The HP Magic Giveaway!
January 27, 2009
Christmas is a magic time of year! It’s amazing that the celebration of the birth of a baby has created so much love and kindness in the world at a certain time of the year. I’ve always loved the wonder of Christmas.
HP is doing a Magic Giveway of $6000.00 worth of HP products! I went to Living in Theory Hp Giveaway to submit my story. This is my entry….
This year, the realities of life have threatened to destroy the magic and the wonder, but I refuse to allow the difficulties to circumvent the delight.
Almost four years ago I discovered my husband of nearly twenty years had been violating some of our eight children in ways that should not even be spoken of. The day of that discovery changed my life. Up until that point I always felt safe and secure in my home. Unfortunately my children were not safe and secure in their own home. The decision to protect the remaining seven children by leaving their father was an easy decision, even though I knew life could be difficult going it alone with seven kids. It was especially difficult to leave my oldest, but she had already been out on her own and chose to stay in Minnesota where she had a good job. I was determined that my children were going to spend the remaining time with me feeling safe and secure.
We moved to Texas where I got a full-time job. I continued homeschooling the children, with the help of the older children, while crammed into an apartment. Working full-time didn’t provide enough income to even pay the rent. Yet somehow we managed – miraculously. Joy and peace filled our home.
The desire to give my kids a better life made me take classes and get my real estate license. I was doing well as a real estate agent. I had even managed to rent us a house where I was able to have a real bed instead of the old couch I slept on in the apartment. Then, everything changed. My listings weren’t selling, and buyers weren’t buying. I used all the savings I had accumulated. As I write this, there is nothing left. It’s the middle of the month and I haven’t been able to pay my rent. A friend gave me money so the electricity wouldn’t be shut off. People have rallied around us to get some of the expenses paid. Community is so amazing!
I told the kids I would not be able to get them presents this year. One of the kids said, “That’s okay Mom, we can just celebrate with presents in July when sales are always better!”
Our first Christmas in Texas we didn’t have any decorations for the apartment. I bought a small tree and some red ribbon. We took the little stuffed animals the kids had brought with them from our old house, made a loop around the animal’s necks and tied them to the tree. It was the most beautiful Christmas tree ever! We know that Christmas isn’t about presents. But as a mom, I would love to be able to give to my children.
The oldest daughter who lives here is 21. She had put her life on hold to help care for the younger children while I worked. Her passion is graphic design on the computer. Her hard drive recently crashed. She has signed up to take classes at the Community College in the IT department. She really needs a new computer to further herself and her career. There is more to her story, but that is her story to tell and not mine. She is a marvelous young lady who has proven time and again that it is greater to give than to receive.
We have always been “computer people.” Even my 10 year old son creates games on an old computer that I bought at a garage sale, so that he can “give” to others. If you would like him to send you one of his games, he would be thrilled to do it.
While I was a stay-at-home mom, I wrote inspirational books for moms. I recently told my 12 year old daughter I was going to write another book. She got very excited and said, “Are you going to tell them about all the miracles?”
“Of course, I will tell them about all the miracles.” I told her.
She then hugged me and said, “We have such a great life! You need to share that with other people who go through hard times.” She then threw up her arms and said, “ta-dah!”
In addition to continuing to market my real estate business, I am again writing and connecting with women to encourage them in their daily lives. I could really use the HP Computer package in my home, for my children, and to use for the encouragement of others.
From left to right: John (16), Cathy (19), Erica (12), Tina (21), Briana (14), Bryan (10), David (17)
Leave a comment telling me how you have been encouraged during tough times, or how you have been able to encourage someone else.
The winner has been announced Living In Theory Even though I wasn’t the winner, I believe just entering this contest made me feel like one. Look at all of these awesome comments? In a time of great loneliness, you all have made me feel very special! Thank you so much!
Comments
56 Responses to “The HP Magic Giveaway!”
1. Gwynne on December 10th, 2008 8:57 p+6
Times are tough, but it’s so good to see people hanging onto hope and not giving up. Good luck!
