Archive by Author

Sourdough Heart

16 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

I'm a winner

 

I recently read an article about a Sourdough starter that had been kept alive since the Gold Rush days in Alaska. The writer had the pleasure of enjoying a stack of pancakes made from the vintage, living starter.

For those not familiar with Sourdough, it is a living dough and must be fed on a regular basis to continue the fermentation process.

Photo credit This Old Gal

 

The starter will triple in size so be sure to choose a jar with room for growth.

 

My heart has a lot in common with Sourdough starter. Both must be fed. What I feed my heart will affect who I am, what I think and and how I cope with life’s challenges. I can choose to feed it with Living water or Lifeless water. One produces an open heart, eager to love and forgive, the other results in an anger filled heart that colors the way the world is viewed. Forgiveness does not come easily and harsh thoughts rule the mind.

Jesus said  He will give us Living water and like the Sourdough starter, I believe His love will triple in my heart if I simply open it fully to Him.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

The picture of the starter jars is from This Old Gal’s blog. Here is the link for her Sourdough starter recipe. If you enjoy cooking, follow her on Facebook.

Road Trip-Sunday Ascent

15 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

I'm a winner

 

 

Day 11, September 17, 2017

 

After our adventure at Night Glow, I wasn’t excited about arising early on Sunday but a balloon ascent was planned to take place at the Wyndham resort where we were staying. I needed coffee!!

We weren’t 100 percent sure where the ascent was to take place so we drove around until we spotted the field where the balloonists were setting up.

 

 

Rain was in the forecast but several of the balloons took a chance and arose into the sky.

 

 

This balloon crew were planning to ascend but the balloonist’s young daughter begged her father to change his mind. She claimed to be able to feel the lightning in the atmosphere. After what appeared to be talking back and forth between the crew, the decision was made to not make the ascent. It was the correct decision as clouds rapidly built.

 

 

We returned to our truck and Rebekah drove as we followed the flights of the balloons that were descending.

Feeling damp and cold we headed back to the condo for a cup of hot cocoa.

 

Pam caught up with Facebook, sharing photos and catching up on texts.

 

 

Rebekah took advantage of the light and captured a great picture of our view.

 

 

Hubby had declared the day, a day of rest (It was Sunday, after all) So the girls piled into the truck and Rebekah drove us around to check out the town and have a girlie lunch at The Rose, one of the local restaurants.

 

I apologize for the time in between my posts. Life moves faster than I can type!

Why Does Life Have To Be Hard?

10 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

Why does life have to be so hard?

Reblogged March 10, 2018

During my recent visit to West Palm Beach, God had a wonderful surprise waiting for me. The lovely couple who hosted me quickly became my close friends. I learned an interesting fact about them.

“His closet is meticulously organized,” my friend said about her husband. “All hangers are spaced evenly and all is perfectly placed in the exact spot.

“And how about yours?” I asked her.

She confessed hers wasn’t quite the same. But that’s okay. In all relationships, each one brings unique habits, methods, approaches, and attitudes. But more importantly, each has a specific task assigned to them.

The same is true with God.

The same in our relationship with God. He has His role, and we have ours.

But do you think I learned that lesson well? Not yet. Lately, as my family faces another dark valley, that lesson had to be drilled in me. Though we face struggles, hardships and heartache, that’s ours to endure.

But God has His own role. In the midst of suffering, He has the serenity to calm our heart. In our struggles, He has the victory. In our heartache, He has the healing.

Here are five reasons why.

  1. He promised that what we face will be temporary. What we fear will be defeated and what we need to do is not fret, worry, be anxious…but simply be still. “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (Exodus 14:13).
  2. He has a place for us where we can count on His favor. The favor that is enough for each moment. His favor to conquer all. And the favor that completely surrounds us. “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:4).
  3. He provides the refuge. His protection is firm, constant and available. In fact, He said that we must dare to rejoice as we’re nestled under His refuge. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 4:11).
  4. He knows the army of negative thoughts that attack. He sees the enemies of our soul that taunt us. And He’s aware of the weapons lifted against us. But He promised they have no power or means to harm us. He reassures: “No weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17).
  5. And finally, He repeats, that yes, He will be the one to help us, to make us strong, to hold us up. And He commands us not to fear. “Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Victory is sure.

