Archive by Author

Today I Choose To Give Praise

27 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Two weeks ago one of our friends took a terrible fall down a slope and hit his h head. Not a great thing for someone 70+ plus years. Along with their friends, my prayers were fervent for his recovery. He suffered severe damage to his neck and had been breathtakingly close to paralysis. In my prayers, I thanked God for His protection and healing of my friend, then my thoughts moved on.

In  my morning quiet time I read Psalm 89:15. I decided that my praises to God need to be as fervent as my prayers of petition!

 

 

 

 

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.

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Yard Rambles

26 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Monday and Tuesday were gorgeous her in the North Carolina mountains. The temperatures were mild and a soft breeze made it perfect for turning off the air conditioner and opening the windows. Tuesday afternoon I walked around the yard admiring the freshly mown grass. Our butterfly bush has been in a slump the past two summers due to a hash winter and this year it is back!

 

 

At the end of her last visit, our daughter left her camera with me. It takes amazing pictures and I couldn’t wait to snap some shots. I took some great ones and video of  butterflies on the bush. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to get them off of her camera!  Back up plan, use my phone camera.

By the time I went back outside, it was late afternoon and most of the butterflies were gone. As I stood there, wondering if I should try to capture some butterflies shots, a hummingbird flew in and hovered over one of the purple blossoms. She was so cute! I didn’t have the phone ready to take the shot, so I can’t share a picture, but I  was able to snap a few shots of the butterflies.

 

Our Rose of Sharon bush is doing better this year too and the butterflies have been enjoying its flowers too.

 

 

 

This summer I decided to splurge on a big basket of Coleus and I am enjoying them!  I didn’t have much success with them in Florida, I think it was the heat, but they are thriving in the milder, mountain climate. If they survive the cooler temperatures of fall, we may take them to spend the winter with us in Florida. We have a flowering basket that has spent two winters there and returned to North Carolina in the spring so that we could enjoy the blooms all season.

 

 

I haven’t picked any hydrangea this summer. They are planted on a hill and my husband hasn’t been well enough to tackle weed eating the underbrush and I was afraid of snakes! Tuesday, hubby felt stronger and cleared out the underbrush and I am looking forward to having some fresh blooms in the house.

 

 

 

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.

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Be Happy Tuesday.

24 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Before I retired, I wore black on Tuesdays. I joked that Monday’s were a day of optimism, by Tuesday I realized that my optimism was unfounded. In truth, it simply made my clothing choice on Tuesday’s simple. Wear black!

 

Happiness Voskamp

Sticky Notes Amy Voskamp

 

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Three Steps to Miracles

21 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Three steps to miracles.

 

Reblogged July 21, 2018

Questions I asked.

Are you expecting a miracle? Or do you even believe in them? I asked those questions. And my answer came when I witnessed miracles of my own, profound and personal.

When my life should have been a mess, miracles appeared instead—joy when there should be gloom. Peace instead of restlessness, and fear turned to hope and security.

These same scenarios were displayed in a hospital in St. Louis. The story is about John Smith who fell in icy water and remained there for 15 minutes. The news read, “When rescuers brought him to SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, the teen wasn’t breathing. Paramedics and doctors did everything in their power to bring John back, not willing to give up. They performed CPR and other life-saving measures on him for 27 minutes – without regaining a pulse.”

Medically, the boy was dead.

They called his mother to the room to give her the bad news.

What did she do? She prayed. She declared out loud God’s power and the Holy Spirit upon her son and pleaded God to give back her son. What happened next is that blood began to flow in that dead boy’s veins.

The doctors, shocked and stunned, couldn’t give explanations. They only had one conclusion: it was a “genuine miracle.” HERE are the chilling details.

Bold Faith

I’d like to meet that lady and tell her, “I want faith like yours—to be that bold, and overflow with trust.”

In order to possess such deep conviction, perhaps this mother had gone through these stages:

  • Rejecting the doctor’s announcement and recognizing that only God has the final word.
  • Calling upon the power of God no matter who supported her or who joined her in that effort. She cried out to God with rare confidence. She spoke out loud, declaring the warfare of the enemy would not win.
  • Expecting God’s answer. She had to pray, believing in the answer, calling upon God’s power over what seemed impossible.