2. Cindy on December 11th, 2008 4:19 p+6
Thanks for sharing – I’m sure you are an inspiration to many!
3. feathermaye on December 11th, 2008 5:17 p+6
I wish for you so many things, only the beginning of which is good luck in this contest.
Many hugs to you and your amazing children!!
4. Dee Dee on December 11th, 2008 7:05 p+6
What an incredible story. Being a victim like your children with a story all my own, I have to start by saying that God can take something horrible and turn it into something beautiful. Beauty for ashes… and my life verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Most people don’t read the context. Those poor people suffered 70 years of exile before God’s plan was revealed and they were prospered. In the dark days are when God can and will reveal himself in ways you’d never see otherwise. I would love to read your book. I am sure it will be inspiring. May God pour out his abundant blessings on you and your family, so abudantly that the HP Giveaway can’t compare.
Be prepared… and read Habbakuk. Watch for more miracles!
5. smussyolay on December 11th, 2008 7:17 p+6
i am happy that you took right action with the knowledge that you would be taken care of. i have faith that you will be taken care of as you do the next right thing.
6. roguepuppet on December 11th, 2008 10:40 p+6
I was sexually abused by a close family member as a child. I just want to hold out to you the candle of hope that things can work out ok for survivors. It took some therapy, some group, and a lot of writing for me. It meant getting out of a marriage that I started for some of the wrong reasons and growing as my own person. But this past nov1 I was re-married to an amazing man and am happier than I can express in that. I am blessed to still have a job ( although working for the auto supplier industry these days that is iffy), and amazing kids and step kids. It sounds like you are raising amazing kids.
my stepsons are 9 and almost 11, and very into robotics and computers. ( we are a household of geeks) please have your son send us his games… and email me privately if you like, maybe we can get them emailing each other and sharing ideas!
7. PaisleyRaven on December 11th, 2008 1:32 p+6
Bless your heart, I would’ve killed that man.
You go girl.
Reading these posts is making me feel like I need to work some stuff out in therapy *weg* I don’t seem to have the *goodness* it takes to forgive when wronged.
I don’t try to *get* people b/c I believe it all comes back..and it comes back the way it’s put out…
Your family is gorgeous & you are a Goddess.
~Raven
8. Peter Franco on December 11th, 2008 4:21 p+6
i wish you and your family all the best. Merry Christmas
Peter
http://peterifranco.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/hp-magic-giveaway-living-in-theory/
9. Terri on December 11th, 2008 5:18 p+6
Speaking of forgiveness: I once read that harboring unforgiveness is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die. It only harms the person who is holding onto the unforgiveness or bitterness. Immediately after discovering the truth, I began in earnest to rid myself of any bitterness.
Forgiveness is sometimes a daily process. I struggled with it a lot in the beginning and then realized that forgiveness is not forgetness. When that realization hit me, I was then even more free to forgive, because I wasn’t forgetting, I was choosing to not allow the acts of another person to penetrate and destroy me or my family.
10. Rhonda Henrich on December 11th, 2008 6:22 p+6
Oh Terri!
Huggs!
I can’t tell you anything you don’t already know. God knows our every need and our deepest desires. I am convinced that He is working it all out for your good and for the children’s good.
I hope that you win the computer set up! Bryan is writing games at 10??? Way to go! Give that boy a TA DAH from me! For that matter, give them each a TADAH!
Huggs again. It’ll get better.
Love ya!
11. Meg on December 11th, 2008 10:09 p+6
What a brave and inspiring post. Wishing you and your beautiful family a very Merry Christmas.
12. Misty on December 11th, 2008 10:27 p+6
Thank you for sharing that story. You have survived a lot. You give plenty of inspiration to others.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Misty Faucheux
Check out: http://Viscape.com
The latest in vacation travel planning
and social interaction around vacation properties!
13. Laurie/Mobile Mommy on December 12th, 2008 5:22 p+6
Your family is beautiful and you sound like you are doing a wonderful job working to keep it together for all of them. Times are obviously very challenging right now but I really hope that something super amazing (like this contest!) happens for you very soon. Take care!
