I have some exciting news! If you are searching for freedom from fear and have popped over for more insights from today's devotion, than you're going to love this!

You can be a part of an online bible study that meets every Tuesday and is hosted by Lelia.

Beginning in March, women across the states-and country-will come together to discuss and gain insights from my new release, An Untroubled Heart...Finding A Faith Stronger Than All My Fear, hosted by Lelia.

If you're interested in how to join, where to get a book, and how to participate , visit Lelia at Write From the Heart.

I'll be popping in and sharing in the discussion, too! I can't wait to see what God's got in store for us. I hope to meet you there!

Now, according to today's devotion, what doubts, fears, and anxiety plague you today? Make a quick list. As you look at your list, recall this truth,

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and sound mind."

You and I were not created to live in fear. We were created to live by faith. More so, we were given a spirit of love, power, and sound mind--a peaceful mind. Oh, just saying those two words together creates a sense of rest--doesn't it?

You see, Satan, is a liar and a thief. He's out to steal from us what God has given us. He want's our peace, our power, and our love for God and His truth. If he can seal these things from us, he can keep us in the boat.

Satan, knows what we're capable with Christ, therefore he poisons us with fear. Satan believes if he can spook us, he can stop us.

So, what do we do?

First, we must confess our fears, doubts, and worries. In doing so we are saying, "I can't" handle my anxious thoughts.

Secondly, we must trust in God's promises. When we trust God, we're saying, "You can" handle my anxious thoughts.

Finally, we must cast or let go of our cares and place them on God. His shoulders are big enough to carry them. And, we can give them to God because He loves us. Casting our cares on a God who cares for us is saying, "I'm going to let you have my fears."

See you at Lelia's place!

Hey friends,

It's an exciting day for me and my family. In just a few hours we will be boarding a plane to Orlando, FL where we'll spend a few days with some close friends of ours. You may know them, too.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofey, and Cinderella just to name a few. That's right, we're going to Disney World! Hooray!

I'll be sure and post some photo's of us riding the "Rockin Roller Coaster" and flying through "Space Mountain."

We'll finish the week in Cocoa Beach, Fl where Pat and I will lead a marriage conference. Our culture today has a lot to say about marriage. Through the movies, TV, radio, and Internet we are bombarded with wrong information. This weekend, we will look at marriage through God's perception. Besides, marriage was His idea to begin with.

Several years ago when Pat and I were asked to teach on the topic of marriage, we had no idea how it would impact our marriage for good! Now, teaching God's truths have become a passion. While every couple's journey is different, we are certain it can be successful when God's principles are applied. I can't wait to see how God is going to work in the hearts and marriages of those who attend this weekend. Will you join me in praying for them? And... while you're at it, pray for Pat and me, too!

Thanks, Friends!

My daughter loves other cultures. She has been fascinated by other cultures since she was four years old. We attend a very mission-minded church, and it was there that she learned about other countries and fell in love with their diverse ways.

What I believed was just a phase, has grown into an unmistakable passion—a God-given passion, I believe. Peyton is in her second year of Spanish at school, and she is currently teaching herself to speak Japanese. There are stickers all over my house; on lamps, curtains, chairs, and even our napkin holder has been identified by the Japanese language. Soon, she’ll be speaking it as well as she speaks Spanish.

Listening to her speak Spanish, I’ve picked up a few words myself. Before, the only Spanish I knew was “Taco Bell.” Impressed you--didn’t I?!

It’s fun to hear Peyton speak Spanish and watch her interact with others who speak it as well. Sometimes, though, I feel left out. For example, after church yesterday we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant. I felt completely in the dark as she conversed in Spanish with our waitress. The other day, I had the same experience when we were getting our hair done. The hairdresser next to us was Spanish. Ceasing the opportunity to practice, Peyton chatted with the girl at length. She would stop every now and then and fill me in on their conversation. Without her interpretation, I would have remained solely in the dark.

