by Kimberly | Nov 23, 2011 | Uncategorized
I almost do this list out of obligation for blog world because everyone else on the scene does one, but I’ll try to make mine somewhat original.
1. For Christ – who shows me every day that I am an ugly sinner. But, no matter how ugly I am – He has saved me with an abundant grace that transforms that ugliness.
2. EC – EC is definitely the best gift ever given to me. And I’ve had some good ones. But, EC is the one person that I don’t get tired of being with, I love to laugh with and be silly with, I cry with. Love – you are treasured by me. I hope I have many years to show you how much you are treasured!
3. Faithful preaching of the Word of God – being at FBCDurham and under the preaching of Andy Davis has been a blessing. He is faithfully going (slowly) through Hebrews. It has encouraged me every Sunday.
4. Friends. So many in particular, but I can tell them in emails. I love them – and I love them dearly. It is great to have friends.
5. Travel. It is a blessing to be able to travel. I took the longest road trip of my life this year up the East Coast and into Canada. I’d do it again tomorrow. To see the beauty of the world God created – for me to enjoy – and to give Him great glory.
6. Laptops. I love them. That means that I can do my writing from anywhere: like Madhatters, my red couch, or Panera. It is definitely wonderful to have portability.
7. My Parents. Who care for me, love me, and still love me after all these years.
8. My Granny. She passed away on March 3. I still miss her to this day and every time I talk about her I do cry. I miss you, Granny. This will be our first Thanksgiving without her.
9. The folks I work with at Providence/Treasuring Christ: Steve, Blake, Bryan, Nick, Laurie, Tana, Amy, Jennifer, Michele, Laura, Shannon, Daniel. Ya’ll are a blessing to this endeavor.
10. For a life that I’ve always wanted. A husband who loves me, a church that preaches the Word, a job that allows me to do what I love, reach the world, and do it from anywhere I want, friends who love me and care about me, and hope of when it is all gone – I’ll have something far better. I was not made for mud pies and I wasn’t made for this world.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
by Kimberly | Nov 22, 2011 | Quotes, Uncategorized
This post received feedback. I took all into consideration, however, still did not change my mind. Reading Noel Piper this morning, I was again strengthened as to the teaching of the Word on this subject.
“This brings up the need to train young children to sit through church services. I started easing mine into the habit when they were about three. That meant sitting on the end of an out-of-the-way-pew so we could slip out if we needed to. We knew that the best way for a child to learn how to worship is to see Mom and Dad worshiping. we wanted our children to be part of the whole congregation as soon as they and we could manage it. Yes, it’s different for different children. And yes, Mom’s and Dad’s worship is pretty distracted for a while. But that’s what parents do: we live a less-than-ideal (by some standards) life for a few years so we can bring our children up to be adults with us.”
Noel Piper, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, pg 45
by Kimberly | Nov 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
No, this isn’t primarily a post on Thanksgiving – or even close. Maybe I’ll get to that on Wednesday.
1. I am learning every day what it means to be my husband’s help-meet – one suitable to him and him alone. He helps me in that endeavor. If you are a wife: are you striving to please God by learning and studying your spouse so you can be a better helper to him?
2. First thanksgiving to cook for the in-laws. I’m not nervous about cooking – but I have more thoughts running around in my brain and heart.
3. Yesterday I was thinking how my life looked so different from this time last year. I wasn’t watching an NFL game – rushing home from church to catch kick-off. I don’t know when I would have time to watch football now. Life is busier. And yes, I do miss football. I guess some things gets pushed out for more important things.
4. I am starting to think about my 2012 goals – not trying to overdue it, but to have achievable, specific goals – and lofty ideals that I would like to move toward. Already I can think of my 2011 goals and how none of them came about – but something more important happened that I was unaware of when I wrote them. I got married. But, God’s plans are definitely better than our plans!
5. There are many changes going in life. At some points I do miss the familiarity of the past – but anticipate great things with the One who orchestrates everything in my life. May I continue to walk with God like Enoch did (great sermon by my pastor, Andy Davis, here).
6. What are you giving toward to this holiday season: charities, etc. I often feel bad for not giving to everything that rings or has signs posted when you check out. But, I don’t think it is right that we give to every cause under the sun. We need to be mindful and prayerful about where we spend our money.