14. John on December 12th, 2008 7:40 p+6
You’ve got a great bunch of kids there!
Your story is truly inspiring. I didn’t think there was anyone left in the world that could hold onto their values when faced with such adversity. You have renewed my faith in the American people.
I’m a high school teacher so I hear a lot of complaints about how horrible life is. I always tell the kids, no matter how bad you think you have it, look around. You’ll always find someone who’s worse off than you.
Whenever I think things are tough, I remember the things I saw in countries like Morocco, Somalia, Romania, and Bulgaria while in the Marine Corps. When I remember those sights, it’s easy to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I saw whole families living in a bush with a sheet over it in Somalia–a war-torn country where human life was of little value.
I saw 12-year-old girls selling themselves in Romania and Bulgaria because that’s the only way they could support themselves and survive.
I saw kids in Morocco inadequately clothed in the middle of winter–no shoes, no coats, just rags to wear. They tried to steal anything they could because that’s what they had to do to survive.
These are the things that I recall whenever I begin to think times are tough for me. I don’t have to think about the long to realize how blessed I am to live in this great country.
God bless you and your family. You’re in our prayers.
15. Give this lady a hand « America, You Asked For It! on December 12th, 2008 7:49 p+6
[...] this lady a hand Terri Camp could use your help. She’s truly an inspiration to those who believe in conservative [...]
16. Chris on December 12th, 2008 12:32 p+6
Admiration for you – doing the right thing! Doing the tough thing – Doing it with love and teaching that to your children. You are the definition of all things in the word “Mother”
17. ConservativePup on December 12th, 2008 1:18 p+6
God bless you and your family. You did a very brave thing, and the only moral thing you could. I applaud you for protecting your children.
Much good luck in the contest! And I wish for you and your family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
18. Kendra Neal on December 12th, 2008 5:25 p+6
What an inspriation you are to single moms, children and many more. Praying for blessings to you and your children this holiday season.
19. Russell D. James on December 12th, 2008 5:27 p+6
Wow. That story brought tears to my eyes and made me wonder why I am so down for being out of work right now. Moms are always the best and you show that to be true. I really hope you get that computer package for you and for your kids.
God bless you all!
20. Quiet Mom on December 12th, 2008 5:30 p+6
So glad you shared your story. Hoping you get this package because I know you’ll use it well!
21. * TONYA * on December 12th, 2008 5:32 p+6
Oh my you have my in a mix of tears and admiration. I’m so sorry that things have been so tough, if anybody deserves a break it is you and your family.
The child who told you it was okay to not receive Christmas presents has been raised by somebody wonderful. To not be concerned about the gifts and more about the meaning of Christmas shows me what an amazing person you are.
22. Beth on December 12th, 2008 5:33 p+6
Praying for you this Christmas season!
23. Sarah P on December 12th, 2008 5:37 p+6
Thanks for sharing this moving story. It sounds like your kids know the true meaning of life and that will go a long way for you and your family. I really hope you’re able to get the computer package for your family too.
24. Rebecca on December 12th, 2008 5:43 p+6
A few years ago we were down to nothing – as it sounds like you are. We had decided to get out of debt, so were not using credit cards anymore. We had no options on getting the kids anything for Christmas & were even worried about food & other expenses through the end of the month. We told no one of our concerns, but were very worried.
While meeting with family & friends for an early Christmas celebration, one friend came to us with a Christmas card. They said it had been given to them earlier in the day. We tore into it expecting to hear from a dear friend. Instead of a Christmas letter we found cash inside – quite a bit of cash. My eyes teared up as I looked for a signature that wasn’t there. Upon asking the person that gave us the card we were told that the giver had asked to not be named.
We still have no idea who sent that money, but we know that someone listened to the Lord’s leading that day. He was the only one that knew of our situation & He took care of us.
25. Janusz on December 12th, 2008 6:09 p+6
I am adding you to my prayers,
I am amazed at your courage & wisdom, I really hope you win.. You
certainly deserve a big chunk of Luck.