So why doesn’t God perform more miracles today? My humble answer is that He does, but we simply don’t see them. Every moment we breathe is a miracle. The fact your vision is vibrant enough to read this is a miracle.

If back then, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, drove demons from people, why wouldn’t He do that now?

The Bible says: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Let’s Pray

Father, if you are indeed the same now as you were when you walked on earth, then you are the divinely and supernaturally able to perform miracles. I shall renew my faith, reclaim my trust in you, and from this moment on be aware of each miracle that surrounds me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How will your life change if you have the boldness to expect miracles?

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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Little Free Library

18 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

 Our daughter, Rebekah, brought a book to read on the flight up from Florida and it was a page turner. Now as her visit was drawing to a close, she needed a fresh book for the long wait at the airport. Isn’t it crazy that the wait to get on the airplane is longer than the flight?  I knew that our local Community Center had a Little Free Library, and suggested we look there for a book to read on the flight home.

 

 

The anticipation of not knowing what you will find, makes it a fun adventure. Will it be a classic or a thriller by a popular author? I would be tempted to choose a local cookbook if one were in the box. Of course, choosing a book or books to leave is fun too. Should one leave something funny, self-help or inspirational?  I think leaving a book that I enjoyed would be fun.

Of course, if you are an Indie author, leaving one of your own books could be fun too!

What sort of book would you leave at a Little Free Library?

 

Speaking of authors and books, Rebekah is participating in the Grace Filled Summer Book Sweepstakes.

 

We are entering an exciting and happy time of year. Summer…a time for fun, relaxing, going barefoot, hanging out with family and friends around the grill.  It’s the perfect time for the Grace Filled Summer Sweeps 2018. And summer reading has never been this much fun with eight stellar authors and their exciting and insightful books. This is a sweepstakes. So, each author will give away a copy of her book according to the most interesting, clever comment.  In your comment, please let us know which book you’re dying to read, and also your second choice. This way we’ll be sure to give everyone a book that’s to their reading taste.

 

If you are interested in entering, head on over to the blog:

 https://graceawardsdotorg.wordpress.com/2018/07/16/grace-filled-summer-book-sweeps-2018/

 

 

 

 

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.

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Rock Solid

17 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

I saw this on Amy Voskamp”s website Monday night. During a difficult period in my teens, I lost all confidence in myself. As I began to think on my past and what had precipitated my crisis, I realized that as I drew away from God, so my confidence fell away. Eventually I learned the only identity that mattered was my identity in Christ.

 

 

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How to see God’s hand in our darkness

14 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Reblogged July 14, 2018

 

Some friends and I sat at a table in a local restaurant. “Hi Amy!” I said looking in the direction of my friend’s three-year old little girl. “Did you like your visit to Disney World?”

She didn’t answer.

“Honey,” her mommy said, “Mrs. Eckles can’t see. You have to say yes out loud, not just nod your head.”

We chuckled.

“Close your eyes,” her mom said. “That’s what Mrs. Eckles sees.”

We continued our visit, her mom and I chatted about silly stuff during the meal. Then suddenly Amy’s mom paused. “I’m sorry Amy; you can open your eyes now. And go ahead and eat your food.”

We hadn’t realized during the whole time we were talking, she still had them closed, and the plate of food, untouched, sat before her.

Setbacks and Disappointments

That reminded me when the sting of setbacks, the jolt of disappointment closed the eyes of my heart. And in the darkness of my pain, I missed God’s banquet set before me.

We all do that sometimes. The rehashing of negative details blocks the view. And dark memories of the wound cover the path to healing.

Blind to all that goodness, we test God’s patience. How often must He whisper, Open those eyes and check out the banquet of blessings I placed before you. Look at the possibilities. Take a peek at what I have prepared for you.

It’s all for us.

He offers and invites us to see what he designed. He longs to show us His hand at work right now. At this moment. In our current situation. And in the midst of today’s heartache.

In each of them, He’s preparing something new, something good and beautifully unexpected. He warns not to look back; but focus ahead. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Our days shine with hope, with fresh beauty, and with delight when we choose to perceive what God is offering.

