Archive by Author

Divine Power

29 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.

On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,

And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

 Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Five Reasons Why Loneliness Cannot Enter Your Heart

27 May

Walking by faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 27, 2023

As I made my way down the hotel hallway, I held on to the arm of the kind woman in charge of the speaker. In this case, I was that speaker who had the honor of addressing the annual women’s conference.

Upon reaching my hotel room, she inserted the key. And as the door opened, I asked her, “Can you come in a minute and make sure all the lights are off please?”

She was silent. I imagine that was an odd request so I explained: “It’s not healthy to sleep with the lights on. Since I can’t see, would you mind making sure they’re all off?”

They always comply with that silly request from this blind Chica.

Once in the room, using my fingertips, I found the locations of each piece of furniture in the room. Then I unpacked, arranged my items on the bathroom sink, and headed to bed.

And while I was praying in silence and putting the details of my talk in order in my head, I fell into a deep sleep.

The reason is because the fear of being alone in a strange hotel room or of experiencing loneliness never gets a chance to come in. And in the hotel room of your life, loneliness won’t come in either if you hold on to these five truths:

  1. God’s protective power is real.
  2. His presence is certain.
  3. His protection is constant.
  4. His companionship is sweet
  5. His comfort is forever.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16).

Let’s Pray

Father, sometimes even when surrounded with people, the loneliness can be cruel. But thank you for filling the void. For bringing reassurance to every moment. For whispering protection and provision. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, for we know you’re present now, and you’ll be present in the happenings of our tomorrows. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you invited Christ Jesus into your lonely moments?

Further Reading

God gives you what you need to defeat loneliness.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my newly released book: Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. You can get it here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Happiness is Flying Model Airplanes-Part 3

24 May

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Note:  I didn’t fly model airplanes during the years after I got my first motorcycle, while in the U.S. Navy, or while I was going to college.  This ended up being roughly 11 years, between 1954 and 1965.

At age 14 my interest shifted from airplanes to motorcycles, cars, and girls, in that order.  With my parents’ consent, I was allowed to get my driver’s license when I was 14 years old.  Back then the state of New Mexico allowed a person to obtain a driver’s license at age 14 because of all the farm kids in the state who needed to help with ranch duties involving driving tractors, pickup trucks, and cars.  At first my parents were not happy with the idea of me riding a motorcycle, but I assured them I was a careful and responsible driver.  I started small with a used Harley-Davison 125cc Hummer.  The next year, I traded that motorcycle in on a new Harley Davidson 165cc ST Hummer.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As you can tell by the photo above, by this time I was a Marlon Brando follower (The Wild One) and dressed appropriately.  That was all the rage at that time.  My next and last motorcycle was my favorite: a 1955 Harley-Davidson KH Sportster (Flat-head 888 cc).  I rode that motorcycle for ten years.  I used it for transportation during my years in the U.S. Navy (when I was home) and during my collage years.  During those years my wife, DiVoran, was a frequent passenger on that motorcycle as we were living on a very tight budget.  I never did get a ‘Buddy Seat’ for that motorcycle: ‘Riding Double’ involved me sitting on the gas tank while DiVoran got the seat.   I don’t know how legal that was, as we were never stopped while riding double.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Around age 16, when my interest in girls began to grow, I realized I was going to need a car.  My first car was a 1940 Chevrolet Coupe that I paid $50 for.  It took a lot of time, work, and most of my money to fix up that old car into something I wasn’t embarrassed to take a girl out in.  During our senior year in high school this car was the first car that I took my (then) girlfriend, DiVoran, out on a date in.  I only kept that car until I finished high-school and started my tour of duty in the U.S. Navy.  The photos below are a fair representation of my 1940 Chevy.

               Left:  When I bought it        –>       Right: When it was restored

Photo Credit: https://yahoo.com/1940-chevrolet-coupe

During the latter part of my tour of duty in the U.S. Navy I ended up being stationed in San Diego, CA.  It was during this time that I got a chance to live out one of my teenage “Bucket List” items: to own a 1932 Ford five-window Coupe (Hot Rod).  As it turned out, the Master Chief of the engine shop I worked for was an antique car restorer and he knew this guy who had a ‘32 Ford for sale.  I bought it (basically a shell with an 85-hp flathead V-8 engine) and the fun began.  My ’32 had the top ‘chopped’ a total of 4” and the body was ‘channeled’ a total of 7” with one very basic plywood driver’s seat bolted to the frame.  The rest of the interior floor was nothing but a sheet of plywood covering the frame (no passenger seat).

