Don't Worry About Tomorrow

When my husband died leaving me alone to care for myself and our 4month old, I feared the unknown future. When I was sick this past summer, I was also tempted to worry. I fought my fears by doing what I suggested to you on Tuesday. I cried out to God and cast my cares on Him. That was step one. When we cry out to God, it brings a sense of stability to our lives where as worry brings chaos.

Did you know the word “worry” means to be pulled in different directions? I wonder if you’re being pulled in different directions due to your “shipwreck.” Or perhaps, like me, you are focused on the challenges that God has allowed you to face today. Then, we need step two: Yield control to God and trust Him for the future.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus told us how to break free from the cycle of worry by finding peace and contentment in the plans and purposes of God.

“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

I hate to admit it, but I missed so much of the present with my son because I was consumed with tomorrow. Does someone need your attention today? Don’t give up today for the sake of tomorrow.

The truth is you and I don’t have a clue what tomorrow will bring, but God does. He’s already there. Take care of God’s opportunities for you today. Trust in His plans for all of your tomorrows. When we yield to God’s control and trust the future to Him, we’ve found the antidote for worry. Instead of being pulled in different directions, we are pulled in one—God’s direction.

When I’m drowning in doubt, I have tendency to seek out the shoulder of other worriers. If you do the same, break away. I began asking God to bring positive, faith-filled people into my life—people who would not sympathize with me but would encourage me to rise and shine.

Meditating on scripture instead of my feelings also helped me resist the temptation to worry. Here are some of my favorites. I hope they strengthen and encourage you today and into the New Year:

“Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s Salvation. He will provide for you today.” (EX 14:13)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom should I be afraid of?” (Ps 27:1)

“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Heb 10:23)

Micca Campbell-Helping Women Live Carefree in God's Care

Paul's Prayer

Yesterday, I committed to pray for you and I did. I prayed for each of you by name and for the others you mentioned as well. My aim was to bless and encourage you, and yet, the day was a lot like when I minister at a conference. As I pour out, God refills.

Funny how we think prayer is some sort of work. It wasn’t at all! It was a glorious day! I spent it in the presence of God. What could be better? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

I began to wonder what life would be like if you and I lived (intentionally) in God’s presence. Is that sort of life REALLY doable? I think so. Jesus lived in constant contact with the Father so we can. In fact, in John 15, Jesus tells us to “abide” or “remain” in Him. Think about it. If you and were to acknowledge the presence of God “with us” every moment of every day, our lives would be much different. We would fear less, doubt less, and sin less. We would believe more, trust more, bear more fruit, experience more peace and joy, pray more, and witness more.

Imagine sending your husband to work and your kids to school. Instead of fretting over the peer pressure your child might face while you throw in a load of laundry, you’d talk to God about it instead.

“Lord, I can’t be with my child but you can. Watch over him today. Protect him from the wrong influence and help him to only desire what is good, holy, and pure.”

The result would be peace.

Instead of worrying about whether or not your husband will come home with a pink slip in hand, you’d talk to God about as you run errands around town.

“God, you are our Provider. I trust that no matter what happens in this economy, you will continue to provide for our family. Help me be supportive of my husband when he needs it most-even when I’m tired. Ease his stress and help him to look to and lean on you instead of his employer.”

The result would be hope.

What if you talked to God about your dad’s salvation as you prepare dinner?

“Oh, Lord, turn the eyes of my dad from darkness to light so that he would know truth, so that his sins would be forgiven, and eternal life his forever more.”

Instead of feeling despair, you would experience joy as you look forward to that day.

I believe if you and I will talk to God today a bit more than we did yesterday, we’ll begin to rise from the wreckage, the worry, the doubt, and the fear. I believe we would start to experience the Christian life as it’s meant to be lived—filled with faith, hope, joy and peace.

Let’s start by using one of Paul’s prayers. I love this prayer. As I stated yesterday, there is more power in God’s words than mine. So then, what could be more powerful than to pray scripture back to God?

Paul’s prayer is found in Ephesians 1: 16-21: (I’ve taken these verses from The Message) Let’s make it personal:

16. I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks.

(Humm…that’s interesting. Paul couldn’t STOP talking to God about us.)

17. But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, (now, repeat this verse back in your own words. Something like this:

“Dear God, give me a spirit of wisdom, revelation, and knowledge so that I might know you.”

18. your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians,

“Help me to see with spiritual eyes my purpose, and help me understand and live the Christian life--one filled with peace, power, joy, and faith.”

19. oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength!

“Lord, continue to do your good work in me. And strengthen me for everything I must do."

20. All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven,

“Give me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.”

21. in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever.

“No one is greater than you, oh, God. I praise your holy name forever and ever, a-men.”

