Archive by Author

Four Ways to Fight Your Fears

5 Feb

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged February 5, 2022

February 4, 2022

“I’m going to be brutally honest, Mary 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 humans 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 this painful pandemic brought.

But what spreads more subtly than the pandemic 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 side. But instead, he expressed fear and worry, contagious enough to spread to the other disciples.

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 confidence. And, even in the middle of the junk, choose joy.

Sounds unrealistic? Not so if we possess the boldness to avoid these four traps.

  1. Avoid following your feelings.

“I feel so out of control,” my neighbor said, “like I’m just floating along and not accomplishing anything. I feel frustrated and anxious, too. This has to end soon.”

She’s walking into the danger zone. If she feels strongly enough, she’s out of control, she will believe it as valid and true and will end up indeed out of control.

So where do those feelings come from? They begin in the mind. Thoughts are like the ingredients for a cake. Blend them all together and put them in the oven of your mind. After a while, you’ll be serving the results. Mixing in thoughts of gloom will serve feelings of discouragement.

Conversely, blending thoughts that align with God’s Word, the feelings of encouragement, of hope and reassurance will dictate a healthy journey.

If Abigail had entertained thoughts of self-pity when her people were threatened, feeling like a victim would have ruled her heart (1 Samuel 25:14-20).

If Joseph allowed thoughts of unfairness while in prison, feelings of failure would have put him in an emotional prison (Genesis 39:19-21).

Had David placed his focus and thoughts on the size of Goliath, his feelings of inadequacy would have brought defeat instead of victory (1 Samuel 17:45-46).

We’re all facing a giant today. Each is unique to our circumstance. And to come out victorious, we must first “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Prayer: Father, I commit to be obedient, to filter my thinking and to look beyond my feelings and instead bask in the field of truth found in Your Word.

  1. Refuse to remain in fear.

Are Christians lying when they say they don’t fear? Maybe. Fear knocks at every door, nothing wrong with that. It’s when we invite it to come in, offer a seat in our heart and feed it more negative information from news or social media that it becomes a well-fed monster.

But not all fear is destructive. Fear of disobeying God is justified. Conversely, the fear of a pandemic, of a virus, of a low bank account, of illness or even death is unreasonable. And it turns destructive when we remain in it, giving it life, causing it to grow until it paralyzes us.

And when it does, we’re stuck, unable to move forward as we allowed fear to rule us. Inadvertently, we gave it permission to block our wisdom, drain our energy and before we know it, we’re victims, not of the circumstance, but of fear’s claws.

We can escape only if we realize fear is a spirit, lurking around compliments of Satan. He feeds fear with lies, dark news and ever so subtly, from negative comments on social media.

But why do we receive that if “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)? For His power at work in us conquers fear. His love pushes back Satan’s hatred. And He gives us the sound mind to recognize irrational fear.

Prayer:  Father, I thank you for helping me reject fear. Moments when doubt and worry try to come in, I count in Your power at work in me to win over them.

  1. Dare to look beyond the circumstance.

It’s in our face, how can we look beyond the mess we’re in? Here’s a test for you. After you read this article, will you ponder and see how it changed you?

Or will you be tempted to dash over and check out the latest post? So many have become members of the addicted-to-social-media club.

The membership requirements are simple—focus on the news, take in comments from social media, keep track of statistics detailing the number of deaths, read the dark prognosis from experts and finally believe all the negative headlines—subtly, the focus is on the circumstance and not in the certainty of the power of God.

We’re not alone. The Israelites also saw nothing beyond the bad that surrounded them. They complained because they saw the lack of food, but missed the power of God at work. They challenged Moses by doubting in his leadership, but forgot God’s divine guidance. They crafted their own idols to pray and trust, but dismissed God’s faithfulness.

As they shuffled on that hot sand, they wished to go back to Egypt. We also wish to go back to the way things were. And as we keep navigating through the COVID-19 desert, God has a message:

“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).

Prayer:  Father, forgive me for keeping my focus on the events around me. Give me the eyesight to look beyond difficulties, problems and obstacles and, instead, help me to see the fresh beginning You prepared.

