This interview is special to me. The guest is my daughter. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did.I am definitely a proud mama.
Reblogged 2/16/21
Greetings All !
The latest episode in my podcast series, “The Storyteller Almanac” is now live and available for your listening enjoyment . This one is entitled, “The Coastal Chronicles.” I had the pleasure of doing a ‘conversation with’ type interview with Ms Rebekah Lyn. Rebekah is someone I’ve known for over 20 years. When I first met her, she had a desire to write. But since then she’s authored SEVEN books to date with another on the way. Give a listen to this weeks podcast.
I’ve been ‘clickin’ the shutter since I was about 16. I morphed into video production when I went to work for The Walt Disney Company many years ago. Currently, I still work for Disney. But my real passion and path is utilizing my photography and multimedia skill sets for the greater good. Translated, anything or anybody that deserves recognition, appreciation or documenting for future history, I’m all over it. Too many important things just slip away in a fast moving, fast paced world / society. ‘If ya’ wanna know where you’re going, ya’ gotta know where ya’ come from’ (Sir Lawrence Olivier – The Jazz Singer 1980).
If you feel so inclined, I’d sure appreciate you subscribing to Storyteller Almanac on any of the major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more. Really helps me grow the po
To contact me for any reason, please click or copy & paste:
I was in a bit of trouble This past Sunday morning after I got dressed, I slipped into a cute pair of boots and leggings to complement my black dress.
Well, I wasn’t sure if I had the right color combination of items. Since hubby wasn’t home, I did what any blind gal would do. I grabbed my cell, and told Siri to open the app called Be My Eyes. She did. And Siri read the screen to me. I pressed the button that said, “Call first available volunteer.”
I tapped the button and in seconds a real-live person answered. “Hello, my name is Sue, how can I help you?”
“Thank you,” I said. “Can you tell me if I have the right color combination for my outfit?”
I held my cell phone so she could see what I wore. And the sweet gal on the other end described exactly what I had on, colors and other details.
The Be my Eyes app is the greatest help ever! Blind folks can use this free service to read medication labels, identify pantry items, describe their surroundings. The list is endless. Truly, Be My Eyes is a welcomed freedom for the blind.
God wants to be that very thing for us.
He wants to be our eyes so we can see His hand at work in the midst of painful changes. He wants us to look closely at how His Word is coming alive in spite of every ugly event that barges into our life. He wants us to observe how evil is creeping up yet, under God’s watch, it’s heading to its sorry end. He wants us to see all that.
But do we? Sometimes not. We’re blinded by the fear, courtesy of the media. Blinded by worry about tomorrow, and by the anxiety that keeps us tossing awake at night.
But…what if we open the app in our heart to see these seven areas. There He traces the path for us to live as conquerors, confident and secure.
Seven things to see.
He wants us to peek in the gift box wrapped in His love: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you peace as the world gives” (John 14:27a). But wait a minute, that gift comes with this instruction: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27b). With that peace there’s power. We have the power to make the choice to allow our heart to be troubled and be afraid, or to erase that troubled feeling together with its unfounded fear.
God wants us to see how Jesus declared His mission: because “the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61:1), How often we end up in spiritual poverty, hungry for even a bite of hope. But Jesus came to preach the good news that satisfies us as we savor this delicious promise: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
He wants us to recognize the world cannot put back together what was broken. But Jesus can, He says, “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” (Isaiah 61:1). If our heart is broken, He has the salve to heal. He has the love to put back what was taken. And He has the power to make us whole once again.
He wants us to see the freedom, certain and lasting. He came “to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1). No more prisoners of panic attacks, no more feeling gripped by depression. He unlocked that prison cell with the key of His promise.
God wants us to see He has a plan. He came “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God…” (Isaiah 61:2). His favor will be upon those who trust in Him. No matter the injustice, the insults or attempts to silence us, His vengeance is prepared in His way and will be displayed in the precise moment.
When we face the loss of a job, los of a loved one, loss of a relationship or even our health, God wants us to see that he came to fill the emptiness and “to comfort all who mourn…” (Isaiah 61:2). If mourning is filling our days, His comfort is here. If grief weighs heavy, His peace is constant. And if the heartache is too much, He eases the pain.
When we fall apart and we’re surrounded by ashes of despair, He wants us to see that His mission is to bring a beautiful exchange: “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).
Can you look in the mirror and see the new you? The new perception of your life, of your situation and of your future? That’s because when we remove the blinders, we see a new and exquisite scenery. Then peace visits our nights. And during the day, this sings in our heart:
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart…” (Psalm 73:26).
Let’s pray.
