The Bible Says

Thanks to all the people who have stood by me

Thank you to all of you who have stood by me through the good times and the bad times...through the happy and the sad times. I love and appreciate you all.

Good News...Bad News (Update about my health)

Hello,

First the good news...I am going to live a while longer...if God is willing that is. To be very candid with you the way I have been feeling recently...to be absent from this diseased weary old body and present with the Lord would be an awesome thing. But God must still have something for me to do as I am still here.

Now the bad news...I have developed a new life altering medical condition that explains why I have been feeling the way that I have only recently...extremely tired, lack of interest in doing the things I once loved and enjoyed, experiencing memory-cognitive problems and suicidal ideation. It has felt like I have lost a part of my mind-memory and it has been very frustrating for me to deal with. And to be very clear...suicide is not the way that I want to die. Far be it from me to do so considering the fact that I am a lover and disciple of Jesus Christ. And yes, Christians DO get depressed, DO develop mental illness and CAN be suicidal without being in sin. I know there are some people who will disagree with me on that but oh well...read your Bible again and learn my brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree. Also read the book, Broken Minds by Steven Bloem and published by Kregel Publishing for more insight and invaluable information concerning Christians and depression/Mental Illness.  Christians being human living in a sinful fallen world can and do experience both physical and mental illness. I know because I am one.

So now I have 2 brain tumors, a Bi-Polar Manic Depressive Disorder diagnosis for which I take a number of medications for and now a new and yet to be determined disorder that is having a profound effect on my entire life existence. It has yet to be determined because we have to decide whether my problem is with my Pituitary Gland or Thyroid Gland or both.

So...

More tests in the near future coming and then a determination as to what to do to try and resolve the problem...if it is possibe to do so. And if I only had 2 brain tumors and that is all I had then I would only have to deal with certain symptoms on a frequent basis such as balance issues, hearing deficit, memory and cognitive function and intracranial pressure. And the medications I take for my brain tumors cause fatigue, balance issues, and cognitive-memory problems. Then the Bi-Polar Condition causes mood swings, from high to low. And being Bi-Polar has its own set of symptoms to deal with some which are the same as of having a brain tumor. And the medications I take for that also affects me causing me to feel tired, could contribute to the balance problems I have, depression as well as cognitive-memory problems. And now what ever I ultimately have with this new condition also has been causing me severe fatigue (worse than I used to experience, depression, memory and cognitive issues as well as a few other symptoms that are not debilitating but are just a nuisance. The one thing all of this helps me understand is why I have not been able to write any book or music reviews or be on the computer for any length of time lately. It just has not been possible for me.

So, new light has been shed on what is going on with my body that has led me to this place where I am at today. I will know more after I see the doctor next week, he is off today, and get whatever tests done that need to be done to determine the best plan of attack. The doctor's office advised if I experience any symptoms that require hospitalization to go to the emergency room to be treated and possibly admitted into the hospital. I have my orders from my doctor and I will follow them so if you email me or call me and do not get a response within 3 business days you can call my cell phone and if I am in the hospital my son will be able to give you the information.

I'm reminded of the Scripture, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3.

I am rejoicing in my God and his goodness and praying for his guidance as I enter yet another phase of my life.

I love and appreciate you all!

Hope yours is a blessed Memorial Day weekend!

Amazed by His Grace,

Harold
Philippians 1:21
(267) 357-1292

"It is good for me that I was and am afflicted..."

"It is good for me that I was (and am) afflicted, that I might learn your (God's) statutes." (Psalm 119:71 ESV).

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited." (II Corinthians 12:7 ESV).

Oh how great and lavish and so undeserved is the love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He does not leave us or forsake us to our own sins, vices or behaviors, but rather, as a Father with their child, he doth tenderly care for us and nurture us through all the days and seasons of our lives...whether they be good and filled with good health, joy and prosperity or with affliction, suffering and want. There is ONE thing that can remain true in both sets of circumstances...we can still experience joy. We can experience joy because God has so favored us that he wants to prune as as a plant so that we might blossom into something beautiful and useful for him and his Kingdom. Our suffering is not for God's pleasure or our pain; but rather, for God's glory and our good. AMEN!

Due to what has happened only recently, I feel (and I mean this sincerely and with no humor intended) that I have lost a part of my mind...the part that affects how I think and function. It is hard to explain unless you have been through it but it is an experience common to people with brain tumors, traumatic head injuries and even Bi-Polar Manic Depressive Disorder, which I have only recently been diagnosed with and have started treatment for.

