Sunday's Psalm

Back when I was thirteen years old, I attended a mother-daughter Bible study at a local church. We studied Proverbs thirty-one and a wonderful book titled Stepping Heavenward. Our class also memorized Psalm twenty-seven. Actually, each of the attendees was given a section of Psalm twenty-seven to memorize. Then, our entire class recited the chapter for the rest of the Bible study classes on the last day of the semester.

Shamefully, I can't always recall all of Psalm twenty-seven like I should. However, the Lord has used either parts or all of this Biblical psalm many times in the last eleven years to refocus my thoughts toward Himself. I've also been comforted by Psalm twenty-seven when my heart was otherwise broken. Tonight, I was once again reminded of Psalm twenty-seven and so I decided to let it be this Sunday's Psalm. May it bless you as it has in my life.

Psalm 27:1-14 (NIV)

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Friday Firsts: Being An Adult

This week's Friday First was supposed to describe the first time I felt grown up. However, I completely forgot the assignment! Sorry, Sandy. So, I am writing my Friday First post today instead. The first time I "thought" I was an adult was in 1997 (around age twelve) when my family moved twenty minutes from my childhood home. It was a difficult time in the family business and the house my parents bought was a real fixer-upper. I remember having family Bible studies and meetings where I began praying aloud for the needs of my family and friends. During that year, I recommitted my life to Christ and began an on-going, serious, everyday relationship with the Lord.

The next time I thought I was an adult was during my second year at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. The 2001-2002 school year was particularly difficult. I was the only professing Christian student in the Blind Department. Even though I had very supportive teachers and "dorm parents," I was lonely. I had several experiences in the spring semester that were emotionally challenging and draining in which I often felt like "an adult," especially among my peers.

In the summer of 2002, I visited the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was my first missions trip abroad. And even though I stayed with family friends, the trip really impacted my life in many ways that made me feel grown up. My "small world" perspective was changed into an intense, "large world" passion for Christian missions.

A year later, in the Spring of 2003, our family took care of a lady whom I affectionately called Nana. She was like a grandmother to me. At first after her husband died, Mom and I helped Nana at her apartment. Then, when her body became too ill due to cancer, Nana moved to our home with hospice care. Nana lived with us for one month before her home-going to Heaven on May 4, 2003.

The events surrounding Nana's life and death were what truly ushered me into adulthood. Ironically, those same experiences prepared me so well for my own journey of living with a terminal disease (HPS). Nana taught me how to be an adult that courageously lives, but gracefully dies into the saving arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shopping

Even though it's only nine o'clock, it might as well be midnight. I'm exhausted tonight and I don't want to overdo it. I don't want to get sick. Mom, Qavah, Paul Burton, and me spent the afternoon shopping and running errands.

We went to Target and I got some things for work. I also got a new lamp shade for my nightstand light. It's purple and has dangled beads on it. I came home and tried it out right away. I love it! How absolutely wonderful to find a purple lamp shade that's not too trendy, but elegant and adds a bit of whimsy to my nightstand. None of you might think it a big deal or a real joy, but I do. It makes me smile. The only thing I didn't find from my list at Target were boots.

I'm needing to backup my files. I have 23gb worth of pictures on my computer. problem is I have no idea of how to get as many pictures as possible unto a cd. Colin suggested making a data dvd, so I'm going to try that. The memory stick I have is only 1gb, so that won't work. If any of you computer pros have ideas, please share them!

Eye Games

Yesterday, I reset my clock after the power was off for a few hours. Since I wake up at the same time most days of the week, my internal clock is programmed to wake up at a certain time. This morning, I was especially thankful the Lord made our bodies the way He did, because my alarm clock didn't go off. The power had gone off again sometime in the middle of the night and my alarm clock doesn't have a back up battery, so it was blinking twelve o'clock a.m. instead of eight o'clock a.m.

Once I got out of bed, I reset my clock, went out of the room for ten minutes total, and upon returning the clock was blinking again. I was very puzzled. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Apparently in the time that it took me to brush my teeth, the power had gone off again. That is when I decided to forget about my clock and not set it until I got home from work. I wouldn't be in my room all day anyway. I was getting tired of setting it only to have my work foiled due to the electricity and weather.

