TOTALLY CONFUSED

I don't think I understand what is going on in my life anymore. I don't think I was ever one to have everything figured out, but things just didn't bother me. Somewhere in time, I have become a critical, negative, maybe even bitter person. Do I like myself for it? No! I think I have lost sight of who I really am in Christ. It's easy to get sidetracked. It's easy to go from the utter presence of God to barely feel Him with me.
I see things in a different light now. I don't want to, but I do. I'm more offensive and easily angered. Small, unimportant things get to me. Why can't I let most of it go? I have been so hurt in my life. Not just recently, but throughout my whole life. I have endured ridicule, sarcasm, hate, and much more. I forgave and moved on. I overcame my past by allowing God to have control of my present and future. Why is it so hard for me now? Why is forgetting getting harder with time? I should be a pro at forgiving and forgetting, but with each passing day I feel me slipping farther and farther into a black hole of hurt and anger. I feel suffocated at times. I feel there is no way out.
I need you Holy Spirit to help me. I need you to guide me into all truth and wisdom. I need your peace and joy to take me to new heights. I need your strength to carry me in the weak areas of my heart. My heart is so ugly and full of disappointment. But you come and create a clean heart. You wipe away the tears and bring healing. I accept the Blood of Jesus to wash away every ounce of hurt, disappointment, resentment, bitterness, anger, and all the emotional scars that went with it. Jesus, forgive me for not being more like you. Forgive me for the complaining and whining and the gossipping. Forgive me of the unforgiveness. Forgive me and wash me clean. Remove the stain until you remain.
I pray peace over my enemies. I pray love and acceptance over them. I pray truth and compassion to be their companions. Let the Love of Christ reign in their hearts and in their lifes.

Is LOVE really enough?

Many people often say Love isn't enough to keep a relationship together. I don't know if that is true or not, but here is my opinion:
When do 2 people usually fall in love? I believe it's in a point in their life where everything is going good. They are on top of the world....their world. I believe it is in these good times that 2 people can fall in love. Wouldn't it be hard to fall in love in the midst of chaos? First off, your mind is not on trying to find someone. You're trying to get through difficult situations. This is how it was for me. I fell in love with a wonderful man when my world was good. I was happy, energetic and didn't have a care in the world. I married that man and had his son.
But let me tell you...it has been extremely difficult lately. We have been fighting a lot and getting on each other's nerves. It takes a lot for me to say this. Last night I sat in bed questioning my love for him. If something happened to him, or our son, would love be strong? I know I have affection for him, but was it love I felt thinking about the what if's? Then the Lord showed me that Love is not a feeling. LOVE IS A COMMITMENT. Through the good and the bad and the ugly.
Many people give up on love because they don't think they have it anymore. They fell in love when the "felt" it. They stayed in love because they got married next...a magical time. But the marriage doesn't last because love has lost it's power.
I believe LOVE is enough. God is love. "Three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love!" Love can conquer a multitude of sin. Love, if given properly, can overcome evil. It can overcome the anger and rage. If God is love, and many people leave marriage because love is gone, does that mean that God is gone? Does that mean He is not center of the marriage anymore? I believe so. I believe divorce and separation is not in God's plan for marriage.
My grandparents were married for 63 years. In the end, I know they loved each other. No, it was the glamor love like you have in the beginning, but it was an everlasting love that was meant to be for every marriage. I'm sure they had their difficult seasons, but they got through it.
I want that marriage. I am a bit of a romantic, and I do want the "glamor" love all the time, but I have to realize that love is a process. There are many stages and seasons in love and I MUST enjoy everyone of them....or life will pass by and I will be miserable and lonely. I love my husband, and I want to stay by his side. He is the only one I want to be with. He is the only one who still melts my heart, who my body still longs for, and who takes my cares away with just one kiss from his tender lips.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through EVERY circumstance. Love will last forever...

I realize that we are in a new place and chapter in our lives. Moving to Houston is a drastic change. Especially for two small town, country folk, like ourselves! Oh, how I miss the simple, country life. Long for it, desire it. I am thankful that both our parents still live in the country. We have a haven to retreat to when things get a little hectic. The fresh air, green grass, slow pace, front porch swings and horse watching! Everything makes sense when you are in your element. A Baker doesn't belong at a Butcher Block. But like most of the human race, he will adapt to his surroundings. He may not have what it takes to bake a cake, but he does have different tools and machines to use to create a different masterpiece. He may not have the mental capability to work with "meat", but when you are around it day in and day out, you learn things not in your area of expertise.

