Archive by Author

Our Trip to Maui-Part 1

20 Aug

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy WilLS

REBLOG

In light of the catastrophic fires in Maui recently, I would like to reblog what I wrote about our trip to Maui back in 2004 (I wrote the series in 2013).  I do not want to be flippant about any of this, but this was such a special trip for us, and the devastation of Maui and Lahaina hurts our hearts.  Reblogging this series keeps alive to us the Maui we visited and explored and enjoyed.  I hope my readers will see the beauty of that lovely island along with us.

Here are some pictures of the “before and after” of Lahaina I retrieved from the internet.

Lahaina, Maui before the fires – Credit Google search and Leslie Prètot

Lahaina, Maui after the fires – credit Google search and Leslie Prètot

….Fred’s parents were living in an assisted-living facility in Washington State.  They had thought to make a trip to Maui for a week in a time-share owned by their youngest daughter and her husband, but needed/wanted some of the family to be with them to sort-of keep an eye on them.  Since Fred and I were retired at the time, we volunteered for that job.  

Two weeks before we were scheduled to depart, Fred’s mother, already afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease, had a major set-back.  She was placed in the Special Care Unit of the facility, where there were trained staff to care for her.

Since Fred’s dad had been caring for her by himself – and he was encouraged not to visit her for a few weeks so she would become adjusted to her new home – we decided to go ahead with our plans.  Frankly, he needed the rest from all that stress.  

So Fred and I flew to Seattle, rented a car and dropped our luggage at the hotel where we would be staying for just one night.  We drove to Shelton, an hour’s drive away, and spent the rest of the day with Fred’s father, sister and her husband.  We three (Fred, his dad, and I) then drove back to Seattle for the night, as our flight out was quite early the next morning.

In spite of being on the West Coast, the non-stop flight was really long to Maui.  We arrived at the Kahului airport in the capital of Maui.

