Archive by Author

Back in Florida

6 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Fall is in the air. Mornings on our porch in the North Carolina mountains have been a delight, softly cool with entertainment provided by battling hummingbirds, and hungry cardinals and finches. Then the time arrived to return to Florida to spend time with family and friends. We usually return to Florida later in September but Mercy Me was performing at EPCOT on September 4th as part of the Food and Wine Festival, and we wanted to attend.

On Tuesday we drove from our home on the coast, to Orlando. Let me tell you, fall has not arrived in Florida!  Fortunately there was a breeze which made the temperature less oppressive.

 

 

I can’t remember the last time that we were at EPCOT during the Food and Wine Festival. It must have been quite a while as the different food booths showcasing  international cuisine were once small structures. Now they are charmingly decorated buildings about the size of a Tiny house.

 

 

I enjoy the landscaping at Disney and often get ideas for mixing different flowering plants. I was impressed this year with their widespread use of coleus. They tend to wilt in extreme heat and theirs were perky as if they had been fresher watered. It may be that Disney uses coleus every year, but I avoid theme parks during the warm months.

 

 

The Food and Wine Festival offers free (after you pay for admission, of course) concerts each night of the festival in an outdoor theatre. We had great seats and since I don’t attend concerts often, I was fascinated with all the colored lights.

 

The music was fantastic and we enjoyed every minute of it. Mercy Me’s songs speak to the heart. The performance was energetic and humorous While the band was setting up for the next song, the lead singer, Bart Millard came forward and sang Because He LIves, acapulco, then gave a big grin and said “I wanted to be able to say I sang that at EPCOT.

After the concert we met up with a friend for supper and spent a pleasant hour catching up and trying to talk him into visiting us in the mountains. Even with the less than cool temperatures, we had a wonderful time sharing my favorite 3 Fs- Fun, Food and Fellowship. I will have to wait for my final favorite F until we return to the mountains-Fall

 

A full listing of the groups playing this year can be found HERE

The Isaiah 53 Project blog shared an interesting post about one of Mercy Me’s  hit songs,  I Can Only Imagine. You may have seen the movie.

If you enjoyed it, you could vote for it in the E People’s Choice Award by clicking HERE

https://thei535project.wordpress.com/2018/09/05/shock-jocks-play-christian-song-as-a-joke-then-something-unexpected-happens/comment-page-1/#comment-34504

 

 

 

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.

Today I Choose to Hope and Wait

4 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

 

 

Did you notice the word yet? It caught my attention for sure.

 

 

HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE

31 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

author of Window Wonders

 

 

 

When was the last time you looked up?
I mean “REALLY looked up”?

As I stand on earth and set my sights on high,
I marvel at God’s handiwork-
the Mystery of the sky.

When I look up as far as the eye can see-
There is evidence of God’s planning-
How beautiful Heaven must be!

 

 

Conquering Perception

30 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Stepping on the weight scales can be daunting. I can identify with the anxiety some feel after avoiding the dreaded scales for weeks on end. We step on and inwardly shudder whether it is a one pound gain or 5. How could this happen?

 

Source India Times Health Tips

 

Lately I have been on the downside of the scales and I have noticed something odd. A year ago, the digital numbers would have made me cringe in despair but since I am losing, I step off the scales with a smile of satisfaction. Mind you, it is the same weight that sent me into a faint a year ago.  But now, my clothes fit looser and I can imagine myself moving down a size.

I have decided the key to this oddity is my perception of how my clothes fit. You see, we have been in counseling and learning about how perception affects our mental narrative.  When my weight is going up, clothes remind me every day of my failure. BUT when my weight is going down, the loose fitting clothes confirm my success. My solution? In the future I will buy clothes at least one size larger. It’s all about perception!

 

Photo by Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

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.

Change

28 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

From The Butterfly School “Butterflies and moths go through a life cycle known as complete metamorphosis.”

Just as butterflies must experience metamorphosis to achieve their beautiful, best self, so must we be willing to experience our own metamorphosis to achieve our beautiful and best self.

 

 

If only “change me, Lord were my first heart’s cry, I believe I would see others with a clearer, more loving eye.

What to do when facing bad news

25 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

What to do when facing bad news.

 

 

Reblogged August 25, 2018

I fought the tears.

“I can’t believe it,” I wrote as a reply to a colleague of mine some years back.

“Yes,” she said, “the company is downsizing and is laying off all in our level.”

