.laurarath.blogspot.com

I’ll be posting throughout the study on my blog as well.  I hope you’ll join us!

I loved reading your Christmas memories. They brought to mind many more memories of my own. Christmas really is a special time for family, feasting and renewal as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! May you and your family experience Him anew this season!

Now for the winner! (drum roll, please) The winner is Leigh at mom2momtoday.wordpress.com. Congratulations, Leigh!!

If you’re a last minute shopper like me, here are some Christmas gift suggestions from my friend, Jay Heavener:

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.

Wishing each of you a very, merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year! May you live in the light and love of God’s Presence.

Merry Christmas, Y’all!! Thanks for stopping by today. I know you’re busy planning, shopping, wrapping, baking and celebrating. The fact that you’ve read my devotion and have stopped by my blog means you are keeping Christ in your Christmas!!

Many are not. They make room for the things I’ve listed above and much, much more, but they fail to make room for Jesus—the reason for the season. It reminds me of a story my pastor told a year or two ago.

“The young boy was thrilled when the teacher announced he would play the part of the Innkeeper in this year’s Christmas play. The girl and the boy who were to play Mary and Joseph always got the lead roles in every play. They were good at play-acting and he wanted to be just as good—even better!  So when the teacher told the little boy to practice his lines with intensity, he did so. “THERE’S No ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”

When the opening night arrived, the little boy was filled with a mix bag of excitement and fear. Back stage he practiced his lines until it was time for him to perform. At the right moment, the boy enter the stage and waited behind the INN made of cardboard for Mary and Joseph.

As expected, Joseph was convincing.

“Dear Innkeeper, we’ve traveled a long way and my wife is with child. Do you have a room available for us to stay the night?”

The little boy replied as he had practiced. “THERE’S NO ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”

Then, Mary, with tears in her eyes, begged. “Please sir, I’m tried, hungry and could give birth at any moment. Is there no room at all?”

The little boy’s heart stirred with compassion but he stayed the course and shouted, “THERE’S NO ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”

Mary and Joseph were so convincing that as they turned to leave the little boy could no longer hold back his emotion. Without thinking, he called out, “Wait! You Can Have My Room!”

I love that story because Jesus is the only gift the world can’t live without.

I pray that you continue to make room for the Christ child in your heart and home this season. Like Patrick in my devotion, anticipate His arrival. Look for His Presence, read His story, and bake a birthday cake just for Him. Our birthday cake will be red velvet this year! I can almost taste it now!

Don’t forget about my giveaway. Share a favorite Christmas memory and enter to win my book, An Untroubled Heart, and my CD talk, Cultivating a Heart of Contentment!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). 

Is there a good side to trouble? Yes! Trouble highlights my awareness of God’s Presence in my life. And when God is present, nothing is impossible.

To often, I see trouble as my enemy. The truth is it’s my friend. If I’m teachable, I can learn a lot about life, God and myself through adversity. The key is to not fight it but give into it.

My first reaction to trouble is to fight my way through it. I try desperately to find a way out—a way of escape. But God never intended for me to wrestle with trouble or to hide from it. He certainly never meant for me to escape it. In fact, Jesus warned me that in this life I would have trouble. The good news is He has overcome all trouble. And if He’s an overcomer, than I am too! Being an overcomer doesn’t mean I’ll escape hardships. No. Adversity is one of God’s greatest tools for growing me spiritually. It’s in the growing process that I find victory.

It’s in the process that I find God’s mercies.

It’s in the process that I discover His ability to change me.

It’s in the process that I become holy, as He is holy.

It’s in the process that joy and peace become my companions.

It’s in the process that I become complete

It’s in trouble that God does a new thing; a new work.

Presently, I’m learning to trust in God’s sovereignty. When I choose to see things from the perspective that God is in control of all things, fear and my need to work it out vanishes. I may not understand God’s purpose in it, but I can trust Him because I believe He is on my side. And if God is on my side, then anything that touches my life, He’s aware of.  In fact, He’s allowed it for my good.