I am that Baker. I have been taken out of my element into a totally different place. A place I never thought I would live, much less survive. But like the Baker, I have learned to adapt to the city life. I don't like it. I am still country at heart, but I have learned a few different things here. Spiritual things.

Like the Israelites, even in the desert they were given Quail and Manna to "survive." I am beginning to understand what my Quail and Manna might be. But I do realize that the Quail and Manna were only suppose to be a temporary satisfaction. It was not the ultimate fulfillment of their life. God didn't take them out of bondage just to have Quail and Manna. He took them out of bondage for the Land of Milk and Honey. Quail and Manna were just the "pit stop" of fulfillment. I am in the pit stop of life. After wondering around, I have discovered my temporary satisfaction here. It took a year, but I found it. I guess a year is better than 40!

But this also means the Promise Land must be around the bend. Whether it be next year or 10 years! I must not make this season of quail and manna the ultimate stopping ground. In other words, what I am learning now is not the last level God wants me to go to. There is a Promise Land of levels to reach.

Cloth Diapers!

Well, I took the plunge!!! After a considerable amount of reading and talking to friends about the benefits of cloth diapers, I decided to give them a try. I know I would be investing some money in this, so I didn't want to jump in it not knowing what I was doing! We just started them yesterday. I haven't done too many, because I'm still getting use to them. I do like the patterns, very cute. Plus, once I get the hang of it, I know I will like them. They are practical and so much better for baby.

So things I have read about disposable diapers put me into a state of shock. I had no idea how HARMFUL these things were. Yes, that's right, I said harmful! First off, they are full of toxins, perfumes and chemicals to help absorb more liquid. But because it is really absorbant, the toxins mix with the ammonium in the urine and can cause liver and kidney disease, cancer, suffocation and so much more. They have found that the same chemical in tampons that cause Toxic Shock Syndrome is the same chemical in Diapers. Crazy huh? And that's just the beginning! But the main reason I am doing cloth diapers is because it is better financially. I can use these same diapers on the next babies that come along. It does help potty train fast because the child does not want to sit in a wet cloth for long periods of time like they would a regular diaper.

I really hope it works out. So far so good. I have to tell what happened with the first cloth diaper I tried. I was a little nervous about changing a poopy cloth diaper. Just so happens the first diaper I had to change was a poopy one! Yay for me! Corban was a little unsure about the cloth diapers so he's fussing the whole time. I don't know where to lay the wipes once I'm done wipping! Finally got another diaper on him and he's still crying in one arm with the diaper and wipes in the other! Go to the trash can to throw away the wipes and Corban's pacifier almost falls in the trash. I caught it with the diaper hand. Gross. Thank God nothing touched it. Took Corban, the diaper and pacifier to the bathroom where I atempted to throw the poop away. It goes...PLOP, right on the toilet seat. I put Corban down, go back to the toilet and with paper, push it in the bowl. Flush it away, sanitize the seat, pick Corban up and all is well. What a great first experience.

Creativity

So I was in a creative mood today. Haven't had one of those in a while. I love doing artistic things, but sometimes I don't necessarily have the time. Because it has been so long since I've done any hands on projects, I was a little out of practice. But today, I went to Hobby Lobby and started to let my imagination run wild. Have to admit, I asked one of the associates to help give me a jump start into a project. Decided to do something I have NEVER done before: I made an arrangement basket.

It didn't take long, but I did it! Because I have never done this before, I don't even know if it looks good! I think it looks good considering I've never done it before! I think I am going to surprise my mother in law and give it to her on Wednesday. (Taking a trip to visit so she can watch Corban!)

On a different note: I would like to find a way where I can put my interest and hearts desires into a marketing catagory where I can start making a little money. I love to do artsy things and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to bake. Especially around the holidays! So if any of my fellow bloggers have an idea on how to make a little money using things I love to do, please let me know. I'm open to any and every suggestion.

Run for Fun

Well, I joined a running group last night! So excited! I needed to do this for myself. Not only to get into shape, but for some ME-time. It's a group of Moms that meet in my area of Houston and train for marathons! Our first one will be a 5K on October 3rd. If we are still wanting to continue training, there is a 10K marathon on October 31st. If we still want to go on, there is a half marathon sometime in February or March. I have always wanted to run in a marathon. I use to run cross-country in High School, but that was almost a decade ago. WOW! Life speeds along in the fast lane once you graduate HS!