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Photo Credit: amazingclassiccars.com/1932-ford-5-window-coupe/

I didn’t have time to finish the interior, the engine, and a beautiful new paint job as things in my life were about to change.  The photo below is pretty much what I wanted my ’32 to look like when it was finished.  However, a few months after I started that project, I married DiVoran, ‘The Love of my Life’ and she didn’t like sitting on that plywood with nothing to hold on to.  Very soon after we were married, I traded the ’32 for a nice 1950 Mercury Sedan (much more comfortable).  We kept that Mercury until after I got out of the Navy, finished college, and we were ready to move to Florida.

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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Random Memories of Virginia

21 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

RANDOM MEMORIES OF VIRGINIA

Fred and I recently made a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, to visit our daughter, Janet and her family.  We had lived in that part of Virginia for nearly 13 years before we moved to Florida, where we now live.  It’s always nice to get back to Virginia, since we spent so much time there.  It is actually the place we lived the longest, continually, since we married, over 61 years ago, so it holds a special place in our hearts.

Credit Google search and Wikipedia Sign along Interstate 64

On our first day there, since the twins were in school, Tom was working from home, and Janet was at her job in Richmond, we decided to take a ride and see places we had been/lived.  As we were driving down the Colonial Parkway from Colonial Williamsburg, we began to reminisce about things Virginia.  Therefore, I would like to present my readers with some random memories of Virginia.

Credit Google Search

1.   Driving the Colonial Parkway brought thoughts of how much we enjoy that drive – in all seasons.  Spring brings new-green leaves on all the trees and some flowers – the redbuds, and especially the Dogwood blossoms.

Credit Google Search

Summer is lush foliage all through the drive.

Credit Google Search

Fall has the gorgeous fall colors on the trees – golds, yellows, oranges, reds.  Beautiful. 

Credit Google Search and RVing with Rex

Winter is beautiful in its own way – snow on the trees and shrubs.

Credit Google Search

Not so nice is the snow/ice on the roadway.  The Parkway is made up of aggregate, and the ice on it isn’t very comfortable.

While unmarked, one can readily see the three lanes of the Parkway, as they were laid.  There are frequent signs for “Do Not Pass” along the way, especially when the road turns and the way ahead is not easy to see.

The Parkway has a 45 mph speed limit, which can be frustrating if one is in a hurry!  However, it is an easy thing to set the cruise-control for 45 mph and just let George (the cruise control driver) do the driving.  The Parkway is heavily patrolled, so it pays to pay attention to the speed limit.

I worked in the Colonial Williamsburg area at one time, and had a certain way I liked to drive to work.  From our house in Seaford, down Denbigh Blvd, to U.S. 60 or Warwick Blvd to Williamsburg.  However one of those mornings, I was nearly involved in a fatal accident.  Coming around a curve in the road, the car coming toward me slipped onto the dirt and gravel  – probably losing control of her car – and rammed/slammed into the front of the pickup truck in front of me.  By the time we stopped and I got out, the driver from the truck said the driver of the car was dead.  Turns out, she was just 18 years old, and on her way to her college class.  I was so upset by the entire thing, that I found I couldn’t take that route to work for many months – I kept seeing the accident in my mind.  So I started driving the Colonial Parkway – set my cruise-control to 45 mph and just rode until I reached the Colonial area.  It was a great way to get to work, and the reminder of the accident diminished in my mind.  Time heals.

