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Avoid these three traps when facing impossibilities.

21 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged December 20, 2019

Whoever said life is not easy was wrong, totally wrong. Life is sometimes extremely hard, painful, and impossible to endure.

And we mistakenly look for this time of year to change that. Christmas was meant to be the most wonderful time of the year. If that’s so, why is the suicide rate at its highest during this season?

Maybe the reason is because while most are singing, shopping and decorating, others are in a different place. They’re sinking in heartache. The season’s festivities intensify their grief, while believing they’re the only ones suffering, lonely or lost.

And those sentiments, like a brick wall, build up, creating a barrier impossible to overcome.

Have you been there?

We all have. When adversity of any kind barges in, our focus goes to the circumstance, the challenge, and the obstacle.

And when this happens, we throw on our let-me-solve-this cape. Then with flawed determination, we charge to fix what is in the way. But rather than success, we often come crushing down in defeat.

The reason is because this is not God’s way. His way might be to allow things to fall apart in such a way that we have no option but to trust in him. To come to him for help. And to seek his answers.

It was impossible, or was it?

That’s why God chose an impossible situation to tell us, no, change that, to show us that with him, impossibilities are no barriers at all. For example, an older woman, barren for many years is now pregnant? Impossible. And a girl, pure and a virgin, pregnant? Impossible.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:34-37).

That “nothing is impossible” includes your own situation, your struggle and your pain. And like Mary, you see that scenario as impossible. Mary couldn’t see the logic. We don’t either. Mary saw the circumstance instead. We see our own, too. Mary questioned how it could be. And so, do we.

But then Christmas happened. God Himself came to earth in the flesh so we would not have a doubt that He’s here for our impossibilities. He’s here for those moments of anguish when life is too much. He’s here, alive to shield us from our destructive anxiety.

But to allow him to work that into our circumstance, we must avoid these three traps:

Image by Willi Heidelbach from Pixabay
  1. Toss out all poor me We have the King of Kings, the creator of the universe to lift us to the mountain of victory. How will he manage that? We don’t need to know the how, only need to declare that He will.
  2. Don’t look at the circumstance. Instead, focus on the certainty of His promise. His Word that says that with him all will turn around and miracles will happen.
  3. Don’t give up. Perseverance is the secret to reaching the finish line, to win the prize and to receive the medal of triumph.

Let’s pray.

Father, I confess my failure to believe in the miracles you promise. Thank you for your patience with me as I wait to see my impossible situation turn to an immense miracle. In Jesus’ name.

What impossibility will God make possible for you 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.

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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Savor the Season

20 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Wow, we have been in Florida for one week and I am feeling a bit exhausted. The 11 hour drive from the NC mountains last Wednesday left my husband and I with “road trip lag.” Thursday started off early with a much needed hair trim. It seems to take a couple of days for me to settle into my Florida groove buying groceries and putting away my must haves that I brought from NC.

Saturday we visited EPCOT at Walt Disney World to experience Candlelight with Gary Sinise narrating. The show is free but getting a seat involves standing in line for a couple of hours on the chance of getting in. We are too old for that these days! Earlier in the year we purchased a dinner package that would give us priority seating . It is expensive, but it’s our Christmas thing. We chose to dine in Morocco’s Marrakesh restaurant. We ate there once before and were pleasantly surprised with the flavorful food. The restaurant itself is beautiful with mosaic tile throughout.

I am uncomfortable taking pictures in a restaurant and invading diners privacy. I shot this one over the head of the couple next to us. In the center section a dancer performed to beautiful music played on a keyboard.

After our meal we visited a favorite store in the UK, Twining’s tea. We stocked up on the flavors we can’t find in our local grocery stores. To my surprise, the park was quite crowded, but it was a Saturday. After exploring shops in Japan and France we made our way to The American Adventure and were fortunate to find an empty picnic table to rest while we waited for our time to enter the amphitheater. I loved the Christmas tree and people were lined up to have pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The music was magnificent, Gary Sinise as narrator superb. As the sun went down, the evening turned brisk. An absolutely perfect evening… but boy were we tired. Thankfully our daughter volunteered to drive home.

Do you ever have weeks where you know you were busy, but it’s all a blur? That is how this week has been. I haven’t wrapped a single Christmas gift or planned our Christmas meal. On the plus side, I have made muffins and strawberry ice cream!

