Archive by Author

Suddenly I Am All Pink and Lavender

21 Jan

I have been making graphics for Social Media with verses from Proverbs. I have enjoyed pairing photos we have taken with a Proverb and sharing the story behind the pictures on the other site I manage, Rebekah Lyn Books.

This picture was taken on Christmas Day on the Merritt Island Wild Life Refuge. For some odd reason this week I am gravitating toward pinks and lavender backgrounds.

It will be interesting to see if this phase continues or if I go back to photographs. Wasn’t there a famous painter who was known for his color phases?

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A Letter From Ivan

20 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

While Ivan was in the Army, he and Dora, like most married people in WWII, kept a running conversation going through the mail. Here is one letter from Ivan when he was in water purification training in Austin, Texas on the Colorado River.

 June 20, 1944 Tuesday Morning

It is about time I wrote. Most of the other Boys wrote yesterday evening and this morning, but I have been pretty busy fishing and swimming and working. We have a trout line set with about 15 hooks on it. Have been busy moving it around trying to find a good place. So far we only have two nice cat fish about a foot long.

 We have our own boat and we go run the lines every so often. I have a line set right here in front of my tent. Boy there is a big old turtle over across the river. His neck is about 6 inches long. But every time someone goes after him he dives in the water and gets away.

I received your lonesome and most welcome letter last nite. Someone brings our mail out every day. Sunday nite on the way out it was raining like hell so after we left the paved road and started down to the river the roads were slick and we turned a trailer over with a complete water purification unit on it. But it didn’t do much Damage. We winched it right back up and took off. 

Last nite we went for a swim and then went to sleep after running the trout line. If you ever had a turkish bath you will know how hot it is here. Until midnight you just lay there and your whole body is soakig wet with sweat. The bedding even gets all wet. You have to sleep without your underwear because it gets wet enough you can wring it out and that makes it hotter. 

I’ll see you afterwhile, as I have to go and run my lines. 

 Here I am again just after Supper. Had quite a nice afternoon. But haven’t caught any fish. We went swimming and I had just got out and had my shirt and pants on when the sergeant  waded a bit too far from the bank and the current took him down over his head.

He couldn’t swim a lick. But I thought when he hollered he was just fooling. I didn’t Know he couldn’t Swim. So when he bobbed up and down a few times, I pulled my shirt off but didn’t have time to get my pants off . I jumped in off the bank which is about 6 foot from the water level into about 7 foot of water. Took off my pants underwater while I was coming up. Then I had to swim down stream a little ways as the current is pretty stiff and had washed him downstream.

Well finally I got him to the bank and a couple of other fellows pulled him up the hill and worked on him. When I got on the bank, I spied my pants going down stream so dove back in and retrieved them. The sarge revived in about 5 minutes. Then we went up on the highway in a truck and got some ice and cookies. Going to have some cold cokes tonight. Just had one. It was swell. Well I had better close now and send all my love and I do mean all.

 Love, Ivan

Coke, Coca Cola, Drink, Drink Box, Lemonade

Author, Poet and Artist

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

12 ways to transform your life.

18 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

January 17, 2020

Reblogged January 18, 2020

I almost fell for the trap. You gals know what I’m talking about, the new look that’s popular today—false eyelashes.

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

My friend sat across the table from me. Her cosmetic bag jammed with make-up items. “You have to put them on,” she said. “You’ll see how different you look. It’s easy and your look will be transformed.”

Transformed? Sounded inviting until a woman shared her experience with the results. After a few weeks, one by one, the lashes began to fall off. One eyelid was filled with lush eyelashes and the other looked half bald. See? Transformation in our physical appearance isn’t always the best.

How about if we try a deeper, more profound kind of transformation. What brings beautiful results is choosing the right attitude when we express our needs to the Lord.

And before we tell God what we need, we submit to a make-over of our attitude. We remove old ways of asking. We put aside praying habits we held since we were kids.

12 Important Steps

Instead, we follow these 12 steps of preparation that transform our thinking, re-evaluates our attitude, and brings a new kind of connection with God.

