Archive by Author

The gift you give that costs you nothing

27 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

The gift you give that costs you nothing.

 

Reblogged October 27, 2018

 

“Hey, what happened to my candy?” my seven-year-old son complained the day after Halloween.

I had done what any health-conscious mom would do. Once they were asleep, I emptied those buckets of candy, left only a handful, and tossed the rest in a bag to give away.

When they realized what I did, they complained. That was okay. And although I was a “mean Mom” for taking their candy, I went back to my daily routine—placing love notes in their lunch boxes.

Now years later, I wonder if that gesture made any difference. I decided to ask them.

Notes from a mother’s heart.

I looked in their direction one day. “Hey guys, do you remember the notes I used to tape to your pillows and put in your lunch boxes when you were growing up?” I asked.

“Got everyone of them; I saved them, Mom,” my oldest son said.

“I remember the notes that you’d put in our lunch boxes,” my middle son said. “One day, I almost ate one of them by accident.”

I smiled, glad they remembered. And also hoped they forgot those times I raised my voice, blurted instructions, made demands, and more than a few times, delivered harsh scoldings.

I also hope they lost the memories of times when I threw my hands up in the air, and, in utter frustration, commanded, “Okay, the three of you, in your room, and don’t come out until you know how to behave.”

As they grew older, longer notes that expanded on life’s insights, admonishments, praises and advice waited for them on their pillows.

But I confess. Often, I questioned my ability to discipline them. I doubted its effectiveness. Yet I don’t regret spending those moments writing words that expressed my love.

I got that idea from God’s Word which He wrote on the pillow of my heart. And His Scripture notes of love, unconditional and constant that kept me going through moments of insecurity.

Here are five rules that guided me:

Pray with conviction. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Ask for help. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Recognize the goodness our words can carry. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

Remember the power of our words. “Our words can build up or tear down. As the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

Heed the warning. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29)

You may not be a mom or dad; but you’re special to someone. That someone is waiting for a word of encouragement to build them up. To offer warmth in a cold world. To reassure in moments of doubt. To show your presence and erase loneliness.

Words of love can be the gift no one else has the time to give, but they give what others need the most.

Let’s Pray

Father, help my life to be a note of gratitude for others to read. And may they see your love written between the lines. In Jesus name.

Who is that someone in your life who would welcome a note of love from you?

Hey friends…

I hope my weekly notes to inspire you help brighten your day. I love, love your comments. Please send them using the comment button. and if you share this blog post, it would mean the world to me.

Love you all!

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/encouragement/the-gift-you-give-that-costs-you-nothing.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

Tags:

Edisto Get Away Part 2

25 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

AFTERNOON DAY 1

After we left the tea plantation we needed some lunch. We had decided to head to Charleston’s historic district so I checked out restaurants along the route. I found a sandwich place, The Southern General Restaurant on John’s Island, with “don’t miss this” reviews and it was a hit. It was small, maybe seating for 20. The menus were book like, with wooden boards for the covers. The menu was diverse and the food freshly cooked and delicious. The only sad part is that my husband and I are eating low carb and we would see each order stacked with home-made fries leave the kitchen!

After lunch we headed into the historic district and looked for parking. It needed to be close to where we would be exploring as our party are not great walkers.  We ended up at a church parking lot that explained if we were late returning to the lot they would boot our car! That kind of took the sparkle off my excitement.

We headed for the market area where vendors and crafters offer their wares. It was a warm day and I was happy to stroll through it in air-conditioned comfort. After we left the market, our daughter found this courtyard and we sat awhile to rest and cool off.

 

 

We still had some time remaining on our parking ticket so Rebekah led us down to Waterfront Park. The wind was brisk near the water and I loved it. I’m weird that way.

 

Photo credit Photo by Joel Mott on Unsplash

 

In the distance we could see Fort Sumter but it was too late in the day for us to tour it.

 

 

Waterfront Park is also home to a famous pineapple fountain:

 

The history of the pineapple explains the popularity of one of the most iconic, photographed spots in town. Visit the Pineapple fountain at Waterfront Park while sightseeing, or after a lovely dinner, as it’s a treat to see any time of day. If you visit the park during daylight hours you can snap a picture of the Charleston harbor behind the fountain, and as soon as the sun sets you can behold the pineapple lit up and glowing against a gorgeous starlight sky. The fountain is a landmark for many visiting the Charleston peninsula, and is a must-see experience.

According to Hidden Charleston dot com  pineapples are the symbol of southern hospitality. I would enjoy seeing it at night with the lights glowing.

 

I could feel the time ticking down on our parking place so we didn’t linger long. I didn’t want us to have to rush our walk. We made it back to the car with time to spare. We had planned to return the next day but Hurricane Michael changed our plans.;

 

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.

Tags: , ,

Finding God’s direction for my life

20 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

Finding God’s direction for my life.

 

 

Reblogged October 20, 2018

After I delivered a message on courage to few hundred women, I stood on stage, wireless mic in hand and with a smile of delight I answered questions from the audience. Here’s one of them.

What is the most daring thing you did after you lost your sight?