My stomach cramped. My job as an over-the-phone interpreter wasn’t actually “work” for me; it was my passion. Something I relished performing. And one that for over two decades, I’d relied on for income, health insurance and other nice perks.

My throat was still a bit sore from swallowing the lump as I considered this loss.

I heard words like severance, “COBRA”—words that screamed “You’re out of here.”

They pointed to the choices: anger at the unfairness, fear of what happens next, or prepare the menu for a pity party.

I chose a different path.

Since none seemed logical, I chose a different path. God says that His thoughts are not our thoughts. And our ways are not His ways. I caught my breath and glanced at a new horizon—not bleak anymore. Actually, I saw possibilities—ones I’d not considered but what if God had? I saw paths unknown to me, but what if God already knew them? I saw worry before me, but what if God had blessings planned instead?

Seeing my future through His eyes brought peace. And that peace made me dance with reassurance when I read: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord; ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

To prosper me? To give me a future? God was the one promising that. Not my employer or unemployment department. His plans were in place, firm and trustworthy.

Something strange happened.

And while I relished in His firm commitment to give me a good future, the strangest thing happened, unusual as snow in Orlando. I received an email telling me that the notice to end my employment was indeed an error. An error? I held my breath. And with apologies, my boss confirmed that statement and assured me I was still an employee of the company with no changes to my responsibilities, income or benefits.

So, is that what God means when He says to trust in Him with all our heart? His tests often come with seemingly bad news. But we look at the “God news”—it paints the portrait of hope each time. It brings on what we could never imagine. And He is true to His every promise.

Maybe this message today is for you. If you’re facing uncertainty. Or you’re encountering something that seems impossible. Or maybe you reached the end, and hope is about to evaporate.

Hang on. God has written the end of the story. And He’s waiting for your trust to come back, your faith to increase and your peace to come back.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for giving me the wisdom to rely on you when bad news arrives. Thank you for teaching me to trust in your provision and in your sustaining power alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How is God showing you a new horizon today?

Janet

______________________________________

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

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

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

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

 

Source https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/finding-peace/what-to-do-when-facing-bad-news.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

Busy Days With Family

24 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

This sure has been a busy and fun week. Our daughter, Rebekah, flew up from Florida to spend the week with us and she was joined by my aunt and cousin from the Raleigh area.  Our friends from South Carolina joined us and we all had tickets to attend a performance by comedienne Jeanne Robertson at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts on Friday. The show was wonderful, we laughed a LOT and was followed by cake and ice cream at home. Low carb for the husband and I. We had a regular house party going on.  If you have never viewed any of Jeanne’s videos, take a look at my favorite on You Tube. Don’t Send a Man to the Grocery Store. 

 

My South Carolina friend won the prize pack!

 

On Monday, we took a drive up to one of our favorite places, Wayah Bald.  The mountain was severely burned during the 2016 wildfires and we wanted to see how the forest was recovering. Although most of the woods along the road leading to the top seemed to be flourishing, the trees at the top are simply blackened branches and on this cloudy day, they were a harsh reminder of the damage fire does to a forest.  The walkway, once lined with wild Flame azaleas, is now lined with wild flowers and grasses.

 

 

At the fire tower, we were pleased to see that the burned roof of the structure had been replaced.  The forest service added a clever structure for visitors to carve their name or a message. Wayah is a part of the Appalachian Trail and hikers from across the globe can leave their mark there.

 

 

Rebekah and I walked about 50 steps on the Appalachian Trail to take a picture of her soon to be released new novel, Destiny’s Call.

 

 

We met two hikers coming up the trail to the tower. I don’t think they were through hikers, as their pack looked more like a day hiker’s gear. I took their picture from the top of the tower as well as the picture of my husband.

 

 

 

On Wednesday we weren’t sure what we wanted to do so we loaded up in the truck and went “exploring”. We drove down to Georgia to another favorite place, WarWoman Dell near Clayton, Georgia. On warm sunny days, it is a cool haven. On a cloudy day, like Wednesday, shadows and light made for some interesting pictures. Since it is quite shaded, moss abounds.

Rebekah loves photography

IMG_0052

The sun peeking down reminded me to remember where my help comes from.

 

 

Moving on, we drove 9 miles on an unpaved Forest service road in search of a waterfall. We made it to the parking area, but the short trail was too steep for my husband, We had to content ourselves with photos online.  It was a beautiful, if bumpy drive through thick forest. To our amazement we came upon an outdoor church with a cemetery that is still in use.