I wish you & your Children all the best for the future
Janusz
26. Tina B.Tessina, PhD “Dr. Romance” on December 12th, 2008 6:14 p+6
Congratulations on your courage and grit! Miracles come to those who are doing their own part.
We’re talking all things romance at “Dr. Romance”
27. schooling_in_tx on December 12th, 2008 8:13 p+6
A truly touching story. May your Christmas wishes come true!
Bless you,
Joycelyn
28. Penney Douglas on December 12th, 2008 8:34 p+6
I see in these comments that many believe that God takes care of those who take care of themselves. I would like to testify that He does even more than that. When my husband was laid off at the end of 2001, right after 9/11, he tried to start his own business. Nothing came of it, and then my husband prayed, “What am I supposed to do now!” He was devastated that God didn’t bless his business idea. The Lord told him to meet Him in the field every day. He was just to pray most of the day, and he was to pray with me and the kids. The Lord worked in his heart during that period of more than 3 years to turn his heart toward his children. He started helping me with the children. He made sure they did their chores and helped me with the housework. I gave birth to twins during that time. By the time I had them, he was doing all the grocery shopping and cooking.
Before all this happened, my husband had been a work-a-holic, and he was hardly ever home. When he was home, he was not engaged with us as a family. He would go out to his office which was in a separate building and work some more or play games on his computer. I had to do everything that involved taking care of the children. It got to be quite burdensome to me, because by 2001, I had 6 children. I was really struggling and not a very happy person most of the time, because I was dealing with so many small children with no help or support. I had been crying out to God to turn my husband’s heart toward me and our children. He had to use some pretty dramatic means to do it. And He had to have my husband’s undivided attention. So a job was not allowed during that time.
God provided for us through many different people. We never told anyone our need. We got several cards from “Jesus” that contained money orders for large amounts of money. We found out by accident that those cards were from a woman that we ministered to as she was dealing with an abusive husband. She didn’t have any money that we knew of, but somehow she was able to secretly give us quite a bit of money. We considered her a widow and her daughter an orphan because of the way her husband treated her. We ministered to them with love and invited them into our family. We had no idea that she would be able to give us anything.
We ministered to people together as a family every chance we got. We prayed together every day. We went together and laid hands on people who were sick, and many were healed.
But God was not looking at our works, whether in the natural or the spiritual. What He was looking at was our hearts. We were all drawing closer to Him. For me personally, God became more real to me than ever before. I had been a Christian all my life, but it was hard to feel Him and the Evolution and anti-God teaching in public school had done their dirty work and laid a foundation of doubt in my heart. But at the deepest core of my heart, I knew God was real. I just needed to experience more of a “God has to do something or I’m going to die” type of scenario to develop a strong, unquenchable faith and belief in God.
Well, that has happened. What my husband and I went through during that season without an income was compounded by the devil throwing every kind of attack at us through the government and law enforcement, and through family and friends. It seems like not having money is considered a crime in this country. We tried to just keep trusting God for money to pay the bills, but the bill collectors got very irate when we paid a little late because God provided after their due date. We had issues with keeping our license tags current and insurance on our car and when we got food stamps, the state accused us of stealing food stamps, so we had to hire a lawyer to defend us in court. My husband was forced to look for a job even though the Lord had told him not to get a job. He wasn’t able to get one – big surprise.
During the whole time, God met our basic needs. I don’t think we even know what basic needs are in this country. We really don’t know poverty in our country. Most of the world has so little, and we have so much. I’m grateful for what we have, but I don’t like to hear anyone complain about needing a new iPod or needing the latest game system. We feel like we have been de-Americanized by what we went through. We were spoiled American brats before we went through a time of poverty. We were changed. God did what He wanted to do in our lives, because we let Him. My husband got a lot of criticism, He constantly heard, “if a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat”, but you know what? He always ate! We all did. Our most basic needs were met every day of that 4 year period that we had no income and were unable to provide for ourselves by our own hands. We were being obedient to God. There weren’t very many who understood, and we could only talk to a few people, because most would tear down our faith.
