I’m often asked how to pronounce my name or where my mother came up with it—so here’s my story.

When my mother found out that she was going to have a third child, she was determined it was not going to be girl. It’s not that my mother has anything against girls. She doesn’t. What she has difficulty with are strong-willed children. She much prefers compliant ones. Don’t we all? My mother had one of each—a strong-willed girl and a compliant boy. So when the doctor announced her third pregnancy, only a boy would do.

While either gender can have a strong personality, my mother still prepared for a boy. When it came to picking out clothes, she purchased boys clothes. When picking out names, she picked out only boys names—two to be exact—Richard Todd and Micah Todd. Yet, in all her determination to have a boy, I was born a girl. What did my mother do? She named me, Micah Todd.

Acknowledging my gender, she changed the spelling of my name to M-i-c-c-a. But I’ve always wondered if subconsciously she gave me a boy’s name in hopes that I’d act like one. If so, that plan didn’t work in her favor either. I’m a true girly-girl with a mixture of both my sister and brother’s personalities.

I struggled growing up with a boy’s name. At the start of every new school year, the teacher naturally assumed I was a boy according to my name. This taught me that my name gave false testimony to who I was. Many times I’ve considered changing it. Then, one day I was approached by a woman who had been sitting in the audience as I spoke.

“Your name fits you.” She said.

“What?” I almost couldn’t believe my ears!

“Yes” she continued. “You’re a speaker of the Word. That makes you a prophet—just like the prophet Micah in the bible.”

My mouth hung open for the longest time. I tried to respond to her commit, but I was thinking about where my name originated from. It wasn’t the bible! My mother had gotten the name from one of the characters in an old western sitcom called, “The Raffle Men.” I was named after the Sherriff for heaven’s sake!

As I pondered the woman’s observation, I realized that she was right. Regardless where my name came from, it fits my life’s purpose—to speak God’s truths. That does describe the job of a prophet. My name didn’t give false evidence of who I am…it defined it.

I’m amazed at how my children’s names fit them, too. Maybe you’ve also discovered that your name fits the real you, as well! If not, that’s okay. When Christ returns you’ll be given a new name! Like many that lived between the pages of the bible, Jesus changed their name to fit the person He created them to be. In heaven, God has a new name for you…one that fits you to a tee.

Labels: According to Micca

Happy Monday!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. If you’ve popped over from reading my devotion, then you know that one of the reasons God uses trails in our lives to test our commitment. When you face some trial in your life, what is your first response?

• Trust God
• Question God
• Run and hide
• Blame someone for my troubles
• Become discouraged

If you’ve been reading my post, then you know that my son has had a tough time the past few weeks. Not only has he been sick with Chickenpox and allergies, but he’s been in a batting slump. Discouraged, he asked, “Why is this happening to me, mom?”

I knew exactly where he was coming from. I’ve faced trails in my own life that have caught me off guard and caused me to question God, too. We all have. And yet, Peter has this to say.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

Peter also says, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6,7).

While Peter confirms that genuine faith is produced by our testing’s and trials, he also has something comforting to say. Though the hardship is necessary for our faith, it will only last for a little while. Anything can be endured for a little while. Think about the winter months. How is it that we survive the cold bitter snows of winter? We do so because we know they will not last forever. Spring is coming.
We can also endure when we know the purpose of our trials.

Trials are to be expected in the life of the believer. They come to us because:

• We live in a fallen world.
• We are objects of satanic warfare.
• We are our own source of trials through disobedience, sin, bad choices, or wrong decisions.
• And some trials originate with God—for:
Cleansing and purification for greater service
Testing our endurance and our devotion to Christ
Demonstrate His power to sustain us
Building up of our faith

What’s our response? You and I are to…

• Trust God by recalling His faithfulness in past experiences
• Preserve and endure
• Look to what the trail is accomplishing. 1 James 2-4 states that our trails are making us perfect, complete (or mature), and lacking in nothing. You and I can experience joy instead of discouragement when we look ahead to the result of our testing.
• Remember that God is allowing this in my life for something good, and that He is going to demonstrate His sustaining power in my life. God is going to prosper me through this trial no matter how painful it is right now.

A part of me wanted to rescue my son from his heartache. But that would have only caused him an injustice. God was not just building his faith these past weeks. He’s been building his character. That’s the ultimate goal. And God will allow whatever necessary to accomplish that goal in each of our lives.

