At The Waterpark

After a rough week, this weekend has been nice. Yesterday my step dad and I took the boys to the cool waterpark in Paragould, Arkansas for our second annual trip. I would post pictures, but I seem to have misplaced the camera. Hopefully it will be found soon...especially since I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. But, just in case it's lost, here's a picture from the boys there last year.

This is the coolest waterpark...it's really a playground set into a shallow pool. They did change the rules, and this year you have to be under 4 feet to play on the playground. The slides in the background are only for those above 4 feet. Graham's and Drew's favorite was the red slide. It was one of those tunnel things...the kind I'd get claustrophobic in. =)

This morning, before the sun even rose, I was up packing lunches and snacks for Todd, Graham and Drew. They went on a canoe trip to Buffalo River for the day. I just got off the phone, and it's 9:20 p.m. and they're just now in Jackson...one hour away. Everyone on the bus is passed out...except the driver, Mike and Todd. So Todd's sitting on a cooler next to Mike, talking to him to keep him company...probably so Mike won't fall to sleep. They're exhausted...Todd canoed 10 miles down the river. Mostly by himself. I hope he has my camera, and I hope he got pictures. If so, I will post some later.

Since all them were gone, we didn't have a whole lot to do, so we spent the day at my mom's. Jonah and Noah swam, dug in the dirt, played firefighter and planted some type of bulbs my mom gave them. Jonah kept on running outside to see if his flower was growing yet. Somebody needs to teach that boy some science! Bill took pictures of them outside...at one point, they had on swimming trunks, boots, and fireman hats. I told Mom, Bill and Trish that they looked like the child version of the sexy firefighter calendar. It was hilarious! You'll see soon what I'm talking about; I'll try and post some this week. SINCE I'LL HAVE TIME ON MY HANDS, that is.

Hope your weekend was fab...mine was and still is. Tomorrow night we're having a cookout and swim party with the neighbors again, so that'll be fun for the whole fam...and it'll help Graham and Drew be able to fall asleep quickly. They're always too excited to sleep!

Lesson from God

I am facing a day today that I've dreaded since Tuesday. I know I will be tested repeatedly today on patience. So this morning, in my quiet time, I prayed that God would give me a word for this day. I kid you not, when I opened up my morning devotion book, Journey, today's lesson was titled, "One At A Time". The main verse today was Proverbs 16:32 "Patience is better than power, and controlling one's temper, than capturing a city."

The story was about a lady keeping her patience in a certain circumstance. It gave several Scriptural references regarding patience: Proverbs 14:29 says "people with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." And Proverbs 19:11 says, "Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs." Do you think God is telling me something for today? Something I can claim for myself today? I do! He is so good...and He has a good sense of humor, too! I'd imagine He's up there saying, "Well, you asked for a word from Me, and you got it, child! Now go and act on it!"

The devotion went on and gave the definition of patience: there were three, but one of them stuck out from the rest...patience is defined as "quiet, steady, perseverance, even tempered care". Now if I didn't hear Him before, I certain did when I read that. I get it, I get it!! Really I do...and I realize I am called to "love them like Jesus", according to a certain Casting Crowns song that I like. I am to be His hands, His feet, His arms reaching out in love...all in His name.

I will remember this today as I face my day...I will love and I will be patient, and if I'm not, I will reflect on one of these Scriptures that I am about to commit to my memory...which is my newest pasttime. It's appalling at how bad my memory has gotten...I am starting Scripture memorization and I had the hardest time memorizing only 3 yesterday! I think I got a little over zealous, so today I'm going to memorize only 1...and I assure you, it will be one on patience!

Possible Upcoming Movie or Television Series

This is a clip of a possible upcoming movie or t.v. series based on Karen Kingsbury's Baxter family books, the first series, Redemption. I have cried my way through all these books...there are more following this series, and if you never read anything else in your entire life, I recommend that you read these! They are literally life changing...I cried reading them because they're touching, and sad sometimes. BUT God's grace always shines through at the end of each book, and we're a little more enlightened about the redemption He extends to us. Pray that this movie or t.v. series comes to life,we truly need more movies or shows like this! I have pretty much given up on watching t.v. at night with my children...you can't nowadays, unless it's a game show, which they like, but I would love for them to get caught up in a story like this. Please join me in praying!!!

