Archive by Author

15 Reasons Why We Must Never Fear

28 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

REBLOGGED November 27, 2020

November 27, 2020

“We had the worst Thanksgiving,” my friend said. “My uncle became so irate at the news, he hurled his shoe at the TV and cracked the screen.”

Whoa! What’s happening in our homes today? Parents are tense, kids aren’t happy. And just about everyone is fed up. We’re over the chaos.

But what’s truly taking place is a false mindset courtesy of the enemy of our souls. He served a turkey stuffed with lies. And silly us, we ate it.

Questions to Ask

But before we get emotional indigestion, let’s ask these questions: Who said evil can win? Who said those who are Christ followers should ever feel weak, accept fear or allow anxiety to come in? Who said God is distant and deaf to our cries? Who said that? You know the answer—the father of lies.

To counter them, we push down Satan’s lies in the garbage disposal of life and serve a new dish to delight our soul–God’s victory.

David did that when he faced an army of enemies. Fear could have eaten him for lunch. But in Psalm 37 he acknowledges the wicked who surround him. He recognizes the evil at work. He speaks of the destiny of the wicked and the direction of the righteous. And he illustrates how to put it all in perspective.

But please note that David’s new perspective has no room for wimpy notions, self-pity episodes, or doubt. Instead, He becomes empowered by God’s truth.

Make these 15 Declarations Against Fear

That’s why this Thanksgiving season we have more reasons to be grateful. In the pandemic of discouragement God expects us to do the same as David–with courage oozing from our pores, we declare these fifteen steps to let fear know who’s boss.

  1. Even when we watch the news, we toss anxiety out the window because God says: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
  2. We never stop being generous and kind, expecting He will meet our desires. We make sure to…. “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
  3. Do not worry if your voice is not heard. God will take care of that. Instead, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
  4. When we long for relief from all this yesterday, we become restless. But God has a plan and He says: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
  5. Let others swim in the river of destructive anger. Instead, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil.”
  6. God has His judgment ready. And for us, He has a promise: “For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
  7. Peace is soon to arrive. God’s divine strategy is at work: “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
  8. No matter what seems to be against us, we count on God’s victory. He gives us a clue here: “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
  9. When we feel drained, we focus on God’s mighty strength to defend us: “The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.”
  10. Praise God for what you do have because “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.”
  11. Make sure to be blameless from lashing out insults and accusations because “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.”
  12. We don’t worry about our enemies because “the wicked will perish: The LORD’s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish-vanish like smoke.”
  13. We can expect blessings when we give. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.”
  14. Resist the world’s pattern, follow God’s ways instead because “If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
  15. Danger may seem to be drawing near, but God has the last Word: “The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

No matter what we face, fear has no power. Conversely, God is the one who has the power to restore, to heal, to turn things around and to hand us victory on the platter of His faithfulness.

Let’s Pray

Father, when this world seems to be falling apart and Satan attacks more fiercely, your power is what I count on. Your victory is what I anticipate. And Your hand at work is what keeps me going each day with no fear, with hope, but with joy and deep, deep peace. In Jesus name.

How was your fear conquered 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.

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

Happy Thanksgiving 2020

26 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Happy Thanksgiving friends! However you are celebrating, may your day be blessed with sweet memories of past celebrations as you make new memories today.

Tags:

November Christmas

19 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

My husband took me out to lunch this week for my birthday. A very delayed celebration of my August birthday. To my surprise, the Seafood restaurant was decorated for Christmas!

For several weeks Christmas has been appearing in Florida and not just in the shops. I see Christmas tree lights shining from windows as I drive down neighborhood streets and some even have put up inflatable Santas. Friends have been posting their Christmas trees on Facebook, some a bit sheepishly. There seems to be a longing for the magic of Christmas to mitigate the fatigue of 2020.

My fellow blogger at Minding my P’s With a Lot of Q wrote a poignant post this week titled “Perspective – Decorating Cheer Trending“. I heartily suggest you visit.

https://threepsandq.com

Excerpt:

I’ve never been one to follow trends, but I’ve done so accidentally, I’m decorating for CHRISTMAS. I didn’t know I was part of what might be a nationwide movement until I watched a news show yesterday on the topic. I’ve noticed in my area many people began to put up Christmas decor long before November even arrived. My husband and I chalked it up to warm weather and putting lights up with sunshine on your back instead of winter winds.

