Archive | April, 2016

The Cruise of a Lifetime~Part 9

17 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

JUDY

 

 

Saturday was a sailing morning, so we slept in a bit, and went to breakfast at 8:15a.m. We had our breakfast with Richard, Judy and Lucy.

Richard and Art, our server
Lucy and Judy

We are now on the Danube River. We went through the last two locks on our journey during breakfast. These are the first locks that lower the water level rather than raising us up a level. Most interesting process to watch.

We spent time with the Richard, Judy and Lucy until lunch, which we shared with them. They are such fun people to be with. Still reminiscing about Albuquerque.

Carl West had informed the passengers that we would be able to purchase a flash drive with all the pictures he had taken on this trip. Fred purchased one for us. I had taken quite a few pictures, but thought that the ones Carl had taken would just add to our experience and memories. NOTE: Carl West followed each day’s excursions, and was snapping pictures all the time – usually of the groups and what we were seeing.

We docked at Regensburg at 1:30 p.m.

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At 2:00 we began a walking tour of Regensburg. Regensburg is the oldest city on the Danube, and one of Bavaria’s most beautiful, best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The Roman Gates of 179 AD are still standing. It was a very cold and very windy day, so we were back on the ship by 3:45. As Fred’s Mother, Kitty Wills once said when we were with her and Charlie in Edinburgh, Scotland, “I’m just about as cold and wet as I care to be!” So we returned to the ship.

There is an area in Regensburg that has brass plaques in the bricks with people’s names and dates on it. They were murdered by the Nazis during World War 2. Their relatives never wanted them to be forgotten, so this was their way of memorializing them.

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Occasionally the Danube overflows its banks, and the river water floods the city. Here are a few markers with dates – about 15′ to 20′ above the river’s normal level: February 1893 and June 2013.

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Oskar Schindler (of Schindler’s List fame) lived in Regensburg from 1945-1950 in the Goliath House.

Notice Goliath's left arm around the window frame

Notice Goliath’s left arm around the window frame

He immigrated to Argentina in 1950. He died in 1974, and at his request, is buried in Jerusalem.

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A point of interest: Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013) grew up in Regensburg. He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

We stayed on the ship the remainder of the afternoon, since the weather was not too good. We had a short nap, and just rested.

At 6:45p.m. we were in the lounge where Carl West gave us all the information on the ship transfer the next day.We had dinner with Jane and Steve (Colorado) and another couple.

By 9:00 we were back in the room to pack is much as we could of our clothes for the transfer the next day. Because we would have to get up early the next morning, we took our showers before we went to bed.

Some interesting pictures in Regensburg:

Greenpeace was making a statement
A Christmas store
t’s beginning to look like Christmas…
This beautiful wood-inlay table in a shop window
Notice the horse-drawn carriage on top of the sign
Cathedral artistry

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

 

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What to do in the storms of life

16 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

 

04-08-16 storms

 

Decades ago, while still in my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia, birthday celebrations were a big thing. With a handful of invitations, I ran from house to house on the dirt streets where my friends lived. Anticipation danced in my heart as I delivered them with pride because my Mom had designed them with colorful writing.

My parents gathered enough money to buy ingredients for a birthday cake. And the other treat at my 10th birthday party was made by mixing red Jell-O with evaporated milk. Since we didn’t have the luxury to own a refrigerator, Mom placed them outside, hoping the chilly night would make them gel.

And when my special day came, the friends who accepted the invitation, filed in through the worn, rusty gate of our house. They carried gifts. And in turn, I carry that memory in my heart.

Decade’s later invitations took a different meaning. During the storms of life, I ran down the dirt street of worry and self-pity. The only way to conquer all that was to extend an invitation to Jesus. He accepted and together we celebrated a restoring of my soul.

We can all do the same. But the invitation has to be specific:

• We invite Him into our storm.
• We invite Him into the heartache of the moment.
• We invite Him to share the disappointment in our marriage.
• We invite Him to share the longing for a solution.
• We invite Him into the diagnosis from the doctor.
• And we invite Him to be with us when we face the end of something we treasure.