The truth is…you and I will encounter trials and heartaches in life, but we have Christ to walk through them with us. We don't have to depend on artificial means of coping because we've got God living on the inside of us. He will sustain us through any and every trial in life. In the end, we will become His trophies of grace.

Labels: According to Micca

Up for a faith challenge? I know I AM! As believers we can become lax in our faith. At the same time, we long for a deeper more fruitful faith. We even wonder why others seem to have a stronger faith than we do.

Let’s face it. Faith doesn't come to any of us easily or automatically, any more than a garden or orchard grows easily and without careful attention and hard work.
God's plan is for us to grow in our faith, and not be stuck in the same spiritual rut all our lives. Most of us find ourselves stuck in the “rear view” mirror syndrome when it comes to faith. We are always looking back at our past faith experiences, but they seem to fall flat in energizing our faith for today.

You and I can’t live on past faith experiences. We need fresh faith. Sure it’s good to look back and see where God has been faithful in past situations. He uses those times to build our faith, and recalling those times helps us trust God for our present situation as well. But how do we continually grown in faith day to day? How do we keep our faith from growing stale? Like me, I know you long to have a red-hot passion for God—the kind that makes a difference in your life, your family’s life, and those in your sphere of influence.

I have good news! One of the ways God helps us to grow in our faith is by giving us other believers to encourage and inspire us. Tracie Miles at www.traciemiles.blogspot.com is just that person. She is offering a Faith Challenge on her blog beginning today. I challenge you to pop over and get on broad. I’ve already signed up!

To inspire you more, I’ve added this video clip. It’s an awesome testimony of what strong faith can do. It can transform lives!

Labels: According to Micca

It was a horrific week, but we won the 11 and 12 year old State Tournament for our district! Both the boys and the coaches worked hard for this win. Now, we move on to the World Series where we will represent the state of Tennessee.

This is a special time to play in the World Series. It’s Dixie Youth’s 50th anniversary. What’s more exciting is my husband played in the World Series in 1978 as an 11/12 year old—the same age of our son now—exactly 30 years ago! Pretty cool—huh?!

The state director of Dixie Youth presented our boys with their trophies and then gave a short victory speech to which he reminded and challenged the boys.

“You’re playing for me now, and you’re playing for the state of Tennessee. You’ll be wearing Tennessee colors, and I expect each of you to represent our state well through your attitude, actions, and choices.”

My mind drifted away from his speech as I thought about being a representative of Christ. Most of us wear our Christian badge for all to see. We wear them as slogans on our t-shirts, in the form of jewelry hung around our neck, and through Christian symbols stuck on the bumpers of our cars. Even though we “wear” these badges, how well do we represent what they stand for?

Are my actions and attitude always Christ-like while driving in traffic, at the store when the cash resister doesn’t give me the noted discount, or when my son is in a batting slump?

People are watching us. Just like the ball players, we have a reputation to honor and protect. It’s the Name of Christ. I want to do it well.

I believe God uses life lessons such as this one to enlighten me—to challenge me—to teach and inspire me. It’s not because I’m already doing it well. It’s because though my spirit is willing to represent Him, my flesh is lacking. So God in His great mercy comes along side of me, and as usual, uses everyday experiences to shape me into His image.

When you and I have godly character in the midst of life’s game...it's a win every time!

Striving for victory!

Labels: According to Micca

Have you ever felt like Charlie Brown? No matter what Charlie Brown did, bad luck seemed to follow him. That describes my week in Lookout Mountain of Chattanooga. My son, Parker, and his team are playing in the Dixie Youth State tournament. So far, we’ve gone undefeated! If we win State, we’ll go to the World Series! What’s bad about that? Well….

If you’re a 15 year old teenager who had her summer vacation canceled to travel with her younger brother’s ball team …it’s BAD.

If you’re a dad that desires to cheer for his son during the State tournament but has to stay home and work because the only other manger in his company had emergency surgery on his week off…well, it’s BAD (he has driven back and forth a few days!)

