Archive by Author

Our LIfe is Meant to Be

28 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Reblog

Our much loved poetess, Louise hasn’t been able to compose of late. Her poems spoke words of comfort, encouragement love and humor. Just the sort of words our current world needs. So, I am planning to reblog them. Enjoy

May you always remember
God is in control.
He has a plan for your life.

Listen with your heart
As he leads you.
You will ward off the strife.

The events in our life
Are meant to be.
There is a peace that
Can be found.

The challenges are many
Diligence is profound.

We may not have chosen
The path we are on,
But trust it was meant to be.
God works in mysterious ways
As he plans our destiny.

There is a peace that can be found,
Know God has a plan for our life.
Keep your faith strong in him.
You will ward away the strife.

.

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Three Steps to Peace in the Middle of Your Mess

18 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged June 18, 2022

June 17, 2022

So, we’re dancing with gladness.  We grabbed a super deal on airline tickets. While our 401k plan is smiling, we pack suntan lotion and sunglasses. It’s vacation time.

Remember those days? Remember when life was easier? Folks got the flu and it was no big deal? The only time we saw masks was when surgeons or surgical nurses wore them?  Seems like that was a lifetime ago.

What we face now are masked people here and there and no one knows for sure why. Airline tickets makes us soar into shock. While our 401k plan cries out for help, we grit our teeth at the grocery bill. And when we fill the gas tank, we empty our bank account at the same time.

And to add more ugliness, reports of violence invade our peace. The bad news on the media reminds us we’re in the wilderness of gloom.

But we’re not alone.

The Israelites had their own wilderness, too. They focused on the pitiful and were infected by the virus of discontentment. “They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?’” (Psalm 78:19-20).

When God provided, they complained. When God was with them, they rebelled. When God protected them, they still whined. And when God made His promises, they doubted.

Sound familiar? We complain on social media, at the dinner table, at the grocery store. We whine about the ugly world situation. And in the complaining, doubt comes in. Like the Israelites, we question God, we doubt His provision, His help, and His power.

The good news is that we can change. 

Instead of gazing at the gloom, we catch a glimpse of the promise land. It comes to view when we take our eyes off the situation, off the tragedy before us, off the gloom upon us or the immorality within us.

Next, we turn down the volume of the world’s bad news. And turn up God’s voice. We increase the volume of His promises.

And over and over again we repeat His words that speak into the middle of the mess:

  1. When we’re weak with worry, He says, “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” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
  2. When the economy downfall robs our financial security, God says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
  3. When fear is about to eat us for lunch, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, says with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Equipped with the power of God’s promises, we don’t retreat, but lift our head high and move forth with boldness. When inflation rises, God’s power increases. When fuel gets more expensive, God’s provision becomes greater. When bad news bombard us, God’s truth shields us. When the world gets darker, His light glimmers brighter. When war breaks out, victory is His promise. Tomorrow may seem bleak, but God’s hope shines through.

Let’s Pray

Father, in the mess before me, I will choose to see You, trust in Your protection, hold on to Your promises, and to rely on Your provision. I embrace them all as the gift wrapped in your unfailing love. In Jesus name.

What brings peace to your mess?

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:

An Opportunity for You

If God spoke to you through these writings, would you prayerfully consider joining us in spreading the goodness of Christ Jesus to those who are lost and hurting?

With immense gratitude, JC Empowerment Ministries welcomes your tax-deductible donations.

One click will take you to the place for your gift. You can GIVE HERE.

Thank you for helping the ministry reach souls!

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 Those Israelites!

10 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I am not a confident driver on good days, throw in rain and curvy roads and I become a teary eyed mess. A few weeks ago, I needed to drive my husband to a doctor appointment in a town two hours away and the weather report warned of heavy rain all day. I was stressed.

In my waking conversation with God I was telling him that I was distressed and plain out scared. When I gave Him the chance to respond, He reminded me of the multiple times he had given us a clear, dry bubble as we traveled. Most recently I was driving through pouring rain in Orlando traffic. I noticed that while my back window was a sheet of water, the windshield wipers were not having any problem clearing the screen.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten His mercies in my anxiety. Kind of like those Israelites who kept forgetting the ways God miraculously rescued them time after time. Think parting of the Red Sea.

Photo credit:https://www.flickr.com/photos/amboo213/7429036760

I confess I have frequently questioned the character of those Israelites who grumbled at every challenge, forgetting how faithfully God delivered them from dangers.

