Here's a cute story I got from my wonderfully talented friend Gwen Smith. (check out her blog!) I hope you enjoy it!

John received a parrot as an early Christmas gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. In desperation, John threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and shoved him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I inquire as to what the turkey did?"

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving,
Micca

Labels: According to Micca

On the way to school this morning, my daughter and I were listening to our local Christian radio station. Each day they give a verse of the day. Today’s verse was from John 8: 32, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

I couldn’t help but think about how relevant that verse is for America right now. Many are concerned and with good reason. A failing economy, rising prices, and threats of terrorism are all good reasons to fear. Fear can be a paralyzing emotion. Not only can worry shut us down and bring us down, but it can cause us to doubt Truth.

For generations, people have been asking, “What is truth?” Jesus answered that question in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Therefore, truth is not what we can see with our eyes. Truth is not our temporary circumstances. Truth is Christ and what He says about our present situation.

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you would have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33. What Jesus is saying is this. In this world, we will experience all kinds of trouble—relationship trouble, financial trouble, political trouble, even sickness and death. But, He is bigger than it all. When life brings pressure, stress and anxiety, you and I can rest in the fact that Christ is large and in charge! And if God is for us, what is there to fear?

The bible tells us that God is seated on His throne in the heavens. Picture that. God is seated. He is not up pacing the floor and wringing His hands in worry. No. He’s calm and at rest. He is not surprise about the condition we are in because He is larger than it all.

I realize that our surroundings tell us otherwise. With foreclosures and a falling stock-market it appears that God is not in control, but nothing is further from the truth.

Freedom comes when we place our trust in Truth, not circumstances. Bottom line—you and I will act on what we believe. If we believe that good nutrition is healthy, we'll eat well. If we believe in prayer, we'll pray. If we believe Christ and take Him at His word, we will trust and not fear.

I’m getting excited about the release of my book, An Untroubled Heart…Finding a Faith That Is Stronger Than All My Fear. It too is relevant for today’s concerns. My book also covers fears of the unknown, loneliness, betrayal, avoiding fear-driving parenting, dealing with stress and anxiety, and the upside of fear. You can pre-order my today by clicking on the link above the cover.

God’s plan for you and I is a life built on faith—not fear. In Christ, we can be free.

Labels: According to Micca

I’ll never forget the day I was determined to remain in Christ all day long. I started with prayer and bible reading. Then, I put on some praise music to keep my thoughts on Him. It was wonderful. I found myself praying for others and for small things too. For example, I couldn’t find my cleaning gloves so I asked God to help me.

(Note: you know you’re being controlled by the Spirit when you find yourself in the mood to clean!)

Anyhoo, I asked and suddenly remembered where I had put them last! Things couldn’t have gone better. In fact, it was the best fifteen minutes of my life!

It’s true. That’s as long as it lasted. I didn’t even realize that I stopped “thinking” about God until that night as I crawled into bed and began my nighttime prayers.

At first I was heartbroken. I thought, “I’ll never learn to abide.” Truth is we can’t think about God consciously 24-7 and we’re not intended to. Abiding is more of an unconscious act—where we’re not continually thinking about God but He’s the first one we think of in times of joy, surprise, or sorrow.

Whether the surprise in life is a cup of God’s grace or a bitter cup of adversity, the person who abides experiences the abundant life of God living in them. This rich, full life draws on God’s provision—strength for the storm; joy in the midst of heartache, and love for our enemy. As Children of God, this is the kind of life we are meant to have.

President Franklin Roosevelt on December 6, 1933, as the Great Depression had the nation in its grip. Roosevelt spoke that day on the need for American families to be economically secure. He called his address: "The Right to a More Abundant Life."

Jesus Christ once gave a speech on the same subject, saying in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

The abundant life that comes from abiding in Christ is not really a right to claim, but a blessing to receive. The Bible teaches that God gives us abundant mercy (Numbers 14:18), abundant provision (2 Chronicles 11:23), abundant kindness (Nehemiah 9:17), abundant pardon (Isaiah 55:7), and abundant peace (Psalm 37:11).

To feel secure in our relationship with Christ, we must not neglect the life he came to give us. Let’s plug into our source today by practicing His presence.

May God's abiding Presence overwhelm you today!

Labels: According to Micca

Welcome friends.

Has your relationship with God grown stale?