My friends, as we prepare to celebrate this joyful holiday let’s remember to savor the season…time spent with family, cherishing memories and most of all celebrating the birth of the Savior.

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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On the Move

12 Dec

My Take

Onisha Ellis

Wednesday was moving day. Well not actually moving, maybe transition day is a better phrase. Early this morning, we loaded and I do mean loaded our car and set out for Florida.

We left the mountains in jackets and gloves. Let me clarify, my husband left in jackets and gloves, I left in a short sleeve Christmas shirt with a lightweight hoodie. Now we are settled into our daughter’s home with the air conditioner blasting. My feet are bare, no longer needing socks or slippers.

I am a big fan of cold days, bowls of soup, coffee, a warm throw and a good book. I will miss them. But I am also a fan of spending time with our daughter and getting together with precious friends. The winter will pass quickly and then I will be sad to leave Florida. We are blessed to be content wherever we end up.

So goodbye mountains.

Hello Florida!

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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My 2019 Great Lakes Road Trip Part 9B (Continued)

11 Dec

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 9 – Wednesday July 31

Next I was hoping to visit the Golden Wings Flying Museum, located a few miles north in Blaine, MN.  This is a private collection, and I needed an appointment to visit the hanger where the collection is stored.  I had called earlier that morning to make an appointment to see the collection, but no one answered.  I had left a message, but I had never received a response to my call.  Since I knew the museum was closed, I headed to downtown Minneapolis to visit the Foshay Observation Deck and the Wells Fargo Museum.

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Street construction and heavy traffic made it next to impossible to get around in downtown Minneapolis.  With all that confusion, Greta (my Garmin) was still able to find the Foshay Tower.  This 32-story art deco styled tower was built as an office building in 1929, and claimed the honor as being the tallest structure in Minneapolis until 1972.  The 30th floor Foshay Observation Deck has been a major tourist attraction over the years, where visitors can get a 360 degree view of the city of Minneapolis.   In 2006 the tower was converted to the 230-room”W Hotel” (part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide), but the 30th floor Foshay Observation Deck is still open to the public with its all-around great view.  

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And just around the corner from the Foshay Tower is the Wells Fargo Museum.  In this museum visitors can take an audio-guided tour describing the history of Wells Fargo (originally the Bank of North America-1781) from the late 1700s.  As an added feature, they can sit in a 1860s stagecoach, while imagining they are on a rough and dusty ride somewhere in frontier America.

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For some reason I had always thought the Pony Express was associated with the Wells Fargo Express Company.  However, my recent research has informed me that they were two separate transportation companies operating about the same time in the history of our early American territorial expansion.  The Wells Fargo Company mostly carried people and merchandise in stagecoaches and wagons, while the Pony Express Company riders carried mail and important messages on horseback.  I guess I will have to someday research the facts better, and write a separate blog about each of these famous companies.

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Now I asked Greta to take me to the Minnesota Streetcar Museum which is located adjacent to Lake Harriet in the Lyndale Park area.  This museum actually operates two streetcar lines; the Como–Harriet Line between Lake Harriet and Lake Cohen, and the Excelsior Line which operates between the restored Excelsior Railway Station and Lake Minnetonka.  The Como-Harriet Streetcar stop is located just a couple of blocks from the Lake Harriet Recreation Area.  I was able to get a few photos of the restored Linden Hills Station as well as one photo of the vintage electric streetcar as it made its stop at the station.

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After this pleasant stop, l asked Greta to take me back to the Brooklyn Center area and the motel.  I decided to try some Chinese food this evening, and chose the Rose Garden Asian Bistro located there in a small Brooklyn Center strip mall.  I had a Sweet & Sour Pork dish, served with rice and an egg roll on the side.  A pot of hot Chinese tea topped off the meal.  That was a delightful meal, and my tummy was pleasantly full by the time I was finished.  Now it was time for me to head back to the motel, where I recorded today’s events and then it was off to bed for this tired puppy.  Tomorrow I will concentrate on visiting museums on the outskirts of Minneapolis.   

Description: Image result for sweet and sour pork

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 61 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

 

Bill

 

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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5 steps to finding peace at Christmas

7 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged December 7, 2019

Could someone forget their disabilities or limitations? I did. After living without sight for decades, I often forget I can’t see.

