Archive by Author

Waste of Brain Space

25 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I awoke this morning feeling unsettled in my spirit. Last evening as I prepared for bed I felt prompted to boot up my computer and write something, but I had no idea what or why, and booting up the computer once I am done for the day is not a pleasant thought, so I didn’t.

Of course, this morning my mind began running through all the scenarios of what might happen today because I chose to ignore the prompting. Let me tell you when it comes to possible negative outcomes, I think my brain could challenge the newest AI bot.

In my life, I have wasted so much brain space and energy thinking about life’s “what ifs.”

My thoughts zipped from, was I supposed to write something, to share something, to read something then on to are my children ok and a lot more. All of this before I made it past the end of my bed.

Then I realized what I was doing and sharply commanded my brain to stop, just stop now. Every fear I felt was created in my mind. “What is going on with me?” I asked myself.

Then I remembered I had forgotten one of my life’s biggest lessons. But God.

I don’t think I would have emotionally survived a serious family conflict without taking every fearful thought and turning it into hope.

“What if they never speak to me again?” And I would in my heart respond, “but God, I trust that if they don’t ever speak to me, you will heal my heart.”

I am not sure why the fearful thoughts captured me this morning but I am so thankful I didn’t have to remain mentally captive.

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’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2024 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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You Are My Heart’s Desire

22 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Dear Jesus, 

You alone are my heart’s desire, my chief delight, my soul’s

Glory, joy, and crown. Every advantage life offers is rubbish compared to the overwhelming gain of knowing you. You are worthy, Lord—worthy to be thanked, praised, worshipped, and adored.

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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No Limitations

15 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

God has no limitations. 

We have no limitations except ignorance, unbelief,

And flesh. Learn to renew your mind with God’s spirit truth 

concerning favor with God and man. 

God favors me today. God honors me today; I am a success today. I gave God’s special favor upon me today. He makes His face shine upon me today. He is gracious to me today. I am someone very special to the Lord. 

Favor, The Road to Success by Bob Buess

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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5 Ways You Can Have a Victorious New Year

6 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 1/06/2024

A few days ago, I opened an email that read: FRAUD ALERT: There’s suspected fraudulent activity in your bank account.

Another spam, right? No. the email was real. The details included the correct amount and check number. Once I verified the amount deducted and realized there was no fraud, I breathed a sigh of relief that all was well.

But not so when a large amount of joy has been deducted from your life.

Then, you are indeed a victim of fraud. Satan is a liar and is at work. He’s a master in decreasing our confidence, withdrawing our peace, and putting us in the red of fear. And be aware, His lies increase with each year that passes by.

While the world begins another year with more tension, he points out the sorry situation you’re in or the lack of joy because of the adversity that continues into the new year.

He’s quick to point out the financial hardship and repeats you’ll not make it this new year either.

He reminds you of past setbacks, the failures, the regrets and the unexpected heartache.

He speaks of the gloom and doom in the world and the darkness of your own world.

But what Satan doesn’t count on is your bold declaration of God’s power at work in you. His truth that silences his lies, and His faithfulness to lift you above any setback.

5 Truths for You

In the stillness of night, should spiritual fraudulent activity destroy your peace or invade your security, tuck these declarations of God’s truth under the pillow of your heart.ds

  1. No attack can reach you because “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord“ (Isaiah 54:17).
  2. Fear may draw near, and the evil may whisper more lies, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
  3. When the enemy of your soul speaks of your vulnerability and worry, remember “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
  4. If adversity makes you weak and feeling unprotected, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
  5. When feeling alone and anxious, God’s Word reassures you, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

God’s wisdom at work in us recognizes the lies. His truth dismantles them. His faithfulness exposes them. That’s why victory comes in the New Year riding in the power of God’s truth.

Let’s Pray

Father, no matter what fraudulent activity surrounds me, I shall carry your Word in my heart to guard me and my family.  I will stand strong and secure as I count on Your protection all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name.

How will you protect yourself against spiritual fraud?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

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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Merry Christmas

25 Dec

Bill, DiVoran, Janet, Judy, and Onisha

Isaiah 9:6

This child is our King. He is our wonderful counsellor when we are hurting or perplexed, He is truly our mighty God who fights for us and He is our everlasting, loving Father. He is not only the Prince of Peace, he is our peace. We hope that He is yours as well.