When these promises wash our soul, the troubles seem smaller. The battle has an end. The victory is sure and the journey is bearable.

How about you? What battle are you facing? Are you giving the Lord room to fight for you? Are you counting on His victory? Are you anticipating triumph?

Janet

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.

What an honor it would be for me to delight those who attend your women’s gatherings, retreats, church congregation or corporate events. Here are some of the TOPICS you can choose from.

 

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/why-does-life-have-to-be-so-hard.html

Let Light Shine Out of Darkness

28 Feb

Be Strong and Courageous

21 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Courage seems to be my word for this season of life. Oddly, this is coupled with Rejoice. How can I rejoice as my heart is weeps? Because God has promised that He will be with me wherever I go, even into the depths of heartache He is there. All…the…time.

 

Crosscards.com

 

Amy VosKamp wrote a powerful post  Why God Doesn’t Heal People We Love, Brutally Honest, Psalm #3

How do I calm my heartache?

17 Feb

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

 

How do I calm my heartache?

Reblogged February 17, 2018

Stop crying. That’s enough! It wasn’t that bad. Stop it now.

These are words others used to calm my little granddaughter’s cries after a scraped knee.

Have a Different Approach

Being the wise grandma I try to be, I have a different approach. I scoop her up in my arms. Hold her tight, and keep her close. Without saying a word, I rock her gently back and forth.  I don’t let her go. Her sobs subside. I still hold her tight, while back and forth I rock her. Her body relaxes and she settles in my arms, content as can be.

How do I know that approach works?

God Holds us Close

God did the same with me. When an unthinkable tragedy broke my heart and shook my world, He held me close. He didn’t give instructions. He just held me close. He didn’t command I stop my cries. He just held me close. Soon, His promises swept over me like a wave of warm water in a cold day.

Should more scrapes to my heart occur, I know to be still and let Him hold me because “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 ).

Let’s Pray

Father, how loving of you to care for us in such a tender way. Your comfort has no match. And your power to heal holds no conditions. When heartache invades my life, knowing You’re ready to hold me tight shines reassurance in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • What hurts in you today?
  • How long will you hold on to the pain?
  • What will it take for you to be still and allow Him to hold you close and calm your heart?

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.

 

Source: http://janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/how-do-i-calm-my-heartache.html

Road Trip~ Pagosa Springs Night Glow

15 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Day 10, September 16, 2017- Evening

In my last post, Pagosa Springs-Color Fest   I shared a lot of pictures from the balloon ascent. We were all thrilled with the event as we returned to the condo.  A minor mishap with one of the toilets required a call to the front desk and someone was quickly dispatched to fix it. Shortly after the repairman left, the phone in the condo rang. Pam, the timeshare owner picked up the phone and we began laughing and chanting “Just say no.” Timeshares are famous for trying to upsell when you visit their properties and Pam sometimes has moments of weakness.

When she hung up the phone, we were surprised and skeptical to hear that she had won a prize basket that included two free tickets to Night Glow, an event with music, beer tasting and balloon illumination. We joked about it being an oops gift due to the toilet incident and that when she went to collect, they would try to sell her something.

To our shock, the gift was legit! “Here’s your gift, enjoy.” Now we had two tickets with unlimited beer tasting and none of us drank beer!  We decided, what the heck and went to the event that evening with two of us purchasing at the gate non-beer tasting tickets.

We didn’t know what to expect. There was a tent with a stage and chairs for the audience and  performers were singing. The music was loud so we opted to sit at one of the randomly scattered picnic tables while we scoped the area, trying to figure out what to expect.

 

I bought some delicious sweet kettle corn.

There is a story with this picture and why it was cropped, but I’m not telling. Maybe the look on Rebekah’s face will give you a clue.

