Archive by Author

Of Mice and Kitchens

21 May

While my husband has been busy tackling our wild yard, I have been dealing with the results of wildlife in my kitchen.

It seems a mouse or mice had a jolly good time roaming through my kitchen.


Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

My drawers and cabinets needed a “good turning out.” I love that phrase and never thought I would have the opportunity to use it. I guess I can thank the mice for that.

Once I had everything run through the dishwasher, I took advantage of the situation to remove some of the items from service and began a box of items to donate for a rummage sale.

Feeling virtuous, I decided I deserved the bamboo drawer organizer I saw on a friends Facebook page. She was an O.R. nurse for years and her cutlery drawer is laid out with the precision of an operating room tray. I promptly ordered it from Amazon.

It was supposed to be delivered Monday. The tracking said it was out for delivery. I was excited! When it didn’t arrive, I checked the tracking again. It was delayed and might not arrive for two days. What happened, was the UPS truck highjacked? Did it fall off the truck? Sigh…patience is a virtue.

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Five warning signs when finding the right woman (or man)

18 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

Reblogged May 18, 2019 With paper towel in hand, Jack wiped the bowl of cereal his two-year-old son spilled on the table. “Stop it,” he screamed grabbing the small hand from splashing in the puddle of milk. “I don’t know if I can handle this.” His plans were never to be a single Dad, juggling work, child care and diapers. What went wrong?

In his own words:

“I never saw it coming. She seemed the perfect gal for me. We had good times. And although we had issues, I was sure when we got married, she would change. I even helped her get out of debt. But she was never happy. And when our son was born, I thought that would be the glue to keep us together. Was I ever wrong! She said motherhood wasn’t her thing. I guess the guy she moved in with offered her more than I did.” Could Jack have prevented the disastrous ending of his marriage? Before walking down the aisle, Jack should’ve seen the red flags. But because he wore the blindfold of romance, the warnings faded into the marriage-will-make-it-all-better deception. But all could have been avoided if Jack had followed these five warning signs when finding the right woman for him. (NOTE: These warning signs can also be applied when women are searching for the right man.)

The 5 Signs

Sign No. 1. She carries insecurity like an over-sized purse everywhere she goes. She’s intimidated by others, making unreasonable accusations, putting undeserved blame on others. Her character displays manipulative tendencies. A woman who is secure in who she is—a daughter of the King, exudes understanding, maturity and conveys humble confidence. If she does not, say good-bye and wait patiently until God brings that jewel into your life. “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10) Sign No. 2. She’s excessive in her concern about outer appearance. Her fear is not of God, but her fear is failing to keep up with the latest fashion and cosmetic trends. She spends unreasonable amounts of money on her efforts to enhance her outer appearance. Though she may look hot, coldness will eventually wash over the relationship with her distorted order of priorities. Look instead for inner beauty because, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:31) Sign No. 3. She wants you all to herself. The support she offers you is conditional and superficial. She strives to create a distance between you and your family, friends, church commitments and all that’s important to you. You’re caught in a trap: do you please her at the expense of leaving behind what she doesn’t approve of? This dilemma causes disagreements that outnumber pleasant moments in her company. And to appear all is under control, you stuff the stress inside. And should you say “I do” at the altar, you’ll be wishing you didn’t. The standard to measure the ideal wife is this: “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12) Sign No. 4. Her tendencies are to view the negative of most situations. Her outlook on life reveals a worrisome, complaining and quarreling nature. She says she loves you and has successfully snared you into feeling good about the unhealthy relationship. But feelings are fleeting and vanish, leaving behind grief, stress and regret. The best way to avoid regret is to face the raw truth—a quarrelsome girlfriend turns into a quarrelsome wife. Each dispute should spark this reminder: “A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.” (Proverbs 31:13) Although God can, you cannot fix her weaknesses, or transform her behavior. Thus, there’s no time to waste, dump her gently and, look for the woman that you can say: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25) Sign No. 5. She drags a heavy chain of past mistakes. Her choices of yesterday brought consequences that are painful still. But her inability to make good decisions remains alive. She justifies her wrong choices. And when you challenge them, she becomes defensive. Should this relationship continue, the spiritual leader God meant you to be will be relegated to her demands, lack of wisdom and immature whims. Can you say this of the gal you’re with? “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:26) You shouldn’t be idle either, but diligent in asking for patience because, “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.” Proverbs 20:25 Vow instead to remain single until God has worked in you, pouring wisdom and carving out foolishness. And thus, preparing you to welcome the prudent wife He chose for you. Because… “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 31:14) She will indeed be a present from God. That companion will be the gift who will vow to love you, rich or poor, in sickness and in health. Then you can be sure she was the one who was handpicked by God. And though not perfect, she’ll be prudent, passionately in love with God above all. And patiently accepting you, loving you just the way you are. And in the end, when children come, she’ll be the one to wipe spilled bowls of cereal with a heart of gratitude for her blessings.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, my life is in your hands, and my search for the perfect spouse is also in your care. Grant me wisdom not to be led by my emotions but by your divine wisdom. In Jesus name I ask, amen. 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.   Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/five-warning-signs-when-finding-the-right-woman.html    
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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Finally in North Carolina