  1. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, we walk in His Word today.
  2. We don’t ask God to remove our fear, but remove our doubt that He will.
  3. We don’t succumb to self-pity; we surrender it all to God.
  4. We don’t fret about the success of our business; we make our business to thank Him for what He’s doing.
  5. Instead of asking to heal our loneliness, we heed the truth that god alone is enough.
  6. We don’t lament yesterday’s mistakes, but are content with today’s blessings.
  7. Instead of trembling when our boat is sinking, we make Him the anchor of our soul.
  8. When answers don’t come, we go to the foot of the cross and leave our problems there.
  9. Rather than wish for the abundance of our bank account, we take into account the riches He poured out.
  10. We don’t choose our battles; we give them all to the Lord.
  11. Instead of asking for success, we succeed first in trusting God.
  12. And finally, when God seems silent, we silence the distractions in order to hear the whisper of His voice.

Lifetime transformation happens when we don’t tip toe in the pain of our problem. We tap into the Power of God instead. His power to perform miracles. To bring down barriers. To keep us from falling. To hear our cries and to ease our sorrow.

That’s why God’s Word says, “…give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (Psalm 22:24).

“For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help” (Psalm 22:24, 55:22).

Maybe you’re the one crying for that help right now. We all do at one time or another. But here is the good news.  When we count on His promises, we make God bigger than our trials. When we speak His truth, we tear down the lies of the enemy. When we declare what He will do, we’re already walking in the victory. And when we focus on His never-ending love, our anguish ends.

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank You for the wisdom to embrace each of Your promises. Thank You for the courage to believe what you say. To believe what You can do and what You will do. In Jesus’ name.

How will you prepare your heart for prayer?

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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Blurred Days and Hot Cheese

16 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

This has been a busy week, but the only way I can remember why, is to look at the list of appointments on my calendar. PLEASE tell me I am not the only one who has do this. The days and weeks fly leaving blurred impressions.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Monday I had a mid-morning eye appointment that involved driving out of town, followed by a trip to Sam’s Club to pick up heavy whipping cream, a Keto staple. Made it home, had lunch, took a little rest then it was time to begin supper prep.

Tuesday I worked at our church food pantry, Compassion house.

It was so busy I didn’t get my coffee break until it was over. Whew! I am sad that people in our community need help with food, but I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of this ministry.

Wednesday- now that is a mystery. I know I woke up, I know I did stuff around the house. I do not know what it was. I DO remember making supper.

Have you ever eaten Country Ham Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese? The first time I had it was in Charleston, South Carolina at Poogan’s Porch restaurant. I was hooked and searched online for the recipe. You can find it here.

Recipe Direct has the same version in a smaller quantity and without the cayenne pepper.

We eat Keto and for supper Wednesday I planned bacon wrapped chicken tenders and the Poogan’s Porch Country Ham, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (substituted cauliflower because everything Keto substitutes with cauliflower). Except the gouda was not smoked, instead it was smoking’.

When my daughter bought it at Aldi, she didn’t notice the red flecks scattered throughout. No worries, I said to myself, I will just leave out the cayenne pepper.

I should have worried. After slicing off a piece to sample, I needed water-STAT.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

My husband is not a fan of hot foods so a recipe change was in order. I decided to use half gouda, half cheddar and 2 ounces of cream cheese. The dish turned out sopping delicious but it still had some heat. I am not patient when a recipe calls for simmering until the sauce is reduced by half. Consequently the consistency was more soupy than I would like.

But I found a bright side. I have quite a bit of the sauce left over and tonight I plan to add pizzaz to steamed broccoli by spooning some of the sauce over the ho-hum veggie. The sauce will make its next appearance mixed with shredded chicken and served over Zeroodles with Oat Fiber. You can buy them on Amazon but the price is insane. I buy them on Netrition.

Wednesday evening I remember vividly. My daughter purchased a laser printer from the church rummage sale back in the fall. It is an older model but was still in the box. She tried repeatedly to set up the air print feature without success. I volunteered to try. (Note to self, never buy a Samsung or HP product.)

Samsung was bought by HP and the only way to speak with tech support is to BUY a subscription. That is insane. After spending over two hours searching online, with nerves stretched taunt, I admitted defeat. Then my husband came in and began making suggestions… We won’t go there.

Except for an early morning test that involved drinking nasty liquid, nothing exciting today. I think it is time for lunch.

How is your week going? Let me know if you try the Mac and Cheese recipe.

I'm a winnerAfter 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 2019 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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Memories Made for Savoring

9 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Thursday and Friday are my days to post announcements and a daily Scripture verse to our North Carolina Facebook page.  Since we have taken masses of photos of the mountains during vacations over the years, I have begun trying to choose pictures of the area rather than the free photos on Pixabay.

