tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63347047483405644852024-03-05T12:34:30.323-05:00Spread the WordActs 13: 47-49 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
"I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-54811479220459112072016-08-31T12:35:00.000-04:002016-08-31T12:35:57.686-04:00Our Provider Never Fails
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sorting through computer files this morning, I
unearthed a blog from last year that I never finished. It immediately took me
back in time with the opening paragraph:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My
life has changed this past year. Inspirational writing and prison ministry
involvement have taken a back seat to being home for my husband. As with any
stage 4 terminal diagnosis, it immediately becomes a very surreal journey. Every
morning the brevity of this life smacks you in the face, as does the fragility
of our bodies. Throughout each day there are new struggles; including emotional
battles to overcome as you reflect on who this person used to be and prepare
yourself for even more declines to come. It’s a delicate dance to be a step
ahead of the inevitable changes in them, to assist physically as well as
mentally; and remain encouraging throughout. They (understandably) long to keep
as much independence as possible, for as long as possible. Staying focused on
their care makes it easy to forget that you need to keep yourself strong and healthy,
not knowing how long this final chapter together will be.... <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband would live 2 ½ more months after that
writing. One of my constant prayers during his illness was that I would be
strong enough to care for him until the end, and that neither one of us would
get sick, not even a cold. Lots of faithful prayer warriors prayed the same and
God honored our prayers. I can look back now with a very grateful heart. Every
concern that we took to the Lord, He heard and answered. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During that season of caregiving my husband was
repeatedly concerned about who would take care of me in my future time of need.
I always responded with the truth, “I’m not worried about it. God will
provide.” (Gen. 22:8) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And now one year later, I have been in need many,
many times. Most of the needs have been small, but a few have been biggies. And
guess what? God was with me for each and every one! From great friends who took
care of my dogs when I needed to be away, to caring neighbors who mowed my
grass, to loving family who cared for me, to good friends from church who
installed some security measures and brought homemade soups when I was sick; time and time again each need has been
met. And when moments of loneliness or waves of grief came, the God of all
comfort was there. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our Lord is faithful. He is a husband to the widow, and a
trusted friend to all of His children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The widow who is really in need and left all
alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God
for help. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(1 Timothy 5:5)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-44345057648254046282015-12-11T10:19:00.001-05:002015-12-11T10:19:29.072-05:00The Underdog Lie
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We've all experienced it. Maybe you
were one of the last picked for gym class, or one of the few not invited to a
birthday party. Those childhood hurts of being left out or unwanted can often
stick with us into adulthood. If not dealt with properly, feelings of unworthiness can lead us down destructive paths
in life. If we allow ourselves to listen to the lies of the enemy, our
choices in life will reflect that.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've seen it time and time again in
prison ministry. Children are raised to believe they don't matter, or that they
are losers, and they turn to substance abuse to numb the pain. They have an
underdog mentality and fully believe they will never amount to anything. But...
there <i>is</i> good news. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus came to earth to rescue
all underdogs. Each one of us, especially those who feel forgotten, is not
forgotten by Him...He came to
earth for every single person. No one is too far gone for His love and
forgiveness. None of us is without sin or without the need of His grace in our
life. And no one has out-sinned the love and grace of our heavenly Father. (Last para. excerpted from <em>The Christmas Underdogs</em>.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a class="a-link-normal a-text-normal" href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Underdogs-Story-Canines-Convicts/dp/1502990504/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449846575&sr=1-1&keywords=christmas+underdogs"><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516X5lS4sLL._AA160_.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For God so loved the world that he gave his
one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> John 3:16</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-25374147921969739092015-09-01T09:55:00.000-04:002015-09-01T09:55:13.888-04:00Sunrise and Sunset
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was
flipping the page on my calendar this morning to September, when I paused to “say
goodbye” to the beautiful August photo; a stately lighthouse perched on the
edge of a rocky shore flanked by a gorgeous sunset. The scripture attached was,
“The Lord hath done great things for us.”(Psalm 126:3)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Staring at
the beauty of the parting rays of sunlight, I asked myself how I knew the photo
was of a sunset and not a sunrise. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
is the difference between the two?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I
contemplated this, I mused that a sunrise is brighter and a sunset more soft. A
sunrise is usually concentrated in one area, and a sunset is often spread more
across the horizon. Sunrises are typically stark yellow, while sunsets can run the
gamut of a color palette. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To me it’s
as if the Lord is communicating:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunrise!
Look up! Let the Son rise in your heart! Give Him praise! Roll up your sleeves
and embrace the day! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunsets, on
the other hand, speak: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let our hearts
fill with humble gratitude as we give thanks for the gift of this day; the
myriad colors representing the many blessings we received both great and small.
Its breathtaking beauty should cause us to lift our hands to the heavens and praise
Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I reflect
on August and the short but powerful verse attached, I agree: the Lord has done
great things for us. Even in the daily take-it-for-granted happenings of each
day (such as promising sunrises and reflective sunsets), if we pause and remember
the small stuff, we can see that yes, God HAS done great things for us. He has
given us the gift of another day of life, love, and laughter. Did we live it fully?
Did we give praise and thanks to God for His many gifts? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we turn
the page of the calendar, let us not forget the giver of the gifts – for He
alone is worthy.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-70842721685709243472015-08-15T08:55:00.000-04:002015-08-15T08:55:12.971-04:00First Things First
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cherish arising early while darkness still covers my
little area of the country. The house is serenely quiet, enabling me to spend focused
time with the Lord. As my nostrils fill with the heady aroma of freshly made coffee
and I gather my study items at the kitchen table, I often say a quick prayer for discernment
and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most mornings I read several daily devotionals along with a
chapter in the Bible. I look up the referenced Bible verses from the
devotionals, including the verses before and after, to better understand the
context of the message. Sometimes this simple act takes me on amazing rabbit
trails where God graciously speaks to me concerning a current trial in my life.
I love being reminded that, “He’s got this,” as the Lord lifts the burden I’ve
mistakenly placed on myself. I give thanks that He is still on the
throne – still in control. Spending this time alone with the Lord and putting
on my spiritual armor (especially necessary in these challenging times we live
in) helps keep me at peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I have to admit; sometimes staying focused each morning is
a struggle. Sitting still and keeping my mind from wandering can be
challenging—I have to continually rein it in. Otherwise, it can be impossible to
discern His still small voice. Before reading my first devotional, “to-do” lists a mile long can easily
be scribbled down. And it doesn’t help that I’m considered to be a “senior” by many
standards. My aging brain knows if I don’t capture thoughts as they enter in,
forget it. They are history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This mental struggle used to create frustration and
conflict. And then I had a lightbulb moment. I actually...prayed about it. (Yeah,
heavy, I know.) Sometimes the simplest answer is literally staring you right in
the face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And God’s response to that prayer? For me to compromise just a
little. By keeping a small tablet barely within reach I can quickly jot down the list
of to-do items as they crowd in, but I keep my Bible and journal directly in
front of me to capture “God thoughts” or “divine messages.” For me this system works.