It’s a strange feeling when you want to know what’s being communicated but you don’t understand a single syllable being said. Sometimes I experience this same sort of thing when I’m reading my bible. I want to understand, and I even look for a familiar connection but it all seems foreign to me. That’s when I remember, I can’t interpret God’s Word on my own. The Holy Spirit is my interpreter. Once I ask for His divine help, something amazing takes place. What seemed foreign to me suddenly becomes clear.

Just as I needed Peyton to convey to me what was being said in Spanish, I need the Holy Spirit to convey and interpret God’s Word to my heart and mind. As children of God, we don’t have to study theology or have a master’s degree in religion to understand God and His ways. All we need is His Spirit.

Often times, I invite the Holy Spirit to convey God’s truths to me through prayer. Like Peyton, sometimes I write down a verse that speaks directly to me or because I want to know more about it. I’ll post that verse, along with others, around the house. As I internalize them, they’re meaning becomes more and more clear and more familiar too. Before I know it, I’m speaking God’s language from an overflow of my heart in a natural way…just as God intends.

Random Thing # 1. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm over the arrival of my book! It’s more fun when you can share your joys with friends!

If you’d like a sneak peak, you can read the first chapter at David C Cook. Enjoy!

Random Thing #2: I’m a terrible, no good, rotten friend. I forgot to thank my faithful friend, Gwen Smith, in my book for introducing me to my agent, Bill Jenson. A HUGE over-site on my part, and I feel horrible! Without Gwen, I may have never known Bill. I just knew she was going to break-up with me. Instead, she was gracious and forgave me. I should have known Gwen would be true to her character! So allow me to thank her now!

To my very good, kind, and gracious friend, Gwen Smith, thank you for believing in me, praying with me, and introducing me to Bill. It was my honor to journey with you through this writing experience. You made the trip fun, alive, and eventful! I have gleaned much from your life of faith and I’m more than thankful for your friendship!

Now, if you’ve never worshiped with Gwen, never read her devotions, or her NEW BOOK, “Broken Into Beautiful, then you’re in for a real treat!! She will bless your socks off!

Random Thing 3: Is it just me, or do you often feel your ovaries jump when you see a cute baby? I have three children. My oldest is out of the house and my other two are 16 and 12. For some reason, I suppose it’s because they are growing up, I’ve suddenly become attractive to babies.

The other day, I was sitting in the doctor’s office with my son and daughter. Sitting across from us was the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen—except for my two sons of course. He was so chubby he looked like he had been screwed together. I noticed his little hands were all dimpled as he reached into a baggie for another cheerio. All of the sudden, I felt my ovaries jump as if to say, “Don’t you want another one?”

NO!! I screamed back. But something is stirring inside of me. So I asked my teens, “Do you think it’s weird if I asked that mother to hold her son?”

“YES, we do” they replied collectively.

“Well, then, one of you better sit in my lap fast because I’m about to ask if I can.” I responded.

They thought that was weird, too, so they each gave me a hug. I took it. Any expression of PDA (public display of affection) from your teen is a good thing. Take it when you can!

I suppose the closest thing I’ll have to another child is when my grandbabies come along. Funny, but I can hardly wait!

Oh, no! It just dawned on me. Could these strange feelings mean that menopause is around the corner?!

Help me, Jesus!

Random Thing (what # are we on?) Oh, yeah, # 4: Please pray for me this weekend and for the ladies attending the event at Camp Linden this weekend. I’m looking forward to making new friends and drawing closer to the heart of God!

Also, pray for my husband, Pat, and me. We will fly into Orlando next Tue with our teens for a short vacation before speaking at a marriage conference nearby in Cocoa Beach. Marriage is my husband’s passion. We are looking forward to sharing our hearts, lives, and the lessons we’ve learned throughout our journey as a couple. In preparing for this conference, I was reminded that “Happiness in marriage is not about choosing the right partner. It’s about being the right partner.”