  1. Stop believing what the world declares.

“Some stores are running out of toilet paper,” a local station reported.

That bit of information exploded in a frenzy to grab as many rolls as would fit in the overflowing shopping cart.

Why did many go into panic dashing from store to store looking for something without knowing the reason? Because, like sheep, we followed others who also heard and believed a news reporter.

In the meantime, God is also telling us we’re running out of something—wisdom. The wisdom to compare what God says, what He instructs, what He promises, how He guides, how He protects and how He provides.

The best news is the shelves of His divine store will never run out of wisdom. In fact, he announces the abundant supply: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6).

Could that be us? Tossed by the wind that blows from the world’s deceptions? Or will we follow the wisdom Habakkuk displayed when he declared: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

When we become as audacious as Habakkuk, defeat turns to determination. And instead of discouragement, we become defiantly brave to declare that if God parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), He’ll make the way for us too. As He sent manna from heaven (Ex. 16:4-6), He’ll provide what we need. And since He made dried bones come alive (Ezekiel 37:4), He’ll do the impossible for us to–bring back what we lost, take us higher and make us stronger.

Let’s Pray

Father, I pledge my allegiance to Your truth, to Your power and Your path. My heart and mind will not entertain fear, but instead, will increase faith to believe in the victory you promised. In Jesus’ name.

How will you avoid the fear traps?

Janet

______________________________________

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

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 Big Warm up

3 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Last week here in Florida we were preparing for the “big freeze.” The freeze was freezing! We covered our fragile plants and all but one survived with no damage. We neglected to cover a pot of purple Coleus and it is not looking well. My daughter thinks the roots may be ok and that trimming it back may salvage it. On a positive note, the Crotons did just fine.

Photo Credit: Me!

As i write this on Wednesday night, the air conditioner is running. Thursday and Friday we will have temperatures in the 80s again. Hopefully our northern visitors (Anyone visiting from north of the Florida state line) will be quick to take advantage of the warmth because in true Florida fashion, the temperature will plunge again, though not as far as last week.

Lots of talk and memes for Ground Hog day. Local weather stations have posted some fun memes. I like this one from our Orlando WFTV station.

Photo Credit https://www.wftv.com/weather/

Not to be outdone, a Jacksonville news station went for the beach look.

Photo Credit: https://www.news4jax.com/weather/

I have seen a lot of people posting about snow in Michigan. I went online and found this one. I would never willingly play the game. This Florida raised woman is a total chicken when it comes to snow and ice.

A novel I read this week stated that when well-bred English people don’t know what to say, they talk about the weather. In my not so well-bred American case, when this blogger doesn’t know what to write about, she talks about the weather.

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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Freezing in Florida

28 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

According to local news it has been four years since Florida experienced a widespread freeze.

Photo Credit https://twitter.com/KellianneWX/status/1486681344776318990

That means there are thousands of new Florida residents and some may have questions about what to expect. A local Facebook group had these questions:

  • Will my car be ok?
  • What should I do to protect my plants?
  • Should I cover landscape bushes and small trees?
  • Do I need to buy special materials to cover my plants?
  • Is there anything I need to do with running water to protect pipes?

Answers ranged from helpful to flippant. I decided to throw in my 2¢ of advise based on living all but my two first years of life in Florida.

Yes, your car will be ok. In Florida we mix water with antifreeze in the car’s coolant system. Not to prevent freezing but to assist with keeping the car’s engine cool during our long, hot summers.(Which I might add seem to go from April through December.) So if your car has antifreeze, no worries.

The need to protect plants and how to protect them is a matter of preference. My rule of thumb is if I have a plant or plants that would be greatly missed, I cover them or if possible bring them inside. I have three hanging baskets of mandevilla flowers that are very sensitive to cold and frost. It’s not very pretty at the moment but in the spring and summer it is lush with flowers

They spend half the year with me in North Carolina and the other half in Florida. I will move them into my daughter’s storage building until the cold passes. We will also be protecting the plumeria, coleus, geranium and poinsettia flowers. Except for the plumeria, they are in pots which we will move close to the house and group snugly together then probably toss a sheet over them.