I’m able to keep the main thing the main thing, retaining my priority of staying
focused on the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God created our amazing mind and He wants us to use it
wisely. He also created us as spirit beings. He longs to fellowship with us
throughout the day. We <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> do both, and
have peace amidst the storm, as long as we remember to put Him first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trust
in the </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> with all your heart</i></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
lean not on your own understanding;</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>in all your ways submit to him,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)</span></span></i><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-91189395245720541442015-03-21T10:15:00.003-04:002015-03-21T10:15:28.219-04:00God MomentsWhile sitting at the hairdressers this week and waiting for my turn, I picked up a magazine to thumb through. Just then, I overheard the customer ahead of me say to my hairdresser that her husband was involved in prison ministry. She lamented on how few of the inmates receive visits or correspondence from anyone, including from their own family members.<br />
<br />
"I was shocked!" She exclaimed. "I can't imagine being stuck in prison, but to not hear anything from the outside world would be an added layer of devastation."<br />
<br />
When my hairdresser went to the back room to get a product, I took the opportunity to introduce myself to the customer and share that I, too, was involved in prison ministry. I commended her husband for reaching out to those behind bars and shared how strong the need was for volunteers to visit and write. I then suggested she and her husband might be interested in reading "Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison." <br />
<br />
After sharing with her a little about my background in prison ministry and in writing, I told her I co-wrote the 365 day devotional book with a guy who worked for Prison Fellowship Int'l.<br />
<br />
"There is a list of prison ministries in the back of the book, too," I added. "You and your husband might find those useful, along with reading true stories from the perspective of the inmates, volunteers, prison chaplains, wardens, family members, and others."<br />
<br />
The customer was thrilled and asked if I had any copies. I keep a few of each of my books in the car, just for "God moments" like this. I love the way our amazing Lord connects us with total strangers who have like-minded hearts. <br />
<br />
Later that day I reflected on meeting that woman. <em>Hmmm...I usually don't arrive 10 minutes early for my hair appointment; two minutes maybe, but ten minutes, no. And, I am usually engrossed in what I'm reading and don't pay attention to the chit-chat around me...I was just about to open that magazine at the hair dressers and start reading....</em><br />
<br />
Then suddenly, I recalled my quiet time from earlier in the morning.<br />
"Help me to see You at work around me," I had prayed. "I don't want to miss an opportunity to be a blessing to others."<br />
<br />
I don't always remember to pray for ministry moments, but after that brief encounter this week, I've been pumped up to stay alert to the mysterious ways our God works around us. How many times have I missed being a blessing to someone by being wrapped up in my own world? <br />
<br />
<em>Lord, give me eyes to see who I can help today.</em><br />
<br />
"I will bless you . . . and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2 NLT)<br />
<br />
<br />
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-4039168654004631772015-01-18T17:43:00.001-05:002015-01-18T17:43:43.821-05:00Press On to the Goal
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a few weeks ago many of us set goals for the New Year.
Some of us set financial goals to get a handle on our spending and maybe even get
out of debt. Others made physical goals to lose some weight and improve their
health. And I’m sure there were some, like myself, who set personal achievement
goals for the year, as well. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every January I prayerfully contemplate my writing goals for
the new year. For book proposals, I first prayerfully create a one sheet synopsis of the theme of the book God is
laying on my heart, followed by a rough outline, and culminating with an
in-depth proposal, all in hopes of landing a book contract. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people set extraordinary goals and accomplish them. This
week, like many in the United States, I witnessed two amazing achievements:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first was the Ohio State Buckeyes winning
the national college football championship. They were never expected to be
number one. The OSU football team was considered the underdogs all through the
season, right up until the very end; yet, they miraculously ended up being the
champs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other extraordinary achievement was done at Yosemite’s
El Capitan. It played host to two very dedicated men for 17 days, as they
bloodied their fingertips and inched their way up the massive rock, scaling all
3,000 feet of it to the very top. Several years of painstaking preparation
culminated in this amazing triumph. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But during the arduous months (and years) of those
dedicated football players and rock climbers practicing and planning their
strategies, there were no cheerleaders along the way picking them up. Time after time they were exhausted and longed
to quit. No one took over their daily hours of practices for them –
they, alone, had to stick with it and force themselves to persevere when they
desperately wanted time off. Those “behind the scenes” moments full of physical
pain and setbacks, where they pushed themselves beyond what they thought they
were capable of, was what eventually enabled them to be successful and reach
their goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After witnessing both those amazing sets of achievements in
one week, I was even more motivated to stick to my own personal goals. Their
dedication reminded me that working toward a goal and finally achieving it not
only blesses us, but blesses and encourages those around us to strive to reach
their goals, too. And sometimes we forget there is a bigger picture involved. We forget that our actions can prompt others to step up to the plate. (The
opposite is true, as well. Our lack of commitment can lead others astray.) It
is important to remember that our perseverance, and taking the necessary steps
toward our dream, is what it takes to win the trophy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I press on toward the
goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</i>
(Philippians 3:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-20948504739338033812014-11-03T12:53:00.000-05:002014-11-03T12:57:42.188-05:00Cheering for the Underdog<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f"
stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:-23pt;margin-top:87.65pt;width:166.5pt;
height:250pt;z-index:251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\Connie\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" hspace="12" src="file:///C:/Users/Connie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfamuwH7yGSMZWvf6_dNh7xCNDUEqsFjvPdGO0hBNm0lsg5niUhkxLzCfWG9X-kQnWmWr9m_Z5a28cQsjbTQ9GiLhXGX5Zo3YSIl1axYzIz507R_7XUXR8_VZQOoSEWFjWxB9IILpD5c/s1600/Christmas+Underdog+Front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" unselectable="on"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfamuwH7yGSMZWvf6_dNh7xCNDUEqsFjvPdGO0hBNm0lsg5niUhkxLzCfWG9X-kQnWmWr9m_Z5a28cQsjbTQ9GiLhXGX5Zo3YSIl1axYzIz507R_7XUXR8_VZQOoSEWFjWxB9IILpD5c/s1600/Christmas+Underdog+Front+cover.jpg" height="320" unselectable="on" width="213" /></a></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Most people have a heart for the underdog. Underdogs are the predicted loser in a contest, or the victim of an injustice. It doesn't matter if it's the runt of the litter, or a contestant on Wheel of Fortune who hasn’t won any money, we still can’t help cheering on an underdog because we feel for them.</span><br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </span></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
On the morning of December 24th, 2009, the last thing I cared about was the underdog - human or animal. I awoke engulfed in a pity party stemming from loss. Between finding out our kids (including our new granddaughter) wouldn't be home for Christmas, and having to put our faithful canine companion down, I didn't care about getting out of bed, much less celebrating Christmas. But God had other plans; plans to use me to offer hope to the down and out. That Christmas was like non other, and was a powerful reminder of the true meaning of the season. </span></span></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After sharing the unusual events of the day with my agent, she kept nudging me to write the manuscript. The problem was, I saw it only as a short story about a Christmas dog. I couldn't catch the vision of an entire book based on just that one day. Only after much prayer, along with reading through my many journals from that time period, did I realize the "Christmas Dog" book was actually an underdog story, about both humans and animals. And last spring, as if to confirm God wanted the book written, the contract seemed to fall from the sky. Then, all through the hot summer months of writing, the winter words flowed almost effortlessly. Yes, God wanted me to write this book. He wanted me to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones and have a heart for the underdogs He puts in their path, too.</span></span></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">So, I hope you enjoy,</span> <em>Christmas Underdogs: A True Stor<o:p></o:p>y about Canines, Convicts and God’s Love for All</em></span>. It is
a testimony of the faithfulness of God and how He nudges us to get out of bed and care about others - especially the forgotten among us.</span></span></h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Early Christmas Blessings to You,</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Connie</span></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> </div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-28926083449163966142014-10-25T11:40:00.000-04:002014-10-25T11:40:13.977-04:00The Only Hope
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That ugly “C”
word has hit my family again. It’s been a rough few months. The same day one
family member was being operated on due to cancer; we learned my husband had cancer.