Tonight, I was in the kitchen talking to Mom when I briefly glanced at the ziploc bag on the counter. I took a handful of "almonds" and joyfully popped them into my mouth. I immediately started to sputter and gag. What I had put in my mouth was obviously NOT almonds! That is when I looked down at the counter, only this time with more attentiveness. There were two identical gallon-size, clear bags. One bag did contain almonds, but the other bag had DOG FOOD in it. I had popped a handful of dog food, not almonds, into my mouth! No wonder I gagged. Dogs may be "man's best friend," but their food certainly isn't!

Wednesday's Writings

I did write about my "Terrific Tuesday", so if you haven't read it, then I encourage you to do so. I had some thoughts written for Veteran's Day. I'm posting early today, because our power is about to be cut off for awhile. I think only for a few hours, but I'm not sure. I have not heard from Mom or Dad yet, but I know they had a busy evening and so did we at home.

"A great point is reached spiritually when we stop worrying over personal matters or over any matter. God expects of us the one thing that glorifies Him - and that is to remain absolutely confident in Him, remembering what He has said beforehand, and sure that His purposes will be fulfilled." -Oswald Chambers

Today, I am choosing to remain confident that the Lord has great purposes for Qavah's life. Please join me in praying that this is the season for her physical healing.

Terrific Tuesday

Since I didn't have to work today, I had an orthodontist appointment that was important, as I really needed my new retainers. Today's harp lesson went well, too. The music, especially the music theory, I am learning is definitely challenging, but I see the benefits in all areas of my life...not just with harp. It is stretching my mind, using both sides of my brain, teaching me to pay attention to details, and bringing much joy to my spirit. Today, I got through an entire song. I also enjoy playing alongside someone else as a duet.

So many times, the Body of Christ has blessed our family. Tonight was just another example of the ministering I have received throughout my life. Dr. Short, his wife, and their two children visited for the evening. The children take harp and violin lessons, so they brought their instruments and did a concert. As I was listening to the music and catching up with Mrs. Short, I just marveled at the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord that is displayed through this Christian family. My parents have known Dr. Short and his wife since before they had children. Some twelve plus years later, the children are blessing others with their God-given abilities.

The prayers and lives we live really do affect future generations. Speaking of, I do want to mention that today was Veteran's Day. To the families of veterans: I may not know the names of your loved ones, but God knows the exact name of your loved one and the heroic service they performed. This is my prayer for you and the veterans out there:

Dear Lord, thank you for the many veterans who did not "take a day off" of their military duties when called upon to serve. I ask for blessings upon them and their families. May our Country honor them rightly with how we speak of their service, including the veterans of today's wars. Lord, the is never true freedom without the shedding of blood. So I thank the veterans of the USA who made it possible for me to live on this earth in freedom. And I praise You, Jesus, for shedding your blood so that my soul could be eternally free. Amen.

Monday's Memories

When I was seven years old, I received the Samantha Parkington American Girl doll for Christmas. I remember imagining the many hours of fun I would have being mommy to my new daughter Since Samantha wasn't a baby doll, I "adopted" her and she came home to me just like I did with my family. I also changed her name to Samantha Rose-Parkington Campbell.

I played with Samantha so much that her hair was straggly after just a few years, so Mom trimmed her hair short. Then, she never did look the same as the doll I was so excited about on that Christmas Eve. However, I still tried to give her a good up-bringing.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I learned that Samantha Parkington would no longer be available for purchase after this Christmas. So I decided to finally send my Samantha Rose to the Doll Hospital for some tender loving care. This All-American doll came home today with a smile on her face, a hospital gown (which I should wash because of MRSA), her idenification wrist band, a balloon that says "Get Well Soon," and discharge instructions. Smantha Rose has been cleaned and her hair was replaced. She is now ready for a new generation of care-givers, but I will always be her Mommy.

"Ear-Full"

Yesterday, my internet was down, so that is why I didn't post. I've had a busy and fun weekend. Today, we had my Grandparents, Whitney, Colin, Jennifer, and Uncle Rick (from Portland, Oregon) here for an afternoon of music, soup, and talking together. The weather was crisp again, a typical November day.

I enjoyed watching Qavah, Annelise, and Nehemiah partaking in the family festivities in their own way. Qavah and Annelise danced to the lively music, while Nehemiah laid contently on Great-Grandma's lap, showing his approval with serious stares and joyful babbling. Tonight, I plan to hit the pillow with a smile on my face.

Thank you Lord for the ability to hear the sounds of music that filled our home today. I praise You as the Creator for the talents You have given the Campbell family. May future generations use their gifts to Your honor and glory. Amen.

