Tuesday's Tip

I’ve decided to make Tuesday’s “Tip” day. Each Tuesday I’ll give a tip on a variety of subjects such as

· how to study or apply God’s Word
· how to overcome fear
· how to prepare a talk
· how to pin point a gossip
· how write a devotional or a proposal
· how to love your spouse
· how to keep sane when your child becomes a teen
· how to tell the difference between a good melon and a bad one
· where to go on vacation
· how to get your husband to take you on vacation
· how to recognize God’s Presence in our daily lives
· how to get rid of ants by using Windex
· how to live with hope when everything seems hopeless

So what’s today’s Tuesday tip? I’m glad you asked. Here it is…

Tuesday Tip: Love Your Enemy

The bible commands that we not only love our enemies but pray for them as well. Look at Matt 5:43-44, “You’ve heard that it was said, “love your neighbor and hate your enemies.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you.”

Wow! That’s some hard stuff to obey, is it not? I find it easy to pray for those I love. The hard part is finding the time. But praying for my enemies. I’d rather run over them with my car.

Don’t judge me. Like you’d do something different.

If you're like me, praying for our enemies is an entirely different matter than praying for our friends. Like it or not, God says do it. He’s not testing our ability to do something difficult. No. God commands us to love, pray for and forgive our enemies for our own good.

He knows that He has already forgiven you and me, and now, He wants us to do likewise. Besides, hating our brother and sister is not damaging them. We are damaging ourselves. Holding a grudge is like mixing poison for your enemy but drinking it yourself.

I’ve found if I’m obedient to God’s Word and pray for my enemies first, then my heart eventually catches up. Some of my best friends use to be my foes. Imagine that!

If you can’t seem to forgive someone, pray for that person as long as it takes until, with God’s help, He removes the poison of bitterness from your heart.

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

Feeling or Fact?

Welcome. I’m glad you stopped by today. You are on my mind. I wonder. Do you ever feel like God is distant whenever you face disaster? Why do you think you feel this way? Is it because of your circumstances? Or do you feel like God isn’t listening or doing anything to relieve your pain or fix your troubles?

Over the years, I’ve discovered that I base a lot on my feelings. I make decisions and assumptions based on how I feel. At times, my feelings are so strong they even override the facts. Take 2 Corinthians 4:8 for example. It states, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” I understand the “facts” in this verse, but my feelings shout, DESPAIR, DESPAIR when I’m pressed on all sides!

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying that your feelings or mine are wrong. I am saying that they are not always dependable. However, God’s Word is! Sometimes, it “feels” like God has abandoned us, but the “fact” is He hasn’t. How do I know? Because He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. And that’s a fact!

Sometimes, it’s as simple as separating our “feelings” from the “facts” that helps us see God at work. Doing so also helps us discover the truth about ourselves, God, and our circumstances.

Look at it this way…
Right now, you may be surrounded by trouble too. Maybe you’re not dealing with damaged property due to flood waters, but you’ve got troubles and you “feel” alone. The “fact” of the matter is, you’re not. You cannot be hedged in because you are not without help. You have a great support. God is your helper. Therefore, you don’t have to be perplexed, uncertain, or concerned about your future. God has promised to deliver you. Even if you are being persecuted by your enemies, rejected or cast down, God says, “I will never leave you.”

Don’t you agree that separating your “feelings” from the “facts” gives us a sense of peace, hope and stability?

Here are some more “feelings” and “facts” that need separation...

You may feel that God had abandoned you. But the fact is that God has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you; therefore He has not abandoned you. (Hebrews 13:5)

You may feel hopeless in your situation. But the fact is that God promises He will work all things for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)

You may feel that you’re without wisdom, but the fact is God is able to give me the kind of wisdom I need because Jame 1:5 says "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

You may feel weak and helpless, but the fact is God says, “I give power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increases their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)

You may feel worried about your future, but the fact is God promises to “supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

You may feel discouraged about your walk with God, but the fact is God says “be confident that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6)

You may feel shame about your choices, but the fact is “there is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

Whatever you’re “feeling” today, trade it for the “fact” of God’s Word. You’ll find it never goes out of style. It’s always dependable and reliable. And most importantly, it holds up in any kind of trouble.

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

Perfectionism 101

I do the dumbest things. Yesterday, I forgot about a conference call that was schedule for 6:00pm. Twenty minutes into the call, my colleagues realized I wasn’t going to make it and canceled the meeting. I was so embarrassed when Zoe phoned me at home. As soon as I heard her voice, I knew I had forgotten about the meeting. No damage was done—thank goodness. We simply rescheduled the call.

