I almost do this list out of obligation for blog world because everyone else on the scene does one, but I’ll try to make mine somewhat original.

1.  For Christ – who shows me every day that I am an ugly sinner.  But, no matter how ugly I am – He has saved me with an abundant grace that transforms that ugliness.

2.  EC – EC is definitely the best gift ever given to me.  And I’ve had some good ones.  But, EC is the one person that I don’t get tired of being with, I love to laugh with and be silly with, I cry with.  Love – you are treasured by me.  I hope I have many years to show you how much you are treasured!

3.  Faithful preaching of the Word of God – being at FBCDurham and under the preaching of Andy Davis has been a blessing.  He is faithfully going (slowly) through Hebrews.  It has encouraged me every Sunday.

4.  Friends.  So many in particular, but I can tell them in emails.  I love them – and I love them dearly.  It is great to have friends.

5.  Travel.  It is a blessing to be able to travel.  I took the longest road trip of my life this year up the East Coast and into Canada.  I’d do it again tomorrow.  To see the beauty of the world God created – for me to enjoy – and to give Him great glory.

6.  Laptops.  I love them.  That means that I can do my writing from anywhere: like Madhatters, my red couch, or Panera.  It is definitely wonderful to have portability.

7.  My Parents.  Who care for me, love me, and still love me after all these years.

8.  My Granny.  She passed away on March 3.  I still miss her to this day and every time I talk about her I do cry.  I miss you, Granny.  This will be our first Thanksgiving without her.

9.  The folks I work with at Providence/Treasuring Christ: Steve, Blake, Bryan, Nick, Laurie, Tana, Amy, Jennifer, Michele, Laura, Shannon, Daniel.  Ya’ll are a blessing to this endeavor.

10.  For a life that I’ve always wanted.  A husband who loves me, a church that preaches the Word, a job that allows me to do what I love, reach the world, and do it from anywhere I want, friends who love me and care about me, and hope of when it is all gone – I’ll have something far better.  I was not made for mud pies and I wasn’t made for this world.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

No, this isn’t primarily a post on Thanksgiving – or even close.  Maybe I’ll get to that on Wednesday. 

1.  I am learning every day what it means to be my husband’s help-meet – one suitable to him and him alone.  He helps me in that endeavor.  If you are a wife: are you striving to please God by learning and studying your spouse so you can be a better helper to him?

2.  First thanksgiving to cook for the in-laws.  I’m not nervous about cooking – but I have more thoughts running around in my brain and heart.

3.  Yesterday I was thinking how my life looked so different from this time last year.  I wasn’t watching an NFL game – rushing home from church to catch kick-off.  I don’t know when I would have time to watch football now.  Life is busier.  And yes, I do miss football.  I guess some things gets pushed out for more important things.

4.  I am starting to think about my 2012 goals – not trying to overdue it, but to have achievable, specific goals – and lofty ideals that I would like to move toward.  Already I can think of my 2011 goals and how none of them came about – but something more important happened that I was unaware of when I wrote them.  I got married.  But, God’s plans are definitely better than our plans!

5.  There are many changes going in life.  At some points I do miss the familiarity of the past – but anticipate great things with the One who orchestrates everything in my life.  May I continue to walk with God like Enoch did (great sermon by my pastor, Andy Davis, here).

6.  What are you giving toward to this holiday season: charities, etc. I often feel bad for not giving to everything that rings or has signs posted when you check out.  But, I don’t think it is right that we give to every cause under the sun.  We need to be mindful and prayerful about where we spend our money. 

Links.  One general comment about some of the discussions going around blog world these days.  Why don’t we quit with semantics and agree to believe the Bible and love Jesus.  Really?

1.  Love this discussion about dad-moms (working, not working at home) between Laura Ortberg and Owen Strachan.  Provides o thought in a world that may not value the gender roles (or some aspects) that Scripture prescribes.