Friday Firsts: Email

Our first family computer was actually for business use. Dad bought it in the mid-nineties after starting the family engineering company when he was laid off at IR in 1993. We converted the basement playroom into my Dad's first office. The room was large, but rather cave-like. There were no windows except for the sliding glass door that led onto the downstairs porch and backyard. The overhead room lighting was florescent and we used a wood-stove for heat in the winter months. "In those days," there was no computer-aided design (CAD) software for mechanical engineers, so my father bought a big green drafting board.

The computer was used mainly for bookkeeping and administrative duties. However, once Dad and Mom were finished with their business tasks, they would let my brothers and me play on it. One of the first computer games we ever had was Clyde. It was this little old man that had to navigate through an obstacle course to collect the appropriate number of gems. There was sound, but it only came out of the small computer speakers. It was rather pathetic compared to today's technology, but I remember my brothers and I being so excited about the new "high-tech toy!"

Once the family business became more established in 1995, my father got another phone line and that was when we got internet. The first phone company we used was Bell Atlantic and the first email provider was Juno. We chose Juno, because we could have multiple email accounts for free. Forget sending attachments, though. That wasn't even an option "back then." I just remember being so impressed with Juno, because I could change the font and background colors of my email message. I remember the first colors I used was yellow text on a purple background. I was also overjoyed that I could simply backspace to fix spelling errors, instead of using an eraser (which I dislike to this day..it makes me cringe fro some reason).

Even now, there are times when I wish we still had Juno, because that software was very user-friendly. It didn't have a lot of extra, confusing menus or features. This "Friday First" revolutionized the way our family corresponded with the "outside world." Today, checking my email is an ordinary task whereas receiving a letter in the mailbox is the a rare and exciting event. How far our world has come in just the last twenty-five years.

Dad's Birthday Celebration

Today was my Dad's birthday. He had to work as usual, which made me a little sad. I asked him tonight if anyone wished him a "Happy Birthday," at work but no one had done so. In fact, there are only two people where he works that have November birthdays.

We had a family celebration tonight minus Paul Burton (he was working). Colin and Jennifer gave Dad a DVD collection of Hercule Poirot. Mom and Dad both got excited as they talked about having "date nights" watching the tv series on the big screen in PB's apartment once Qavah is in bed (PB has given us permission to do so, since he works until late evening most nights during the week.) I told them they could have "date plus older kids' nights." Dad laughed and said, "Nooo..." Mom said, "That is not what we had in mind". *grin*

It's been fun to watch Dad be a father to Qavah this past year. She sure has kept him young! Since beginning my job, though, I've had my own special father-daugther time. Dad picks me up from work, so it's just the two of us together in the car for the fifteen minute drive home. Sometimes we talk about things happening in our family. Most of the time, though, we discuss politics as we listen to Sean Hannity on the car radio. It might not seem that big of deal to most people, but I love the daily memories I'm making with my Dad.

Medical Update

Well, the car-ride (transportation) company I used this week to my medical appointments went well. They called me about two hours before my appointment to make sure I was still going. Then, they arrived at my work fifteen minutes early, so I ended up being quite a bit early at the doctor's office.

Yesterday's appointment was to see the orthodontist. I had to have molds made for the new retainers I pick up next week. Today's appointment was to visit the pulmonologist to discuss the results of my ct scan. While I'm not surprised at what the doctor found, it was sad and sobering news to hear. My left lung has a few "dark" patches that are consistent with the early stages of pulmonary fibrosis. Also, the pulmonologist believes I have asthma. He gave me a two week supply of a medicine I'm supposed to inhale twice a day. I also got a prescription for the Abuderal I had been trying for the past month. I'm supposed to use the Abuderal for "break through" attacks, such as if I've walked a long distance or I'm exposed to smoke-filled room. He said that even if I don't have trouble breathing, I should still use the Abuderal often to protect the lung capacity I have right now.

Tonight, I attended a missions conference, so my spirit is refreshed in one sense. I really needed tonight and the message I heard, because today was just a difficult day all around. I had a very keen awareness all day that this Earth is not my home. I'm thankful that my hope can be in the Lord, who is true, merciful, just and sovereign. I long for others to have the same kind of relationship that I have with God. I long for others to be filled with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and to have the peace that I can have as I go to bed tonight. No matter what happpens here, I know that the Lord is working everything out for my good and that someday, "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord".

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." -1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Did You Know?: Tuesday's Tip

Since I am very tired tonight, I don't feel much like writing. However, I'm *supposed* to blog each day. Soo...