And dismissing that very thing, sometimes I rush to get ready to go out. I admit it, I’m a wait-to-the-last-minute kind of gal. I rush around like a crazy woman. I hop in the shower, slip on my robe and dash into my walk-in closet. Frantically, I slide hangers, looking for any outfit to wear.

How do I do this with no sight? It’s pretty simple. When I purchase an item, I store in my memory its characteristics—the texture, the shape of the neckline, buttons or length of sleeve.

One light touch tells me what the item is. But when I’m in a hurry, trying to find the right outfit gets a bit tough. Not because I can’t see, but because I just have too many clothes. Way more than any blind gal should be allowed to have. The bar holding all those hangers is probably sagging from the weight.

A jammed-full life.

Oh, how my jammed closet resembled my life—full of tasks of all kinds and sizes.

Have you been there? Some of us are programmed that way. And with no hesitation, we joined the people pleasers club. We have been members ever since we were young. We tried to perform to win our parents’ and teachers’ approval. Later on, we wanted to please our family, please our employer, and friends. Phew! We’re deceived in thinking the only way to please ourselves is by pleasing others.

What an unpleasant and often hard place to be. And to make it worse, the pleasing craze explodes during holiday season. We rush through life eager to make someone happy and win their approval. That’s when the level of stress and tension rises like the thermometer in Orlando’s summer.

Time to change. How about if we vow to cool off. God never meant us to live in the heat of tension. He gave one pretty refreshing directive: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:36-37).

When God becomes our focus, when loving Him above all and longing to please Him alone rises to the top of priorities and when seeking His approval fuels our thoughts and actions, peace reigns.

Five Steps to Peace

And while the rest of the world sinks in stress, we celebrate by following these five steps:

  1. Invite God into our day.
  2. Use wisdom to arrange our priorities.
  3. Commit our tasks to Him.
  4. Thank Him ahead of time for resolving the challenges of the day.
  5. Relish in moments of rest.

Obeying His greatest commandment usher’s wisdom to avoid stress; to press forth when fatigued; to bring clarity when confused; to be calm when overwhelmed; and to know the warmth of His love when we know we please Him above all.

That’s why God says in Psalm 127:2 (The Message Bible), “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know He enjoys giving rest to those He loves?”

Let’s Pray

Father, I know You love me, you offer rest for my soul, and calmness for my heart. I commit this truth to sing in my heart, not only for his season, but always. In Jesus’ name.

Whom will you aim to please this Christmas?

Janet

______________________________________

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

An exciting update from Janet.

One of the most meaningful steps in my life was taken this past Sunday. I became Mrs. Settles. The ceremony wasn’t about us, but about how God’s plans come to be when surrendering to Him takes place.

God was present during the pain that preceded before I met Dale. God was present during the healing and He showed up with that beautiful surprise when Dale came into my life. And at the altar, we became one.

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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Thanksgiving Our Way

5 Dec

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We had an untraditional Thanksgiving day. Our daughter flew up around noon and since the airport is an hour and a half away, we decided to not stress about the meal. We could be thankful just as easily on Friday. And we were!

Usually when we make an airport run to Asheville, we do some shopping. Since shops were closed we decided to take a scenic route home along the Blue Ridge Parkway. For some reason, maybe because the area is familiar, we hadn’t driven this portion. It was beautiful and we will be driving it again!

To our surprise there were several cars parked at the overlooks and the passengers were sitting in the sun, some even picnicking. This car was parked next to us and I tried to snap this picture without them noticing.

Saturday evening a cold front moved in bringing with it rain and heavy winds. I heard some noise during the night but didn’t think much about it. I always hear noises. Sunday as we were backing out of the driveway on the way to church, my ever observant husband spotted at tall pine tree down at the back of the house. We have a lot of trees and the downed one was stuck in the top of one. We were thankful for this as it prevented the tree from falling on our roof! Getting it the rest of the way down would prove to be challenging.

I was thrilled that our daughter was here to help her dad. Their brains run on the same track and she works well with him. Me….not so much.

A portion of the tree that was hanging at a 90 degree angle was fairly simple to bring down. The rest of the tree not so simple. As darkness closed in they secured the tree with ropes in the hope that if the wind brought the tree the rest of the way down, they would control the fall.

Our daughter had an early evening flight on Monday and her dad didn’t want to spend the morning working on the tree. That meant that on Tuesday I would be his helper. Uh-oh.