…again, Help me, Jesus!

Blessings, Ya’ll!

It’s here! My book arrived yesterday! Like the arrival of a long awaited child, I looked it over well and flipped through the pages as if counting toes and fingers. I felt like a proud mom whose cheeks hurt from smiling! It was a “pinch me I’m dreaming” kind of moment. God’s dream that he had given to me long ago was now a reality.

I had suspicion that it might arrive yesterday when I received a phone call from Proverbs 31 Ministries. As soon as I said, “hello,” the gals in the office let out shouts of celebration! “It’s here!” “Congratulations!” I was thrilled they had called to celebrate with me, but on the other hand, I was jealous that they got to see it first.

All day, I waited. Any outside noise drew me to the window to see if it might be the FedEX man. It never was. But wouldn’t you know it, as soon as I got into the shower the doorbell rang!

You should have seen me running toward my front door dripping wet and trying to dress. Finally, succeeding with my t-shirt, I threw my pants aside. I decided it didn’t matter if the FedEX man had to have therapy for the rest of his life after seeing me have naked, he wasn’t getting away with my book!

Fortunately, he had dropped the box of books on the porch, rang the bell, and left in his truck by the time I got there. God spared. He’ll never know how close he came to a life of therapy!

It was a fun day sharing my book with friends and family. I want to share it with you too!
Here’s a short description from the back of the book to get you started.

Micca Campbell knows all too well the unpredictable nature of life. As the 21-year-old mother of an infant son, her world was shattered when she lost her husband to a tragic accident. Reeling from her loss, Micca feared for her future, and struggled to overcome her aching loneliness. Yet in her darkest moment, she discovered God's remedy for our deepest fears. Micca presents a woman's guide for living a carefree, worry-free life. She explores the anxieties of every woman's heart from insecurities, to finances, to marital challenges, to raising healthy children.

With her distinctive southern flair and casual humor, Micca shares remarkable insights for finding freedom from fear. You'll be encouraged to lay down your worries, trust in your Heavenly Father, and embrace a life marked by peace and joy.

Bible Study Questions are included at the end of each chapter.

It’s my prayer that God will use it to encourage, set free, heal, and draw many to His saving grace.

Blessings!

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “presumption.” By definition, it means something taken for granted; going beyond proper bounds; impudent boldness; arrogance.

Is it just me or does “presuming” sound bad? I never thought of it as prideful, rude, or taking something or someone for granted before. Have you? And yet, most people “presume” everyday.

For example, my children presume I will feed them, let them drive my car, pay for college, and if need be, move back home until they really decided what they want to be. Does their presumption mean they are taking me for granted? Could they be crossing the line by presuming I’ll support their every impulse—good or bad? Are their presumptions a display of rude boldness and arrogance?

If so, what does it mean when I presume God will provide financially for my bills, wellness for my body, or security in my marriage? (I’m not saying he won’t) but am I taking for granted His marvelous grace? If so, then is it wrong to presume I’ll continue to speak, my husband will keep his job, and my son will make All-Stars again?

Spiritually speaking to presume is the opposite of dependence on God.

Remember when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River? Their first obstacle before taking the Promise Lard was the wall around Jericho. God told Joshua to march around the city walls in silence for six days, then raise a shout and sound trumpets on their seventh. Who-la! Victory was theirs!

Then after Jericho, their path became blocked by a small town named Ai. Joshua’s officers quickly considered the situation. After sizing up the town, they decided they wouldn’t need their entire army. Just a few thousand troops would be enough to easily defeat Ai—or so they arrogantly presumed.

They were defeated by Ai. The sad thing was it didn’t have to be that way. They had been promised the land. If only Joshua and the officers had depended on God to guide their every step, their defeat would have been prevented. Reminds me of some wise words from the bible…pride comes before the fall.

