Micca Campbell

There was tale of an elderly woman in the church who had served the Lord for years. Instead of seeking the help of others, she did most of the work herself. It was her life’s mission to pursue ways to serve. She was head of women’s ministry, taught Sunday school, sung in the choir, was on the prayer team, and counseled the pastor on a regular basis. She was tired, worn out, and longed for heaven. Yet, because there was still so much work for her to do, she feared that she would never die. (grin)

Like this woman, we can easily slip into pursuing ministry instead of pursuing Jesus and miss the true purpose of our existence. The same is true in every facet of our lives. The pursuit of happiness, opportunity, or even being a good parent, can get in the way of simply pursuing Jesus.

What are you pursuing? What is the thing you really, really want? Is it a successful career that you covet? Is it to be a musician, a doctor, or to author a book? Maybe it’s a spouse you’re dreaming of or the desire to be a mom that you’re longing for. Whatever your dream is it’s a God-given dream. In addition to giving you the dream, God has also given you what it takes to make your dream come true. Although, we don’t arrive at that dream by our own efforts, we get there by pursuing God.

I have found in my own life and ministry that when God reigns in my heart, blessings and opportunities pour down faster than I can make them happen myself. The quickest way to get where you’re going is to surrender your dream to God and let Him work to fit you for it.

We are always in a hurry. God never is. While He has given us the vision of what we are to become, it may not be a reality in us yet. We have to let God work in our lives until we are ready. The dream is not what needs shaping. It’s us. Usually, God prepares us for our dreams though the adversity in our lives. Although, you shouldn’t become discouraged if it seems you’ll never reach your dream. No matter what your circumstances look like, God is at work shaping and preparing you for it. You and I may achieve some sort of success by our own pursuit, but it will never satisfy us like pursuing Jesus and waiting on Him to bring our dreams to pass.

When God alone is our true treasure, reward, and prize; when He is all we long for, seek after, love and adore, than He gives us the desires of our hearts—Himself. Only then are we ready to fulfill our purpose. No other person or thing can satisfy us like Jesus or prepare us for our God-given dreams. What are you pursuing? 

One of my favorite Christmas memories happened one year as a result of a family tradition. Each year my mother withholds baby Jesus from her nativity set until Christmas Morning. One year, when her firstborn grandson was about three years of age, he asked her, “Grandmamma, where is baby Jesus?”

“He’s not been born yet. She explained to Patrick. “Jesus comes on Christmas Day. Then, you’ll find Him lying right here,” she added while pointing to the manger.

Like years past, Christmas came. Mom and Dad’s house was full of excitement as each family member arrived with their arms full of presents. We expected to exchange gifts and enjoy a time for food, fun, and celebration. Patrick expected something different. He came running into the house shouting, “Is He here, yet? Is He here? Has Jesus come?”

Mother took Patrick over to the nativity and there, cradled in the manger, was baby Jesus. He had come just as she had promised.

At the age of three, Patrick taught me to anticipate the Presence of Christ during Christmas—while I shop, decorate, wrap, bake and worship.

Christ’s presence may go unnoticed by the world, but for me, along with heaven, a few shepherds, three wise men, and others who have made room in their hearts, can experience all the glorious wonder that He brings when taking time to acknowledge His Presence.

If you haven’t stopped by dear friend, Karen Ehman’s blog for her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway, don’t wait another minute!!

Today on her blog I’m giveaway, “25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever,” by Ace Collins. Plus, a cute green and orange tote for you!

So hope on over to Karen’s blog!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas Season!

When I read about how Christ left His divine state to become one of us and lived a sinless life pleasing to God, it humbles me. I didn’t always feel this way about the sacrifice Christ made. Maybe it’s because I didn’t give it much thought until after the accident. Even then, it took awhile for the meaning to really sink in. I was too angry with God. Ever been there?

Of course, you have.

I tend to think a little to highly of myself. I have rights. Not only that but I expect God to acknowledge those rights—even respect them. That was my view when I walked into the emergency room after my husband’s body had been burned over 80% in a house fire. His skin was completely black, his head was swollen twice the normal size and the skin on his arms was gone. He was unrecognizable. The doctor gave him a fifty-fifty chance to survive.

