by Kimberly | Aug 8, 2012 | Uncategorized
One of the first fashion rules we learn as women as to not let your undergarments show. I remember standing in front of my mom or dad when I was would finish getting dressed and ask them: is my slip showing? Some of the “rules” for dressing modestly is not to let your bra strap show, have no seen panty line, and make sure when you raise your arms that your stomach (or maybe that belly button ring) doesn’t show. Same goes for guys: no girl in their right mind would want to see your butt crack (even if you were fixing their dishwasher) and we don’t want to see your boxers. That’s why they make belts. Now they make really cool fashion tape that allows women to get away with wearing shirts that are too low cut and they shouldn’t be wearing anyway – but hey, if you have fashion tape, doesn’t that make it ok?
Think along these lines for letting our sin show? We are so careful to act holy around other people. When a circumstance brings out our less-than-best Christian behavior, why are we sorry? Are we sorry that someone found out that we weren’t perfect or that we sinned?
Yesterday as my husband and I were talking, I tried to blame my egotistical attitude on everything but what it was: a non-gentle and quiet spirit. When I awoke this morning, that was the first thing that came to my mind, and I didn’t want to face him. Being married to someone doesn’t allow much time for you to hide your sin. So, I stayed up in the master while he had his quiet time on the couch, I didn’t talk to him much, because I was so sorry that he had again seen a non-beautiful side of me. Someone once told me years ago that gentle and quiet was simply not me, I wasn’t that, and wouldn’t be that. Moments when pride and control come out in me are times when I believe that.
Then today, my sweet husband, as he usually does, reminded me that grace is given. Grace upon grace, He gives more grace. I need much more grace than my husband does it so seems in our marriage. I actually asked him yesterday if he could mess up more so that I wouldn’t seem so bad. I know the poor theology/sanctification thought there. And I said it with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
Obadiah 1:3
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock,
in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
I had to wonder though: was I more upset that he saw an ugly side of me or was I more upset that I had sinned against him and a holy God. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is the only person who doesn’t need grace given. He is the dispenser of grace – much needed grace.
So, my question: when others see your sin: does pride well up in you because someone saw that you aren’t perfect, or are you grieved by the presence of indwelling sin in your life? Ask forgiveness (for both the sin and the pride), repent, receive grace, and move on. Don’t live in the failure of that past sin. 
by Kimberly | Aug 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
This year has definitely been one of writing many thank you notes! From the wedding showers to the baby showers and all the gifts, birthdays, and traveling in between, we are definitely keeping the USPS in business!
Lindsay, over at Passionate Homemaking, one of the best blogs I read for Christian women, wrote today:
How often do I take a moment to write a thank you note to one who has blessed me recently? This practice is such a edifying habit to get into. Why should we write thank-you notes? It is to acknowledge our appreciation for the love of others! It tells others we are blessed by their fellowship, the way they served us or others, their giftings, etc. It encourages them to continue in the calling that God has placed on their lives. It is so easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed, this is true especially for those who are in places of authority in your life (church, parents, leadership). They need a little note now and then just letting them know you are praying for them or that you are blessed by their service.
My desk is now in our living room with all of my stationery and pens. I do love writing notes and sending packages! It blesses me to get them and I hope in turn it blesses others when they receive something in the mail other than a bill.
If you think about it Paul the Apostle wrote in letters. He would send the letters with others. There was not postal service back then. The letters were cherished. He didn’t use email or twitter to get the Word of God to the churches. He loves those churches. He wanted his letters (breathed by God the Father through the Holy Spirit) to be read, kept, and obeyed.
In a similar vein, I have every note or card that my husband has given to me – and have all of our texts. I enjoy looking back at those and to see the journey that God has taken us on over the last 18 months or so.