Anyways, I met some wonderful moms last night. I am so glad that I bit the bullet and got out to do this. Corban had to come with me because Wes was working, and I didn't have anyone to watch my little Bambino! He loves the jogging stroller though. Loves the outdoors! I am, for the most part, a social person. I love people and talking and hanging out. But when you don't get out too much and you are always with a baby, you start to become some what of a recluse. Kind of like learning Spanish. I took 3 years of Spanish and don't remember any of it because I never was around anyone to practice. Same with me and new experiences. Because I am not around it all the time anymore, it takes a lot of effort on my part to step out of my comfort zone. But once I take the plunge, it all goes down hill from there!

We only worked on a mile last night. My goal by the end of this 8-week session is to be able to run atleast 5 miles. I'm pretty sure I will be able to do this....I HOPE!

I encourage you, even if you are not a runner, to get out atleast 30 minutes a day. Do something for yourself. This is a great time to reflex on the day, what you need to do and a perfect time for prayer. Praying in one of the best ways for time to go by fast when running. It is also a great stress reliever. I usually sing to myself when running or listen to my worship music. We can always go to the mall or get our nails done, or even rent a movie. But how often do we do a little exercise? I know I don't do it as much as I use to, but this is a brand new start for me.

So get up and get going!

Healthly Habits are right around the corner!

Coming Back

Well, after having Corban, I think my social life has slowed down tremendously. I use to be so good about checking my Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and Blog. Now, I realize it is months before I sign in again. I will try to be better at letting everyone know what is going on. Not that you would really want to know, but it's nice to be informed.

Corban is really growing. Already 5 months old, he is rolling forwards, backwards, upside down and around. Ok, not upside down, but he is everywhere. It won't be long before he is crawling around. Which reminds me that I will need to vacuum very often. You don't realize how dirty your house is until your child is putting things in his mouth and rolling around. He has already ate cereal, carrots, sweet potatoes and apple sauce. The carrots and sweet potatoes are homemade. You can't be too certain of what they are putting in baby food these days. Not that I'm entirely against it, I just like to monitor what goes in Corban's mouth, as well as mine and Wes'.

Life is pretty much the same here in Houston. Always fast pace. It hasn't been too bad lately. I guess you learn to grow where you are planted. Think about it: Most plants grow the best covered in manuer. I feel like I'm in a manuer factory right now. So maybe there will be some growth to follow. That is my desire right now. I long to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. I desire to know him in an intimate way as he designed for it to be. I feel lately as though I have walked through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. All around me, people I have loved and things I treasured have gone. My pastor prophesied over me and said that because of the intensity of death that has been in my life this last year, God is bringing a more intensity of LIFE in my life. I desire to let Living Waters flow out of me. I desire to let the Spirit of the Living God make himself known in my life to others. Living Waters- he didn't say Waters, or rushing waters. But living waters. All that touch the water of God will become alive. There are things in the waters of Christ that are Living.

LIVE AS THOUGH YOU HAVE NEVER LIVED BEFORE IN CHRIST. GROW AS YOU HAVE NEVER BEFORE GROWN IN CHRIST. AND DANCE AS YOU HAVE NEVER BEFORE DANCED IN CHRIST.

4 weeks old

My baby is already a month old! He is such a curious, energetic little boy. He celebrated his first holiday this last weekend. RESURRECTION SUNDAY! Most people know it as Easter. He was so cute in his yellow polo with matching plaid pants. Even though the size was 0-3 months, he is still too little to fit into them. But it was adorable. We decided not to have him hunt eggs. I think it would be a waste. Who do you think would eat the candle he would "pick up?" His daddy and me. Do we want to be eating candy till Halloween? I don't think so.

The hunt has begun.

His Nana took care of him for me Sunday. I was able to enjoy myself and my husband. Corban was in good hands. Nana changed diapers, fed and played with him. While mommy and daddy were having fun. Not that Corban isn't fun!!!!

THAT GO-CART WAS FUN!!!!