Out of desperation, I pleaded with God to save my spouse from the rooftop of one of the buildings connecting to the hospital. My prayer went something like this.

“God, I want you to know I understand the situation completely. If he lives, I realize he probably won’t keep his arms, and I know what that means. It means he’ll never throw ball with his newborn son, and he’ll never hold me in his arms again. I get it, God, but please let him live.”

As the clock ticked, there was no response. My sweet husband’s body began to shut down. As I sat by his bed, I knew he was gone. But I couldn’t let go of him—I just couldn’t.

Then, I felt a strength come over me that enabled me to do what I couldn’t do alone. I got up from his bedside, walked into the crowed waiting room and announced, “He’s gone.”

Some time after that the doctor turned off his life giving machine and my husband passed from this world into the next.

After the funeral was over, I found myself alone, a brand new mother and a widow at the age of twenty-one. God had not honored my rights. He had not honored my pleas. If felt like God had turned His back on me, and so in anger, I turned my back on God.

Even though I was furious with God, I still attended church. That’s what good southern girls do. It was there I experienced a miracle of healing.

The pastor spoke about the Son of God taking off his royal robe and heavenly crown to put on the clothes of a carpenter so that we might know God. After the speaker gave an account of Christ’s life, he described His death. The best I can remember, it went something like this.

“They nailed Christ to a cross, placed a crown of thorns upon His head, gashed His side with a spear, spit in His face, gave him vinegar to drink, gambled for his clothes, and beat Him with a whip until He became unrecognizable flesh hanging on a cross.”

Suddenly, I identified with that word.

Unrecognizable.

My husband was unrecognizable, too.

Sitting on the cushioned bench of my small country church, I had an “ah-ah” moment. Both Christ and my husband died a horrible death. The difference was had my husband known that working on that house would have ended tragically, he wouldn’t have gone—but Christ did. Jesus knew what men and women would do to Him and He chose to let it happen. He chose death.

As that truth sank into my heart, it melted away my anger and my pride. I felt humbled by Christ’s willingness to go the distance for me so that I might know God. Likewise, God also used the death of my spouse in to draw others to Him. Who was I to stop Him? Besides, God never promised me I would be a happy, healthy middle-class citizen. He promised me something more. Himself.

No wonder God is so please with His Son. His life of obedience and sacrifice, even unto death, paves the way for many to find peace with God.

I made peace with God. Eventually, I remarried a wonderful man, have two more children, a ministry of comfort and a heart that believes and trusts in the heart and will of God—no matter what.

Today, I live second by humbling myself and giving up my rights so others may know the goodness of God.

The best time to ‘ride the waves’ is just before or after a large storm. The waves climb so high they seem to reach heaven. Being on top of the wave feels like being on top of the world. However, it’s short lived when the wave comes crashing down on the other side. It’s a great ride on top, but you can get lost on the way down as the wave tosses you about. Perhaps even drown.

Life can often feel like ‘riding the waves.’ One day, you’re on top of the world. The next day, your world can come crashing down around you causing you to feel as if you’re drowning in your circumstances.

Psalm 107 tells a story of people in a peril at sea. Afloat on the waves, “they mount up to the heavens and they go down again to the depths.” As a result, “their soul melts because of trouble.”

Eventually, they send an S.O.S. to God. How does God respond? He calms the sea. He smooth’s out the waves and guides their boat until they reach their destination. (v-28-30).

When I face fearful circumstances, I tend to look to other people. I call my mother or a close friend. Sometimes I talk to a spiritual leader for guidance and direction. Getting wise counsel is never a bad idea. Most likely they experienced a similar boat ride. But when you and I are lost in an ocean of ups and downs, only God is outside of the boat.  Only God can see beyond the waves. Only God can calm the storm and lead us safely to our destination.

Are you facing trouble today? Call on God. He is greater than any problem you and I can face.

I AM SECOND

I’m excited to one of 15 bloggers invited to review and blog about Doug Bender’s book, Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First. It contains 365 short daily readings and prayers that challenge and inspire people to consider what would life look like if Jesus were First. The book launches nationwide on December 9.