But in the midst of it all, we gave to others every chance we got. We gave away some of our money when any was provided to us to others who were in need or to ministries that were helping the poor. God was working on our hearts. That is what He is after. Even our good character and hard work isn’t as important to Him as our faith.
If He takes away your ability to work or your options in life, then don’t worry. He will provide for you supernaturally. Just know that He’s doing a great work in your heart, and He won’t let you die. He will take care of your basic needs. You’ll find out what God considers to be basic needs. It’s not fun, but it’s good! As C.S. Lewis said in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, “He’s not safe, but He’s good!”
Love,
Penney
29. Penney Douglas on December 12th, 2008 8:49 p+6
Oh, can I make another comment? I know I talked a lot already. But I need to say that I’ve loved Terri’s writing on her blog. I loved her book, Ignite the Fire, and the website she had by that name. I really want to get her other books and can’t wait until she writes her new one. She is so encouraging. She’s a good writer and a wise woman. She has been through so many of the same things many mothers go through. She remains upbeat and funny no matter what circumstances come into her life.
It would be wonderful if she won the computer equipment to help her with her writing, her ministry and all the things her children will do.
That’s it!
Love,
Penney
30. jyl_mommygossip on December 13th, 2008 12:59 p+6
Thanks for sharing this post. It must have been incredibly difficult to write and even more difficult to experience, especially since you are still in the middle of it. What I love most about your post is your desire to put your family first—to shelter and nurture them by giving back to them. What is more important to us moms than taking care of our children, right? And, yours have been through a lot. Wow! I admire your determination.
Happy holidays and hang in there! My family has struggled a lot over the past many years financially and otherwise. I can attest to the fact that God is good and that there is a silver lining. All these things really are for our experience and put us in a position to be better able to give and more compassionate.
31. Manuel on December 13th, 2008 4:01 p+6
Terri is a trooper! If her story can’t inspire you, nothing will! Help her help her kids some more. They all deserve it.
32. Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home on December 13th, 2008 4:48 p+6
What an amazing story. I pray that you will be blessed in the coming year and get the computer you need.
33. Jennifer on December 13th, 2008 7:17 p+6
I wish you all luck! The most important thing with Christmas is being with family and you all definitely have that!!
Goodluck!
Jenny
http://www.ehow.com/how_4667321_retirement-working-home.html
34. craftymamaof4 on December 13th, 2008 7:18 p+6
You are truly and amazing woman! You and your kids really deserve this win
35. Jeff C on December 13th, 2008 7:21 p+6
Hats off to you for taking a horrible situation and turning it around, and being willing to share your story and encourage others. Hope and pray this Christmas season and each day will be filled with blessings.
36. deb on December 13th, 2008 7:27 p+6
what a powerful story! I hope you win!!
37. Cathy Nagle on December 13th, 2008 10:27 p+6
How can we help you and your precious children win the HP Magic Giveaway? Is leaving a comment enough? I want to see you win!
Hey! Hewlett-Packard! HP You guys ROCK.
We own your products!
Please choose this family as the winner!!!!!!!!!!!
38. Darlene on December 13th, 2008 10:55 p+6
Terri – what a strong woman you are and what a strong family you have. For all of you, don’t lose sight of your dreams, for they will come true, sometimes in ways you don’t expect.
39. Carissa @ mommygossip-gno on December 14th, 2008 4:18 p+6
Wow and then wow again. You seem like an angel. I’m very amazed and impressed. So much good in your life. And your kids look like such a great crew…
I’m from a family of 10 kids and when times were tough, they were VERY tough, (x10!)
God Bless.
40. Zoey on December 14th, 2008 6:33 p+6
Wow, how sad yet inspirational. My best wishes to you and your family!
41. Heather on December 14th, 2008 6:56 p+6
Thanks for sharing your life so openly. I know it blesses me! It must bless others as well.
42. Sharon aka WGO on December 14th, 2008 10:37 p+6
God Bless You & Your Beautiful Family. Merry Merry Christmas.
43. Jason Mitchener on December 15th, 2008 5:41 p+6
Terri, thanks for sharing your story. I truly believe trials can make us stronger if we let them.