If you’re the 11 year old ball player that made it to the State tournament after battling the Chickenpox’s, spiked a fever of 103 on day two of the tournament, spent the morning at the children’s hospital only to discover he had a 24 hour virus, cut his finger in the hotel swimming pool, caught poison oak from the pretty bush located near the batting cage; has struck out several times in a row, and THEN, woke up last night with server ear pain due to mountain allergies…It’s BAD

If you’re the mom who has gotten lost a dozen times driving up and down Lookout Mountain (I was seriously afraid we’d have to become Mt people for the rest of our lives if I didn’t find my way out!)…if you’re the mom who hasn’t had any sleep due to a sick child, spent the wee hours of the morning in a strange hospital; is known by name in Walgreens, Chattanooga; has lost her room key 3 times, had a black man folding her underwear when she didn’t return for her clothes soon enough, and the best one….

I forgot to lock the door to the women’s bathroom and some crazy woman (who didn’t think to knock first) swung the door wide open exposing me while I sat on the potty with my underwear down around my ankles. I screamed, “Hey, close the door!”
This caught the attention of everyone sitting on the bleachers directly in front of the women’s rest room. At that point, all I could do is wave. Once, I got the nerve to open the door and come out, my husband was selling tickets! If you were me, you’d say it’s been BAD!

Even though our family has the Charlie Brown syndrome this week, we’ve praised God. We couldn’t’ do anything else. Each time, I cried out this verse came to mind; “Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say rejoice.” I know God was teaching us how to live moment by disappointing moment. So with every quirky adventure, every sickness, every strikeout, we praised the Lord as we drove down the mountain. It gave us joy in the midst of our misery as we trusted God’s plan in this adventure. What an adventure it has been! It’s been a trip we won’t forget soon. It’s been a trip full of crazy memories, but best of all Parker hit two home runs in yesterday’s game—TWO!! That makes it all worthwhile!

It reminded me that in this world we’ll face hard times, but there is a day coming when we’ll live in paradise and earth will be but a distant memory. I trust we’ll look back on those hard times that are preparing us for Kingdom living and be able to say…it was worth it.

Labels: According to Micca

If some can mistake “the call” for reasons ranging between seeking acceptance to showing gratitude for their Salvation, then can anyone really be sure of their calling? Yes, they can by the evidence of “the call.” The Bible calls it “fruit.”

1.) “The call” is marked or produces the fruit of a surrendered life.

I love Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ definition of a surrendered life. “It’s a life that says “no” to self and “yes” to God every moment of every day.” One who has totally yielded their life to God understands that it’s not about them…it’s all about God. Like Paul, they also identify with Gelatins 2:20.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul could have been a great teacher or theologian because of his intelligence and education. He probably would have gotten great recognition as such. But he surrender himself to all that. Paul wasn’t compelled to have his name in print or be known for his eloquent speeches. Instead, he was compelled to do one thing—to know Christ and make him and his saving grace known to others.

A surrendered life causes us to do what we can’t do on our own.
A speaker and worship leader tells about a time she surrendered her flesh and experienced the work of God at a youth concert like never before. She had just given birth and had no one to watch the newborn. Like any mother, her flesh longed to cancel the event instead of leaving her infant in the care of a strange, new sitter. Compelled within, she decided to trust God and handed her newborn over to the stranger. That night a stream of teenagers came to the Lord. She played the same verse so many times she lost count. They just kept coming. To this day it awes her to think what might have happened had she followed her flesh and decided not to play. They would have canceled the concert and all those souls wouldn’t have met Jesus that night. It’s only through a surrendered life that this woman was able to deny what made sense to her and follow the Holy Spirit. And it’s only through a yielded life that the Spirit of God can woo the lost to His saving grace.

You and I know we are involved in God-sized tasks when they are tasks only God can accomplish. By surrendering to Christ, he is able to live his life through yours. You will then naturally separate from the world and its ways—taking on the attributes of God and fulfilling His dreams for your life. Is that your desire? Have you surrendered your dreams in order to fulfill His?

2.) The anointing (or power) of the Holy Spirit is also a fruit that gives evidence to “the call.”

“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Helper [the Holy Spirit]” Acts 1:4

Zondervan’s daily inspiration reads, “If men [or women] can do God's work in their own strength, then it is not God's work at all. The Lord Jesus calls people who realize they cannot function at all apart from His grace and empowerment. Such an attitude results in complete dependence on God, and this is good in His sight. If we can accomplish tasks without God, then He will not get the glory. People will look at what we have done and give us the credit. But if we do something that is completely impossible apart from God's supernatural intervention, people have no choice but to give glory to God.”