17 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

After a lot of delays, we are now in North Carolina and enjoying the cooler mountain temps. I shared a picture earlier of our wild grass and weeds. Today I realized the Knock-Out roses surrounded by wildly overgrown grass and weeds had it’s own unique beauty. When I see abandoned houses with flowers growing among the high grasses, I often wonder what happened to the family that lived there.

Sorry about the quality of this short video. Silly me let the wristlet dangle as I filmed.

 

 

We don’t know what type of flower or weed this is, but we are excited to see that now there are four plants. The first one appeared a couple of years ago. It was rather spindly but we liked the flowers and didn’t cut it down.

 

 

We have two blueberry bushes, one an early bloomer and the other a late one. The early bloomer doesn’t have any berries, I wonder if a late frost killed them The later one is loaded with berries. I hope the birds share with us!

 

 

The Bleeding Heart and purple Iris still have some blooms, so I am thankful we get to enjoy them for a few days. I was pleased to note the Iris are spreading on their own. I had planned to thin them last fall but ran out of time.

 

Some of the Peonies have bloomed but I have my fingers crossed that there will be more. If not, I will enjoy them doubly next year.

We have had a couple of mishaps since arriving on Thursday night. It seems we should have written down some passwords like the wifi and the security system. They slipped right out of our minds. I won’t say much, but two deputies from the sheriff’s department are probably still laughing about this absent minded,  batty old couple.

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Chickens!

16 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Do you ever see a picture and it tickles your sense of humor for no reason? I saw this picture on Pixabay and downloaded it, sure that I would find a way to use it. So far, I haven’t found a place for it, so I am sharing it here.

 

 

Maybe they are escaping Chick-Fil-A chanting eat more beef!

 

 

 

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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Buddy System

11 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

My mother handled the family finances and after she retired, she liked, as much as possible, to pay her bills in cash. As her health deteriorated, it became increasing difficult for her to do so in the brutal Florida heat, so we developed a buddy system.

Depending on how she was feeling, I would drive her up to the door of the business and keep the car air-conditioner running while she went inside.  On other days, I would take her payment in while she kept the car cool. Friday was our day and usually bill paying was followed by lunch out.

 

mom

Mom and Max

 

I miss those days, but the buddy system is still going strong. Now my daughter and I run errands together and on hot summer days we still keep the car cool for each other.

 

 

 

 

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Sweet memories for Mother’s Day

11 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

  May 11, 2019 Sometimes, we need a story to make us sigh with gladness. Here’s one for you.

The invitation read: “You’re Invited to an afternoon tea to celebrate Janet’s Birthday.”

My mom had artistically prepared that invitation for my tenth birthday celebration. Bursting with excitement, I raced down the narrow dirt streets of my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia to deliver them to each of my neighborhood friends. The common tradition of enjoying an afternoon cup of tea became special when it included a birthday celebration. As in most Latin American countries, drinking tea begins at the dawn of life. My grandmother prepared anise tea and poured it into a baby bottle to ease nagging colic in little family members. She grew a myriad of plants, whose leaves she used to prepare tea. According to her, each leaf or herb held special properties to cure any ailment imaginable. Perhaps it was the love she exuded when she handed us the aromatic blend that eased our afflictions.