I was born with a rare neuromuscular disease that progressively weakens my muscles. Seventeen years ago, I went on a ventilator and began living in a long term care center. I was ready to give up, but God reminded me of His love. Now I share His love with others through daily devotional messages that I send to nearly 500 subscribers.
44. Maiken Jepsen on December 15th, 2008 5:52 p+6
Wish you and your family the best of luck . Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Maiken
45. Jacque on December 15th, 2008 6:55 p+6
Terri~
I am truly sorry for what you have been through. I praise the LORD that He is with you and you are doing what is necessary. May He bless you abundantly abundantly!
I hope you win!
46. Karli on December 15th, 2008 7:32 p+6
My mom was sexually and physically abused as a child. She does know that I was physically abused, not nearly as bad as she was, but she doesn’t know that I was also sexually abused as a child and as an adult.
I’m under an assumed name since I have seen people I know post on this and I’m not ready to be completely open about this. I wanted to tell you that you have an amazing story.
I also know what its like to grow up with a working mom in a single parent family. My mother raised the three of us on her own and because of her selflessness, I have a little sister somewhere that I don’t know. I know God provided for us, miraculously I believe. We had everything we ever needed and many extras. God is SO good!
I pray that God continues to bless you and your family.
All my love to you and your beautiful children.
47. Tina on December 16th, 2008 12:56 p+6
What amazing children you have! And they are that way because they have a wonderful mother who has taught them all the right lessons, the family is the greatest gift of all.
I applaud all you have done and wish you and your family a wonderfully blessed Christmas.
48. Rhonda on December 16th, 2008 5:26 p+6
I am so proud of you as a Mother. You made a brave and courageous decision to protect your children and I salute you. Hats off! Truly, I wish with all my heart and soul that HP sees your value as this community of believers do in that most of us don’t even know you. Yet, we are moved and inspired by your fortitude and character.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes!
49. aravinthan on December 16th, 2008 5:32 p+6
all the best …..
50. Leslie on December 16th, 2008 5:13 p+6
“Leave a comment telling me how you have been encouraged during tough times, or how you have been able to encourage someone else.”
It seems that we have been in tough times ever since we started homeschooling (since 2002) – but really, whenever I look back, (and sometimes in the middle of a freak out), I can plainly see that God has been taking care of us quite well.
God bless you and your family!
51. Jolly Joan on December 16th, 2008 8:59 p+6
Your kids look wonderful–I’m so glad they’re now safe, but so sorry you had to go through what you went through! The way you’ve cared for them, sheltered them, protected them, and want more for them in every way–this is inspiring, and what this contest is all about. Thank you for sharing!!!
52. Fred on December 17th, 2008 4:05 p+6
Keep on keepin’ on my friend. It has ben a privilege and honor to “know” you all these years, even though we’ve never actually met. You have always been an inspiration to me – through your response to your own circumstances and your support during mine.
53. Erika on December 17th, 2008 5:07 p+6
What an inspirational story of your kids coming together. Best of luck to you and your sweet children.
54. Dave in Irving on December 18th, 2008 5:28 p+6
gosh what an inspiration. It really is true, the most vile, horrible evil can be overcome, peace can return, God never truly deserts any of us..
I don’t know anything personally about that kind of abuse, but we’ve all had our tragedies in life and you’ve given me some perspective about mine with your story… thank you.. SO much..
Dave in Irving
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56. Joan Rudloff on January 4th, 2009 9:23 p+6
Terri,
I would not have known the kids. They grow up so fast. How wonderful. I run into Ashley, periodically, and your new grandbaby, and my co worker, Stephanie Johnson is a friend of Ashley’s too so she keeps me up to date. Wish I could have met with you for coffee while you were here. Oh well, maybe next time….
May the Lord continue to bless you all, as I know He has
In His love,
Joan,
or as I’m known most of the time for obvious reasons,
Red
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I’m so glad… after all this time… the laptop finally made it’s way to you. It’s not the world, but hopefully will make things a little easier for you. I’m so thankful to the GNO girls for agreeing with me that you deserved part of the Sugar Magic!
Love and Hugs!!
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