Join me Dec 1-4 as I blog about Living Second. There will be prizes and ways to download your own copy!! Also, visit I Am Second blog / AND hear live testimonies that will move you beyond words at I AM Second website! 

Surgery was not what I envisioned when I joined the gym. I looked forward to a healthier, happier self—not to mention a leaner, meaner body who looked good in those new fangled colored skinny jeans.

Everyday at noon, I put on my sweats and t-shirt, laced up my running shoes, grabbed a bottle of water, and set out to slim down and tone up. Our class consisted of–me and my husband, a pretty blond, who worked in the building beside the gym, two ladies that attend my church, a young mom, a retired man and others who exchanged their lunch hour for a good workout.

Our instructor, a young guy who has a passion for fitness and is engaged to a future doctor (somebody has to pay the bills,) sets the clock, turns up the music and the workout begins. We move around the room in 60-second intervals changing exercises as we go until we’ve worked every muscle in the body, or so it feels.

I’m not sure when or how, but at some point during my workout, I injured my arm. The CAT scan showed a tear in my rotator cuff. Surgery was inevitable. It’s funny now that I think about it. I joined a gym to get healthy and ended up in the hospital. Go figure!

The surgery was hard, and this is coming from a woman who has given birth three times. I remember thinking, “This is not what I planned.” I had always assumed that Ps 37:4 was a guaranteed promise for me.

“He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

The desire of my heart was to be fit, not broken, but God doesn’t always “bring it to pass” the way we plan it.

The realization of unmet desires brought sadness and disappointment to my heart. Like me, you may have unmet desires. Perhaps you have a situation that has not turned out like you planned. I understand.

As I rested from surgery, I chose to rest in God, too. I know He wants me to be healthy. It may be that I have to find another way of going about it. Turning my focus on His heart, I no longer felt sad. God became my joy. I laid my burden on His strong and capable shoulders, and as I entrusted my life and cares to Him, I found rest. You and I can rest in the truth that God is going to bring about the best for our lives no matter our plan.

Will you rest in that truth with me today?

“We may plan, but the Lord directs our steps” (proverbs 16:9).

“Rest in the Lord” (Ps 17:7).

I’m SO excited to introduce you to my friend, Connie Carey! I’ve had the privilege of hearing Connie speak twice at our annual She Speaks Conference. Connie is a dynamic and gifted communicator. She engages her audience with both humor and insight. You can learn much from this woman of faith! I have!

Here’s Connie….

For years, I dreamed of skydiving, anticipating the fun and freedom of floating through air.  Recently, my husband granted my wish.  (see video below!)  Yippeeee!

But when they handed me the stack of legal releases to sign, anxiety replaced excitement.

It was only later that the spiritual implications of my wild ride dawned on me.  When fear sets in, what should we do?

•  Trust Him.  Within minutes of meeting my instructor, I entrusted my life to him, knowing he was an expert, believing he was qualified, and trusting him to fasten me to him.
• Listen to His Voice. Realizing my life was literally in his hands, I hung on his every word.
• Obey without reservation.  It was all fun and games on the ground, but when the plane door opened at 14,000 feet, reality hit like a train. WHAT ABOUT THIS KAMIKAZE MOMENT HAD I THOUGHT WOULD BE FUN???

Immediately my instructor to whom I was tightly hooked began nudging me forward from behind.  Instinctively, I pushed back. He shoved me forward again, more forcefully.

I wanted to talk about it.  I wanted to review the instruction points.  Actually, I wanted OUT! This was a bad idea, I now thought.

I didn’t like being fastened to him anymore.  I didn’t like where he was headed. Maybe I can reason with him, I thought, digging my shoes into the plane’s floor.  But the engine’s roar prohibited negotiation.  Talkin’ time was ovah! I gave up resisting, now hurtling through space at 120 mph!

There comes a time when we stop talking about our plans, face our fears…and by God’s grace, just do it.

1. Realize that the view is worth the jump.  Just when I thought my ears would explode, cheeks flap off my face and heart thump out of my chest, my guide pulled the ripcord.  Suddenly, I was engulfed in silence, peace and a stunning panoramic view of beautiful countryside.  I heard myself sincerely thanking the person I’d resisted just moments before!
2. Remember that God doesn’t reveal the whole plan up front.  I had inquired about landing before take off.  My instructor’s response?  “Don’t worry…the ground’ll stop you.”

