Hey guys....I guess it's been a while since I wrote anything here.  So much has happened....a lot of good....a lot of challenges.  I guess the biggest thing....is that my family really needs prayer....I'm not in contact with my dad....and my sister....well...she's not interested in having any sort of contact with me.  She's deemed me dangerous around her son....and so it's rare to see him at all.....  He turned 6 months old on the 12th of August.  So guys....the biggest thing anyone can do right now...is pray for my family. 

Pray for my dad....that he have an eye-opening encounter with God.  I long for him to have the relationship that I have with my Father.....that would be such a miracle.  And for my sister, that she would seek help.  I love her so much....and it's so hard to see her like this.  So hard to know that she's so lost....and not be able to do anything.  Pray for her...please.  And my mom....my beautiful mom.....pray for her too guys....she has such a beautiful heart....but it's hard to see it...because she gets so caught up in all of the mess my family is in.  Pray for her...pray that she would seek God...and that she would learn how to stand up for herself....and not let my sister continue to take advantage of her. 

Guys....it's so hard to love a family....when you don't see half of them or have contact with them at all....but I do...God has given me such an amazing love for my family....and sometimes it really hurts.  There is one amazing thing that has come out of my inability to see my nephew: I've realized the need to pray for him more.  Pray for Raymen....he's going to have it tough growing up....but God raised me as his own....I truly believe that is the only way that I was able to survive and become the person I am today.  God raised me as his own, and he can do the same with Ray.  Pray for Ray to experience a deep understanding of what a relationship with God is like...and to experience the love of his Father, at an amazingly young age. 

And guys.....pray for me too....it's really tough knowing that all I can do sometimes is stand in the gap.  Pray for my heart....because sometimes it just breaks for my family. 

I don't have time to write anymore right now, but I'll try to write more often again.  Thanks for all of your prayers....they reach the heart of God. 

Love and prayers,
Joy (Erica)
(by the way....did I mention that I go by my middle name now?)

Hey everyone,

Well, this past month has been absolutely amazing!  There have been many...many challenges, but God is faithful, and he always provides a way in the desert, and streams in the wasteland.  I'm getting settled in my apartment, and catching up on school. 

Ray is eleven weeks old....growing up far too fast....and Abby...the girl I babysit...she just turned FOUR today!!!!  Her baby sister, Clare, is five weeks old....I still haven't had a chance to see her, but hopefully I'll have a chance to see her next weekend; as I'll be taking Abby to a park or something so that I can spend some time with her.  More and more little people are pouring into my life, and it's such an amazing blessing.  My heart overflows with love for each of them, and I can hardly stop myself from talking about them...they're just so, so special! 

Keep me in your prayers if you think of it, there's a lot that I'm trying to sort through spiritually.  Recently I've drifted away from God a bit, but even so, the Lord is good, and His love endures forever. 

God Bless,
Erica Joy

Currently Reading A Time to Embrace (Women of Faith Fiction) By Karen Kingsbury see related

Hey guys,

I'm so sorry that it's been so incredibly long!  I don't have much time, but I wanted to let you all know about the new and exciting things that have happened in my life in the past couple of months.  Ray is now 8 weeks old, and he is a bright and happy little boy.  His mom (my sister) is doing a great job taking care of him, and loves him very much.  I see them about once a week. 

A lot has happened since I last posted here.  Life has been speeding very quickly, and there have been many bumps along the way, but God is good...very good!  I don't have time to go into the details of it all, but about 6 weeks ago I began preparing to move out on my own.  It was a huge decision, and one that I'd been thinking about since fall (October).  There have been many roadblocks and bumps along the way, but our God is always faithful.  Many times I have seen him provide for my basic needs, no sooner than necessary, but certainly not late.  Seeing all that he has done in my life, has truly humbled me. 

I used to truly think that I had this great faith; I've known Jesus since I was a little girl, and recognized his voice for years.  The reality is, that I'm only just beginning to develop true faith.  When you come to a point in your life, where you are forced to depend on God for the very basic needs in life, such as food and shelter...it's amazing how much God will show you.  I'm learning so much....there are no words to truly express all that has happened...the emotions....the ups and downs....the waiting....the doubt....the provision....the faith....  I always knew in my head that God is my heavenly Father; but right now I'm truly starting to experience that and really know that. 

I moved into my new appartment on Saturday, and it's an enormous blessing.  I haven't been able to set it up yet, since I've got strep throat right now, but I know exactly how I want it to look, and soon enough it will be set up.  Considering all that has happened recently, and the school I've missed due to illness, I have a lot to catch up on.  Please keep me in your prayers, as I'm rather overwhelmed with school right now. 

I'll try to start updating this more often, but I don't have internet access at home, so it all depends.  Life is very busy right now, and it's hard to find the time to keep up with friends.  Please know that even though you don't hear from me individually much, I often think of each of you, and wish I had more time to develop our friendships. 

Love in Christ,
Erica Joy

Ray was born at 6:16am EST on Saturday, February 12, 2005.  He weighs a whopping 9 pounds.  Please keep him and my sister in your prayers as my sister recovers, and adjusts to being a young mother.  I'll post pictures as soon as I can.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during the past few days. 

God Bless,
Erica Joy Cameron

Well, it's just after 5pm EST, and my sister is going into the hospital to be induced now.  Keep her in your prayers, it looks like I'll be an aunt late tonight or early tomorrow.  Thanks guys, I'll keep you updated. 

Love ya,
Erica