In today’s devotion, Making The Christian Life a Reality, I listed 7 things that help to keep our relationship with God alive and passionate. Under each, I’ve added additional insight and benefits. It’s all about relationship.

1.) Abiding in Christ. (John 15:4, NIV)
Abiding in Christ means to remain in Him. You and I need to be aware of God’s promised presence in our lives. Remaining in Christ means He is the first one we think of in joyous times and in difficult times. When we have a need, we think to ask for His provision. When we experience goodness, we are quick to thank Him and so on. You and I should abide in Christ to the point that we fall asleep in His arms at night, and wake to His presence each morning. Just think how your life will change when you begin to realize your friendship with God is always present and available.

2.) Praying daily. (Mark 1:35, NIV)
Prayer is one way we communicate with God. Communication is to a relationship like blood is to the body. When we practice daily prayer with God, we are nourishing and sustaining our relationship.

3.) Meditating on God’s Word. (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
Reading the Word of God is how the Lord communicates with us. It’s how we come to know God and His ways. How can you and I become passionate about a relationship if we do nothing to get to know our new friend? We can’t. Strong relationships are built on strong communication. Let God speak to you through His word, and then, respond to Him in prayer.

4.) Putting off the old and putting on the new. (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)
The Bible says that when we give our lives to Christ, old things pass away and all things become new. Make a list of how your life has changed—an attitude, a perception; a character trait; a desire to go to church, pray or read the bible. Read verse 25 of chapter 4 and do a self assessment.
Only God, who created you and me, can re-create us. Some things change in an instant while others take more time. Either way, you should be able to pinpoint some change. In truth, your desire to change is evidence of your new life. To keep from growing stale, you and I need to take a spiritual check-up often to insure the old is being replaced with new.

5.) Being continually filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, NIV)
Did you know this was a command? You and I are to be filled daily with the Spirit. Why—because we are leaky Christians. Sin quenches the Spirit of God in us; therefore, we must continually be filled. There is a onetime filling of the Spirit when you and I receive Christ as our Lord and Savior—and there are many fillings that follow.
I love the analogy of this verse: “Do not get drunk, but be filled with the Spirit”
What controls a person who fills themselves with alcohol? The alcohol controls the person. Who is controlling the person filled with the Spirit of God? God is. If you and I want to experience a powerful life that is able to withstand temptation and sin, we must be filled daily. How?
Each day we must confess our sins, ask God to fill us with His Spirit, and believe by faith He has done so. Then, we are able to walk in His power instead of our own.

6.) Exercising God-given gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV)
Each child of God is given a spiritual gift. This gift is not for you. It’s for others. The personal benefit, however, is a satisfaction that’s undesirable. Jesus stated in John 15, that His joy was made full when He was doing the will of God. Our gifts are designed to point us to our purpose in life. When you and I are exercising our God-given gifts, others are blessed and we are fulfilled like nothing we’ve ever experienced before.

7.) Actively sharing the gospel with others. (Mark 16:15, NIV)
This is another command of God. We are to share the love of Christ with those in our sphere of influence. The person who abides daily in Christ, practices prayer, mediates on His Word, exercises their gift, and is filled with the Spirit can’t help but share Christ with others.
Think of when you met your spouse for the first time. You couldn’t wait to tell your friends and family about him or her. How about when your children were born? I bet you couldn’t stop talking about them either. The same is true when you’re in love with Jesus. You want the world to know Him.

This is the natural outcome when you’re living a passionate, powerful, fulfilling life in Christ.

I challenge you to 40 days of practicing these relationship building steps. After which, I’d love to hear your life has changed!

Labels: According to Micca

Do you know that the bible tells us to be ready to share with others the hope we have in us? This command use to scare me. I thought I had to be ready to give some long theological explanation of how Christ’s death on a cross transformed me from unholy to holy. I was wrong.

God means for you and I to seize the opportunities that I believe He orchestrates to talk openly and honestly about our faith. We don’t need a degree in Seminary do so—just a prepared and willing heart.

Just about every day I ask God to make a blessing—to my family, to a stranger, to whomever. I ask that He give me His eyes and His heart so that I can see who out there is searching for hope. God loves to answer these types of prayers!

Often, I find myself encouraging a sales clerk while shopping. Once, as a visitor at a nearby college, I volunteered to give my testimony when the speaker didn’t show up. One young man surrendered to the call to ministry that day.

Lately, as I was flying to PA for a speaking engagement, the stewardess asked what I did for a living as she observed me studying my notes.