When Jesus accepts the invitation, He shows up carrying the gift of His promises, colorfully wrapped in His love. They repeat: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Visit Janet’s website to read the rest of this story and to learn more about Janet and her ministry.  What to do in the storms of life. | Janet Perez Eckles

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Numbers are Fun-NOT

14 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I'm a winner

I’m not a big fan of numbers and counting, but it seems like I am doing a lot of that these days. Last month we spent 30 days at our home in North Carolina making lists and comparing prices to to do some needed restoration to our property. We have lots of information and numbers but not one project was completed.

Now we have been in Florida for 14 days and are making lists of a different kind.  The dates (numbers) on my calendar are packed with appointments. Next week even has a double booked day and all of the appointments are out of town. My friends know I am not a movie fan and can’t remember the ones I have watched but this song from a 1960s movie stuck in my brain.

Substitute  “I feel I never wanna go home” with I feel like it’s never gonna end and that sums up our first 14 days (numbers) of April.  On a good note, in 10 more days (numbers AGAIN) the out of town appointments should be completed and we can do some exciting stuff like pressure wash our daughter’s home. I am looking forward to having more time with friends. Meanwhile, I have  lots of reading time while sitting in waiting rooms.

Writing this has activated deep recesses in my brain. Does anyone remember the western television show whose hero had a business card  that read:

Have Gun Will Travel

Wire Paladin

San Francisco

Mine is :

Have iPhone or iPad

Will read. 

Florida or North Carolina

I was reading a post by Francis Frangipane this morning and he shared a wise verse.Good advice for someone who is spending a lot of time in waiting rooms.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Should you have a touch of nostalgia for the Paladin theme song, here is a link to You Tube. https://youtu.be/tgvxu8QY01s

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Alterations

11 Apr

My Take 

DiVoran Lites 

Young DiVoran

During World War 2 people couldn’t get fabric or clothes because almost everything was going for War supplies. My dad was at the front and Mother, Dab (my brother), and I lived in one of Granddad and Grandmother’s upstairs apartments in their beautifully restored Victorian house on Greenwood Ave. Grandmother wanted to keep herself and mother busy, so she started bringing the clothes out of the attic to alter for Dab and I. They started cutting children’s’ clothing from adult garments. It seemed to me as if I had to stand still every day for fittings. I fidgeted, but Grandmother and Mother went on relentlessly making clothes the whole nine months dad was at in the army.

One day they put a dress on me and I reached up and ripped it apart from neck to hem. My seamstresses were so astonished they forgot to smack my bottom and I seized the moment to make a swift getaway. Naturally the tailoring continued until the war was over and Dad came home to move us to another town where he had purchased a restaurant with the aid of the G. I. bill. There, I was the best dressed child in our new town, which was right up against the Sangre de Christo mountain range and to me the most beautiful place in the world.

When Grandmother came to look after us kids and the restaurant while Mother and Dad went on a trip I wore my jeans and flannel shirt for a full week and Grandmother didn’t complain about it one bit. I have never been able to understand why she let me get away with it. She let us have an ice-cream bar out of the freezer every day after school as well.

I got to dress up in brand-new cowgirl clothes, hat and all, to be in a fashion show with some of the other girls who lived in town. There were only about 20 children of all ages in the whole town. Grandmother had given me her boots by then and I wore a cowboy hat as well. We sang, “Ghost riders in the Sky” to entertain the ladies who came to the show.

Every year on my birthday, which was two days before Halloween, mother threw a party for me with the classmates that lived in town. We went trick or treating in that safe little town where no one ever got hurt, we didn’t lock our doors, and nobody stole. I wore a dress mother had given me to play dress-up in. It was a deep green velvet and I felt like a princess. The bonus was that I wore it for several years because it was adult sized to begin with.

Mother had another dress I loved. My daughter has it now. It’s pink silk with ruching and pink embroidery. It was given to my mother by her best friend, Katherine, who received it from England in 1922 when they were children. Katherine’s mother wouldn’t let her wear the dress because it was pink and she had red hair. What a beautiful dress it is, as light as gossamer.

Thank you Lord for giving me such a good childhood with parents and a whole town full of people who loved me. Thank you for the gorgeous mountains, and the teachers and pastors who worked so hard to help us all become more civilized.