We had arranged for a rental car, picked it up, stopped by the Costco nearby and picked up groceries for the mornings we would be there.  We planned on partaking of all the wonderful island foods for lunches and dinners.

~~~~More to Come~~~~

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 the Way to a Rich Life

22 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 7/22/23

Sweat made my hair stick to my neck as I shooed mosquitoes off me. Most would say, “What is a blind gal doing in this remote, rural area of Mindanao, Philippines?”

I confess, it was rough, yet my mission was to minister to those sweet people. But was I ever wrong!

I held the pastor’s wife’s arm as we walked down uneven dirt roads till we reached a small nipa hut where Mirna lived. No running water, no electricity, but joy was in her voice as she greeted us.

She drew near, gave me a hug and cupped my face in her thin hands. “Welcome, beautiful visitor,” she said as she led me to a metal bench under the scorching heat. “Sit here.”

The voices of hungry children surrounded us. Mirna’s routine was to offer them a bowl of rice, perhaps the only meal they would have all day. They sang songs, they ate, and she told them Bible stories. She filled their tummies with rice, but filled their heart with stories about Jesus.

I observed with my hearing and was moved by her joy and passion for her ministry. Before leaving to head to our next stop, I hugged her skinny, frail body. “You have so little, but you give so much,” I said.

“Oh, no,” she gave a shy giggle. “When you have Jesus, you have enough.”

I pondered on that assertion from someone who has materially nothing. But perhaps that’s the secret. Mirna possesses the richest spiritual portfolio, the wealth which she shares, and the fruit her life produces is evident.

“Thank you, Mirna,” I want to say. She taught me this truth: It’s not what we have, but what we know. We know when our possessions are gone, Jesus meets all our needs. When all falls apart, Jesus restores and renews. When loneliness knocks at the door, Jesus never leaves our side. When wounded, Jesus soothes and heals. When attacked, Jesus is the warrior who fights for us and conquers all.

Some questions to consider:

We all know these truths. But deep down, we still long for what we don’t have. Or lament what we do have. Whine about what annoys us. Complain about what disturbs us. And sadly, complete satisfaction is as elusive as snow in July.

Why is that? Perhaps answering these questions within the context in Luke 8 will reveal the reason:

  1. How tight does your heart hold on to God’s Word and His Promises? “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:11)
  2. How do you react when tough moments test your faith, your trust, and your convictions? “Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (Luke 8:13)
  3. What do you do with worry, with distractions of this world and financial burdens? “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Luke 8:14)

No matter what happens, do you wake up with praises on your lips, God’s truth in your heart and trust in His promises for the day? “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)

We may live in the nipa hut of imperfection, and the world might fall apart but we remain steady, secure and confident because we have the path to a rich, abundant life when we declare Jesus is indeed, enough!

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess I need to prepare the soil of my soul with deeper convictions, constant trust and determined to live inside the beautiful truth that You are, indeed, enough. In Jesus’ name.

What riches does your heart long for these days?

Bonus article: Check out this great article on today’s TOPIC.

Janet

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

62 Years and Counting-Part 2

16 Jul

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Last time I wrote about our “day” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and our anniversary “celebration” we had there.

The pin we both wore at the Hollywood Studios

But we weren’t quite done with our celebration!  Fred had reserved a space for us on the Disney Cruise Line ship Fantasy, for a seven-day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean – stopping in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and then St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with a final stop at Disney’s island, Castaway Cay.  We recently returned from that cruise.

The Disney Fantasy – Credit Google Search and Disney website

We had taken this same cruise some years back, but we hadn’t been on any cruise in four years – we didn’t want to bother with all the covid restrictions, so we didn’t.  But that is essentially behind us now, and we are sailing again!  YAY!

We arrived at Port Canaveral at least an hour before our “boarding time,” so we drove along A1A for a while, remembering the last time we did so. 

Photo credit Google Search

 We returned to the Disney parking lot and then boarded the ship.

Disney Cruise Line Terminal – Port Canaveral

Photo Credit – Judy Wills

 Since it was still too early to get to our stateroom, and we had not had lunch yet, we went up to the “Cabananas” for our meal.  In any other cruise line, that would be the Lido deck.

A view of the Cabanas – Photo Credit – Judy Wills

Tiny tile mosaic wall in the Cabanas – Photo Credit – Judy Wills

Once again, I was greeted with that “tub” of boiled, peel and eat, shrimp.  Disney ships have that every day at lunch, and I am sooooo glad – because I LOVE shrimp!  This time, I decided it was time to take a picture of that tub of shrimp.  As you can see, there is a tub of shrimp, and a tub of crab legs beside it.  Oh my heart!!!

Shrimp and crab legs…yummmmm   Photo Credit – Judy Wills

The next thing we did was see if we could change our “late seating” assignment for dinner/supper to the “early seating.”  The late seating for the last meal of the day is 8:15 p.m.  Which means we wouldn’t be eating until about 8:45  or 9:00 p.m.  If I eat that late, I can’t sleep!  The early seating is at 5:45 p.m.  The people we spoke with told us that the ship was “full” but if we approached the head server at the desk at the Royal Court restaurant at 5:45 p.m., perhaps they could seat us then.  Turns out, they were able to do just that.  I have a feeling that they keep one table aside just for people like us, that want or need the early seating.  It was Table number 23…we were always seated at Table 23 each evening, in whatever restaurant we were in.  We were seated at a smaller table for four, and there was a young woman with her son seated already.  She said every time he crosses a milestone (in this case, graduation from 5th grade), they have a celebration.  This Disney cruise was the celebration for this milestone.  While it was a nice meal with them, we never saw them again during the entire cruise, so we essentially had a “table for two” the remainder of the cruise.

Table 23 – look closely and you will see Cinderella and Prince Charming

This is from the Royal Court restaurant

Table 23 from the Enchanted Garden restaurant.

I neglected to get a picture of the one from Animator’s Palate restaurant.

Next cruise…

~~~~~~~~~~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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Not a Fun Trend

6 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’m noticing a trend within myself of late. I’m not sure what I would call it. I seem to be feeling unengaged with special days. First it was Mother’s Day, then Father’s Day and this week the 4th of July, which was my mom’s birthday.

In the past I have enjoyed posting pretty pictures on social media both my personal accounts and for church. This year, it’s been very last minute and for July 4th not at all. I did manage to share an old post for my mom’s birthday. Yesterday was a dear friend’s anniversary and I only sent a congratulatory text.

We have a special vacation coming up soon. I’m excited but I don’t feel excited about planing and packing. I am normally an obsessive and happy planner.

So what is up with me? I am happy, stay busy and enjoy being with friends. Maybe I am spending too much time reading and listening to books.

Photo by Pramod Tiwari on Pexels.com

That could be the problem. Not enough engagement in the real world. But at least spending time in fictional worlds, I know all of it is fiction.

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

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No Eyesight, No Limbs, But Enjoying the Fullness of Life

1 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 7/1/23

In the middle of the crowded NRB convention, I stood beside Nick Vujicic and faced him. “Can we take a picture together?” I asked him.