I was thinking like the Israelites!!

On Wednesday we had another appointment set up in the town two hours away. My husband had enjoyed six days in a row of doing well and I was feeling confident I wouldn’t need to drive. No worries about the forecast rain, he handles rain driving very well. Except Wednesday morning his feeling well streak crashed. I looked once again at the rain prediction and felt anxiety seeping in.

Then I made the decision to remember the Israelites and remember God’s mercies. There was rain that day, but not a drop fell on us.

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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To Bill

6 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Soon we will be celebrating our 65th wedding anniversary when we more or less ran away to get married. Our mothers, Bill’s sister, and my cousin and aunt made it to California, where Bill was in the Navy. Our Dads, who both traveled for their work, missed it.

Here is my tribute to you, my love.

Thank you for making us a pair. 

Thank you for the good times and the hard times.  

Thank you for your forgiveness and comfort.

Thank you for your safety and the knowledge of handyman things.

Thank you for your resounding laugh.

Thank you for your curiosity about almost everything.

Thank you for being a tenacious man who got things done.  

Thank you for your tender love.

Thank you for loving and caring for our children. 

Thank you most for trusting Jesus and teaching us to know him too. 

DiVoran

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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6 Traps Perfectionists Need to Avoid

4 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged June 4 2022

June 3, 2022

If you should read my bio, you might think I’m a confident, well-accomplished blind gal. Not so. I mess up sometimes. Here’s a time when my confidence went out the window.

Some years back, I sat in various sessions and workshops at a writers’ and speakers’ conference. As part of the evaluation process of an effective speaker we were to prepare a 5-minute presentation. Piece of cake for this seasoned speaker, right?

With God-given confidence and passion that bubbled up in me, I stood in front of those ladies who were to evaluate me.

With vivid illustrations, I delivered my presentation. Once I finished, they handed me the scores which I placed inside a folder.

When I got home, hubby read the results and comments. I gasped. I sunk. I dropped my shoulders in disappointment.

How, just how could I get top scores in all areas except the one for volume and the effective closing. The closing of all things. I’ve always been told that my closings leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

With my lower lip dragging on the floor, I eased onto the pillows of discouragement.

Then as I sipped from the glass of insecurity I stepped into the six traps when perfection doesn’t happen.

  1. I focused on the failure.
  2. I fell into the negative-thinking tank.
  3. I dismissed the positive, the wonderful and the promising.
  4. I embrace the enemy’s lies that I didn’t measure up.
  5. I wasted time worrying about the consequences.
  6. And the worst one of all, I let the desire for perfection drag me down with unnecessary pressure.

Lesson Learned

So, lesson learned: when we focus on the one negative aspect of our journey, we’re blinded from seeing the great, the best and the wonderful.

They all come to view when we lift the need-to-be-perfect veil. Then is when we see that imperfect, vulnerable, and flawed is how the Lord accepts us. And more importantly, these weaknesses are precisely what He will use to make us grow.

When we choose to rise above mistakes and glance at the other side of failure, we can take a deep breath. And we then reach for God’s hand to keep moving forward.

Along the way, we exchange our desire to become perfect for His perfect love and acceptance.

In Paul’s words:

He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The enemy reminds us of the failures, but Christ repeats the power of His grace.

His grace is sufficient to correct the wrong, turn failure to lessons, and usher success through opposition.

That’s why our strength doesn’t come in perfection, but in the perfect trust that His grace is truly, completely sufficient.

Let’s Pray

Father, grant me wisdom to focus on the positive, the blessings, the good and the promising. I vow to look beyond my handful of flaws and gaze at Your hand at work instead. In Jesus name.

Where are you placing your focus 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.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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The DARN Bear is back…and Other Things.

3 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I gave the bear top billing in the title but I think his video will be at the bottom of the post. Kind of my passive aggressive way to deal with my frustration.

Since we arrived back in the mountains, I have sort of checked out of the world’s goings on. I blame it on our porch and the sweet, cool breezes. I read a lot. The only “fly in the ointment” is that darn bear. As I am writing this, my husband is sitting with me on the porch carving and one of the two visiting hummingbirds is sipping nectar from the petunias. I am loving petunias this year.

When our daughter was here over Easter she placed a basket of petunias atop the rise behind the porch. They are now blooming riotously and bring me joy everyday.