Links. One general comment about some of the discussions going around blog world these days. Why don’t we quit with semantics and agree to believe the Bible and love Jesus. Really?
1. Love this discussion about dad-moms (working, not working at home) between Laura Ortberg and Owen Strachan. Provides o thought in a world that may not value the gender roles (or some aspects) that Scripture prescribes.
2. My friend, Courtney, writes a sweet and true Thanksgiving blog from Psalm 103.
3. Do you tend to get antsy when your schedule gets very demanding? I know I do – even though I thrive in a season of busyness – I think I did that better before I was married. Now, my thought is how in the world am I going to get everything done while my husband is at work so I can be able to spend time with him? This post by Stephen Altrogge will come in handy, especially during this holiday season.
4. I’ve been having conversations about this reality lately.
5. How fresh do you eat?
6. This post rang too true for me. Another reason I really do like not having internet at home.
7. I enjoyed going to this last Christmas, and I plan on going this year! She has come fun gift ideas!
8. My talented and thought-provoking friend, Rebecca, on rest. (Yes, even as a grad student). She has always been a source of thought for me. I can’t wait to hopefully see her in February in Savannah.
by Kimberly | Nov 15, 2011 | Books, Women
A retired soccer coach talks to women. It was a pep talk, a halftime hoorah speech.
Mark Chanski spoke last night at Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. I went to hear him after reading some of both of his books, Manly Dominion and Womanly Dominion during my years at SBTS. I also wanted to go because I’ve recently been married so I wanted to be encouraged in my now-role as wife and helpmeet.
Mark Chanski is a husband, father, and pastor in Holland, MI. He writes from three decades worth of husband-experience and shares his discernments from God’s Word in both of his books.
1. Play Your Position
2. Win It!
Those were both of his exhortations to us ladies (ranging from 11-80ish). (Side note: I was very thankful to see females from every age group. True Titus 2 living!) Pastor Mark would spend the next 45 minutes broadening his meaning of these two coach’s screams.
Womanly Dominion Culturally Challenged.
The Word of God is true and unchanging, living and active. So, why would we think God’s commands and prescriptions for us as females would not come under attack by a world that doesn’t consider truth to be absolute? The serpent under-minded God’s spoken word in Genesis when he confronted Eve’s understanding of God’s goodness. The serpent still undermines God’s truth today. But, God’s Word stands firm and will never fail.
The culture around us wants to challenge our personal intensity. No matter the age – we will be bombarded with problems in this area:
In high school, we will be challenge by either extreme: set our minds and focus on the best GPA possible (at the cost of all other objectives) or to slouch and not do our best. We will be tempted to not pursue callings and gifts that we have because the world will tell us that they are not a worthy cause.
In college, we may be tempted by a professor to pursue a PhD (which is not evil in its own merit) to the dismissal of marriage, which is obviously a patriachal institution.
As single women, we will be tempted to go forward in relationships that aren’t pleasing to the Lord or to be the pursuer in relationships – not willing to wait on God’s perfect timing in His giving us all good gifts (Romans 8:32).
As married women, we will be tempted to run hard after everything we can, forgetting we are called to be a helper suitable to our mates, a wife of a husband. We will be tempted to have our homes live up to the latest Pinterest home or Pottery Barn catalogue.
Chanski encouraged us no matter the assignment in life – to be tough minded, sober-minded in that and fulfill our assignment with excellence.
We will also hear the world questioning the positional authority God has given to us. We need to be firm where God has assigned us and not let the world and all of its lies lead us astray. God has called each of us to where we are. It might change (like mine just did, more on that later), but God never changes. Listen for His voice.
Womanly Dominion Scripturally Expounded. Mark stayed in two verses for the evening: Genesis 1:27-28.
Domination. Since we have been created in the image of God, that is a given statement, we are to be like him. In these verses, we are to be like him in our “bringing into bondage” the earth. Subdue the earth, work the earth. Before God spoke the world into creation – the earth was without form and void. Since creation, it has order and design. We are to not let our “given assignments” be chaotic or out of control. That is not how we are to be like God, mirroring and imaging our Creator.