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

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Happiness is Flying Model Airplanes-Part 2

17 May

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

As I gained experience, I moved up to rubber band powered balsa stick model airplanes covered with rice paper.  These models required a lot more concentration and patience to assemble.  The kit consisted of a box full of balsa sheets with fuselage formers and wing ribs printed on them and lots of balsa sticks.  The idea was to carefully cut out the formers (bulkheads) and wing rib parts, and using the balsa sticks, assemble the airplane over the full-size plans provided.  Once the model was assembled, the entire airplane was covered with rice paper and sprayed with water to shrink the paper.  When the paper dried, it could be painted with clear or colored model paint called ‘dope.’  The propulsion was by means of a long rubber band inside the fuselage and twisted many revolutions to turn the propeller for the thrust needed.

Plans Credit: yahoo.com/rubber+powered+model+airplanes 

Next, at about age 10, I started building and flying small U-Controlled fuel powered model airplanes using .049 and .065 CID (½ A glow) sized engines.  These airplanes were of similar balsa construction, except the fuselage was made of thicker balsa sheet and the wings and tail were covered with a heavier silk span paper.  When the silk span was sprayed with water it also shrank when it dried.  Then the paper was painted with airplane paint (dope) and it would shrink to an even tighter and tougher surface.  I could then add decals or paint other colored designs if I wished.

Photo Credit: yahoo.com/search/=.049+fuel+powered+u- controlled+model+airplane

These airplanes were so easy to build, that I started designing my own with variations in wing design.  I would buy the necessary bulk balsa stock from the local hobby shop and use the plans from one of the kits I had previously purchased to build the airplane.  Imagine the airplane in the above photo, with the trailing edge of the wing on each side of the fuselage tapering from the wingtip almost to the forward edge of the horizontal stabilizer.  That was one of my designs that I tried, and you can see that airplane in the photo below (the battery is in the way, but you can see how the wing tapers from the wingtip toward the tail).

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I used special 35’ long wires to control the flight and needed a large (70’ minimum diameter) clear space to fly these airplanes.  Luckily, a city park, Bataan Park, was only a block from my house and provided plenty of space for my needs.  However, I found out that flying these airplanes around in a circle could make me dizzy if I wasn’t careful.  I won’t bore you with all the plane crashes I had, learning how to fly those first U-Control model airplanes.

Diagram Credit: https://www.modelaircraft.org/control-line/ 

At about age 12, after a lot of experience with the smaller airplanes, I moved up to the larger and more expensive fuel powered .15 and .29 CID (A glow) sized U-Controlled airplanes.  These airplanes were of a similar construction as the ½ A models, but much bigger, stronger, and heaver.  Since these models flew much faster than the ½ A models, I used 70’ wires.  Here again, Bataan Park, the well mowed city park, provided a nice convenient well-maintained grass flying field for me.  The pride of my airplane fleet at that time was my Top Flight ”Nobler” with a Fox .29 CID engine. What a beauty that airplane was!

Photo Credit: www.efkjghfdlf.top/products.aspx=nobler+control+line+airplane

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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Five Weapons for Mothers to Overcome Stress

13 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 5/13/23

I went down on one knee. “Look at me, honey.” I turned my four-year-old Joe’s face toward me. “What’s in your mouth?”

“Nothin’.”

As the youngest of three, he never knew a mom with sight. A retinal disease robbed my sight when he was much younger. And my adjustment and theirs was inevitable.

I took him by the hand. “Is that chocolate I smell? It’s before dinner. C’mon young man, let’s spit it out.”

Outwardly I seemed in control. But I still questioned my ability as a blind mom. I stressed about their possible lack of confidence or even shame because of my blindness.

I carried all that with in me. And often the obstacles before me seemed like facing a huge giant. I questioned my strength, my wisdom and abilities. Did I do too much? Not enough? Was I too strict, too lenient?

Stress followed me during the day and it lay beside me on the pillow at night.

But along came David…

…to save the day. Remember him as a boy? He was scrawny, a bit of a shy kid, the youngest of his brothers. And probably voted the least likely to succeed in the senior class of the local Shepherd high school.

And when Goliath showed up, David seemed inadequate, unprepared, and way too weak to defeat the giant. But God knew different because He chose him. Skinny David held not a trace of insecurity, doubt, or worry. He put on the backpack of courage and gathered five stones. But those stones weren’t what would defeat the big guy. Rather, David’s secret weapon called bold faith became the weapon to bring him victory.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty…” (1 Samuel 17:44).

