Archive by Author

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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2023 Road Trip-Part 9A

8 Nov

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 9 – July 23: Continued:

It wasn’t far from the Manitoba Museum to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights located at the “Forks” where the Red River & the Assiniboine River meet, which is also considered the birthplace of the Metis (indigenous peoples).  The museum’s amazing architecture (and I thought the Canadian Mint Building was unique), with its wrap- around exterior ‘Dove Wings’ and its eight interior Alabaster walkways that take you up, from gallery to gallery, is all breath taking.  Each walkway leads you to where the various aspects of the history of human rights are displayed.  I had to stop and think about ‘The Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation’ (What are all those short basalt rock columns all about?).  The 360-degree view from the 328-foot-high Israel Asper Tower of Hope gives a person a truly magnificent look at the city of Winnipeg and the surrounding area to appreciate its scope and beauty.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed a few miles out of town to try to visit the Prairie Dog Central Railway Museum located at the Inkster Junction Railway Station.  This turned out not to be a museum as much as a scenic railway system situated in the old restored 1905 Canadian National Railway Station.  This railway offers 1-hour train rides in their restored early 1900s Pullman train cars pulled by a restored 1882 (4-4-0) stream locomotive (Old No. 3) to Grosse Isle and return.  These train rides give passengers an idea of what it was like to ride the train in the Winnipeg/Manitoba area at the turn of the century.  I had missed the scheduled Sunday train ride to Grosse Isle and headed back toward town to check out another museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

On my way back downtown, to the “Hotel” for the evening, I stopped to visit the Winnipeg Railway Museum, located in the beautiful old 1911 Union Station building, but it was closed.  So, a few blocks from the Union Station I tried to visit the Fort Gary Horse Museum located in the old 1912 Armory building that was originally used by the 34thCanadian Army Calvery Regiment during WWI, but that museum was also closed.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

By this time, I was getting hungry, and started looking for some place to eat (I didn’t want to have to resort to KFC again).  I spotted Smitty’s Restaurant & Lounge and decided to stop in for my evening meal.  I had their Fish & Chips plate (with Onion Rings instead of chips).  The Cod was deep-fried with an excellent batter and was wonderful, but the onion rings were absolutely the best I have ever had.  Yummm!  There was way too much food for me to eat at one sitting, so, I would be able to enjoy this leftover meal again tomorrow evening.  After that incredible meal, Greata (My Garmin) took me back to the “Hotel” and I was surprised, and pleased, that there was no hollering and banging of doors tonight.  There was no TV in the room, so I recorded my day’s activities and went to bed.  I had a surprisingly good night’s sleep.

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/Fish+Onion+Rings+Smitty’s+Restaurant+&+Lounge+Winnipeg

—–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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Meals With the Family-Part 4

29 Oct

SUNDAYMEMORIES

Judy Wills

I know that at the end of last time’s posting, I said it was “The End” but I would like to add another little bit.

You see, I have another family that I like to talk about – and that is my blog family.  I’ve been a part of this family since my first posting in 2012.  My wonderful sister-in-law, DiVoran Lites, told me about her writing for a Christian blog, and how she had convinced her husband (my brother) Bill, to contribute his thoughts, as well.  I read a few of their postings, and enjoyed it.

However, I never…EVER….thought that I would be able to do something like that.  I love to read, but write?  Never happen.  But then DiVoran kept after me to write about my memories – my childhood, growing up years, my life with Fred, our girls, etc.  And then I thought about it, and thought, okay that might be something I could do. 

And so began my journey with this website.

And something else I’ve enjoyed so much is when we “bloggers” get together for a meal and just “get to know” each other.   Of course I know Bill and DiVoran, but I didn’t know our blogmeister, Onisha, and her husband, or Louise Gibson and her daughters.  Occasionally, when we met, our spouses would join us (my Fred and Onisha’s husband Mike).  Frequently, some friends of ours would join us at these meals.

Then I suggested to Jan Eckles that she might like to contribute, since she has written some books of her life.  She doesn’t contribute weekly, but she does add her words of wisdom quite often – and she really has a way with words!

I am not big on poetry, but those poems that Louise Gibson wrote were wonderful.  I can see why she and DiVoran got along so well, since DiVoran is a poet, too.  Louise has left us now, to be home with our Lord and Saviour.  We were blest to know her.