Father, no matter how ugly and dark the world turns, I choose to see the scenery you painted before me. I see Your promises, Your mission and Your power to give me strength. In Jesus’ name.
What do your eyes see today?
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.
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.
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.
I have a confession to make. I have attacks of Covid phobia. If my throat feels scratchy, my eyes look extra red, or if I imagine my chest feels tight, can you guess my first thought? Is this Covid?
Last week I shared Debby’s story. Her very personal journey through Covid. Another friend posted their story on Facebook this week and with his permission, I am sharing it with you. For the record, I have not been in physical contact with these friends or friends of friends during their Covid experience.
Gerald’s Story
“Today I turned 68 years old and took the day off just to reflect on my life and how blessed I am. This year 2021 has already turned into a trying one with me getting the COVID in early January but praise God I survived it with very few issues. To say I wasn’t scared would be a lie because I was. I’ve heard too many stories of a person being fine one minute and the next they are gone.
I had 12 days of isolation in my travel trailer to really think about my life and all the amazing things God has blessed me with. A wonderful family, friends, job and so much more! Obviously I wanted to live and see my children and grandchildren grow up and celebrate all the different occasions that make life wonderful. But there was that thought, what if I didn’t make it. Just in case, I wrote a letter to tell all my loved ones just how much they meant to me and to have faith in God because he loves us and is always in control. I wanted to stay but to be honest I trusted God either way and would be content to be in his wonderful presence.
Luckily I made it and don’t need to send the letter but it was wonderful sitting in that trailer for 12 days and reflecting on my life and blessings. When I came out on day 12, I’ll be honest and tell you that the sun was brighter, the air sweeter, and life so much more precious. Thank you God for the angels you placed around me. Thank you for your love, mercy, and for being my Heavenly Father. Hopefully my experience will give someone hope or help someone who might be struggling with the virus or just the struggles of life. Amen“
One night I remember feeling exceptionally unwell and aching. Every time I awoke in pain, I prayed against Covid. The next morning I felt much better. But if the time comes and I do succumb, I hope to do so with the same courage and trust as my friend, Gerald.
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 where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2020 goal is 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.
I came across this poem in Streams in the Desert during my morning meditation. I’ve often been amazed at technology’s ability to fling beauty through the air. In truth, I find it easier to trust that my living God hears prayers than that machines can send sound across through the air.
Two weeks ago when I learned my friend, Debbie, had tested positive for Covid and was symptomatic, I was concerned. My 65 year old friend’s health has not been optimal. On the plus side I knew that she had overcome many physical challenges and that she would be covered in the prayers of her large circle of family and friends.
This week I learned Debbie was a Covid survivor and I thankfully put a capital H next to her name on my Covid prayer list. She posted her Covid experience on Facebook and I found it to be a powerful testimony. She gave me permission to share it with you, unedited.
Debbie’s Story
Today I tested Negative for Covid!
But being home alone these past 18 days has shown me some things:
-God loves me! Be still and Know that he is God!
-I can survive being alone because God never leaves me.
-If you really listen you can hear God- maybe not in a human voice but in the silence around you- a bird singing, rain drops, wind chime blowing, leaves blown across the grass, music from a passing car, a train whistle and just the stillness of late at night.
– Its ok and Good for you to allow others to help you.
– There are many things to do with time on your hands: read, write letters, color, clean out drawers, sit outside and listen to the birds, pray for others.
On day one I cried all day – scared of Covid and scared to be quarantined !
I know that sounds crazy- I am 65 yrs old- widowed for 19 years- being by myself should be normal. It wasnt- it was a Normal I never embraced!! I surround myself with people- even at times unhealthy relationships just to keep from being alone. I have tried to work on this at different times but no luck.
Well the Lords timing is always perfect!
The first 6-7 days I was so sick- I prayed and slept and cried!
Once I got over that first hill I started seeking God for comfort and peace
With being stuck inside!
Daily God would show me how to use
Time to heal my body and soul. He used my family and friends to call at just the right time not at a time I was broken or lonely. Those were the times he ordained for Me and Him.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Side Note:
The night of Our accident that killed Doug- we had been reading a daily devotional- the Bible reference was Romans 8:28. The devotional was about Bad things and good people!
Yes this is the truth- so for years I have not really liked that verse and I associated it with Doug’s untimely death. This quiet time that I did not choose to go thru has opened up a new understanding of this verse:
This verse is speaking to Christians , believers -“those who love God,” and “those who are called according to His purpose.” This promise is for Christians: for saved believers, who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). No matter our feelings , loving God is part of what it means to live in Christ. That’s who we are. Each of us is also called to fulfill God’s purposes.
