Patricia Cameron

What are you boldly believing God for in 2023?

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 30, 2022 | Belief, Faith, Trust

He looked at them with compassion and touched their eyes. (Matthew 20:34)

I have read the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar several times over the last few months. Today, though, it encouraged me in a different way. As I think about the approach of a new year, I want to be like these two who spoke their request with boldness and faith, then put their faith into action. The Bible says they immediately received their sight and followed him.

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34)

Healing faith

They played a part in their healing, too. Mark and Luke’s version of this story says that it was his faith that healed him.

That faith reminds me of another set of verses that tell us to believe and move mountains. (Mark 11: 22-26).

Also, Luke 11:8-10 tells us much of the same. It describes a man who knocks on his friend’s door asking for bread. His friend refused to get up because he was already in bed, however, Jesus said “because of the man’s boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.”

What is your mountain?

That, my friend, is a lesson for us as we enter 2023. What is your mountain? What are you boldly believing and asking God for in 2023? What are you putting your faith in God to do for you this year? Whatever is ahead, let’s

Be bold. Make the ask.
Believe and have faith.
Praise Him big.
Follow Him. Serve Him big.

We play a role in our results as well. In each verse, they believed. They had faith. They knocked.

If I ask God to fulfill my dream, I must put in my work, too. If I ask God to heal me from a physical condition, I may have to change some patterns or habits to get there.

So, my desire for myself and my encouragement for you this new year is to be bold. Boldly believe God and ask him to move that mountain. Boldly dream the dream. Work hard to achieve it. Praise God for it. Serve Him through it.

I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn his face toward you and give you peace in 2023.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Celebrating a Promise Fulfilled

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 23, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Gratitude

After returning an item at a local store, I began to wander around – not knowing what I was looking for. Then my mind also began to wander, thinking about Matthew and how I miss him this Christmas.

Next, I headed to Sam’s to buy supplies for Christmas day, and I remembered how we used to go together to shop for Christmas. Our boys were much younger, and we enjoyed finding gifts that would surprise and delight them. Matthew was such a big kid himself.

How do we survive the holidays when our hearts are longing for more time with our loved one? There seems to have been so much loss and heartbreak this year. That alone is distressing.

Then I stumbled on this verse in a journal a friend gave me recently and God spoke to my heart.

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22

It was just the reminder I needed.

Make room for blessings

When we lay our worries and stresses at Jesus’ feet, there’s room to think about the gifts – the blessings – God has already provided. So that’s what I decided to do.

I thought about my boys giving me an early Christmas gift – both thoughtful and touching. Parker made an ornament on a piece of wood, painting the cover of my book on it. I think he got as much joy from giving it as I did from receiving it.

I thought about impromptu lunches with two friends this week — two days in a row — and how each one blessed and encouraged me.

I thought about our Christmas party and how I enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

And I thought about the gift of God’s word (like Psalm 55:22) that tells me I can release my burdens and focus on blessings because of a promise fulfilled.

A promise fulfilled

God made a promise. Then he fulfilled it when he gave the gift of joy by sending His son to live among humankind.

The shepherds experienced it that beautiful and magnificent night when they were visited by a host of angels.

Mary and Joseph experienced it as they sat in awe and held their baby in their arms — the new King who had come to save the world.

The wise men experienced it when they visited the small family and kneeled before the Christ.

And we can experience it too.

As we face dark days. Lonely days.
When we trust even though we cannot see ahead.
As we sense the secret workings of God in our hearts.
As we receive the gift of salvation Christ offers.

While some celebrate Christmas with family, others miss the family member who’s gone. Some celebrate by attending events and parties. Others endure the days alone.

One thing is sure. No matter our circumstances, Jesus will do what he says. God spoke to the prophets about the coming Messiah and His miraculous birth. And it happened exactly as it was written.

And because of that, we can celebrate a promise fulfilled — whether with a large group of people or with only Jesus as our companion. Let’s celebrate Jesus. Let’s worship Him.

Is the spirit of God tugging at your heart today? Give thanks that he gave Himself for us. Give thanks for the gifts He has given us personally.

A time of laughter with a friend
A bittersweet memory
A thoughtful gesture
A scripture of encouragement
A moment in the presence of the King.

As the shepherds rejoiced when they heard the angels’ proclamation, then searched for the Christ child, let us also rejoice and be on the lookout for precious everyday gifts.

God of Possible

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 9, 2022 | Faith, God, Miracles

“What a fool,” I thought as I read Zechariah’s response to the angel Gabriel’s news. An angel of the Lord appeared in front of him, and he asked this question – How can I be sure of this?