Devotion from Proverbs 31

Some of you may care less about reading things like this, but this was what I read in my daily devotional from them. I get this...my Referee has been nudging me...I challenge you to "rest in Him" (Mark 6:31), and find out if He nudges you. Chances are, He will. Enjoy!

August 6, 2008

Your Heavenly Referee

Micca Monda Campbell

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” Palms 32:8 (NIV)

Devotion:

Have you ever experienced a lack of peace that kept you from moving forward? I have. My husband and I were about to purchase our first home. After viewing several houses, we finally found a perfect fit. Or so we thought.

When closing day came, I couldn’t bring myself to sign the papers. Although it was natural for us to be both excited and nervous about becoming new home owners, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness. I asked to speak to my husband alone for a moment and discovered that he had the same sick feeling in his stomach as I had in mine. We decided not to move forward.

This was a wise decision. A few short months later, my husband died from a tragic accident. Had we bought the home, I wouldn’t have been able to pay a house note plus support a new baby and myself on one income. That’s when it dawned on me. Our lack of peace on closing day was the Holy Spirit calling a “time out” so that we would think it over and make the right decision.

You and I may not know our future, but God does. Through the Holy Spirit, God directs our steps by the way of peace, or lack of it.

The Holy Spirit works in our lives much like a referee does in a basketball game.

As long as the players stay within the boundaries of the court, they are free to move about. But when there is trouble on the court or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows his whistle. The sound of the whistle stops the game until the referee restores order, then he puts the ball back into play.

Likewise, we have a heavenly “Referee” — the Holy Spirit. When there is a lack of peace in our lives, that’s our signal He has blown the whistle and called for a time-out to redirect our path.

Sometimes our ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity in our lives. Other times, we step out bounds on our own by giving way to temptation and sin. In each of these circumstances, the Holy Spirit will blow the whistle to gain our attention. If you and I are smart, we’ll wait on our heavenly Referee to restore our peace and put the ball back into play.

For peace to return, we need to wait and listen to the instructions of our Referee. You and I seek those instructions through prayer and meditation of God’s Word. It may also involve repentance before we can move forward. Either way I assure you that stepping out of bounds doesn’t mean God will call “game over.” As we respond and obey the Holy Spirit, He simply puts the ball back into play. Those who have learned to play under the guidance of their heavenly Referee will never stray long outside of the boundaries God has set for their life.

I’m thankful that my husband and I heeded the warning of the Holy Spirit and didn’t purchase that house. In doing so, we were spared undue stress. What about you? Is the heavenly Referee trying to get your attention through a lack of peace? Or is He giving you a green light through a calm sense of rightness? The right path is always marked with peace.

Dear Lord, only You know my future and what is best for my life. Guide me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I will not move forward until I have a complete sense of peace. Until then, give me the strength I need to wait on You, In Jesus Name, amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Micca Campbell’s blog

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God by Sharon Jaynes

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

Application Steps:

God has a distinct plan for your life. He is involved and working for your best. If you have a decision to make, seek God’s counsel. He will guide you by His peace. If you are not experiencing peace, do not move ahead. God will show you the way, and it will be marked by peace.

True, sometimes we have to step out in faith – but the risk will be accompanied by a peace that passes understanding if God is in it.

Reflections:

Have you ever had a lack of peace but moved forward anyway? What was the outcome?

What does it mean to you that God never calls “game over” when you’ve stepped out of bounds?

How can you utilize the help of your heavenly Referee?