Tuesday morning he brought out a come-along (no idea if that is spelled correctly) and attached it to ropes and then a chain. He cranked and pulled to no avail. Mostly I watched and said “be careful!” I suggested he come inside for lunch and rest a bit. The bit turned out to be a couple of hours and that was a good thing. Because, before I could put my jacket and shoes on, I heard a whoosh. I ran to the window to make sure my husband was ok and saw this.

The tree was down and with only minor damage to a path rail! We are beyond thankful the tree didn’t damage the house and fell in such a way that we didn’t have to pay a tree surgeon to take it down. My husband has plans for the wood and next spring I hope he is able to spend many happy hours in his wood shop.

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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Do all Religions Lead to God?

30 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged November 30, 2019

It was a long flight, but the chat with the passenger seated to my right made the journey interesting.

The conversation began with superficial comments, then it got a bit serious when we discussed religions. She asked me about mine and I answered. “I’m a Christian.”

“I believe all religions have something in common,” she said. “After all, all religions lead to the same God.”

Was she right? Or was she wrong?

Here’s an explanation.

We live in a world that mirrors the Titanic. We all know the story. Passengers who enjoyed the journey filled each deck of that luxurious ship. They focused on the celebration; certain they would reach their destination.

Sadly, that never happened. But more tragic is that we’re on the similar journey, each on different decks of life—with different ideologies, philosophies, beliefs and religions.

Deck One

The first deck is filled with folks who embrace a bit of all religions. They accept any doctrine that feels comfortable and seems pleasantly correct.

They’re busy connecting with the ship, promoting unity with those on the other decks. They’re chanting, meditating, doing loving, noble things, connecting to the divine within.

But just like any cruise ship, the captain makes announcements over the loud speaker. In this case the Divine Captain announces: “This ship is going to sink. But I love you all so much I don’t want anyone to perish. I have a life boat with your name on it. It’s free. All you need to do is accept it (John 3:16).

No one listens.

Deck Two

The second deck on the ship is filled with folks who embrace the popular trend, the latest guru, and the philosophy that brings warm fuzzy feelings. In the end they believe in nothing specific. Yet get busy filling the void in their hearts with everything from work, exercise, travel and even addictions. They follow nothing. And a sense of emptiness follows them instead.

Confession time. Thirty years ago, I reserved a room on this deck. While I was losing my sight, I embraced anything or any offer that could bring me hope of healing. I came back empty.

Again, the Divine Captain announces over the loud speaker: This ship is going to sink, your life boat is waiting for you. It’s free and available.

No one listens.

Deck Three

The third deck on the ship is filled with Christians in name only. As a pastor once said, they’re sneaky Christians. They’re saintly on Sundays and sinful the rest of the week. (Ask me how I know.) They are quick to become mentally judgmental and openly opinionated, disregarding God’s warning in Matthew 7:1-5.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Waving my hand in the air, I admit that was me at times. And with shame, I admit overlooking the Gospel and entered into gossip instead.

One more announcement from the Divine Captain:

When the ship sinks, no one will be saved. But I do offer salvation and have eternal life prepared for you, the life boat is waiting for you.

No one listens. They disregard it as it simplistic, too easy, and seemingly intolerant to think it’s the only way to life eternal.

But once again, the Bible quotes Jesus’ words in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

A few decades ago, I lost my sight and, for the first time, I saw the way, the only way. I accepted the life boat by confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, believing in my heart He died for my sins and through Him I took ownership of that life boat taking me to eternity in heaven.

Millions have done the same. But what do we do while still on earth? Should we sit back and relax, settle on a lounger, enjoy the ocean breeze and sip our tropical drink?

Quite the contrary. We put on the hat of love, kick off those sandals to run faster through those decks. And in the midst of bad news all around, we point them to the loud speaker announcing the Good News. “As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:15).

Back to the question: Do all religions lead to the same God? The answer is found in the depth of each heart. One thing is certain, the ship will sink, physical death will come. And even more real is that our eternal destiny is marked by our personal choice.

What is beautiful, however, is the God of the Bible doesn’t invite us to practice a religion. But rather, He invites us to rely on His salvation through His son Jesus. His Word says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess, I was happy living on my own deck, sailing on the ship of life. I thank You for the free gift that transformed my life and guaranteed everlasting life with you. In Jesus name.

On which deck of life are you spending your days 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.