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  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.

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Six vital steps to take when diagnosed with COVID-19

14 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged November 14, 2020

November 13, 2020

“I’m in the hospital,” my friend emailed me. “I have COVID-19.”

My heart sunk.

Many recover. Many have few symptoms. And others test positive and have no symptoms at all.

So, what do we do when we learn a dear friend is in the hospital? Most would pray. I did. But are we praying out of our emotions or out of our convictions? Are we pleading out of fear? Or declaring God’s power out of faith? Are we trembling before an intimidating giant, or are we declaring that Almighty God is greater than any threat?

If we give the wrong answer, doubt turns to anxious moments. We secretly question God’s ability to rescue us. When dark diagnosis comes our way, we question why He didn’t prevent it. And when symptoms persist, we feel abandoned.

So once again, we get on our knees as we were taught. We begin to plead, beg, and ask over and over again. And when no answers come, His silence spurs more anguish rather than peace.

Six Vital Steps

But whether we face COVID-19 that attacks our body, or a virus that attacks our soul, a drastic change occurs, clarity begins, and faith increases when we follow these six steps:

  1. Readjust our priorities. If we seek the answer to our prayer with more passion than we seek God Himself, His patience rather than answers is what will be at work. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
  2. Resist the temptation to recite memorized, perfect prayers, with lovely words and deep insight. God simply wants the genuine expression of our heart. And most of all, “…when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7)
  3. Recognize that sometimes we don’t know how to pray or what our requests should be. So, we can freely ask for Him to show us what to pray for. And confident that He’s listening attentively, whisper to Him, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
  4. Remember that His answer is always in His timing, not ours because a thousand years in God’s sight are like a day that has just gone by. (Psalm 90:4)
  5. Relish in the fact that while we wait, He’s working in us, in our heart, in our situation because, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
  6. Remove anxious thoughts. In the silence of the moment and in the power of His presence, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Why follow these steps? Because “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14–15)

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for showing me how to pray with the certainty that You are indeed watching, listening, and observing each step I take. Grant me the wisdom to recognize You are vigilant of my every move. In Jesus’ name.

How will you renew your trust in Almighty God to work in your situation?

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

Greeting Card Stories

5 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Dayspring greetings cards are my favorites and my favorite place to purchase them is Hobby Lobby. The cards have simple and encouraging messages and are a reasonable price. Better yet, Hobby Lobby always offers a 40 % off coupon.

It’s not often I need to purchase more than one at a time but last Saturday, I needed to purchase four..In the space of a week, I needed a card for sympathy, a wedding, a birthday and congratulations on your new home. Only thing missing was a card for a new baby. As I shuffled through the cards, my mind lingered over each one. Attached to each card was a life story.

The Sympathy Card

My cousin’s beloved mother in law passed away at the end of last week from Covid. My mind drifted back several years when my cousin’s twenty something son became seriously ill with complications of the flu. He was in the ICU, his organs were failing and he was on a ventilator. My cousin’s mother in law was a woman of strong faith. She went to her church with a handkerchief to be anointed, then traveled to her grandson’s bedside and prayed healing over him. Miraculously, he did recover. She always claimed that he survived because of the handkerchief. On his final day in the ICU the staff gave him a pizza party to celebrate and confided that they didn’t think he would survive. I felt a sad irony that she passed due to a flu.

Image by Inactive_account_ID_249 from Pixabay

The Wedding Card

Have I mentioned that I am blessed with a wealth of cousins? The wedding card is for a cousin’s second marriage. Since her divorce after 25 years of marriage, my prayer for her was that she would have wisdom in her relationships. It’s a big responsibility to be a single mom and who she allowed into her families lives would be a big decision. I am so pleased with the man she said yes to. In three days they will marry. The wedding plans have had some bumps including herself and two children succumbing to Covid three weeks before the wedding!

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

The Birthday Card

We have been blessed to have friends we have known and loved since we were in our twenties and the “baby” couple in a young marrieds Sunday School class. One of them has a birthday coming up. He has a great sense of humor and it is always fun to choose a card for him.