It’s amazing how quickly the Israelites went from dependence to presumption. Although…I have to give them some credit. At least it took from one battle till the next before they became prideful and self-sufficient. I can usually do it before the sun dries the morning dew off the grass.

The truth is I’m not much different from the Israelites. Sure, I’m grateful when God intervenes in the big stuff of life and provides victory! But shortly afterwards, I move ahead on my own as if I don’t have to depend on God for the small stuff. When I do, I’ve moved from dependence to presumption.

I like what Chuck Smith has to say about being presumptuous.

Dependence on God is not something we muster in emergencies; it is the realization that apart from His will we cannot presume even our next breath.

Dependence sees God as being everything; presumption sees Him merely as a resource for dealing with crises.

Dependence is an expression of faith; presumption is an act of pride.

Dependence is confidence in God; presumption trusts the arm of flesh.

Dependence surrenders the need to control everything; presumption attempts to seize God’s throne.

I love to know your thoughts. How often do you presume? What does that reveal about your relationship with God?

Have you ever secretly compared your husband to another man or your wife to another woman? Perhaps you’ve wished they were more thoughtful, spiritual, or a better dresser like “so-and-so.”

If so, let me reassure you. The grass is not greener on the other side. Trust me. That man you’ve got your eye on doesn’t clip his toenails either. Nor does that woman rub her man’s feet while feeding him grapes after a long day of work.

Your spouse and mine are the people we fell in love with. No, they’re not perfect. Maybe all they need is a bit of tender loving care. Instead of comparing and complaining about our partner’s shortcomings, you and I should try nurturing our mates lovingly in the area they need most. We might be surprised by the results.

I heard an encouraging story about an attractive millionaire who married an ordinary woman. The marriage instantly became the talk of the town.

“Why would he marry her when he could have any woman he wanted?” The people whispered among themselves. “It won’t last. She’s just not good enough for him.”

The man took the ordinary woman away for six months on an exotic honeymoon. When he returned, there appeared to be another woman on his arm. She walked with confidence and poise. The countenance of her face glowed with beauty.

“Now that’s the kind of woman a handsome man should be with,” announced the town’s biggest loud mouth.

As the happy couple causally strolled past the gossipmonger, she got a closer look. To her surprise, it wasn’t someone new holding the gentlemen’s arm at all. It was the average woman he had married months ago—completely transformed!

The wise millionaire had taken his common bride away and nurtured her inward beauty. He lovingly spoke positive and encouraging words to her day and night until she believed she was beautiful. The once ordinary woman now carries herself with confidence and exudes the exquisiteness that her husband saw in her all along.

His secret, you ask? He took time to care for and fertilize her confidence until she grew into the grandeur display she was always meant to be.

You and I shouldn’t dream about taking off our shoes and walking around on the neighbors’ grass. Instead, we should try fertilizing our own yard. We might be surprised how it blossoms into a thing of beauty.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY YA'LL!!!

Have you ever encountered a sandpaper person? You know someone that rubs you the wrong way. Most of us want to run and hide from sandpaper people and sometimes we escape, but not for long. Eventually, we will run head-on into another. Why? Because God is doing some of His best work in us when He places sandpaper people in our lives.

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to love a sandpaper person? They’re usually arrogant, mean, rude and selfish. They like to demand their own way and boast in their accomplishments. Yet, God has called us to love all people—not just the lovable, but the unlovable as well.

You may be thinking that’s impossible. You’re right; in our own strength we can’t love the unlovely. Yet, God’s love is different than ours. We express love according to how we feel. When a friend is caring and helpful, we feel loved and then we express love back. We call that kind of love—“friendship love.” When being close to our spouse gives us a warm fuzzy feeling, we call that—“being in love.” However, if we love only according to our feelings, then we will never learn to love the unlovable, because the one thing we don’t feel around a sandpaper person is—love.

God's love isn't based on feeling or merit. It's more of a response of the will. Examine 1 Cor. 13:4 as it explains how Biblical love responds.