This weeks’ episode is called, “Mrs. Lee’s Rose Garden.” It’s one of my shorter podcasts (about 5 minutes long) and presented in the mystery or what I refer to as “…The Rest Of The Story...” format. In other words, ya’ gotta listen to the end to find out just who Mrs. Lee is and why her rose garden is important.
.
I’ve been ‘clickin’ the shutter since I was about 16. I morphed into video production when I went to work for The Walt Disney Company many years ago. Currently, I still work for Disney. But my real passion and path is utilizing my photography and multimedia skill sets for the greater good. Translated, anything or anybody that deserves recognition, appreciation or documenting for future history, I’m all over it. Too many important things just slip away in a fast moving, fast paced world / society. ‘If ya’ wanna know where you’re going, ya’ gotta know where ya’ come from’ (Sir Lawrence Olivier – The Jazz Singer 1980).
If you feel so inclined, I’d sure appreciate you subscribing to Storyteller Almanac on any of the major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more. Really helps me grow the po
To contact me for any reason, please click or copy & paste:
Remember those days when Zoom was just a silly word? Remember those days when we attended conferences, public events, and concerts in person?
I recall those days. And during one of those conferences, I sat in the back row. The speaker approached the podium and began his talk with humor. But shortly into his story, he related something that made my nose wrinkle in disgust.
I turn to the friend beside me. “Did he say what I thought he said?”
He sure did. With a matter-of-fact tone he announced he made jewelry out of, are you ready…moose droppings!
Nope. I’m not kidding. (Friends, check the picture below to prove it.)
The art of creating these pieces of jewelry depends on the vision of the artist. He has the outcome and the end result in mind. The unpleasant material isn’t the focus, the end product is.
The same applies to the events of today. What we have to work with is not just stuff that stinks, but unpleasant events, shocking episodes, evil, lies and disturbing news all around.
But what are we going to do with it all?
The choice is up to us.
If while facing the not-so-pleasant situation of the world, we rebel against God, we create misery.
We ridicule His Word. We create our own pain. We disregard His call. We go to bed in despair and wake up desperate.
But on the other hand, if we face the same stinky situation and turn to God, security visits. If we choose to serve Him, peace reigns. If we choose to seek him, blessings pour. And if we obey His instructions, the ending brings triumph.
Here’s how God compares those who choose to forsake Him while driving down the road of pride. In contrast, He addresses the future of those who choose to serve Him.
“But as for you who forsake the LORD and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for destiny, I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; my servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; my servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit.
You will leave your name to my chosen ones as a curse; the Sovereign LORD will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name. Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth; he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth.
For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.” (Isaiah 65:11-16)
Jesus gave this same message when He said He overcame the trouble-filled world. And if He is our Savior, overcomer and redeemer, serving Him is the only option to reach the richness of life. Then He will restore. He will rebuild and redeem His own.
As servants we possess the peace few know. The confidence most seek. And the triumphant freedom everyone longs for. Christ’s servants live with the expectation that His hand will take us through, lift us up and shield us to the end.
Let’s pray.
Father, grant me wisdom to choose not to focus on the events, the chaos, the mess out there in the world. Show me to prepare my heart to love You more intently, to serve You more diligently and to trust in You more firmly. In Jesus’ name.
In view of today’s events, whom will you serve?
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.
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.
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.
This week has flown by. Three doctor appointments in a row can do that. Thankfully, they were all good. I was especially happy that my husband’s two week post op back surgery visit went well and he has been released to drive.
Yesterday my husband drove ( very excited about that) us to the grocery. On the way home we were stopped at a traffic light behind this truck.
Do you ever snap random photos for no purpose just because the subject sparked your imagination or curiosity? It was a gorgeous Florida day, breezy, chilly and sunny and the truck was loaded with outdoor gear. But this was different. Most of the time, the bikes are shiny, mounted with efficient mounts. These bikes had rusty handlebars and were attached by orange strips. The boat on top was not a sleek canoe or kayak as normally seen, but an old aluminum one.
I imagined a family in the truck excited to be going camping and boating. Not a rich family with shiny bikes but an everyday type of family, enjoying being together. It was a nice imagination. Then my husband noted the truck’s license plate…New York. My Imagination shift! The truck now belonged to someone down in Florida for the winter, and picking up used items to sell at a Flea market. Imagination is like that, it can turn on a dime!
Before returning home, I asked my husband to drive me to one of our riverside parks. The winds demanded a “wind fix.” I love wind. Not the hurricane, tornado kind, but wind that comes with a weather front pushing through. It makes my heart soar and I want to spread my arms and embrace it. Think Titanic.