I use to wonder why Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Helper before they went out to minister. Up until now, the disciples had walked with Christ and were able to testify to who He was and what He could do. However, there is a huge difference between “testifying” and “witnessing.”

Christ was about to depart toward heaven. Therefore, the disciples would need the Helper in order to do the tasks assigned them by Christ. They needed Holy Spirit power. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Christ could do more through His disciples than what He could do in one human body while on earth.

We, too, have the promise of the Helper. Without Him, we can do nothing. One called of God is marked by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was anointed at His baptism before His earthy ministry began. King David was anointed with “power from on high” before he started his ministry. And Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and cried out for a double portion. God, indeed, anointed him with the Spirit and those around testified to the working power within him—power given from on high.

The fruit of a calling is the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power at work in and through you. An important factor is others will testify to the power in your life. Have you ever heard a “powerful” speaker speak? How about one that seemed “flat” or “fruitless.” Those who are called will have a fruitful ministry. Transformation will be seen in those whom they minster to.

There will also be fruit on the inside, too—peace, joy, and satisfaction for the disciple. You will be refreshed and energized. You’ll have a sense of urgency about doing God’s work. You’ll seek to maintain a right relationship with God. You’ll love what He loves and hates what He hates. And you’ll see others come to surrender their lives because of yours. …all by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Is there a time that you know for certain that God anointed you for ministry?

If you haven’t seen evidence in your life, pray and ask God to reveal or clarify your calling.

Labels: According to Micca

I got ahead of myself. It's a personality trait.

After reviewing my notes, I realized once we've established that we are called, it's important to know that God equips us for the job. That's what we'll look at today. Then tomorrow we'll look at what "the call" looks like.

There was tale of an elderly woman in the church who had served the Lord for years. She was tired, worn out, and longed for heaven. But because there was still so much work to do, she feared that she would never die. Eventually, she did die. I guess God wanted His job back.

From the perspective of most, today’s mature Christian leader is much like this woman. She is head of Women’s ministry, teaches Sunday school, bible study, sings in the choir, is on the prayer team, cooks meals for the sick, and counsels the pastor on a regular basis. (smiles)

Somewhere between your calling and severing Him have you taken over, rushed ahead, and set your own agenda only to experience burn out? If so, you’re like many others who instead of relying on Gods resources began to depend on themselves. Yet, God never called you or me to work for Him, but to be His witnesses—not by our strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The call of God into service is unlike any other job. You and I could be a leader in any other profession through learned skills and techniques. However, the call to ministry is different. It cannot be done by just anyone. It is only accomplished through God’s super natural power and presence.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).

The Lord didn’t call you and then leave you alone. No, He is more than enough to fulfill your calling. He is all-sufficient. He enables you with His presence, provision and promises. A leader must believe this by faith and then trust God to provide all they need. The leader who has absolute faith and trust in God will not carry the burden alone, but will know that God is there pulling along side of them. Otherwise, if we do it alone we are refusing His grace.

And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1).

God has equipped you, my sister, to accomplish every good work. He has equipped you by making available to you every promise. He has separated you unto Himself and given you everything you need to live a godly life. This is crucial because your call and provision affects others who are watching. Not only is God bringing you into fullness of life, but those whom you minister, and your family, friends, and neighbors as well.

However, His promises and provisions are only knowledge of what God can do and desires to do for you unless you walk in them. When you rely on His promises for provision, then your spirit will shout, “Amen,” in agreement to all He has promised because you have experienced them to be true.

As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world through lust (2 Peter 1: 3,4).

To the one who lives a holy, separated life before Him, and relies upon all His resources, is the one that God can accomplish much through. Protect your relationship with Him, in which your call came, depend on His power and presence to enable you to serve, and you will walk in a manner worthy of your calling.

Pondering Thoughts for Growth:

1.) Have you been depending on yourself, setting your own agenda, and working by your own effort in order to serve Him? If so, what needs to change?
2.) Are you relying on God presence, provisions, and promises to fulfill your calling? How?
3.) Are you walking worthy of your calling by living a holy life style before others? Explain

Lord, Thank you for choosing and calling me to serve you. Help me to rely solely on your power and presence in my life to accomplish your kingdom tasks, in Jesus Name, a-men.

