Read...and be blessed!

Folding your Flock

One of the most beautiful revelations of God is that He is our Shepherd. He is our personal Shepherd and He is the Great Shepherd of His flock--His people Israel and the church. Not only is He our Shepherd, but of all the animals God created, He chose to call us His sheep-and a sheep cannot survive without a shepherd.

The Chief Shepherd wants to shepherd His precious flock through His under shepherds. He raises up shepherds to watch over His flock, the church.

1 Peter 5:1-2 exhorts the elders to "Feed the flock of God which is among you... being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

The word "feed" means a lot more than giving food to eat. The word is polmaino, which involves the full responsibility of the shepherd-leading them to nourishment, but also guiding, guarding, tending, and folding the flock.

When Jesus spoke to Peter after His resurrection, He exhorted him three times, "Feed my lambs... Feed my sheep... Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17). The first and last exhortation to "feed" literally means to feed. However, the second time Jesus said these words he used polmaino, the word that means the fullness of shepherding.

I love the term, "folding the flock," don't you? In biblical times the shepherd folded his flock each night. He counted each one and made sure they were all in the fold, safe and secure from any wild beasts. He often slept in the opening of the fold to protect his sheep. During the day, he watched over them constantly with his rod and staff, and led them to green pastures.

God also wants you, as a shepherding mother, to fold your flock. One of the biggest things you do as a shepherdess is feed your children. That's what sheep do all day long--eat! They rarely lift their heads from eating grass! Now do you wonder why God calls us sheep? Don't think you are wasting your time when you seem to be preparing meals all day! This is a huge part of your shepherding.

But you do more than prepare meals. You tenderly nurture your flock. You gently shepherd as you nurse your baby and lovingly teach and train your little ones. But, you are not only a sweet caring mother. You are also courageous! You have the enormous task of protecting their minds, souls and spirits (1 Thessalonians 5:23). You are guarding them from evil-from all deceptions, delusions and the detours from God's paths that are everywhere in this society.

When the enemy comes stalking your children you are like a wild watchwoman as you grab your child from the jaws of the destroyer. That's what David, the shepherd of Israel did. Such was his courage that He would grab a ferocious lion by the beard and rescue his lamb from its mouth (I Samuel 17:34-36).

The farming shepherd works hard and sacrifices for his sheep because he loves them. Shepherding involves laying down our life for our lambs. Dear mother, you are doing a beautiful work each day as you reveal God's shepherding heart to your family.

Shepherding is so much part of who God is that He continues to shepherd us even in the eternal realm. Revelation 7:15-17says, "He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (polmaino) them, and shall led them unto living fountains of waters and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

God will never stop folding His flock. Because He is the Chief Shepherd, He will continue folding us throughout all eternity, leading us continually to greener and greener pastures and fountains of living waters. We will be totally satisfied and
contented sheep, and yet always being led to more and more.

Do you notice that He is not only the Shepherd, but also the Lamb-the Lamb that was slain and who bears the marks of our salvation in His body. And although He sits on the throne, He also dwells with us and enjoys the eternal days with us. He is now, and always will be, the "dwelling" Shepherd who loves to dwell with us and be part of our lives.

You also, as a shepherdess will always want to be with your sheep, to dwell with them, and to be part of their lives. Even an earthly shepherd would not take a lamb away from its mother or take the lamb out of the family flock. In the same way, a shepherd mother cannot part with her little lamb, even for a few hours. As they continue to grow, she still wants them around her to enjoy them and teach them in God's ways.

Don't only observe your flock. Fold them into your heart. Fold them into your secure and godly home. Fold them in to your daily prayers.

NANCY CAMPBELL

It's done!!!

After almost two full years, the termination of parental rights trial finally happened!!! Yesterday, Laney became legally free!!! Now, we can begin the adoption paperwork for her and her brother!!!

I never would have believed when I brought this tiny little bundle home from the hospital almost 2 years ago, that I would end up with an added gift-her brother!!! What a blessing both of these two are.

Although the parents never completed even one required class, drug test, etc. they still continued to fight and argue their defense up until the last moment and the father is appealing the termination. They are still allowing us to get started with the adoption while he is appealing. He has no basis for the appeal, so the case will be closed sometime in the near future.

Praise the Lord for His wonderful gifts-children!!!

Giveaway

There's something really cool I have share. It's about a giveaway. It's better than any giveaway I have seen online, and better than any other giveaway I have ever participated in.

I often wait until the Lord gives me something meaningful before I post to this blog. I often feel that if I don't have anything really important to share, I won't share anything at all. I want substance. I want inspiration, and a word of wisdom from God.

This week the theme I have felt so heavy on my heart has been giveaway. Or give away. Or give OURSELVES away. Thankfully, over the years I have come to realize that giving of ourselves away for Him, is what really REWARDS us. Living for ourselves doesn't do much for me.

The best giveaway is when we give ourselves away.

I have come to know this all too well. Raising six young children means I don't have much time for myself in almost any capacity. I have learned to accept that. I have learned to find the joy in giving myself away. And I cannot think of a more meaningful cause than to give myself away to six of the most adorable children I know.

I heard something very sad on a radio talk show just recently. A 30 yr. old married woman called to ask a question. She was very career driven, and stated that she never wanted kids. She was calling to say she had no girlfriends and wondered why, because she really wished she had a friend or two. It came down to the fact that she wasn't willing to give of herself. She also didn't want kids for that exact reason. I am sure there are so many other women in this country in the same position. They have bought into the culture's role for them, and worked hard on a career, which then made no time for children or other people in their lives. This woman sounded miserable and depressed.