The park has swings and I enjoy sitting there even without the wind. While I sat in the swing, my husband took a short walk. He’s working on building up his strength after surgery. We have plans. (And I have a list of projects for him)
This park is a favorite of mine for a picnic. I posted this video on Facebook to tease my friends who like to picnic but aren’t a fan of wind and cold.
Did I mention that on Wednesday it was 81 degrees and we were running the a/c? Temperatures, like imagination can turn on a dime!
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 where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2020 goal is 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.
Do you remember lining Main Street at Walt Disney World, waiting expectantly for the two o’clock parade? Finally you hear the music heralding the procession and leading the parade is the Grand Marshall.
Mike Thomas over at The Story Tell Almanac has a treat for you today. An interview with Dean Gaschler, the man who for twenty-two years chose who would be honored as Grand Marshall of the Magic Kingdom Main Street parade!
“Now retired, Dean was the person who used to choose who the Grand Marshalls would be for the afternoon parade at The Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida. He shares both some heartwarming and whimsical memories from his 22 year career with Disney.”
About Mike Thomas The Story Teller Almanac
I’ve been ‘clickin’ the shutter since I was about 16. I morphed into video production when I went to work for The Walt Disney Company many years ago. Currently, I still work for Disney. But my real passion and path is utilizing my photography and multimedia skill sets for the greater good. Translated, anything or anybody that deserves recognition, appreciation or documenting for future history, I’m all over it. Too many important things just slip away in a fast moving, fast paced world / society. ‘If ya’ wanna know where you’re going, ya’ gotta know where ya’ come from’ (Sir Lawrence Olivier – The Jazz Singer 1980).
If you feel so inclined, I’d sure appreciate you subscribing to Storyteller Almanac on any of the major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more. Really helps me grow the po
To contact me for any reason, please click or copy & paste:
Since we divide our time between the Western North Carolina mountains and Florida ( 6 months each) people ask if we are snow birds. I don’t consider us snow birds as we are not fleeing the snow and cold of winter (which I love) but fleeing the Florida summer heat. I tell them we are blessed irregular migrants, wandering between both places.
The dictionary defines human migration as “physical movement by humans from one region to another” and ecology migration as”the large-scale movement of species from one environment to another;”
The ecology part came into play when we began bringing my dipladenia or mandevilla hanging baskets, cold sensitive plants, to spend winters in Florida with us. They flourished, and make the Spring journey back to North Carolina in full bloom.
Initially I had one plant that hung by the front door but a few years ago purchased another to hang in the back yard for the birds to enjoy. This year I retired an old one from rotation and it will hopefully live happily in Florida. We have had to bring it inside several times this year due to the cold but so far so good. I wish I had a picture before our daughter trimmed it up yesterday. It was huge!. I think the yellow leaves are the result of adjusting to a different climate.
Poinsettia are a long time favorite of mine. During childhood my mom grew them outside and they bloomed beautifully at Christmas. She knew when to trim them back for blooms. Christmas of 2019 I bought some small plants at a home improvement store in North Carolina. They were only 88 cents each so why not! I found I preferred the small plants as they were easier to create a grouping in decorative containers for the holiday season.
Of course I became attached to them and took them with us to Florida. They did well over the winter but I didn’t think they would flourish in the summer heat so we found room in the car and took them with us along with the dipladenia.
We didn’t plant them, simply sat them outside in their pots and let nature care for them. They grew and began to get “leggy”. When our daughter came to spend Thanksgiving with us, I asked her to take the plants to Florida and see how they would do. To my surprise they overcame the “leggy” look and made a beautiful plant.
Moving into the fall of 2020. I posted here about finding a farm that sold a myriad of pansy varieties. I planted three pots of them. Unfortunately, the time to leave for Florida arrived before they reached full glory. So… you guessed it, I brought them with me, but only one pot. I left one on a shepherds hook by the front door and one in a large planter that supports a fountain.
I also picked up 88 cent poinsettias again this year. I set a grouping on the outside stairs as well as some inside. It was tricky trying to remember to bring them in after watering them, but I only watered once per week. They came to Florida too and along with the pansies are now providing cheerful color` to the walkway. If the pansies survive the heat of Florida spring (which begins in late February) I plan to take them back to North Carolina where they should thrive until late April. And yes, there is a good chance the poinsettia will go too. I think maybe my plants are snow bird plants!
We bought this dipladenia in 2020 and look forward to several years of migration. I love these plants because they take care of themselves and yet give us beautiful flowers.
I hope January has been kind to you. We’ve had some medical challenges but remain thankful and confident in the love and care of our Savior.
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