Tea Was Served Daily

As part of her daily routine, wearing her apron over her black wool skirt, Grandmother stood in the doorway looking outside as her echoing voice called us in for mid-afternoon tea. Missing this important treat would leave us famished until dinner, which wasn’t served until 8:30 in the evening. Engraved in my heart are memories of so many afternoon teas. I can still smell the warm golden bread at the center of the table. Beside it sat a plate of white homemade cheese and a glass bowl of Grandmother’s orange marmalade. And while we sipped our tea, the conversations with her added a special delight for me. During the school year, once the dismissal bell rang, I dashed out and headed to the corner bus stop. I would wiggle my way through the crowded old bus and sit clutching my book bag, gazing out the window at the activity on the streets. Vendors in their colorful garb sat behind their stands calling out their wares to the crowds who jammed the sidewalks. Then I would elbow my way out of the bus and hop off with anticipation thumping in my heart. My gaze would travel past the green lawn to the tall building, the only university in La Paz, where Mom worked in the basement cataloguing books. I then darted as quickly as my young legs would take me through the large entrance, pushed the glass door that opened into the library, and headed down the stairs to the basement. As I slipped between tall bookshelves, the smell of buttery pastries wafted straight to my growling stomach. Swinging the door open, and with a huge grin, my gaze swept through the familiar scenery—my mom and her colleagues’ chatter blending with the pleasant aroma of coffee, tea and cream. After breaking loose from Mom’s tight hug, my glance darted to the mound of flaky pastries on the table along the wall.

All was not well.

But, as afternoon tea breaks offered moments of relaxation for all, Bolivia’s unstable government and stagnant economy offered scarce opportunities for my brother and me. Two years later in 1964, while seated in our tiny dark kitchen, it was time for our daily teatime again. With Mom stirring sugar in her cup, I watched as she gazed toward my grandmother and announced her decision to move to America. Grandma set her cup on the saucer with a loud clank, and tears flowed down her wrinkled cheeks. My grandfather, who had lost his lucidness along with most of his teeth, sat in silence, and with shaky hands, dunked his crusty bread into his tea.

Special Moments

After we began our life in America, whether by design or coincidence, I found special moments over cups of tea. When I lost my sight to an incurable retinal disease, my mom and I would sit sipping tea in the cozy kitchen of her condo. She reassured me that I wasn’t alone in my darkness. The aroma of the citrus blend still lingers, as do her words echoing in my heart: God would provide and she would be my eyes. God did provide. At times, while the family slept, I sat in silence with a cup of herbal tea pondering just how much He had granted me. His provision included Mom’s perennial assistance, and a renewed attitude, confidence and determination on my part. With the aid of a computer program that reads the screen, I’m able to string together words of inspiration for those who might need a little light in the midst of dark moments. As herbal tea comes in a variety of flavors, different types of events also came into my life. When my heart was sliced with pain after losing my 19-year-old son, in the midst of cold anguish, I remember moments of warm comfort. My mom handed me a cup of chamomile tea with honey. “Here sweetheart,” she said. It’s okay to cry. God knows your pain, and He will heal your heart.” Now, as I take the last sip of my Lady Grey tea, I set the cup on the corner of my desk and the eyes of my heart review the scenery of my life. Fueled by gratitude, my fingers begin to dance on the keyboard, relating the blend of emotions that swirl in my heart like tea leaves in the cup.

A note from Janet

I pray God hands you a cup of His love to warm the cold moments of your adversity. And may you taste the sweetness of His Word to soothe the pan and bring delight instead. 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.   Source:https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/sweet-memories-for-mothers-day.html  
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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It’s Time

9 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

We have missed on spring in the mountains but have been blessed to be able to watch it from a camera trained on the front yard. I have seen my daffodils bloom and fade, watched the Peonies peep and the Knock Out roses bloom. Last of all, we have watched the grass grow tall and the weeds!

 

 

After a week of fretting and moaning, I finally was set to return to North Carolina and flee the Florida Summer heat. Last week after unsuccessfully attempting to make an appointment with my North Carolina eye specialist due to doctor to doctor issues, I gave in. “Lord, I said, I’m tired of trying to force my timing, so whenever.”

Yesterday, I placed a call to the North Carolina doctor’s office to follow up on the paperwork of the previous week, expecting more frustration and run around. To my surprise, the office staff said no problem, they could make the appointment. But, but I began, then I realized God’s whenever had come. I made the appointment and we are heading north soon.

It’s time…but am I ready? Each spring it is bittersweet to leave our friends and family in 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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Wildlife

7 May

Melody Hendrix

A Time to Live

 

Our favorite nature photographer, Melody had some pretty cool visitors in her yard. The sound quality on the video is amazing. I hope you enjoy this short video as much as I did- Onisha

 

Melody lives in a rural area of Central Florida and her land is cultivated as a haven for birds and butterflies and as you will see, critters too!