Procreation. Through childbearing – we women (men can’t have babies, deliver babies – though we need them in the process) – we get to participate in salvation. We get to have children that will help populate the earth who will be part of the throng around the throne from every tribe, tongue, and nation. After the Fall, Eve’s “punishment” came in the form of pain during childbearing. I was reading this morning that even though there is pain, motherhood is still worth it (and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity one day). In the focal verses: we are giving the command and sacred focus on filling the earth. What questions does that raise? How many childrend should one couple have? Should you/must you adopt? What about sexual protection from pregnancy or medical help to seek out infertitlity. This one verse touches on so many familial and birth ethics in today’s society.
Position. Chanski affirmed our sameness in essence with men. We are not higher or lower – we have just been given a different position. He spoke briefly on the Trinity and how their positions in the Godhead give us great insight into our position as women – same in being, different in position. To see more on that topic, see Bruce Ware’s book: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We are not to be androginous which society would like us to lean toward: women in battle, women playing men’s sports, men wearing skinny jeans or wearing earrings, parents raising their children “sexless” until they can determine what they want to be. We see it. This denial of the truth of sexuality. There is diversity in function in the created sexual genders. God has a beautiful plan for males and females. He does all for His glory.
So, in a nut shell: know and play your position. Don’t assume your position. Know it. Trust it. Make sure it lines up with the Word of God. Then, play your position with all your might as unto the Lord and not unto men.
Here are my take home moments. My encouragement from my husband was to listen for the Shepherd’s voice.
1. Assignment. As we have been studying 1 Corinthians 7 this week in home fellowship group, I have been thinking about my current assignment. It has changed. I am not a wife, a helper (hopefully) suitable to E. That is my primary role that God has given me. How is it different from being a single living to the glory of God. Being a wife living for the glory of God is quite different. My brain goes a million miles a minute imagining the judgment and expectations from those around me. I need to listen to the Word, listen to E, and listen to wise counsel around me (and not the voices in my head).
2. A new book that I’ll be reading is Excellence by Kostenberger. I’m very much looking forward to the hard read. And that was Chanski’s whole entire second point – Win it! Play your position with excellence. So…how do I keep my home with excellence? How do I love and serve my husband with excellence? How will my relationships with friends change but still be lived with excellence?
3. My only caution: women – don’t focus too much on the domination. When I think of the word domination I think of ego, power, complete control, mean-spirited, take over. While E has given me “domination” over the keep of the home (meaning, he tells me the home is my domain), he is meaning that to be a blessing. So, while I have complete “domination” over the menu each week, that doesn’t mean I should fail to get his imput. That domination needs to still be lived out under our husband’s authority and the grace of God.
Play your position and win it!
by Kimberly | Nov 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
Good afternoon from a Third Place.
When I was praying with my husband this morning as he drove to a meeting, I realized just how crazy life would be for the next 10 days. I got a little frantic. Really, no more busy than normal – but my new normal has a home and a husband that needs daily attention. So, that is always my first priority after my walk with God – and even if I don’t plan a lot of things in one week – somehow it gets busy.
Last night I was listening to him teach on 1 Corinthians 7 in our home group – and the question that I had previously written in the margin (love my ESV Journaling Bible) was “What is my current assignment?” I will be writing more on that subject later when I hash it out a little more, but it has definitely changed since I got married. Still making calendaring adjustments. EC has been very gracious as I learn these valuable lessons.
Then I woke up earlier than the hubs this morning and wanted to share with him my dream. I dreamed that he finally (after letting annoyance build up inside him) blurted out that he hated when I spoke in passive voice rather than using active voice. He laughed. He doesn’t care which voice I use. Seriously – silly dream. (and I do love my editor)!
So…here goes:
1. I’ve cooked a lot this wknd, so I’ll be sharing some recipes when life slows down a bit.
2. For the time being, we have decided to not have internet at home. After reading a section in Danny Akin’s book God on Sex, I realized how much temptation would be in my home if we had it. I really need it for work – but I would use it to waste time when I should be doing the laundry, reading, exercising, cooking meals, spending time with my husband. My sin wouldn’t be to go on websites I shouldn’t be on, etc. But my sin of wasting time would be just as bad to our marriage and our home.