Love is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love doesn’t demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. Its never glad over injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You’ll believe in him and always expect the best of him, while defending him. (NKJ)

That is how God loves us. No matter how mean or selfish we are, or how many times we settle for our own way of doing things instead of His way—God’s response to us is love. When we truly realize how God, by His mercy, has loved us to the end of our meanness, selfishness, and pride, then no matter how heartless another person may be, we can choose to respond to them with love also. We can respond to the selfish and rude person with love, because that’s how God responds to us.

So how is God teaching us to respond with His kind of love? You guessed it—with sandpaper people. When we can respond to the meanest person we know with the love of God, as He has loved us, then God has done one of His best works in you and me. He’s taught us how to love as He loves.

On Facebook, a friend invited me to take the “Which mighty woman of the Bible are you most like?” quiz, so I did. The result: I’m most like Mary Magdalene. Here’s what it had to say about the two of us…

She was forgiven much & loved much, and you certainly love much! You are a passionate person, who loves God & life. You have a tendency to count your blessings and be very grateful, even in small things. You are an overcomer, and will not allow any life circumstances to hold you down.

At first I was shocked! “What?” I thought. “How did they come up with that?” I mean I have been forgiven much, but not for the same sins as Mary—or so I thought.

After pondering the result, I realized that, ‘yes,’ I have played the harlot. When it comes to my love relationship with God, I’ve played the harlot many times. I’ve broken God’s heart by breaking my commitment to Him and running after other lovers.

I sin and play the harlot every time I break this command, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut 6:5). When God is not first in my life, it means I’m having an affair with another.

This reminds me of the book of Hosea found in the bible. In this book, there are two stories going on; three really. The first story is about the domestic life of Hosea who is a prophet and has married a whore by God’s command.

The second story is about the nation of Israel, God’s bride, and how she is playing the harlot.

The third story is our story and the lessons we learn about our God’s divine love and how our sinful nature breaks His heart. Bottom line, Hosea is about what happens when the strength of Divine love meets the nature of sin in each of us. God’s love is strong enough to redeem us!

It’s through Hosea’s marriage with Gomer that he begins to understand the sin of Israel, God’s bride, and the heart of God toward her. The infidelity of Gomer interprets the infidelity of Israel. In other words, God reveals himself through Hosea’s own life experiences allowing Hosea to see deep into the heart of God.

Gomer, like Israel, plays the harlot. Unable to stay in one bed, both run after other lovers. Eventually, both Hosea and God pull away from their relationships allowing Gomer and Isreal to fall deep into sin. But God…leaves open a door of hope. Like a light burning in the night widow as if waiting for the return of a loved one, God always provides a way home. In this case, it’s an open door.

Does this sound familiar? Have you played the harlot, too? Do you see God’s heart toward you?

He suffers for those who cease to love Him and suffer for it. Like a father who suffers for their wayward child, God asks himself, “What will I do with you?” What God means by that statement is this: Our sin is not the problem. God can deal with that and He has through the saving grace of Jesus Christ who died on the cross as payment for our sins. His great difficulty is how to keep us faithful—how to keep us totally in love with Him and Him alone.

That’s an interesting thought. My pastor asked another interesting question last Sunday that I feel goes along with this. “If God is so amazing and so wonderful that we are in awe of Him, how on earth can we get bored with Him?” And run after other lovers? I might add.

Though God suffers in the presence of sin, His love persists. In spite of me and my wretched sin, God loves me. And, He loves you with a love that won’t let go. How?

Broken hearted, God opens a door of hope; a way back home. We see this truth when He tells Hosea to go, to love again and buy back his wife who at this point has sunken to the lowest level. She’s a slave.

Hosea purchases his wife for no more than the cost of bottled water. Not because he loves her, but in obedience to God’s command. But! Hosea’s love for her comes again!