The first time we had a “bloggers luncheon” was at Sweet Tomatoes restaurant.  Here we are at Sweet Tomatoes in 2013.

2014 at Sweet Tomatoes
2015

It was nice to get together and meet everyone.  I didn’t know Louise at that time – actually I didn’t know Onisha and her husband, either, so it was a nice get-together and get-to-know each other.   Seems like we had a couple of meals together there through the years, but more recently, we’ve gone to a great seafood restaurant called High Tide Harry’s.  Food is good, and we have a nice long table where we sit a just visit with each other.  Here are a couple of pictures from those events in 2017.

2017
High Tide Harry’s

All that to say that, this is my family, as well.  And we so enjoy being together and writing about our lives.

As I said before…I LOVE FAMILY!!

~~~~~~~~~~The End (I promise!)~~~~~~~~~~

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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We Don’t Fly-Part 2

19 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’ve been looking back on our July Cruise vacation. We flew from Florida to Alaska. We had a lot of anxiety but didn’t feel we could turn down our daughter’s gift of an Alaska cruise, The flight to Vancouver was not ideal, but it wasn’t as nerve wracking as we feared. We were both able to relax For the return flight, our daughter downloaded movies to her iPad Pro for her dad to watch during the flight and he was a happy man.

Our hotel in Vancouver was in the same shopping strip as the famous Tim Horton Donut shop. Now I am a die-hard Krispy Kreme fan. People from up north swear by Tim Horton donuts, so we had to give them a try as they were practically next door. Plus my husband hasn’t found a donut he didn’t like.

This picture was taken the morning after our late and traumatic arrival in Vancouver, so he wasn’t looking too perky. The donuts did lift his spirits.

We made several visits to Tim Horton’s and after multiple “tastings” we gave them a rating, comparing them to Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts.

Overall taste and texture Krispy Kreme was the winner, with Tim Horton a strong second and Dunkin Donuts in last place. Tim Horton did win first place in the apple fritter category, my husband’s favorite treat. Eating one is like enjoying a fried apple pie with a nice amount of apple bits. Dunkin Donuts came in last place.

Moving along back to our flying experience…Going through airport security was exasperating. Seeing our stuff going through a scanner ahead of us made me crazy. ANYONE could pick up our stuff. My husband was in a wheelchair and I was always ahead of him while they detained him.

Our daughter became so stressed trying to make sure my husband and I were ok that on the flights home, I agreed to being wheeled through the airport too. It kind of hurt my pride, but truth be told, the wheelchair escorts walked so fast I couldn’t keep up with them.

By the time our trip was over, we had overcame our fear of airplane travel. We would definitely be willing to fly again if anyone offers us a free vacation! Well, except for the scam caller who claimed to be from Expedia and offered me a too good to be true deal.

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Three Lies That Can Rob Your Security

14 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

I tried, really tried not to get nauseous at Angie’s story.

“I was taught that you eat anything you kill,” she said.

Angie is one of hubby’s family members whom we recently visited. They live in a double-wide trailer surrounded by vegetable gardens, horses, and gorgeous trees at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Each family member is refreshingly warm, down-to-earth, simple, transparent and genuinely kind—traits seldom seen these days.

I relished in their ways of life and in their unique stories like the one Angie related about the day she killed a crow.

“I brought it home,” she said matter-of-factly. “Prepared it, carved out a piece of the breast, breaded it, added salt and pepper and fried it.”

I gave a fake smile to hide my disbelief but had to ask, “How did it taste?”

“Awful. I spit it out.”

In these times of turmoil, we also need to spit out the distasteful and destructive lies from the enemy of our soul.

His craftiness is peppered with deceit and destruction. Caution: he works best to destroy us by first bringing in doubt, then aims to rob our security hoping we bite into these lies:

  • Seek first to solve your problem
  • Change will come if you try harder
  • Another person will ease your loneliness
  • Your provision comes from your paycheck

Angie spit out the disgusting crow’s meat and we should also do the same with those lies. On the other hand, victory comes when we delight our soul with the delicious truth in God’s Word:

  1. God’s ready to give us what we need. Are you busy seeking answers, solutions, changes or breakthroughs on your own? If so, you might be stuck in the mud of discouragement, exhausted by the seeking frenzy. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). While you choose to seek God first, expect and count on the promises that will come in ways you may not expect and in the timing that might surprise you.
  2. Resist the lie that says you prayed incorrectly, your prayers are too brief, too long, with the wrong words. God has the prayer pattern defined in Matthew 6:9-15 and He adds, “And most of all, …when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7). Before you ask Him? That’s deliciously wonderful! No wonder confidence increases in knowing He’s aware of your needs, desires and longings.
  3. Another lie we need to spit out is the one that sparks these questions: Am I worthy? Do I deserve what God offers? Am I clean enough to receive? Am I too weak to pray boldly? His reassurance comes when you whisper to Him: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Through Jesus, our heart can be clean and, more open to hearing His voice, knowing His lead and savoring His promises.