3. I get to hear Mark Chanski tonight. Very excited as he has written Womanly Dominion and has been married for over 30 years and has been a pastor for much of that time. Look for more on this tomorrow.
4. My friend Leah posted on her thoughts from our wedding weekend
5. One of the latest books I’ll get to review for Crossway is Dr. K’s book on Excellence. Read Dr. Ashford’s interview here.
6. I can’t wait to celebrate Thanksgiving in Williamsburg this year.
7. Christmas – so close, yet so far, then I’ll be really old – like 35. Yuck – actually I love birthdays!
by Kimberly | Nov 10, 2011 | Books, Quotes
Ok – I don’t have children (yet) but I write for children (and for teachers who teach children. And some of those teachers are parents.)
“All of us are training our children both intentionally and unintentionally. We need to make sure we aren’t leaving the important things to happenstance. We know it’s crucial that they become familiar with God, our Heirloom and our only hope for real life. We yearn for them to love and trust and follow Christ. It would be foolish just to wait for them to learn that by chance. We must plan to reflect God and teach about Christ in the repeated events of our lives.”
(Noel Piper, Treasuring God in our Traditions, pg 35)
EC and I practice things now that hopefully, one day, when our family grows, they will be able to follow us as we follow Christ, however imperfectly. New Elder nomations last night at church were asked about this question. Each answered sufficiently and were very emphatic that families are important in teaching Christ in the lives of children.
by Kimberly | Nov 10, 2011 | Books
My new normal: no internet at home and no cable at home: more time to read! So excited about this. (Really, I’m not just saying this). I’ve only watched one.25 football games this season. so, I don’t watch television, I have laundry to do and time to wait for cookies to bake and sauces to simmer. I read while EC is getting ready for bed. I read in the mornings. I read in the car (when I’m waiting, not driving). I don’t have kids so I can read more. I read because it helps me think more, write better (don’t laugh) and it stirs my brain and heart. I like to read. So, let me make a suggestion. Pick one of these and read it! Let me know what you think.
1. Bonhoeffer. On Kindle. This is dragging for me primarily because of all the German history right now – but know it will get better. Can’t wait to see how God uses it in my life!
2. The Story Girl. On Kindle. LMM. Just a fun story – nothing deep. Just fun. And its FREE on Kindle right now!
3. Anne of Avonlea. Borrowed. LMM. Love the movie – now to dig into the classic.
4. From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife. Marla Taviano. Be praying for her and her husband as they have recently had medical problems in their family. This book is out of print, but I was given an extra one by Marla to have a giveaway with – so stay tuned. When I’m done – I’ll be offering one to a lucky reader!
5. Walking in the Spirit. Berding. Such a great book on Romans 8. Very readable. I’m going to start reading through this one (again) with a friend.
6. Lit! Tony Reinke. On reading. Helpful.
7. What Did You Expect. Tripp. Great marriage book. Basically on how to keep short accounts and offer forgiveness. Love it.
8. This Momentary Marriage. Piper. A serious look at marriage and how it mirrors the gospel. True to Piper style!
9. Treasuring God in Our Traditions. N. Piper. Especially now as I have a family, I want to think through these thoughts that Piper offers more.
10. Love That Lasts. Gary and Betsy Ricucci. Going through it together with EC. Very good read to read aloud on a date night and ask questions. Has prompted many good discussions and times together.
11. God on Sex. Danny Akin. We sat with them at a wedding over the summer. He blessed us with this book. It is good – great on the power of communication.
12. Note to Self. Joe Thorn. A little book on preaching the gospel to yourself.
13. The Hidden Art of Homemaking. Schaeffer. On the running of a home and how to make it an art form
14. A Young Woman’s Guide. John Angell James. Sermons preached for women. (If you have a kindle, this is only 99 cents right now – I recommend it)
15. Prayers of An Excellent Wife. Andrew Case. For EC.
So – in chronological snobbery style: I have two 1800s books (or early 1900s), some 80s, 90s, and even some 2011. So, I have a broad spectrum.
Keep watching for quotes from these and other books.
by Kimberly | Nov 10, 2011 | Uncategorized
There always has to be the part of a trip when you hit the return button. Well, when we left Stanhope, we knew we were heading home. But, I have such a planner of a husband that he didn’t just make the return trip driving – no, he had wonderful things in store for us even as we returned to Durham.