We chose to stay quiet about my husband’s situation until we knew our family
member would be okay. Not only that, but hubby wanted to wait until all the
tests were in and we knew exactly what we were dealing with. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His first
round of chemo was a few weeks ago and it did not go well—we almost lost him.
Now he’s facing a second round and we’re understandably concerned. We were told
up front he would not beat this type of cancer. Several doctors pronounced, “Chemo
was his only hope of prolonging his life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can honestly say I’ve never endured such an intense physical and emotional
struggle as I have following the first round of chemo. With each new day of
complications we awoke to face a hope that he would get better, but for what; so
that he could get sick again by chemo, with the chemo not doing any long-term good?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I kept my focus on the odds, I was miserable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But now that I’ve been away from the hospital and able to catch up on my
rest, I’m also spending more time in the Word. As I sit quietly in prayer I’ve
realized—I had misplaced my hope.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="text">I forgot that, “What is impossible with man
is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) I forgot to hope in the Lord, not to put my
hope in man or medicine.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But those who hope in the </span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles;</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">they will run and not grow weary,</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">they will walk and not be faint. </span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(Isaiah 40:31)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our “only
hope” is never anything made by man, such as medicine, money, or materialism.
Our only hope is Christ, period. We walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians
5:7).<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband WILL be healed by God, one way or another. Either on this
earth in his physical body, or in heaven in his new body, he will be healed.
And that is the great hope that I, like you, must hold onto. These are trying
times we live in. But there is always hope in Christ. Always. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Find rest, Oh my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my
fortress, I will not be shaken</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. (Psalm 62:5-6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-1001432084132480132014-08-31T18:31:00.003-04:002014-08-31T18:31:39.165-04:00The Filter<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve all done it. We’ve blurted out what’s on our
mind without “thinking” first. Once out there, it’s too late; there’s no
getting the words back.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for the believer, we
have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us, as a helper, nudging us and
teaching us what to say and what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>
to say. Much like a filter; He sifts our mind and helps keep us in check. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have
said to you.</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> John 14:26<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s the purpose of the Holy Spirit? Why does He
“run interference”? He is teaching us to become more like Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can be difficult to wrap our brains around the
fact that God loves us so much that He takes up residence inside our hearts. Even
when we mess up, when something shoots out of our mouth that doesn’t honor Him,
He will forgive us if we ask. His grace covers us and His love fills us, so
that we, too, can forgive others who say things that hurt us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems the least we can do for the Lord while we
are here in these mortal bodies is to honor Him. We do that by spending time
with Him and in His word, worshipping Him, and glorifying Him with our
thoughts, words, and actions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May your heart beat for Christ alone, for He is worthy....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
a loud voice <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span>y were saying: “<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Worthy</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">is</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lamb</span>, who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” </span></span></i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5:12&version=NIV"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Revelation 5:12</span></span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-50078239599829882732014-07-10T07:30:00.002-04:002014-07-10T07:30:38.845-04:00“Don’t Go Nutty on Us, Mom”<h4>
I’ve been locked up in my office a lot this summer.
The good news, I’m under contract to write a Christmas book. The bad news, the release date is this fall, which leaves me with only a few weeks to finish
writing it. And...it’s July with high heat and humidity, too. <o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
Last month, I enjoyed a wonderful two day break from being alone in my office and mentally absorbed with all things Christmas. My son and family came to visit for my husband’s
birthday. We love being with them, especially our two
grandgirls, Elaina and Leah. (If you’re a grandparent, I don’t need to elaborate
on the joy grandkids bring into our lives.) </h4>
<h4>
“How’s that book comin’ along, Mom?” My son asked.<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
“Slow…and, different.”<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
He gave me a quizzical look, raising one eyebrow. “How
so?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
“Well, it’s been so hot outside, in order
to get my head into Christmas I actually found an internet station that plays
Christmas music 24/7. I have it playing in the background while working on
different scenes. Last week I went through the Christmas stuff in the basement and
brought up a few ornaments to decorate my office with. And I’ve been catching
myself singing carols throughout the day, too.”<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
“And all that helps?”<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
“Yeah, it does. But, it’s been kind of strange, too.
I get so involved that I forget what month it really is. I’ll hear the wind
blowing and look out my office window, expecting to see snow swirling, and then
be taken aback when it’s so green outside. Or, I’ll see a catalog and mentally
start making out Christmas lists for everyone. By the way, what do you want for
Christmas this year?”<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
“Uhhhh, don’t go nutty on us, mom.”<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
I had to smile. I am determined to enjoy this gift
of writing that God has placed inside me, and the process of writing, too. I’ve actually had fun creating <em>The Christmas Underdogs </em>(working title), however, I have to admit, it does help to love all things Christmas, as well.<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4>
These past few weeks have been a good reminder to me that, no matter
what “season” we’re in, it is God who keeps us grounded. Whatever He calls us to do, He will equip us for...including
celebrating Christmas in July. <o:p></o:p></h4>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-56743905533910695462014-06-08T17:17:00.000-04:002014-06-08T17:25:52.511-04:00Ever Feel Taken Advantage Of?<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of us have a big heart; we want to help others
when we can. For Christians involved in outreach ministry it is simply a way of
life. But whenever we’re involved in helping others, we can sometimes get taken
advantage of. This is especially true in prison ministry. Desperate people,
especially those who don’t know and trust in the Lord, will sometimes use
others.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Jesus tells us in Luke 6:30 to,
“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not
demand it back.” Jesus wants us to have a giving spirit. He does not want us to
hoard items for ourselves. And further down in that chapter Jesus also says,
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to
get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of
the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be
merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Luke 6:35-36). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">Did
you catch this part, “He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked”? Is Jesus saying
to keep giving to those who don’t appreciate your efforts and who go about
doing evil? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes…
and no, because, God also gave limits to our giving:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">“The
one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10.) </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, there are people who want to live with
no accountability and who are irresponsible. Yet there has to be limits. It is
wrong for us to be a part of enabling another to continue in a destructive or
negative chronic life pattern. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">To
know when to assist and when not, all hinges on knowing the Holy Spirit.