Micca Campbell-Helping Women Live Carefree in God's Care

Arise and Shine

Whether you dropped in for a regular visit or you popped over after reading my devotion, Arise From the Wreckage, I’m glad you’re here. Can I tell you a secret? I’ve prayed for you today. Every time one of my devotions is published, I ask God not to bless it but to bless the reader. I realize that words have no power by themselves. But if God, by the power of His Holy Spirit, will use my words to communicate to you in some way, well then, that is all that matters. Why—you ask? Because everyone gets shipwrecked from time to time but only God knows your needs. Only the Lord knows how to touch, fill, and comfort your wounds. What’s amazing is God wants to communicate with you today. So go back, read the devotion again, and ask God to speak to your heart. He will. …and I’ll wait.

Welcome back.

I’m so anxious to hear! What did God say? Did He say…

“I love you.”

“I understand”

“I’m in the boat with you.”

“There is purpose in your pain”

“Don’t give up.”

“Lean on Me.”

“I’m your strength.”

“Rise and shine.”

Some of you are climbing your way out of the wreckage and you can hear God’s voice guiding the way. For others, the wreck is still too new. I understand. Nevertheless, you can do something. You can talk to God. He’s in the heap with you. Therefore, you are not without help. Crying out to God is your first climb. From there, He’ll lead the way. So go ahead. Tell God about your pain, your worries, and your fears. Then, trust Him. Trust that God will redeem your wreckage for your good and His glory.

In the meantime, I’d be honored to pray for you. You don’t have to share your situation. You can simply leave your name and I will gladly lift it toward heaven.

Arise and shine, my friend. And may the peace of God be yours today.

Micca Campbell--Helping Women Live Carefree in God's Care

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I'm so excited! Today is Christmas Eve! I've planned, shopped, wrapped, prepared, decorated, cooked, and cleaned. Now it's time to celebrate with family and friends the greatest gift ever given--Christ himself.

Yet, God's gift is so easy to miss.

I think it's because we put so much pressure on ourselves to give monetary gifts that sometimes we forget some of the best gifts are free. I was challenged by the words of Charles Swindoll.

"Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, "I love you." Give something away--anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Turn away wrath with a soft answer. Visit someone in a nursing home. Apologize if you were wrong. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy."

Who needs your love this year--your forgiveness, your blessing, or your time? I know of many who need mine. I'll begin with you.

Thank you for being a faithful friend. Thank you for taking your time to read and visit my blog. It truly blesses my heart...and I hope in some way I've been a blessing to you.

Wishing you and yours a heartfelt Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Cyber hugs!
Micca

Let Freedom Ring!

Santa and me at my husband's office party.











I love bells. I have a large silver bell that hangs on my door during the Christmas season. I enjoy hearing the hand-bells played at church and one of my favorite Christmas carols is “Jingle Bells.”
Have you ever stopped to consider the significance of Bells at Christmas?
Bells proclaim something. Bells have been used throughout history to celebrate victories, anniversaries, and events, and summon citizens to hear important proclamations. The most famous bell is the Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell was delivered by an English foundry in 1752. It is a central artifact from the American Revolution, most famous for cracking and being repaired several times. The bell's name was derived from its inscription: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" (Leviticus 25:10a KJV).

The Liberty Bell could have been rung by Jesus at His first official proclamation in the synagogue in Nazareth: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me . . . to proclaim liberty to the captives . . . , to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). Those responding to Jesus' announcement have been free from the moment they believed--free from sin and death.

If you hang a Christmas bell on your tree or door this year, do it in celebration of the spiritual liberty that is yours in Christ. One way to celebrate that freedom is by using your bell as a witnessing tool. There’s not greater time of the year to share Christ’s freedom, than Christmas time.

A Christmas Miracle

Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy for our family. However, a few years ago we were consumed by grief over our nephew who was a troubled kid. Our sadness threatened to rob the sacred holiday of the usual awe and wonder we felt. I began to pray. “Please, God, don’t let us miss Christmas.”

It is our tradition for family and friends to join us for Christmas dinner. This year was no different. The house was full of those who had come to celebrate.Our home glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and out. The presents were sorted into piles according to the nametags that were located a top each gift and tucked slightly under the bow. Aromas of holiday foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for my family, no celebration or sweet treat could comfort our hearts. Again, I prayed. “Lord, please don’t let us miss Christmas.”

As the evening drew to a close Cody, a friend of our son, put on his coat. “Merry Christmas,” he said, waving bye with his hand high in the air. Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report after graduation. He fiddled with his jacket as if he was hesitating. “Are you excited about the Marines?” I asked.“

"I wish I had never joined. I’m told the only way to get out of it is not to graduate. So I’m not going to finish school,” Cody said as he shuffled his feet back and forth.

I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to hear myself. ”Peace comes in impossible situations when we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be.”

Stunned, Cody asked. “In order to trust and rely on God, don’t I first have to …what’s the word, ah…get saved?”

“You’ve never placed your trust in Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior?” I asked.

“No, ma'am, I haven’t,” Cody said, shaking his head back and forth.

“Well, we can fix that right now if you’d like,” I replied.

My niece and I escorted Cody into a quiet room where we explained about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Cody accepted the peace of God, and his countenance changed right in front of our faces! With excitement, Cody announced to our guests, “Guess what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!” Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of Christmas had finally begun!