If you need some great writing notes, I sell my photos as notecards. You can choose from any of my FB photos or ask me for a particular set or photo card. Wanna set up a photo session with your family then you can turn that into your Christmas cards – let me know. You can find some of them already posted at https://kimberlycampbellhome.co/kcs-cards-and-more/
Whatever you use to write a note…just WRITE!
by Kimberly | Aug 2, 2012 | Uncategorized
Gospel. Jazz. Two great pairings. And the lyrics of Stuart Townend make this a go-to song.
This is actually one of my husband’s favorite songs and I heard it on Sunday and it had me in tears by the end of it. Wherever you are broken – look to the Healer to be mended.
My God
My God, full of mercy,
Heard our weeping,
Came to bring us home again.
My God takes the broken and makes them whole.
My God touched the leper,
Raised the lame man,
And He caused the blind to see.
My God takes the broken and makes them whole.
My God stood for justice,
Shamed the prideful,
But He called the sinner friend.
My God takes the broken and makes them whole.
My God felt the anguish of the soldier,
Made his child to live again.
My God takes the broken and makes them whole.
My God, mocked and beaten,
Crushed and bleeding,
Yet crying, “Father God, forgive.”
My God became broken to make me whole.
My God on the third day, in the morning,
Broke the shackles of the grave.
My God took the broken and made them whole.
My God knows my failures,
He speaks forgiveness,
He gives me strength to try again.
My God takes the broken and makes them whole.
Words and Music by Stuart Townend
© 2006 Thankyou Music
by Kimberly | Aug 1, 2012 | World Events
I wasn’t going to enter this conversation, but thought I would after reading a few of the blogs out there on it.
1. I go to CFA a few days a week. The town I live in has 2 CFAs and the busiest fast food restaurant in our town is the CFA closest to our home. I go there because they have CF Diet Coke, a fabulous unsweet tea, and the best chocolate chunk cookies. And they have free wifi. They have free refills. Need I say more? I don’t go there because the food is cheap (because it isn’t, in fact I think it is overpriced for the most part). I don’t go there because I will only support “Christian” companies. I go there because it has what I need and it is convenient.
2. I love listening to the workers interact with each other and the patrons. Tony, the manager at the one I frequent, was having a training conversation with an employee the other day and was sharing life-leadership lessons from his own life, not just what was in the CFA manual. I love hearing management pour into their workers life-long lessons that can be used outside of the workplace. That’s just good management and leadership.
3. I have known several CFA employees and I know every CFA is different, but I hear things about what goes on and what is said and there seems to be just as much disrespect for authority in CFAs as there is in any fast food restaurant. And not every employee they hire is a Christian who lives a Christ-centered life. They may be the majority – but it isn’t the exact way it should be.
4. I am not going to CFA today. I went yesterday. Does that make me a person who doesn’t believe in what they are doing? Ha – I support CFA. But, I just don’t like crowds or bandwagons.
5. What is this boycott really about? Here are some ideas: 1. Some business leaders don’t like the success of other companies above their own. 2. No one likes being told they are wrong (any one not in favor of biblical family values would not agree with Dan Cathy’s statement). 3. One leadership of one company should not be able to influence city management on whether or not to have or build new CFAs in their towns. 4. This whole thing will blow over. 5. CFA may take some hit on their books for July – but they are still standing behind what they said. 6. We have no reason to discriminate against gays and lesbians or folks who just don’t like other people telling anyone else they are wrong. Truth will win out (and that truth is found in the Word of God). 7. As far as I know and have read Scripture, having unbiblical family values or a different sexual orientation isn’t the unpardonable sin. There are many other sins mentioned in the Bible – ones that I do and many other believers who are eating 3 meals at CFA today do: lie, gossip, gluttony, pornography, not go to church, not witness to their neighbors (eating 3 meals at CFA today and not mentioning Jesus is not witnessing in my opinion), debt, consumerism, etc.