Today, the giant moms face has grown bigger and more vicious. In addition to dealing with our own personal stress and insecurities, we face evil that barges into our schools with not only violence but with immoral and horrifying doctrines.

Your Five Weapons

But rather than shrink back, like David, we lift our head high and come against all this in the name of the Lord. We put on our bold faith and gather our five stones. Even in these turbulent times, we take out these five weapons to triumph over the struggle and stress of motherhood.

  1. The stone of courage to stand firm and secure enough to know we have Christ’s power at work in us to dismantle stress.
  2. The stone of reassurance God is with us every moment of every day to defeat fear, worry and anxiety.
  3. The stone of wisdom, God-given wisdom to choose our words, direct our steps and guide our path.
  4. The stone of trust to know God has His eyes on our kids. He will keep them safe, guard their lives and trace their steps.
  5. The stone of joy to erase gloom, sadness or disappointment.

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate not so much the perfect moms, but those who are perfectly devoted to Christ. Not the moms who have all the answers, but those who never back down or retreat at the face of evil, who instead, believe, truly believe, God has them. Not the moms who have it all together, but the moms who admit their weakness so God can make them strong. Not the moms who are raising stars, but those who rise above a culture that’s in turmoil. Not moms who cover her kids with the latest fashion, but those who cover them with prayer.

God chose David. And He chose you too. He hand-picked you to be the mom to those kiddoes. He didn’t leave David to bring down the giant on his own. He’s not leaving you alone either, As He hands you the stones, He’s already given you the victory—in His power, In His might and in His name.4

Let’s pray

Father, may Your Word remind me You are watching over my kids, guiding them when I fail, teaching them when I don’t know how, and protecting them when I’m not near them. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Which stones will you gather this Mother’s Day?

Janet

Further Reading: How do today’s mothers overcome sadness, struggles, and stress? Click Here

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my book, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. Your copy waits for you here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Three Steps to Contentment During Chaos

6 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 5/6/2023

“How do you plead, guilty or not guilty?”

In the decades as a court Spanish interpreter, I’ve interpreted that question countless times. But no matter how convincing the evidence, or how stern the judge’s reading of the charges, you never know what the response or plea will be. During sentencing, anxious thoughts must fill the minds of defendants as they walk into new life behind bars.

In the courtroom of life, we may feel sentenced to live in a world behind the bars of anxiety. But in the chaos that swirls with fury, we can still find security, we can still know peace and even live with profound contentment. Here are three patterns to follow:

Contentment comes in our praises. While in prison, did Paul choose grumbling or gratitude? “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)

With heavy chains around his ankles, Paul looked up and his lips spoke praises to the Lord. The surroundings didn’t matter. The discomfort didn’t face him. Nor did the injustice rattle him. He didn’t complain or grumble, he found contentment and gratitude. That’s when chains broke loose and freedom came. That same freedom you and I will know when we praise God and even thank Him in the pain.

Contentment comes with intimate closeness. David knew despair, his laments in Psalm 22 range from physical torment to spiritual torture. Yet when he called upon God, he remembered His goodness and faithfulness, that’s when contentment arrived as David sensed God’s closeness: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.” (Psalm 139:1-3)

Just like God is familiar with David’s innermost details, He knows ours too. He knows when we’re reading those headlines and He sees the stress that surges, the worry that walks in and the fear that makes us frantic. But God also knows how to place peace in our hearts and bring contentment in spite of the chaos.

Contentment comes in spite of losses. When day by day we seem to lose what we once knew to be sacred and good? Inflation doesn’t end. Immorality becomes more intrusive. What God called wrong is now right. And what we once held holy is now ridiculed. But no matter what changes, how much we lose, contentment dawns as it did with Habakkuk. “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. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

No matter what we lack, we will also rejoice, trusting in the Lord, our Savior. This mindset and resolve keep us free from the prison of anxiety. We’re not sentenced to a life of gloom, but to a forever in God’s grace. That’s the contentment that defies any chaos, any battle or any storm.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank you for my renewed contentment as I recognize that the darkness that surrounds us is no match to Your power at work. I will rejoice in You, my Savior. Amen.