We had a great time hanging out with family. I love my family. There are 50 of us total, and when we get together, it's loud! When we are all together, there is one thing that is important to us all...food. That's the reason we see each other. Italians love food. So can you imagine what the dinner table is like once grace is said? It's a race to see who gets in line first. (Not limited to the young ones!) I wouldn't trade my family for anything in the world. My grandparents have 5 kids, 15 grandkids (9 are married), and 12 great grandkids (one is on the way). As you can see, we are still growing. Nothing beats family time!

This is my cousin LeaAnn and Aunt Laura. Don't let the patch scare you. She just had eye surgery.

this is an actuall
fight, just kidding!

So sad

I found out yesterday my grandfather passed away. He had been struggling for a long time. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 7 years ago and I guess that was the turning point. He had continued to fade away from us all. In these last days, I know he was happy and content.

I know he had found Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. It is comforting to know that I will one day see him again in the presence of God Almighty.

One of the sweetest things I have seen while watching my grandfather's life slip from ours was the relationship he had with my grandmother. I had recently sat with her and asked her if it was always this way between the two. "No!" Was her response. "Life was rough and hard. We didn't always get along and sometimes he was a mean man." Looking at the way they were with each other, you would never think they ever fought. I never saw a more true love than the love they shared with each other. I know in my own marriage, things get a little tough, but love holds the mold. I saw true love in the eyes of both my grandparents. It's not a first love look, nor was it a passionate one. The look in their eyes read tenderness and commitment. An adoration. They would of been married for 63 years this June. Not many people can say that these days. Most people can't say they've been married for 5 years.

I know my grandmother will miss my grandfather. I can't imagine losing a spouse. Especially after being together for so long. But they will be reunited one day. Heaven awaits this joyous reunion.

Corban was the last great grandchild my grandfather will ever see. We happened to go to their house after being discharged from the hospital. That was the first and last time Pawpaw saw me and Corban.

He's Here

Well folks, he is finally here. The miracle that we've been waiting for. CORBAN GAD CAMPBELL. Weighing in at 7lbs and 10oz and 20.25 inches long. What a blessing he has been.

I was in labor for 18 hours, but it was so worth it. The last 4 of those 18 hours I was laboring old school way...no pain medicine. I did get an epidural earlier in labor, but by the time pushing came around, it had worn off. Looking back, I don't think I would of done it any other way. I pushed for about 2 hours. It wouldn't of taken so long if I had thinned out all the way and if he wasn't turned sideways. That's what the doctor said.

I can't believe I am a mom now. There is nothing else like it! I didn't know my heart could make so much room for such a little guy. I now know what they mean when they talk about a mother's heart. I am responsible for this little boy. It's freightening and wonderful all at the same time. I am held accountable by God to make sure he grows up in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus. I wonder if I will make a great mother. If I will pass the test of parenthood and see the fruit of this labor when he is older?

But right now, my heart is content on being his everything. Completely dependant on Wes and I for love, care, support and nourishment. I love this little boy. More than words can say. My prayer for him is to grow up knowing Jesus loves him and knowing who he is in Christ. To be a warrior for the Kingdom of God and against the powers of darkness. I want him to be confident, loving and giving. I want him to be just like his Daddy. Always thinking of others before himself. A hard worker and a loving husband.

Long time no write!

It has obviously been a while since I've written anything on my blog. Part of it was because I just didn't feel like it and the other was because I had so much going on. But after reading some of my friends blogs (Colleen), I decided to give this a try again.

Since my last post Wes and I have been to Europe, painted most of our house (still have a lot to do), hosted Thanksgiving here, went to the EMS because of kidney stones, found out we are having a boy, celebrated Christmas and New Years, voted for John McCain, had 2 baby showers, went back to Kerrville for a visit, lost our sweet dog and now about to have a baby any day. I would go into more detail regarding most of these events, but it would take way too long. This blog is just an update of where we are and where we are going.

Our son Corban will be born any day now. His due date was the 10th of March and as you can see, we are past that date now. So it has to be any day. These are a few pregnancy photos we took back in January. It has been a great pregnancy. I have had so much fun carrying this active child and I can't wait to see how active he is once he gets here. I am so ready to meet him. He is going to bring so much joy and happiness to mine and Wes' life. His name is Corban Gad Campbell. Corban means a gift devoted to God. Gad means good fortune and trooper. He's going to be our little trooper.

Europe, here we come

Please pray for Wes and I. We will be flying out Tuesday going to Germany. Then on Sunday we will be flying into Rome. We are super-duper excited and can't wait to share with all our lovely friends and family our exciting adventure. I still can't believe that we are going there. We will return on Friday, Sept 12. Pray that this Gustav character will not keep us from being delayed. I feel like I've been delayed for 25 years!!!