That’s where faith comes in. When I can say, “God, I don’t understand what’s happening. I didn’t plan for this and I certainly don’t like it, but I trust you” is when peace and joy become my companions in the face of trouble.

When I bank on God’s unending love, fear loses it’s grip. Sorrow gives way to contentment, and I can see God’s hand at work in my circumstances. His loving hand is renewing, restoring and sculpting me into the woman He desires me to be.

I’m learning not to let my troubles drag me into worry. Instead, I’m learning to see it as a heavenly intervention where God is not causing me harm, but rather doing a new thing.  With that perspective, I’m able to welcome trouble. I’m able to see the good side of trouble and my response is thankfulness. I’m thankful that my God is at work bringing to completion in me all He has promised.

Hi Friends,

If you popped over from Karen Ehman’s 12 Day of Christmas Giveaway, welcome! If you haven’t been to Karen’s blog yet, you’re missing out. This is Karen’s 4^th annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. There’s people to meet, recipes to try, inspirational stories to read, and lots of giveaways!

Today, I’m Karen’s guest. My hope is that the Spirit of Christmas will stir your heart to share the gift of Christ this year. People are naturally open to hear about Christ’s saving grace at Christmas time. So, let’s not miss this window of opportunity!

The easiest way to share the gospel is by sharing your own story. Before you do, it’s best to prepare. One of the most powerful things you can do in preparing to tell your story is to write it out and think through the different aspects of your relationship with Christ. Allow me to give you some steps to take that will help you clarify your thoughts and identify God’s activity in your life.

Step One: Write down what your life was life before you met Christ

Micca’s story: My life before Christ was lonely and empty. My parents were considering splitting. I felt insecure about my future. If my parents went their separate ways, what would happen to me? I thought. Who would love me? I had lost my sense of security.

Step Two: Share how you came to know and trust Christ as your Savior.

Micca’s Story: Because we were church members, our family decided to attend a crusade with James Robinson. Most of the church members went. I’m glad my family attended. My life was forever changed that night. As I listened, God opened my heart to receive His free gift of love and forgiveness. It was just what my aching heart needed. That night, I prayed to receive Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Step Three: Share how your life changed after Christ came into your life.

Micca’s Story: Once I received Christ, my problems didn’t go away. But, because I had Jesus to lean on, my fears gave way to peace. I knew somehow that whatever happened to my family, I would be more than okay.

Step Four: Ask your friend if they would like to know Christ, too. Then lead them in prayer.

Micca’s Story: If you would like to know Christ from reading today’s post on Karen’s blog or from my story, pray this prayer.

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. I believe you died for me on the cross and rose from the grave to purchase a place for me in heaven. Lord Jesus, come into my life and take control; forgive me for all my sins and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I’m turning away from my sin and placing my trust in you alone. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me, forgiving me and filling my heart with peace. In Jesus Name I pray—a-men.

If you prayed that prayer, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and I’ll send you a booket on what to do next!

Don’t forget to stop by Karen’s blog. I’m giving away an pewter nativity ornament, 25 Days 26 Ways to the Best Christmas Ever, and a star bucks gift card.

Christmas Blessings!

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, I know. I’ve been in a dark place. I’ve been discouraged. When I get discouraged, my confidence begins to dwindle as well. Sound familiar? Sure it does. Even the most confident people struggle with low- confidence from time to time.

Still, I’m discovering that confidence isn’t something I lose. It’s something I forget to apply.

For example, I always feel a bit nervous whenever I encounter something new. The first time I meet a new person, I feel less than confident. The same thing happens when I find myself in a new place or new situation. Other times I find myself in a familiar place but the landscape has changed. Suddenly, I retreat to that shy, little girl who has forgotten what to do or how to act. I forget to apply my confidence.