Labels: According to Micca

I realize that many of you who attended She Speaks, and those who did not, long for confirmation about their callings. I know because I did, too. The question on my heart was, “How do I know that I know I’m called of God? …And what’s the difference between church ministry and vocational ministry?” Because of these questions, I spent over a year being counseled by my pastor and studying God’s Word so that I could move forward with assurance—the same kind of assurance you’re looking for.

Today, I’ll try and explain “the call” to ministry and then follow up in the next few days with "what the call” looks like lived out. I hope it will answer some of your questions. If not, feel free to ask.

One should sense that being in ministry is God’s will for their life. They know it’s nothing less than a “God thing.” While we are all called and gifted for church ministry, some are called to vocational ministry. They know that God has claimed their life for His service beyond serving in the church. Each person called into vocational ministry will have a unique and personal story of this experience.

I had been a student of God’s Word for 15 years when God called me into ministry. I was satisfied as a student of His Word. I never thought about teaching it. I was too shy to stand in front of people. When asked to make an announcement at church, I’d experience fever and nausea the entire night before that lasted until my duty was over!

Serving my church was important to me. I severed in various ways—VBS, Children and Youth ministry, committees of all kinds, and I participate in missions and programs that taught believers how to share of the gospel. (I’ve always been passionate about sharing Jesus!)

One day, I was reading my bible in my bedroom when God called me to surrender my life to full-time service. I don’t claim to have heard the audible voice of God, but it was the loudest thought I ever had. I knew exactly what He wanted even though I didn’t know what it all meant, but I responded wholeheartedly to God’s plan for my life.

My first step was getting my pastor’s blessing and counseling. Throughout our time together, I experienced miracle after miracle of God’s confirmation. My pastor encouraged me to write these things down. He shared that there would be days of discouragement and disappoints. There would be days that I would want to give up and quit. I should return to these testimonies and be encouraged to press on. I’ve done this many times since and encourage you to do the same.

While you should also be able to pinpoint the time when God called you into ministry, the important thing is not how you were called—but that you’re certain your call came from God. Knowing that you are called is key motivation to being in ministry.

According to Henry T. Blackaby, there are people in ministry for other reasons than a calling from God.

1.) Some are in ministry because they are grateful for their salvation.
2.) Some are in ministry because they love studying and teaching the Word. Again, knowing that you are called to teach the bible outside of the church comes with a “knowing” God has called you further.
3.) Some with the gift of service naturally enjoy helping people.
4.) Others are persuaded by family members or feel they must follow in their parent’s footsteps.
5.) Others who were never affirmed or not popular see a readily acceptance and respect that a person in ministry receives therefore signs up for ministry.

While these are noble reasons, they are not the right motivation for being in ministry. One should sense that being in ministry is God's will for their lives.

Whether you or I are called to church ministry or vocational ministry, they are equally important!! Either way, you did not chose to work for God, God chose you. Your calling, and mine, came from an intimate relationship with God. He did not call you or me because we are special or talented, but because He chose us for Himself and called us into a relationship with Him. From that relationship, He calls, equips and prepares us to do good works.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10).

Pondering Thoughts for Growth

1.) Can you recall a specific time when you were certain God called you into vocational ministry? Explain
2.) In your service now, do you feel satisfied? If not, could God be calling you further?
3.) Have you ever sought godly counseling and direction from your pastor? Why or why not?
4.) Make a list of your gifts and how you’re presently using them.
5.) Are new doors being opened for you? If they are or they are not, what should be your response?

It’s not enough to know that we are called. We must understand the call upon our lives in order to fully live it out through His provision. How we perceive our call determines how we will live. I’ll follow up on this topic with “What the Call Looks Likes Lived Out”
Stay tuned.

Labels: According to Micca

I saw this on Jerralea's blog http://jerralea.blogspot.com/ and thought it was fun!
If you'd like to join in the fun, leave your blog address in my comments box so we can all read about you!