6. If you are eating 3 meals at CFA today, think about these things: what are your motives (is it to be right or is it done out of love and faith – since things done without faith is sin), are you spending more than you have budgeted for your food this week, is it gluttonous for you to be eating 3 meals there, and have you told anyone that Jesus loves sinners. We were made to glorify God – not Eat Mor Chikn.
by Kimberly | Aug 1, 2012 | Books
July was one month of much traveling and tiredness due to pregnancy. August will be one of tiredness as I wait for baby to arrive (so might as well have some easy reads).
Two Cookbooks:
Everyday Italian and Giada at Home – Giada DeLaurentiis – both of these were given to me and I’m making my way through them. So far I really like her writing style. Thankful for free cookbooks!
Two Fiction:
Remember Me – Wilcock – this is my Crossway book of the month to review
The Covenant – Beverly Lewis – picked up this book at Goodwill
Christian Living/Ministry
Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons – T. Anyabwile – I am reading this so I can better pray for my husband as he is an Elder in the the church he serves in and also he is called to be a servant in our home (Eph 5).
by Kimberly | Jul 31, 2012 | Uncategorized
Registration lines. Lanyards. Nametags. Breakout Session choices. Long bathroom lines. Does any of this sound familiar? If you have attended any conference these should be in your vocabulary. I’ve been to one this Spring, worked one this summer, and spoken at many over the last 15 years. Just recently I had a conversation with a friend about how she went to a conference and was ready for God to work (and He did!). Since then I’ve been thinking about how I can encourage women to prepare for attending conferences.
This list actually is somewhat in order and I hope it encourages you to think through your life, priorities, and needs before you attend a conference (even if its just a night at your church).
1. Prepare. If you are anything like me your mind goes a million miles an hour. When you are trying to get away or do something your mind is constantly on things at the house. It is hard to still your mind to be able to listen. Even at the recent conference I volunteered at (TGCW12), my mind was racing in a million different directions because of the friends around me, what was going on in my personal life, traveling in a car while pregnant, and of course hormones. This is what I mean by preparing to attend a conference: 1. If you have children, set up reliable childcare for them. Maybe its your husband, or a neighbor, but be confident of their ability to handle situations on their own (so they won’t call you every 5 minutes during the conference). If you are the main provider of meals (cooking) in your home, prepare some meals that your family can eat while you are gone. Finish the laundry and do other household chores so your mind won’t be thinking of all you have to do when you return. This last one is going to sound a bit odd, and maybe its just me, but I like this one. Prepare your wardrobe. I often feel that (especially now that I don’t work) I only get a to see people out a few days a week. yes, you should dress well for your husband, that is not what I’m saying, but have fun with your wardrobe at conferences. You want to be comfortable so you won’t stop breathing during a main session because your jeans are too tight, but look cute. Women tend to function better with other women when they are dressed cutely. I’m not telling you to dress to impress – just dress femininely and in step with the conference. Think through what jewelry you will wear with each outfit, shoes, accessories. If you can (and packing is an issue) maybe try to find outfits that go with the same pair of shoes so you don’t have to pack 14 pair! This preparation will help with packing and you’ll feel cute.
2. Study. Most conferences will give you the main session topics (even specific Biblical passages that are being shared) or at least the conference theme. As soon as you sign up for the conference study that topic. Look at the subject headings and ask God to prepare your heart to fully hear what He wants you to hear. As you choose your breakout sessions, don’t just pick them based on the personality leading it, but on what might be most important to your spiritual growth for that conference. Open your Bible, get a journal specifically for that conference, and study, expecting God to show up in your study times and show you what He wants you to take into the conference.