Hmmm…should I or shouldn’t I tell them? Why not? Here it goes:

A few years ago, I was in California attending a writers’ conference. A friend jokingly asked, “Do you want to drive?”

I stopped, looked in her direction and with a deviant look I answered, “Yes”.

“Are you sure?” she asked?

“No, the question is, are YOU sure you want me to drive your car?”

“Why not.”

She placed the car keys in my hand. I felt my way around to the driver’s side, ran my fingers till I found the handle and opened the door. I settled in the driver’s seat. “Okay, here we go.” I fumbled a bit to find the ignition, then inserted the key and started the engine.

Once she guided me to the right gear, she gave firm, clear instructions.

Not having any sight at all for over 25 years, driving a car again had been but a dream for me. My heart was beating a bit fast with excitement.

“Keep it straight now, a little to the left, now to the right just a bit, not much.”

I followed each instruction. “Give it a little gas,” she said. I did. We were on a hill. What fun!

You’ve got to trust Someone (God)

I know what you’re thinking, a bit crazy! I agree. But now years later, I can tell you the reason I was able to drive her car. It was because she was with me. I trusted in her ability to give me instructions and direction to tell me what to do, where to turn and when to slow down.

Life is the same. While on the road of life, we’re often blind to what will be around the corner, what will pop up unexpectedly, and where the ditches of heartache are.

But we reach our destination safely only when we realize our blindness and recognize God’s vision for our future. That vision is stated in the Bible. Then, following the GPS of Scripture, we have the confidence to move forward, knowing God is by our side, calling out each instruction.

That’s because “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Like my friend, God is patient as He instructs, corrects and tells us to wait, slow down or stop.

Whether we’re about to enter into a new relationship, a new job, a new chapter or entering an unfamiliar stage of life, God’s speaking gently and clearly.

He never leaves us on our own to blindly drive through life, He said, “’Never will I leave you…, never will I forsake you.’ So, we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Let’s Pray

Father, so often I’ve driven the vehicle of my own life, encountering cliffs of adversity, potholes of setbacks and disappointments that took me on unwanted detours. But now, listening to the instructions in your Word, the road is secure and the ride is smooth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you considered Gods instructions that are found in the Bible before you make a decision? Before you head in a new direction?

Hey friends, I’d love your comments, be sure to share them with me.

And if you need a daily guide to head in the right direction with courage and faith, check out my book, Contagious Courage: Your 30-day guide to overcoming Stress and Anxiety. Just use the link to get your copy.

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/finding-peace/finding-gods-direction-for-my-life.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

Tags: ,

Today I Choose “I Get To”

19 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

A friend posted on Facebook yesterday, her choice to focus on the positives in her life. One example being, her husband did not receive a full pay check for the week. She chose to be thankful for having a pay check.  This morning I read this in Jesus Always by Sarah Young,

“Make the effort to replace your “I have to” mentality with an “I get to” approach. 

 

 

Anyone want to join me in falling

Tags: , ,

Edisto Get Away Part 1

18 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

October 4th, my husband and I began a shortish road trip. I had made the decision to leave my laptop at home and it was odd, but refreshing to not travel with my computer. My fellow bloggers had submitted their post in advance so the only posts missing were mine! I was ok with that.

Our first stop was outside Raleigh, NC to visit with family. Most of the extended family had chosen the same week to vacation so, I missed seeing a lot of them, but enjoyed the ones there. We had plenty of good old southern food to eat. I am pretty certain that eastern North Carolina has the best cooks in the country.

 

 

Our next stop was Edisto Island, South Carolina. I know technically it is an island but I’ve seen  longer bridges on the St. John’s River in Florida.

 

 

The wooded drive along back roads to Edisto was pleasant and I enjoyed catching glimpses of unique stained glass windows in even the smallest of churches. I could imagine horse-drawn wagons hauling their crops along a rutted road.

Our plan was to meet our friend Pam and daughter, Rebekah at the resort. They drove up from Florida. Our timing was perfect and they Pam was already in the check in process when we arrived. We were relieved to discover that our home away from home for the next three days had a working elevator. We were on the third floor and not looking forward to hauling our “stuff” up the stairs. I say stuff because we can’t see, to travel with just luggage. There’s a snack bag, bags to hold things I forgot to put in the luggage… you get the idea.

Restaurant choices on the island are limited and we were tired so we opted for rotisserie chicken from the deli and salad. Easy clean up meal then coffee and conversation on the porch until bedtime.

The next morning after a quick breakfast we headed to our first place on our to do list, Wadmalaw Island and the Charleston Tea Plantation. It wasn’t far tp Wadmalaw Island, as the crow flies, but since we couldn’t fly over the marshes, it took a little over an hour. From their website:

 

This is the home of Charleston Tea Plantation teas – nine very special flavors of tea, including our original American Classic Tea.  This is the only brand of tea in the world that is made exclusively with 100% tea grown in America.  The Plantation sits right off Maybank Highway. Driving down Maybank is like taking a step back in time. Wadmalaw has not and cannot be commercially developed, therefore much of the land remains untouched.