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Good News in the Midst of Fear and Loneliness

23 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/23/23

Night after night while the smelly sheep slept, the worn-out shepherds watched over them. But this night something bizarre happened, frightening really—an angel showed up. The shepherds must have jumped up and wiped their eyes, making sure they weren’t seeing things as they shook with fear, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11).

All the people? That’s us. That good news is for us and the do not be afraid is a message for us today as well.

Jesus is the Good News

Good news:  evil may trample with force, but God has the victory.

Good news:  the valleys we walk through have an end.

Good news:  loneliness has hope as the companion.

Good news:  when relationships end in heartache, Jesus prepares a new beginning.

Good news:  because when devastating diagnosis leaves us numb, His healing has already begun.

Good news: because when fear and anxiety barge in, He’s wiping them out.

Good news: when depression strikes, His Word brings the sunshine back.

Good news: no matter the darkness, His light will shine through.

Good news: when things look hopeless, He’s working on something great.

Jesus, the Christ was born.

But His birth is just the beginning. He died so our punishment would die, too. But then He rose again, so we can join Him in the forever glory…and that’s super Good News!

I pray all of you, whom I love dearly, will enjoy a Christmas rich with the joy no one can take away, the peace that won’t end, and the hope that never wanes. Merry Christmas!

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award. Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

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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The Slowest Fastest Christmas

15 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Christmas is in ten days. Nine days if you count Christmas eve. It’s is coming on fast and I am moving slow.

Some years will celebrate Christmas in Florida and other years at our home in the North Carolina mountains. This year we will have a mountain Christmas. To jump start the season, our daughter who was visiting over Thanksgiving, prodded us to set up the Christmas tree and decorate it.

We have boxes of ornaments including the special ones from our children’s growing up years. As our daughter rummaged through the decorations I hesitated. While I would love a tree filled with memories, I didn’t think my energy level would be up to the effort required to later take down the tree. We settled on a one color tree.

Our daughter returned to Florida, and the tree stood lonely in the undecorated house.

When our daughter who decorates for every holiday and season told us she wasn’t going to put up any Christmas decorations this year since she was going to be with us, I knew I needed to get moving on the holiday cheer.

My moving started slow. I like to decorate our guest bathroom with the seasons.. I store seasonal flowers and small ornaments under the sink and a change of seasons is a five minute operation.

Photo Credit: Hobby Lobby

Next, I ventured to the attic and brought down a small,handmade, net Christmas tree and a matching indoor wreath made by the same crafter.They are a fairly recent addition to our Christmas decorations and they make me smile.

More time passed and I I began to feel twitching of Christmas past. I remembered I had tucked some Christmasy items into the drawer of an antique sideboard. It didn’t take much effort to take them out and place them along the sideboard.

The Christmas spirit in me was moving and it began to spread to my husband. We aren’t able to put up Christmas lights these days, but we do put out Christmas lasers. My husband surprised me by setting them up in the yard. Then I put a big red bow on the artificial topiary on the porch.

The stair bannisters leading to the attic began nagging me to dress them for Christmas as well, followed by the front step bannister. Greenery was abounding.

And finally, I dug into the closet where seasonal tablecloths, chargers and place mats are stored. I chose a cloth with a poinsettia pattern. It looks very nice and Christmasy. I think I am finished decorating. It was a slow process, but I think we enjoyed it more that way than rushing through it.

Now it’s on to baking and making Christmas treats. This year I am corralling my husband to help with the candy making. Christmas is coming fast and we are moving slow-but we are still moving!

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’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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What to Do When Facing a War

9 Dec

Walking by Faith Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/9/2023

I was speechless when I read this email from my dear friend:

We just arrived in Israel last night, and it feels so great to be here! The airport was nearly empty. It made me cry when the customs lady said “You do know we have a war here, right?” And we told her how much we love Israel. With tears in her eyes, she said, Thank you!

While visitors are fleeing Israel, she and her family remain focused as rockets are still flying around them. They’re busy stopping at shelters and nursing homes, bringing food, singing songs and bringing the love and hope of Christ to their broken hearts.

With supernatural courage, they draw from their unstoppable passion to serve Christ in war-stricken Israel. Meanwhile, back home we have our own wars against the evil that surround us.

 Battles and wars all have one thing in common—they stir horror and fear. But if we use God’s weapons, we’ll remain steady and firm.

Using God’s Weapons

When the terrain is rough and we’re exhausted fighting opposition from all sides, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

When our soul is at rest, comfort grows and confidence comes back.