What about muddled expectations?   I’m really good at this. I put such high expectations on myself that I become my worst enemy. Sometimes I think Satan calls his demons over to watch me at work. He probably says something like this. “Watch this one. I don’t have to lift a finger. She damages herself all on her own!”

Expectations are like carrying around a rulebook.  In this book is everything I expect of myself, everything I expect of others, and here’s a real brain-teaser, everything I expect others expect of me. Am I a mess or what?

All this stuff can do a number on my confidence. Then, I can’t determine if I’m a mess because I’m discouraged or I’m discouraged because I’m a mess. It’s like the chicken and the egg. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I dunno!

In all these cases, it’s not that I’ve lost confidence. I’ve forgotten to apply it.

Before I can apply confidence, I have to know where it comes from so I can draw from it. Confidence comes from God. Anything we do outside of God is insignificant. This is where I first fall out of the boat. I stop relying on God to do in and through me what only He can do.

John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Apart from God I can do nothing. I can’t bear the fruit of peace, joy, or faith. I can’t handle new experiences nor can I let go of my expectations. But when I remain in God and place my confidence in Him, all things are possible. So, the first step toward applying confidence to any situation, is to trust God to handle it.

Then, I must frisk my negative thoughts and emotions at the door. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on such things.” Anything that doesn’t match what God says about me should be thrown out. You and I apply God-confidence when we recognize these untruths by frisking our thoughts at the door.

I’m feeling much better, praise Jesus! It’s not because I found my confidence. But because I applied it where it belonged—in God.

What about you? Did you identify with anything in this post? How can applying your confidence affect your situation?

I did well on my diet today. I only had three pieces of chocolate cake. That’s okay isn’t it? The diet book said that I shouldn’t deprive myself. If I want chocolate cake I should eat it to prevent me from binging later on. While skeptical, I found this information enlightening. Sweets, I always assumed, were evil and the reason behind my bulge. Now I discover it can’t be the cake, so it must be the vegetables!

I haven’t quite figured it all out yet. I’ve tried every diet known to woman, and not a one works for me. Do you think you have to stay on them longer than a week or two to get results? I’m not capable of that. Then there is the whole idea of not dieting but changing your eating habits for life. How cruel! The thought of no more , ery popcorn with extra salt is more than I can take. Let’s face it: eating is the only legal enjoyment we have as Christians! Okay, that’s not true. It just seems to me that “meet and eat” is practically church doctrine.

On the other hand, there are those who are obsessed with diet and exercise. The goal of some women appears to be to get back to their newborn weight of 8 pounds and 7ounces. While staying physically fit is important, it can be taken to the extreme. Finding a healthy balance between the two are key. Let’s make a pact. I’ll pray for you if you’ll pray for me to find that balance.

With all of the pressure on outward appearances, I wonder if we’ve forgotten how important it is to stay in shape spiritually too.

Let’s take a spiritual walk together and learn how to really get into S.H.A.P.E.

Step One: Begin your exercise with Surrender. You may be thinking, “Isn’t that what I did when I first came to Christ-surrender?” Yes, you did. However, to stay spiritually fit, you and I must learn that surrender is not a one-time action. We must learn to live it out everyday by learning to say “no” to self and “yes” to God, in complete obedience to whatever He asks of us.

Step Two: Apply Holiness to our daily routines. For me, pumping up my holiness muscle is the hardest part of the routine. When I’m all by myself, I can be as holy as the day is long. Once the kids come home from school, my horns pop out, knocking my halo to the ground. This discourages me. The good news is that God never intended for us to be holy on our own. Apart from Christ, we can’t achieve this attribute. It’s only when we yield to the life of Christ in us that His holiness can be lived out through us. The more we exercise dependence on Him, the holier we will become.

