Embracing the battle promotes victory not defeat!

Some days the struggle seems far more challenging than others.  Standing firm on your commitment, passion, and integrity doesn't always make you everyone's favorite person.  Nor does it allow for much rest when you're trapped in a system that doesn't seem to consider and value the same things as you!  

If we want equality it will require accountability, and accountability will require Advocates willing to fight the good fight and expose hidden truths! The more I witness hate divide our nation, the more I feel convicted when I would choose to remain silent.  

Human lives are valuable and they ALL matter.  Including the lives of children with special needs, students in South Phoenix, and the lives of the incredible souls dedicated to providing ALL OUR children equal opportunities. 

Although I would've never willingly asked for the calling of advocacy, I know God has entrusted me with it!  That revelation in my life has made choosing to look the other way, far scarier than addressing injustices.  Our voices matter and the more of us who find the courage to use them, the quicker we will get to experience the victory of God successes!  

Those being called to stand are going to have to rely on the Lord for strength and remain in constant consult with God.   He indeed has a strategic plan to rescue those trapped in oppression, populations currently facing unfair disadvantages.  God is faithful to complete that which he has begun.   I trust God's perfect will  and purpose.  I trust God's powerful ability to overcome adversity and worldly battles no human was intended to battle alone. 

"12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"

(Ephesians 6:12).

Instead of getting frustrated, tonight I'm going to surrender my burdens and concerns to God.  He requires no explanation to understand the value I see in the communities I am passionate about serveing!

Simple, Not Simple

Over the last few days I have found myself both deliberately and desperately seeking God for a perspective that could allow me to see his good, in ALL things. Although this journey has been painful, the last few days have challenged me to embrace the special moments, I am often to "busy" to acknowledge. In the mist of tragedy and pain, God has continuously provided me opportunities to see his good in the SIMPLE THINGS, I often overlook.

I cherish the SIMPLE fact that my kisses still comfort my big babies owies!

I adore the fact that every time I lift David over my shoulder, I am greeted with a kiss, that sends the SIMPLE message "Thanks Mom I know I am heavy".

I find comfort in the SIMPLE gesture of David's extra love and kisses this week, just because he can tell when mommy is struggling through difficult days, and he also knows just how to bring her comfort!

I am encouraged by all the SIMPLE ways David assists me in our daily processes and his care, as if he's assuring me in his own way, that I don't have to do this all alone.

I celebrate the moments when a SIMPLE clothes hanger or water bottle can produce contagious and uncontrollable giggles, that can turn around any day!

I'm grateful for the revelation that despite all the many challenges we have had to endure and overcome, David SIMPLY does not know how to be sad.

Witnessing all the SIMPLE ways God has found to reassure me of his presence, at a time when life feels painfully complicated, has inspired me to intentionally rely on him more. It has motivated me to gratefully acknowledge the incredible gift God gave me in my pure and precious son, David!

I believe it is really is quite SIMPLE, if you choose to seek to find God, under any condition, in any circumstance, you will indeed FIND HIM!

Over the last few days I have found myself both deliberately and desperately seeking God for a perspective that could allow me to see his good,  in ALL things.  Although this journey has been painful, the last few days have challenged me to embrace the special moments, I am often to "busy" to acknowledge.   In the mist of tragedy and pain, God has continuously provided me opportunities to see his good in the SIMPLE THINGS, I often overlook. 

I cherish the SIMPLE fact that my kisses still comfort my big babies owies!

I adore the fact that every time I lift David over my shoulder, I am greeted with a kiss, that sends the SIMPLE message "Thanks Mom I know I am heavy".

I find comfort in the SIMPLE gesture of David's extra love and kisses this week, just because he can tell when mommy is struggling through difficult days, and he also knows just how to bring her comfort!

I am encouraged by all the SIMPLE ways David assists me in our daily processes and his care, as if he's assuring me in his own way, that I don't have to do this all alone.

