Saturday's & Sunday's At The Goodwin's House

I don't know what most of you do on your weekends once it's almost fall, but here's what we do.  Every weekend, without fail.  And sometimes it's all day.  That's right, I said all day.  I have one boy that loves it, and three who could go either way.  Just wanted to share one of our weekends with you.  Oh, and when we leave, the fun follows us, and we do it at other people's houses, too.  Like tonight, at my mom's.  Which is probably why I fell asleep on her couch and she had to give all my kids their bath.  Thanks, Mom. 

Saturday Morning

Last night we visited some friends after we ate dinner.  Our friend Tom had back surgery three or four weeks ago and just now went back to work this week.  We invited them over, but he needed to rest his back because he pulled a muscle by turning over in bed the other night.  If you remember him this week, please pray for him...they put him on steroids and are hoping they'll work.  

As of this moment, we're watching Spiderman.  Tom and Jerry just ended.  Todd loves Tom and Jerry just as much as the boys!  We have a birthday party to go to today and then we're going to my mom's for dinner.  It's sooooo nice outside!!!!!  The weather is currently 63 degrees with a high of only 82.  Bring on the fall weather~I am ready for it!  

Hope you all have a great, relaxing weekend!!!!

And a little more...

This was an email I got from my step~Dad, Bill.  Thanks Bill!

Thursday night while celebrating my wife’s birthday with some friends, the conversation moved around to “Who will McCain pick?”  My response was “If he is smart, he will pick the Governor of Alaska”.  I could not remember her name, but did know that she was a solid conservative, pro-life, believed in the Second Amendment and fought corruption.  Obama chose another liberal Good Old Boy Senator as a running mate, ignoring all the women that voted for Hillary and made the choice of a female running mate the logical choice for McCain.

 

Much to my surprise, when I awoke Friday morning and tuned in the news, all I could hear was about a flight, paid for by a McCain supporter that originated in Alaska and landed in Ohio, near Dayton, where John McCain was to announce his running mate.  As I drove in, I learned a lot about Governor Sarah Palin.  Later, I was able to find a few biographies online and would like to point out a few facts.

 

Sarah Palin is 44 years old, married her high school sweetheart when she was 24, has 5 children and is a self-described “Hockey Mom”.

 

Sarah was Captain of her State Champion ship High School basketball team, earning the nickname “Sarah Barracuda” for her tenacious play. She was also the head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Wasilla (AK) High School.

 

Sarah was first runner-up in the Miss Alaska contest and was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

 

She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication-Journalism with a minor in Political Science from the University of Idaho.

 

Have you ever watched “Deadliest Catch”?  She can say “Been there, done that”, since she and her husband own a Salmon fishing boat in Alaska and she has worked on that boat.

 

Have you ever had to meet a payroll or conform to state and federal regulations?  She has, as the co-owner of that boat.

 

Have you ever shot and eaten a Caribou or Moose?  She has, in fact she is a lifetime member of the NRA and lists Moose Stew as one of her favorite foods.

 

Have you ever been ice fishing?  She has. She also can drive a snow mobile and her husband is a 2x champion snow mobile racer.

 

Have you ever been to the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWAR)?  She has and believes in “Drill here, drill now, make us energy independent.”

 

When told by her OB/GYN that her baby would be born with Down syndrome, she knew it was a blessing from GOD to be given this special child and never even considered killing this unborn baby.

 

Sarah has coached hockey and basketball, served as president of the PTA, defeated an incumbent Mayor, an incumbent Governor, a former Governor and she has an 80% approval rating.  She has taken on the leaders of her own party and forced them to resign!

 

This woman is REAL; she is a small-town girl, with real values, intelligent, a devoted wife and mother and a natural-born leader.  If she wants it and is strong enough to survive the left-wing, media led onslaught of attacks against her family and herself, she can and will be the first Female President of the Untied States of America.

I have one question to ask, " Would you rather have an inexperienced novice a heartbeat away from the Presidency or the heartbeat OF the President?"