Power Verses:

Luke 1:79, “to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." (NIV)

John 16:13, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (NIV)

Isaiah 58:11, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (NIV)

Letdown

Well after yesterday's post, they did not test Jonah and Noah. I don't know if they just don't do it anymore, or if they forgot. They probably just don't do it anymore. Which I'm thankful for...I mean, if they don't know everything, they will, right? After all, what is school for??? I get frustrated b/c all these teachers want your kids to know everything from their names (first and last), how to spell and write them, their phone numbers and address, and the alphabet lower and upper case, the sounds each letter makes, and numbers. Counting and reading them. Come on!!


O.K. I'm finished. But, registration went great! The boys are so excited to start school!!! Even Jonah! Thanks to my lovely friend who is praying for me (I love you if you're reading this!)! She's been banging on heaven's doors on my behalf. They all got a Dragon t-shirt, and Jonah hasn't taken it off yet. I think he thinks he'll get to wear it everyday! Hey, if it makes him happy about school, I'll let him! We all saw people we knew...the boys (especially Graham) went around talking to everyone (can we say future politician???), but THEN we saw our most favorite of all, the beloved Phyllis Gaines. The gym teacher. It's so sweet the way she's so into all of them, she was genuinely glad to see them and hugged them so tight. It just about made me cry. I think Graham's teacher from last year may have been offended b/c Ms. Gaines was sitting right next to her when Graham ran up to her. She thought he was coming to see her, but he ran to Ms. Gaines and threw himself into her arms. Ooops. =)

I spent an enormous amount of money at the school then went and spent an enormous amount of money in Kroger. We were out of everything. Now I'm home and listening to the boys playing (fighting) with my friends' kids, who are with us a few hours today, then all day Thursday. And I'm sitting her thinking of how I can tell them I can't keep them anymore. She's a teacher, so when she has to work on a day when they're out, I keep them. But just today, they have fought CONSTANTLY and Cody has cried, literally every ten minutes. And whined. And destroyed Graham's tower. And then lied to me. Pray for me people, here comes their dad. Ask for guidance.

Countdown to School

Tomorrow is registration. After that, there are only six precious days left of summer. I am excited about the rest of their time, though. Tomorrow and Thursday, we're having friends over and swimming. Wednesday is a normal day...we'll be at our church in the morning, and again that night. And Friday, we're going to the awesome water park in Paragould, Arkansas!!! We are the MOST excited about that!!!

I have talked to the little ones about registration, and how a teacher will take them into a room for 5-10 minutes and ask them a bunch of questions. I have told them that they had better not cry! I know I'm expecting a lot when I say this, but I have to have hope, right?? Seriously, though, I don't expect tears tomorrow. I'm more concerned about their answers. For those of you who don't know this story, here's an old one. When Graham was being tested, the teacher asked him, "Where is your heel?" And he said, "I don't know, but if you'll let me use your cell phone, I can call my dad and ask." Those teacher NEVER looked at Graham the same. That was the day he won them over. Apparently that story got around to every teacher, assistant and staff person in the entire school. Which is quite impressive.

Before you ask, yes I did tell Jonah and Noah where their heels were...and no, they did not know. Neither did Drew. Drew won them over too, just not in an obvious way. He won them with his happiness. That child is always smiling when he's at school...he NEVER gets in a bad mood there. It's amazing, actually! That's why I don't mind getting calls from the health room about him. If he's sick, he just wants me to bring him some medicine, and he usually wants to go back to class. There was one time when I actually had to check him out last year. Not bad in 36 (? Is that right??) weeks of school. Now, if I get a phone call from Graham, he always has to talk to me, and it takes him a good 5 minutes just to calm down. Yes, we're working on the drama. Even as I write this.

Bless my husband's heart, y'all just don't know how good this man is. He is the treasurer of the P.T.A. As if it's not bad enough that he's the only man on the board (which the principals and teachers LOVE by the way), he has to sit in meetings for hours on end every month. And talk about BLING for cryin' out loud. Not kidding...just tonight, they were talking about what kind of t-shirts they were getting for the P.T.A. board, and when they turned to ask his opinion, he held up a regular Little Dragon t-shirt...the same ones I'll be buying for the boys. One lady, who shall remain nameless for those of you reading in this school district, actually said that she loved her bling from last year. I just laughed. This same lady wears high heels while working as a crossing guard. You gotta love her, though, she's hysterical. After tonight's meeting, he told me that those women get way off track. Imagine that...us getting chatty and getting off our original trail of thought!