I do need to find a specialist who understands and treats Bi-Polar disorder as my life has been the most challenging it has since I first was diagnosed and began treatment for the tumors. What is happening to me is called "rapid cycling" and it is just horrible to live with but please, I ask you please, do not pity me or feel sorry for me as I am not trying to elicit that response from you. Although I hate how I feel and I do...I want to give glory to my Lord and boast in him for his grace is sufficient, his love fully satisfies, his mercy covers my sins, and he is teaching me a joyful endurance in him and because of him through this time.

It has slowed me down significantly which is why I will no longer be posting regularly on my blogs and social media sites such as Facebook. Twitter or LinkedIn. At least not for now as I just can't. To even create and type this blog post was a major chore for me...something i could have easily done in the past in a matter of a few minutes, now took me much longer and effort to accomplish.

So, if I can impart any word of encouragement or comfort to you as my reader it is this...

• Nothing...No One or Nothing...can or ever will separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39)
• All suffering is good suffering if it is prayerfully yielded to our loving Heavenly Father and it causes us to personally praise him as well as share our praise of him with others. (Genesis 50:20), and "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV).

So God bless and keep you in his tender love and care. Please know how much I love, care for and appreciate each and every one of you as my friends and "followers."

Amazed by his Grace,

Harold
Philippians 1:21
haroldcameron56@gmail.com

 

Abundant Living - Carl F. H. Henry

"The whole secret of abundant living can be summarized up in this sentence: "Not your responsibility but your response to God's ability." Carl F.  H, Henry (1913-2003) American evangelical theologian

Bible Truth Behind the Quote:

Paul, who knew he was weak in himself, said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

God's power is "made perfect" in human weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)

For more quotes like these check out 1001 Unforgettable Quotes About God, Faith, & The Bible by Ron Rhodes and published by Harvest House Publishers.

To order a copy of the book click on the link below:

It's Free Book Friday! Really! If You Win The Book Is Free And It's Easy To Register

It's FREE book Friday. Register to win a FREE book! (No obligation, no cost and no hassles involved) http://eepurl.com/lbBCH.

The contest is only open to US residents.

If you have any questions about the "FREE" book contest you can email me at haroldcameron56@gmail.com.

The A. W. Tozer Bible – King James Version (A Spiritually Satisfying Devotional Bible)

“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection.”

And so with those words written by the late author and Pastor A. W. Tozer we are introduced to the A. W. Tozer Bible published in the King James Version.

With the A. W. Tozer Bible what we see is exactly what we get…a Bible…the Holy Word of God in all its glory. But we get something much more that makes this Bible an ideal devotional/study Bible for any individual who is serious about their relationship to God and his Son Jesus Christ.

In the A. W. Tozer Bible we are provided an introduction to each book of the Bible which includes some background information about the book, a brief overview of the main message of the book, the time the book was written and finally an outline. The introduction page is as they say, “short, sweet and to the point,” which is something I like.

After the Introduction page of each book of the Bible we then enter into the actual book itself and buried within the pages of each book of the Bible are precious golden nuggets of spiritual truth and insights written by A. W. Tozer himself…offered as thoughts “On Scripture,” (over 365 selections included in this Bible); as “Reflections,” (Over 100 different ones are included),” and “Challenges,” (Almost 100 that are related to Scripture).  Each thought on Scripture, each reflection and each challenge was included in the Bible to encourage us in some way as its reader to a closer walk with and deeper spiritual relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ. Another feature I like is that the Words of Christ are in red. At the back of the Bible there is a very helpful Concordance and some beautifully and colorfully created maps such as one of the Land of Israel/Palestine in the First Century of the Common Era so we have an idea where places written about in the Bible are located.

I really enjoy my copy of the A. W. Tozer Bible. I use it before I go to bed to do my night time devotional reading. I am always encouraged by the Word of God itself but also by the various spiritual insights shared by Dr. Tozer about some aspect of living the Christian life. If you enjoy reading the Word of God devotionally and you also enjoy the writings of A. W. Tozer then you will find this Bible to be a delight to your soul…being a Bible you will refer to often for spiritual feeding, nourishment and encouragement.

To learn more about the A. W. Tozer Bible as well as other books that Hendrickson Publishers produces visit the company website at http://www.hendrickson.com/

To order a copy of The A. W. Tozer Bible click on the link below

I have received a complimentary copy of the A. W. Tozer Bible from Hendrickson Publishers for my reviewing it.

My email address is haroldcameron56@gmail.com.

