Patricia Cameron

Sundown

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 18, 2022 | Faith, Forgiveness, Hope

Across the soccer field Wednesday night, the evening sun sank on the horizon creating pink, cotton candy-like clouds across the eastern sky. As I watched the fading light, I remembered another sunset — years ago and thousands of miles away — that took my breath away.

After a week-long meeting in San Diego, I was restless to leave the building and breathe in fresh air. Outside the hotel, a bike rental company caught my eye. I looked at a few routes and decided to take the 13-mile path to La Jolla. Drawing near to my destination, the route wove me through a neighborhood that had the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop.

I stopped to watch the sun melt into the dark water as residents walked out of their homes to do the same. Incredible hardly describes the scene.

What does sundown say to you? A closing chapter in your life? The end of a particular season?

This is my son Garrett’s senior year of high school. In a way, it is the end of a season for him. For all of us. But it also points to the excitement for what is in store for the future.

For me, sundown — the end of the day or the end of a season — brings about a new beginning and hope for tomorrow.

A new beginning

Jesus’ ministry on earth did just that. With His sacrifice, the old covenant God handed down through Moses became obsolete.

Living under the old covenant, the priests would enter the outer room of the sanctuary to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest could enter the inner room and that was only once a year. And he could not enter without a blood sacrifice for himself and the people.

But when Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, He entered the Most Holy place once and for all by his own blood, offering eternal redemption. (Read Hebrews chapter 9)

Christ entered heaven itself to appear for us in God’s presence. (Vs. 2:24)

But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Vs. 9:26 NIV)

Christ’s end of His season on earth — he sacrificed himself to do away with sin —began His next when He sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12 NIV)

Hope for the future

Are you at the end of a season? Can you look beyond sundown in your life and see the hope that Christ brings through His sacrifice?

Hope for salvation. You can receive Christ’s gift today.
Hope for a brighter future. Hold on to the hope His promises bring.
Hope for peace. Trust His plan and receive peace.
Hope for another day of strength. Claim the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Hope believes in a better tomorrow.

Make the most of the season you’re in and when sundown comes, grab hold to a new beginning and rest in the hope you have in Christ.

Cayenne pepper chaos

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 11, 2022 | God, Hope, Support

Attempting to discourage our puppy from digging small crater-sized holes in the backyard, I bought more cayenne pepper. Unfortunately, as the wind blew, I got more on me than the holes in my flower bed. Sitting at my computer later, I began to rub my eye. Boy, did that ever backfire.

I can also recall a time shortly after Matthew passed away when I needed to discipline our oldest son. He was probably 13 or 14 and at the time, our mode of discipline was the spanking spoon. A long-handled wooden spoon from the kitchen was always handy. About 6’ tall at the time, much bigger than me, he was obviously too big for the spanking spoon.

However, I was determined to get the upper hand. He was determined to get away and ran. What did I do? I chased him around the room until, eventually laughter set in. That plan didn’t work. Even the younger brothers were laughing. Talk about a plan going awry!

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been going about your day, thinking you’re doing the right thing, then surprise! The result was not what you expected. As a matter of fact, it was the opposite of what you were expecting.

God’s not surprised

It’s a good thing that nothing takes God by surprise. Jesus was not surprised when . . .

Satan showed up to tempt Him in the desert. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Judas showed up with a kiss, starting a chain of events that led Jesus to the cross. (Matthew 26:47-49)
Demons begged Jesus to allow them to enter a herd of pigs. That certainly backfired when the pigs ran down a steep bank and drowned. (Luke 8: 26-37)
Mary showed up and anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. (John 12:1-8)

Jesus knows all about our pain, too, my friend. I have talked with many people this past week – people sharing stories of heartbreak, people looking for hope and comfort, people searching for answers and desperate for peace.

We are not alone

Jesus knows we will go through hard times, but he doesn’t want us to go through them alone. He’s here for us. He’s not surprised by our situation and wants to be the one we run to.

He brings order out of our chaos, too. God took the earth that was without form and void, a dark empty mess — chaos — and turned it into light and life.

Our lives may seem a picture of chaos at times. But God’s word brings life and peace, undoing the chaos and bringing beauty and order.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Claiming joy

by Patricia Cameron | Nov 2, 2022 | Faith, Joy, Obedience

A year ago, I stepped out in faith to write and publish a book. Oh, I had written some before then, but it was intermittent at best.

But last November was a turning point for me. And what a journey it has been. I can’t even count the number of obstacles there have been to get to the point of releasing it.