When the attacks become fierce, weakening our resolve, “[God] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

The strength He gives endures through the pain, through the sadness and sorrow.

When our supplies dwindle, “…the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

With His riches, our days are filled with the abundance of His provision.

When we feel alone in the battlefield, this promise becomes our weapon: “…nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Bombs of anguish may go off, death may surround us and hopelessness may threaten to invade us, but God’s love is with us to sustain, protect and renew our hope through Christ Jesus.

Let’s Pray

Father, although You warned us that in this world there will be trouble, the anguish of those suffering intensifies the sorrow. Yet, we believe in the power of Your Word that will sustain us through the wars in distant countries and those near us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

What do you do when war rages?

BONUS ARTICLE on today’s topic.

Janet 

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

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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A Postal Surprise

7 Dec

Onisha Ellis

On the Porch

Do you still send out Christmas cards? I don’t send as many as I did in the past but I do enjoy sending them. As my mom grew older, she turned over to me the addressing of the cards. All of her family lived in another state so of course, it wasn’t just addressing, each card included a personal note. I treasure those memories.

My aunt Barbara was a faithful card sender and as she aged, her son took over writing them. Sadly her son passed way too young due to a brain tumor. I wondered if she would continue the cards. She did. She bought an ink stamp with her name on it. It made me chuckle each year when the card arrived and also touched my heart.

I enjoy receiving cards as well. It is like receiving a love hug in my mailbox. I especially treasure the photo cards. You know the ones the young families send with a picture of the family. I know these can be expensive and I feel honored. I keep them on display all year to enjo. When the newest one arrives, I look at the children and marvel at how quickly they are growing. Then the nests become empty but not for long and the photo cards have smiling babies. Memories are precious.

I’m trying to get my cards sent a little earlier this year. I don’t send a great number but I didn’t have enough stamps on hand, and since it was a cold but gorgeous day, I decided to go to the post office. Now the post office is not my favorite place but I figured they would have a self service machine and I could scoot in and out. They did have a machine, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure it out. Sigh.

I went inside the lobby and joined the line. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. When my turn came, I walked to the service window and asked to purchase one book of twenty postage stamps. I declined the Christmas one, even though the stamps are pretty, The clerk said that will be $13.20. But since I didn’t have my hearing aid in, I wasn’t sure I had heard her correctly. Bummer, stamps have gone up again, I thought. I pulled out my card and glanced down at the processing terminal to verify what I thought she said.

Shock!! The terminal flashed $1,320.00. I pulled my card back and calmly informed the clerk the computer was charging me $1,320.00. She smiled at me like I was senile then looked at her computer. Now she looked shocked. Shaking her head, she swiped the book of stamps again with the same result.

“I know I didn’t swipe it more than once, she mumbled. I would have had to swipe it 100 times.”

“That’s computers for you,” I replied.

She finally was able to convince the computer I was only buying one book of stamps. And suddenly, $13.20 cents didn’t seem as bad.

This is one time I was happy that I didn’t hear correctly. Otherwise I might have mindlessly inserted my card and paid $1,320.00 for 20 stamps with no idea until the card bill arrived. And that would be a nightmare trying to convince the postal service they made a mistake.

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Maybe…Not

30 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

A week has passed since we celebrated Thanksgiving. I hope that it was a special day for each one of you. Our celebration has changed with the years, beloved parents passed on, children are grown and even the grands are grown. No great-grands as of yet to add excitement to the gathering. Still, it was a good day, we have almost finished off the leftover casseroles and dessert is long gone. The turkey was repurposed into a lemon-turkey soup. Very tasty.

I’ve been thinking about two words of late, maybe and hopefully and how best to use them. Maybe seems to carry a positive and negative vibe, whereas hopefully seems all positive.

For example. since we have health challenges, we could say maybe tomorrow will be better. But that indicates a 50-50 chance of being better, leaving room for doubt. When I say hopefully tomorrow will be better, I see tomorrow in a positive light.

Of course maybe can mean simply maybe. As in, maybe I will go the store today. No emotion involved.

My obsession with the two words may seem well, obsessive, but I think word choices matter. They matter whether they are voiced or thought. For me being hopeful makes life sweeter.

Each year I choose a focus verse for my digital prayer journal. I like to create a headline graphic so that it captures my attention as soon as I open the journal. This year focused on hope. Maybe that accounts for my obsession with the two words, maybe and hope.

I love this song. Family get togethers almost always involved guitars and singing. Precious memories.

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( Now in Glory), Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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