I want what God wants for me. The Bible shows us clearly what we as women are supposed to be. He wants us to have children and give of ourselves to our family. In that we find a fulfillment so much greater than any career. Ask me. I had the dream career for 13 years. I still don't regret leaving it to be at home giving even more of myself and making a difference for the Lord through the lives of these little ones. There is a peace I have now that only God can give.

It really is the best giveaway I've found.

In the news...

Miss Lilyann has lost two teeth! She is anxiously awaiting a visit from the tooth fairy. When asked how this last one fell out, she said her and Miranda were "playing" dentist. When Miranda was questioned, it was found that she actually had done the "extraction"! Ewww...not my thing.

My little girl is growing up and losing her baby teeth. She is also an aspiring ballerina and singer songwriter. Love this girl! Here are some more recent pics...

A confession...

I always hated Super bowl Sunday. I remember as a child always getting in the car and heading over to some friends house for the big game. I never liked football, still don't. All the kids would run around trying to entertain themseleves while the adults did whatever it was they did while watching the game. I was always bored out of my mind. I was never into it. I don't get it. I don't enjoy watching sports on t.v. Actually, I don't enjoy watching sports of any kind, lol! I cannot seem to find the time for things like that. There is so much more to do. I cannot justify parking myself in front of a t.v. to yell at a bunch of guys running around a field when I have, like, 1,001 other things to do. And who cares who wins? That won't affect my life in any way. Maybe I take things too seriously? I don't know. Maybe I could join in, cheer on, and eat all the junk food. No. Then I would regret that I used this day to eat terrible, unhealthy food. Maybe it seems anti-social. I'm okay with that. Maybe it's just that my passions are much different-way different than team sports.

And to think I married a sports nut, who lives and breathes basketball, football, and golf. Crazy. Well, thankfully it's only one day out of the year. :)

Deep thoughts...

I really don't know where this post will go, I'm a little emotional right now, thinking about all I need and want to express...I really don't know if I can adequately put it all into words. 


I am... heartbroken...for what breaks the heart of God. My home is full...or is it? At least in my mind it seems...yet there are children every.single.day in this community that need us. I have 6. Yet, more need homes. Foster children and new born babies in all of our cities, and  babies and children in orphanages all over the world who get almost no stimulation daily, they need homes. Loving, christian homes.  I am only one. I want them all, but as one, I cannot take them all. 


I am... frustrated. Frustrated that the majority of people won't choose to see the need, and respond. Tonight a call came. An 8 yr. old girl living in a horrific situation needed somewhere to go. She was just removed, and scared, and yet, maybe, somewhat hopeful, and thankful that she was no longer there to be abused...yet I didn't have the space. Another friend got a call for two baby boys, and another sibling group of four needed a home tonight. All of these children need us. US. All of us. We are the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. What would He do? Would he pretend that this wasn't happening all around us in our own neighborhoods and communities? No, he would embrace them. We as christians need to lay our lives down for those that need us...especially innocent children. It's not about us and our comfort and our perfect little families anymore. It's about laying down our lives, sacrificially, and saying yes, yes, I will...for you Lord...because of all you've done for me and because it pleases you...and because you've asked me to.  


I am...responsible. Responsible to care, and to advocate for those children here in our own towns, and those around the world that need us. 


I am... confused. Why is it not that important to so many christians? Why do they look at us and say, "Wow, it takes a special person"? It really doesn't. It just takes an open heart and a willingness to lay down your life for another. Where is the church? 


There is a couple at our church that have started serving the homeless every sunday afternoon. I am so proud of them. They are meeting physical needs, providing clothing, blankets and food...and they are not leaving out the gospel, as they share the words of God's love for them. This is wonderful. People are stepping up, giving to the cause, helping out. We also jumped in on this as the Bible tells us to care for them. He also says to care for orphans, which is what the american foster child is. They are, essentially, homeless children.  For some reason or another, they have either been abandoned by their parents, or soon will be, or their parents can no longer care for them. Where is the emphasis on the importance of this? I don't see it, yet I see people jumping in to help the homeless adults without blinking an eye. Are children not just as important? Why isn't the church seeing this need...and encouraging each other in the need for christian families to step up and care for these precious children? 


I am...blessed. I cannot emphasize enough the blessings we have been so graciously given as we have cared for these children. We have been blessed with the gift of adoption, internationally, and here at home through the foster care system. We have new daughters and sons because we took the risk to care for the children around us that needed homes and families. I never would have believed the blessings could have been this BIG. I am in awe of how the Lord always gives us immeasurably more than we ever could have hoped or asked for. For that I am...forever grateful. Thank you, Jesus. 

Sweet baby boy....

Your name means "God is my light" and my prayer for you is that you know this truth to the fullest during your whole lifetime! You are precious in my sight and in God's eyes too. 


The first few months of your life have not been easy. It is not your fault, little one. You are a living miracle. It is not an accident that you are here. 


You have gradually changed over the short time you have been here. You are moving more now, and although your little muscles won't allow you to move the way you need to, you manage to find a way. 


You are smiling and giggling now...no more screaming fits all day long. This mama is SO happy! 


May God continue to guide us and shine his light before us on this journey, little one!