“Sure,” he said in his Australian accent.

So here we are, me, the blind gal, and Nick, the amazing man with no limbs.

My blindness is nothing compared to his limitations. But wait a minute, limitations? No, Senor! The world may see them that way, but Nick has no limitations when it comes to fulfilling his mission to spread the Good News.

He has no arms but he embraces the Gospel. He has no legs or feet but walks on God’s truth and takes it to literally millions across the world.

So how do we live that abundant life despite perceived limitations?

Here are three ways:

  1. Listen to the right voices. Turn away from the internal voice that says, “I can’t do that” or “that’s impossible for me.” When that type of thinking dominates the mind, we become silly sheep who end up eating discouragement for lunch. However, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27)

Jesus’ voice says in Him there are no limitations, no handicaps, no disabilities. In Him, those disabilities turn to abilities for you to see how He guides you better, brings you farther, and lifts you higher. His voice opens doors that even those without legs walk through. He paints beautiful horizons even the blind can see.

  1. Remain connected to Christ Jesus, the divine source. Whatever challenge, physical, emotional or mental, He’s the source that supplies all we need, makes all things possible and takes us over hurdles of difficulties. Even without sight, without limbs, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

And we celebrate that fruit that we bear, not because of our own abilities, but because we remain In Jesus. And He remains in us, in our struggles, in our tough moments and seemingly in impossibilities.

  1. Expect God’s provision to exceed your expectations. To the world, those unable to see or walk may be labeled as having limitations, but there’s no limit in He “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 3:12).

God’s power within lifts barriers, makes the way and moves mountains of opposition.

No matter your perceived limitations—dark prognosis from the doctor, failure, rejection, loss or loneliness, broken relationships—in our eyes, limitations turn to obstacles. And in God’s hands, limitations turn to beautiful possibilities.

Let’s Pray

Father, let my life reflect Your truth that with you as my source of power. There are no barriers to the abundance You promised. In Jesus name.

What preconceived limitations are holding you back?

Check out Nick’s message of hope HERE.

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 the Deepest Pain 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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Oh My! AI

29 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I noticed the AI option as I was uploading Bill’s blog for Wednesday. Technology fascinates me and I had to play with it by using the contents of an email I sent to a friend this week. There are a good many options under the AI tab, and I chose change the tone. I chose humorous. It was fun but I think AI has a way to go.

Hello my precious friend!

Well, well, well…look who finally decided to make an appearance! I mean, I’ve been planning to write you a letter for days and days, but who’s counting, right? Time flies when you’re having fun and apparently it just keeps on slipping away.

Alright, let me dust off my comedian hat and give it a shot: “So, life’s been pretty slow lately, huh? Other than our thrilling adventures to Anderson to see the doc, and catch up with our buds, we haven’t really been living on the edge. Although, come to think of it, I did try out my inner Picasso at the VBS craft corner – let me tell ya, that was wild! Don’t mess with me and my pipe cleaners, folks.”

Well, well, well… Looks like someone’s been hitting the gym! Mike’s been feeling like a superhero for the past six weeks, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. We’ve been running around trying to make up for all the things we’ve left unfinished, but we’ve also made sure to take some time to just chill on the porch and soak up each other’s awesomeness.

Ahoy there matey! Me thinks that planning an Alaska cruise be quite the adventure! Ye be not alone in yer struggle, many a weary traveler hath struggled with the ins and outs of public transportation and pesky suitcase sizes. But fear not, for I shall help ye navigate these treacherous waters and pack yer sea bags with aplomb! So hoist the anchor and let’s set sail for a jolly good time on ye Alaska cruise, arrr!

Well hello there, my dear green-thumbed friend! I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying our petunias this year- the pops of pink and yellow in our hanging basket are simply divine! Although, I must confess, it seems our yellow petunias aren’t quite the shining stars they were last year. What’s up with that, am I right? And don’t even get me started on our snapdragons, they’ve been struggling just like the rest of us during this pandemic. Although, I do have some good news- one group of our snapdragons has finally started to thrive! I guess all they needed was a little extra love. I suppose the culprit behind our flora woes could simply be the mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately. Who knows, maybe we’ll be hit with a heatwave and our precious plants will perk right up!