2.  My friend, Courtney, writes a sweet and true Thanksgiving blog from Psalm 103.

3.  Do you tend to get antsy when your schedule gets very demanding?  I know I do – even though I thrive in a season of busyness – I think I did that better before I was married.  Now, my thought is how in the world am I going to get everything done while my husband is at work so I can be able to spend time with him?  This post by Stephen Altrogge will come in handy, especially during this holiday season.

4.  I’ve been having conversations about this reality lately.

5.  How fresh do you eat?

6.  This post rang too true for me.  Another reason I really do like not having internet at home.

7.  I enjoyed going to this last Christmas, and I plan on going this year!  She has come fun gift ideas!

8.  My talented and thought-provoking friend, Rebecca, on rest. (Yes, even as a grad student).  She has always been a source of thought for me.  I can’t wait to hopefully see her in February in Savannah.

 

There always has to be the part of a trip when you hit the return button.  Well, when we left Stanhope, we knew we were heading home.  But, I have such a planner of a husband that he didn’t just make the return trip driving – no, he had wonderful things in store for us even as we returned to Durham.

Our first stop was St. John, New Brunswick.  We took the scenic route and went to St. Maartens and visited the Bay of Fundy trail (which was closed for the season).  But, I stuck my feet in the really cold water and enjoyed the views from the roadway.

We then found a random way to our port city hotel (which was lovely, but what was not lovely is having all the roads closed due to construction around our hotel).  We finally checked in.  The only disappointing meal we had the whole trip was in St. John – but the caesar salad was incredible!

When we left Canada and checked back in to the USofA – the patroller said “Welcome home, Mr and Mrs Campbell”  That was great to hear – and yes, I’m always glad to be back in America (where gas is cheaper and we measure by miles!)

Our first stop was Providence.  Such a beautiful (but totally need Jesus) city.  EC got to play in the First Baptist Church of America on their grand.  He played a faithful hymn that was special him and his mentor at SBTS.  Our beautiful hotel room overlooked the capitol building and it was a lovely site at night.  We were “honeymoon” hooked up with dinner and breakfast and robes and our wonderful view room.  We love the guys at Renaissance Providence!

Our last stop was Philadelphia.  One of those cities that I have wanted to go to but hadn’t had the chance to go to yet.  EC had been there for a short stay but hadn’t gotten to do much.  The best meal for me on the honeymoon was at Bonte’ for breakfast and some stellar almond chai.  Then we did the typical historical touristy stuff, and drove by Tenth Presbyterian Church – a faithful church in that community for so long.

We left there shortly after 6pm and headed to our home.  Our trip was lengthened (but strengthened) by McDonalds and Super Target and was more enjoyable by my singing the Twelve Days of Christmas, regular version, country version, KC version.  Who knows – but I had the task of keeping my husband awake.

EC – you planned a great trip.  I’d gladly take another one with you any day!

Number one place on my bucket list has now been marked off – and I would return tomorrow or any other day.  Well worth the drive, friends.

Prince Edward Island, also known as the Gentle Island, or the home of Anne of Green Gables, was the longest stay on our two week road trip of a honeymoon.  I have always wanted to go and can’t believe I got to spend 3 days there in a lovely place with my husband.

I got excited everytime I saw a sign that said the island was coming and especially when we were driving over the Confederation Bridge.  Such an experience.  Then to catch my first glimpse of the red sands and Charlottetown.  Breathtaking.  I was so giddy.  Poor EC.

Yes, I wanted to go for all of the Anne of Green Gables I could see, and was disappointed when we learned that much of it is filmed in another Canadian province (can we say another road trip?).  But, I gained much more from these three days…

Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery – who lived on PEI in Cavendish (I do believe).  We went to her homestead and walked around, read quotes, walked through the garden, saw a well, walked down the same paths, walked the Haunted Woods and Lovers Lane (which she used to be inspired to write parts of the novels).  We took a tour through the house that inspired Anne of “Green Gables”.  We drove up to White Sands Hotel (where Anne met Morgan in the movie) which is really called Dalvay-by-the-Sea.  Everywhere you looked you saw rolling hills, gorgeous countrysides, beautiful sunsets, red sands, cliffs, amazing beauty. 