As soon as the parachute opened, however, he said calmly, “Now, let’s talk about landing.” I did as told, and was seated gently like a leaf floating to earth.

He told me what I needed to know…when I needed to know it.  Like God, Who guides, one stitch at a time, without revealing the finished tapestry.

Lord, help me to trust, listen, obey and enjoy the view as You work Your good plans in me

Click here CC_Skydiving to watch Connie’s skydiving adventure!

More About Connie:

“Your spirit will be encouraged, your soul will be refreshed, and you will laugh until your sides hurt.”  Rev. Joe McDaniel

Connie Carey delights in sharing her life through messages spiced with humor and music that encourage, equip and inspire!  Connie finds the hilarious in simple, everyday life situations to which we all can relate.

But her humor has a message.

Her message, forged in the journey through the grief of her father’s suicide, is that God is with us, weaving a beautiful tapestry behind the scenes of our suffering.  We can trust Him, even when it’s darkest.

Her award-winning humor, combined with real life stories of God’s shining faithfulness in the darkness, have given a richness to her messages and a platform in which to bring hope with others.

Be sure and visit Connie at www.conniecarey.com  You’ll be glad you did. Also, bless her by leaving her a comment!

Now, go sign up for skydiving this weekend!

The Three Winners of my book, An Untroubled Heart are….

Glenda Martian

Jackie Smith

Tammy at tammy1@grantco.org

Congratulations!! Please send my your mailing address to miccacampbell@comcast.net

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Christians Are A Lot Like Pumpkins

I heard how being a Christian is a lot like being a pumpkin on Dr. James Dobson’s radio show about 12 years ago. I love retelling the story!

First, God picks you from the pumpkin patch and brings you in from the field. The Bible says He selects us out of the world. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.

He then washes all the “dirt” off the outside that we received from being around all the other pumpkins. All the outside influences of our former life must be cleaned up. Old things are passed away and all things are become new.

Then, He carefully removes all the “yucky stuff” called “sin” out from the inside. Look at this! Yuk! Sin will not have such internal power. He then changes us from the inside out by the Power of His Word. That’s why it is important to go the church and learn about God’s Word.

He carefully removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear. He replaces them with the seeds of faith, hope and love. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing power of God’s love in your life.

Then He carves a new smiling face. Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life. We then become so grateful. It can even show on our face!

Now we are going to light this candle inside. Look! This pumpkin now reflects the light from inside out. So too, when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence. “Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.”

So you see, we Christians are really like this pumpkin! We will never be the same with Jesus inside of us. We can say like this jack-o-lantern, “Thy presence, my light!”

If you haven’t read my devotion, The Long and Winding Road, click here for more encouragement. If you were led here because of my devotion, welcome! I’m glad you stopped by. If you’re looking for guidance, I have some great verses that will encourage you. But that’s not all!

In keeping with the time of the year, I want to Give Away a TREAT! Leave a commitment below and enter to win a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart! I’m giving away 2 copies!! Good luck! Share it with your friends, too! Then, stop back on Monday for a list of the winners!

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God Knows The Way

My husband was anxious to arrive at the park where our son and his team were about to play baseball. I had been to the park the previous day but my guidance didn’t seem to satisfy my husband. He kept looking for signs that pointed the way. Every few moments he would ask, “Are we near? Do I turn here?”

“No, I replied, keep straight and I’ll tell you when to turn.” Did that calm his anxiety? No! He continued to ask, “Are you sure we don’t turn here?”

Frustrated, I gave into his will. “Yes, turn here.” I said. He did only to find that the road didn’t lead to the baseball park at all. It was a dead-end.

“Why did you tell me to turn?” He asked.

“Because you wanted to turn!” I responded.

From that point on, he let me guide him to the park.

Don’t we do the same thing? Maps and road signs are helpful, but what’s better is someone who has been there before and knows the way.

No matter what kind of guidance we need, God has gone before us and know the best route.

