by Kimberly | Nov 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
Ok – here is the first of my sort of THANK YOU to all the people in the Triangle that made EC’s and my big day such a blessing! So here goes (and some are not in the Triangle, but bear with me)!
The jewelry that my bridemaids wore were done by Meg Lane of Pretty Things By Meg. I’ve gotten other fun jewelry from her in the past and when I saw these earrings I knew I had to have them for my girls! Then I asked her if she could design a necklace and she happily agreed. This was all done even while she was preparing for her own sister’s wedding. Meg – thank you! My girls loved them. I might even have to borrow them one day to wear!
Keeping with jewelry: I love Kelly at Moon and Lola. I’ve known her now almost as long as I’ve been back in RDU. Such a pleasure to work with, to photo her beautiful designs. She is such a blessing. EC and I got to sit down and help talk through what I wanted my earrings to look like and she even shipped them to me since time was getting close and I couldn’t get to Apex. She is a blessing to me! Thank you Kelly!
The bridal luncheon was at Vivace of Raleigh (located in North Hills). I first went to Vivace back during restaurant week with Sherri – I don’t even think EC was on the horizon then) – but we had a great time!
So many people helped make delicious foods for our dessert reception!
The three main players were:
Sugarland from Chapel Hill. Our amazing cake – man, I can’t believe we only got a bite of it! Can’t wait to dig into the top of our cake! The baker was a delight to work with at the beginning when she was the one who did our consultation. We went for a creme brulee cake! Ask for it! Stunning and simple!
Sweet Memories did most of the cupcakes. Simply delicious. I photo’d some of their work in Apex when I was working with Moon and Lola so I knew I wanted to enjoy some of their tasty delights at our wedding. Sadly we only got one – but man was it delicious. We devoured it! And we got so many compliments on their cupcakes! They were a pleasure to work with as well.
Allison Roark of Allison’s Cookies made some of her stunning and mouth-watering sugar cookies. So cute and simple and elegant and yummy – even days later! Thank you Allison for making these and our dessert a few days earlier!
Many other friends made our reception one of a kind! I loved it and so did all of our friends!
Sherri at Greenflash Productions is a wonderful friend and a unique photographer! She was such an amazing photographer to work with – really blessing EC and me on our crazy and busy day by just going with the flow, and knowing what to do. She even locked her keys in her car and kept right on going – not even blinking. We all laughed. She is creative and talented. Sherri – thank you for the wonderful memories of our big day. We thank you! If you need any family portraits made, baby photos, senior portraits, weddings, engagements, ANYTHING – contact her. I can’t recommend her more highly. These photos (on this blog) are taken by her).
The Bethesda Players did a fantastic bluegrass job at the reception. They were fun to have in the background. Everyone seemed to enjoy their music!
Kathleen Cox Weathers did my hair and made me look amazing that day and Kasey Ferrell did my makeup. I love having friends who are talented at what they do.
The flowers for EC and I were done by The English Garden
in Raleigh. Just what I wanted!
Thanks to all who made this day possible. More blogs coming!
by Kimberly | Sep 19, 2011 | Uncategorized
In honor of today being September 19, there are 19 days left till EC and I get married. CAN’T WAIT!
This weekend, we are heading to Williamsburg to visit with some of his family (and get out of town for 2 whole day!) I love road trips!
This past weekend, we went with some fun friends to Pine Knoll Shores to the NC Aquarium, New Bern to eat lunch, and Ft. Macon to walk on the beach.
Finishing up quarter 3 of Treasuring Christ in the next 3 weeks and starting Q4. Pressing in before I go on a trip: honeymoon = no work.
Dealing with disappointment – always need the Gospel. Feed disappointment with Joy and tears (I’ve had more tears than Joy – but trying to let the Spirit switch that).
Link Love:
Most of my stuff I love now is on Pinterest: you can follow me here.
Made these for lunch yesterday and will have some for dinner tonight.
by Kimberly | Sep 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
1. Less than 4 weeks till our wedding day!
2. My new church family, First Baptist Church of Durham, definitely knows how to make a couple feel loved: they did a great job at showering us with love and generosity yesterday. What a blessing.
3. Treasuring Christ Curriculum is officially launched at Providence! Its so neat to hear parents excited about talking with their kids about the Gospel!
4. Football season is in full swing! Peyton hurt, Brantley doing awesome, SEC carrying college football, its going to be a good year! I may not watch too much of it until after the honeymoon, but that’s why I have ESPN on my phone!
5. I am reading Bonhoeffer on my Kindle right now – excellent stuff!
6. Got some neat opportunities for ministry (writing) this week! Can’t wait.
7. Going to the Aquarium this week with a great young couple of friends we love. Next weekend: new family visit to Williamsburg – haven’t been there since I was in K – or some young age like that. My Mom could probably scrounge up pictures!