Tomorrow when I take the boys up to register, Todd will be there. He actually has to be there all day. Every check that comes through must have 2 signatures, thus the reason for him being there. It would take HOURS to sign them all if wasn't there tomorrow. Plus, the more he's around, the more likely the principal will be to honor my request of Jonah's and Noah's teachers. Not really, but seeing his face is an excellent reminder!

Alright, well I'm going to bed soon. I had the kids in bed at nine tonight, to start adjusting back to their normal routines. And if I'm going to get up early in the morning, I must go to sleep soon. Otherwise, you can forget it. Too bad Todd's not working tomorrow, I would have actually been awake to fix him lunch for the FIRST TIME ALL SUMMER!

My Awesome Weekend

I had to write this...I am so honored to have been able in the past to be a part of Beth Moore Bible studies. All of you know how much I love her, and God has truly blessed this woman with the gift of teaching. She is simply amazing...funny, pretty, crazy, and completely enthralling. She gets your attention from the very first word and hours later, still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat.

One thing I love more than her ability to write and teach is God's word. I love to read it, sing it, pray it, study it, and discuss it with other women of God. I absolutely love it. I have also been fortunate enough to attend one of her events; the first one being last year's Deeper Still in Nashville. This weekend was our 2nd annual Beth Moore conference, and I can honestly say, it's becoming a tradition. Last year while in Nashville, I roomed with an awesome gal, Christa. We were friends before, but truly bonded on that trip. It's hard not to bond to the person you worship with. This year I attended a conference at my church home, via simulcast, along with 70+ thousand women across the country!!! World, really, since Canada, Mexico and Guatemala were participating, as well. You cannot tell me that we did not honor God this weekend. I am positive that His face was shining towards us as we sang His praise, and studied His word.

The other fun part about the weekend, was that Christa and I had a sleepover!!! I know we're in town, but Todd took the boys to Uncle Bob's farm last night, and I had no reason to come home. She's house sitting for some people in our church, and I totally invited myself to stay with her last night. After the conference was over, we went to Starbucks for frappucino's and headed back to the house with a couple other gals, Amy and Heather. We had so much fun!!!!!! We laughed and talked until close to midnight, and when they left, Christa and I pigged out. We ate and talked some more, and finally around 1 or so headed to bed. Where we talked some more. I fell asleep sometime around 3, then woke up at 6 to be dressed and back at church by 7. It's a wonder I'm even awake right now! I did fall asleep at my mom's house tonight, though, so I had a little catnap!

I received a word from God this weekend! I am now a woman of substance, and I am competently competent in God's word! She gave this great illustration on how we should place our hands over our hearts and claim God's word for us. No one, not even the enemy himself, can take that away from us. And he tries, and I know that I myself have let him get away with that in the past. His word is my treasure, and it's the one thing that I can count on for wisdom and guidance in this short time I have on earth. I want His word so deeply embedded in me, that I can perfectly recall certain scripture for certain times. I don't want to just read His word, I want to soak it in, revel in it, study it deeper. God has placed within me a yearning for something...and that something is just to go deeper with Him. I am ready for the next level, whatever that is. I got confirmation for that in a couple different ways today, but I'm not sure what that means. I do know that I CANNOT WAIT until our next Bible study starts!!! I'm contemplating starting one since the lady that used to lead it is no longer here. Not sure about that, though, so you can pray for me if you would like. I don't want to step out of God's will. I want His timing and His guidance. So,we'll see how that goes. Until then, I am lovin me some JESUS, and I praise His name!! All glory and honor be to Him, who is worthy of my highest praise!!!