Big box home improvement stores sell special clothes for covering plants but I think an old sheet or light blanket works just as well. We also use our old beach towels. This might not be aesthetically pleasing but it works. According to the local news station, the trick is to make sure the cover reaches all the way to the ground to retain the days heat. Be sure to put the cover on the plants before sunset so you lose less heat.

I’m not sure about covering landscape bushes. I think it would depend on what one calls a landscape bush. I remember one year we had a nice grouping of crotons.

Image by sandid from Pixabay

We didn’t cover them and they froze. After the cold passed we cut them back and they survived. I often think the occasional freeze in Florida is nature’s way to maintain order. Otherwise, some plants grow to unmanageable size unless one prunes regularly.

It’s not a bad idea to give plants a nice watering before a freeze. It is supposed to help with maintaining heat plus, our cold fronts tend to be accompanied by wind which is particularly drying.

In my whole lifetime in Florida, I have not known anyone whose indoor pipes froze. I am not familiar with north west Florida, so that may be an issue there. The only pipe we had freeze was our outdoor water hose pipe. I remember wanting to turn the water on for some reason and the water wouldn’t flow out. Thinking it had some ice on the inside near the opening, I gave it a few bangs on the sidewalk. To my amazement, the metal fitting on the hose bent. It was Christmas and the year our children received new bicycles. They about froze but were determined to give them a ride.

Freezing temperatures in Florida did bring some fun things. People would leave their yard sprinklers on so that they would wake up to icy fences. The non fun side is the damage to winter crops. At one time Central Florida had vast orange groves and a hard freeze was a disaster. Not far from us is a farm that grows ferns which are very sensitive. They run water sprinklers to incase the ferns in ice which protects them from the lower temperature.

The bottom line for me is don’t put complete trust in the weather forecast. So far in our area, the cold snaps have been colder than the forecasts. But, this one could also be warmer. Who knows? It’s the weather and the weather does what it wants.

And yes, falling Iguanas are real. From a news station a few days ago. Weather is supposed to be even colder starting tonight.

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. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Omicron Observations and Making Bread

21 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I have found the use of masks in my Florida town to be interesting. For those who don’t live here, you may not know that Florida is a mask mandate free zone. You would think that would mean mask wearing would be slight, but from my observations, that is not the case. During our October road trip we traveled in many areas with the mandate. With the exception of the Memphis, Tennessee area, I didn’t observe extensive mask use.

As Omicron began to make its presence felt in our community in early January, mask use ballooned.

Photo by Padli Pradana on Pexels.com

I found that to be curious as during the height of the dreaded Delta, masking while present was not prevalent.

Two weeks later on my weekly shopping trip to Publix supermarket, masking levels seemed back to normal. I pondered this. Then I pondered again mentally collecting data reports and personal stories of infection. But it wasn’t until I factored in the CDC suggestions of quarantining for 5 days then wearing a mask for another 5 days that I reached my conclusion.

Data and personal stories told me that our county had been hit hard with probably Omicron. I think our county for the week ending January 13 was 31% positive. The explosion of mask use in early January may have been due to people coming out of quarantine while following the CDC guidelines.

I’m hoping the numbers for last week will be lower. I think Omicron was active in Florida before it was officially recognized and I am hoping we have summited the curve and are on the way down. Maybe my weekly trip to Publix today will give me a hint.

For the record, I am thankful for my community. To mask or not mask is not an issue for harassment (well except on Facebook and I’m not sure who those people are.)

Now to the bread making. We follow a low carb life style and we have missed good bread. I have made various recipes and they are ok but they weren’t wow. Well, I have discovered wow bread!

I am a member of a paid subscription low carb cooking group. I joined as I want to change up my meals to a slightly higher protein and I need help navigating the change. A month ago the leader of the group posted a recipe for white bread followed by a recipe for cinnamon bread to rave reviews.

I decided to give the recipes a try. My first loaf of the white bread didn’t cook through in the middle even though it appeared done. The rest of the bread was delicious and the closest to conventional bread texture I had eaten. Eventually I figured out that the glass loaf pan I was using was smaller than the suggested metal pan, making the loaf thicker. So far all my loaves have come out perfect since. The cinnamon bread is absolutely delicious and would make a fantastic french toast breakfast casserole.