Link Love:
1. Lasagna without meat – sign me up right now! http://www.eatliverun.com/spinach-mushroom-lasagna/
2. Love listening to Bible read aloud, quite a change from reading it.
3. Really like Keller’s definitions here
4. Really? DC comics – come on?
5. Think young kids can’t sit in “big church”?
That’s all I got time for today! 🙂 Enjoy!
by Kimberly | Aug 30, 2011 | Uncategorized
Some conferences are not worth going to me. Some are. This one, the Connecting Church and Home Conference in Louisville, KY at SBTS this past weekend, was definitely worth a 8.5 hour drive.
The men who lead this conference are a blessing to me: Randy Stinson, Bill Farley, Jimmy Scroggins, Russell Moore, Steve Wright, Jay Strother, Timothy Jones. Getting to meet Candice Watters was a blessing as was meeting and talking with Bill and Judy Farley.
Since I was there as a team member of Providence Baptist Church, I got to hang out at the Treasuring Christ Curriculum booth and talk to people about that. Neat to see what God is doing, and will do, through that. But, for the rest of the sessions, I tried to listen and learn with the mentality of a soon to be wife (and hopefully Mother later). This changes how I listen to talks. This is what I gained:
1. My only hope of being an invaluable wife and helper to my husband and a discipling mother to our children is the GOSPEL. I must saturate my days in the Word and spend much time there.
2. My main job as a mother is to make disciples of my children. I can only be faithful in the task – but I am not responsible for the outcome. God handles all decisions of the heart and the gospel.
3. If we (as pastor’s wives) feel we live in a fishbowl and everyone is watching us – WE ARE. 1 Timothy 3 says that we will be watched. Live, NOT perfectly, but according to the Gospel of Christ.
4. The way we are going to preserve – is by teaching the Gospel, walking in the Word with our children.
5. Busyness is idolatry. Buffer your time – don’t pack out your calendar. Learn to say no to opportunities to serve. I’ve lived my life with a YES mentality – and I have to change my focus. Not saying NO to everything – but involving my husband in the decision making process, allow him to protect me (and my yes saying ability), and be particular about what you are going to say yes to.
6. I need to increasingly see all of my life (home, writing, kids, relationship with Eric, exericse, ministry) in light of the Gospel.
7. It is crucial that our kids see EC and I reflect Christ – imputed righteousness.
Two best talks of the wknd?
1. Randy Stinson – mainly to men, but I loved hearing my former boss talk and always walk away encouraged. Let me tell you – listening to his talks before didn’t always leave me encouraged, because I couldn’t find a single man around my age who lived those principles out. God, in His grace and perfect timing, led me to Eric. Eric found me. I’m thankful for him and his walk with Christ.
2. Bill Farley – applying each part of the gospel to parenting. Good stuff.
The main sessions aren’t up yet (audio), but keep checking back on www.sbts.edu and they will be – I promise!
by Kimberly | Aug 8, 2011 | Uncategorized
Main thing on my mind today: 2 months till W Day! Yes, that’s right folks, two months from today will be the day I’ve waited a long time for – and I get to see God’s grace extended to me by marrying Mr. Eric Campbell. Can’t wait1
1. My dress is in – matron of honor will hopefully be heading with me on Friday to pick it up! Woot!
2. Many important things to be praying about: friends, babies, relationships, gospel.
3. In two weeks, I’ll be heading to Louisville, via Cleveland TN. Can’t wait to see friends and talk about how to connect the church and the family.
4. Watched the Adjustment Bureau this weekend. Except for the bad theology – it was a good movie. But, it makes you think about what you believe the Bible says – which is good too!
5. Watched We Are Marshall again this weekend, cry every time through the entire thing. Such a powerful movie, want to stop by the campus one day during a drip to Louisville – may do that on this one
6. What are some things on your bucket list? Do you have a bucket list?
Link Love:
1. Fiancee and I talked about Thanksgiving last night. Then I read this blog this morning. Makes me think. Remember Christ!
2. Thank you Jena for this recipe. yummy – really good for french toast or bread pudding too!
3. Wow – what a great blog by Stockman on everything.
4. I love her photography. Makes me want to be there – which is a sign of good photography!
5. What an insightful post by Carolyn on single and married folks in the church community.
6. This is just fun!
7. Will be making this for an upcoming date night – with some fresh salmon!
by Kimberly | Aug 3, 2011 | Uncategorized
This is a direct re-post from a blogger from The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. I loved this post for the most part and wanted to share it with you. I want to meet Jen Wilkin. Some people you instantly connect with – I’d like her to be one of those people.
Do you have any thoughts? (My fave thoughts from her are in bold). And yes, you may already be thinking to yourself: Self, Kim doesn’t have children yet, she’ll change her mind.” I have had these thoughts and feelings and convictions for a long time. So, bring me your thoughts, I’ll try to answer them and listen to yours. How are we going to teach our children how to worship God in “big church” if we don’t bring them in with us to have family worship time together with the church body as a whole?
I explored the “Why” of bringing school-aged children into weekend worship with their parents. I thought a follow-up post on the “How” might be helpful. While our hearts may urge us to bring our kids to worship, our heads may question exactly how we’re supposed to make that happen. What if my child is a distraction? What if I have to leave the service? Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from cultivating this vital shared experience for your family – it really is possible to bring small children to Big Church in a way that builds up your children, your family and the church body. Here are a few suggestions that proved helpful to our family as we began transitioning our small kids to Big Church.