We did manage to get ourselves off the porch in mid-May. It had been over a year since we visited my extended family who live clear across the state of North Carolina.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

On our way there we stopped outside Charlotte, NC to visit with my brother, his son and daughter-in-law. We had a broken relationship for 20 years and God brought restoration shortly before my brother’s wife passed away the end of February. Since my brother was alone in Florida, his son moved him up to be with him. We spent the night and had a wonderful time together.

On to the visit with the extended family. We spent three days there before heading back to the mountains. My cousin has an outdoor cat and one morning at breakfast I observed it guarding a bird feeder.

We have visited this area many, many times so it’s hard to find something different to do. After a delicious country lunch in a diner with an aunt and uncle, my aunt asked if I would like to visit a market that only sold pork. We said sure. After all, Eastern North Carolina is pig country. Think Smithfield ham. I had no idea what to expect but it was interesting and for me at least, fun. It was like entering a huge butcher market but the only meat on offer was pork. And it was pork from every crevice of a pig. There was even a whole frozen pig in the meat case. There were plenty of staff (butchers?) on hand if one wanted a different cut than was in the case.

It has been decades since I have seen country cured hams that weren’t in some sort of packaging or wrap. I had recently reminisced about seeing them hanging in stores. I remember one of my aunts kept hers hung in her utility room and would send her husband out to cut some slices.

Nahunta Pork Center

We enjoyed our visit but it was nice to be home for awhile. The lure of the porch is hard to resist. Two weeks later, over Memorial Day we returned to Charlotte for a family gathering, this time my other brother would be there. Fortunately the Charlotte family has a huge porch, so I didn’t have porch withdrawal, and we spent lazy hours talking, remembering the past and savoring the joy of all being together again.

husband chilling

My nephew’s wife is a horsewoman (not sure if this is the correct term). She rides Dressage and we enjoyed watching her practice.

I am so blessed and thankful that God brought restoration to my family. I remember a line from the last episode of Downton Abbey. The sisters who were usually at odds, were sitting together and making peace. One of them said something like this, “in the end, we will only have each other to remember the past with.”

Now about that pesky bear. We have been taking in our feeders at night but he remembers where they hang!

We keep the feeders in a plastic tub to discourage mice in the garage. Not sure how he did it, but this fella got in the tub. We rescued and released him this morning.

Not all thieves sneak in the night. This brave and crafty creature was determined to score some seeds! Final picture/video. I promise.


The end. The porch is calling and I must answer.

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 2021 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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The Seamstresses in my House-Part 12

27 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

When our Karen was just a little thing, I tried to sew up some clothing – usually dresses – for her.  For the most part, she was happy with what I did.  But occasionally I would be in the process of making something for her, have her try it on, and she would say “I don’t like it…take it off.”  That’s when I decided that all the work and time I was putting in on clothing for her was not worth the effort.  That’s when I decided that I could purchase her clothing – with all the “bells and whistles” much cheaper.  And so I did.

However, Here are a few examples of things I made for her.  You will notice how simple the lines are – more straight stitching than fancy.  I made this “jumper” for her, and she seemed to enjoy wearing it.  That was a “church” outfit.

And here is another dress – a sun dress she could wear during the summer.  It was made from cotton, and so was cool, and could be worn throughout the summer months.

Here’s a dress I made for Karen for a Halloween costume years later.  It was a very light-weight cotton, easy to sew, and she loved it.

This is a picture of the singing group I was in when we lived in San Antonio, Texas.  Obviously we all had the same style and fabric of clothing.  As I recall, it was a 100% polyester fabric, that was nice and “swingy” that we all enjoyed, and that made for easy maneuvering up and down those risers.

When we lived in Panama City, Florida (Tyndall AFB), we lived not too far from the Gulf of Mexico.  The girls and I would frequently walk down to the beach and just have fun in the white sand that was there.  Here is a picture of the three of us (perhaps Fred went with us that time – who took the picture?).  I had made the outfit I have on in this picture.  The top was a cotton jersey, and the shorts were polyester.  Very comfortable, easy to wear, easy to wash.  I made several outfits like that, in different fabrics.