Step Three: Train yourself to Abide. Abiding means to remain in Christ; to stay connected to Him throughout the day. When you and I cut ourselves off from Christ, we become powerless to avoid temptations and sin. It’s only when the branch stays connected to the vine that the sap, the life-giving substance, flows freely through the tree. Likewise, when we abide in Christ, we no longer have to struggle to live for Him; He is free to live His life through us. Read the Bible to learn how to abide in Him. There you will find guidelines for successful daily living.

Step Four: Practice Prayer. As you learn to stay connected to God through studying His Word, prayer becomes a path to intimacy. As God speaks, you may be led to confess sin or respond in praise and worship as you learn who God is and what He desires of you. During this time of communion with the Living God, you’ll find that prayer eases your worries and sooths your anxieties. It diminishes doubt and replenishes your soul. Prayer is a vital step to your spiritual shape.

Step Five: Never lose your Enthusiasm. There are times that I struggle with apathy. I want to stay spiritually fit, but sometimes I’m not motivated to put forth the energy. Over the years, I’ve discovered that in order to stay excited, I have to nurture my relationship with my heavenly Father. Telling Him everyday how much you love and need Him will keep your heart close to His. Meditating on how much He loves and cares for you will keep your soul on fire and your passion alive. Then, you’ll be eager to keep in S.H.A.P.E. because with each step you and I become more like Him.

Twenty-one years ago, I married an accountant—with a personality. I always add “with a personality” because my husband is a hoot. His sense of humor was one reason I kept going out with him. He made me laugh and still does to this day.

 As accountants go, my husband is also tight when it comes to money—so tight he squeaks when he walks. This posed a problem early in our marriage because I’m a spender. I like to spend money on others as much as myself. In fact, my love language is “gifts” and “words of affirmation.” I like to give as much as I like to receive.

I can’t tell you how looooooooooooooong it took until my husband understood my idea of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries involved gift swapping. It’s not like I hinted about the subject. I came right out and told him what I expected. Still, for years I got nothing. Nada. Zero.

Once, on my birthday, I thought surely he’ll take me to dinner. No one should have to cook on their birthday, right? So, I made sure the kids and I were ready when he came home from work. We even had our coats on. You know what he asked me?

“What’s for dinner?”

(Yes, I let him live.)

Today, I’m happy to report that after YEARS of training, he’s finally caught on. (Can I get a “Praise Jesus!”)  This anniversary was best of all. He brought home flowers and a gift on the actual day of our anniversary. I was thrilled, but that’s not all. Friday night he took me to fancy restaurant, and then, whisked me away to the South of France!

 Ok, he got a room at the Renaissance. But to me, it was like going to France! He was so sweet! Oh, I forgot to tell you about dinner…

It was wonderful! I had the best steak I had ever eaten. Once we were done with dinner, my husband shared all the things he appreciated about me. I was so touched the water works began to flow. Our server had already removed our plates and napkins so I had to use the tablecloth to wipe my eyes and nose. Come to think of it, that’s probably not good table manners but how often do the men in our lives open up like this?!

When he was finished, I suddenly felt a sense of panic. Did he expect me to share sweet nothings in return? I asked myself. He obviously had time to think about what he said to me. I was sort of put on the spot. If I had known he wanted to “share wedding vows,” I’d been prepared. My mind raced. What should I do… what should I do? Before I knew it, I was saying…

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

(If you’ve not seen the movie, “The Help” then you totally didn’t get that. Go see it!)

Long story, short…. He let me of the hook.

The rest of weekend I’ve been thinking about our earlier days and how we’ve grown—both of us—so I shared my thoughts with him Sunday afternoon. He replied, “Hey, I’d rather finish strong than start strong and fizzle out in the end.”

I liked that. It made me think of other areas in our marriage where we are finishing strong rather than giving up. It’s not easy to finish strong. It takes work.  When the pastor said, “For better or worse” he wasn’t kidding, was he?

I’m discovering that better comes when I accept the worse in the moment and then give my spouse (and myself) space to grow.  I think we’ll not only get better, we’ll finish strong.