Believers of Christ have the Spirit living on the inside of us, giving us
discernment and wisdom. We are nudged to do things that make no sense to the
unbeliever, but we trust that God will work it all out for His good. In order
to be sensitive to the will of God it is imperative to stay in prayer and in
the Spirit. As long as we see that someone is sincerely making an effort, we
should be there to support him in whatever way God leads. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUjMBUUNwAhDgO4MG7Q3hhd1b-hP3-IgSGX3CGEREDKxls8hqrQlXaXCJU5pFp3KlaHoGsaMnEOj3ZHPqpfIGiQJFwPk2V8tM9GIyUFs_fymMhHcvtckKLOomEh-KofDvjYPWjw2q7_U/s1600/door+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUjMBUUNwAhDgO4MG7Q3hhd1b-hP3-IgSGX3CGEREDKxls8hqrQlXaXCJU5pFp3KlaHoGsaMnEOj3ZHPqpfIGiQJFwPk2V8tM9GIyUFs_fymMhHcvtckKLOomEh-KofDvjYPWjw2q7_U/s1600/door+for+blog.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>( <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a> )</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">And that is the key,
being alert to God’s leading. He will tell us when the door is open, when we
are to go through the door, and when the door is shut. The door to
understanding God’s promptings “hinges” on our closeness to Him.</span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-30214698004394042492014-05-14T08:44:00.001-04:002014-05-14T08:44:21.554-04:00Spare Moments
<br />
"In my 'spare time' I'm going to write a book." <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Ever hear someone say that? I have. Lots of times. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
At almost every speech or book signing I give, at least one
person approaches me and admits they have a book inside them. They usually add
something like, "And someday, when I have the spare time, I
am going to write it."<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Personally, I believe we all have a unique and interesting story to
tell, and we should write it down. If not for the world to read, then
for our loved ones, especially family. Wouldn't you cherish a book
(or even a journal of sorts) written by your great-grandmother about
her life? Or love reading about how your great-great grandfather came to
America from another country and forged out a good living for his family? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We should all have a book inside us - at least one. But the notion
that you'll have "spare time" is, well...not so realistic. Life
happens. We have schedules and interruptions to those schedules. And
what many of us don't grasp is, writing takes more time and energy than we
realize. If we truly wish to pursue it, though, we can make the time. It will
have to become and remain a priority for us. Don't forget, too, that you
can and should pray about it. <em>Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed</em>. Proverbs 16:3.<br />
<br />
I like to reflect on how Ralph Waldo Emerson worded the notion of spare
moments: <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<em>Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.
Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will
become the brightest gems in a useful life. </em><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
What about you? How are you using your "spare moments"?
What steps are you taking toward guarding and protecting the uncut
diamonds in your life, so that your legacy will be a light for generations
to come? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Look
carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,</span></i></b></span><strong><i><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"> </span></i></strong><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">making the best
use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16</span></i></b></span><o:p></o:p><br />
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-30393327227650837802014-03-22T08:41:00.001-04:002014-04-05T09:33:28.587-04:00The Approaching Dawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As I write this, it is early morning and still dark.
My world is quiet, both inside and outside my home. Immersed in the book of
Matthew and reading about the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, who announces
to anyone who will listen their need to repent of their sins because Jesus is
coming, I almost miss it. As I prepare my mind and heart for the upcoming
Easter celebration and Jesus’ resurrection, I almost miss the joyous song of a
lone bird announcing the dawn of a new day. A “forerunner” to the emergence of
a clean, new slate, this feathered friend happily chirps, exclaiming just outside
my window that the darkness will soon pass, and the light will rise. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t understand the pecking order of birds. Was
it the lil guy’s turn, and he was thrilled to sing his heart out while his
peers had to quietly listen? Or was he the only one outside my window and by default,
he alone could serenade me? (It is dark after all, I can’t tell if there’s a
flock or not.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless, the first chirps of a lone bird early in
the morning always lift my heart and make me smile. (And especially after the
long hard winter we’ve had—what a welcome melody it is!) Morning is my favorite
time of day; I love arising in the dark, while the house is quiet, and have my
devotions with the Lord. Having them interrupted by sweet chirps of happiness
only adds to the joy and anticipation of a new dawning. No matter what is on my
schedule for the day, I am suddenly ready to face whatever the coming hours
might bring. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Much like a lone bird that brings the message of the
approaching light of a new day, so did John the Baptist bring the message of the
coming Light for all eternity. The centuries old message is still fresh every
day:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repent of your sins, turn from
darkness, embrace the Light, and you will know the love, peace, and joy of
Christ in this life…and the next. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">How
lovely is your dwelling place,</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> Almighty!</span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span id="en-NIV-15262"> </span></sup>My soul yearns, even
faints,</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">for
the courts of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">;</span><br />
<span class="text">my heart and my flesh cry out</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">for
the living God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NIV-15263"> </span></sup>Even the sparrow has
found a home,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
the swallow a nest for herself,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">where
she may have her young—</span><br />
<span class="text">a place near your altar,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> Almighty, my King and my God.</span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NIV-15264"> </span></sup>Blessed are those who
dwell in your house;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">they
are ever praising you.<sup value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15264c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">
</sup></span>(Psalm 84:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-31875209309591052712014-02-07T17:32:00.001-05:002014-02-07T17:33:00.185-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf-uXeimO-Mh388kayqJ7tEf1K3TNTzdbBdC-a6WX_cV073pwsr6IdNCLB3OuqA2XEtsQzfv8RP6ddBSyZboFc9uDSE_9swfvCljCDkYEqa9GRANE2WVQnUzUTl-c3x39kJgkYbpX_HE/s1600/SFIH1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf-uXeimO-Mh388kayqJ7tEf1K3TNTzdbBdC-a6WX_cV073pwsr6IdNCLB3OuqA2XEtsQzfv8RP6ddBSyZboFc9uDSE_9swfvCljCDkYEqa9GRANE2WVQnUzUTl-c3x39kJgkYbpX_HE/s1600/SFIH1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="color: purple;">(L. to R. Connie Cameron, Nanette Friend and Connie Johnston)</span></em></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">SET FREE IN HIM </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">MINISTRIES</span></h2>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="color: purple;"> </span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Everyone
struggles with being “imprisoned” in some form and at different times in their
life. Incarceration in a literal prison usually results from our own bad
choices, or from the effects of irresponsible decisions made by
others. Then there are mental or spiritual prisons, too, that can be the result of bondage to
something or someone, serious illness, lifelong disabilities, or financial burdens.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Set
Free in Him Ministries</span><span style="color: purple;"> (SFIH)</span></strong> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">reveals the power of an extraordinary God who heals </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">broken
hearts, breaks chains that bind, and transforms “messes” into masterpieces,”
all for His glory. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The
speakers of <i><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Set Free in Him Ministries</strong></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> (</span>Nanette Friend, Connie Johnston, and Connie Cameron) <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">long to </span>share their moving
