Archive by Author

And Then it Was Gone

6 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Earlier this week I wrote a long blog about the days after Hurricane Ian. I spent two hours writing it. Then the internet dropped out and the blog was gone, just gone. What happened to autosave? I decided to view it as a sign that the blog post wasn’t meant to be.

The hurricane damage and tragedies are ongoing, but as in the past, the news coverage moves on while people are still trying to put their lives together again. Sadly it will be a years long process.

We are back in the North Carolina mountains. Every year I am in awe of the vast temperature difference between Florida and the mountains. From hot, sticky and running the air-conditioning, to chilly mornings and heat. I love chilly mornings.

While we were in Florida, I discovered local roast coffee. It is so good! No need for a chain coffee shop. On my last visit to Black Cat coffee I had a cafe leche and my daughter a pumpkins spice latte that was better than the chain shop.

We don’t have local roasters in our mountain town but the beauty of a mountain fall more than compensates.

I love Florida and I love my mountains. I love my forever Florida friends and my new-ish mountain friends. I am blessed.

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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Ian is a Turtle that Keeps on Going

29 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Thankful we made it through Hurricane Ian with no loss of electricity.

We are at our daughter’s house and she has inherited the title, Head of Hurricane Preparedness. My mother was the first leader, then the post was passed on to me. I am very happy to have abdicated the job. She is much better at it than I was.

She scours mark down deals in the off season to augment her preparedness stash-battery operated fans, lanterns and a slew of candles. She also filled multiple containers with water. If only she could find a battery operated room air-conditioner! Of course it would have to be on clearance.

It wasn’t intentional…really it wasn’t, but she also is the one who stays awake and alert. To my amazement, since abdicating, I have discovered that I can sleep through a storm. I woke several times last night to make sure my fan was still running. Didn’t even occur to me that it was the weather waking me up. In case you are wondering why my husband isn’t the one to stay awake and alert, the man has always been able to sleep soundly through a storm. But oddly enough, most nights he sleeps poorly. Hmmm…maybe I need to get him a white noise machine of hurricane winds and rain.

As Hurricane Ian downgraded to a tropical storm, it shifted and the eye passed over us. I slept through it. We are still having wind gusts and rain showers and the public is being advised to stay inside. Ian is still a turtle!

The news on our south west coast is not good. Lots of damage from winds and rising water. I haven’t been able to locate actual numbers on loss of life. A lot of speculation going on but each life is precious and even one is tragic. Please remember these people in your prayers as well as those who are actively rescuing people from rising waters. Central Florida is going to experience serious flooding along rivers.

Hurricane Ian is heading north and probably west. It is a headstrong storm, In fact, the breaking news forecast now is that just off our coast, it is recreating itself into a Category 1 hurricane and make landfall at Charleston, South Carolina. I guess that is why the wind here is picking up again. If you are anywhere near the track, don’t ignore it!

Be safe

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Like Being Stalked by a Turtle

28 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Wednesday has been a long day. We are on the central east coast of Florida and Ian entered Florida from the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast. It’s predicted track would bring it across the state to exit slightly north of us. Since the hurricane was not supposed to impact us until around 6 pm, my daughter and I decided to run some needed errands. Unfortunately they were 40 miles away. And the rain was torrential. We made the trip safely but it was definitely nerve wracking.

Since then we spent the day doing some last minute baking-bread and brownies. One must have stress food and we don’t eat prepackaged ones. We filled containers with water and the bathtub as well. Later we brewed coffee and put it into a thermos. Must have caffeine if the power goes out. Speaking of power, as of 9:00 pm we still have electric power. Feeling very fortunate as some in our town have lost it.

This is a s-l-o-w moving storm. It is creeping across the state at 9 miles per hour and dropping huge amounts of rain. We have had 6 inches already and we are still experiencing the outer bands. I saw this on Facebook and thought it was perfect.