 

God bless America

and

America Bless God!

Go Republicans!!!

As I was watching with pride last night's speech from the now famous Sarah Palin, I sat wondering what it is about her that is so captivating.  Several things jumped out to me...her poise, her class, her passion about family and special needs, but I think the biggest thing is just the fact that she's a mom.  She is not just a voice in a political position, she is a mom...a hockey mom, someone like you and like me.  You can tell, too, as she waited paitently for the crowd's applause to die down and the way she handled that, that she's a woman who is capable of doing many things at once.  I think she will be an incredible vice president.  And according to what I've heard of her Christian background, she goes to my kind of church, good old Assembly of God.  That right there says a lot, the fact that she has a relationship with her Lord and Savior...she is anointed.  In the proud way she has stood beside her pregnant teenage daughter, being there for her, loving her,  in the attacks from the opposing candidate, his staff and the media, she has shown to me just a taste of what she is capable of under attack.   I am astounded that we now have a hope of actually winning this election.  I think that once again, God is showing us His favor.  Am I biased?  Too opinionated?  Maybe, but I vote, and this is the way my vote will be cast.  God bless America!!!!!!!!!!  

Hump Day

I was getting dressed this morning, and the kids were in their rooms doing the same, when I went into Drew's room. He was sitting on the floor, doing something, and he made a comment on what day of the week it was today, and I said Wednesday. He shook his head and said, "No, Mom, it's called Hump Day, remember?" So I will forever be calling it Hump Day now.

Today is the first day that Jonah has a substitute teacher. Mrs. Miles, his teacher, told me yesterday that she had a couple of doctor's appointments scheduled for today, one of which is a root canal. Ugh. Not exactly a fun way to spend your day off, although she never takes days off, so this just had to be done. She was so sweet yesterday telling her class about her absence today. She was telling them who their sub. would be, and what to expect today. She was genuinely worried about them missing her and crying.

I was in her class tutoring kids (there are a couple who speak very little English) on their alphabet, so I got to participate in part of Jonah's day. I just emailed Noah's teacher and told her if she didn't start asking me to help that Noah was going to start asking me why I was always in Jonah's class and not in his. I think Mrs. Ledbetter doesn't want to take advantage of me...but I want her too! Hence the email I just sent asking if I could come and do anything.

Tonight and tomorrow night we have parent meetings scheduled at school. They had to add a third grade teacher, and they had to push all the meetings back until the kids were adjusted in their new classrooms. I'm kind of upset about the fact that these meetings are on Wednesday night...I wish someone had taken into consideration that some of us go to church on Wednesdays. It's alright, though. I'm glad to finally meet Graham's teacher. Tonight's the night we sign up to help her throughout the year in different areas. I'm hoping that there will be a room mom in there...if not, I guess you're looking at her. There should be, though. Graham was in class with a little boy named Thomas last year...his mom was room mom, and Graham and Thomas are together again this year. I'm hoping she'll do it again.

Graham and Drew started karate last night. They are so excited!!! Graham has been begging me to take karate forever, and in case you didn't know....karate is very expensive. My dad and I were out one Friday, and we happened to pass a church with a sign on that said, "Karate Tues. &Thurs. by Donation Only". I called and talked to the man that runs it, and he informed that the donation is very inexpensive. He said he'd felt that God had laid on his heart to use this as a ministry opportunity, and to open it up to families that wouldn't normally be able to afford it. In case you're curious...I have actually called one place and the price was something ridiculous like $1200 a year for one student. Plus all the uniform and championship fees. Crazy, I tell you. Anyway, Robert told me that they start each class with prayer and scripture memorization. He's even assigned each color belt to one of the fruits of the Spirit. He told me that in the several years he's been doing this, he's had around ten people give their lives to the Lord! Needless to say, Graham and Drew loved it last night. They were showing off their moves this morning since I wasn't able to go last night. Jonah and Noah will start once they turn 6...if they want to. Jonah may have changed his mind about it. Imagine that. And Noah said he may take it when he's ten.