The United States Postal Service Employees Delivers Outstanding Customer Service

Good people delivering outstanding service to every customer every day

is how I would characterize my experience with the United States Postal Service. Whether it is our local mail delivery person, someone at the post office in Moscow PA, one of the Customer Service officials who serve at various locations across the US or someone from the headquarters in DC...I have always received prompt, professional and courteous service.

Thank you specifically to Mr. Donahoe, Postmaster General;  T . B., his executive assistant, D. F., Consumer Research Analyst at United States Postal Service, and W. F., the Customer Service Manager in our region of the country for their assistance in helping me get an issue I had resolved. As a result of my conversation with W. F. I learned some very important information I needed to know in regards to mailing out packages with the USPS in the future.

I am truly humbled by and grateful for their assistance.

Keeping it positive! Keeping it Real!

Harold
Philippians 1:21
haroldcameron56@gmail.com

PS: If you have an issue or problem with your mail service tell me what it is...maybe I can help you get it resolved.

The Christian's Daily Planner (2012)

I have received and do frequently use my "Christian's Daily Planner" from Hendrickson Publishers.  I like the fact that it is an "all-in-one" planner that helps me keep my life totally organized, which for me is a daunting task without the use of some type of planner.

The planner has 12 spiritually uplifting and edifying articles - one for each month from noted Christian authors  that include:

• Richard Foster
• Carolyn Arends
• John Ortberg
• Keri Wyatt Kent

For each week there is either a Scripture verse or an encouraging quote to help us spiritually in our walk with the Lord as well as gain wisdom and insight for daily living. And at the end of each week there is a page for notes and prayer requests. I use mine for writing down the sermon notes from our pastor's messages as well as any prayer requests that are mentioned.

At the end of the planner there is a place to record key contacts and their information as well as a calendar for the year 2013 which can come in handy for planning for the new year.

I love my planner and enjoy using it and do highly recommend it as a valuable and helpful tool to use to keep life on track and in order.

For more information about the "Christian's Dail Planner" and to order your own copy visit Hendrickson Publishers at http://www.hendrickson.com/.

I have received a complimentary copy of the "Christians Daily Planner" for the purpose of writing my review.

Draining Up The Ocean Music CD by My Kings Ransom

I had never heard of the band My Kings Ransom until I received their CD Draining Up The Ocean. And I am glad I received the CD and gave it more than one good listen.

From the first upbeat rock styled note of their song The Banner, which is the first song on the CD to last the well written and stylishly performed rap song Hope Has Wings, this CD is pure Christian music pleasure. 

With each song having its own very unique style and sound the CD is never boring and always edifying and uplifting. The second song on the CD Turn Your Eyes is a musical call of action for us to turn our eyes upon Jesus. The raw, emotional spiritual passion of Jason Robeck, the lead vocalist for the band, comes through loud and clear in the song. Song 4 on the CD, Draining Up The Ocean is an enjoyable jamming rock-styled song that is one of my favorites on the CD. As with all the songs on the CD, Jason Robeck does not disappoint with his vocals but rather always delivers a solid and memorable performance. But to the band each song is more than just a musical performance…each song is about their message…the message about the life, hope and the spirit that is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The other 3 songs on the CD, Waiting For Me, Calls To Deep and Empty Room are all equally as enjoyable as the other 5 songs are to listen to.

I enjoy listening to this CD when I need a spiritual pick up – a lifting up of my mood and spirit – sort of like the caffeine jolt my body experiences from the 2 cups of coffee I drink every morning. The only difference is the jolt that I experience from the music of My Kings Ransom not only affects my body in a positive way as it gets my toes tapping to the beat of each song but it also affects my emotions and spirit leaving me feeling the better for having taken the time to listen to the CD.

To learn more about the music of My Kings Ransom visit the Tate Music Group Website at www.tatemusicgroup.com.

I received a complimentary copy of the CD Draining Up The Ocean by My Kings Ransom from the Tate Music Group for reviewing it.

My email is haroldcameron562gmail.com.

"And miles to go before I sleep"

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep
Robert Frost - Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

And as I sojourn here on earth living in the woods of NEPA as a pilgrim whose citizenship is in a distant and eternal kingdom that is not of this world, I know I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. At 56 years of age many people tell me that I am young which I means I guess I have a lot of years left to live before I sleep my final sleep this side of Heavan's golden shore. I'm not sure how I feel about that. After all, many of our lives today are in some way touched or impacted by suffering, human misery, affliction, loss or pain. Some more than others but none the less, everybody hurts sometime. Isn't that right?

The band REM captured the thought of it all in their song, "Everybody Hurts"
"When your day is long and the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go
Everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes."