I celebrate the moments when a SIMPLE clothes hanger or water bottle can produce contagious and uncontrollable giggles, that can turn around any day!

I thrive off of the opportunity to generate such genuine excitement by, SIMPLY spinning David around in my office chair.

I'm grateful for the revelation that despite all the many challenges we have had to endure and overcome, David SIMPLY does not know how to be sad.

Witnessing all the SIMPLE ways God has found to reassure me of his presence, at a time when life feels painfully complicated, has inspired me to intentionally rely on him more.   It has motivated me to gratefully acknowledged the incredible gift God has given me in my pure and precious son, David!

I believe it is really is quite SIMPLE, if you choose to seek to find God, under any condition, in any circumstance, you will indeed FIND HIM!  

On the mountains and in the vallies!

Today has been one of the toughest days I've ever had to face!

"I’ve walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I’ve felt the pain of heartbreak
And I’ve seen the brighter days
And I’ve prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God You give and take away"

I've learned that seeking God for understanding is not always an effective strategy.  Somethings are just not designed for us to understand. Today we lost a precious friend, it was a traumatic and painful loss, that I will probably never understand. 

I will never understand why God needed Jessica, Seth, Pam, Debbie, and Zack more than we did, but I trust him.  

I TRUST his plan, even when it hurts! 

Today I was honored with the opportunity to share some very intimate moment with some very special friends of ours, as they said goodbye to their son.

Although heartbroken, I also find myself comforted. I witnessed death today, but I also witnessed life, God was there, I felt him with us in our suffering.    The experience allowed me to see God for the limitless God that he is.  A God who is with, us always, even in devastation. 

This time around,instead of begging God to take away the pain, I'm going to  pursue him, through it!  

I'm on a mission to find and reflect, Jesus in all things.  I'm going to diligently seek his comfort and willingly share it with others.  And during this time of tragedy, instead of running from my emotions like I generally do, I'm going to stand strong in my pain, in hopes that I can share the love and light of Jesus even in dark places.

When life hurts too much to even determine what's next, worship him and declare,

"NO MATTER what I have, Your grace is enough
NO MATTER where I am, I’m standing in Your love"

Life is short, please respect, trust, love, and empower others often.  Honor and respect the valuable time you have left, by living a life that shines for Jesus and serves others, on the mountains and in the valleys!  

My David gently reminds me of this often.  His spirits slay my giants.  Without effort, David reminds me to stay present, reflective, and focused on Jesus.  His giggle is a sweet reminder to intentionally experience joy.  And his SMILE... it keeps me going and it is a constant reminder that there is nothing in this world that could possibly be too big for our God to overcome!

BE ENCOURAGED... I know the road gets rough sometimes!

To be honest I went back-and-forth about posting this post.  I am a tough girl who is still working on processing my emotions and becoming more comfortable and willing to be vulnerable.   Today I'm going to step out in faith and be obedient to God's tug on my heart.  

Maybe someone needs this today.   

After-all, It is because of the obedience of others, that I was able to see God in my current situation.   To all of my faithful friends who have shared words, laughs, prayers, wine, and/or support to encourage me over the last few months, THANK YOU for making a difference!  Grief and change have taken me on a wild ride here lately, but I know when the ride ends I will be right where God wants me!

Over the last few days I have felt broken, lost, and even mad at God at times. I knew he was there as he is in all things, but I couldn't feel him when I needed him the most, which made me feel even more angry and hopeless.  

I knew the loss that I was experiencing was far beyond my own understanding.  I also understood that, that's the way God intended it to be, but I still found myself haunted by all of the questions racing through my mind, questions like "WHY?".

Over the last few days God has used a sequence of events and encounters to reassure me.  At a time when God seemed so far away and I felt too broken to even know how to find him, he met me right where I was at.   

Once the voices of fear, doubt, and defeat had been silenced,  I could hear God gently encourage me to get back up, to rely on him for my hope and comfort.  In the mist of my battle with grief, God reminded me that no matter how things might feel in the present moment, God has not left me behind or abandoned me, nor will he ever!  