3. Pray. You might say I have this one in the wrong order, but praying specifically for the conference will come in handy (and yes, we should always pray without ceasing). Here are some things you can be praying for: 1. The speaker. If you personally know the speaker, ask her/him what you can be specifically praying for for them while they speak or prepare. 2. The logistics. As someone who knows what it takes to plan and impliment a conference, so many things can go wrong when you want them to go right. Those mishaps can be a distraction that Satan can use to “stop” God’s work. Pray that everything goes smooth (and if you are part of the preparation team – work hard so things go as smooth as possible as long as it depends on you). 3. Other attendees. Maybe you are attending the conference with a group of friends or know of specific sitations in others’ lives that God needs to work in during this conference. Pray for those friends. Finally, pray for yourself. Pray that God will give you ears to hear exactly what you need to hear, that you will block out the distractions of the world, and that you will be open to the work of the Spirit in your life.
by Kimberly | Jul 24, 2012 | Worship
Old Hymns are making a “comeback” in our churches: music like Sojourn, Mars Hill, Red Mtn Music, IG, and the Gettys just to name a few. These can be done of course like they were back when they were written, acapella or with a myriad of instruments, or done in a contemporary way like Indelible Grace does most of theirs – with a new melody. One of my favorite artists for just sound accoustic music in down times or relaxing times is Fernando Ortega.
O Thou In Whose Presence. Written in 1791, it definitely fits the bill for an old hymn. Just because a hymn is old doesn’t mean its lyrics are biblical. Always, as with any music, put its lyrics up against the truths that are found in Scripture. Scripture always stands the test of time.
Here are some of the lyrics that I especially enjoyed:
O Thou in whose presence my soul takes delight, On whom in affliction I call, My comfort by day, and my song in the night, My hope, my salvation, my all. (so many Psalms in this first verse)
Say, why in the valley of death should I weep, Or alone in the wilderness rove? (Ring a bell with 1 Cor 15?, Ps 23)
O, why should I wander an alien from Thee, And cry in the desert for bread? (I think of the Israelites whining for manna, then still whining when they got it)
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see, And smile at the tears I have shed. His voice, as the sound of the dulcimer sweet, is heard through the shadows of death;
The cedars of Lebanon bow at His feet, The air is perfumed with His breath. His lips as a fountain of righteousness flow, That waters the garden of grace,
From which their salvation the Gentiles shall know, And bask in the smiles of His face. He looks, and ten thousands of angels rejoice,And myriads wait for His word; He speaks, and eternity, filled with His voice, Re-echoes the praise of her Lord.
Dear Shepherd, I hear and will follow Thy call; I know the sweet sound of Thy voice. Restore and defend me, for Thou art my All, And in Thee I will ever rejoice.
by Kimberly | Jul 23, 2012 | mothering
(This was my journal article selected for publication in the Journal of Family Ministry Spring/Summer 2012 published by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary).
Note: I was given this topic to write in early December 2011. It was on the period between marriage and motherhood. Little did I know that the very next month I would find out I was pregnant. Maybe that will give you some insight into this journal article.)
There is a war constantly raging inside us. Paul shares this truth with the believers in Rome (1), and I share the same truth with you, from my experience of being a new wife living in the waiting period before motherhood. The two opponents in this war are anxiety and rest. Both of them contended within me even before I got married. I remember from the time I was a teenager pondering over the questions: Will I find “Mr. Right”? What will my dress look like? Where will I go on my honeymoon?
Once I did get married, long after I started asking these questions, similar questions continued in their persistence: Will we have children? When will we have children? Is our house or my husband’s salary big enough to sustain our lifestyle with children? What if we have trouble conceiving? Will we be infertile?
One might think these questions would stop as I prepare to enter motherhood, but they do not: Will I carry my baby to term? Will the baby be healthy? What are we going to name the baby? Will he or she ever come to know Christ? These questions constantly repeat themselves.