Our first stop was St. John, New Brunswick. We took the scenic route and went to St. Maartens and visited the Bay of Fundy trail (which was closed for the season). But, I stuck my feet in the really cold water and enjoyed the views from the roadway.
We then found a random way to our port city hotel (which was lovely, but what was not lovely is having all the roads closed due to construction around our hotel). We finally checked in. The only disappointing meal we had the whole trip was in St. John – but the caesar salad was incredible!
When we left Canada and checked back in to the USofA – the patroller said “Welcome home, Mr and Mrs Campbell” That was great to hear – and yes, I’m always glad to be back in America (where gas is cheaper and we measure by miles!)
Our first stop was Providence. Such a beautiful (but totally need Jesus) city. EC got to play in the First Baptist Church of America on their grand. He played a faithful hymn that was special him and his mentor at SBTS. Our beautiful hotel room overlooked the capitol building and it was a lovely site at night. We were “honeymoon” hooked up with dinner and breakfast and robes and our wonderful view room. We love the guys at Renaissance Providence!
Our last stop was Philadelphia. One of those cities that I have wanted to go to but hadn’t had the chance to go to yet. EC had been there for a short stay but hadn’t gotten to do much. The best meal for me on the honeymoon was at Bonte’ for breakfast and some stellar almond chai. Then we did the typical historical touristy stuff, and drove by Tenth Presbyterian Church – a faithful church in that community for so long.
We left there shortly after 6pm and headed to our home. Our trip was lengthened (but strengthened) by McDonalds and Super Target and was more enjoyable by my singing the Twelve Days of Christmas, regular version, country version, KC version. Who knows – but I had the task of keeping my husband awake.
EC – you planned a great trip. I’d gladly take another one with you any day!
by Kimberly | Nov 9, 2011 | Books
If you love to read, and you are a believer, this book is for you.
Joan Didion “When I’m near the end of a book, I need to sleep in the same room with it.”
About 8 years ago I heard a friend of mine deliver a talk to college students. This talk was on how to watch movies (or any other forms of media) with a Christian worldview. He didn’t declare that all forms of media were off limits except those produced by Christians with a “Jesus, Man!” hurrah at the end of it. However, he did give some very specific pointers for how to watch media and engage with a lost culture by changing the habit of watching movies. It has changed how I watch movies (and I love movies).
This book has done the same for me in how I read books. I love to read. I usually have about 10 going at one time: fiction, non-fiction, autobiography, journals. Books for my personal life, for my hobbies, or for my job. All of these can be read using a Christian worldview – even if it is a book on how to style food for photography!
Tony Reinke, in Lit!, gives his readers tips on how to read. You may think we don’t need another book on this – but pick it up and you’ll see that this book is very helpful. Whether you like to read fiction or classic literature, the latest Max Lucado book or you would rather pick up Andreas Kostenberger’s latest New Testament commentary – Lit! will give you some guidelines on how to read them.
Gospel-Centered reading? You bet! Reinke even devotes a whole chapter in how our sin and the gospel affects our reading. Oh believe me, how true this is. Sin and our sinful hearts affect what we read and what affects us. We can live captured by these thoughts or we can pour our attention on Scripture and edifying books. But, even if we don’t ONLY read biblical books, or Christian books (which aren’t always helpful and gospel-centered or true) – sin and the gospel affects our reading.
“Faith in Jesus brings with it a critically important benefit for the Christian reader – discernment.” (pg 35).
Reinke shares personal stories and brings humor into this book. It is readable and thoroughly helpful.
by Kimberly | Nov 9, 2011 | Books, Quotes
One of my top ten books of all times…look forward to going through it with a sweet friend this year:
“Remember that we vowed in our wedding ceremony to love and to cherish till death do us part? Do we even understand what we promised to do? To cherish means to hold dear, to care for tenderly or to nurture, to cling fondly to, or treat as precious.”
(Carolyn Mahaney, Feminine Appeal, pg 44)
I almost do this list out of obligation for blog world because everyone else on the scene does one, but I’ll try to make mine somewhat original.