testimonies of how Jesus Christ holds the key to unlock us from our prison. Joy
and freedom can be obtained in Christ as we learn to keep our trust in Him. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Based in central Ohio, these women enjoy sharing their inspiring true stories, offering hope and encouragement, with a touch of humor. All three are authors and have been published in the best selling, <em>Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison book, </em>a 365 day devotional. They speak on a variety of topics, including helping audiences conquer fear, and nudging ladies to pursue their individual calling from God. The speakers of <strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Set Free in Him Ministries</span></em></strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> are</span> available individually, too, and for different gatherings, such as Mother’s Day banquets and women’s retreats. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<o:p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>"True testimonies of our living God working in and around each
woman as she shared how God has led them in the direction of Set Free in Him
Ministries. No matter your connection to prison ministries, God will
touch your heart to serve his children in some way. An inspiration and
blessing to meet each one!"</em></span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> -Tessa Blizzard,</span><span class="yiv1966303508tab"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Brushy Fork United Methodist
Church Ladies Group Leader</span></span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">To
contact SFIH or for more info., please click on the “Contact” tab at <a href="http://www.conniecameron.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.conniecameron.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>“Encouraging others to
become all God intends them to be, by sharing our experiences and offering hope
and freedom in Christ.” </em></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: purple;">Mission Statement of <i>Set Free In Him Ministries</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-35040181036542006572014-01-11T08:09:00.001-05:002014-01-11T08:09:31.173-05:00We Each Have a Ministry
Our lives are a testimony to others of Christ’s love. We are
His servants to minister to one another by His power that resides in us. Each of
us should have a ministry, but quite often, and especially for the new
believer, we don’t know what area of service we are gifted in. Keep praying
about it and then simply step out in faith and serve. You will have joy, and
there will be a supernatural flow, when you serve within your gift(s).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A good place to start can be in the area of pen pal
ministry. Even though we live in a day and age of social media, there is still
a large segment of society that does not use electronics, including seniors and
prisoners. Yet, those two groups love receiving mail. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
During my compiling of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stories
of Faith and Courage from Prison</i>, I was connected with Beth Michael, a
founder of Christian Pen Pals. Literally thousands of lives have been touched
by this outreach to inmates. An excerpt from her January 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> story
from the prisoner devotional book states:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><em>“God tells us we each have a ministry. ‘Now all things are of God, who
has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the
ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Cor. 5:18). With the Holy Spirit inside us to
guide us, we each have the power to share Christ with others. Most prison ministries
have huge needs. We need to be faithful to do our part and prayerfully consider
getting involved in, and ministering to, the “least of these.”</em> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Through Beth’s dedication to her ministry, many inmates have
started ministries of their own on both sides of the razor wire. Many hurting
men and women have found hope in Jesus and have dedicated their lives to
serving Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If you’d like more information about Christian Pen Pals,
please contact: CPP, PO Box 11296, Hickory, NC 28603, or <a href="http://www.christian-penpals.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.christian-penpals.com</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
True joy comes when you are willing to step outside
your comfort zone and invest your time in serving others. </div>
<h2>
</h2>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-56620626668914602472013-12-21T09:12:00.001-05:002013-12-21T09:12:45.423-05:00The Birthday Party<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine there was to be a huge birthday party in
your honor. Invitations were sent out, and for many months people prepared for
it. They bought gifts, they baked cakes and cookies, and they spent tons of
money and time decorating. They sang songs about the upcoming day, even
gathering outside homes to sing in the cold night. Some of the songs
specifically honored you, but some were simply about…the celebration. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As the years went by, more and more people forgot
who they were celebrating and instead worshipped the day. The parties
and gift-giving became the focus…and you, well…you were almost completely
forgotten. Here it was your birth that started the grand celebration each year,
but now…not only do many of the attendees not know who you even are, but they
take your name in vain. It has become all about the party, all about the gifts,
and sadly, all about making money from your birth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine how you would feel, if You were the Father
of the One who was being celebrated. You had given up Your only Son to die a
horrible death in order to save all these people. And, by simply calling on Your
Son’s name (from the heart), and seeking forgiveness for your sins, you would
be saved from spending eternity in hell. His amazing Spirit would immediately
take up residence in your heart, too, giving you new life in the here and now.
Imagine a God who would love His creation so much as to do that for them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet, once a year, on the anniversary of His Son’s
birth, His Son is all but forgotten. The emphasis is on the party and not the
Person. The day is all about food, family, and materialism. The Son, Jesus, is
barely recognized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon, very soon, that Son will return. Our amazing
Creator knows each of our hearts. It is He who knows when we are sleeping, who
knows when we are awake. God knows His kids, those who know Him and those who
don’t. God keeps His word and He will be sending His Son back again soon, very
soon. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Why not make this Christmas about the true reason
for the season. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and then celebrate the amazing
Christ for who He is, who He was, and who He will be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVJ5PWrgVlThOrrtI5b3M7xEYTJFXAxGrevjgY_Z_EZcplC3sX8qa2c372sO5KxFSPF0h1jACm2sMlk-jLOI0Gek5UX6pm95lQDSNGXwKqzuRldj6JOkZOe7gn_KbtYCvsyCfee66s5Q/s1600/2012-12-23+14.24.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVJ5PWrgVlThOrrtI5b3M7xEYTJFXAxGrevjgY_Z_EZcplC3sX8qa2c372sO5KxFSPF0h1jACm2sMlk-jLOI0Gek5UX6pm95lQDSNGXwKqzuRldj6JOkZOe7gn_KbtYCvsyCfee66s5Q/s320/2012-12-23+14.24.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy Birthday, Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">so</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">loved</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">world</span> that he gave his one and only <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So</span>n, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (John 3:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-17740712637980623312013-12-14T15:23:00.001-05:002013-12-17T08:16:43.511-05:00Interview with guest writer Carole Brown <b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Would you take this time
to describe your debut novel, <i>The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman</i></span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, </span></i><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to
us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here’s a brief blurb:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">How
far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death?<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cara is considered
rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’
eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love
reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and
forgiveness before she goes too far?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Redemption of
Caralynne Hayman</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> is a novel of
hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance.