Doctor's Appointment

We had our second Dr.'s Appointment yesterday. Everything went great! What a relief?! We heard the baby's heart beat. We didn't get to see the baby. Man, I had my heart set on seeing too. But hearing the heart beat was awesome. We even heard the baby move! What an incredible sound. I can't believe we are having a baby! We made it through the first trimester!
It was really emotional for me yesterday. I was crying. It was so good to hear the little heart beat. The essence of life. My first baby's heart stopped beating...but God has such a way to bring beauty from ashes. The same place where fire was found and ashes remained, is the same place where beauty and pearls where found. God is so good. He is so perfect with His redemption and His restoration. He has restored my womb to carry and protect my little one. He does it time and time again. Not just in my natural womb, but in my spiritual womb. The place where my godly character is being developed. The place where who I am in Christ is being carried out and protected. The Lord brings restoration to every area that we allow Him access too. I love the work of the Holy Spirit. What a comforter and a revealer of truth.
My final thoughts and encouragement:
Allow the Holy One of Israel to come into a place of "spiritual death" and bring restoration there. Allow Him to bring life, abundant life, to places where you thought would forever be dead. Constantly bear fruit. But we can't bear fruit in areas that are dead. Let Him prune His Bride to where we are spotless and blameless in His sight.

Day at the Beach

yesterday, wes and i decided to pack up the truck and head to the beach. and that's just what we did. we packed a great lunch and snacks and took off. we had the best time. it was needed. wes has been working 12-13 hours a day and comes home extremely exhausted. i'm not working right now so i am completely bored. i wanted to treat him to a relaxing day. first thing we see when we get there is a dead jellyfish on the beach. then we took for the water and i found another one 5 feet from me. let's just say, wes had to do some convincing to get me in the water again. i've never seen one so close before. let me say that again. i've never seen a jellyfish before.
what is it about the beach that you get so tan? i can lay out at my house for 1 hour and get barely anything, but at the beach...i lay out for 30 and get dark. i love it. we love being together and it was the perfect day!

Missing Kerrville

I think everyone knows how we feel about Kerrville. We were only there for a year, but it felt more like home than anything we were use to. My friend told me the reason for us missing it so much is because it fit our personalities. She was right. Kerrville is a place to let yourself be yourself. It's a place to experience nature and the great outdoors with vulnerability. I remember the weekends were our favorite. We would pack the truck up and head somewhere. It didn't matter where. We knew the road would lead to somewhere adventurous. One of our favorite places we loved to go to was the Holcomb's Ranch. Located right outside Junction, a 800-acre ranch with the Llano River running through it. This picture was taken there right before Christmas 07. We went out there a couple of times. It's hard not to get jealous, but we were just thankful that the Holcomb's were one of our good friends. They are elders at a local church in Kerrville and the sweetest people who will ever meet. They love the Lord and are called to set captives free. They set Wes and I free. Not just spiritually, but also free to enjoy life.
Houston is getting a little better for me. Yesterday, I wanted to go to Walmart to get somethings. Traffic was so bad that I literally turned my car around and went right back home! I just laughed because I didn't even want to fight it. Besides, I've been really short-tempered lately due to the pregnancy hormones. Which by the way I am 11 weeks and 1 day today. Almost done with the first trimester.

TRANSITION TIME

Transition. What a word. Wes and I have recently been in a transition period. I think at some point we all have. It’s never easy, but it’s worth it. I know in my own life’s experiences that when I go through a period of transition, going from one state to another, I realize it is God’s work at play here. I will admit, some transitions are not so bad. When Wes and I moved to Kerrville, a place so different than what we were use to, it would of seemed that it would be hard for us. But actually, it was a smooth start. We did have some rocky places, but not a lot.

Now, we’ve moved to Houston. Another place that is different than what we are use to. And even though we are still in God’s will like we were moving to Kerrville, it’s just a different season. That is the best word to describe transition, seasons. In each phase of our life, we can God is trying to teach us things. Not only teach us, but to maybe show us areas in our lives that do not line up with the Word of God, so we must go through things that will refine and define our character.

Wes and I are here fulfilling God's will in our lives. Until we walk it out, it will be a little miserable and uncomfortable. But we must keep persevering and pressing in.