Archive by Author

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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2022 Road Trip-Part 2

24 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 2 (5/17/2022)

This morning, after breakfast, I headed northwest on US-98 thru another 60 miles or so with not much to see.  I passed thru Andrews, Fanning Springs, Cross City, and Salem, on my way to check out the Iron Horse Mud Ranch located just south of Perry, FL.  The main gate was open, but down the road a way another gate was closed, so I took this photo and was on my way. No mud-bogging today.

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

On the outskirts of Perry, FL I saw a roadside sign for the Forest Capital Museum State Park and stopped to see what it was all about.  It turns out to be a museum dedicated to the Florida longleaf pine tree and the 5,000 products manufactured from those trees.  There are relocated and restored ‘Florida Cracker’ houses and buildings on this 35-acre park, depicting the early 1800s Florida forestry industry and how the early settlers lived and worked in that fledgling industry.

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

The drive thru Perry was quick, and it was another 30 miles northwest on US-19, seeing nothing much of anything.  I turned north on US-19 at Capps, FL (wide place in the road) and then it was another 20 miles to Montecillo, Fl where I was informed the city was filled with everything historic.  Well, I didn’t see anything even worth taking a photo of other than the County Courthouse, and I’ve visited many` more historic courthouses on past road trips.  So, I continued north on US-19, across the border, looking for Hubs & Hops in Thomasville, Ga.  I was looking for a bicycle museum, but it turned out to be a restaurant and taproom that collected bicycles of all types.  I didn’t spend much time there.

Photo Credit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hubs&Hops-ThomasvilleGA

Heading west on US-84 about 15 miles I visited the Cairo Antique Auto Museum located in Cairo, GA.  This museum consists of three buildings filled with a huge collection of antique cars dating from 1920s, trucks & fire engines dating from 1900s, as well as antique motorcycles and bicycles dating from the early 1800s.  You never know where a gem of a museum will turn up.  Who would have ever guessed, in Cairo, GA?

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

It was another 25 miles west on US-84 to Bainbridge, GA where I had planned to visit the Decatur County Historical Museum, but it was closed.  So, I kept going northwest another 60 miles on US-84, across the Chattahoochee River (border) into Alabama, where I stopped to check out the Landmark Park & Farm located on the outskirts of Dothan, AL.  This park is a 150-acre living farm that provides visitors with a historical representation of an 1890s farm, in this south part of the Alabama region, with restored homes, buildings, a store, and a church, all decorated with period furnishings. 

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

It was only a short drive to where I visited The Waddell House there in Dothan.  Built 1898 by Bud Bush, the house was purchased by Leska H. Waddell in 1906 and remained in the Waddell family until 1978 when it was donated to the Dothan Landmarks Foundation.  The Waddell home was the first structure to be relocated to the Landmark Park & Farm property and restored as part of that 19th century attraction.

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

That pretty well wrapped up my travel experiences for the day, so I gave Greta (My Garmin) the address of the motel there in Dothan.  She had no trouble finding the motel.  After getting checked in and moving my things into my room, I warmed up my leftover Liver & Onions from the 19/98 Grill last night and enjoyed that delicious meal again.  What a treat that was!  I did enjoy one of the pictures in the motel tonight.  It was a collage of license plates in the form of the United States.  I think I will adopt that photo as my visual slogan for my travels.  Since there wasn’t much of anything I wanted to watch on TV, I recorded my day’s activities and went to bed early.

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 64 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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2022 Road Trip-Part 1

17 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 1 (5/16/2022)

Leaving my home in Titusville, FL this morning, I headed west 15 miles on SR-50 to visit the Fort Christmas Historical Park located on the west side of CR-420 in Christmas, FL. The fort is a full-scale replica of the original fort, one of 200 forts built (between 1835 and 1847), during the Second Seminole War, to protect settlers in the central Florida area during the 1820s, 1830s, and 1840s.  The fixed garrison originally consisted of 2000 U.S. Army Alabama Volunteers.  