This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving
reviews! Release date was October 21, 2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of
the Carolinas.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is the genre you
write in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you explain what it is?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I write suspense. My debut
novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, is considered women’s fiction but
filled with suspense and romance. I do believe anything I write will have
suspense and/or mystery in it. Some--most--of my novels will not deal with such
a strong topic as abuse, or at least will not be written as intensely as
TRofCH. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a novel releasing this
month--Hog Insane--that is the first book in a fun mystery series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is the spiritual
message in your latest book?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can
readers expect to get from reading it? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hope Shining Through the
Darkness. I hope readers will see that even in dark times, in heartbreaking or
hard times, when there is no light, that God can and does shine a light for us
to cling to and trust in. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I want readers to understand
a little better of the horribleness of abuse and to experience more sympathy
for those suffering from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do you ever feel like
giving up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people don’t understand
the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care
to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone
through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who’s inspired you the most?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course! In 2011 and the
beginning of 2012, I almost admitted I would never be a published author and
that I might as well quit. Fortunately, one dear older lady made me realize
that I needed to believe with all my heart. In April, 2012, I was invited to
submit a full manuscript and that December I signed a contract. The Redemption
of Caralynne Hayman released October 21, 2013. This year I was invited to
submit another book to a different publisher and was accepted. That book will
release this month.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Would you explain how you “chose”
(or was chosen) a publisher?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, that
you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve
experienced?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">No, it was by invitation from
the publishers, and no, I can’t relax totally. I may have a day to enjoy
myself, but I have two books due next year, another one I need to finish
editing soon, one I need to finish by the first of the year, and others I need
to work on. There’s marketing, events to attend, normal tasks to perform, and
life to be lived. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I never want to take what I
have achieved for granted.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Would you give us your
blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anything else you’d like to share?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Promotional information?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’d love for everyone to
connect with me on one or several of these spots. Ask questions or feel free to
watch for my next book. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Facebook: <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Twitter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/browncarole212"><span style="color: blue;">https://twitter.com/browncarole212</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pinterest: <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/"><span style="color: blue;">http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Goodreads: <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I also am part of several
other blogs: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Stitches in Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/</span></a></span></u><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Barn Door Book Loft: <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/</span></a></span></u> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Thank you, Carole, for using your gifts to serve our Lord. God bless your future endeavors! <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-58460994556510010732013-11-16T08:30:00.001-05:002013-11-16T08:30:13.533-05:00God’s Timing is Perfect<h3>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A family member from another state called me recently.
Her heart was heavy for an elderly loved one who was suffering from physical
ailments. She needed a listening ear and a comforting prayer. I gladly gave
both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Before we hung up, I found myself adding:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know it is painful to watch a loved one
suffer. It can be easy to get angry with God for allowing it. But we need to
remember that their suffering can be used for good. It can actually be for the
benefit of others.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In my cousin’s case, her loved one was a very strong
Christian who gave his entire adult life to serving Christ. But if you have a
loved one who you aren’t sure is a born again Christian, and who appears to be uncommunicative
or comatose, don’t stop praying for them. God is able to do exceedingly,
abundantly above and beyond all we dare to hope or think (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Nothing is too hard for God. He can, and does, speak to those who can’t speak
to us; give visions to those who cannot see us, all in order to reveal Himself and
His love for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep praying for those who love the ill one, too, who
are standing vigil and are hurting. What looks like “lingering” or the “prolonging”
of death, is actually precious time that can be used by God to nudge family
members/loved ones to pause and think about death and the afterlife—to seek
Him. It is all part of His divine plan. And sometimes, it can be the only way
to get a lost person to stop long enough in their hurried life to think about
the afterlife. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When a death seems delayed (in our opinion), we need
to remember God is still in control. As Christians, we will leave this earth at
our appointed time—when our mansion is ready. In the meantime, keep trusting
the One in control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do
not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.<sup> </sup>My
Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that
I am going there to prepare a place for you? <sup> </sup>And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you
also may be where I am.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”</span></i></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
(John 14:1-3)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</h3>
</span><h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</h3>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-80450306377390785962013-09-21T13:58:00.001-04:002013-09-26T07:11:07.346-04:00It’s Not Us…It’s Him<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">I was humbled this week. As a speaker with <em>Set Free in Him Ministries</em>, my
two friends and I were invited to speak at a country church. After we were
introduced, I spoke first. I was to share my “reluctant” heart to get involved
in prison ministry. Then Nanette Friend would share her “repentant” heart and
what led to her involvement in prison ministry. Finally, Connie Johnston, an
assistant chaplain at our local jail, would share her “restored” heart over the
decisions made by a wayward child that led to her involvement in prison
ministry, too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Prior to advancing to the podium, I glanced over my
shoulder. <em>Hmmm, a few dozen older ladies
and a few middle-aged women. Yeah, I got this. </em>I was instantly put at ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">But something happened when I arrived at the podium
and glanced out at the crowd. I’m not sure exactly what changed, but my
confidence not only left me, my speech did, as well. Even with my notes before
me, they looked like Greek, and I definitely don’t know how to read Greek.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
evening and I am a morning person. I knew I should have had a short nap or a little
caffeine (or both) to stay on my toes, but… I’ve shared this message before. I’ve
lived this message, for crying out loud –it’s about me and my past. This should
be easy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">So, why couldn’t I recognize the relaxed facial
expressions of the audience as possibly being tired (like I was)? Why couldn’t I
simply tell myself that they were unwinding from a long day, or maybe trying to
focus on my message?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Instead, the enemy whispered loud and clear, “<em>They’re mad at you.”<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">It sounds ridiculous to type those words now, but at
the time, believe me, they were convincing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">“<em>They
don’t like what you have to say.” <o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">“They
don’t believe you.” <o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><em>“You
are boring them.”<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">It went on and on, one after the other. And there
were lots of interruptions that night, too. Somehow, parents of a Boy Scout
troop thought this church was where their meeting was being held. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">It was only a twenty minute talk, but it felt like
two hours. I said several emergency prayers throughout and I know my two
friends were praying for me, too. God was faithful; He helped me get through it
and to even make sense. It’s been a long time, however, since I have struggled so
much to get a message of hope in Christ relayed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">The Holy Spirit showed up that night, in spite of my
blunders and in spite of the enemy's attempts to thwart me off course. After we three shared our testimonies of how amazing our God is, we
were privileged to pray with many a hurting grandma who approached us at the
altar, offering them hope, and reminding them that God loves their children and
grandchildren more than they do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Once again God showed me that when we are weak, He
is strong. He still uses us in spite of our fears, and in spite of our over
confidence in ourselves, too. You can be sure I will not make that same mistake
of thinking, “Yeah, I got this,” again. Instead it will be, “Father, You got
this. I am simply Your willing servant. Use me for Your glory.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For it is God who gives the increase:<em> “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was
causing the growth. <span class="highl">So then neither the one who plants nor
the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1 Cor. 3:7)</span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<h2>
</h2>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-4136394702173730302013-08-17T09:57:00.001-04:002013-08-17T09:57:04.183-04:00God’s Gentle Nudges
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxqMYdcogp9VrF3i2LBy45mC7ym5TOWfAzjSkj5YbhdZ8byyefSoaUXvGWuSThBkQ6ngmE0yfTk4aELWu4F8ub3c22xhyphenhyphenNbb3ANYUhP_WnEFC2w03G2nJL4R6FLhaCyvFUOD6pFH3sIE/s1600/GGN+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxqMYdcogp9VrF3i2LBy45mC7ym5TOWfAzjSkj5YbhdZ8byyefSoaUXvGWuSThBkQ6ngmE0yfTk4aELWu4F8ub3c22xhyphenhyphenNbb3ANYUhP_WnEFC2w03G2nJL4R6FLhaCyvFUOD6pFH3sIE/s320/GGN+front+cover.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God is constantly speaking to us; His creativity
knows no limits to get our attention. Quite often I experience this as little “nudges”. Sometimes God simply wants me to pray about something or for someone.