Hosea learns that the mercy and forgiveness of God is unquenchable love. Love is the open door. God seeks out the sinner. However, let’s be clear. Sin has no open door. Only love can do it. God’s divine love swings open the door of hope.

This love of God is not like human love. For no matter how many times we play the harlot, at the end of the day God’s wants us back in His bed. That’s Divine love!

So, yes, I guess I am like Mary Magdalene. I’ve been forgive by a love that won’t let go. This has developed in me a passion for God, and enabled me to be an over-comer of sin.

It also causes my heart to sing: “Love so amazing, so Divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.”

I thought I had blown it when in fact I was more prepared than ever.

Last Friday, I was up and out of the house early. On Friday’s, I usually go to the grocery story, run errands, have lunch with my husband or a friend, or I’m flying out of town for an event. This Friday, my first stop was for toiletries.

Just as I was turning into Target, my cell phone rang.

“Hello.”

The voice on the other end was familiar. It was my husband. “Do you have somewhere to be today?”

“Nope. Why?” I asked

“I just got a call from a gal named Christy from Metro Baptist wondering where their speaker was.” he answered.

“OH MY GOSH!!” I SCREAMED IN PANIC.

Somehow I had gotten my days mixed up. I had the event on my calendar for the 6th of February, but for some unknown reason I thought that fell on Saturday.

Panic struck my entire being. Horrifying memories of forgetting my child at school rushed through my mind. It’s true. I have forgotten my child before, but never an engagement! Glory, have mercy!

At the same time, I was praising Jesus that I was showered and dressed! Most days, I’m in my Pj’s until noon! I suppose I could have spoken in brown pajama pants with blue poke-a-dots and my furry slippers; Lysa did once!

“Well, what are you going to do?” inquired my husband.

“I’m going straight there.” I replied. “Will you call her back and let her know I’m on my way?”

The bible says we are to be prepared to give a testimony for the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:16, my paraphrase).

As you know, I’ve taken the SPAM challenge. SPAM stands for Spiritual Preparation And Mediation; or taking time off from secular things to mediate more on God and His Word. So, I’ve been “spam-ing.”

And it paid off—BIG TIME!

That day, I didn’t have time to go home, gather my notes, bible or even change clothes. I went straight to the church, asked to borrow a Bible, and spoke without an outline or note. God came through— without my plans or program!

I’ve always known that God is the true communicator. I’ve experienced that truth time and again. This time, however, He was teaching me that I didn’t need to depend on anything but Him—especially when I’ve taken the time to sit at His feet.

When you and I drink from the fountain of God’s word, we are promised that rivers of life will flow through us—quenching, satisfying, and nourishing others.

As Christians, we are meant to feast on the Word of God so that we can feed others. I have 18 years of bible study under my belt, but that doesn’t mean I can live on reserve. I absolutely cannot! I must seek God daily.

This nearly always requires leaving behind ordinary, mediocre, and average living. Doing so doesn’t make us super-saints. No. God tends to use ordinary people who are simply pursuing a bigger life for Jesus with all their hearts!

SPAM on, girls!

There are definite signs that let you know your child is growing? Their appetite increases, they fall asleep before bedtime, and their ankles can be seen from under the bottom of their pants. My youngest son is twelve. Lately he’s been growing by leaps and bounds. He’s 5’7, his foot is a size 11, and his voice is changing. I miss my baby! Nonetheless, the signs are visible that he’s growing into a young man.

How about you? How do you and I know when we’re growing spiritually? Just as there are sure signs your child is growing, there are sure signs that you and I are growing spiritually as well.

Here are some of the ways I measure my spiritual growth:

Do I have an increase hunger to know God more intimately?

Am I more aware of sin in my life?

Do I have a desire to be used of God for others?

I’m I trusting God more often than not?

Have I developed a deeper love for God and long to spend time with Him in His Word?