A is for Age
In the south, it’s not polite to ask or give a woman’s age
B is for Burger of choice
I love Backyard Burgers!
C is for what Car you drive
I drive a convertible Sebring…it’s a must in the south!
D is for Dog’s name
We have a little house dog named Angel. She’s a nervous neurotic---deathly afraid of storms. We know a storm is coming before the weather man!
E is for Essential item you use every day
That would have to be my push-up bra. My once rounded grapefruits have suddenly become more life fruit roll-ups!
F is for Favorite TV show at the moment
American Idol is my fav. I lock the doors and take the phone off the hook when it’s on.
G is for favorite Game
My favorite game is backyard kickball. My husband’s side has an annual family kickball game every May! This year I made an attempt to slide into 1st base on my tummy! But when I opened my eyes and the dirt cleared, I was about 6 feet from the bag! I did get a “good try, mom” from my 11 year old.
H is for Hometown
Nashville, TN…home of Country Music USA!
I is for Instruments you play
Does my legs clapping together when I walk count as a musical instrument?
J is for favorite juice
I love V-8! Gotta get your veggies!
K is for who you’d like to Kiss
I can’t resist a chubby baby!
L is for Last restaurant you ate at
Red Lobster
M is for favorite Muppet
Elmo!
N is for Number of piercings
My ears are pierced and that’s as far as I go
O is for Overnight hospital stays
5
P is for People you were with today
Peyton and Parker (my daughter and son)
Q is for what you do with your quiet time
Curl up with a good book and then sleep!
R is for biggest Regret
I regret not passionately living for God until later in life
S is for Status
Married for 18 years
T is for Time you woke up today
First I woke up at 3:30, then 5:10, and finally 9:30. I just don’t sleep like I use to.
U is for what you consider Unique
People
V is for a vegetable you love
I love quash in the summer
W is for Worst habit
Laziness
X is for the number of X-rays you’ve had
Humm…I have no idea…I’ve had a few
Y is for Yummy food you ate today
So far it’s been my cinnamon/raisin bagel
Z is for Zodiac sign
I’m the fish…always swimming against the tide!

Labels: According to Micca

I always take the month of July off to be home with my kids during the summer. So far, it’s been a bust! Well, it’s not been all bad. Parker, my youngest son, made All-Stars and we’ve won every tournament so far. This Sunday, we leave for the State tournament in Chattanooga! All good stuff—right? During the break, we’ve had some time to go swimming and do other fun summer activities. That’s when the bad stuff began.

Before we could put on our suites, lather our skin with sunscreen, and shout a hardy “Hee-Haw,” Parker came down with Chickenpox’s! It’s been the weirdest thing. It took the doctor forever to diagnosis him since he had the vaccination as a toddler. But the fact is…its Chickenpox’s. He’s got a light case, but they’ve made him pretty sick nonetheless.

To add to the summer fun, Pat, my husband, had out-patience surgery last Monday. He planned it so it wouldn’t interfere with work or Parker’s games. How does that saying go…. “Life is what happens to you while you’re planning for it.” That’s how it works for me anyway.

The very night of Pat’s surgery, his assistant ended up in the hospital with a stone he couldn’t pass. He had to have emergency laser surgery. Pat ended up doing both jobs this week—in pain, without sleep, and working until 8:00 every night. He even went in Sunday night and worked a few hours—and on the 4th, too! While I wish his assistant good health and a fast recovery…it’s been a bummer around here.

To easy my boredom from being cooped up with two sick boys the only two weeks I’ve had free this summer, I’ve become addicted to freezer-pops! I eat about 5 a day! My lips are cracked from sucking the juice out of the bottom of the plastic. So far, blue is my favorite!

Just when it couldn’t get crazier, this morning topped it off. I took Peyton, my daughter, to school to find out why we’ve yet to receive her report card. It turned out to be a $3.00 library fee. But that’s not the topper.

On the way to school and out of nowhere, a bird flew into the grill of my car! What kind of bird gets hit by a car?? Seriously, don’t they usually fly away? Perhaps the chemicals we use on our lawns these days are affecting the birds. I dunno but something made this bird a bit on the slow side. Peyton and I debated whether he was slow mentally or physically. (You know…either he just couldn’t flap his wings fast enough or he said to himself, “hum…a car is coming. I guess I better fly away…splat!) Poor thing! Now, I have to live with guilt!

When we got to the school, the bird was hanging half in and half out of the grill. I thought to myself…I hope it was a quick death. Then, I said to Peyton, “I wish I had a stick.” (Thinking I would flick the bird out of the grill!)