Image by DarkmoonArt_de from Pixabay

Congratulations on Your New Home Card

My husband’s brother is 65 years old and after years of living in his car or in a scary, mold ridden old motel, he finally moved into a reduced income senior citizen apartment building. We are thrilled he is finally in a safe environment. Since adulthood, he has been a loner and we are hoping he will make friends with other residents.

All of the cards have made it to the mailbox (A major accomplishment for me!) except the new home card. We don’t know how to address the card. We’ve called to get his address but being a loner, he hasn’t call back.

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  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.

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Four promises God makes during the pandemic of our troubles.

31 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged October 31, 2020

October 25, 2020

My hands grew sweaty and my heart beat fast. I did my best in my task as a novice Spanish interpreter in that courtroom decades ago.

Then the unexpected happened.

“Mrs. Eckles, approach the bench,” the judge said after he announced a recess during one of the sessions.

Gulp. He’s calling me, Wasn’t I doing a good job? I stood and took a few hesitant steps toward him, expecting a reprimand.

I swallowed hard and looked in his direction. “Yes, your honor,” I said.

“I’m also bilingual,” he said in a calm voice, “and I’m impressed with your high level of accuracy and your professionalism.”

I fought the urge to jump high and cheer. But instead, I gave a shy smile, “Thank you, your honor.”

Facing the Divine Judge

On a greater scale, the question for all of us is: what will we do when we face the Divine Judge? Will we tremble? Or will we approach Him with love and wonderful expectations?

Until we meet Him face to face, we can practice our reaction now. In these tough times that press hard, we can anticipate all the good He offers in the courtroom of life. We hope for His hand to resolve our problems, for His grace to cover us during the Chaos. And during the pandemic of fear, we expect to hear His voice.

And we will, should we choose to, be still and listen. The good news is that His approach isn’t one of a ruthless judge, but one of a loving Father.

And that love is active. When we take the wrong path, He disciplines. Rather than scolding, He gives reassurance. Rather than apathy, He corrects our ways. Rather than punishment, He extends mercy. And instead of condemnation, through His Son Jesus, He offers forgiveness.

Four Promises

That’s why we wake every morning embracing what He offers. And before we sip our coffee, we serve these four promises to feed our soul:

  1. Should uncertainty rattle our nerves, we offer Him our complete trust as we declare: “in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)
  2. And when trials weigh heavy, we lift our head and with audacious faith, declare: “two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. (Psalm 62:11-12)
  3. When discouragement leaves us weak, our lips repeat His promise: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
  4. When frightened by natural disasters, violence or unrest, we remember what God said through Moses: Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Let’s Pray

Father, in the stillness of Your presence is where we find our refuge. In Your love we find peace. And In your promises is our trust. Thank You for never failing us. In Jesus name

What is God saying to you in the pandemic of your troubles?

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.

If you enjoyed these moments of inspiration, consider supporting JC Empowerment Ministries. We keep going, keep inspiring and keep bringing Jesus light into the darkness only through your cheerful tax-deductible giving. It’s simple. Just hop over to this LINK. https://janetperezeckles.com/about/non-profit-tax-exempt-authorization-letter

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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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Voting Migration

29 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

United States election day is November 3rd. We are registered to vote in Florida but since we are often still enjoying the mountains of North Carolina in November, we frequently vote by absentee ballot.

Voting absentee has worked well for us. The hardest part is folding the return envelope correctly. There is even a procedure using a QR code on the envelope to track the process of our vote. We received our absentee ballot at our home in North Carolina, but decided we wouldn’t be using it. We wanted to vote in person.

Tuesday we loaded our car and began a leisurely two day drive back to Florida. We travel back roads to avoid interstates until we cross into Florida, We were thankful the traffic was light on the back roads and even on the interstate in Jacksonville, Florida which can be a nightmare.

Photo by Alexander Cruzado Abanto on Pexels.com

To our surprise, the further south we drove, the heavier the traffic was heading north. I knew that large numbers of people from the north who owned winter homes in Florida had fled the cities to ride out the virus there. Were they migrating north to vote as we were heading south? A severe auto accident south of Jacksonville halted the north bound traffic for miles. A static snapshot of the traffic.