Did you know that you can suck on a cut and then blow on it to ease the pain?

Yes, I know it sounds disgusting, but it's true. Dad taught me this last night when I kept complaining about a cut on my thumb. He said, "Just stick your thumb in your mouth for a minute and then blow on the cut to dry your saliva." I didn't want to try it at first, but then I decided to see if it worked since I had just washed my hands. He was right. The stinging pain of the cut lessened considerably.

Now, this tip is not something I really suggest doing often, because (1) it's just plain gross and (2) it's not healthy to stick fingers in one's mouth. However, if there is no other way to ease the pain of a cut, then you could try this tip. Apparently the saliva puts a "protective coating" that solidifies once dried (hence the blowing on the cut).

My first thought when Dad shared the tip was:

This sounds like a "worst case scenario" suggestion from a boy scout's handbook.

My second thought was:

I wonder if McGiver tried this!

The Power Of One

In general news it was a very hectic day at work, although it did go well. I was supposed to attend a meeting at 3:00, but that was postponed until next week. I'm always amazed at how God ordains our day. I needed that extra hour and a half at the office to finish paperwork and telephone calls. The next three days will be busy, as well:

Tues.- Vote, Work, doctor's appt. at 4:15pm
Wed.- Work, doctor's appt. at 3:40pm
Thurs.- Work, Dad's birthday celebration!

Below is a video that was shown at the church I attended on Sunday. It relates to the election and the power of one person. Jesus Christ would have still died on the cross had it only been for one person. The vote we cast tomorrow is powerfully important and life-changing, even if the Lord is the only one who knows which button we pressed.

May you and I look to the Lord and His Word for wisdom and discernment as we cast our votes. Then in the days to come, may we continue to pray for our leaders no matter who is chosen. It's only through the power of one person- Jesus Christ- that the hearts of our leaders will be eternally affected and changed long after the results of tomorrow's elections are tallied.

One Choice, Lots of Impact

Today is Reformation Sunday and as I celebrate in my heart the boldness that Luther had to confront sin and false actions, I know that many of us will have a choice to stand for truth on November fourth. I attended two church services where I heard testimonies of how missionaries (from the U.S. and abroad) are reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One choice a local church made eleven years ago to send missionaries into Iraq is now bearing fruit that includes schools, churches, pastors, and missionaries from Iraq. In fact, the Christian education is so "top notch" that government officials, whom are mostly Muslim, are sending their children to the Christian schools. Iraq's Ministry of Education exclaimed two weeks ago, "Please build more Christian schools so our children can get a good education". Little does he realize that full and eternal impact that these schools are having in his nation and elsewhere.

Think about what would have happened had the U.S. pastors said, "The vision to go into Iraq is just too hard. It's not worth the risk. I choose a different country". One choice can have far-reaching and lasting effects that will impact future generations.

A friend of mine wrote a bold and eloquent, but very truthful email outlining the reasons why he will be voting for McCain-Palin come Tuesday. Since I agree with everything my friend wrote, I have asked his permission to post the letter below. He did a much better job of summarizing the issues surrounding the elections than me. I know the letter is long, but please ready it anyway:

Dear Friends,

As you may know, although my work involves me in the political process in Virginia from time to time, I am not a political activist. However, this year, I am convicted and convinced that the national election for President, Senate and House of Representative offices is the most important election in our lifetimes.

What I have learned in the past few days has caused me great concern for the future freedom of our people. I heard an interview in which Sen Obama said he felt the Warren Supreme Court was not radical enough, that the Constitution was flawed and that more needs to be done to bring changes. The context of these remarks was about what the federal government could do, instead of the constraints placed upon it by the framers and the need to bring about more radical changes.

Much has been said about his views on “spreading the wealth around” or the redistribution of wealth. He is capitalizing on the human weakness of greed, when he appeals to the public about placing a higher taxes on the “rich.” We, of all people, should understand that God is the one who blesses some in this way and not others. Is it for the U.S. government to take it upon itself to redistribute this wealth? Currently, he defines “rich” as anyone making $250K or more each year. I would like to make that income myself and it sounds pretty appealing, but who is to say that that amount will continue to be the official dividing line between the “rich” and the not rich. I suspect that when government revenues fail to cover all of the spending the government wants, the dividing line will be adjusted down and it will continue to be readjusted down until nearly everyone who works and earns an income will be taxed at exorbitant rates.