Let’s Pray

Father, in these times of difficult challenges and pending requests, I vow to discard the lies from the enemy of my soul. I will instead taste the goodness You offer, the path You show me and the peace You infuse in me. In Jesus’ name.

What lies are creating a bitter taste in your heart?

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.

BONUS article on recognizing and defeating our enemy’s lies.

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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Song of the Steadfast

9 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Yet the Eternal One is never shaken

He is still found in his temple of holiness,

Reigning as Lord and King over all.

He is closely watching everything that happens.

And with a glance, his eyes examine every heart

For his heavenly rule will prevail over all.

He will test both the righteous and the wicked,

Exposing each heart.

But remember this: the Righteous Lord loves

What is right and just, and every godly one

Will come into his presence and gaze upon his face.

Psalm 11:3-7

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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Meals with the Family-Part 1

8 Oct

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

                             

As I think back to the meals Fred and I have had with Bill and DiVoran (brother and sister-in-law), I am reminded of some great times.

The first meal we shared together after Fred and I moved to Florida was on the north side of Orlando, in a fun little restaurant called the Bombay Bicycle Club.  Interesting name and place.  I honestly don’t remember what either of us ate there.  The main thing I remember is that a horrific storm blew through while we were eating, and the power went out.  The credit card machines and cash registers were not working (all electric), and we had to pay with cash.  This is a picture I gleaned from the Bombay Bicycle Club website that is in San Antonio, Texas.  The one in Orlando is no more.

Photo credit Google Search and Jane C.

I can’t remember just where we met Bill and DiVoran the next time, but it was storming, as well – that I do remember!  I was afraid it was to be the hallmark of our meetings!  Fortunately, that has not been the case.

For a few years after we moved here, we would all gather together in any month where someone in the family had a birthday – and celebrate all together.  For instance, in Bill’s family there were three family members who had January birthdays – so we all gathered together one Saturday evening for a dinner along with cake and ice cream.  February was similar, so a repeat.  March held Bill’s birthday, then there was a dry spell until July, which held my birthday.  And so on.  It was a lot of fun, and we were able to see both of Bill and DiVoran’s children and their spouses and children. 

As a side note – Bill said that he was glad we had moved here, since when our girls and their families came for a visit – Bill and DiVoran and their families got to visit with them, as well.  Kept up the connection with cousins.  I remember once when we all gathered together at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill near DeLeon Springs for breakfast, because Karen, Brian, Forrest and Katie (along with Forrest’s girlfriend at the time) were in town.  It was summer, and hot, and that griddle in the middle of the table was REALLY hot, but it was still fun.

Photo credit Google Search and Patty Gibson

In the year 2001, while my hair was still growing back from my time with chemo, Bill and DiVoran’s grandchildren were still quite young, and we all gathered one evening at a resort near SeaWorld, where Bill’s daughter and her husband were “on vacation.”  I mention that because I was wearing a hair wig, but had taken a different one with me (don’t remember why).  During the course of the afternoon/evening I took off the wig to show the kids.

Jacob tried to pull his hair off like I had just done – but we told him it wouldn’t work.  His sister, Lacey asked if I had cancer.  She was a sharp little girl.  The kids were not upset or disturbed by my lack of hair.  Amazing.

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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This is How You Overcome Stress, Sadness and, Worry

30 Sep

Reblogged 9/30/23

A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”

I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”

We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.

The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.

After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!

Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.

That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!

You’ve been disappointed like that, haven’t you?

Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.

Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:

Wash away doubt because victory will arrive.

Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?

This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions.

Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again?

Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9)

The answer wasn’t so much in what he thought or how he felt. But the answer was in what he remembered:

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)

Passion comes back when we consider this:

God sent Jesus to set us free (John 3:16), gave us power not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14), and Gpd promises His protection (Psalm 91:1-2).

No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.

Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.

Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.

What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?

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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