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The Cruise of a Lifetime~Part 8 (continued)

10 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

JUDY

 

Nuremberg is considered to be Bavaria’s second-largest city. It attracts tourists with its varied history, medieval Aldstadt (Old Town) and grand castle. It is surrounded by massive walls, and boasts an abundance of 15th and 16th century art and architecture.

Courtesy Google

Courtesy Google

A bit of history about the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal: It is a little over 100 miles in length, and was started by Charlemagne in 793. While this original canal was abandoned, a second attempt was made by the Bavarian king Ludwig 1, beginning in 1846, and included 100 locks. With the advent of railroads, this water route was also abandoned. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s, after World War 2, that planning began again. The current canal took over 30 years to complete (1960-1992).

 On our tour, we passed a beautiful cemetery where, among others, Albrecht Dürer and his wife are buried.

Courtesy Wikipedia

Courtesy Wikipedia

Albrecht Dürer was an artist from Nuremberg (1471-1528). While he is known for all types of painting, etc. and is considered Germany’s renowned Renaissance draughtsman, he is known to Fred and me as the artist of the “Praying Hands.”

Courtesy Wikipedia

Courtesy Wikipedia

 

 

We lived on Albrecht Dürer Strasse when we lived in Wiesbaden, and became quite familiar with his story behind his “Praying Hands” painting. His residence and workplace is now a “museum,” and some special exhibits include a painting and printing shop, where various techniques are demonstrated. Unfortunately, we were unable to stop and look.

Courtesy Wikipedia

Courtesy Wikipedia

Sandra Bullock, the American movie star, had lived in Nuremberg for quite a while, and speaks fluent German. Her father was a U.S. Army employee, and her mother produced German operas. She lived in Nuremberg until she was 12 years old, when they moved to the United States. Years later, when she visited Nuremberg, she gave an interview. At the end of it she called her niece by name and said, “it is way past your bed time. Be a good girl and go to bed.” Sandra’s grandmother still lives in Nuremberg.

By 1:30 we were back on the bus, going to the ship for lunch in the lounge. At 2:45 we took the bus back into town and walked around and took pictures. We saw a cathedral,

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an open-air market,

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and the beginnings of a Christmas Market.

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Beautiful city.

We were back on the bus by 3:45 and back on the ship. We noticed a cute decal on the back fender of the bus: a flying carpet.

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We sailed for Regensburg about 6:00 p.m.

We had supper at 7:15. Our table mates were Denise and John from Half Moon Bay, California, Barbara and a friend from Massachusetts. Carl told us that we would have to change ships, because the river did not have enough water in it to support the ship with all its passengers. We had been alerted prior to the cruise that we might have to change ships because of the recent drought. Although we had hoped we wouldn’t have to change ships, it looked like we would be doing it, anyway.

 

 

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Is Jesus really enough?

9 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

cooltext173078713213329I received a peck on the cheek as I hugged a small, frail woman. “Welcome beautiful visitor,” she said.

She brought small bowls of rice to feed the children who gathered outside her tiny nipa hut nestled in the rural areas of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

In the midst of the humid, scorching heat, she fed them. They sang songs, and then she nourished their souls with Bible lessons.

Fighting mosquitoes and wiping sweat beads off my forehead, I listened and observed her joy, her passion, and patience with those little ones. As we were about to leave and head to our next stop in our missions trip, I hugged her. “I admire you,” I said. “You have so little and give so much.”

She gave a shy giggle. “When you have Jesus, you have enough,” she said.

Can that be so? Can Jesus really be enough?

Here are three questions to determine if He’s truly enough for us:

1. If we lose all we value, can we still declare we believe and trust in Him?

2. If our plans fail, our heart is broken, and our future looks bleak, will contentment still fill our hearts?

3. If His ways contradict ours, will we still embrace joy?

And if we had nothing, can we repeat what Habakkuk 3:17-18 declares? “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

No matter what you’re facing today, can you still rejoice in Him?