When I woke up this morning, life still hurt. My troubles had not disappeared and my losses had not been restored, but my hope and comfort were.  

Today I made  the conscious decision to trust him even though my life still feels like a mess.   That first step is always the hardest, it requires trust, courage, and bravery.  Once I found the strength and courage to take that first step,  I was afforded the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the road I am currently traveling, a Kingdom perspective.  A perspective that inspires me to  continue to move forward, putting one foot in front of the other, paving the way for others.

That's the incredible thing about the God we serve.  Our willingness to invest a small amount of trust in God, not only increases the value of our "Kingdom" stock, the investment also ensures a risk free, guaranteed return.  

Praise to God for a Living Hope

"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials"  (1 Peter 1:3-6).

#KingdomPerspective #TrustInHisPromisesForYou

Today I witnessed the most incredible encounter with my child. We were sitting in church during worship, praising God. David had tons of energy and he was dancing his little heart out. Then a man walked approximately halfway down the isle and dropped  to his knees and through his hands in the air. It was obvious the man was at a place of total surrender, he was experiencing God.  

David looked back, stopped what he was doing, reversed his wheelchair, and rolled towards the man.  He then looked back at me for my OK and when I shook my head yes he rolled up to the man and grabbed his hands.  The man began to weep as did everybody else who witnessed that moment.

It's been an extremely difficult month for me.   There's been challenges, loss, huge decisions, and lots of change in our world.   Today in that moment, God showed me that he sent me the most purest soul to look over my heart. He gave me a child who is the most Christlike human being I've ever met. He's pure and without anger, he's everything God's word calls us to be, and he's also my son!

David makes me the proudest mother in the universe! I'm so thankful he's mine and I'm so honored that God has entrusted me with such a precious gift.  David always reminds me that there's going to be brighter days ahead.

I am so very proud of my students! Once again, love in action, proves that kindness always wins!  If we want this world to be a better place, then we are going to have to slow down and teach the next generation how to make it a better place!   

David and my students are my motivation, inspiration, and my Superheroes! #Room28 #HisSmileKeepsMeGoing #TeamDavid.#TheGreaterPurposeProject



https://youtu.be/6BCn9RPYZiwhttps://youtu.be/6BCn9RPYZiw

Not only is today the day that Christ died for you, me, and everyone in this world.  Today also marks 15 years since I turned my life around and decided to walk with Christ. The journey has not been perfect but it has absolutely been worth it.  Until I made the conscious decision to live my life for Jesus, I spent 22 years searching for something, anything that could fill the void and heal the pain in my life.

I have since learned to trust God since he has proven time and time again that he always comes through.  Instead of living a life of bondage and fear, I  now live a life of freedom and courage.  Instead of always being unsatisfied I now live confidently knowing that the God I serve always wins!

If you are hurting, discouraged, feeling defeated, or just need to know how loved you are, be encouraged knowing that on this day many years ago, God decided you were worth it, and sacrificed his life for you!

God is there, he loves you, and he wants to heal your soul while comforting your heart.  Jesus is just waiting for you to invite him in and surrender all of life's burdens to him..  I speak from experience, he always shows up when you call upon the sweet name of Jesus.  #It'sMyJesusBirthday

This Summer The World Traveler on Wheels will be accompanying Mommy on a Missions trip to Jamaica!

Hello to all of our Faithful supporters,

As you know I love Mission work.  Not only is it humbling, but it also is when I feel closest to God, serving his most vulnerable. 

If you followed David, the girls, and I's trip to Europe last summer, that you already know that David and I have refused to let limits or “accessibility” be an obstacle the prevents us from walking out God's "Perfect Will" for our lives.   Since almost loosing David over 5 years ago, I have learned to live more intentionally. 

To do so I have to learn to be creative and resourceful.  That is were many of you have played a vital role in the success of the many projects we have accomplished locally and internationally. 