Prayers for those in South West Florida who have experienced 150 mph winds and homes flooded to the roof. If you are in Florida, I would like to hear how your experiences with Ian. Leave a comment. Well, the wind is picking up suddenly. I need to post this before the power goes.

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2022 Road Trip-Part 5

28 Sep

A Slice of Life

Bill LItes

Day 5 (5/20/2022)

This morning after breakfast I headed east 25 miles on I-22 to visit the Fulton Dragway located on the outskirts of Fulton, MS.  This was another one of those out-of-the-way places that gave Greta (My Garmin) a hard time finding.  Once we found it, It turned out to be a pretty simple track with no frills at all.  I took a photo of their ‘Winners Circle’ and was on my way.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I found my way back to I-22 where I went east a few miles and then at Tremont, MS I went north another 20 miles on SR-23, across the border again. to visit the Tifton Motorhome Factory located in Red Bay, AL.  To my disappointment, the last morning tour of the factory had already left by the time I got there, so I took a photo of the Visitor’s Center and left.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed northeast 25 miles on SR-247 to have lunch at the famous Rattlesnake Saloon, located just south of Tuscumbia, AL.  I had been told by friends that this was a unique restaurant, but in reality, it is one of the most interesting restaurant locations I have ever seen, the way it is situated in a large cave with a huge overhang.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites


It was at least ¼ mile from the parking lot, and then down a steep slope to the restaurant, located in a deep holler.  Luckily a ride on benches in the bed of a big 4×4 truck was available for guests.  I was really glad I had opted for the ride, as it would have been awfully hard on my knees to have tried to walk down that slope to the restaurant.  And then there would have been the walk back up that slope on a full stomach.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

The Saloon is situated at one end of the cave (on the left) while the rest of the cave is used for the restaurant and bandstand.  The menu was a list of great sounding dishes with ‘Trail’ sounding titles.  I finally choose their ‘Smoked Trail Dog’ plate, which was smoked sausage and sauerkraut, with a side of onion rings.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I understand the attraction started with the Seven Springs Lodge, that featured houseback riding and nature trails.  Over the years they added a campground, the Sidewinder’s Trading Post, motorcycle events, trail riding, and chuck wagon racing events.  There are also live Music and Hoedowns on special occasions.  WOW, what an interesting adventure

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that exciting experience, I headed northeast 15 miles on SR-247 to visit the Helen Keller Birthplace located in Tuscumbia, AL.  This house and grounds tell the story of Helen Keller, who was blind, and was helped to become one of American’s leading authors, a disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer.  What an amazing story of what any person can do with their life if given the opportunity.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was just a few blocks from the Helen Keller Birthplace to where I visited the Tuscumbia Railroad & Roundhouse.  This museum is situated in the old 1888 restored M & C depot and displays antique railroad artifacts and memorabilia related to Tuscumbia and the surrounding Colbert County dating from the early 1800s.  The museum also has several restored pieces of rolling stock

Photo Credit: northalabama.org/tuscumbia-depot-and-roundhouse/

It was just a short drive to where I wanted to visit the Indian Mound & Museum located in Muscle Sholes.  I was looking forward to seeing the many historical items that have been recovered from this famous 3000 year old (Woodland Period) Indian Mound, but the museum was closed by the time I arrived.  So, I just took a photo of their sign and was on my way.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now, I headed northeast 45 miles on US-72, skirting the Tennessee River part of the way, to visit my friends Terry and Mary in Lester, AL.  I had worked with Terry for many years and our families had been very close.  They live in a beautiful house out in the middle of nowhere and enjoy the quiet serenity of the area.  We had a wonderful reunion and then went to their favorite 306 Bar-B-Q Restaurant for a great meal.  The rest of the evening was spent reminiscing about our years in Titusville where our children grew up together.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

——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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My Thoughts-Hurricane Ian and New Florida Residents

26 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Well, we almost squeaked by experiencing a hurricane while we are in Florida with our daughter. We planned to return to the mountains to enjoy fall on Thursday and Hurricane Ian is set to arrive to our part of Florida on Wednesday.

