More Than You Imagine

Susan Campbell - Author and Speaker

Blog

Simply Put, Be Still: And Then There’s Joy

by 6 Comments

Today, the waves at the beach were literally dancing. It was such a great expression of joy. I have been waiting for this day to come. During the past two and a half months, for many of us, our world has halted into a stillness never before experienced in our generation.

I’ve tried to be patient. But it’s hard. I’ve been a good girl and social distanced from my people. In normal times, things are happening in my life and those things give me a skip in my step. But lately, life is so still and it has been difficult to skip. Honestly, I need a hug.

Sure, I’ve enjoyed springtime. And yes, I’ve calmed my spirit and searched my soul. I’ve been introspective, grateful and quiet. Yet, I have questioned what joy looks like in all of this. I have wondered, is stillness void of joy?

The answer came today in the form of dancing waves. At just the right time, in a single moment, the dancing waves and my eyes met. I laughed at those silly waves as they frolicked and played in the ocean. They were so happy. They made me smile.

The ocean has been a wise counselor during this time of stillness, patience and now joy. I’m reminded its vastness is always present whether I put my toes in the water or not. Each day the shore, the waves, and the horizon may look a little different but it’s up to me to take notice and grasp all the attributes of calm, beauty and power. As a sideline viewer of the ocean, I realize I don’t have to do anything grand for its existence to be real. My responsibility is to be still and watch. And eventually, the waves will dance and joy will come.

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me the ocean because it reminds me of you. Some days the waves are practically motionless and their calm beauty is breathtaking, just like you. Other days, the waves explode along the shore and I am reminded of strength, just like you. And then today, the waves dance and I realize the jubilation of joy comes from you. My soul is full because of you Jesus. Thank you for teaching me the value of stillness. Amen.

Today is Hard: Simply Put, Be Still (part 2)

by 4 Comments

I woke up this morning in a bit of a funk. Life is off-kilter right now and I can’t fix it. I’m a mom of a grown son and a prayer warrior to a friend. It seems this should qualify me as “fixer of all things.” But it doesn’t. What can I do when I receive an email from a friend whose health update is not what we prayed for? And how can I make something about the Coronavirus a positive when it’s messing with all kinds of plans? I feel discouraged.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about being still. Fast forward to today and the unknown of life continues to happen all around me and I can’t fix it. I’m off balance. I have taken my eyes off Jesus and put my gaze on my circumstances.

What can I do? How can I calm my heart and comfort my spirit? Simply put, I need to be still. I need Jesus. When I am still, my focus returns to Him. For some reason, this is a lesson I have to learn over and over. 

A simple practice I use in my stillness is to say the name of Jesus aloud. Saying the powerful name of Jesus brings me into His presence and it soothes my soul.

Things may not immediately be fixed or even fixed at all. But the amazing name of Jesus gives me renewed strength and somehow this gets me through. In my stillness, discouragement sweetly turns to a quiet joy.

Being still is like a drink of cool water in a dry land. After the first sip, I know it’s what I need. It makes me long for more. Likewise, the presence of Jesus refreshes my weary soul. And I know the pursuit of Him is what puts things back in order for me. The powerful name of Jesus is greater even though today is hard.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Simply put, be still

by 7 Comments

Looking out the window this morning, I am observing one of the most beautiful beach days ever. The emerald green ocean sparkles with baby whitecaps. The beauty is almost too much for my eyes. Birds are fishing. Dolphins are frolicking. The light cool breeze sings an oceanic rhythm no musician can create but would love to duplicate.

In my mind, there is no doubt who created this wonder. Stillness abounds everywhere, yet the earth proclaims the magnificence all around.

I wonder. Is this beauty present every day? If yes, how do I miss it?

While the rest of the world is busy about its business, I sit. In the quiet of the moment I sense God’s presence. I know He is near. But why must I be still to truly experience it?

Perhaps this is what God is telling me right now. I AM here. I AM present.

Perhaps this is what He is always telling me and yet in my frenzied host of activities and endless task lists, I miss it. Or rather, should I say, I miss Him.

No matter my view. No matter my circumstance.

Help me God to be still today to see You.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

My prayer today: May you (God) be exalted today among the nations. May you be exalted in the earth.” (taken from Psalm 46:10)

Merry Christmas

by Leave a Comment

The song Jingle Bells has it right… “Dashing through the snow…” It may not be snowing where you are but this time of year, most of us feel like we are dashing  — to somewhere, something or someone. Honestly, some years I’m dash-ier than others. I don’t know about you, but Christmas came quickly this year. Yet, no matter how busy December gets, I love reading and pondering the Christmas stories found in Matthew and Luke.

A couple of days ago, I was reading Luke 1 which foretells the birth of Jesus.  When you get a minute take a look at verses 26-38. (Luke 1:26-38) These are some powerful verses because there are so many facts in this short passage. It clearly answers the ‘who, what, where, why, when and how’ curious minds want to know. If you were a news reporter, you would love this account.

