Seeking Joy In Life's Everyday Moments: April 2009

"Mommy, why does God need Daddy?"

Anyone got an answer for that question? When my precious little one looks at me, as she is cuddled up in her bed, how do I respond to that?

~I have a few responses I could share, but I want to look deeper so that I may give her truth, not just what sounds good or what I've been taught, but God indeeds for me to share with her.

~It's not that God needs her daddy, but that God "ordains the days of our life" and knew when Ryan's life would be over. God has used Ryan's death, to glorify Him. This may be a difficult way to view the death of your loved one, but it's our chose to choose how you are going to look at your loss. I've made the choice to look at it this way because I TRUST and BELIEVE God loves us and that there is a purpose for ALL things that happen. It hurts, but I came to a realization that life is not about me, my kids, my family or friends. But we are here on this earth for one purpose... to honor, worship, and glorify our Father in heaven.

If you have any answers to share please do. Comment and let me know what your thoughts are... I'm gonna continue to search. But first I have to pick up my kids.

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~ Erma Bombeck

New family pics

We recently got some new family photos done. I can't wait to get the rest back. My friend Kirsten does an amazing job. This is another one of those things I've had to get used to. A family picture... that may sound weird, but the idea of us without "daddy," or "my man" in them took some adjusting for me. It always felt like a broken family. Maybe some of you understand what I mean? Do you? Or am I alone on this one? Anyhow, I have grown to realize this is my family!!! Perfect in God's eyes. And... I need to accept it. (Even if I don't like it) With time it has become easier which I am thankful for. Plus, I am grateful my 3 gorgeous blessings that God has given to me. So, here it is... The Campbell Family!

My Story...

On Dec. 2, 2006, I received the phone call every wife prays they will never recieve! "There's been an accident, and Ryan has been hurt."
(...two days earlier, Ryan and 3 co-workers/very close friends, had boarded a cruise ship for a short 3 day retreat to Mexico.) While on board enjoying a walk around the observation deck Ryan noticed a small platform, above them. Being his spontaneous, impulsive self, Ryan climbed up. As he pulled himself up, he was hit from behind by the HUGE rotating radar antenna. (He never saw it coming!) Ryan feel about 10feet and lie unconscience in his friends arms.
They couldn't transport Ryan from the ship w/o bringing it into port in San Diego. Once there they took him to UCSD. He remained there in a coma for 12 days before he went home to be with the Lord. We were thankful Ryan was able to be a organ donor, allowing us to give others the hope for healing. We prayed for a miracle and we got one. It may be not have been the miracle of Ryan's body being fully healed, but he was fully restored and made whole in Christ, on Dec. 14th.
During those days we were in S.D. God made Himself known in SO many countless ways. His provision, support, comfort, direction, care, and love blew me away! It's possible to make decisions in times like these, yet God always gave us confirmation and peace with each decision we had to make.
Ryan spent his life living for the Lord. He wasn't perfect, but he lived his life with purpose making an impact on everyone who met him.
I was priviledged to have been married to my best friend and the man of my dreams for 8 1/2 yrs. We served in youth ministry for 7yrs in his home church. I am blessed to have 3 precious pieces of Ryan that God has entrusted to me (for now). Of course it's difficult not having their amazing daddy here to watch them grow and be a part of our lives, but he left a legacy we will forever cherish. God used Ryan while he was here, but He is also being glorified through Ryan's death.