We ate mostly in Charlottetown for some really good fish and chips and ice cream and PEI burgers (see honeymoon eats a few posts down). 

We stayed at Stanhope Beach and Conference Center and got the honeymoon suite (301) which was situated on the corner of the island and had a back and front deck, spa tub, living room, and front windows that overlooked the water.  I could live there forever and never get sick of it.  And yes, I mean that.

So, if you ever need a trip – and I mean a trip – go in the off season and enjoy the most relaxation (and hiking and food and water) on the Gentle Island.

Here it is – our one month anniversary and I’m just not getting around to posting this!  Thanks for being patient ( I told some folks it was coming, it was coming)!  Let me give props to my husband – he planned this whole trip.  That is initiative and it was a wonderful blessing to us both. 

We stayed in Durham for two days before we left on a 12-day road trip.  Those two days were spectacular, so glad that it was close to home and a place that is very dear to both of us.  My husband did a wonderful job picking out the location!

Next we were on our way to DC.  Yes, our nation’s top city.  We both love DC and had not been there together, so we did some sight-seeing (disclaimer: we had watched National Treasure with the Finnlings on July 4 since it rained and we were laughing about one day seeing some of the places).  We got to eat great food at the Taste of DC event.  My husband knows that I am a foodie and he planned well for this trip.  Then we hit bucket list item #2: see something at the Kennedy Center.  Maybe the best one moment of our trip for me was walking into the Kennedy Center, dressed up, husband holding my hand, looking at the grandeur of that building.  We saw Les Miserables in the Opera House.  Even though I wasn’t feeling well – it was spectacular.  The lead character is a believer so that made his role so much more commanding.  It was stellar. 

Finishing up in DC – we went to Old Alexandria and Georgetown – for some quiet moments in the word, some good breakfast, and a cupcake (gotta have a cupcake)!  TLC was filming at Georgetown Cupcake so that was fun to watch. 

NYC (New York Bigger) was our next stop.  Again, one of the cities that both of us and we had not been able to share together.  It was a great memory.  Our second dress up event was to see the NY Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center.  I had never even seen the building and it was beautiful – especially at night with the signage, the fountain, the skyline, and the chandeliers.  My husband is very good to me.  His friend is as well.  I sent a text to a friend of ours and she used her “strings” to get us into the Green Room and we got different seats for the second half.  They were playing Mozart and Debussy that night.  They were amazing to listen to (both from the second tier and from the M row in the orchestra seating).

We then stayed next door (our window view) to Gillette stadium in Foxboro.  One of the funnest and low-key meals we shared was Olive Garden in our room.  The restaurant was completely packed for a Friday night and it was raining so we didn’t want to wait.  So, we brought it back to our room.  One of the good things about sharing a hotel room!  We drove into Boston the following day and got our exercise by enjoying the Freedom Trail.  Neither of us had done that before either even though both of us had been to Boston.  Great way to see the city, get exercise, and learn about history.  So pretty – and both of us enjoyed taking pictures (as my husband has married a stop everywhere to take pictures person).  We got mouth-watering crab cakes as well for a late lunch.  Filling and fresh.

Our last stop before our “half-way” point was Bangor, Maine.  Eric had been to Maine before but I hadn’t.  Both of us loved the gorgeous views and the virtual emptiness of the state.  It is beautiful and very peaceful and quiet.  Would love to return there.  We just stopped in there for a break of traveling and then hopped in the car for our “”furtherst north point” of the honeymoon. 

Stay tuned…

Well, you can’t go on a 2 week road trip and not eat – right!  And thankfully I am married to a budding-foodie (well, his wife is one, so he must be, right)!  What a great trip (and I didn’t gain a pound, ha!)

Washington-Duke: salmon blt and egg white omelette – no not in the same meal – but two of our meals while we were there.  We love eating here. 