 

 

By the time we made it back to paved roads, it was getting late. It was a good day to put in our memory books.

 

 

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.

I Will Sing

23 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

A few weeks ago, I shared a post titled “Today I Will Choose to Sing.” When I was in a Dalton’s Christian book store today I found this tote. A perfect reminder to remember to sing, even in the toughest times.

 

Twelve things God says you must never do

18 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles

 

Twelve things God says you must never do.

 

Reblogged August 18, 2018

 

“Ready for a game?” I called out to my ten- and eight-year old grand-kiddoes.

They dashed to the couch and snuggled beside me. “What are we playing?”

Each game I invent has strange rules and quirky turns.

As I give the instructions, I emphasize what they cannot do or what they cannot say.

Once they learn the do’s and don’ts, the game begins. We laugh, learn and pass the time with delight.

God does the same thing. When He gave directions to many of His people, He used the same approach.

There was no game involved, but rather, with each instruction, a profound and life-changing impact to our destiny took place. And all because He gave instructions of what to do and what not to do.

Here are some paraphrased examples of what God said not to do:

  • To Eve, He said don’t eat.
  • To Cain, He said don’t lie.
  • To Moses, He said don’t worry about your stuttering.
  • To Joseph, He said don’t lose faith.
  • To Abraham, He said don’t doubt.
  • To Noah, He said don’t stop.
  • To Sarah, He said don’t laugh.
  • To Hannah, He said don’t stop praying.
  • To David, he said don’t fail to repent.
  • To Elijah, He said don’t run.
  • To Jonah, He said don’t say
  • To Joshua, He said don’t be discouraged.
  • To Jeremiah, He said don’t think about your age.
  • To Martha, He said don’t whine.
  • To Paul, He said don’t give up.
  • To Ruth, He said don’t look back.

If He was clear with all these powerfully influential people, why wouldn’t He say the same to you and me today? His voice hasn’t lost its timbre. His desire to be close to us hasn’t faded, and His instructions haven’t become lame.

With His love-overflowing authority, He speaks as we face the deepest pain and hardest times.

Here are 12 examples for us of what not to do:

  1. Don’t worry, I have each moment planned. Each day orchestrated. (Matthew 6:19-34)
  2. Don’t fear. Consider what I gave you—not a spirit of fear, but one of love, power and of sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
  3. Don’t try to figure it out. Trust in me with all your heart, think of me in every situation and I will show you the way. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  4. Don’t look back. Forget what happened yesterday. Focus on today. Hope for tomorrow. (Isaiah 43:18)
  5. Don’t follow your wisdom. Seek mine instead. My thoughts and ways are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
  6. Don’t let guilt in. If you repent, the slate is clean. The stains are removed. (Psalm 103:11-12)
  7. Don’t despair. I’m near you, I will save you from all the gloom and sadness. (Psalm 34:18)
  8. Don’t seek the things of this world. Seek instead a closer and more intimate relationship with me. (Matthew 6:33)
  9. Don’t feel lonely. I’ll be with you when you get up. When you move and when you take off on your journey. (Joshua 1:9)
  10. Don’t envy what others have. I gave you what you need for today. I’ll fill your desires with good things. (Psalm 103:1)
  11. Don’t listen to bad news. Fill your heart with my promises instead. (Psalm 102: 3-8)
  12. Don’t lament your weaknesses. I will strengthen you and I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10)

God does say to “Look to me for answers. Do love me with all your heart. Do expect a life filled with blessings.”

Let’s Pray

Father, I understand the restrictions you placed for my protection. Thank you for your guidance that leads me to the place that is best for me. In Jesus name.

As you face today’s problems, what is God telling you not to do?

Janet

______________________________________

To invite Janet to speak, please go HERE  and check out the variety of topics that will inspire and uplift your group.

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.

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.

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

 

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/direction/twelve-things-god-says-you-must-never-do.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

When Your Modem Has Issues

14 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

“Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.” Joseph Campbell (source Brainy Quotes)

 

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

 

We recently received a new modem from our internet provider. Unfortunately, it has control issues and wants to assign the IP address of its choosing, not what the Internet provider demands. Tech support said they will be happy to send out a technician IN A WEEK to replace  the new modem with another new modem.  I hope this one has a better attitude.