The scripture for today is Luke 14:23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Today as I was scrolling through 2011 photos thinking surely I have photos of highways and hedges, I found pictures of a day trip we took with our grandchildren and son. 

In the summer we tried to go on an “adventure” once or twice per month. This particular day we had lunch in a picnic area with rugged stone tables, then embarked on a slow one way drive through the unpaved Heintooga Round-Bottom road. When we first discovered this drive, one drove over there stream on a concrete ford. In later years a bridge to cross the stream was built. We preferred the crossing but I am sure it was often a problem during heavy rains and runoff.

Description from the website.


This beautiful driving trail descends from the high altitudes of the Balsams down into the coves of Roundbottom and Cherokee. The road is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Cherokee entrance of the Park. Continue all the way up to the mountaintop. Make a left turn at the Balsam Mountain Campground sign and continue until the paved road dead ends just beyond the campground. This is a one-way road so once you start there is no turning back. The first fourteen miles are bumpy, winding, and sometimes steep. When you come out of the woods, it looks like the road dead ends into the water. Actually, you drive right through the water on a concrete ford. Park here, take your shoes off, and enjoy the cool mountain water! From this point it’s a two way gravel road back to Cherokee. When you dead end into Big Cove Road take a left turn to go to Cherokee!

It was a good day filled with fun and laughter. Our “grands” are grown now and I miss those days but I am thankful for the memories. I savor them. Time passes quickly and circumstances change. Take every opportunity to make memories with loved ones and friends.

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If you believe in miracles, why are you still blind?

4 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged January 4 2020

This isn’t the first time someone has asked me this question. When I write about the power of God’s miracles. When I speak on the faith we must have in His miraculous healing, why then do I still have no sight?

The question seems logical and obvious. My answer: God has healed me. And no, it’s not manifested yet. It may not be until I enter heaven.

But while here on earth, the issue is that we as flawed, limited-minded folks have expectations that mirror our human notion of what a miracle should be.

How God Heals

Luke 4 details Jesus’ healing of many, instantly and completely. He healed them from physical and mental disorders. He healed the blind. And I am among them. Though my physical vision didn’t come back, what God allowed me to see reaches far beyond the physical.

What I see is His grace that covers me when life turns dark. What I see is His hand at work when I run into walls of opposition. What I see clearly is His compassion when I fall into the ditch of my mistakes. And He gave me 20/20 vision to see His forgiving nature when I don’t deserve it. And what I can’t help but see is His promise for a future rich with His ever-lasting love.

So, has God healed me? A resounding yes. But we, human minded, with limited vision only see the miracle according to our limited expectations.

I admit it; initially, that was my expectation, too. I prepared for one day to wake up and have full sight. Had that happened, I would have danced with gratitude, and from the rooftops proclaimed the miracle. But that euphoria would have waned in time. And I might have gone back to being the same young woman, looking for fulfillment, searching for a way to feel whole and seeking the richness of life.

God Knows Best

God knew, that’s why He restored my spiritual vision. And now nearly 30 years later, I still see that abundance is not found in possessing physical sight, or enjoying the ability to walk, to live in a cancer-free body, or to enjoy a sharp mind.

The richness of life is found in spite of our limited abilities, recognizing the limitless power of God at work.

He’s at work in your life right now, too. He may be preparing a miracle, not in the way you expect, but beyond. He may have the answer but different and better than you hoped.

And as we wait, here are five truths to consider;

  1. Our expectations have a limited realm; His delivery has a profound result.
  2. Jesus didn’t come to heal only physical ailments, but to uphold His promise to renew our soul.
  3. When we’re afraid, Jesus was born so our fear could die.
  4. Our worry vanishes in the wonder of His promises.
  5. If we seek God first, we don’t have to look for miracles, they’re all before us.

Knowing these truths, we don’t need new year resolutions, God gave the solutions: faith in what He does, trust in what He says, and hope in what we yet don’t see.

Let’s pray:

Father, I praise You for knowing what I long for more than I do. You see what I need more than me, and when I think I’m asking for something good, you give me the best. In Jesus name.

What miracle did you overlook lately?

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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My Always Resolution

2 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We had an exciting New Year’s Eve. We met our daughter in Orlando and went shopping at Ikea. We were home by 6:30 pm and in our PJs by 8:30. Then I spent the rest of the evening listening to sporadic fireworks.