Peyton responded, “Like this one?” picking up a stick from the ground.

“Yeah.” I replied. Then, she poked the bird and it fell into the grill!!

“Oops!” she said with a sheepish giggle. Now I’ve got a dead bird IN my car!! I gave her the death glare. You know the one…it’s wired into a mother’s DNA.

This was no little bird. It was a full adult size bird! I panicked and called Pat at work demanding he get the bird out of my grill before the stench of death invaded my car!! My drama did nothing to faze him. He was too busy to leave work and rescue me so I had to bring the car to him!

(I want to make it clear that I love animals of all sorts and have nearly killed myself before trying to keep from running over them with the car. However, I’m not fond of dead animals. They give me the creeps!)

When I got to Pat’s office, he and three other men came out to see Big Bird trapped in the grill of my car. But there was no bird. Only two white feathers resting at the bottom of grill testified to my horrific morning! Best we can tell, the bird fell out while I drove to his office. Pat joked that I had snuck one of his pain pills and imagined the whole thing! Peyton vouched for me though. “No.” she said. “I got the death glare. And believe me. It was real. I have the scar to prove it!” What an imagination! I don’t know where she gets it!

Labels: According to Micca

I’ve been thinking. Since Elaine thinks my picture of Rachel, Renee, Lysa and I looks like a great course line; perhaps we should send in our photo and audition as backup singers for American Idol! What do ya’ll think?

Today is all about freedom. While my thankful heart celebrates all that our military does to keep America free, my heart also rejoices over my freedom in Christ—something that can never be taken from us. However, in our world today, freedom is becoming less and less.

A few years ago, I was flying home from a speaking engagement in Minnesota. Browsing through the airport, I came across some Minnesota honey. “Parker would love this.” I thought to myself and proceeded to purchase the honey for my son not thinking about the new restrictions. No liquids or gels are allowed aboard the aircraft.

Innocently, I was making my way through security when I was stopped. “There’s something questionable in your carrier. Will you step to the side, please?” The security guard asked and then proceeded to search my bag. As he explored my contents, I went through the items in my mind wondering what could have caused suspicion.

The culprit turned out to be my jar of honey. Addressing me in a very serious and stern way, the security guard stood straight and gave me only one option. “Ma’am, you must surrender your honey.”

Surrender my honey? Is he kidding me? I assure you, he was not! It almost seemed ridiculous that my jar honey was a threat to anyone. I was not the bad guy and yet I was being treated as such. Standing there I realized just how serious it is for us to stop terrorism and take back our freedoms.

I replied to the guard, “You can have my honey, but I will never surrender.”

What I meant was...I will not surrender to all that’s happening in our world today that threatens our safety, our families, godly morality, and the church. No. I will fight. We all need to fight. I don’t just mean our soldiers---God bless them. You and I have to fight for the faith and all that is good and right. We cannot surrender to the way of the world. Our freedom is as stake.

While I’m thankful for the airport precautions that work to protect us, I grow weary and sadden by the new rules that have placed chains about our freedom. That’s why this prayer from Paul Harvey touches my heart. He writes:

'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'

May God bless America

Labels: According to Micca

Whew! Yesterday my hubby had some outpatient surgery and last night my son had a baseball game. I continue to live in the fast lane of life!! But, I promised you more pictures. Here's one of Dawn and me. Dawn designed my blog and has become a dear friend!! We finally got to meet face to face at She Speaks!! If you're look for blogging designs, she's your gal!! You can find her at Barefootblogs@gmail.com


Here is a picture of our team in teal!!











Here is a picture of Rachel, Renee, Lysa, and Me outside of the restaurant. We are smiling because our tummies are full!

I have loved reading your comments and visiting your blogs. Now that I have more time, I will revisit and leave a few comments. I always have a comment or two to share! I'm finding the blogging world a wonderful place for making and visiting friends. And the cool thing is...you can do it in your PJ's!! It's like have one big slumber party!!

By the way, I haven't forgotten that one of asked about the details of my book. Thanks for your interest! I will put together an outline of each chapter and post it soon. Also, while I was in Colorado, I filmed an intro video telling about my book as well. It will soon be posted on my blog, David C. Cook's site, Christianbooks.com, and others. So, you'll be in the know and I hope you tell your friends about it too!

Wishing you a day of summer fun and blessings!