Other times He wants me to give away something and help a stranger in need. Then
there are times where He just wants to speak to my heart and soften the sharp
edges that need tweaking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I shared many of my experiences from my earlier walk
with the Lord in my first book titled, God’s
Gentle Nudges:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inspirational Stories of
How God Lovingly Leads Us Closer to Him. The feedback from this book has told
me that many readers long for a closer walk with the Lord, too. Learning how
God works in the lives of others gives us hope, and encourages us to persevere
in our own life. God is the One who put the longing in our heart to get nearer
to Him. He loves us more than we can imagine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On Sat. September 7, I will be sharing more about
how God reveals Himself in our lives at an all-day women’s retreat in Newark,
Ohio. The sweet ladies on the committee have titled it, God’s Gentle Nudges.
(For more info., click on the Appearances tab on my website <a href="http://www.conniecameron.com/">www.conniecameron.com</a> ).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I will also be at the Final Friday on the downtown
square in Newark, Ohio on August 30 from 3-8 pm. We’ll be set up close to the old
jail on South 3rd Street. I’ll have my books for sale, including the
latest book, <em>Stories of Faith and Courage
from Prison</em>. Joining me will be my husband, Chuck. He will have his beautiful hand-crafted “rock” jewelry
and bookmarks. Also joining us will be my two good friends, Connie Johnston and Nanette
Friend. We three women have stories in the prisoner book, and we recently formed
a new ministry, Set Free in Him Ministries. I’ll post more about our new ministry next week,
as we’re already getting speaking engagements. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Hope you're being "nudged" to come to one or both engagements. I'd love to meet you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In His Service,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Connie</em></span><br />
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxqMYdcogp9VrF3i2LBy45mC7ym5TOWfAzjSkj5YbhdZ8byyefSoaUXvGWuSThBkQ6ngmE0yfTk4aELWu4F8ub3c22xhyphenhyphenNbb3ANYUhP_WnEFC2w03G2nJL4R6FLhaCyvFUOD6pFH3sIE/s1600/GGN+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
</h2>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-84658526783564212162013-07-28T19:51:00.001-04:002013-07-28T19:51:05.860-04:00Living in the Moment<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I recently spent three days and three nights attending
an Emmaus Walk at a local church. I had heard about them for years, but never
felt nudged to attend one until several weeks ago. It was described to me,
prior to my attendance, as little blessings and surprises wrapped in love that
kept building upon each other. Of course I tried hard to figure that out, but
there was no way I could’ve been prepared for what transpired—especially in my
own heart. I won’t share any of those major surprises with you (I don’t want to
ruin it for anyone else), but I will say I was blown away. Not immediately, but
well into the second day it seemed I couldn’t quit crying from the joy and
overwhelming love, I continuously felt from God.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The stress of daily life had crept up on me to the
point where I had been doing very little ministry, including inspirational
writing. I had drifted away from the Lord, and hadn’t even realized it. I had
let myself become increasingly busy trying to make up for my husband’s job
loss, and to emotionally be there for him through his chronic pain. Having time
set aside just to hear from God was the best thing that could’ve happened to
me.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Right off the bat, the most refreshing thing I heard
from the leaders was, we wouldn’t see any clocks and not to wear a watch so we
could “live in the moment.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That proved
to be a lot harder for some than for others. For me, not only was it
refreshing, but it was humbling to realize how little I had been trusting God,
and how much I had been trying to control my own life. I had been missing out
on living today, because I was so worried about tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had forgotten to put (and keep) first things
first. We are not here to make money and have nice houses. Yes, we do need some
money and a decent dwelling, but the buying and caring for stuff should never
mean more to us than serving God by loving and ministering to others. When we
keep our priorities right, God blesses us and uses us to be a blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How about you? Are you living in the moment? Are you
trusting God with the small stuff? <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<h4>
<em><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Trust
in the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> with all your heart</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and lean not on your
own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></em><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>and he will make your
paths straight</em>. </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Proverbs 3:5-6)</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-37892255388003876492013-07-13T13:14:00.002-04:002013-07-13T13:14:32.082-04:00Stop and Pray
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kathy lived
in a nearby city and one evening it was announced on our local news that she was
missing, along with the family’s minivan. Fortunately, she was discovered the
next day, unharmed and several hundred miles from home. It seems she had driven
to a nearby highway and then continued driving mindlessly for hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The reason
was soon discovered:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>life had become too
much to deal with and she had “run away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The stress of being everything to everyone had taken its toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think each
one of us, at some point in our life, could relate to this woman. Sometimes life
gets too complicated and painful— we’d love to purchase a one-way ticket to
nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of us, it is a sense
of hopelessness and despair that prompts us to want to flee; we are despondent
about our situation and can’t see a way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe
it’s a bad marriage and the enemy of your soul keeps whispering, “Get a divorce
and solve all your problems.” It seems it would be the easy way out; after all,
your mate is never going to change….<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s
at those crucial moments that we need to stop and pray. The One who created us
knows and understands our longing to escape. He knows how tough this life can
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane and
cried out, “…nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done,” His human flesh
wanted to run, but God’s power enabled him to stay and pray. (Luke 22:42)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That same
power can enable you to stay and pray, too. Keep your hand in the Father’s hand
and hang on tight. He will guide you through this maze called life. He will
walk beside you and never leave you, no matter how tough it gets.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lord, remind us that You are with us,
even when we don’t feel Your presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">“And, lo, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world." <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matthew
28:20<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-596347982913660462013-07-05T07:09:00.000-04:002013-07-28T16:30:33.734-04:00The Seeing Eye of God<h4>
</h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t know about you, but when I
shop, walk inside a bank, get gas for my car, or attend a public gathering, I
often forget I’m being watched on a camera. I forget that what I am doing has
the potential to be viewed by many. And in this day and age, anything we do
could be put on You Tube and possibly viewed by millions— without our knowledge
or permission. It is a mind-boggling thought, and one that makes most of us
uncomfortable. Being observed by others without our knowledge, or consent,
seems just plain wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The flip side to this, however, is
that lots of criminals get caught thanks to all these cameras. It’s hard to
deny in a court of law that you did something when your face and actions are
plastered on a screen. And who would argue the worth of film records when a terrorist
or a horrible babysitter gets caught because of a hidden camera?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m not a You Tube junkie, but a
while back there was a short video circulating of people getting caught in the
act of kindness. It was wonderfully refreshing. We forget there are lots of
good people in this world whose daily acts of kindness quite often go unnoticed.