Begin with the end in mind.
As parents, we make decisions for our children’s future, not merely for their present. This means we begin with the end in mind, asking the question: “Where do I want my children to worship when they are adolescents?” Then we think strategically about how to train them to that end. If we wait until they are adolescents to bring them to worship with us, we wait too long to model worship for them and we heighten the unfamiliarity they will feel entering that environment. Far better to ease them into their rightful place in corporate worship during their younger, more teachable years. This might mean that in the short term they sit in a room that does not always engage them at their level. And that’s really okay. Your child may not catch every sermon point, but attending with you is still a huge win because of the modeling they will see and the familiarity they will develop. And you might be surprised by how much they do take away.
Start small, but definitely start.
For our family, the transition to Big Church began at age five. If having your child with you every week in worship feels overwhelming, start with once a month and work your way up to every week. A kindergartner is old enough to sit through a worship service in a respectful and participatory manner as long as a clear expectation has been set, which leads me to…
Set the expectation.
Before coming to Big Church together, explain its purpose to your child: it is a time for believers of all ages to enjoy worshipping God together. It is a place where both children and adults belong. Talk about how long the service will last. Talk about the order
for worship: first we greet each other, then we sing, then we listen to the pastor, then we pray. Finally, set specific, age-appropriate expectations along
three lines: Behave-Follow-Listen
1. Behave Explain to your child that we behave well during Big Church. We use self-control so we can worship and allow those around us to worship.
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We sit upright (no sleeping) and keep our belongings and hands to ourselves. We try not to wiggle.
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We keep our shoes and socks on.
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We potty and get a drink before and after the service, not during. (Remember to take the child for both of these needs before the service starts.)
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If we must speak to mom or dad, we whisper.
2. Follow Explain to your child that we follow along during worship. We do what everyone else is doing as part of sharing worship together.
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We stand when others stand (sit, pray, sing, greet, give, etc.) Help your child meet this expectation by guiding him through the participation process during the service. Sit where he can see the song lyrics on the screen or share your hymnal with him. Help him turn to the scripture reading, following along with your finger while it is read. If an offering is taken, let your child drop the envelope in the plate or offering box. Model how to pray, sing and greet others.
3. Listen
Talk to your child about the importance of listening to people who God has placed over us: a teacher, a police officer, a parent. Explain that a pastor
is also placed over us by God. We listen to him because he teaches us God’s truth. He does this in Big Church during the sermon. When you go to worship, give your child a small, age-appropriate assignment to help her listen to the message:
- “Write down three words you heard that you didn’t know.”
- “Draw a picture of something the pastor talks about.”
- “Write down something true that God showed you through the sermon.”
Set them up to win.
Now that you’ve set an expectation for how you want your child to act in Big Church, take a few steps to help her meet that expectation.
· Have a special “church-only” tote filled with a Bible and noise-free activities for your child to do during the service. If your church does not allow food or drink in the sanctuary, do not bring them for your child. Even if they do allow it, think twice about bringing it from a noise and mess perspective. Leave electronics at home. Make sure your phone is off limits to your child during the service.
· If Children’s Church does not teach your children the songs sung in Big Church, burn a CD of them for your child to listen to in the car, during room time, etc. Even better, if your church has its own worship CD, play it so your kids will be familiar with the music.
· If possible, introduce your child to your pastor and worship leader. A child is more likely to Behave-Follow-Listen if she feels seen and known by the person leading the service.
· In your early attempts, consider giving a reward for meeting the expectation of Behave-Follow-Listen: “If you follow along, behave well, and listen
during the service we will go for ice cream after church.”
Debrief and reinforce.
After attending Big Church together, remember to talk to your child about how it went and what could go differently next week.
· Ask your child for feedback: “What did you learn in church today?” “What was your favorite part of worship?” “Tell me about what you drew.” Talk about what you liked from the sermon in terms they can understand.
· Affirm success: “I liked how you sat quietly and colored, even though the sermon went long today.”
· Correct failure: “Next week I want you to try to wait to ask me questions until after the service.”
· Reset/re-emphasize the expectation of Behave-Follow-Listen for next week.
· Reinforce the sermon message: plan a family devotion or service activity to correspond with what the pastor talked about.
Persevere.
Be patient and don’t give up!
It takes many offerings of leafy greens before a child learns to eat them, and many more before she learns to enjoy and value them. Big Church is also an acquired taste and a learned value. Allow your child time to develop his taste for the spiritual food of corporate worship. The act of worship takes self-control – believers of every age must learn to set aside distractions and devote our full attention to the adoration of God. Self-control takes time to develop for all of us, and especially for children. Give grace during that process. The One you are training them to worship is a patient Father to you. Persevere in training your child to take his rightful place among the community of believers. Before you know it, Big Church will be just the right size for everyone in the family.
Give ear, O my people, to my
teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a
parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and
known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done. Psalm 78:1-4