DC: A Taste of DC where the best eat was the Wicked Waffle (or maybe the corn).   Georgetown Cupcake was a treat with a chocolate/coconut cupcake and watching them film for the new TLC series.  Eastern Market was the place for french toast and eggs and grits and great foodie finds that I couldn’t take with us. 

Old Alexandria: Bittersweet was a place for some Quills time and eating breakfast while we watched the rain fall lightly outside on the bustling streets of this shopping meca. 

NYC: Bella Blu helped us out by creating superb pasta and pizza and allowing us to eat outside (on the sidewalk) on a street in Manhattan.  What a treat!  Jalapeno gave us a great place to eat after going to the Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. 

Boston: Best crab cake sandwich at Turners.  And we just took a picture of the lobster – didn’t eat this one.

Bangor: We ate at Tim Hortons and Wendys and the restaurant in the hotel. 

PEI (Prince Edward Island): The Gahan House had spectacular fish and chips.  Cow’s Creamery was the place of two different times we had amazing ice cream cones!  Churchill Arms had some seriously good Chicken Korma which I have to learn how to make (and good fish and chips for me).  Boom Burger had the best french fries on the trip (using all local PEI ingredients for the burgers and fries and if anyone knows the pepper mix for their fry seasoning, please pass my way!)  We had breakfast every morning at our resort: Stanhope. 

St. Johns, New Brunswick: Billy’s Seafood had a great caesar salad and the service was nice. 

Providence Rhode Island: We ate our meals in the Renaissance thanks to a great deal we got (upgrade when we checked in – what a great husband of mine)!

Philly, PA: Best meal for me on the entire honeymoon: Bonte’ waffles (sandwich and waffle and almond chai) and we ate a philly cheesesteak on the corner from a street vendor. 

We ate McDonalds and Cracker Barrel and got some food from a grocery store.  These are the places we dined.  They are yummy.  I can’t complain.  My husband is wonderful!  I will enjoy sharing life with him!

 

This is a bigger thank you!  These are the people that we included to be a part of our wedding.  They are very special to us!  This is a thank you publically to them – so you can rejoice in God’s goodness to us as well!

Leah Finn: Girl – you amaze me!  Who would have thought that 7 years ago when we met we’d be such a great friends and watch UGA/UF games together in peace, and that we’d attend the same church together.  You were such a constant joy and celebratory person through everything – even when you said No, I don’t think it would work!  Your joy was contagious and your conversations invaluable!  I wouldn’t have had any other person as my MOH!

Rachael Woodworth: Thank you so much for keeping me grounded in the Gospel during the whole courtship, engagement and wedding day (and for being our first overnight guest tomorrow night at the 842)!  Your friendship and constancy of the years have been a true blessing to me.  Thank you for being such a fun and stylish and unique friend to me!

Brian Croft: You mean the world to my husband.  I thank you for welcoming me so generously into yall’s family.  I look forward to getting to know you and Cara and your kids better.  So thankful yall could be a part of our wedding.  I value your pastoral and wise imput into my husband’s life.  Thank you for your hope in the Gospel and for working our Rehearsal Dinner for us!  A true blessing.  Louisville and Cara are truly blessed!

Craig Johnson: Who would have thought that when I met you at North End that you’d play my bridal march that you arranged?  What a character.  Thank you for adding spunk and grace to our wedding day!  You have been a true friend to my husband and so thankful that we will be able to enjoy friendship as couples over the years.  Thank you for using your gifts of guitar playing and wit on the day of our wedding!

Nick Roark: Nick – you truly bless me with your Gospel centered approach to life.  Thank you for all your help on the work front in writing the Curriculum and for sharing with the congregation and us that day that special passage of Ephesians 5. 

Landis Barnes: You have been such a delight to me since I’ve come to FBCD and I know my husband truly respects in you all in things.  Most people want to know who read 1 Cor 13 at your wedding – does he do it professionally?  Thank you for living out that passage every day of your life!  You give hope for memorizing Scripture!   I need to do that for Colossians 3.  It would help Eric if I did!