It’s a good thing I can laugh at myself. It’s even better that I don’t struggle with trying to be perfect. I couldn’t pull that off if I tried! But I do struggle with pleasing people and often find myself discouraged.

If you’ve become discouraged with your inability to be perfect or please the world, it’s time to lighten up! When you and I accepted Christ, He accepted us—warts and all! Now, it’s time that we learn to accept ourselves. Doing so is like having a weight lifted from your shoulders. It’s freeing!

After all, the way to please God is simple. Love Him and others and obey is commandments. As far as pleasing everybody else or trying to obtain perfection… that’s impossible.

Trying to live up to the standards set by the media is impossible too! There will always be someone smarter, more talented, and more beautiful. So why not just be you! God doesn’t care about that stuff anyway. He loves you and me just as we are. Isn’t there something freeing about that? Yes, there is! That's because "FREE TO BE ME" is how God intends us to live—loving ourselves as He loves us. Then, when we act human--like forgetting my conference call--we can laugh at oursleves and move on.

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

God With Us--Everyday

What a week! It’s been both busy and beautiful!

Nashvillians are still lending helping hands to those in need. From everyday people to well-known music celebrities, our city has shown the love and compassion of Christ. It makes me proud to live here.

My friend, Gwen Smith, has been a guest in my home this week as well. Gwen does it all—music, writing, worship, and speaking. When she comes to Nashville to record, I benefit. I love spending time with her. Gwen’s heart is fully for the Lord. Every conversation is like reading a book where Jesus is the topic. Last night, was a special treat. Gwen and I had dinner with another godly musical gal, Cheri Keaggy.

Cheri is not only a Nashvillian, but she is a music artist whose faith is super-glue strong! Cheri is aware of God at work in her life on a day to day basis. Listening to her talk about how God loves on her and her family moves me. In fact, Cheri inspires me to look for God’s fingerprints on every moment of my day. When you live like this, you can’t help but have concrete faith.

What’s wonderful about seeing this reality in my friend’s life, is that it can become a reality in ours too. God’s Word is filled with promises of His daily Presence guiding us, protecting us, providing for us, and loving us. Just think, if we choose to see Him doing those very things in each circumstance of our day how it would increase our faith. More so, it would change our lives! I choose to see Jesus today. What about you?

I feel more confident now as my family and I travel to Southhaven, MS for the weekend to watch my youngest son is playing in a baseball tournament. Go Bucks!! Knowing that God is with us gives me a sense of sweet peace.

Yes, my life is busy. But it is also beautiful. The beauty comes from knowing Christ and enjoying all the many blessings He bestows along with way like good friends and baseball.

Micca Campbell—Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care

A Mother's Day Poem

Wishing you and yours a Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy this poem: author unknown

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom
Running errands, matching socks
Building dreams with building blocks
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Fitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last weeks mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I see then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me All the while
And I stop to kiss That precious smile

It is great blessing to be a Mom!

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

Observe the National Day of Prayer

Thousands of people are expected to participate in local events TODAY observing the 59th National Day of Prayer.

This year's theme is "Prayer for Such a Time as This," and is based on the verse from Nahum 1:7 which states: "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."

Please find an event in your area and pray for our nation. If that’s not a possibility for you, then let your prayer be heard by leaving a comment here.

May we once again become one nation under God bowing our knee to the Almighty!

For more information, visit http://nationaldayofprayer.org

Micca Campbell—Helping Women Live Carefree in God’s Care

Nashville's Flood

Flooding in Nashville has reached biblical proportions and havn't finished rising yet.

Homes, cars, and stores are under water. Last night, you could swim in our front yard. Thankfully, the water has receded. Others have not been so lucky. Our brother in law's home butts up against the Cumberland River. They've moved their furnishing to the top floor of their home hoping to salvage what they can.

This is a historic flood. The President has declared Nashville and surrounding areas a national disaster. Eleven lives have been lost. Schools are closed as well as many bridges due to damage. Many are trapped and can't get home. There is already a shortage of gasoline. It's bad, y'all. We would appreciate your prayers. I'll keep you posted.

Resting in God's Care! "When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; no shall the flame kindle upon you." Is 43:2

















The Cumberland River
















The Titian Stadium. Those flags stand about 20 feet high.
















Riverfront on 2nd Ave, Nashville

The famous Opryland Hotel is also under water. To view those pictures, click on this link

The Weather Guy: Opryland Hotel Flooding Pictures