“I’m a Christian speaker and author,” I replied.

“Oh,” she responded. “I’m not into religion.”

“Me neither.” I agreed. This took her by surprise. “But I thought you were a Christian?”

“I am.” I confirmed. “But I don’t live by a bunch of rules. That’s what religious people do. No. I live by the power of God within me. I have a relationship with the Creator of all things! That’s much different than being religious.” I added.

As we talked more about the difference between religion and relationship, she began sharing her story with me. She was orphaned by her mother at a young age. Growing up in a home for orphaned children was hard she explained—especially since she was the only black girl there. She described feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and fear.

I tried comforting her with words of truth. “Even though you’ve experienced difficult circumstances in your life, God has a good and perfect plan for you.”

“Humm, is that right?” she asked. “I don’t know about that. What I do know is if I want to get somewhere in this life, I have to do it. That’s how I became a stewardess.”

“Is being a stewardess what you really want to be?” I inquired.

She hesitated and then with tear-filled eyes said, “No. What I really want to do is open my own home for girls. I’d run it like I know it should be run—giving them more than tools for success. I’d give them understanding.”

Wow! I was blown away. I could clearly see God at work in her life and our conversation. So, I encouraged her to seek God—the giver of that dream. And by the end of the flight, she had promised to do just that.

I walked off of the plane that day with a renewed sense that God was truly in control and at work in each of our lives. I also felt satisfied. Something about doing the will of God provides that in my life—true fulfillment.

I guess that’s the funny thing about being a blessing, you always get one in return.

Labels: According to Micca

Sometimes I act like God is stingy. I don’t recall ever saying that out loud until now, nor do I remember thinking it. But my actions have stated it many times loud and clear. Using my feeble attempts to get what I want without asking God first, or asking but not waiting on His timing is an example of this.

I wonder what would happen if I were courageous enough to simply trust God with Christ’s words. “Not my will, but yours be done.” Perhaps God would do more than I would think to ask of Him. Maybe He just might knock my socks off!

That would be magnificent. There’s only one problem. I prevent Him from blessing me in this way. You see, as long as I have my own agenda in life, God can’t bring me up to speed to His. I imagine God sitting in the heavens shaking His head at me wondering when I’m going to let go and really trust His plan for my life.

Oh, how my own plans hinder me spiritually and keep me from His course. Not allowing God to have his way, makes me of no use to Him. In fact, it makes me a hindrance. If I’m a hindrance, then God will only find another committed heart to work through. This is not my heart’s desire.
My heart is for God and Him alone.

Many years ago, by the Spirit of God, I was compelled to give my life entirely to Him. When counterfeit goals and passions slither into my life, God gently reminds me of my true goal. It’s a goal I wrote in my journal nearly 20 years ago. I’m to know God and make Him known through a surrendered life. While God’s will was clear, I struggled.

About 5 years later, I took a piece of paper and made a contract with God. I signed over my life asking Him to keep it because I could not. Ever since, He has held true to our agreement. when I go off course, He guides me back.

Dying to self, isn’t the end of life. It’s when I truly began to live. God has knocked my socks off on more than one occasion. I’ve had dreams come true that I didn’t even know I had. Why—because they were God’s dreams for my life. And they are way better than anything I could have dreamt of myself.

My passion is for every person to come to this place in their own life—a place of total surrender. It’s what you’re looking for. Would you let my words today be God’s gentle reminder that whatever you’re running after, God alone is the prize?

THE WINNER IS....
Forgive me for not posting the winner of the Hearts at Home bag yesterday. I had a sick child home from school. As any mother knows, a sick child requires much attention!

The Winner is.....Laurie!!! CONGRATS!!!!! If you'll contact me with your home address at miccacampbell@comcast.net, i'll get it in the mail to you right away! It's so cute. You're gonna love it!

Labels: According to Micca

Today is my daughter’s birthday! Peyton is turning 16 years old. I can hardly believe it! Where do the years go??? It’s seems only yesterday I was sitting on the couch snuggled close beside her as she held her blanket and Molly, the rag doll who quickly became a member of the family, while watching the Little Mermaid for the millionth time.

Sixteen is a special marker in child’s life. It’s when you get your driver license! What could be more important or memorable in the life of a teenager than that? NOTHING! I must admit, however, I’m a little frightened about my daughter driving.

