“Don’t Go Nutty on Us, Mom”

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.

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.)

“How’s that book comin’ along, Mom?” My son asked.

“Slow…and, different.”

 He gave me a quizzical look, raising one eyebrow. “How so?” he asked.

 “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.”

“And all that helps?”

“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?”

“Uhhhh, don’t go nutty on us, mom.”

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 The Christmas Underdogs (working title), however, I have to admit, it does help to love all things Christmas, as well.

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.

Ever Feel Taken Advantage Of?

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.

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.” (Luke 6:35-36).

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?

Yes… and no, because, God also gave limits to our giving:  “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10.)  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.  

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.

( FreeDigitalPhotos.net )

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.

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