There is a difference though between people and how hurting, suffering and pain - either their own or others - affects them. Some handle it better or maybe I should write differently than others. Some play the role of perpetual victims and others are overcomers and thrivers. Some wallow in the mire of self pity while others forget about themselves and their pain and suffering and do something good to help someone else out who is in greater need than they are.

The Christian thing to do is to love and worship our God and Creator with gratitude - for both the sunshine and the rain, the good times and the times of pain, in times of loss or in times of gain and serve others joyfully and sacrifically with whatever good gifts the Lord has given us. And we do so as not to curry any favor or a better standing with our Lord for we are already as loved and as accepted as we could possibly be. No, we do what we do out of love for our Savior as well as love for the other person.

So as my day has been coming to its end I have been contemplating the matters of affliction, suffering, the love of God and the Sovereignty of God and how it all works together in our world. And I can only share with you that I am no closer to finding all the answers now then I was when I began my contemplation an hour or so earlier. But truth be told, none of us will ever fully figure it out will we? Oh we might have an answer or two or a thought that seems to answer a question about some facet of  human hurting, suffering and afflication but in the bigger scheme of things we are no closer to figuring it all out than we are to sending men in a spaceship to the sun. I don't see that happening any time soon nor do I see our figuring out the conundrum concerning suffering and why people suffer out totally any time soon either. But there is no harm in contemplating and wondering now is there?

And so, this morning here in NEPA the woods are lovely dark and deep, (one reason being is that it is night time here), and I do have some promises to keep and now finally no more miles to go before I sleep. I have come to the end of the journey anticipating that a new day will be dawning soon and there will be new promises to make that need be kept and more miles to go before I can sleep again.

So to all, a good night or good morning.

God bless!

Just a pilgrim,

Harold
Philippians 1:21
haroldcameron56@gmail.com

Captivated by Nicole C Mullen (A Captivating CD You Are Sure To Enjoy)

From the moment her CD started playing on my computer, I was “captivated” by the music, voice and the message of Nicole Mullen on her CD, Captivated. The first song on her CD appropriately titled, “Holy Captivated,” wholly captivated my attention and caused me to immediately lift my heart to the Lord in worship, praise and adoration of him and his Holy name. The beauty of her rich and powerful voice in the song "Holy Captivated" accompanied by a very unique melody line delivers up a delightful rendition of praise to our God that is sure to please the most discriminating Christian Music audiophile.

“I Can Do” is an enjoyably spirited song with a memorable melody and rhythm that will make you want to get up out of your seat and lift your hands and heart up to the Lord in praise celebrating the fact that indeed we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. “I Need You” (As The Deer) is a sweetly melodic and rhythmically appealing song encouraging our hearts to realize that we need the Lord and to diligently seek him.

The next song on her CD is “Kingdom Come” which is followed by “My Shepherd,” an upbeat reggae styled song that reminds us that because the Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want or lack or do without any good thing. Nicole’s rhapsodic vocal on this song perfectly suits her vocal range and shows off the true dimensions of her vocal talent. I think of the line that I’ve heard from the panel of judges on American Idol when they have told some contestant that they could “sing the phone book” and it would sound incredible. That’s just how incredibly good Nicole Mullen is when it comes to singing any of the songs on her CD regardless of the style or genre.

“Forgive Me” is a heart touching song of a penitent sinner seeking forgiveness for sin from the Lord. And Nicole delivers the song in such a moving way that we as the listener find ourselves examining our hearts and singing along with her confessing our sin to our Savior. Next on the CD is her song “Lead Me” and then follows a stirring rendition of the songs My Tribute/Redeemer. After that she sings “A Song For You” and then the first song she wrote when she was just 12 titled “I’ll Praise Your Holy Name” which is a thoroughly enjoyable song of praise and adoration to the Lord. The three remaining songs on the CD are extended versions of “Holy Captivated,” “I Can Do,” and “I Need you.”

I had not heard of Nicole Mullen before I had the privilege and joy of listening to her “Captivated” CD. And I believe that her CD came to me for such a time as I am going through right now in my life...a season of struggle and affliction to which her CD most definitely ministered grace and healing to my heart and life. I am glad that I had a chance to listen to "Captivated" by Nicole C. Mullen and look forward to hearing much more from the talented, spirited and spiritually devoted artist in the future.

To learn more about the CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen or about her personally visit her website at www.NicoleCMullen.Com.

To order a copy of the CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen click on the link below:

I received a complimentary copy of The CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen from Maranatha Music for reviewing it.