Next on the agenda is Jamaica in July 2017.  We will be traveling with a group from our church were we will spend time ministering in a church, camp, orphanage, school, and wherever else God needs to use us while we are there.   

Here is where David and I need your help.  We need your prayers, encouragement, and in-kind donations, and/or financial support.  Our fundraising goal is $3,800.00.  $2,800.00 (1,400 ea) will cover the airfare, food, and accommodations for the mission trip.    The remaining funds will be used to order and ship the supplies, games, and crafts that we are able to collect in the next couple of months.

As a thank you for any donation of any amount I will be giving all of our sponsors a Good Life VIP Club Card good for $200 exclusive hotel savings worldwide.

If supporting our mission is an activity you would like to involve your family, children, classroom, work colleagues, small group, youth group, college group, ect and volunteer to be "Jesus Buddies",  I would love to share a few of the tips and strategies that I have found to be successful tools over the last few years. 

I firmly believe that the change we wish to see in the world, can and will happen, but first us adults need to understand the vital role we will play in teaching our babies how to be the “world changers” our world needs them to be. 

Together lets be change agents and motivate our children to make a difference, keep them invested in the process, and allow them the opportunity to be empowered by the outcomes, as they witness kindness and love, having an impact on the lives of other children, despite the thousands of miles of distance between them.   

I would love to be able to distribute handwritten notes, cards, drawings, words of encouragement, and/or anything else creative we can think of,  to share the love of Christ with our friends in Jamaica all the way from Az.

The cards and items below on our supply list will be shipped to Jamaica prior to our arrival.  I will have to have the items collected, packaged, and shipped by the end of May.

Bulk supply donations are need for goody bags, classes and activities at Camp, Orphanage, and School (for 75-150 children).

• Toiletries - small travel size soaps, lotions, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and children’s white socks. 
• School supplies – crayons, markers, glue sticks, glitter, rulers, note books,
• Activity Supplies – Assorted Beads, and string for friendship bracelets. 550 cut-out hearts, fabric paints and markers, sequins, fabric glue, felt fabric decorations, 100 lunch sacks, colored index cards, Six 100+ piece religious themed jigsaw puzzles
• Sports Equipment/recreation- 10 small kites,10 soccer balls, 20 baseballs, 6 volley balls, jump ropes, and 4 hand pump;
•  Incentives and Prizes – Role of raffle tickets, 60 Cheap small plastic award trophies, prizes for prize box, stickers, 400 glow sticks.
• Projects – 10 small flash lights with AA batteries, 10 Rolls of Painters Masking Tape,

David and I have always been blessed beyond measure and I know that God will make a way.  I am learning to leave figuring out all the details I do not have the power to change or control up to Jesus!  Thank you for your consideration in becoming part of this next endeavor for us.  We need partnerships in the following areas:

• Pray Partners ~ We need prayer partners who will stand in agreement with us.

• Sponsors ~ Individuals, companies, and/or groups who would like to help purchase some of the items still needed on  our supply list.

• Jesus Buddies ~ Friends willing to write letters or draw pictures that we could hand out to the children in Jamaica.

• Financial Donors ~
• $2,800.00 to cover the cost of David and my airfare, and accommodations while in Jamaica.   
•   Financial donations to purchase any of the supplies not left on the supply list.

***Your donation is tax deductible***

Thank you for taking the time to read my ridiculously long message, always supporting David and I on the crazy journey we call life, and thank you for investing into our lives and the little lives I can wait to connect to in Jamaica.

If you would like more information or if you are interested in joining efforts by becoming a Pray Partner, Sponsor, Jesus Buddy, and/or Financial Donor please reach out.  I would like to THANK YOU in advance for investing into our lives and the lives of some of God’s most vulnerable.

Love Always,

David and Michelle Campuzano                                                                                                         

For anyone interested here is the link to make your tax-deductible contribution. 

http://gssagents.org/index.php/give  
Scroll down to donate via PayPal Once redirected to PayPal make sure to click the option "add special instructions" and type Michelle and David Campuzano missions trip. They will email you a tax receipt.