I was curious about the large number of semi-trucks heading north. Were they empty and returning home to resupply? Or were they trucking supplies north? One thing that surprised me while we were in North Carolina was the amount of empty store shelves. When we left Florida in late July, the stores were almost back to pre-covid levels except for paper goods.

My husband and I prefer to vote on election day during Presidential elections. We enjoy the camaraderie of voting with our neighbors.

Image by John Mounsey from Pixabay

This year due to my husband’s health issues we plan to vote early. If the line is too long, we can try another day or vote on election day if necessary.

I wonder if I can talk my husband into lunch while we are out to vote?

UPDATE: We voted. The line didn’t stretch outside so we didn’t mind the 40 minute wait. I used some of the time praying for those voting and some checking out the masks. There seemed to be a lot of couples voting and the non couples seemed to be pretty evenly split between men and women. The most popular mask was the surgical style. Of the cloth masks, black seemed to be the favored color. No idea why. My husband chooses black masks, maybe I should ask him.

I was sad to note there was very little conversation going on among people in line.

It seems masks have replaced camaraderie.

I did see an old friend volunteering in the office. I waved and she looked puzzled so I whipped my mask down and gave her a big grin.

My husband requires a walker to get around but we haven’t been given a parking placard for handicap spaces so we had to park across the street and maneuver up the stairs.

I am sorry to report that I didn’t get lunch out after voting. It was 89 degrees outside and after the cool Fall temperatures in the mountains, 89 degrees zapped any idea of leaving the air conditioned car except to dash into the air conditioned house.

Have you voted? What was your experience like?

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  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.

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I Am So Over Polls-Are You?

23 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

In years past, I enjoyed answering telephone polling questions. I felt I was being given an opportunity to have a voice.

Pixabay geralt / 22248 images

I have been on the “outs” with political polls since 1992. That is the year I realized polls were being used to shape elections. That those running for office adjusted their campaign talking points based on what was polling well, not what they planned to do once elected. And we wonder why the people we send to Washington don’t deliver what they promised.

21st Century polls evolved further into not simply asking questions but shaping a narrative. Adjust the question/answer formula and one can manipulate the outcome. I am not fond of manipulation, are you?

2020 elections have added a new component to polls….fear. In this digital age of data mining, one’s answers and even their phone numbers can be sold. With the media fanning fears of Civil War, this is troubling.

Have you received a polling phone call or text this year? I always feel bad for the person placing the call. Must be a tough job.

Pixabay

Recently I was contacted once by text and once by phone. The text asked my choice for President. I responded undecided. On the phone call I gave approval to both candidates and declared myself undecided. I kind of like giving the undecided answer. I mentally picture someone analyzing the stats, frantically wondering how to convert the undecided votes.

Pixabay

I mentioned earlier that I don’t like to be manipulated, but I do get a kick out of trying to manipulate the manipulators.

I love this picture!

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay

PS Thank you for not posting any candidate or party specific comments.

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 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.

Tags: ,

Dealing with Fear?

10 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Dealing with Fear? Psalm 23 brings back all the reassurance you need.

Reblogged October 10, 2020

October 9, 2020

I sat at my computer ready to finish an article the other night. But I confess, rather than get to my task, I slipped over to check my inbox. And this message from a friend popped up:

“The alarm company called at 3:30 this morning. Our jewelry store had a break-in. A thief, expert in computers, managed to bypass our alarm system, break the door window, and reach in to open the door from the inside.

But he was in for a surprise. He wasn’t aware we have a secondary alarm system installed. It went off scaring him out.”

A second alarm? What a great idea. When it comes to protecting something valuable, wise people double their protection.

But often we don’t do that.

As a result, we end up vulnerable to any emotional and spiritual break-in. They take place because we failed to set up adequate protection.

We’re just too busy engaged in watching the screen, reading headlines, checking others’ posts on social media, turning angry at comments that don’t align with our thinking. No wonder we need coffee to wake us up in the morning, Tylenol to get rid of the throbbing headache, and a glass of wine to help us sleep.

But who could blame us? Life is tough. And there is one being that makes sure it’s tougher, more painful and ugly.

God identified him as the evil one. And today, some say that Satan has become more intense in his attacks. Could it be that while we’re busy with other things, he managed to trip the first alarm and has made his way in?