Let’s connect:

Comments: I welcome your thoughts; please consider leaving a comment. Just look for the word REPLY at the end of the post after the list of keywords

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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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Drenched in Thanksgiving

28 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I am grateful that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be thankful. It has been heartening in the days leading up to today to see organizations and churches inviting communities to share together the Thanksgiving meal.

This week I read Psalm 116:17:

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the Lord.

Then I read it in the Passion translation.

May you be drenched with Thanksgiving today.

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Take this quiz to see your ability to conquer fear

23 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged November 22, 2019

We in Florida as other states on the East coast are breathing relief, we’re at the end of hurricane season.

No more spending hours monitoring the weather channel. No more dashing to get the last bottled water at the local store. And no more comments like this one:

“I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of these broadcasters. One minute we hear Dorian has lessened in its force. Next, we hear it’s heading our direction and we need to prepare. And then they tell us it’s coming but with less force. I’m fed up with the stress these people cause. Can’t’ they get anything straight?”

Forgive the cynicism, but her problem isn’t the hurricane. Her stress isn’t the uncertainty of the storm. It’s not even the danger that lurks. Her real problem is that she believed, trusted and counted on every word the weather forecasters said. And what they said dictated her frame of mind, attitude and determined her emotions.

Who can blame her? When facing danger, we all do the same—allow others to define our emotions. Sadly, hurricanes of life don’t have seasons. They come anytime. Some arrive with force. And others lurk around, stirring our anxiety.

You may be in an emotional hurricane right now. The winds of pain just increased and they are about to destroy your shelter of security.

But safety comes when we choose to trust in the One who forecasts our future. God, the only one who can hide us in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91).

Here’s a quiz to determine the level of your trust.

Jesus promises the rest we need in Matthew 11:28-29.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” 

Do we believe that rest is ours and do we relax in that promise?

And when the storms drain our strength, in Isaiah 40:29-31 God promises:

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

 Do we believe in that strength and, rather than walk like defeated chickens, do we soar like eagles?

And when we lack what we need, do we believe what God promises in Paul’s words in Philippians 4:19:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” 

Rather than lament what we don’t have do we believe we already possess His riches?

When fear attacks, God announces in Romans 8:37-39:

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 Are we counting on the world’s kind of security or relying in the safety of God’s love?

When life’s troubles become too much, God reassures in John 14:27:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid. 

Do we walk through life troubled, or do we boldly speak His peace into our situation?

And finally, when God promises in Proverbs 1:33:

“…all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Do we doubt in His protection because we cannot see? Or believe In His promise of His powerful protection?

Storms might rattle our security, hurricanes may blow winds of destruction, and earthquakes may shake our foundation, but if we believe in God’s announcement on the channel of His faithfulness, fear melts in the truth of each of His promises.

Let’s Pray

Father, how often I said You’re my lord, I believed in You, and I trusted in Your Word, yet subtle fear rose in me. I thank You for Your patience with me as I learn to embrace and declare that I truly, truly believe and trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name.

Are you focusing on the dark side of your situation or counting on the power of God’s promises?

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.

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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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Nothing Much

21 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Not much going on this week. The weather has warmed and we were able to bring the plants that will winter in Florida with us out of the garage to enjoy the sun. The coleus aren’t doing well in the garage and I doubt they will make it until December. I think the mums will be ok.

My husband has been needing to burn some brush for the last year or so, but hasn’t felt well on the days when burning was feasible. Yesterday he felt well and the conditions were perfect. He really enjoys burning brush (weird, I know). Maybe it is having a tangible result and knowing that particular pile won’t be coming back! Whatever the reason, I am thankful he is feeling stronger.

I spent the morning going through recipes for Thanksgiving. I have a recipe for Keto stuffing but I really love my aunt Janet’s recipe and want Keto-fy it. I think I figured it out. I hope so!

Speaking of Keto, my favorite Keto person, Kristie Sullivan has a new cookbook coming out Tuesday, Crazy Busy Keto. I have it preordered and can’t wait. I love simple. The book was listed as a must have on CNET.com

After his brush burning adventure, my husband got it into his head to take down a dead pine tree. Sometimes he forgets that he isn’t an invincible 25 year old any longer but that’s a story for another time.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal, remember, it’s not the food, it’s the fellowship. Enjoy the time with those you love.

So that’s it. Nothing much.

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