So, I went a little wild and decided to buy a hot pink plant. It was love at first sight, I must say. But little did I know, this plant was quite high-maintenance and would throw tantrums if it didn’t get just the right amount of sun and water. Despite all the drama it brings, I’m still enamored by its beauty. But let’s just say that next year, I’ll be searching for a plant that’s a little more low-key.\

Oh boy, oh boy! I can barely hear the sound of my own thoughts with all the noise out there. That’s why I do what any sane person would do: I bury my face in books! Lately, I’ve been obsessively reading two gems: Faith’s Checkbook by Charles Spurgeon and My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. It’s my everyday dose of sanity!

Our boy, Matt is getting up there! Today marks the day he officially exits his mid-40s. I gave him a call to congratulate him on surviving another year, and surprisingly, he didn’t sound too depressed about it. It feels good to keep up, especially when they’re getting to the age where they start forgetting things.

I am so excited to see Beck’s Ollie again! I am eagerly counting down the days until we can play together before our upcoming cruise. I am thrilled to share that we will be driving down to Florida and boarding a plane to the cruise port.

Oh, boy! Mike is on cloud nine, heading towards Alaska. Trust me when I say I’ve never seen him this ecstatic before. His suitcase is all smug and satisfied, packed to the brim, while I’m here scratching my head, trying to figure out what to bring along.

The author added a bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder outside their front windows and can now admire the birds from inside. The view is stunning and

Hey you! Yes, you. Are you still stuck in a world without books? Have you ever heard of Miss Julia’s adventures in the lovely North Carolina mountains outside Asheville? Trust me, these stories are pure gold! I’ve got my hands on some of them in audio format, and I’m rationing them like my life depends on it. I already feel sad at the thought of finishing them all. Don’t miss out on the fun, join the Miss Julia fan club now!

Oh dear, it seems like you’re a bit of FOMO( fear of missing out.) sufferer! Don’t worry, I won’t judge. So, spill the tea! Are the church services still as exciting as ever? How are Renie and Billy holding up? And of course, I bet you’re still feeling the absence of dear old Dr. Z.

“Oh darling, our chats were like sweet cinnamon rolls – perfectly delightful and oh so satisfying. But now, my heart aches and my pillow is drenched in tears as I reminisce about the golden times we shared.”

If you would like to share your thoughts on AI and writing, I would enjoy reading your thoughts.

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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My Favorite Breakfast-Part 3

28 Jun

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

My son, Billy, tells me that he and his wife, Lisa, like a variety of things for their breakfast.  Billy seems to be taking after me with his daily ‘healthy’ breakfast of a bowl of sliced fruit, like mango, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, with milk and his own blend of coffee.  Billy has always liked hot and spicy food.  So, I wasn’t surprised when he told me that his favorite restaurant breakfast is a Western Omelette (like the Colorado Omelette he can get from IHOP).  He adds a splash of one of their hot sauces and tops off the meal with a cup of ‘Redeye’ or ‘Blackeye’ coffee (He had to explain what those are to me).

Photo Credit: www.ihop.com/colorado-omelette

He says sometimes he likes to add a side of New York Cheesecake Pancakes topped with raspberries or strawberries and lots of whipped cream.  He always tops his favorite breakfast with a cup of steaming hot ‘Redeye’ or ‘Blackeye’ coffee as mentioned before.  That is WAY TOO MUCH food for me, and I think he actually takes half of the Omelette home in a doggy bag, I know I would.

Photo Credit: www.ihop.com/new-york-cheesecake-pancakes

One of Lisa’s favorite breakfasts is a stack of Buckwheat Pancakes with lots of butter and molasses that she tops off with a cup of her favorite blend of coffee.  When I heard that she liked molasses, it reminded me that my dad was raised on ‘good-old’ sorghum molasses in southern Louisiana.  Of course, as a youngster, I was introduced to sorghum molasses and ended up acquiring quite a taste for that sweet syrup.  But DiVoran and our kids didn’t care for it and over the years its use has been lost in the drive for healthy substitutes. Bummer!

Photo Credit: https://yahoo.com/buckwheat+pancakes+with+molasses+and+coffee

Our daughter, Renie, and her husband, Ron, also have their own favorite breakfast treats.  Ron was introduced to his favorite breakfast when he was an Eagle Scout by a Brevard County Deputy Sheriff he was riding on rounds with.  They stopped for breakfast at a IHOP and he ordered what the deputy did and that’s been his favorite ever since.  He likes a chili-cheese omelette with hashbrown potatoes grilled to a golden brown.  This tasty combination of ingredients is all mixed together to create his number one favorite breakfast with coffee.