I think sometimes we ask too little of God. We want a simple “yes” or “no” to our prayer. Maybe we think all we need is a short answer to our question or plea and we’ll be able to take if from there. But what’s better than that is having the Guide himself.

He’ll never lead us down the wrong path!

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Verses That Guide

James 1:5 
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Jeremiah 29:11 – 
’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 16:9- 
The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Psalm 25:12- 
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

John 16:13 
”But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Psalm 25:9 
He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.

John 14:16 
” And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

Proverbs 3:5-6 
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 2:6-9 
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course.

I was excited that so many of you were interested in our monthly P31 Woman Magazine that I’m a little sad to only be giving away one subscription. So, I’ve decided to give away TWO!!

If you don’t win this time, stop by often. I plan to give away another subscription along with my book, An Untroubled Heart; Finding a Faith Stronger than all my Fear! I Since many associate October with fright, I thought this would be a good time for a give away that combats fear and promotes a life of faith!

This week’s winners of the P31 Woman Magazine are….

Kelly Sexton and Cammi Hevener!! Congrats!!!! Please contact me at miccacampbell with your mailing address.

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Trusting God

When our daughter was a little girl, she would stand on the shore and wait for wave of seawater to wash over her feet and then quickly retrieve back out to sea.  This was her idea of playing in the ocean. Anything over her toes was too deep and too terrifying.

One day, her dad pointed to a sandbar not too far out in the water. “Look at the kids playing on the sandbar,” he said to Peyton. “Would you like to go out there?” He asked.

Peyton took a long look at the sandbar before she replied. “No. I’ll stay here at the edge of the water.”

Her dad knew she would enjoy the sandbar, but she was afraid of passing through the deep water to get there. “Come on, Peyton,” he said. “You don’t have to be afraid. You can trust your daddy. I will carry you.”

Peyton clung tightly to her daddy’s neck. As the water got deeper, Peyton became more frightened. “I’ve got you.” Her dad reassured.

Finally, they reached the sandbar. When Peyton realized she could touch, a smile returned to her face.

Have you ever felt like you were sinking in deep water? The hardships of life can be overwhelming. God never promised us that we would escape the turbulent seas of life, but He does promise this. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and though the rivers, they shall not overflow you” (Isa 43:2).

We can trust God to not only be there, but to carry us through. That kind of support calms my fears and builds my trust. What about you? Are you fighting to stay above water? Then let go and let God carry you.

Before your burden overcomes you, trust God to put His arms underneath you!

Hi Y’all!

If you’ve stopped by to enter the “P31 Woman” yearly subscription, you’re at the right place! Leave a comment below as to why you would like to receive the magazine and then check back on Wed. I’ll announce the winner then. Good luck!

Hide and Seek

About a year to two ago, I begin having trouble seeing my computer screen. Enlarging the font helped, but I also noticed I could no longer read the labels on everything from my make-up to items in my pantry. Not being able to see clearly became a nuisance—fast! I was forced to have my eyes checked.  The doctor suggested I get a pair or “reading glasses.”

What? My mother wears those! Surely he’s not talking about those little glasses that sit on the end of your nose. I rationalized to myself. That was exactly what the doc was suggesting.

I walked around the rack that held the eyeglasses until I was alone. Then, I quickly tried on a pair. To my amazement, I could see!

In my devotion, Hide and Seek, I talk about seeing God. We see God in different ways. Some Christians see God as “close-up and personal.” They think of Him being present in their daily lives. Others see God more clearly by thinking of Him as “far away” or far beyond anything they could image, ruling the universe with great power and mystery. People differ on how they see God, but the bible works like a prescription lens helping us to see that both views are right.

For example, Ps 145:18 says, “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him.” And verse 3 says, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.”

Thankfully, our heavenly Father is close enough to hear our prayers, and He is so far above us in power He is able to meet our every need. No matter how you focus on God, He is big enough and close enough to care for the smallest concern or care.

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By the way, I’m on my second week of therapy after my shoulder surgery. I greatly appreciate your kind words and prayers. I feel them and they are at work! I’m doing better than expected. I still have several weeks in my sling, but I’m getting stronger every day.

Sweet blessings to each of you!