 

Melody
Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped in to visit. I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
What a beautiful world we live in. We all have that in common. Natural beauty is everywhere, but sometimes we are not connected until we see a picture, taken just right, that makes it really come into focus and be admired. My passion is to make a connection between the lens and your soul. Photography is my passion.
My photography passion began when my Father handed me his old Ricohflex box camera when I was 12.  It was love at first sight. I still have it. My hand was never empty of a camera since.
Rocoflex
I am a native Floridian. I am so lucky to call it home. I was born in Orlando BF (before Disney). My family moved to the Winter Park area when I was very young. Central Florida was so simple and quaint at that time. I wandered the streets barefoot with my friends, never worrying that something bad could ever happen. My Mom used to pick the sand-spurs out of my feet. I still go barefoot. It grounds me to earth and connects me to nature.
I have extensively explored Florida and its diverse beauty. So much to see and so little time. I would love for you to join me in my travels through the images I have taken. I wish you could hear the sounds, smell the fragrance and feel the breath of it. But for now we must be content with exploring with our eyes and only imagine the rest.
Thank you for your interest.

How to look gorgeous all the time

4 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Signt

Janet Perez Eckles

 

Reblogged May 4, 2018
  We all want to look our best. And we do our best to achieve it. And if you’re like me, you’ve tried various products, hoping that the promise on the bottle will prove true. The latest one I tried had this instruction: “The best time to apply skin care products is when you are fresh out of a warm shower or bath. Not only is your skin clean, but it is also thoroughly moist and will better absorb anything you apply to it.”

Instructions followed for the product but not for my life.

I followed this instruction. But blushing a bit, I confess I failed to do the same when it comes to my life. When spots of insecurities appeared, when blotches of worry and blemishes of resentment, past sin, guilt and unfulfilled dreams remained, life wasn’t pretty. A clean-up job was begging. But instead, I covered it with the busyness of life. Hoping no one would notice the blemishes that stained inside.

But God noticed.

He had the washcloth of His unconditional love and the lotion of His grace to wipe away any unsightly blemish in my heart, all the dirty of past mistakes, the nagging regrets and the self-doubt. And when in front of the mirror, I saw it all. I took a deep breath, drew in courage and confessed to Him, “I’m in Your presence as I acknowledge all I see. I will be still for you to clean all that keeps my heart, my attitude, and my thoughts from radiating the beauty You know I should have.” One by one He wiped away, leaving my heart fresh and free. And He added the perfume of His instruction: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Let’s Pray

Father, it’s a pure heart I pursue and it’s a clean life I long for. Help me to be still as You use Your supernatural cleanser that I still need. In Jesus’ name, amen. What needs to be removed to make your life beautiful again? 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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Seeking Peace-Eating Fried Chicken

2 May

My mother made the best fried chicken. She didn’t do anything fancy, flour, salt and pepper. Then she cooked it slow in a big cast iron skillet covered with a lid. The secret to her chicken was the oil she used…bacon grease. If you haven’t had fried chicken cooked in bacon grease, you missed out on some good eating.

As the chicken approached being done, she turned up the heat to give it a nice crisp skin without all the heavy batter coating.

Before we began eating Keto, Friday was pizza night. I have tried several pizza crust recipes to continue the tradition but I am not good at it, so we switched to Friday Fried Chicken night. It is not a great Keto choice but it keeps my husband happy and willing to eat on plan the rest of the week. And as a plus for me, a supper with no meal planning!

Two weeks ago as we were digging into the chicken, I watched as my husband speared a chicken breast and resentment welled inside me.

Why does he assume he should get first choice?

My oldest brother always was given the choice piece and as the youngest, I got a leg. This was not the first time this memory of my childhood rose up. I chastised myself for feeling petty again.

Silently I vowed this resentment has to stop.

I confessed my resentment of my brother and my husband to God and asked him to remove it from my heart and mind. The following Fried Chicken Friday I waited for my husband to choose his piece, then watched as he moved it to his plate.

I felt resentment free!

One single incident of long buried resentment doesn’t seem like much, I know.

Why would I be concerned about an ancient deed? In my case, that ancient deed triggered resentment and holding on to past injustices was a crack used to turn a simple family meal into a banquet of simmering anger.

Love: Love can flow more freely when I release past hurts, no matter how trivial they seem.

Joy: I chose with joy to eat a chicken thigh this week.

Peace: The past two weeks God has been recalling memories of myself as a child. It’s kind of like He is dusting and cleaning up my past. Making it shine.

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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