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

A historical museum is located within the walls of the fort and display Seminole Indian and pioneer artifacts dating from the Seminole War period.  Some of the items included are Indian and pioneer weapons, clothing, tools, household goods and other items dating from the early 1800a.  The park has been in the process, over the years, of relocating many early 1800s structures around their 25-acre park, and restoring them to their original conditions.  The houses are furnished with period household items and are open for viewing.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Heading west another 40 miles on US-50, I took SR-408 to by-pass the downtown Orlando traffic, to visit the Central Florida Railroad Museum located in Winter Garden, FL.  This museum is located in the former 1913 Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot, that replaced the original 1899 T&G depot.  The museum is loaded with antique railroad artifacts and memorabilia.  The T&G railroad changed names a couple of times over the years and the depot served the Winter Garden area until 1978, when service on this portion of the Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) track was terminated.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Next, I headed west another 15 miles on SR-50 to checkout the Citrus Tower in Clermont, FL.  This famous Florida landmark was opened in 1956, and at the time, claimed to be the highest point in Florida (543 feet above sea level).  The view from the observation deck allows a person to see 35 miles to the horizon (on a clear day) which includes 8 Florida counties and 2000 sq. miles of surrounding land.  Back in that day all a person could see was orange groves, but today several winter freezes and Florida growth have turned most of that land into homes and businesses.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed northwest on US-27 about 25 miles to where I visited the Paquette’s Historical Tractor Museum located in Leesburg, FL.  This museum is situated on 50-acres, which includes three buildings displaying some 150+ beautifully restored International Harvester and Farmall tractors and farming equipment, and retro memorabilia dating from 1923.  I was glad to be able to view this amazing collection before the museum closes in July.  I am always sorry to hear about a museum of any kind closing, and this is especially true of the Paquette Tractor Museum.  It will be sad for “Stew” to see his many beautifully restored antiques go on the auction block later this year.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

To the next museum I used SR-44 and I-75 northwest 25 miles to visit the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing located just south of Ocala, FL.  I had visited this museum once before on another road trip, but just wanted to get another look at some of the fastest dragsters to run on a drag racing strip.  The museum gives the history of drag racing icon “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and the many machines he used over the many years of his amazing career.  There are over 175 dragsters of all types and sizes in one building, plus almost 100 antique cars in another building, in Don’s Antique Car Collection dating from 1909.  Wow, what a car buff’s dream museum that is!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As I was leaving the museum, I snapped a photo of the A-7 Corsair II Gate Guard.  I know you can’t read it in the photo below, but the name of the pilot printed under the canopy is Captain “Lites” Leenhouts.  I was surprised to see the “call sign” for this pilot.  I found it interesting that the “call sign” was “Lites” and not “Lee” or “Hoot” and that it was spelled “Lites” and not “Lights” as is usually the case.  It’s becoming a smaller world out there, and you never know what form of personal association you might run into, with another person, in your travels.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that wonderful experience at the “Big Daddy” Drag Racing Museum, there wasn’t a lot to see for the next 60 miles, as I traveled northwest skirting west of Ocala on I-75, and passed thru the towns of Friendship, Williston, and Bronson on US-27 before arriving at the Levy County Quilt Museum located just outside Chiefland, FL.  The museum was closed, but their website informs me that it was originally known as the Log Cabin Quilters and was formed by 8-local ladies in 1983 to show and sell their handywork.

Photo Credit: https://www.scenicpathways.com/quilt-museum

I gave Greta (my Garmin) the motel address there in Chiefland and she took me right to it.  After I got checked, and got my things moved into the room, I ask the desk clerk for restaurant recommedations, and he told me he liked the food at the  “19/98 Grill” so I tried it.  I ordered Liver & Onions (one of my favorites) and they served me a huge plate of some of the best Liver & Onions I have ever eaten.  Yummm!  i had enough left over for dinner tomorrow night.

Photo Credit: www.yelp.com/biz/19-98-grill-and-country-store

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 64 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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Counting One’s Interests

16 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Reblogged from March 29, 2013

“One should never count the years–one should count one’s interests. I have kept young
trying never to lose my childhood sense of wonderment. I am glad I still have a vivid curiosity
about the world I live in.”

Helen Keller, 1880-1968
Blind and Deaf American Writer and Scholar

The writer of that beautiful philosophy
expressed my sentiments so eloquently-
But I humbly acknowledge my advantage-
I can hear! And I can see!

But did she hear more clearly than I?
And did she see through the Master's eye?
Oh, how blessed to have the Master's touch-
to live to serve-to give so much.

May I never take for granted
the blessings of each day-
A kind word, a noble deed,
encouragement along the way.