I have also baked the bread in a muffin top pan to make round sandwich rolls. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed eating a burger patty on a bun. I need to make more sandwich buns for the weekend I can’t decide if I want to make a full recipe this week and divide it between rolls and mini loaves, or a half recipe of just rolls.

I almost forgot to share this discovery. Last Sunday I put butter and garlic on some bread slices and put them under the broiler to make garlic toast It was ok but not oh my gosh good. We had one piece left over that lingered in the fridge for several days. I found it when I was scrounging for something to tide me over until supper. I heated it in the microwave for about 15 seconds and took a bite, not expecting much flavor. Woohoo! It tasted like I was eating buttery, garlic Texas toast. So good! The time in the fridge marinated the garlic into the bread. I will be marinating some more bread for the weekend!

Disclaimer: Anything Covid related are just my observations and thoughts.

PS… The Space X launch on Tuesday night was beautiful. The moon was full, the sky almost cloudless and the rocket appeared to be heading directly to the moon. My daughter captured this photo with her cell phone which does not do it justice at all.

A local photographer, Richard Gallagher captured some fantastic photos. Wish I could share them but they are copyrighted. Here is a link to his site.

https://www.rpgphotography.art/new-for-2022ew-for-2022

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. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Five Reasons to Celebrate in 2022

15 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged January 15, 2022

January 7, 2022

Since this is a new year, here’s something different for you.

Let’s take a new look at God’s promises. Let’s prepare to receive blessings. Let’s stand firm and boldly declare no dark news, no negativity, no oppression is a match to God’s power to intervene, to bring back what has been lost. In other words, let’s celebrate.

This is your time to fill your heart and mind with inspiration. I invite you to take a deep breath, grab a cup of your favorite coffee, relax and watch this video. It’s a gift from me to you. To nudge you to open your heart to what God is telling you.

During the next 30 minutes, you might hear God’s calling to you to find good in all things, to be empowered to face anything. And to receive what richness He has prepared for you.

But to make it happen you have to take action. Here’s your challenge: In which of the five parts of the video do you hear God speaking to you—in your situation, in your pain, in your loneliness and anxious nights?

Ready?

Here we go (you can click on the video preview above or us this link: How My Testimony Can Empower Women & Others

Praying this new year overflows with unexpected blessings for you, new turns of prosperity, new ways to experience God’s promises, and a new view of His favor upon your life.

Janet

______________________________________

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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Girl’s Day Out

6 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We are spending the winter in Florida. We arrived around the 18th of December and except for a scattered day here and there, the weather has been pleasant. I tend to get testy when the winter temperature rises to 80 degrees. I know I am being picky, but a perfect day for me would be highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s.

Our daughter’s birthday was last week. We were thinking of an overnight road trip to celebrate the day but we changed our plans due to my husband’s health issues.

We settled on a girl’s day out at Harry P Leu Gardens in Winter Park, FL.

Leu Gardens teems with vigor and beauty, regardless of the season. Discover palms, cycads and flowering trees. Enjoy azaleas, vines, bromeliads and tropical philodendrons. Appreciate the sight of familiar annual flowers and the beauty of roses and camellias. Stroll under the awe-inspiring branches of camphor trees, elms and oaks.

Leugardens.org

Although I lived near these gardens for almost 60 years, I had never visited them!

When we arrived around noon, the parking lot was full, which surprised me. Since we were there during the week after Christmas I assumed most tourists would be at the theme parks. Also surprising was the number of visitors to the gardens who were from other countries. It was nice.

There are many walkways and themed gardens. On the first walkway I was drawn to this tree. The phrase bowed but not broken came to my mind. It reminded me of the hard times the world has faced during Covid.

A little further on the walk we entered a swampy area bordering a lake and I chuckled at a warning sign. I didn’t take a picture, so I created one.

Did the keepers of the garden discover how to limit a swamp to one alligator?

The swamp area had a goodly amount of cypress knees. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a good picture of them. I did get a picture of a cypress tree and the green swamp water and if you look closely in the left lower corner, you will see some knees.

Here are some of my favorite photos of the gardens.