I have lived in Florida more than 50 years and have experienced more storms than I can remember. The earliest hurricane I do remember was hurricane Donna in 1960. I have a memory of rocking in an old wooden rocker, listening to the wind, and my parents assuring me that we would be just fine. And we were.

Now as hurricane Ian approaches I am concerned for the thousands of new Florida residents who are newbies to hurricane season. I’m going out on a limb here to share my life experience observations. To be clear, these are my thoughts on coping, not official advice. There are multiple excellent sources of advice on how to prepare for a hurricane.

As I write this on Monday evening, September 26, we are supposed to begin experiencing tropical force winds and rains as early as Tuesday evening. At this time, our location on the east coast of Florida is not expected to face hurricane force winds. But Ian hasn’t cleared Cuba yet. And hurricanes are wonky storms, especially if they slow their forward movement or worse yet, stop moving. Then its anyone’s guess. I remember in August 1992 we went to bed expecting to wake up to Hurricane Andrew. Instead, Andrew made an abrupt beeline for South Florida. We felt very like effects from it but South Florida was devastated.

Hurricane Ian

Photo Credit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov

So here are my thoughts.

  1. Don’t panic. Prepare
  2. Fill your gas tank a couple of days before the storm’s expected arrival. The gas lines can be insane.
  3. Should you choose to evacuate. From experience, if you even think you might want to leave, make a hotel reservation NOW. And if you are not required to work up to the day before the storm, hurricane prep your home and hit the road. Trust me, evacuation traffic jams are not a picnic. I think we only evacuated twice in over 50 yeas.
  4. Don’t count on the weather channel for your hurricane information. They will scare you!
  5. When/ if the power goes out, you will still want to know what the storm is doing. Since the storm is coming from the west, we will be on the east side to the storm and that side is notorious for throwing out tornados. Find a local TV station with a weather person you like and download their app. In central Florida I like WKMG, website clickorlando.com. Their app is News 6 pinpoint weather.,
  6. Sandbags. County agencies are giving out free sandbags. If you have seen water collecting near your house and or doors during a summer thunderstorm, take advantage of these free bags. They can prevent water from invading your garage and home doorways. (Yes, life experience here.)
  7. Cell phones don’t always work well due to tower damage. We downloaded the Zello app. It is not perfect but it helps to keep in touch with family and friends. I did see that Zello has a business version, my version is free. You can use any push to talk app. Just make sure you set it up with those you want to stay in touch with before the storm.
  8. NewsOn- This news channel app plays on devices like phones, tablets and streaming devices. The search function allows you to choose a state, city and TV station. Family and friends can keep up with what is happening in your location.
  9. Charge your devices! If you have power banks charge them too!
  10. Fans. It is going to be hot once the storm passes. I don’t like being hot. Thankfully our daughter has a couple of battery powered fans that are used for camping. These are not necessary, but they do help.

Here is the link to the National Hurricane Center with detailed lists of prep items.

I hope this was helpful to our new Florida neighbors. We will make it through this storm together and afterwards, we will clean up together. Just be careful with those chain saws and power clippers!

2016 Hurricane

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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This is Something You Cannot Do Without

24 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged September 24, 2022

September 22, 2022

Hubby walked in with groceries, he put them away and got busy on another mystery task.

“Got something for you,” he said. He took my hand and placed them on a crystal vase filled with flowers. He described each, detailing their beautiful colors.

Sweet, isn’t he? Well, me, on the other hand, not so much. I’ve told him, very gently, I might add, that flowers are great, but since I can’t see them, it’s kind of a waste of money.

I have hinted, suggested, and downright told him, instead, to get me an outfit, gift certificate to a spa, dinner out, etc.

But before you shake your head with disbelief at my rude, cold lack of appreciation, you might have expressed similar reactions.

The Lord insists on handing you the gift of confidence, yet traces of insecurity filter through. He hands you His grace, yet you look to please Him by scurrying through tasks. He repeats He’d be your companion, yet you worry about facing tomorrow alone.