Clearly, Obama is not satisfied with the “constraints” imposed on the government by the Constitution. He will undoubtedly appoint activist judges that agree with his views, and who will find rights in the Constitution through their own interpretations, that are not there (like a woman’s right to privacy which serves as the basis for choosing to kill her baby in the womb, or now, almost completely out of the womb).

His record on gun control and the 2nd Amendment was made clear by his position and votes in the Illinois Senate on a bill making it a crime for someone to use a firearm in self-defense and his position on the need to “register” gun owners.

I smell a very authoritarian government on the way, one that reinterprets and restricts the God-given rights acknowledged by the framers of our Constitution; one that implements “political correctness” to extents that are yet unimagined. Up to this point, I suspect that you may agree with most of what I have said.

Now, I will take it a step further. I have heard that some within the “faith community” are reluctant to vote for the McCain-Palin ticket because they don’t trust them completely or that McCain’s commitment to God is either unknown or suspect. These well-intentioned fellow believers think that by either sitting out the election or by voting for some unknown third or fourth party candidate is somehow being more faithful to God. I don’t argue with anyone’s convictions, but I would ask those who believe this way, if this is really the course you think God would want for you, your children and the country.

Does God want our country to go down the road toward a Communist state, one that denies Him and persecutes His people? Maybe He will bring that about through the foolishness of the American people who don’t know Him or His ways, but we believers should not help to usher in this kind of government.

Make no mistake about it, this is where we will be headed if Sen Obama is elected President. The handwriting is on the wall. Only the blind could miss it. I encourage you to vote for the McCain-Palin ticket and encourage all your friends to do the same. If elected, they will undoubtedly make mistakes and decisions we don’t like. What President hasn’t? But, they won’t reduce and eliminate our freedoms and lead us into a Communist society. I don’t like everything McCain supports or has introduced. He wasn’t my first choice during the nominating process, but he is certainly my first choice now (can you guess).

Some folks talk about not voting for the lesser of two evils. I don’t believe this election offers us a vote between the lesser of two evils. I believe it offers us the choice of a vote for freedom vs a vote for greater evil in our land than we have ever seen.

Think about this. If Sen Obama is elected, there will be the most leftist government we have ever had, with the President, Senate and House, all in the hands of folks who “know what’s in our best interests” and aren’t afraid to take action on it. A President Obama will certainly appoint activist judges, not only to the US Supreme Court, but to the numerous unfilled judgeship at every federal court level in the country! Why are there all these unfilled judgeship? Because the Democrat majority in the Senate has been holding them in reserve for just such an opportunity.

With activist judges, who do not respect the US Constitution, in place all across the country, we can kiss our legislative process goodbye. The judges will simply interpret laws the way they want them, like the Kelo decision that gives local government the right to condemn and take any privately owned property it wants. That was just a foretaste of what will come.

Is this the kind of country we want for our children and grandchildren in America? If you are in the camp that has genuine doubts about voting for McCain-Palin, please pray fervently for God’s direction and exercise your right to vote in the election on Nov 4th and encourage those you know to do the same. We cannot afford to sit this one out.

Random Ponderings From My Brain

Today was a calm but especially happy day. Perhaps it was the sunny, seventy-degree weather. Perhaps it was because I had a harp lesson. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but I just felt the very near presence of the Lord today. I had His strength, joy, and peace in my heart.

November is finally here. Even though I had a good October (considering what's happened the last few years), I don't like that month. I even have trouble remembering how to spell October when I write checks or dates on paperwork. November is filled with important and some celebratory events. Tomorrow is Daylight Savings Day, so be sure to change your clocks when you go to bed tonight. Election Day is Tuesday, November fourth. Then, on November sixth our family will celebrate Dad's Birthday. November eleventh is Veteran's Day, so I get a paid holiday. Annelise will turn two on November twenty-fifth. And finally, don't forget to wish friends a Happy Thanksgiving Day on November twenty-seventh.

Words can be very strange at times. I had to write the word queue yesterday at work. Not c-u-e, but q-u-e-u-e. Very odd. And then take the word q-u-i-c-h-e. No wonder I have difficulty spelling words! I never did win at the spelling bees in school. Actually, I did not even get close to winning. I always felt bad for my other team members, because my brain "smarts" didn't help when it came to the language arts class. I've tried to understand the English language, but I still have difficulty with sentence structure and grammar. There are just some things in life that you have to accept without trying to understand the "why" behind the logic.