In Luke 1, we meet Mary and learn the name of her upcoming baby. We discover when and where this blessed event occurs. God uncovers his plan: a Savior for the world that will last forever. We see all persons of the trinity through the presence of our Sovereign God, the birth of our Savior Jesus and the power of our Holy Spirit. In these remarkable verses we realize that although Mary is confused, she still trusts. We rejoice in the greatness of Jesus and the coming of His eternal kingdom. We witness an empowering of the Holy Spirit who is still working in our lives today. We are given the great promise, “For no word from God will ever fail.” 

My prayer for you this Christmas and the coming year is that you will BELIEVE. Believe our Savior Jesus was born. Believe God uses ordinary, confused people, like you and me, to accomplish His  purposes. Believe the Holy Spirit’s power is actively working in you and me to do great things. Believe that even though the world is dashing by, God is working in unimaginable ways.

May the love of baby Jesus who came to earth be real to you this season. Best wishes to you and yours. Susan

A Cord of Three Strands Is Not Easily Broken: Meet Beth Snider, Illustrator of Do You Like Peas?

by Leave a Comment

In the fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes we are told that two can stand back-to-back and conquer. However, three are even better — for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

As an author, this war-like imagery is powerful because writing a children’s book is not for sissies. One must be mighty to undertake such a task. For this reason, I knew it would take a fearless team to create Do You Like Peas?

In my last blog post, you met Megan Campbell-Curl, co-author of Do You Like Peas? In this post, I would like to introduce you to the third strand of our not-easily-broken-cord, illustrator Beth Snider. I did not know Beth before this book project, but it did not take long to learn she is both beautiful and mighty. Beth is charming, fun, and super talented!

During the book writing process, we met at Panera Bread. And although we talked all-things-book, on many occasions the conversation easily turned to discussing life, Jesus, children and all kinds of things friends chat about. Many of our meetings could’ve been much shorter except I simply loved spending time with Beth! After working with her for almost a year, I can say Beth is completely committed to three things: her craft, her family, and Jesus.

To help you get to know Beth a little better, I asked her three questions:

How does one become a children’s book illustrator?

Illustrators learn the skills of drawing, practice doing art on a daily basis for years, and take time to build an interesting portfolio. They share their work publicly and join communities of other children’s book artists, authors and designers. They let everyone know they are available to hire as a children’s book artist and eventually they will be approached by interested authors. 

How is illustrating for a children’s book different than other types of illustrations?

Illustrating a children’s book requires the skill of being able to draw the same things over and over again while keeping them looking consistent. It takes a great amount of endurance and commitment to draw a whole book because you are not simply drawing the 30 or so finished pages but many more sketches and discarded versions in preparation for the finished book. 

Why do you think it takes a team/soldier effort to create a children’s book?

Creating a children’s book is not something that can be approached lightly. It takes time and effort. It takes patience and support. This type of project requires a special kind of commitment to the process and a dedication to getting the end result just right. 

What an honor it is to work with such a lovely and professional artist. THANKS BETH!

 

 

You can learn more about Beth at Beth Snider Art.

Two Are Better Than One: Meet Megan, Co-author of Do You Like Peas?

by Leave a Comment

Megan Campbell-Curl

“Would you be interested in writing a children’s book with me?” I asked my niece, Megan.

I don’t recall her exact words, but they were something like, “Sure. That would be fun!”

I knew if Do You Like Peas? had any chance of becoming a children’s book, I would need an experienced children’s person to help with the words of the book. I believed Megan was perfect for the task mainly because she LOVES children. Megan teaches second grade, volunteers with the young girls at her church, is beloved by her two young nieces, and is a great writer. Strong credentials.

Equally important, Megan and I share two passions: we both love to write and we both love Jesus! I felt we would make a great team.

We decided to meet during Spring Break to conduct book research. We met with a variety of people who spend time with children so we could learn about book message and demographics of readers. By the end of the week our brains were full, but we had had a blast!

Not long after that, we began the writing process. Often, we wrote at coffee shops because we felt our creative juices flowed better there.  After long days and nights, our first draft was complete. We celebrated with dinner at a fancy restaurant.

In the subsequent months, we revised, edited, pondered, prayed, and laughed. Through this adventure we learned important stuff about each other, like we both prefer Coke over Pepsi. We grew accustomed to each other’s sense of humor and work ethic. We discovered and agreed an early bedtime works best for each of us.

I also discovered a few things about my sweet niece. Megan drinks coffee in the morning and pop in the afternoon. She furrows her eyebrows when she’s deep in thought. She likes ice cream but not tomatoes. And she loves colored pencils.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”

Do You Like Peas? could not have succeeded without the partnership of Megan’s words, experience and perspective. I’m grateful she came along with me on this adventure. One of the things I loved most about writing a book with my niece: it gave us a memory we can share forever. And at the end of the day, I think this is what makes life both wild & wonderful!

 

 

Imagine this:

What is something you prefer to do with someone rather than doing it alone?

 

Get your autographed copy and Free Shipping by August 5 (use promo code: summer) click here:  Buy Do You Like Peas