Let’s Pray

Father, open my eyes to see beyond my circumstance, beyond the hurt. And instead, help me to look at the colorful horizon painted by your love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What might God want you to see in the midst of your situation?

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/encouragement/how-to-see-gods-hand-in-our-darkness.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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Today I Choose to Sing

13 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

My voice may not send up a pleasant melody but my heart sings in perfect pitch.

 

 

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Mini Road Trip to Alabama

12 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Last week our daughter in Florida came to visit us in Western North Caroina and we took a mini road trip to Alabama. When we stopped at the Unclaimed Baggage and Freight Store in Scottsboro, Alabama on our road trip last summer, I thought she would enjoy exploring it as she is a serious bargain hunter. Before we arrived at Unclaimed Baggage, we made a stop at the Lodge Factory, just over the line into Alabama from Tennessee. The people who work in the store are super friendly and always seem to be happy. Their smiles are worth the stop!

 

Check out the kitchen tools on the statue

 

Here is a little from their website. If you use Lodge cast-iron, you should visit their site.

Originally named The Blacklock Foundry after Joseph Lodge’s friend and minister, the company gained success until May of 1910 when it burned down. Just three months later and a few blocks south, the company was reborn as Lodge Manufacturing Company.

 

The drive to Unclaimed baggage from the Lodge store was uneventful  except that we gained an extra hour of shopping time when we crossed from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time. Here is a short excerpt from their About page.

 

In 1970 Doyle Owens headed to Washington D.C. with an idea, a borrowed pick-up truck and a $300 loan to pick up his first load of unclaimed baggage. Selling the contents on card tables in an old rented house, the venture was an instant success.

 

We walked into the huge store with seemingly endless rack of clothing. Our daughters face had  look of someone who is overwhelmed. Sensing her confusion, I suggested she start looking at hats as she loves collecting them.

 

 

 

Her “finds”

Our stop for the night was Huntsville, Alabama, home of the US Space and Rockert Center, the Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center. Husband and I had only driven through the city on our road trip last year, so we were looking forward to touring the next day. As a bonus, our daughter would be able to pick up some background information as well as absorb the culture of the area for the sequel to her award-winning novel , Jessie.

 

 

 

We chose an early start the next morning for two reasons, first to buy tickets for the daily bus tour and second to see as much as possible before the oppressive heat was in full force. We were successful at snagging tickets but not so much at avoiding the heat. It was a hot, humid day and neither the buildings nor the bus had adequate air-conditioning. (Tip: Don’t visit during the summer!). The Rocket Center had some interesting exhibits as well as hands on activities. Husband and daughter took a go at attempting to land a Space Shuttle.

 

 

Rebekah crashed in a spectacular manner. Her dad landed successfully but “ground control” had some serious comments about his landing skills.

We marveled at the cramped conditions ithe early astronauts endured n the space capsules . Rebekah slid into a Mercury capsule but it was so tight, she didn’t slide all the way into it. While she was in , several people approached and we urged them to take a turn inside. They all backed away with panicky looks on their faces.

 

 

I think our favorite stop on the bus tour was at the ISS payload building.  We were able to view the command center which is staffed 24/7 to communicate with the station. We were fortunate that one of the staff came out and gave us an interesting talk about the work of the ISS ground communications team.  There were several children in the crowd and they asked great questions.

 

 

As we were leaving, husband snapped a picture of our daughter in a space suit. It was a fun day, even with the heat . Rebekah was able to check off another item off of her Space bucket list. She toured Johnson Space Center a year ago and holds an annual pass to Kennedy Space Center. Next on her list is Greenbelt, Maryland and the Goddard Space Flight Center.

 

 

As I said, this was a mini road trip and the next morning we were headed home to our beloved mountains and cooler temperatures.

 

PS: I forgot to mention that our daughter, Rebekah is participating in a promotion that is giving away a copy of The Magnolia Table cookbook by Fixer Upper star, Joanna Gaines as well as a $25.00 Amazon gift card. Click below!

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Drag Your Guilt Folder to the Trash

11 Jul

 

 

JanetPerezEckles.com

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