There are many dedicated caregivers who go the extra mile caring for people and
keeping order in their home. They offer words of encouragement and hugs when
they don’t have to. There are shoppers who pick up clothes on the floor left by
others and hang them up. There are patient people in line who let strangers
behind them go ahead. Many of these actions are filmed on camera, but seldom do
they show up on the 6:00 news or get praised on a large scale…by man anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet, our all-knowing, all-seeing God
doesn’t miss a one. He doesn’t miss anything we say, do, or think. Our
heavenly Father knows the good about us and the bad; yet loves us anyway. He
seeks only our time, our attention, and especially our love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe we should be less worried about
humans watching us and more concerned about our Holy God, the One whom we will
stand before on Judgment Day. How do we live in front of Him? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God cares about
the small stuff, and sees it. What if we lived like we truly believe He knows
everything we say, do, or think? What difference would that make in our life?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></h4>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-55200524378424852412013-05-09T18:30:00.000-04:002013-05-09T18:30:26.296-04:00The Perfect Peace of God
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With hubby home now I’ve gone back
to being a part-time caregiver for seniors. Not only is the extra income nice,
but I had forgotten how rewarding it was to spend time with the elderly. I
assist them with simple household chores and run errands for them. I also have
the honor of listening to their stories from days gone by. The elderly among us
are a treasure-trove of wisdom, and have some very interesting perspectives on
life. They have witnessed amazing technological advances in their many decades
on this earth, and they have weathered many personal storms. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Each time I meet a new client I am
a little nervous. In the past month I’ve been with four different clients, all
women, and all with distinct temperaments. I often wonder if our personalities will
match and if we will have much in common to talk about. Some are independent
and want their own space, but many are lonesome and long for conversation. Some
are frustrated that their bodies are wearing out, and others have gracefully
accepted it, acknowledging that they’ve been given a precious gift of time. For
those who are not struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia, they often reflect
on their past. Their own outlook on life can make the job both interesting and
challenging.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As you can imagine, I pray a lot
for insight and wisdom. A client’s family members are often in the picture,
too. They are understandably concerned, yet they struggle with the challenges
of dealing with their loved one. We try to relieve their burden and bring peace
back into their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In my own personal life, though, on
top of going back to work, I also had writing deadlines to meet and two
speeches to give. One week in particular was exhausting. The stress had
mounted, making it tough to sleep. I was astonished at how God sent constant
reminders to me to stay focused on Him, beginning immediately upon awakening. Every
morning, and several times throughout the day, I heard (and still hear) the
following verse from Isaiah 26:3: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I will
keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.”
</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never memorized that verse,
but I was familiar with it. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet, each time God
brought it to the forefront of my mind it gave such relief. Throughout the day
it would give me a surge of energy if I was helping a dementia client get her
legs back on the couch for the tenth time that hour. In the afternoon when my creativity
is not at its best, that verse would bring clarity of thought while trying to
write an article. And, immediately before giving those two speeches, I heard it
again. I put my trust completely in the One who can do all things through His
willing servant, and He amazingly came through, every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God longs to do the same for you, too, but you need
to do your part. Read His word daily and become familiar with His voice, and
then, put your faith and trust in Him…for He alone is worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>If
anyone speaks, they should <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">do</span> so
as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">do</span> so with the strength God provides,
so that <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">all</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">things</span> God may be praised through Jesus <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Christ</span>. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. </em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1 Peter 4:11)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span><br />
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6334704748340564485.post-12376641542660002762013-04-20T07:26:00.002-04:002013-04-20T07:26:32.460-04:00Easter’s Over…Now What?
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know Easter is
long gone, but this year I feel a need to linger over it a bit longer. I
usually have no problem putting the Easter decorations away the very next day
and turning my mind to gardening and vacations. Summer, with its sunshine and
warmth, is always a welcome thought on the heels of this Christian holiday. But
this year I feel stalled.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe it has
something to do with watching the television series, The Bible, on the History
Channel every Sunday evening. The series culminated on Easter, and yes, I miss
it. Millions of viewers sat glued to their televisions as the Bible was brought
to life in a fresh and different way. Each week the show left an impact on my
heart. While some agree that not every aspect of Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s
rendition of the greatest story ever told was biblically correct, the main
parts, in my opinion, were realistic. The character of Paul, especially, while
he was still known as Saul, really got me thinking. I knew Saul persecuted
people, sometimes murdering them, just because they were Christ followers. He assumed
he was doing a good thing (Acts 9:1-2). Saul was blinded to the truth until he
was visited by Jesus while on the road to Damascus. After that, he was literally
blind for three days. God got his attention, changed his heart, filled him with
the Holy Spirit and Saul was a new man. Later, God changed his name to Paul.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Like many viewers,
I knew that biblical story. God chose to use someone who was highly educated,
who knew the scriptures well, and who was bent on destroying Christianity, to
be one of the greatest preachers and followers of Christ of all time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe it’s because my head has been
saturated with prison ministry the past few years, but while watching the
episode of Saul committing his crimes, I realized that God had every right to
be angry with him. The Lord could have had him locked up for life, or even killed
for his mistreatment of Christians. If God was irate with Saul for his behavior,
no one would have blamed Him. But God chose to have compassion on Saul and performed
spiritual heart surgery on him instead. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I think of
those who have committed crimes and who are locked up in prison, the story of
Saul inspires me to have a heart of compassion for them, like God had for Saul.
They, too, have been blinded to the truth. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The day after
Easter I bought some marked down candy. It was a quality name brand and even at
half-off it was rather pricey—I assumed it would be solid chocolate. Instead,
it was hollow…empty inside. I couldn’t help but see the analogy of what Easter
is to those who are “blinded”; who do not yet have a personal relationship with
Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is hollow and empty, but it
doesn’t have to be that way. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Even though Easter
is over (according to our calendars), its message is still clear—Jesus is the
way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is willing to forgive any sins you
have committed, but you must turn to Him and trust Him to help you. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
good to your servant while I live,</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">that I may obey your
word.<sup> </sup>Open my eyes that I may see</span></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">wonderful things in
your law</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Psalm 119:17-18).</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Connie Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01971207720081330254noreply@blogger.com0