Source: Is Jesus really enough? | Janet Perez Eckles

I am thrilled to share this news about Janet

What a delightful shock to receive the news that I was chosen as the winner of the 2016 Alumni Merit Award by my alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University.

How ironic! When I arrived at that campus so many years ago, I was overcome by homesickness. I was the queen of insecurity, shy, and fearful I’d never make it to graduation. Could it be God had His own plan in spite of it all?

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The Wonders of Nature

8 Apr

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Louise Gibson

I look through my kitchen window each day,
seeking, as I always do-
All the signs of God’s presence
in the soul-stirring scene that I view.

It never ceases to amaze me
that His presence is everywhere.
The Easter Lilies are radiant
Postural, as though in prayer.

They are programmed to bloom at Easter,
then close for another year.
Their role is to glorify the Savior-
then silently disappear.

Springtime is a season
of new life with a goal.
New leaves are forming, flowers are budding-
there is a stirring in my soul.

I read an interesting quote this week by Max Lucado that I
would love to share with you.
“Next time a sunrise steals your breath, or a meadow of flowers
leaves you speechless, remain that way and say nothing- and listen
as Heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for You.”

Man with dog in grass

Source: Reflections of the Heart: April 2007

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Mrs. Q. and the green ink

4 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and ArtistI suppose someone provided me with a first pair of jeans when I started riding a Shetland pony at eight years old. Anyhow I grew up wearing 3jeans whenever I could get away with it. When we moved from Colorado to Los Alamos, we wore jeans to school on Fridays. No one missed that opportunity. When I moved to Florida as a married woman with children, I gave jeans up and went for knit pants. Eventually someone came along who loved clothes and loved to shop and she straightened me out. Jeans wanted me.

After a while I hit another snag for which I needed the help of friends. Apparently my jeans bagged now that I had lost weight. My friends tactfully explained about Mrs. Q. and her skills as a tailor and sent me to see her.

I had a number of clothes that needed to be fitted, so I took them all. When you enter Mrs. Q’s small shop it’s as if you’ve come home. Her finished work hangs on a rack along the south wall with Mrs. Q’s counter in front. At the back of the room you see three large sewing machines with a small man sitting at one. Mr. and Mrs. Q. are from Vietnam. Both of their fathers tailored clothes for a living, and now they are carrying on the tradition. They are good at what they do. Mrs. Q. and I talk over every aspect of an alteration. Mr. Q. never opens his mouth. I’ll bet he gets an earful, with all the girl-talk that goes on.

Last August, I bought a pair of white jeans with diamonds on the back pockets. I knew the jewels would never be seen because I always wear my tee-shirts on the outside. I had these jeans for several months before I took them to Mrs. Q. to shorten. When I laid them on the counter we both saw that the security tag, still attached. Mrs. Q. tugged on it and then shook her head saying, “Better take them back to the store and let them take it off.”   2

 

When I got home, I thought I’d force the tag off, but it wouldn’t budge. The next time I went out I visited the two stores where I thought I might have purchased the jeans.

“No, our store doesn’t carry this brand, but don’t try to force it because it has ink in it and it will stain the jeans,” store 1 associate.

At the next store the only associate in sight tried to help even though she knew right away that the jeans hadn’t come from their store, either. Apparently every brand of store has a magnetic key to open their own tags. She couldn’t budge it. “Be sure not to force it open, I had an accident with one and it stained my purse and my hands with bright green ink,” store 2 associate.

While she fiddled with the problem, though, I realized the tag hung from the belt loop, so I decided to cut off the loop and throw it and the tag away.

I took the jeans back to Mrs. Q. and told her about my fix. She shook her head with a worried frown until I persuaded her no one but us would ever see the loopless spot.

As I got ready to leave, I remembered to warn Mrs. Q. about the trap. “Oh, yes, I know. Ink. Green. That’s the reason I told you to take it back to the store.”

I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world who didn’t know about security tags and ink. But instead of feeling ignorant I thanked the Lord for sending helpers my way. We all need help with one thing or another. It feels good to be kind and it feels good to receive kindness.