He said He’d calm the seas and quiet the storms, yet you tremble at the thought of impending adversity. He hands you the gift of His Word to guide you, yet you follow your own personal GPS for your life, for your plans and desires.

Something we cannot do without.

In all that mess, there’s something we cannot do without. We all need to work in accepting the bouquet of God’s faithfulness. The one that doesn’t change with circumstances, but emphasizes the certainty of His protection.

Nestled in that protection, even when feeling anxious, stressed, or lonely, He’s handing you a bouquet of fragrant, trustworthy, and sweet promises, ones that last and prevail through dark moments.

He arranges them in the crystal vase of His love and adds the same reassurance He promised to Zion: “Provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor (Isaiah 61: 3).”

The splendor He displays didn’t end with any pandemic. It didn’t stop when the economy went down. And it doesn’t diminish its glimmer when bad news echo everywhere. The power of His Word still stands, His joy remains, and His promises for a new tomorrow are still secure in His hands

Let’s Pray

Father, when the odor of adversity wafts into my life, I will receive the flowers of your promises. I will inhale their aroma to delight my soul with confidence for today and reassurance for tomorrow. In Jesus’ name.

What have you done with the gifts God offers you?

Janet

______________________________________

I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

Let’s connect:

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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2022 Road Trip-Part 4B

21 Sep

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 4 Continued (5/19/2022)

As I checked out the old Sciple’s water mill, I noticed a hand-written sign that pointed to the Water Mill Opry House across the road, and I just had to take a photo of that old place.  It looked to be as old as the water mill and was all closed up.  I wouldn’t have believed it, but their website informs me that on Saturday nights its standing room only for folks who come from all over Mississippi to enjoy the country music of Ed Sciple’s band and participate in some of the wildest boot-scootin’ and hi-steppin’ dancing around these parts.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that wild ride in the countryside, I continued north 60 miles on SR-39 & US-45 to where I visited the Tennessee Williams Home located in Columbus, MS.  I don’t believe I ever read any of Tennessee Williams’ books, but I have enjoyed the movies made from some of his books.  I was the only visitor at the time, and the curator took the time to show me thru the entire house, pointing out little details as we went thru the various rooms.  A framed quote by Tennessee Williams said, “I was composed of a little Welsh wildness, a lot of puritan English, and a big chunk of German sentiment.”  That pretty much said it of the man.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Not far from the Tennessee Williams Home I visited the White Arches house there in Columbus.  This original “Columbus Eclectic” home was built by Jeptha V. Harris in 1857 and is on the list of homes shown on Columbus’ Annual Spring Pilgrimage.  The museum was closed when I was there, but the photo below shows the unique Greek Revival, Gothic, and Italianate design of the house with all its 19th century grandeur.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed north 35 miles on US-45 to visit the Aberdeen City Hall Museum located in Aberdeen, MS.  This 1912 building turned out not to be a museum, but the operating Aberdeen City Hall.  My mistake.  This was another case of me not reading all the words about a given museum or subject.  My wife, DiVoran, keeps telling me, “You have to read ALL the words Bill.”