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Worry

14 Aug

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

REBLOGGED FROM 2015

[In today’s world, this is very timely – 

please note that this was written in December – and now it is August]

Worry………..worry……………worry…………

Are you a worry-wart?  That’s a good old-fashioned phrase that my Mother used to say.

And what better time of year to be a worry-wart than December?  It always hits me in the face on December 1st that it is DECEMBER……and I don’t have a single THING purchased or made for ANYONE in the family!  Worry……worry….worry………what will I get everyone, and when will I have to mail the packages…..

And how will I EVER get the house decorated in time for it to be worthwhile?

And how will I EVER get all the Christmas cards done and in the mail before Christmas Eve?

And then there are the Christmas cookies to make…..

And how will I EVER …………   Well, you get the picture.

I found this cartoon (credit Charles Schultz) on facebook recently, and it made me realize just how worthless all that worry is.  See what you think.

And then, there is the directive from the scriptures that really just says it all:

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:27 

And here is the kicker:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

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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How to Get Rid of Anxiety

13 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged August 1, 2022

August 12, 2022

In this story, could these camels be wanting to get rid of anxiety and confusion?

A baby camel looked up to his mother, “Mommy, why do we have these long eyelashes, these big hooves and a hump on our back?”

She turned to him. “God made us that way for a very special reason,” she explained. “Our large feet are to keep us from sinking into the sand.”

“Why the big eyelashes?” he asked.

“It’s to protect our eyes from the sand.”

“Why the big humps?”

“That is to store fat and have enough energy to go long distances in the hot desert!”

“I see!” The baby camel stretched his neck and looked up at his mother. “The large feet are to keep us from sinking into the sand, the long eyelashes are to keep the sand out of our eyes, and the humps are to store energy to travel…then what are we doing in this cage in the middle of a zoo?”

I asked the same question. Like the camel, I was equipped to face life. I had desires, dreams, and plans to reach heights.

But instead, at the age of 30, my eyesight closed in completely. I sat inside a sorry cage called anxiety. The bars that trapped me in were called lies: without sight, I’d be unproductive; I’d be unlovable, unworthy and ugly.

Those were the destructive lies that kept me bound back then until Christ Jesus brought the key to my freedom.

But today, different kind of lies keep many imprisoned: the economy will bring us down, inflation will be the end of us, our future is dark, and our security is at risk.

That’s what the world feeds us while we sit on the floor of that cage of restlessness. But the only way to get rid of that anxiety is through God’s truth, In His reassuring promises and in the proven ways He sets us free.

Here are five ways we can take action toward that freedom.

  1. Remain steady. Just because we don’t see God in action, doesn’t mean He’s not at work. Just because His help isn’t immediate doesn’t mean it’s not coming. When attacks come from all sides, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). His help is ever-present to showcase the truth that He’s God, almighty and powerful enough to correct the wrong, bring down opposition and remove evil.
  2. Be confident as His promise has the word never. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
  3. Declare with boldness your unwavering belief that His plans are at work. What we see in the world is temporary, feeble and weak. His plans and power weren’t altered by any pandemic, virus or economy setback. God’s up to something, something great and amazing because through the ages, “…he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:9-11)
  4. Brush away the enemy’s lie that says the world can steal our freedom. He may try, but Jesus overpowered his efforts: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
  5. Back away from trusting in your own wisdom, in your abilities or your ways to figure things out. Instead, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We get rid of anxiety when we trust in Him. Not halfway, but with all our heart, with all our faith and all our passion. We’ll never understand the world’s upside-down craziness. We’ll never comprehend how we got here or why. But obedience is the key—to recognize God is at work, He has the answer and His timing is flawless. He will direct our path right out of that cage by dismantling those bars of lies with His truth.

And similar to those camels, we’ll be out of the zoo of confusion. We’ll be free to declare a new beginning, strong enough to endure any setback. To believe in His triumph. To count on His ways and relish in a brand-new freedom.

Let’s Pray

Father, I’ve been in this cage for too long. Thank You for showing me how to follow You and walk out to my freedom. Thank you for my new life. In Jesus’ name.

What keeps you trapped these days?

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:

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Metamorphosis

9 Aug

 From the Heart of Louise Gibson

Reblogged from March 15, 2013

 
 

Metamorphosis

 

The struggles in life are many

In those times we begin to grow.

As the caterpillar becomes a butterfly,

Our metamorphosis is tedious and slow.