Michelle Gaynor: Who would have thought that 11 years ago that now we would both be married to worship pastors in Durham?  I have loved our friendship over the past decade and loved having you sing in our wedding.  There wasn’t anyone I would rather.  Your simplicity and trust in the Gospel and in God’s goodness always comes through when you sing.  Chris is one blessed man!

Ben Salmon: Brother, friend: you are a joy.  Brittany is an amazingly blessed woman!  Thank you for singing and leading the congregation in worship for our wedding.  Thank you for being friends with us and so excited we will have more Beyu moments together with our respective spouses!  How fun!

Shirley:  Thank you for playing for the intro and the conclusion.  Most all the comments I’ve heard from the prelude has been stellar and how worshipful it was. 

Dr. Holley: Thank you for using your gifts for our wedding. The cello was amazing and created the right mood we wanted!

Erica: You have been a true blessing to me since March.  Can’t believe my life has been without you before then.  Your conversations and laughter have made this transition so easy!  Thank you for sharing your spectacular violin and art gifts with Eric and I.  You are a God-send to me!

Folks at FBCD: Bekah, the Bowens – thank you!  Everyone else – thank you!  So many people to thank and I would never get them all!  The wedding and the reception and the rehearsal was just what we wanted.  

Crystal: Thank you for helping me know where to stand and where to walk and getting things to the right people!  You helped keep me calm!

Wendy: Thank you for taking random pictures and for just making me laugh that day.  I loved having you around!

EHamsho: Thank you for your giftedness at the piano (you sell yourself short) and for leading the worship during our wedding.  Thank you for your friendship and for sharing your family with me as well. 

Andy (and Christi): Thank you.  I couldn’t have asked for a more personal or relevant and Gospel-Centered sermon than what you gave.  Thank you for directing it both to us and marriages in the congregation!  Thank you for the hours you spent with EC and I in counseling and for your knowledge and application of the Word!

Steve/Tina:  Thank you for bringing me back to RDU.  Thank you for your example and your hope in the Gospel.  Thank you for the prayer time during the wedding.  Yall are a priceless gift to me – and therefore to Eric.  Thank you for being a proponent of marriage!

Chuck/Bill/Bryan: Thank you guys for who you are to us.  Thank you for the wisdom you have shared with both EC and I over the last years.  They are wonderful to us and we will treasure it and our friendship with yall for years to come.  Thank you for praying over us that day!

Kasey: Thank you dear friend for helping me look good that day and chasing me around with that makeup bag and the wonderful conversations and friendship we have shared over the last ten years.  I look forward to more!

Maggie: Thank you for the provision of food to all of our friends and family that day!

Terah: Thank you for your bold, Word-centered prayer over me before the wedding began.  You live too far away, girl!

Kathleen: My hair looked fabulous thanks to you!  What a joy your were to me that day – making my life easy!  Thanks for being a part of it.

Paul and Ali: Thank you for raising such a godly son.  I love him dearly and am so thankful I get to spend the rest of my life loving him.  May God help me grow in that.  Thank yall for the rehearsal dinner and your joy in welcoming me to your family!  I look forward to the years to come!

A/T: thank yall for coming.  I couldn’t imagine my wedding without yall.  Glad you got to experience Bull City while you were here!

Sarah and Kristie, Laura (and Chase) and Liz: thank you all for your help in decorating and keeping me sane and making sure everything looked pretty and steaming my dress and letting me borrow clothes and for opening doors/passing out programs and for making me laugh.  All a joy – and so are all of you!

Laura and Chris: thank you for driving from Charleston to open door and pass out programs.  I wouldn’t have wanted my wedding without yall.  I see a trip to Charleston in our future!  Laura – such a joy you are to me!

Mom and Dad: Thank you for raising me for this day.  Thank you for paying for this wedding and being there for us!  Florida hopefully won’t seem so far away!

Wow – did I forget anyone?  I have a feeling I did.