What difficult moments need your praises to the Lord?

Further reading: Why anxiety doesn’t have to defeat you.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my book which is coming soon, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. Your copy waits for you here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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I Created New Age Categories.

5 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

It’s been a few months now since I became a septuagenarian. I am not really sure how it happened. And don’t get me started on how my children are now the age I was as they began to leave the nest. Except for some aches, pains and less mobile joints, none of my friends feel as old as a septuagenarian must surely feel. 

Image by ❄️♡💛♡❄️ Julita ❄️♡💛♡❄️ from Pixabay

The word elderly is often used to describe septuagenarians. I have to dispute the description. We are not elderly. I am adding new categories, sub-elderly and uber-elderly. I would say this could be applied to those over 85 years of age. Although, I know some who defy the elderly image.

So, if according to my scale, 70 is sub-elderly and 85 is uber-elderly, then somewhere around 77 years of age would be elderly. I am certain I will reassess this conclusion in a few short years.

I have enjoyed keeping up with advances in technology but I am sure that one day I will decide to step off the train and park my brain somewhere. I do hope to hang on until teleportation becomes the mode of transportation.

https://ggwash.org/view/76340/would-you-rather-teleport-to-work-if-you-walk-or-bike-maybe-not

I am in a quandary about AI. It can do fascinating things. I bet if I asked, it could tell me the perfect Father’s Day gift for my husband. Imagine never having to decide on a perfect gift! One could type in the recipients name and it would produce an answer.

I tried it!

Here is an example: I asked Chat GPT: What is the perfect birthday gift for author Rebekah Lyn? Within seconds I had suggestions!

As an AI language model, I cannot know for sure what would be the perfect birthday gift for Rebekah Lyn. However, I can suggest some general ideas that might help inspire you:

  1. Books: As an author, Rebekah Lyn might appreciate receiving books as a gift. You could consider getting her a new release or a classic novel that she hasn’t read yet, or even a signed copy of a book by one of her favorite authors.
  2. Writing tools: If Rebekah Lyn is someone who enjoys writing by hand, you could consider getting her a nice notebook or journal, or a set of high-quality pens or pencils. If she prefers writing on a computer, you could consider a subscription to a writing software or a new keyboard.
  3. Personalized items: Personalized gifts can be a great way to show someone you care. You could consider getting a customized coffee mug or a t-shirt with her favorite quote or saying on it.
  4. Gift card: If you’re not sure what to get Rebekah Lyn, a gift card to a bookstore, writing supply store, or even a local restaurant or spa could be a great option. This way she can choose something that she really wants or needs.
  5. Experience: You could also consider giving her an experience, such as a writing workshop, a trip to a literary festival, or a book signing event with one of her favorite authors.

Ultimately, the best gift will depend on Rebekah Lyn’s personal tastes and interests, so try to think about what she might really enjoy and appreciate.

Not bad suggestions at all! I do think AI must be carefully managed.

I may be classified as a septuagenarian but I am definitely sub-elderly.

In my 70 years of life I have known joy and sorrow, people have disappointed me and I have disappointed people. Cultural values have changed drastically. I remember talking with my daughter during her teen years as she struggled to find her value standard. I told her something like values and morals change with the times but the Word of God is constant. Make it your go to when you are confused.

I have long loved this verse. It puts life into perspective for me;

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Obsessed with Reading

27 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’ve heard that obsessed is the new “word.” Whatever that means. I decided to follow the crowd and use the word in my title. Maybe I will add it as a search key word too. LOL

I tend not to follow the crowd in my reading choices. If everyone is talking about a novel, it’s a good bet, I haven’t read it. I think I harbor suspicions that the latest chart climber might be more hype than substance. Not that I am all that into substance.

Of late I have been binging on cozy mysteries with slightly elderly female heroines. Well, except for a series that features a retired British police officer and his faux assistance German Shepherd. I’ve read through several romance series set around bake shops and flower shops. I especially am enjoying a bake shop series set on a small island in Cornwall. The baker lives in a lighthouse.

Thank heavens for Hoopla and the Libby app, both free through the library system.Usually I am listening to an audio book as well as reading one on the Kindle app. Occasionally I will also add a paperback to the mix. It’s fun living in two or three different worlds at the same time. Way better than the current days in which we are living.