Bill and I met our computer-programmer grandson in one of the prettiest and ritziest downtowns I’ve seen. I wore my well-fitting jeans and felt like I fit in. For one of our conversation topics, he helped with a computer problem we’d had. I believe the world has more good people in it than bad ones, but maybe that’s because I rarely meet anyone bad, as far as I know.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4: 7.

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The Cruise of a Lifetime~Part 8

3 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills 

JUDY

 

Friday, November 13, 2015

We were up early and were at breakfast by 7:15. We were to have a very busy day this day.We arrived at Nuremberg at 9:00 a.m. and we began the World War 2 tour. We visited Zeppelin Field, the Congress Hall, Documentation House, and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials.

The Zeppelin Field was where many of the Nazi rallies was held. It was not as large as we had expected. The buildings had been reduced to just a few, and the center building had sported the Swastika that was blasted off after the war (famous picture of that event).

Every few yards along the perimeter, there was a building. When the guide asked if we knew what they were, many in the group suggest one thing or another. He said, “it’s really very simple.” When I said, “restrooms,” he said, “that’s right.” With the 250,000 people assembled, they had to have facilities for them. (These two pictures were taken by me and cropped)

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We visited the Documentation House, which is attached to the Congress Hall.

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The Congress Hall was built at Hitler’s demand, and was to be used only for one time each year. When Hitler was asked how all these buildings would be paid for, he replied that, after they won the war, they would get the money from those Germany conquered. The Congress Hall was built in the shape that was to duplicate the Roman Coliseum. The Documentation House held many photos and memorabilia from the Nazi era.

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We sat in the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held in the Palace of Justice. Fascinating room, with large placards holding pictures and notes about the trials.

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Lots of information was given – through the placards as well as our knowledgeable guide. He mentioned Robert H. Jackson, who President Truman appointed as U.S. Chief of Counsel for the prosecution of Nazi war criminals. He made some outstanding statements (courtesy Wikipedia):

Closing Argument for Conviction of Nazi War Criminals

Robert H. Jackson, U.S. chief of counsel for the prosecution of Nazi war criminals

An advocate can be confronted with few more formidable tasks than to select his closing arguments where there is great disparity between his appropriate time and his available material. In eight months – a short time as state trials go – we have introduced evidence which embraces as vast and varied a panorama of events as has ever been compressed within the framework of a litigation. It is impossible in summation to do more than outline with bold strokes the vitals of this trial’s made and melancholy record, which will live as the historical text of the Twentieth Century’s shame and depravity.

Nuremberg Prosecutor (1945-1946) Speeches

 

One of the most famous statements he made was:

“The true applicant before the bar of this court is civilization.”

Strategies of the American Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson

 

It all had a profound impact upon us.

~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

 

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Cosmetic surgery? How to become the new you

2 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

03-25-16 cosmetic surgery

 

I just heard that Costa Rica is the place to go for a make-over of the body. You know those muffin tops? They can be gone now. Or if you want a little tuck here, a little fat removed from here, some added there. The whole body can be transformed.

“And the price is incredibly reasonable. You can come back a new woman,” my friend said. I’m having all kinds of extra stuff removed even getting these ugly age spots off my hands.”

“Not me,” I said, “I had all that done years ago.”

The transformation was complete. Los of changes and enhancements took place. And I got a great deal. It costs me nothing. Well, change that…it cost my pride.

I undressed my heart and left my pride at the door. Then I lay down on the table of humility. That’s where I underwent a soul transformation. When Jesus came into my life, He became Lord of my imperfections.

He removed pounds of insecurities. He carved out fear, the kind that made me think I wouldn’t make it through the trials. He pulled out unsightly lies, misconceptions, and negative thoughts from my mind.

I came out a renewed woman—new thoughts, new attitude, new approach to life. And He even removed those spots of gloom that formed when I faced adversity.

All was gone. And great news, His invitation is directed to all of us. He plans to perform soul surgery because He has a purpose. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

We can’t know His will unless we let Him renew us. We can’t relish in His glory if we do not endure the change. In addition, we cannot expect glory unless we’re willing to have Him perform the transformation on the operating table of His love.

What needs a little improvement in your life these days?

 

Visit Janet’s blog to learn more.  Cosmetic surgery? How to become the new you. | Janet Perez Eckles

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