All these are sure signs that you and I are growing spiritually, but I have to be honest. Sometimes I fall short and don’t measure up. Like physical growth, we all grow at different rates spiritually too. When I don’t seem to be making progress, I find encouragement by looking back over the past year to see how far I’ve come. Even a little growth is a sure sign that you and I are growing into a spiritually mature child of God.

Growing up, we ate Spam. Not often but when we did, my mom would fry the spam slap on a slice of cheese and place the meat between two pieces of toasted bread. Top it with mayo, mustard, lettuce and a slice of tomato from our garden in the back yard, and you had a delicious meal—even though it came from a can!

Some of you may have similar memories of the canned meat. Most today think of junk mail sitting in their computer when they hear the word SPAM. I’ve recently learn that there is another definition for the word SPAM. It’s what my kids are leaning in church these days. They have been encouraged to take the SPAM challenge!

No. The SPAM challenge is not how many cans of meat a teenager can eat in one setting. It’s a spiritual challenge. SPAM stands for Spiritual Preparation And Mediation. The challenge is to fast for a week or a month from secular TV, magazines, movies, and music so that you can hear clearly from God.

No Ipods???? SCREAM!!! “What a horrifying thought!” This was my teenager’s first response. Living without her Ipod would be like living without running water! How would she survive?

Since we’re being honest here, my first thought was, “I’d have to give up American Idol?” SCREAM!!!

And yet, like my daughter, I felt convicted by the tug on my heart. You know that familiar tug from the Lord. It’s similar to that look I use to get from my mother. One glance and I knew what she wanted me to do without hesitation or question. Well, God was staring me down, and I knew He was asking me to take the challenge.

So, today I’ve decided to start “spam-ing.” While I can’t give up the computer since it’s a part of my job, I have pledge to do less. I want to hear from God. I’ve already begun this year by asking Him to direct my steps, and I believe He will. But how can I hear Him say, “This is the way. Now walk in it,” if I’m distracted by the secular world around me?

I can’t.

Let’s face it. The world is screaming at us with all the wrong information. Listening to it will only mislead us spiritually and keep us from God’s purpose and plan for our lives. So, I’m doing more than turning down the volume. I’m turning it off by taking the SPAM challenge. Won’t you join me?

Many, many years ago when I fully committed my ALL to God, I had no idea what that decision would mean to my life. It’s not that I suddenly began working for God. Rather, He began living out His life through me. Sure there are times that I hinder this process, but mostly I try to stay attentive to where and how He is working in, through, and around me. In doing so, my life is not only an adventure, but it’s marked by miracles.

Miracles? Yes, miracles!

A Christian’s life should be marked by miracles. Don’t’ misunderstand. I’m not talking about magic. There is a distinct difference between miracles and magic. For example, when Christ calmed the sea, He didn’t go outside of the law of nature. He worked within it. Nevertheless, a miracle was preformed!

I experienced a miracle this past weekend at Pursue the Passion. In fact, I witnessed a lot of miracles as women received Christ as their personal Savior and LORD, but this miracle began months before.

As I invited women to the cross at the end of my talk on Friday night, a woman walk down the aisle, kissed me on the check, and said, “Because of you my life is completely changed!” She looked familiar, but at the moment I couldn’t place her. Afterwards, she came to talk to me at the book table and it all came together.

When Sue, my assistant, and I were in S.C. for an event last fall, we met this lady in a small dress shop. She was the store’s owner. While Sue tried on clothes, I talked with her about where we were from and why we were there. One question led to another and before I knew it, I was sharing Jesus. I invited her to the event, but she didn’t show.

Not until this past weekend.

That day in her shop, I had given her one of my postcards. From the information on my card, she’d been following my blog. On Friday, she discovered that I was going to be 5 hours away from her. On a whim, she didn’t pack her clothes or even get directions to the event. She just got into her car and drove to Winterville, NC to tell me I had changed her life!

Translation: Jesus had changed her life!