I started a new Bible study last night...I'm very excited! You will excited to know that I will spare you all the details of it...my friend Christa started up a blog so her and I can post about the book we're reading, which means I'll write everything on there instead of here. =) If you want to check the blog out, go here. I am happy for the chance to get to know new people, and am thrilled to be digging into God's word!!! In fact, I'm going to go do that now.

Thoughts

I got this devotion this morning, and once again, I didn't write it...I just wanted to share it. I've been reading in the book of Daniel lately, and I have come to the conclusion that he is my favorite old testament person. I thought it was David, and while it's a close second, I think Daniel wins the prize. He was quiet, and humble...things I long to be. I want to live a quiet, respectful life, caring only about loving and serving my Creator, and loving the family that God has blessed me with. I hope you enjoy this...I hope it's an encouragement today to someone who needs it.

September 2, 2008

What’s Left?

Micca Monda Campbell

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

Devotion:

Times are tough. People everywhere are losing their jobs, their homes, and their hope. If it has happened to you, then you know how devastating loss can be. You know what it feels like to be at the mercy of a job interviewer, or enslaved to a credit lender. It can leave us feeling less than.

Most of us seek identity in our jobs, dreams, talents, or peers. The people we love, the things we own, and the job we do often defines who we are. When we lose those things, we feel as though we have lost our identity. After that, what else is left?

The good news is—there is more left than we realize. This was true for Daniel after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The king ordered for some royal family Israelites to be taken into captivity. The order specified those who were attractive, smart, healthy, and who would make good servants to the king. Daniel was among them. They were also told what to eat and what to drink.

I imagine most the captives were distraught by all they had lost. They had been taken from their home, their land, and their people. But Daniel and his friends responded differently than most. They chose not to look at what they had lost but rather what they still had left.

Daniel had faith. He knew that the true King was large and in charge. Nebuchadnezzar may have been king of Babylon, but God was the King of Daniel.

Trusting God to work on his behalf, Daniel asked that he not have to defile himself by eating the king’s food. Despite the official’s hesitation, he granted Daniel’s request due to God’s favor.

As children of God, we do not have to lose heart or succumb to the world’s ways either. No matter what kind of situation we are placed in, God can make the impossible possible. The Lord also gave knowledge and understanding to Daniel along with his three friends. This caught the king’s attention. No one else in the kingdom could compare to these four. So, they entered the king’s service without violating their faith and remained there until a new king took the throne.

Unfortunately, everyone experiences times of loss—a job, a friendship, a dream. Even so, our worth and identity are not found in these things. Nor is it found in our failures or losses. Your value and mine is in God and the amount of faith we have in Him.

When we find ourselves in our own Babylons, let’s not look at what we’ve lost but at what we have left—our faith! It may be shaken but it can’t be taken. Faith, like Daniel’s, provides hope in a God who is large and in charge over every authority. That, my friend, is no loss. That is great gain.

Dear Lord, My focus has been on my circumstances instead of on You. Today, I chose to put my trust in You. I believe that You are aware of my situation and are working on my behalf. Fill my soul with peace and help me to rest in Your care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Micca Campbell’s blog

Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow by Janet Eckles

Application Steps:

Read about Daniel’s story and exercising your faith in trying times at Micca’s blog.

Instead of focusing on your loss, make a list of all you still have left.

Reflections:

Where do you get your worth from?

How can faith in God see you through hard times?

Power Verses:

Psalm 138:7, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me.” (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” (NIV)

© 2008 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Only A Few More Weeks!

I am pushing this movie, because more like it should be made. I really want it to do well, so maybe they'll start considering that idea. For one night only, September 26th, the more people who go see this movie on opening night will determine how many other cities will play it in their theatres. I will be going on a date with my husband that night, and cannot wait. I hope you take the time to go see it yourself. Here's the official movie trailer, enjoy!