Just this summer, while driving the Go-Kart, she nearly killed herself and her brother! We allowed them to drive on the road—with helmets of course. BIG, BIG mistake! Parker, her younger brother by 4 years, was riding on the passenger side.

As they approached the crossroad, we noticed a car was coming. The car had the right of way. Peyton’s road was clearly marked with a stop sign. You know, the sign that shouts S-T-O-P!! Most drivers obey the sign in order to prevent collision. Not Peyton. What does she do?? She panics!

Her dad and I, along with her younger brother, were screaming—“STOP!!” Instead, Peyton pushes the gas pedal to the floor, runs the stop sign, passes in front of the oncoming car by the skin of her teeth, and finally comes to a halt by driving the cart into the neighbor’s yard.

Parker jumps out of his seat and yells, “Gosh, Peyton! Why didn’t you stop?”

Now, when the younger brother knows what to do better than his big sister who is of age to drive, it’s scary. I told Parker that he may need to ride with his sister as sort of a co-pilot. His response… “You’re not putting me in a car with her!”

If you don’t live in TN, you can add it to your list of “what I’m thankful for” this Thanksgiving. But, we would appreciate your prayers. Really!

This weekend, I was reminded of the responsibilities we have as parents. I had the privilege of speaking and serving along side of some great women in ministry at the Hearts at Home conference in MN.

If you’ve never been to their conference, I invite you to visit their site. They are doing great things for the kingdom by equipping moms to be the wife and mother God designed them to be. In fact, I brought you back something. It’s a cute black bag with a pink poke-a-dot belt just perfect to carry your bible in to church. But, I only have one. Leave a comment, and I’ll pick a winner of the bag tomorrow!

At the conference, I learned many truths this weekend such as…

According to Ken Davis, husbands consider silky nightgowns a romantic on gift for their wives, but they don’t consider silky underwear for men a romantic gift in return—especially if they have little strawberries on them. Men prefer car batteries. Good thing to remember ladies.

I also learned that when your children are small, it’s best to bolt down the furniture. Now, they tell me.

And, if your child is age 9, he or she is half way grown.

Well, my sweet Peyton is more than half way there. I plan to cherish my remaining years with her. In fact, I think I’ll get Molly the rag doll down from the attic, put in Little Mermaid, and snuggle her close tonight.

Labels: According to Micca

Have you ever heard of True North? You can’t find it with a compass because when the arrows on the compass point north, it’s not really pointing to the North Pole.

Geographically, the North Pole is the top of the earth. It’s a fixed position that never changes. That’s why it’s called, “True North.” It’s from this position that mapmakers draw their maps.
A compass, however, doesn’t point true north. It points 1,300 miles away from the North Pole and that’s called, “magnetic north.”

What’s my point? If I were a sailor sailing for the North Pole and all I had was a compass, I’d miss my mark by 1,300. That’s a big difference. So big that I may never discover the right harbor I set out for.

For those of us searching for truth today, we’re not going to find in our world. If we follow the world, we will miss our mark. True North, so to speak, is the truth of God’s Word. It’s fixed. It’s certain. It’s absolute. It’s the true map that will guide us toward the right harbor.

While I have nothing personal against Obama, and I can appreciate the excitement this historical event has created, I simply don’t agree with his views and values. They are not true north. Therefore, I must become intentional about these uncharted waters we find ourselves in. I must keep to the Truth of God’s Word or else go off course.

Obama has a hard road ahead of him—just as McCain would have had if he’d been elected President. Our world is already in choppy waters. As people of true north, we need to become active in prayer and duty so that we can help guide America toward true north. We can do that through: Re-Pentance, Prayer, Preparation, and Position.

Re-pentance: In order to hit true north, you and I must began with repentance—personal, political, and national. The bible says, “If my people who are called by name will humble themselves, seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Prayer: Prayer is the work we do that moves the hand of God. We need to be actively praying for Obama, those who surround him, for our families, America and her safety—but most importantly the protection of our Christian heritage. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Tim 2:2)

Preparation: It’s possible that we are headed for judgment. I know that’s not easy to hear. The good news is we may be in position to see Christ’s glorious return as well! Either way, we need to be prepared.

Hard times are still ahead for America. With foreclosures, a failing economy, and rising prices things are tough for many. We can be prepared for the worst. The first thing we need to do is get out of debt. Steps to do that can be found by visiting the website of Dave Ramsey.