The joy stealer

Even yesterday, I received news that set me back a bit. As I sat with my head in my hands and tears threatening to overflow, I thought about the theme of my book Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

Joy. Would I let the enemy steal my joy? I thought for a second. No, I’m not going to let him steal my joy over this.

Because that is what he wants to do. Like David defeating Goliath, we need to come against Satan in the name of the Lord Almighty.

So, what will I do? I will stand firm in my faith. With Jesus by my side and His name on my lips, I will press on and accomplish the task. He is in control. May His name be exalted. May His name be praised.

A simple request

So with that, I am excited to say all three versions of the book will be available to the world this weekend. The paperback has already been published and is available. The Kindle and hardcover versions will be available Saturday, November 5^th. If you would feel led to buy and read it, I would be grateful. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

Many people have asked how they can help. If you believe it will benefit others, you can help by

Writing and posting a review on Amazon or goodreads
Telling others about it, especially if you have found nuggets that have helped you
Sharing it on your social networks
Asking a library to buy it and make it available on their shelves

Thank you

Many have been alongside me as I have grieved. You’ve cried with me; you’ve laughed with me. You’ve met specific needs and you’ve encouraged me in countless ways.

And if I don’t know you personally, I pray that you have received these same blessings and that God has or will give you opportunities to be there for someone else in their grief journey.

I am living proof that God

Still works
Still cares
Still speaks

I am proof that you can experience joy even through trials and loss because of faith in Jesus Christ. I can attest that you can find a deep connection with the God who knows you. My experience proves that your life can be fulfilling again.

You CAN discover joy in your season of sorrow.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

Used for good

by Patricia Cameron | Oct 27, 2022 | Blessing, Encouragement, Support

My books fell off the delivery truck.

I could write a complete page of issues, problems and just strange things that have come up as I have prepared to launch Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

I ordered books for my Kickstarter backers and to have on hand for the upcoming launch party.

But I had a call one day from a friend to tell me someone from a few streets over found my book in the road. One lone book.

I had already received a box that was partially open on one end with books missing, so I can only assume that box’s contents somehow fell from the truck.

As issues have surfaced, I have felt battered — like someone was trying to discourage and hinder me in my goal to complete this book process.

Satan himself is the father of lies and has a multitude of ways to influence our thought processes. Words of discouragement. Words to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. From the beginning of my book-writing adventure, I have stopped and started many times, questioning what I believe God was asking me to do.

And now, two weeks before the book release date, my books fell off the truck. Not one, but a second box arrived a couple of days later – repackaged. All the contents inside were battered, smudged and swollen from water damage.

I believe what was meant to discourage, God used for good.

Stand strong and press on

That neighbor who found my book researched and found me, too. Before she did, she read the book. And then she hand-delivered it to my door with words of encouragement that blessed me and gave me new strength to stand strong and press on.

So . . . should you find my book somewhere, remember this story. And let it encourage you to keep moving forward in whatever God has called you to do.

And while you’re at it, thank Jesus for the people he places in your life to encourage you and when needed, even to hold you up.

Let God use for good what Satan wants to use for evil.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

When Jesus calls

by Patricia Cameron | Oct 21, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Faith

The blind man’s shout for mercy stopped Jesus in his tracks. Then Jesus told his disciples to call the man.

I love what the disciples said next.

“Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

The blind man jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Jesus knew what was on the man’s mind, but he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“I want to see,” he answered.

The blind man was bold. He didn’t want to miss his opportunity so when others tried to silence him, he shouted even more.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV)

Jesus by my side

This story reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who is now with Jesus. It was years ago, but it has always stuck with me.

As she was driving alone, she envisioned Jesus sitting beside her. He asked her these same words. “What can I do for you today?”

My friend, stop for a moment and call out to Him. I assure you; He’s calling for you and that fact alone can lighten your load and cheer you up.

When Jesus calls . . .

We can rest assured He knows what’s on our mind. He knows the longing of our soul.
We can cheer up because the King of the world wants to do something for us.
Our faith plays a role in the outcome.
- We need to believe He is who He says he is.
- We need to know that He will do what He says He will do.
- We need to believe he can heal.
When we really encounter Jesus, we want to follow Him.

Oh, how I needed these words today. It has been a week. I’m sure you can relate.

But I am resolved to put my focus on Him – not my environment or my circumstances.

The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not, and we have because we ask. Our next move should be to pray until the answer comes. He welcomes our communication with Him.

Romans 3:20 supports this same message.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

I want my faith to strengthen as I follow Him. I want that for you too. Today, let’s call out boldly, listen and be encouraged as He calls us and receive the blessings He wants to give us.