In his mind, he and his wife Elizabeth were too old. (He wasn’t really a fool, but in that moment, he focused on his earthly limitations over what God said he would do. In his defense, the Bible says that he and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. Luke 1:5-7)

However, I can just imagine Gabriel’s indignation when he said “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.”

Speechless

The result? Zechariah was not able to speak again until that very child was born.

God put an angel in front of Zechariah. An angel who had just stood in the presence of Almighty God.

Oh, how many times have I questioned God’s word to me? I may not have seen an angel standing before me, but God’s word is clear.

In contrast, what did Elizabeth do? She didn’t hear from the angel. But she gave God the credit. Luke 1:25 says “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Blessed

Six months later and about 100 miles north in Nazareth, Gabriel shows up on another mission. This time to a young virgin named Mary who was Elizabeth’s relative.

Mary’s response? Not “how can this be,” but “how will this be?” A few moments later, she demonstrates her faith when she says “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” No human reasoning. No asking for a sign. Just, let it be done.

When Mary later visited Elizabeth, she summed it up perfectly.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Wow. These two stories teach us what it’s like to just trust—no questioning what God said. No assumptions. It will be what the Lord says it will be. And know that the good that comes to us is the Lord’s doing.

So, the next time I question something God says to me, I’m going to think of Zechariah and Mary.

One old. One young.
One mature. One inexperienced.
One who’d likely seen God work many times.
Both knew the scriptures.
One led by human reasoning. One spirit led.
One who saw through a “how CAN this be” lens. One who saw through as a “let it be as you say” lens.

Let us, too, see from Mary’s lens and respond accordingly. Because nothing — not age or physical condition — is impossible with God.

Let the miracle of the Christmas season lift your spirit today.

Seasons Come, Seasons Go

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 2, 2022 | Faith, Gratitude, Obedience

“We lost, momma,” my oldest son informed me after the Ragin’ Cajun’s basketball game. As a team manager, his disappointment was understandable. It was their first loss of the season.

As a boy mom of three athletes, I’ve seen many seasons come, and many seasons go. The thrill of victory during those seasons energizes us and sends our spirits soaring. The disappointment of defeat, although discouraging, also creates a desire to improve and do better the next time.

Seasons are like that. For some, we can’t wait for them to end. For others, we want to hold on to and cherish. And still, some are like a roller coaster ride. During those, we just hang on for dear life.

A surprise season

Sometimes seasons take us by surprise. Sometimes we anticipate and even celebrate them.

As we near the end of the year, another season comes to a close.

With the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph entered a new season in their lives. I’m sure the news that created this new season took them by surprise. They didn’t expect to enter their marriage with Mary’s pregnancy. Imagine the string of emotions that event created. However, they accepted it and honored God through it.

As we enter the Christmas season, let us begin it with gratitude for not only a baby in a manger but for Mary’s willing heart and Joseph’s obedience. And most important, let’s be grateful for God coming down to live among us and offering redemption for our sins once and for all.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Surrounded by Joy

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 24, 2022 | Beauty, God, Joy

Not long after we got a new puppy, Parker sat on the floor beside our two dogs. One old. One young. From an overflowing of his heart, he declared “I feel surrounded by joy!”

Such simple words, but impactful. What would it take to feel surrounded by joy? To have an overflowing of “wonder?” A heart bursting with gratitude?

I felt the same way this week when returning Parker to scout camp after soccer practice. I stood by the campfire and looked at the stars in awe. Seeing the night sky from the quietness of the woods does that to me. I could have watched for hours, reflecting on our incredible God, the creator of the universe.

How can someone see the expanse of the sky or witness the birth of a child and not believe in a creator God?

Misguided beliefs produce a lack of hope

There are many who do not. This week, a Facebook headline drew me in. I’m not one to click on links on the platform, but this one gave a list of famous people who are known to be atheists. My curiosity got the better of me. Soon after, my heart broke because of their lack of hope for a future beyond this life and missing heaven because of misguided beliefs.

The assurance that one day I will spend eternity in the presence of Jesus tops my gratitude list. That alone gives me peace and joy.

This Thanksgiving let’s allow ourselves to be surrounded by joy. There are plenty of things to focus on – the beauty and innocence of our children, an encouraging word, a visit from a loved one, a surprise phone call with good news, a meal, a beautiful sunset, a good checkup, a new beginning, an opportunity presented, a restored relationship, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and many more.

Truth is, giving thanks in all circumstances is the will of God.

Today, take the time to rest and reflect . . . and fill in the “many more” on your own gratitude list.

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Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28