Once we’re out of debt, we are in a position to help others. You know, we’ve come a long way from how it use to be—kids playing in the backyard, knowing our neighbors, working in our communities, etc… God often uses difficult times to bring us back to where we need to be—helping one another. What a time--such as now--to be a blessing to someone less fortunate than we are.

Most importantly, we need to be sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Adversity has a way of bringing people to a decision about the fragility of life and their eternity. When they come searching, we want to be prepared to tell them about Jesus. “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence “ (1 Peter 3:15).

Position: Our position is in Christ. We must not forget where our confidence, hope, and security lie as Believer’s. When our faith gets weak, remember that faith is not my trusting in God. Faith is believing that God will remain true to His character. For He is fixed, steady, certain, and absolutely trustworthy. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deut 7:9)

I want to help guide America toward the right harbor. That means I must set my course according to “True North”—God’s standards and nothing less.

I’m also heading north to MN to speak at the Hearts at Home Conference this weekend. The weather forecast is predicating snow. Yea!! We’ll talk again next week when I return.

God Bless...

Labels: According to Micca

Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote

I’ll be honest. I’m not afraid, but I’m concerned about the election today. I stand on Godly principles and that’s how I’ll vote—for life; for same sex marriages; for war; for America. There’s something dark about Obama. Something causes concern in my spirit for our Country. It’s not really higher taxes I’m worried about. It’s whether or not America will be safe on his watch. If Obama becomes President, he’ll need our prayers. And peace will come as we put our trust in God and not man.

However, today we have an opportunity to vote the right man in office-who will also need our prayers. We already know that attacks are planned and aimed at America. We know this because of 911. We also know that these countries are watching this election closely.

Again, it’s up to us to vote for the right person. For me, that person is John McCain.

When 911 took place, people questioned God. Even the media had questions. An interview took place on CBS's "The Early Show" on the Thursday morning after the terrorist attacks. Jane Clayson, conducted the interview with Anne Graham Lotz.

According to the transcript of the broadcast, Clayson asked, "I've heard people say, those who are religious, those who are not, if God is good, how could God let this happen? To that, you say?"

Lotz replied, "I say God is also angry when he sees something like this. I would say also for several years now Americans in a sense have shaken their fist at God and said, God, we want you out of our schools, our government, our business, we want you out of our marketplace. And God, who is a gentleman, has just quietly backed out of our national and political life, our public life. Removing his hand of blessing and protection. We need to turn to God first of all and say, God, we're sorry we have treated you this way and we invite you now to come into our national life. We put our trust in you. We have “trust in God” on our coins, we need to practice it."

We need to make up our minds-do we want God or do we not want Him. We cannot just ask Him in when disaster strikes.

Listen, friends. We are in a situation that no man or government can fix. We need God.

Today is the time to let God know that we still want His love, protection, and blessings for American. We state that claim by voting for the right person.

Labels: According to Micca

This is possibly the most important election concering the future of American than any other. I urge you to pray before you vote.

Below is a letter written by Dr. James Dobson. I hold the same bibical views as he does and would like to share his words of wisdom with you as he calls all Believers to prayer before casting their vote on Nov 4th.

Regardless of your political views, I want to urge Christians everywhere to be in prayer about this election. There are many scriptural references wherein King David “inquired of God” when he was faced by troubling circumstances (1 Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23). It is time for Christians everywhere to turn to Him for guidance and wisdom. Find some time to be still and listen to what He wants to tell you. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by my wonderful wife, Shirley, has embarked on a national campaign entitled “Pray for Election Day.” All around the country, individuals and groups are being encouraged to gather every Thursday leading up to Nov. 4 between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m. Spend time with the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct those privileged to cast a ballot. If you are able, I would also encourage you to fast and pray immedately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” Amen, Dr. Graham.

This election is about the future of the nation, but it will also go a long way toward determining the culture your children and grandchildren will come to know. I know you will vote with your children and your children’s children in mind. That certainly puts the election in a different light, doesn’t it?

You know my heart on these issues, and I hope you understand that I am less concerned with politicians and political parties than I am with the timeless biblical principles that those parties have the power to either strengthen or damage. No candidate is perfect, whether in this election or any other. Please don’t make your decisions lightly. There is simply too much at stake. May God grant each of us wisdom as Nov. 4 approaches.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Dobson

For more views on our canidates and how each could affect America, click here

"Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord."

Labels: According to Micca