In the outskirts of Panama City, there was a shop that sold fabrics, some of which was  cotton jersey – and some of the cotton jersey (T-shirt fabric) was in an “unending” style.  Buy just the length you needed for a T-shirt, and there were no side seams!  Loved it!

~~~~~~~~~~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.

5 Reasons to Count on God’s Promises

21 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 22, 2022

May 20, 2022

I was shocked. “No, tell me you didn’t,” I said to my friend on the phone, “Did I hear you right, you did what?”

“I said I went target shooting.”

I gasped. “Shooting? Like with a gun?”

“Yep.”

Nothing strange about that. Many women are taking that measure for safety. And thinking that was a good idea, I asked, “Can I go with you next time?

She laughed. And I did, too, when I realized that blind people might not have the best aim.

Raise the Flag of Gratitude

In contrast, those men and women who took up the weapons of courage to defend our country and her freedom possessed the clear vision of sacrifice. That’s why we raise the flag of gratitude this Memorial Day.

They fought to defend our country, but closer to home we need another kind of protection. Intruders cross through the borders of our heart uninvited and invade our security, peace and confidence.

We pace back and forth, wringing our hands, hoping our human, feeble and flawed efforts to protect our own are adequate and effective. But they’re not. Our own protection is as lame as this blind gal firing a gun, hoping to hit the target.

And when our own lame, futile efforts fail, doubt comes in and questions surge—does God see our fear? Does He know our worry? Is He aware of what we dread? Is He close by? Does He see our tears?

His answers arrive in the carriage of our faith. When we trust and rely in the power of God. In His Word. And in His promises that carry the strength of a mighty army.

He has the ability to fight our battles to make our safety certain and our future secure. And while sound sleep fills our nights, these five promises in Psalm 131 whisper sweet reassurance in our soul:

  1. “The LORD watches over you…” Under His vigilant eye, His close watch and his constant observation, what could harm us?
  2. “The LORD is your shade at your right hand…” His presence is close by, within reach and available, what danger could come near us?
  3. “The sun will not harm you by day or the moon by night.” His round-the-clock promise to protect us adds comfort during our sleep and puts confidence as we wake up.
  4. “The LORD will keep you from all harm…” All means all—spiritual, emotional, mental or physical harm cannot touch us if the Lord keeps us.
  5. “The LORD will watch over your coming and going…both now and forevermore.” No matter where we go—unfamiliar places, new terrain or different surroundings—He’s observing our steps, following our path, and is aware of our journey into tomorrow.

Let’s Pray:

Father, how could I find reason to fear when you promise that our life is in your hands? Our days are under your protective watch and our steps are followed by your promises of safety. In Jesus’ name I thank you.

  • What do you fear the most?
  • What protects you from harm?
  • How do you find safety and security?

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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Five Secrets to Become the Best Mom

7 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 7, 2022

May 6, 2022

I went down on one knee. “Look at me, honey.” I turned my four-year-old Joe’s face toward me. “What’s in your mouth?”

“Nothin’.”

As the youngest of three, he never knew a mom with sight. A retinal disease robbed my sight when he was much younger. And my family’s adjustment was painfully inevitable.

I took him by the hand. “Is that chocolate I smell? It’s before dinner. C’mon young man, let’s spit it out.”

Outwardly I seemed in control. But I still questioned my ability as a blind mom. I fretted about their possible lack of confidence or even shame because of my blindness.

Mothering without sight was daunting.

The tasks challenging. I questioned my ways. Did I do too much? Not enough? Did I fail my sons in the way I corrected them? Was I too strict? Too lenient? Insecurities lay on the pillow beside me at night.

But along came David to save the day. Remember him as a boy? He was scrawny, a bit of a shy kid, the youngest of his brothers. And probably voted the least likely to succeed in the senior class of the local Shepherd high school.

And when Goliath showed up, David seemed inadequate, unprepared and way too weak to defeat the giant. But God knew different because He chose him. Skinny David held not a trace of insecurity, doubt or worry. He put on the backpack of courage and gathered five stones. But those stones weren’t what would defeat the big guy. But rather, David’s secret weapon called bold faith became the weapon to bring him victory.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty…” (1 Samuel 17:44)

That’s the same way we come against insecurities in our mothering, in our doubt of our abilities, regret for what we did or failed to do. As we come against all of that in the name of the Lord, we put on our bold faith and gather our five stones. Even in these turbulent times, they are the secrets to succeed and be the best moms ever.

  • The stone of courage to stand firm and secure enough to know we have Christ’s power to silence the lies that whisper doubt and insecurities.
  • The stone of reassurance that God is with us every moment of every day to defeat fear, worry and anxiety.
  • The stone of wisdom, God-given wisdom to choose our words, direct our steps and guide our path.