I am years late discovering the depth and wisdom of Charles Spurgeon and Oswald Chambers. I read though Spurgeon’s Morning by Morning last year and absolutely recommend it.

The Kindle version is free on Amazon

This year I am reading another of Spurgeon’s, Faith’s Check Book, and I’ve added in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Although these authors lived in another century, their writings seem to me pertinent, insightful and encouraging in this century’s turmoil.

I was also very late to the party when digital books became the rage. I clung to my hard copy, page turning ways. How could a digital book be as satisfying? I began the shift to digital books due to a problem with my vision. With a digital reader I found I could enlarge the text and change the lighting to accommodate my deficit. I dowloaded Amazon’s Kindle app and Barnes and Noble’s Nook app and have been very pleased with them.

A huge plus for me in the Kindle app is that I can highlight a group of text that I want to save or share and the app creates a “clipping.”

The world seems to be in global chaos. In a morning reading this week, I took great encouragement in the passage above. I often share a clip on Twitter, definitely a platform where much encouragement is needed!

Speaking of encouragement, our fellow blogger, Janet Perez Eckles has just released a new book.

Now I see. How God’s Amazing Grace Turned Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy.

Janet is the most joyful woman I know and we can all use a stout dose of joy these days.

For the past 891 days I have been learning Spanish using an app. It is set up as a weekly competition. I am enjoying it and dare I say, I am obsessed with learning Spanish? They, the people who know everything about keeping an aging brain sharp recommend doing word puzzles, (Not happening) learning to play a musical instrument. (Setting myself up for failure) or learning a different language. Now that I can do. It has been fun refreshing my high school and college Spanish and remembering how much I dislike verb conjugation. I so believe it has helped me to retain what I read.

We are back in the North Carolina mountains for the summer. It has taken me two weeks to get settled in, but I have most every thing unpacked, I am looking forward to peony blooms and potting baskets of petunias, geraniums, snapdragons, coleus and whatever else strikes my fancy.

We already have several pairs of yellow finch feasting on our bird feeders and several hummingbirds buzzing around us. It’s going to be a good summer. I hope yours is as well.

This song has been singing in my heart the last few days. Even when I am in a store that has background music, my mind and heart hear this one. Weird but nice.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Because the Tomb is Empty, Your Loneliness, Fear and Anxiety Can End

8 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 4/8/23

Sometimes in the privacy of our heart and in the silence of our loneliness, we want to pour out what aches inside. Even when no one knows, our soul cries out:

Lord, sometimes my days seem like an endless echo of distant drums

Tormenting my soul and whispering sounds of sorrow.

My hours pass like homeless beggars, aimlessly shuffling to and fro searching for shelter

I thirst for company, for comfort, for words to quench my parched soul.

Minutes drag and mock me with more sounds of loneliness like sips of bitter poison

And the tomorrow’s laugh at what my destiny holds.

Will time creep by until I reach the end?

And though people all around crowd in on me

Still loneliness juts through like weeds in an empty and abandoned field.

But this morning, after a black sleepless night

A stranger visited me—

A glimpse of light from the horizon.

As if the sun rose within me,

Your Words Lord, the same ones that had been lost in the web of confusion

broke free to brush against my soul.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:3)

Because…

…the resurrection happened, because the tomb is empty and because Jesus is not only alive, but radiant with life-giving hope, the enemies of desperation, fear, anxiety, and loneliness have no power. None is a match to the power of Jesus who conquered death. And death is what awaits to those negative emotions that we cast to Him because He cares.

He cares enough to know the ache even before it started. He knows the details that feed the secret pain. And He even knows the degree of comfort and the amount of reassurance we desperately need.

And when we lift our head from the pillow of searing loneliness, the Son shines through, and hope dawns once again, peace filters through the window of our soul. And before we realize it, joy dances in the melody of His Word, the one that’s singing to you now.

… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise and thank You for the comfort of knowing my life, my days, my steps, my ears and loneliness are firmly placed in the hands of your unending love.

When do you hear God’s comforting words?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM.  Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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