Even if he did, we can learn from David. Although he was a mighty king, a hero, and a brave warrior, sometimes he stepped out unprotected and slipped into the cliff of destructive sin. Other times, he was depressed and desperate.

And in that desperation is when he installed in his heart a second layer of protection—he tapped into God’s power through His promises.

Our declaration to combat fear.

And when he did, there was no shyness or hesitation. He crushed the enemy with his courageous declaration in Psalm 23. His assertion of God’s promises was bold and audacious. And ours should be, too, as we make David’s words our own: With unwavering faith we declare:

  • No matter what chaos surrounds us, we will lack nothing. We will not be without. God will meet our needs, provide and supply all because “The LORD is our shepherd, we shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23:1a)
  • When we drag our feet through the mud of adversity, exhausted by the weight of our burdens, “He promises His strength and makes us lie down in green pastures…” (Psalm 23:1b)
  • We will not trudge through the rough waters that flow through the river of fear, anxiety or worry because “He leads us beside quiet waters…” (Psalm 23:2)
  • Although our soul may be discouraged and dim, we will still rejoice because in His unending love and mercy “He restores our soul.” (Psalm 23:3)
  • We’re not paralyzed by fear, but follow God’s instructions, believe His promises and hold His hand firm because “He guides us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)
  • No matter the discouraging and unwanted medical diagnosis, we still assert with passion because “Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil…” (Psalm 23:4)
  • We push away gloom because even in the midst of sorrow, we’re never alone or abandoned. Therefore, we declare, “For you are with us; your rod and your staff, they comfort us.” (Psalm 23:4)
  • Many ridicule our faith, insult our convictions and fiercely attack our beliefs. But we assert, “You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our head with oil; our cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)
  • With unbridled boldness, we climb to the rooftops, grab the largest megaphone and declare: “Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

We’re living in urgent times. We can’t afford to be mousy about our convictions or shy about claiming the power of God’s Word. Rather, we embrace profound reassurance and audacious boldness. And with that confidence, we’re already victorious. This truth must dominate our every thought, word and attitude. They did for David as he tasted reassurance when God lifted him from that dark valley. Why wouldn’t God do the same for us?

Let’s Pray

Father, because of the power of Your Word, I can rest at night, trust during the day and see Your hand at work. No matter the mess in the world, I shall be confident and reassured. In Jesus’ name.

What portion of Psalm 23 was written for you?

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.

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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Life During Covid 19-Part 25

8 Oct

Road Trip West-Interrupted

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

After arriving home from our interrupted 5 week road trip, the piles of luggage, totes filled with warm coats and cooking supplies were daunting. If we had completed the trip, it would still have been daunting, but I would have had pleasant memories as I unpacked.

Still, I was thankful for the wonderful care my husband received at Georgetown Community Hospital and the kindness of the staff at the Comfort Inn of Georgetown, Kentucky. My husband was no longer in acute pain from the kidney stones and we settled in to await a procedure to laser the stones in two weeks.

Except, it turned out the excitement for my husband wasn’t over. A few days after returning home, my husband moved wrong and felt something pop in his back. Instant pain. He has experienced back issues off and on for years but this was the worst. Usually a chiropractor can get him going again but this time was different. We didn’t have a chiropractor in North Carolina and due to other circumstances, it took three weeks to get in to see one. My husband said the pain was worse than the kidney stones.

He spent 4 weeks sleeping upright in a recliner and unable to walk without the assistance of a wheeled walker.

Thankfully, he is improving. He can now sleep in a bed and he has a new appreciation for it. He even drove this past week. Not sure if he has come to appreciate my driving skills, though. He still uses the walker, but is able to walk short distances in the house without it.

He has watched hundreds of hours of You Tube and can now repair items we don’t even own. I was secretly hoping he might watch some cooking videos.

On a positive note, it has been easy to shelter at home. Doctor visits and grocery shopping are our outings. I have enjoyed having more time to read. Our local library is part of the Libby app system and I can choose books without needing to visit the library. I usually have an audio book and eBook “checked out.” Plus I have a selection of paper books to read as well.

I hope once our lives become normal again, I will remember to take time to relax with a good book.

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  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.

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