  • The stone of trust to know God has His eyes on our kids. He will keep them safe, guard their lives and trace their steps.
  • The stone of joy to erase gloom, sadness or disappointment.

This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate not so much the perfect moms, but those who are perfectly devoted to Christ. Not the moms who have all the answers, but those who believe God has them. Not the moms who have it all together, but the moms who admit their weakness so God can make them strong. Not the moms who are raising stars, but those who teach them to rise above hard times. Not the moms who cover her kids with the latest fashion, but those who cover them with prayers.

God chose David. And He chose you, too. He hand-picked you to be the mom to those kiddoes. He didn’t leave David to bring down the giant on his own. He’s not leaving you alone either, as He’s already handed you the stones, He already given you the victory—in His power, In His might and in His name.

Let’s Pray

Father, may Your Word remind me You are watching over my kids, guiding them when I fail, teaching them when I don’t know how and protecting them when I’m not near them. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Which stones will you gather this Mother’s Day?

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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Three Steps to Live the Best of Life

30 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by SIght

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 1, 2022

April 29, 2022

Some years back, a sweet surprise waited for me in the airplane trip to Mexico. I settled in the seat beside the window, folded my white cane and stuffed it in the pocket of the seat in front of me.

Shortly after departure, the flight attendant made his way down the narrow aisle handing immigration forms. “One per family please,” he said.

After the initial announcements ended, I reached up and pressed the light to call for assistance.

“Could you please help me fill this out?” I asked the flight attendant who answered the call.

“Sure. Come with me.”

I gathered my purse, my bag, and my cane and followed him to the front of the airplane.

“You can sit here,” he said.

I settled in the seat, spacious and comfortable. I stretched out my legs, plenty of room. We finished the form and he asked if I wanted to stay in that seat. I was in first class.  “Are you kidding?” I said with a silly grin, “Sure, would love that.”

Unexpectedly Delightful

After I stretched out like a queen, I began to compare. Rather than getting the medicine-size cup of water I would get in the other section of the plane, I got a fresh, cold bottle of water. Rather than the tiny bag of peanuts, I got my choice of appetizers. The trip was, well, unexpectedly delightful.

In the airplane of life, I had made that same transition. When sighted, I took tiny doses of happiness. Sampled a bit of peace now and then, received only a taste of fulfillment and tiny amounts of joy. I was stuck in second-class happiness.

You might also find yourself there on occasion. During this ugly pandemic, you might have felt stuck in that same second-class kind of world. The chaos around, the uncertainty ahead, the troubles from all sides planted you in the section where the best is not served.

But Resurrection Sunday is almost here. The majestic event shouts the truth that Jesus is alive. Not only alive, but He’s holding His hand to guide you out of the coach section of gloom into the first-class of His glory. The glory not just reserved for heaven, but for right now, right here.

When you accept His offer to occupy that seat in the VIP section of His love, the journey is secure. Even when facing painful turbulence, nothing can shake you. No event can rob your peace. No adversity can remove your security. He’s the pilot. He has the navigation of your journey in His hands. And He expects your every worry to leave your heart and be placed in His instead.

During the long journey, worry will not come back, fear will die and stress will vanish. They will because when we remain in the VIP section of God’s will, we welcome the best of life as we:

  1. Change our perception. Recognize we don’t find happiness; we create it. We craft it by turning the key to unlock our heart and receive the joy God offers. His desire is that we live in complete joy. And when happy moments, happy relationships, and happy results come to an end, joy remains.
  2. Celebrate the promise God gave. During tough moments, painful stages, it’s not our strength, but His power that lifts us up and carries us through. Relying on that guarantee is what revives joy once again.
  3. Call upon Him when sadness, gloom or fear draws near. Calling the powerful name of Jesus silences destructive thoughts of self-pity, loneliness and discouragement. With them out of the way, joy will glow again.

Happiness ends in time. But joy lasts as long as God’s love. He promised: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11).

Let’s Pray

Father, not human happiness, but your joy is what my soul hungers for. Thank you for the promise, thank you for the joy that fills my days no matter what comes my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What will keep you in the first-class kind of life?

Janet

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A Note From Onisha: As I was uploading Janet’s post, I was listening to a fascinating podcast about a future cure for retinal blindness. As you may know, Janet’s blindness is due to a retinal disease. A plus for me is that the experiments for this cure are being conducted in the zero gravity of space! Here is the link, Houston, We Have a Podcast.

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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