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

While I was driving around Aberdeen, I noticed an Aberdeen Mississippi Blues historical marker in front of a Blues Mural on the side of a building.  I stopped to get a photo and read all about the Mural.  Not being a big blues fan, I didn’t know about Booker ‘bukka’ White, Chester Aurthur ‘Howlfn’ Burnett, and Albert King being born in Aberdeen, and about the mural dedicated to the Aberdeen Mississippi Blues artists.  Now I’m a little more informed.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I continued north 30 miles on US-45 to visit the Tupelo Automobile Museum located in Tupelo, MS.  I was expecting to get a look at their 175 beautifully restored cars.  But when I got there, the museum was closed, and from what I have heard, its permanent, and all their cars have been put up for sale.  What a bummer!  So, I headed over to check out the Tupelo National Battlefield located just on the outskirts of Tupelo.  This battlefield was the location of the July 1864 ‘Battle of Tupelo’ otherwise known as the ‘Battle of Harrisburg’ where the Union forces claimed a victory.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed over to visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace there in Tupelo.  Even though DiVoran and I were Elvis fans when we were teenagers, neither of us knew he was born and raised in Tupelo.  So, this was a new experience for me.  I learned that he sang in the local Assembly of God Church choir from an early age and got his first guitar at age ten.  In the years after his family moved to Memphis, TN in 1948, he and his cousins, Jerry Lee Louis, later known as ‘Mr. Rockabilly’ and Jimmy Swaggart, later known as ‘The Evangelist’ spent a good deal of their time hanging out with many of the early black Jazz and Blues performers who frequented the Beale Street clubs and restaurants.  This is where it is suggested that a lot of the Blues, Jazz, and Southern Gospel they heard seeped into their souls and into their music.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now, I gave Greta (My Garmin) the address of my motel there in Tupelo and she took me right to it.  After I got checked in and got my things into the room, I warmed up my leftover fried Catfish dinner from the Blue Crab Grill and enjoyed that delicious meal again.  Yummm!  Then I tried to watch some TV but there was nothing worth watching, so I recorded my days activities and went to bed.  What a long day this has been!

—–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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My Mother’s Chair

8 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

My mom and dad had matching easy chairs. I inherited one of them. It’s not in the best of shape, but I can’t seem to part with it. A lot of good memories are tethered to the chair. But there is one not so good memory, or so it seemed at the time.

As my mom aged, I lent a hand with the housekeeping. One of the chores I found annoying was dusting their dual level end tables. I think when my parents passed to Glory, we donated them to a local charity. They are now called mid-century collectibles and I found this picture on Etsy. If you like mid-century, check out their store, this one is handmade! The picture below is a modern version.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072100018/two-tier-mcm-mid-century-end-table-in?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=mid+century+end+tables&ref=sr_gallery-1-24&frs=1

Back to the annoying part…dusting was easy but moving all the stuff my mom kept scattered all over it was a pain. I frequently murmured internally, “geez mom, can’t you put stuff away?” Hand creams, foot creams, nail files, peanut butter crackers that she called “nabs”, lottery scratch off tickets, a magnifying glass..you get the picture. Some items I would return to their proper places but for the most part, I moved them, dusted and put them back.

I didn’t get then why she was so messy but having just attained septuagenarian status, I am beginning to get it. One, my septuagenarian self tires more easily than my forty-ish self. Why put something away that I am going to have to go back and get. Two and this is the big one for me, if something gets put away, there is a good chance I might not remember where I put it!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

I was thinking this week that mom would have gotten a kick out of seeing my messy self now.

One of our friends made up this cool gift for my big 7-0. On each dollar bill she placed a Post-it note with a birthday message on it.

The length of the one dollar bills brought to mind Proverbs 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.

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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How to Get Rid of Loneliness

3 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged September 3, 2022

September 2, 2022

How can it happen? Whether we’re in a crowd or in the darkness of a silent room the battle to get rid of loneliness begins.

I was stunned. CNN reported yesterday that among thousands of entries, my hometown, La Paz, Bolivia, where I was born and spent my childhood, was named the No. 1 wonder of the world.

But let me share a native’s point of view.

In La Paz, being the highest capital in the world because of its altitude, visitors can become deathly ill due to the decreased amount of oxygen.

On the other hand, on a sunny day, the vibrant shade of sky blue that canopies over the city is breathtaking.

La Paz is built inside a sort of moon crater. Houses of all kinds dot the mountains that surround the city. And at night, a visitor may seem as if he were inside a gigantic Christmas tree. The lights that splash all the way to the mountain tops seem to blend with the stars in the sky, creating a unique splendor.

But how sad, that closeness is a contrast to the distance we feel from God when loneliness attacks. When we feel abandoned, we can’t help but imagine God to be distant and abstract. We believe the lie that repeats we have no one. God has forgotten us. And we have no way to overcome loneliness.