It was a Christmas miracle I’ll never forget. God had heard my prayer. He hadn’t let us miss Christmas at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody’s sake, He was birthed anew in all our hearts.

Isn’t that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, the sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has overcome the world! Gazing on Christ helps us to see, if we have Jesus, we have everything we need.

May you experience the miracle of Christ this holiday season.

I Got Ran Over By A Reindeer

I got ran over by a reindeer coming home from a basketball game last night. I don’t know if Santa and his team were making a trial run or what ...but before I knew it—SMASH—I had collide with a deer.

I live in an area where deer are always present from dusk until dawn. Everyone knows to drive with caution. We’ve also discovered their crossing habits as well. If you see one deer that usually means several more are to follow. In addition, it appears that the Buck (the man deer) brings up the rear. He allows the women and children to cross first. Then if they make it, he crosses. Hummmm???

Anyhoo, it’s pitch dark on the back roads of TN at night. I could hardly see the curvy road ahead of me so I was driving slowly with my eyes glued to the road. Then all of a sudden, a deer darts into my path just ahead. A pickup truck on the opposite side of the road comes to a screeching stop. I, too, slam on the breaks and instantly begin to slide sideways. This isn’t good. I’m thinking to myself. I had three options: hit the truck; hit the deer, or go into the ditch.

The deer lost.

Upon impact, the deer flipped up and over the top of my car!!! I’m not kidding y’all! When the car came to a stop, I just sat there. Eventually, the truck driver got out of his car to see if I was ok. I was—praise Jesus—just a bit shaken.

I got out of my car to see how much damage had occurred. There were lots of deer hair stuck to the front of my little white convertible and a crack in the bumper. I barely got a look when we heard the deer moving in the ditch below.

“Oh, no, He’s still alive!” I shouted. About that time, I spotted big daddy deer and family peering at us through the trees. Fearing they were planning an attack, the truck driver and I got back into our cars.

Once I arrived home, I phoned the police and reported the accident. They came out to—let’s just say—take care of the suffering deer.

I’m wondering…does this put me on Santa’s bad list?

With God, Nothing Is Impossible

With God, nothing is impossible. This past Sunday, my pastor reminded us of that truth. Since it’s Christmas time, we’re looking at Christ’s birth with fresh eyes. In doing so, it has caused me to ask myself some hard questions such as; Do I really believe that my impossible situations are possible with God?

Honestly—not at first. At the beginning of a crisis, I usually have lots and lots of questions.
So did Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I love that Mary, like me, is a country girl. Knowing that helps me identify with her on another level. She probably used phrases like, “Bless your heart” and “over yonder.” In addition, I’m certain she referred to others as “y’all” as well.

Mary, indeed, was a young, inexperienced country girl about to marry an older man that her parents had selected for her. Like any soon to be bride, I imagine Mary was consumed with wedding plans. Yet God interrupted her plans by sending Gabriel, an angel, with some startling news for Mary.

“You are about to bear a son.”

“What?” replied Mary. “That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Not only that but it’s impossible. I’m a virgin.”

We must not judge Mary. Isn’t that our first response too when we are faced with a crisis of belief? "What? You’ve got to be kidding me. This can’t be happening. It’s too impossible for me to handle."

When a crisis hits interrupting my life plans, I never feel ready, experienced enough, or able to understand what God is doing. My crisis never makes sense in the moment.

I wonder what impossible situation you may be facing now. Perhaps you or your spouse is unemployed. Maybe you or a loved one have been diagnosed with some sort of disease. Could it be your facing this holiday season without someone you love—a spouse, a parent, a rebellious child whose whereabouts are unknown. Your situation seems impossible—even for God.

The angel’s news seemed impossible to Mary. The message troubled her greatly. No matter how she tried to piece it together, she couldn’t make sense of it all. Nevertheless, God wasn’t asking her to figure it all out. That wasn’t her responsibility. It was Gods. Mary’s only responsibly was to be available to what God was offering her. God was offering Mary a unique invitation to be the mother of His Son.

I wonder how many unique opportunities I’ve missed because I failed to believe God in the midst of my crisis. I wonder how many times I’ve given up the chance to experience God in a unique way because I’ve tried to work out the details in my own wisdom. I wonder how many times God wanted to trust me with a unique opportunity, but my lack of trust in Him disabled me.

While Mary was pondering this unique opportunity that she couldn’t make heads nor tails out of, the Angel offered her comfort, strength, and the only answer to impossible situations. Trust God.
It’s that simple. In order for Mary to be available to God, she had to take Him at His word. She had to believe that with God NOTHING is impossible.

Mary offers you and me a unique challenge this holiday season. Do we believe that with God all things are possible—even our current situation? If so, then let go of worry. Let go of trying to find the answer. The Angel has already given us the answer … Trust God and experience His peace wrap around you like a warm, comforting blanket.

Tips To Prevent Holiday Stress

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

§ Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you're thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.

§ Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.

§ Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.

4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.

5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.

7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.

9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

(Article is adapted from www.mayoclinic.com)