God, however, has provided the answer to all these questions: rest. The importance of rest is taught throughout Scripture, starting in Genesis when God rested after completing his creation work (21-3) The psalmist says to be still and know that He is God. Our rest is rooted in God’s care for us and his sovereign control over our lives. The command “do not fear” occurs frequently in the Bible (e.g., Gen 15:1; Num 14:9; Deut 1:21; Mat 10:31; 1 Pet 3:14; Rev 2:10). Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to rest in the peace of Christ and do not be anxious about anything. The circumstances we find ourselves in do not need to control us. God has bought rest and comfort for us by sending his Son Christ to pay our full penalty. If he died and rose again, then he also can take care of every situation we face on any given day. We rest by letting God be in control. The following are a few of the Scriptures that are most helpful to me when I cry to my husband and share with him these questions:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.” “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us, and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.”
The 16th Century Heidelberg Catechism begins with a word that is applicable to this struggle between anxiety and rest:
Q1: What is your only comfort in life and in death? A: That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him. (2)
When my husband shared that with me, I initially mocked him saying, “And that’s supposed to help?” However, I have found that these truths not only apply when facing motherhood and the potential anxieties that accompany it, but they also can stand up against any anxiety we may have. When I know I am prone to anxiety, I can trust the Scripture will assure me that my comfort comes from Christ. When I wonder if I’ll be a good mother, the Spirit residing in me gives me strength to rest. When I fear that the baby I carry will die or be unhealthy, I think to this catechism and know that all things work together for my salvation. I knew then that these were the truths that I need to always cling to in moments of anxiety – to trust the Lord, and witness His victory in my rest.
1 See Galatians 5:1-25 for Paul’s discussion of the inner battle between flesh and spirit.
2 Kevin DeYoung, The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism (Chicago: Moody, 2010), 20.
by Kimberly | Jul 19, 2012 | food, restaurants
For about two years now I’ve wanted to hop in a car, drive to Savannah, and sit down in a little bakery that boasts of great bread and antique cookery. Finally, I did it. And unfortunately it was one of the hottest days in Savannah and I was almost 8 months pregnant, but the food and company was well worth it.
The co-owner was sincere and cared about her customers. The menu was not extensive so they specialized in what they made: great homemade sandwiches on fresh baked breads, and delicious desserts (and though we weren’t there for breakfast, I know from personal experience how great their morning goodies are). The decor matched its name “Back in the Day” with antiques and mid-20th century kitchen finds.
I split the Super Chicken sandwich with E. Then we also split the bourbon bread pudding (to quote my husband, it was the best vread pudding he has ever had), and I took a few bites of my friend’s Coconut Cream Pie.
Here are some of the pictures from the day. Enjoy – and next time you are in Savannah, this is a must-stop!
by Kimberly | Jul 18, 2012 | random
You would think that a long (11+ hours) night of sleep would help with my emotionalness in the morning, but not today. And by the time I finished my bowl of peaches and cream oatmeal, there were tears flowing into it.
Tears – why tears? After thinking about it, I chalk up to sin and the flesh and trying to outdo the gospel. Two sins that reigned supreme in my life as a single was independence and control. I was the only person really calling shots in my life so I controlled my scheduled, my checkbook, my evenings. It was rather nice. But, it didn’t help me as I prepared to be married.
Now that I am married and definitely not in control of much (and I am so glad I don’t have to be and that is not the role that God created me for), I find there are still times I struggle with wanting to fix everything. Funny – that is usually the male role in the relationship – being the fixer. No, but I strive for it.
And I realize, on mornings like this, that when I strive to fix things that are clearly out of my control or realm of responsibility as the wife in this marriage, I have shortchanged the gospel and made myself God. This is definitely not the place I need to be.
When we put ourselves as the fixers or try to usurp our roles, we say that we don’t need God or the gospel. God has the supreme control and authority in our lives. He is the reigning King. And not just over the things that we “give” him – but over everything. Sometimes, most of the time, we have to pry our grimy and greedy little fingers off of God’s possessions. They are not ours.
When we come to know more of our weakness and more of His greatness (John 3:30), then we will come to live in right relationship to the gospel and our famous God. We won’t want to be in control of everything and we will be ok when we can’t fix everything in our lives – or anyone else’s.
And that’s the perfect place to be.