Here are three not-so-secret ways to wipe out these lies:

  1. In the silence, in the still of the moment God is present because His Word says that “…neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39).
  2. If we’re in God’s company, we have already conquered the army—fear, anxiety and depression that equip loneliness. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6).
  3. Embracing God’s promise ushers hope that tomorrow new things will come about. He promised: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

The enemies of any loneliness are God’s promises that repeat:

Nothing can come between us and His everlasting, forever-enduring love. Even when rejection sears and disappointment hurts, loneliness can’t come in because God is the perfect companion of our soul. Loneliness has no power, knowing He’s about to bring on something new, something wonderful and beautifully presented in His divine timing.

Let’s Pray

Father, while in the wasteland of loneliness or the desert of despair, I declare that tomorrow You will bring about new ways, new paths, and new open doors. I wait in anticipation for the loneliness that burdens my days to turn to the peace that comes from you. The reassurance that your promises carry. And I will be filled with the joy that doesn’t flow from others but from You. I count on the power of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How will you receive God’s comfort to overcome loneliness today?

Janet

______________________________________

I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

Let’s connect:

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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Celebrating our Poet Louise Gibson

30 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Our sister blogger, Louise Gibson began sharing her poetry with us in 2013. She appropriately titled her writings From the Heart. Her offerings were the most popular on the blog and always drew in new subscribers. On August 20, 2022 Louise and her love-filled heart met face to face with the One who loves best. Her Jesus.

I’ve known her since my high school days, the mother of my best friend. Even at age 70 I still call her Mrs. Gibson. In the self-absorbed way of teenagers, she was simply Lynn’s mom. Of course as time went on I realized she was an amazing woman and later learned of her love for poetry. After reading her life story that her daughter shared with me, I realized her life was so much more than I knew. I decided to share her beautiful life story with our readers.

Louise Eleanor Gibson, age 93, of Orlando, Florida, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022 of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Retired Lt. Col Doyle Gene Gibson, her infant son Gary Gibson, her parents Edgar Brown and Clara Swaising Brown, and her brother Edward Brown.

She was born on February 13,1929 in Akron OH, her life shaped by growing up during the Great Depression. Riding her bike was a favorite pastime in her youth, she was always a voracious reader, and she had a lifelong love of writing poetry. As a young teenager, she worked as a hospital volunteer known as a candy striper and she often talked of making coffee for the doctors at Akron City Hospital. Always outgoing, she made friends easily and often reminisced of fun times at Portage Lakes. There were also great stories of dancing the night away with the weekly music of Big Bands at both Meyers Lake and the YMCA. In her high school years, she was fondly nicknamed “Jinx” and “Legs” and the green-eyed, raven-haired beauty was on the May Queen Court. Once graduating business school, she became an executive secretary at Goodyear and was chosen as a model for many of the company’s business ads. 

Louise and her husband raised their children while living as an Air Force family. They enjoyed living in Ohio, Florida, Oregon, Alabama, Alaska, Nebraska, and California before finally resettling in Florida. She enjoyed sewing her own elegant clothing, decorating beautiful cakes, making elegant crafts, and loved her cats. Wherever she moved, she immediately made her house a home. Once becoming a grandmother, she enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren each summer. Her great grandchildren were also adored. 

Writing poetry became a renewed passion in her later years. Her uplifting, clever, spiritual, and inspirational poems were posted on the Old Things R New blog along with other very talented writers and artists. She touched many people with her awesome words of encouragement. 

In all stages of her life, Louise built a legacy of love. She will always be remembered for her kindness and dedication to loving the people God placed in her path. She had a heart of gratitude and encouraged others. 

I’m not certain if I will continue to re-post her poems. Her family is planning to create a book for them. Prayers for her family appreciated.

Left to right-Judy Wills, DiVoran Lites, Onisha Ellis, Lynn Shepherd (Louise daughter) Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles, Back row Bill Lites

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