Photo Credit: https://yahoo.com/chilecheese+omelette+with+hahsbrowns

His backup favorite is a two-egg and bacon sandwich made with Chicago Italian or Cuban bread that is buttered and toasted in a pan.    He enjoys more than one cup of coffee and water with all of his favorite breakfast plates.

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/bacon+and+egg+sandwisch

Renie likes her one egg, with the yellow broken but not scrambled.  She flips it over, adds a splash of salsa sauce, and cooks it in olive oil.  Then the egg is folded in half with some cubed avocado, seasoned with pepper and garlic powder, inside.  She likes a cup of hot coffee with cream and sugar and water to drink with her favorite breakfast.  

Photo Credit: https://yahoo.com/search/imagesfried+egg+folded+with+avocado

Well, it seems that everyone has their favorite combination of items they like for their breakfast, and that it may change from time to time.  However, I do think most people who eat breakfast take the time to really enjoy what they eat.  I’ve also been told that taking the time to eat and enjoy your breakfast, as with any meal, is much better for a person’s health than rushing through your meal.  Of course, that’s easy for me to say, since I am retired and usually don’t have a job or an appointment to go to that rushes my breakfast.  I just found it really interesting to find out how the different members of my family put together and enjoy their favorite breakfast meal.  It seems they are all very enthusiastic about their breakfast each morning and look forward to it.  How about you?

A picture containing coffee cup, drawing, mug, cup Description automatically generated

Photo Credit: https://yahoo.com/breakfast/clipart

—–The End—–

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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My Favorite Breakfast-Part 2

21 Jun

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

As I grew older, I finally came around to enjoy what my folks liked for their breakfast.  By then, their taste had changed to scrambled eggs, bacon or ham, and toast with coffee. Of course, I was still drinking milk with my breakfast and didn’t pick up the taste for coffee until much later in life.  This breakfast usually supercharged me for most of the morning but made me sleepy during my late-afternoon classes at school.

Photo Credit: https://www.juddscatering.com/breakfast.html

After leaving home for a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy (at shore stations and onboard several ships), my breakfast usually consisted of scrambled eggs (powdered), sausage patties (from canned war surplus, some dated 1943), home fried potatoes, and milk (powdered).   The alternative was commonly known as ‘SOS’ (anyone associated with the military will know what that acronym stands for).  Neither one of the above-mentioned breakfasts is the most appetizing breakfast, but since I didn’t have much of a choice and I didn’t want to starve, I learned to tolerate them.  Your guess is as good as mine about some of the items shown in the photo below.  I believe I recognize the eggs and maybe one of those gray blobs is beef-gravy (?) and the toast, but  the other, you got me.  

Photo Credit: navy-tales-life-and-food-aboard-an-aircraft-carrier/

After my tour with the Navy was done, and during my college years my wife, DiVoran and I were living on a very tight budget and my breakfast consisted mainly of a stop at “Randy’s Big Donut” for three or four freshly baked French donuts ($.10 each back then) and a half-pint carton of milk.  I usually didn’t have time to eat the donuts there in the donut shop, so I mostly ended up eating them on my way to class once I got to school.  

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/randys+big+donut

That was a quick and easy breakfast for me at that time because that was about all I could afford on my meager part-time job. The chocolate covered French donuts were my favorite.  Many of my breakfast choices changed for the better once I landed that full-time job and my schooling shifted to evening classes.

Photo Credit: https://www.google.com/search?q=french+donuts

After finishing college, our family moved to Florida where I worked at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on NASA’s Manned Space Programs for many years.  My breakfast during those hectic years reverted back to my childhood, usually consisting of cold cereal, with milk, and maybe coffee, if I got up early enough and had the time for any breakfast at all before heading off to work. 

Photo Credit: https://images.search.yahoo.com/breakfast/cereal/coffee

My sister, Judy, tells me that she and her husband, Fred, now enjoy scrambled eggs with Canadian bacon, buttered toast, and hot English Breakfast Tea for breakfast.  That sounds a lot like a left-over family tradition from their college days when Fred lived with our folks for a year before he and Judy got married.  She tells me that when they were stationed in Germany, with the U.S. Air Force, they enjoyed Sara Lee Pecan Coffee Cake and hot English Breakfast tea.  After moving back to the U.S. their favorite changed to Sara Lee Butter Flavored Streusel Coffee Cakes with their hot tea.

Photo Credit: https://images.yahoo.com/sara+lee+coffee+cake+butter+streusel

—–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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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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