 

 

On the porch of the gift shop Waddy the Frog sits with his cup of tea, available for any single ladies who haven’t met their quota of kissing frogs before they find a prince.

 

 

We purchased tickets for a trolley tour of the plantation and it was informative and fun with a guide who knew his history and how to add humor to his spiel.  The tea plants looked like ordinary shrubs and I would never have identified them as tea plants if I saw  them in a garden. The leaves are not harvested by hand as this is a small operation and would require many hands to pick it. Instead, they have a specially built harvester that is set to pick a defined depth.  They kind of look like someone used a gas hedge trimmer on them.

 

The most surprising fact I learned is that the whole process, once the leaves arrive at the processing center, is automated. The production staff has only 4 members. The gift shop has more staff!

After the tour, we shopped in the gift shop and took pictures. I loved the large oak tree by the entrance. It reminded me of Orlando, Florida in the 60’s before Disney World.

 

The weather was threatening rain but we decided to continue to historic Charleston. Hurricane Michael was stirring up the weather and we were not sure the next day would bring good weather. I will write about that next time. Meanwhile, here is a picture that we found interesting. This homeowner isn’t taking any chances on the surrounding marshes flooding.

 

 

 

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.

Tags: , ,

Take Time to Abide

16 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Tags:

It’s Vacation Time

4 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

I have the most amazing team of bloggers. They never miss a deadline and even send posts ahead when I am going to be offline.

I love them!

 

There won’t be any Fall color in this vacation but I hope to get some sand in my shoes and enjoy leisurely cups of morning coffee on balconies over looking the ocean. I’m expecting some interesting blends of tea to be a fun part of the adventure.  Hopefully I will return with some fun pictures to share. Until then,

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Tags:

The Blessing of Service

2 Oct

This poem was printed on the back of our monthly church calendar. Are you like me, feeling at times, inadequate to serve other? Or do you feel discouraged that through age or health that you can’t serve others or even accomplish the daily tasks as you once did? Take heart, God has a plan for you to serve. Share love, be an encourager! 

Tags: ,

Twelve ways to know you’re a good mom

29 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Twelve ways to know you’re a good mom.

Reblogged September 29, 2018

“Summer is over and we need to get into a new routine,” my daughter-in-law said to my grandkids.

Being a young mom…and being blind.

Her comment took me to those busy days I had as a young mom. Mornings when my sons were in grade school and I was busy ironing their uniforms and packing those lunch boxes with nutritious stuff (most of which sadly, they brought right back home).

But that was the easy part, being blind; helping them with their homework was tough. How I wished I could see if they wrote the right answers, or how good it would be if I could read the teachers’ notes. My muscles tensed, thinking of how my blindness would affect them. Some days tears trickled down. And lamenting my days gone by when I could see added to my grief.

But God was good to me.

He sent a friend who opened the eyes of my heart.

“If you think about it,” she said, “your kids are really God’s children. He is their Father and He’s in charge of all big and small things.”

I wiped my tears, inhaled a deep sigh, and let that truth sink into my heart. It brought the encouragement I needed to sweep away those “poor-me” notions, and sparked a renewed passion to care for my sons.

What makes a good mom?

With a brighter outlook and a fresh love for my role as their mom, I compiled my own list of what makes a “good” mom:

  1. A Mom who uses prayer as her powerful weapon to defend her children.
  2. A Mom who knows mistakes will be corrected in the hands of a loving God.
  3. A Mom who might go to sleep at night with dishes still in the sink, but a bedtime story in her kid’s heart.
  4. A Mom who knows perfection will only happen on the other side of heaven.
  5. A Mom who sees her kid’s weaknesses and still smiles at his strengths.
  6. A Mom who places guilt in the garbage disposal of life.
  7. A Mom who leaves fingerprints on the glass door to place an imprint of love in her kid’s heart.
  8. A Mom who looks in the mirror and smiles because she is molding one of the leaders of tomorrow.
  9. A Mom who picks shoes off the floor, thankful her kids can walk.
  10. A Mom who listens to endless chatter, thankful her kids can talk.
  11. A Mom who’s signed a partnership with God.
  12. A Mom who stirs this sweetener in the coffee cup of her heart: “I can do all things through the Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

And while she drops exhausted in bed at the end of the day, truth shines through: It’s not the items checked off on the to-do list. Accomplishments managed. The applause never heard or the help always needed. But the certainty that echoes in her heart: her true greatness is in the Father’s eyes. Her sorrows are in his heart. And her triumphs are in His plans.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for your reassurance that my children are yours first. They belong to you and therefore, they’re under your divine care. Thank you for the peace that truth brings me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What promise from God makes your job as a Mom easier?

Did you know I wrote a book about the days when my blindness came? But a beautiful journey took me to joy once again? It’s titled: Trials of Today, treasures for Tomorrow. I wrote it for you. Check it out here: https://janetperezeckles.com/store

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/courage/twelve-ways-to-know-youre-a-good-mom.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

Tags:

Even Though, I Will Choose to Breathe

28 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

What a boost to my soul this  morning as I read these words!

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
 he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

 

Photo credit Unsplash

 

 

 

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →