Spare Moments

"In my 'spare time' I'm going to write a book."

 Ever hear someone say that? I have. Lots of times.

 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."

 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?

 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. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3.

I like to reflect on how Ralph Waldo Emerson worded the notion of spare moments: 

 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.

 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?

 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16

The Approaching Dawn

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.

 

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.)

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.

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:  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. 

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you. (Psalm 84:1-4)

 

 (L. to R. Connie Cameron, Nanette Friend and Connie Johnston)

SET  FREE  IN  HIM 

MINISTRIES

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

                                                                                  

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

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.

Set Free in Him Ministries (SFIH) reveals the power of an extraordinary God who heals broken hearts, breaks chains that bind, and transforms “messes” into masterpieces,” all for His glory. The speakers of Set Free in Him Ministries (Nanette Friend, Connie Johnston, and Connie Cameron) long to 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.

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, Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison book, 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 Set Free in Him Ministries are available individually, too, and for different gatherings, such as Mother’s Day banquets and women’s retreats.

"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!"

    -Tessa Blizzard, Brushy Fork United Methodist Church Ladies Group Leader
 

 To contact SFIH or for more info., please click on the “Contact” tab at www.conniecameron.com

 “Encouraging others to become all God intends them to be, by sharing our experiences and offering hope and freedom in Christ.”

Mission Statement of Set Free In Him Ministries

 

We 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).

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.

During my compiling of Stories of Faith and Courage from Prison, 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^th story from the prisoner devotional book states: 

 

“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.”

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.

 

If you’d like more information about Christian Pen Pals, please contact: CPP, PO Box 11296, Hickory, NC 28603, or www.christian-penpals.com.

True joy comes when you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and invest your time in serving others. 

The Birthday Party

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

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. (John 3:16)