I have a particular fondness for poinsettias to the point that I have been known to bring the ones I buy in North Carolina at Christmas to Florida so that I can enjoy them longer. In fact, one very hardy plant survived all of the past year and is now lovely and blooming in a pot with geraniums. I loved this ruffled looking poinsettia and may need to look for one next year. I think it may be called a rose poinsettia.

Towards the end of our time at the gardens, i realized I hadn’t taken a picture of the birthday girl. We couldn’t ask for more in a daughter. She blesses us with her kind and generous spirit, tolerates our aging foibles and loves us.

I was thankful for the plentiful placement of benches throughout the gardens. While sitting at one bench, I was playing with my camera and noticed a heart shaped light shadow being captured in the view finder that wasn’t visible with my eyes. It put a nice finishing touch to our day.

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. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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This is How Christmas Can be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

25 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged December 25, 2021

December 24, 2021

Our Christmas dinner adventure ended up with an unpleasant episode. I sat on the passenger’s seat and my friend drove the car through busy, narrow Orlando streets in downtown.

Our chatter must have been a bit distracting. Suddenly she gasped. “Oh no!”

Inadvertently, she entered the wrong way into a one-way street. She tried to mask her panic. “What do I do?”

Seconds later, a police officer who patrolled the area motioned to pull over. His deep voice came in from the driver’s window. “Your driver’s license.”

He walked back to his car. And when he came back, he scribbled on the ticket and pressed it in her hand.

Embarrassed? Distraught? Angry at herself? Yup. All of the above.

We do the same.

Most of us do the same at one time or another. When navigating through the streets of life, sometimes we take the wrong turn. Dressed in Christmas red and green, we head the wrong way. We do if we embrace the notion that the reason this is the most wonderful time of the year is because of the gifts, decorated trees, lights, social gatherings, or eating till we can’t move.

That’s not what makes this time wonderful. What makes it miraculously beautiful is the map God traced for our destiny.

Jesus’ birth wasn’t just an event, but it marked the beginning of that destiny. With His birth, a new faith was born. Through Him, we now have the faith that speaks evil into submission. The faith that tells circumstances they don’t dictate our path. The faith that lifts gloom in dark times. The faith that declares no force can stand against us. And the faith that will bring down walls and demolish opposition.

Victorious because we now drive down the street of faith where each season becomes the most wonderful time of the year. We decorate our life with brand new hope. We put up the tree of strength to face setbacks. We shop for opportunities to encourage others We wrap the gift of forgiveness and hand it to those who wronged us.

That can be you—the brand new you who’s born this Christmas. While the rest of the world focuses on what is seen, you concentrate on what’s not seen. You gaze at He who was born to give you what will make you strong. What will give you confidence. What will bring security. And what will end the loneliness.

Even if your path should turn crooked with restlessness, tension or sleepless nights, you have the answer, you have the way out and the only path… “All you do is 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).

In that straight path of life, we find the peace we long for. The rest we need. The thoughts that are calm and the heart that sings joy.

Let’s Pray

Father, this Christmas will be wonderful as I thank You for saving me from wrong thinking, from wrong focus and wrong paths lined with superficial notions and worldly values. I praise You for the straight path that leads me to the beautiful destination You prepared for me. In Jesus’ name.

What is the path your life is taking you this Christmas?

Janet

______________________________________

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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Merry Christmas!

25 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

From our homes to yours

Find Him

23 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I have the best blog partners. Without fail they create a blog every week. Since our road trip in October, I have struggled to put words on paper. Life happens-sometimes frustrating, often very good. Both seem to derail me.

Last week we closed up our home in Western North Carolina and drove to Florida to celebrate Christmas with our daughter and spend the winter. The change from cold nights and chilly days to sunshine and T-shirts was dramatic.

Our town in North Carolina is seriously into decorating and celebrating. People gather downtown for the tree lighting, free carriage rides and of course, hot chocolate. It could be a Hallmark movie. The evening was cold and we had to park several blocks away but I am so glad we went. After the isolation and division of Covid, it was heart stirring to see family and friends laughing and enjoying each other.