The lady shared that ever since our conversation, she couldn’t stop thinking about Jesus. It was as if He had taken over her life! It had completely changed! She began sharing with me all the exciting things that had happened since that day in the dress shop. It was fascinating stuff, but one story completely blew me away. She recently sold her shop and bought a church that was in financial trouble. She still doesn’t know what she is supposed to do with the church, but simply felt God leading her to purchase it.

That’s where the story ended—for now. We both know its ongoing adventure with no end. I asked her to write and share with me the rest of the story when she can. I can’t wait to hear what God’s going to do next!

Her amazing story reminded me about how God works when you and I are open to share His love in a dress shop, the grocery store, at the park, the kid’s school, etc… It reminds me that the entire world is a platform for Christ! It reminds me that God wants to use our lives to reach the WORLD! If we’re willing, we can expect miracles in our lives and in those with whom we share His grace.

Blessings!

WOW! That pretty much sums up what took place at Pursue the Passion this weekend in NC.

The music was awesome! It was a full band!

The Women’s ministry team were tops!

The drama was incredible!

The 800+ women were as precious as they could be--even those in the over flow room. I loved hangin’ out with you gals!

And the prayer team knew how to pray down heaven! In fact, they were the most Pentecostal Methods I’ve ever met in my life!

God’s Presence filled the auditorium! Lives were transformed, fears were released, and wounds were covered by the balm of God’s love. I never tire from watching God at work. He blows me away with His goodness every time.

This annual event is the highlight of this community. It gets bigger and better every time. Next year’s speaker is Jennifer Rothschild. Don’t miss it! I just may go myself.

Thank you women of Greenville, NC, it was an honor getting to know all of you!

On another note: If you’ve popped over from Renee’s blog, welcome! I hope my article pertaining to the D-6 principle was inspiring. A few months ago, I posted 12 ways parents can pray for their children’s future spouse. (Even if your child is a toddler, it’s NEVER too late to start!) Most felt that these tools, taken from God’s Word, were beneficial. Soooo, I thought—why not share them again! Here they are…

1. Help my child’s spouse to remain a virgin. Guard him/her from "outer-course" (petting experiences); abuse; harassment; and pornographic content in music, photographs, and movies (Col. 3:5).

2. Make my daughter’s spouse a man after God’s own heart, a maturing Christian who can take a spiritual leadership role that encourages my daughter toward deeper spiritual growth (Eph. 5:25-28).

3. Develop in my child’s mate a desire to seek and ask forgiveness when wrong from both God and man (1 Jn. 1:8-9).

4. Show my daughter’s spouse do what you want him to do with his life. Help him to seek your purpose for his creation (1 Tim. 4:12).

5. Teach my child’s spouse the basics of spiritual warfare, how to flee temptation, how to take thoughts captive, and how to stand firm against the devil’s schemes (1 Pet. 5:8-9, 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Jas. 4:7-8).

6. Help my child’s spouse to become a master of good, uplifting communication. Protect him/her from foul language and angry response (Col. 3:8).

7. Give my child’s spouse deep, satisfying personal relationships that will prepare him/her for marriage without compromising his purity (1 Thess. 4:3-8).

8. Teach my child’s spouse to be a good parent. Give his/her parents good parenting skills, and, if not, provide him with a godly role model. Be the Father to the fatherless if he has no father (Ps. 68:5-6).

9. Give my child’s spouse a hunger for God through prayer and Bible study (Mt. 13:23).

10. Help my child’s spouse to make a commitment to the truth, to choose honesty in every situation, even when tempted to lie to lessen punishment or consequences (Eph. 4:25).

11. Give my child’s spouse a proper attitude toward money in giving, receiving, and working. Help him/her learn how to budget, save, and tithe (1 Tim. 6:6-11).

12. Make my child’s spouse considerate and sensitive, a giving, loving Christian who can place others needs before his/her own without losing his/her personal identity (1 Jn. 3:16-18).