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:13-14 NIV)

#godalwayswins  #DM17Jamaicamission  #togodbetheglory #loveinaction #hissmilekeepsmegoing

Here is an update on my health. Friday around 11am I ate some take out and immediately started feeling nauseous. By Friday evening I had thrown up over a dozen times and couldn't even keep water down. That continued all day Saturday. By Sunday I was feeling a little better, so despite my better judgment I went to my storage and pulled out a few boxes so I could start going through them in search for items for our missions trip this summer. 
After about 20 minutes I felt tired and sat down and that's all I remember. Apparently I put my face down in my hands and when I was not responding to my brother he lifted my head which fell backwards but my hands remain stiff in an upright position. He called 911 and the paramedics continued to try to get me responsive but from what I understand I was shaking and making weird noises.  

I do remember waking up on the ambulance very confused about where I was and what had happened. I remember arguing with the medic over sports since he insulted my 49er slippers and then I don't remember much else. LOL I did remember waking up again in the hospital with my best friend Martha there. I kept asking what was happening but everyone was looking at me for the same answers.
I do realize I sometimes push myself beyond my own limits. Doctors are still unsure about what exactly happened, but the episode itself was scary enough for me to change my ways. All I could think about while I was in the hospital was how I needed to take care of David. I can't take care of David if I'm not properly taking care of myself and after Sunday's incident, I get it. I am so grateful that God had his hand on the entire situation. I am slowly recovering, remaining focused on what God has next for us, and making sure I'm listening to his prompts. The valuable lesson learned for me in all of this.... there is great value in the ability to hear from God and when we listen, THINGS WILL HAPPEN in his time, his way, at his destination, with his blessing!

My Thank You Letter to God

March 5, 17

Dear God

Abba father, Yahweh, my Provider, the author of my story, the only one who knows my beginning and my end. 

I need you. I thankful for this season of transformation and growth.  I am overwhelmed by my recent encounters, incredible women, and the community you have place so dear to my heart, to inspire, motivate, encourage, and empower me to draw closer to you.  Thank you for embracing my imperfect human self! You've opened the gates of heaven so that I could be free from so many things that bound me for so many years. You loved me when I was unlovable and you trusted me when I was untrustworthy. You have helped me transition from victim to victor!

Everything that I am today is because of your loving kindness. I hope to spend every waking moment of every day, giving you glory for all that I am and all that David and I have overcome. I am grateful for the peace and comfort that has come with me  finding my purpose and value in you. 

You have taught me how to find such purpose in my pain. For that I am forever grateful. I no longer question any of the mountains we had to climb along the way.  I now see you in it all and now see that some of the resistance I have faced in my lifetime has been you refusing to leave me to my own demise.

I asked that you continue to guide my path. Lead me to the right people, scriptures, the right places, and to the right encounters in my walk with you. I confidently trust you with my future and ask that you close all doors not meant for me and to open all doors I need to enter.

Let everything I do you glorify you.  May I represent you well in all that I do. 

Forgive me for my shortcomings, but know that I strive to be more my art like you daily. Forgive me for getting too busy to consult you at times. For forgetting how important your word is or not remembering that I need to be in your presence more than just on Sundays at church.  In moments I feel like I can handle no more I always hear your encouraging words telling me to get back up. Thank you for that encouragement. 

God I am aware that what is happening in my life is bigger than me.   I believe that you want more for me. I believe I will be a business owner, an activist for the community of South Phoenix, and maybe even a wife one day.   My dreams are big and everyone of them involves leaving an impact for the Kingdom of God.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve you with all that I am.

Thank you for the uncomfortable change in my life.  For a perfect son and a platform to change the lives of the hurting. 

I'm thankful that you've taught me to see myself as you do. A courageous God fearing woman, who is ready to do whatever it takes to glorify your name.  Please continue to guide me.

Your Daughter,

Michelle Campuzano