The pop, bang and sizzle of the fireworks reminded me of New Years Eve, 1974. That was the night this inexperienced and nervous mother brought her first child home from the hospital. She had been fussy all afternoon and into the evening. When she finally fell asleep I blew out a sigh of relief. Unfortunately the relief lasted for maybe an hour. Then the fireworks began and you guessed it….they woke her up and she was up for hours, or so it seemed. Hmm… she never became a good sleeper. Coincidence?

Did you make some new resolutions for 2020? I use the term new because sometimes we seem to recycle the same ones year after year. That can be depressing.

I didn’t make a single one. I could have chosen to lose more weight, begin an exercise program or read more non fiction, all good things, but also guilt producing if I failed. Many years ago one of my Bible teachers gave each lady in her group a tiny easel with a verse chosen for them. It has become one of my life verses.I think I’ll stick with it as my always resolution.




I'm a winnerAfter 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 2019 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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…And Nature Sing

26 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Christmas day the weather was perfect. It was the kind of day that people like me who flee the summer heat say “if only Florida could be like this all year.” After exchanging gifts and enjoying our traditional Christmas breakfast of country ham, biscuits and eggs (no grits now that we are low carb-ers) we decided to drive out to the beach.

Christmas afternoon at the beach became a family tradition while we were raising a family. I worked in healthcare on second shift and chose to be off Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. That way I could spend most of the holiday with the family. Most years my husband, children and my parents would load up the van with surf rods and off they would go fishing and I would go to work.

We are blessed to live near the Canaveral National Seashore and pristine Playalinda beach.

It was good to see families outdoors and enjoying the beautiful day and we enjoyed watching them.

  • Dad often used multiple poles.
  • Pretty sure they are tourist. .

My dad fished the beach several times during the week, finding the best spots. Since the water is constantly moving, the sands shift the deep troughs where the fish run. He would stand on the dunes and read the waves, He was a fish whisperer. We miss him.

The “beach road” has 13 crossovers to the dunes. It had been a long time since we drove the length of the road so we decided to explore. We found this sign to be humorous.

I have to tell you the parking lot for this crossover was the most crowded! I hope they has sunscreen.

One day when my dad was fishing near the nude section a man came walking up the beach toward him, clad only in a Palmetto branch front and back. Someone had taken the man’s clothes! I hope he had some extra in his car.

The Canaveral National Seashore adjoins the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. There are multiple dirt runs running through the area giving one an up close experience with nature without bugs or snakes! We usually come across gators sunning but I guess they were celebrating Christmas with their families : ). My daughter and I snapped pictures of birds as my husband slowly drove through the swampy terrain.

We decided to drive on to Haulover Canal to check out the Manatee viewing platform. When we arrived there was only one other person there. By the time we left the parking lot was filling up. We didn’t see any Manatees, hope they had better luck.

The canal got its name because it literally was a spot where first indians and then settlers would haul their canoes and boats from the ocean into Mosquito Lagoon. I bet you can’t guess where the lagoon got its name!

We drove alongside the Australian Pine tree lined canal where families parked to fish and barbecue. I only snapped one photo as I didn’t want to block the narrow road.

Our drive was accompanied by Christmas music playing softly on the car radio. It was a glorious day and I seemed to feel nature sing.

Some random photos.

  • Fishing platform at Eddy Creek. Notice the PVC rod holders.
  • By mountain standards this is a big creek!

PS This is the setting for my daughter’s novel, Undaunted, formerly titled Jessie.

I'm a winnerAfter 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 2019 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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We Wish You Joy

24 Dec

Wherever you live and however you celebrate Christmas, we wish you joy as you celebrate the birth of the Savior with those you love.

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A Little Christmas Story

23 Dec

Guest Post

Patricia Franklin

 We have not had any birds in our yard since about July when that old chicken hawk took residence in our neighborhood.  We have had suet in our feeder all these months and no one came.  We even had snow a couple of times and no one came.  We had 4 inches of snow the other day, so my husband put out some bird seed in our other feeder.  Still they did not come…. finally I saw one or two of the little snow birds with their black hoodies and galoshes on their feet.  They came and went so quickly, I thought I was dreaming.  Then yesterday I saw one of the little black and white woodpeckers at the suet feeder.  He and his mate used to live here all the time.  I was so happy to see him.    

Image result for Pixabay small birds

 This morning while I was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, I opened the curtains and there was a party going on out there…. the sparrows, the little red headed finches and the snow birds, along with a couple of doves are at the birdseed and are squabbling over it like they normally do.  Three little squirrels are gathering up the remaining seeds from the ground.   Christmas is finally here! 

  Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

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