The residents deck themselves out in festive wear as well. I brought two short sleeve Christmas T shirts with me to Florida and have enjoyed wearing them but was surprised to observe few people sporting holiday cheer. I understand. When we lived in Florida full time, I found it hard to feel Christmas-y while sweating. As I write this we are having a brief cool front with low temperatures in the upper 40s. I am savoring every moment of it. I think the high for Christmas Day will be in the mid 70s followed by 80s the rest of the week.

My daughter and I began a baking frenzy yesterday. What joy to spend time working together to create delightful treats for Christmas Eve. We follow the Keto lifestyle eating which means making most everything from scratch, but it is so worth it. My husband popped into the kitchen periodically to volunteer his taste testing abilities. What a sacrifice as his back is messed up and he is using a walker. Haha!

Even with life’s challenges, we are so blessed. This month, God restored 2 broken family relationships. One I had been praying over for 20 years. Our hearts rejoiced. The father of the Prodigal son in the Bible killed a fattened calf when his son returned home. We didn’t have a calf on hand, but we did pick up some pizza to celebrate.

This verse was in my morning reading earlier in the week.

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; …

1 Chronicles 28:9

Our broken hearts led us to seek Him with all of our hearts and minds. He not only let us find Him, he sustained us.

Do you follow The Chosen a crowd funded story about Jesus and the disciples? This Christmas they aired a wonderful Christmas special. It debuted in theaters but we watched it on You Tube. If you haven’t watched, you can watch it from here. https://youtu.be/5QeZnmCEeto

We wish you all a joyful Christmas.

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. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Are You Missing This Main Ingredient This Christmas

11 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/11/21 December 10, 2021

December 10, 2021

Last week, hubby and I stood at the customer service line at our local grocery store to return a jar of Vegenaise. OOPS, we had failed to notice it contained soy. As we waited, we observed our line was short compared to the one beside us.

Those in that line wore huge grins as they carried their hope to the counter. They hoped the number they chose would make them lottery winners.

Could it be they secretly hoped it would make them free and happy?

No criticism here.

I was just like them. Although I never once purchased a lottery ticket, I did put hope in things of this world. I hoped my accomplishments would please God. I hoped my performance would gain His favor. And I hoped what I did would lift me up one notch in the well-done-good-and faithful-servant ranking.

We all do that sometimes. We try and try. With the most honorable intentions, we really do. And in the same way heavy ornaments bend the Christmas tree branch, our endless tasks weigh heavy till we begin to droop, too.

At the end of the day, exhausted and frayed, we drag ourselves to bed. We may not realize that God is aware. He possibly peeks through the window of our heart. He sees the reason for our exhaustion—the constant dashes to put up decorations, to place lights everywhere, to grab the best recipe for pumpkin pie, and to wrap those gifts with green and red shiny paper.

Nothing wrong with that, unless we hope that busyness will fill that for which our heart, mind and soul desperately longs.

Could it be that’s the reason folks all over still live in gloom? They serve misplaced hope at every meal. Emptiness becomes their painful companion And, no jingle bells play for those who hope in the Christmas glitter.

Hope Abounds

BUT…. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

We hope in the Christ of Christmas. That’s why we’ll never faint. We’ll never grow weary. We stand in line with a heart overflowing with hope, hope in God alone. That’s when we receive more than we expect, more abundance than any lottery, and more riches than our heart can hold.

And with hope firmly planted in the God of the universe, we walk away with armfuls of reassurance. Confident and secure, we join the Christmas choir that sings: the eyes of the Lord are upon me. I fear the Lord so I trust in His unfailing love (Psalm 33:18 paraphrased).

Once the Christmas tree is put away, the decorations are back in their boxes and leftovers are in the fridge, our only hope still turns to His unfailing love. Our hope increases in His promise that tomorrow is already planned for us. In the hope that our future is safe and guarded by His protection.

True celebration sparks when we open the gift of hope wrapped in His love. We find it overflowing with comfort for lonely moments. Satisfaction for our emptiness. And food for our hungry soul.

Let’s Pray

Father, as seasons come and go, I thank You for Your gift of hope that shines every day, increases every year, and always sustains me. In Jesus’ name.

Where will you place your hope this Christmas?

Janet

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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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