When God strips us of all vanity,

And we truly search our soul

We ultimately find it is He that we need

The One who can make us whole.

Others may fail us, oft no fault of their own

But if we trust our Savior,

We’ll not walk alone.

 

 
 

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I Love Carpet-Part 4

31 Jul

SUNDAY MEMORIES

continued

From Heidelberg, we moved to Virginia.  We purchased our second house,

Our Virginia House

which had loose-laid carpets in all the bedrooms, living room (now I was glad we didn’t have that rust carpet with us!), dining room and family room.  The padding wasn’t too good, so we upgraded that in later years, to find that the carpets were quite good quality, and were going to last a good long time with new padding.  They were all a light tan color, and went well with all our furniture.

1991 – our grandson taking the taste test of a new toy this shows the light tan/cream carpet

We later purchased some very pretty, very thick carpet to replace what was in the family room.  All the floors in this house were wood.  The kitchen had rolled vinyl.  I purchased bathroom carpet for our master bathroom in dark brown, and gold for the second bathroom upstairs.  For the bathroom downstairs, I just had bath mats.

After living there for nearly 13 years, we decided to move to Florida.  Both our girls were married by this time and out of our house.  We purchased a new house in Kissimmee, which is essentially a suburb of Orlando. 

There was either carpet or vinyl throughout the house, so we didn’t need to purchase any new carpets, thank goodness.

Looking from the kitchen into the family room – carpet and vinyl flooring

We lived in that house for three-and-one-half years before selling it and moving to Orlando proper.

This house that we live in now, has carpet in the living/dining room, and all three bedrooms.  Other than that, all the floors are ceramic tile.  We did purchase a loose-laid rug for the family room, just to make it a bit more comfortable.

 the rug we purchased

The bathrooms only have throw rugs or bath mats.  I did have a throw rug for the entry/laundry room, but recently I tripped on it and fell hard on that ceramic tile.  So it’s out the door!

Well….that’s my saga about carpet.  I still love to walk barefoot through the carpets in our house.  And when we go to Titusville to visit my brother Bill and his delightful wife DiVoran, I luxuriate my feet in the carpet in their living room.  It’s a gorgeous dusty rose, and feels so good on my toes! 

As you can see from this series, I take my shoes off as often as I can!

~~~~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~~~~~

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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Your Battle Belongs to the Lord

30 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged July 30, 2022

July 29, 2022

“I’m going to be brutally honest,” a woman said in our recent Zoom meeting.

She cleared her throat. “Are Christians lying? Or are some of them faking or covering up the real truth? Even though we’re believers, how can we not feel fear, have moments of doubt and feel like screaming, God, this is enough!”

No one in the group answered. Could it be because we agreed with her?

In silence, we hid those same emotions deep inside. We managed to cover them under the I-have-enough-faith notion.

But who could blame us?

We’re human and although we’re believers in Christ, we’re afraid to open up and admit that yes, sometimes we wake up and wonder what will be next? Other times we can’t even receive God’s Word well enough to face all the ugliness that paints this dark world.

But what spreads more subtly than the pandemic of anxiety is the number of Christians who face that battle between sinking in fear or standing in faith. Peter experienced the same dilemma when the storm came. He should have believed Jesus would protect him and kick fear to the curb. But instead, he blurted words of fear and worry, contagious enough to spread to the other disciples. Peter thought He was on his own, defenseless and unequipped to fight the battle of fear.

We’re all in that same boat, buffeted by that same storm of uncertainty. And while holding on tight hoping we won’t be crushed, we must choose the group to which we belong. The one that will sink in the deep waters of anxiety, swallowed by fear. Or the group who looks to God for His wisdom and has the audacity to look beyond the circumstances and dare to invite faith to come in. to ponder on His victory. To declare He already took care of the danger. And to step under His banner of ultimate glory.

That’s why we choose to stand on His side as He fights our battles. And wearing the garment of gratitude, we do our part by joining Him with the weapons of faith, commitment, truth and confidence.

Let’s Pray

Father, no matter how bad things get, I vow to remain on the side that trusts in You. When inflation rises, my faith will increase. When bad news come, I shall run to You for protection. I will rejoice because when I’m under the side of Your grace, no evil can harm me, my life or my family. In Jesus name.

Which side are you on these days?

Janet

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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.

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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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