 

Rebekah talking with Pam who is not pictured.

As we waited for the balloons to arrive, I checked out the food options. There were not a lot of choices and I chose a vendor selling beef brisket sandwiches. I bought one, hoping it would be large enough to share with my husband.  The vendor must have been doing a lot of business as they were out of napkins and forks. The funny thing is they were still selling people coleslaw! The brisket sandwich was out of this world delicious, the meat thick and juicy. I have been frequently  hankering for brisket since then, but none has compared well to what we ate that night.

The first balloon arrived and I was surprised to note how compact it was and it easily fit in the back of a truck.

 

 

After our supper, the aroma of kettle corn began to drive me crazy. I decided we needed some to snack on as we waited on the balloons. The line was long and by the time I returned to our table several had been inflated.

 

 

To my delight, one of the balloons was positioned next to our table. The balloonist was so kind to the small children and hoisted them up to sit in the basket. One young fella spent a long time there and was given the privilege of pulling on the gas burner to shoot flames up into the balloon.

 

 

To end the evening, the band synchronized the music with the balloons and put on a breathing taking show of flaming and glowing balloons.

 

 

 

I’m so glad Pam won the tickets. We didn’t know about this event and would have missed making a memory that I will treasure.

PS: In case anyone is wondering what happened to the free beer that was included with Pam and Rebekah’s ticket, they upgraded for a glass of wine.

 

The Love Secret

14 Feb

 

 

Crosscards.com

Three secrets to finding strength.

10 Feb

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

 

Three secrets to finding strength.

Reblogged February 10, 2018 with permission

 

All banks closed. too bad. Airport shut down, that’s life. No water or electricity, sorry!

That was our hometown in Bolivia each time a revolution exploded. Not far from us, only blocks from where we lived. Now, they are but ugly memories from the past.

 

No Way Back

But recently, my good friend was in the middle of a similar political unrest. Her mission trip ended. Airports closed. Electricity and public services minimized. And she had no way to get back home to the States.

Until, a miracle shone through. A travel agency found one flight available. She boarded the plane and the crowded aircraft had a surprise for her. They bumped her to first class. She’s now home safe and sound.

Isn’t that like life? We’re going through each day, minding our own business. Being good, not bothering anyone. When suddenly a revolution of anxiety explodes in us—a diagnosis, a financial setback, a devastating situation, a chronic illness—all threaten to shut down the airport to peace. The bank where we find strength and energy is closed. And the electricity supply that had brightened our days is now off.

Three Secrets

But when we least expect it, God has a flight waiting. One seat available in the first class of His love. Here are three secrets to find strength until we board that plane:

  1. Know that it’s not us but He who pilots the aircraft that takes us to healing, solutions, and answers
  2. Accept the situation with gratitude as He is aware of every need. He collects every tear. He understands every sigh. And pours the grace we need for each moment.
  3. Turn a deaf ear to the enemy’s lies that whisper hopelessness, defeat and gloom. His lies are shut down with God’s promises that have resonated with hope through the ages.

So if you find yourself I the middle of a revolution of fear, know the Lord’s wings will cover you. You’ll not be defeated, fall or sink because “…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess I feel defeated in face of tough moments, unforeseen setbacks and unexpected heartache. But now I know I can wait upon you. I can wait in expectation that you will grant me the strength I don’t have. Hold me when I want to faint. And renew my strength to face each moment. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What struggles keep you in the revolution of fear?
  • What keeps you from believing He has the flight of rescue waiting for you?
  • What will you do while you wait for God to renew your strength?

Hey friends, if you want more inspiration drawn from my latest book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, come visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

Janet

__________________

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

 

Hi friends, Janet is a gifted speaker who uses humor as she shares a message of hope and joy. She is a frequent speaker at women’s gatherings, retreats, church congregation or corporate events. Here are some of the TOPICS you can choose from.  If you are looking for a speaker for your Spring retreat, check out this video HERE.  You can also visit her home page. Janet Perez Eckles.comOnisha

-Source: Three secrets to finding strength. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

Avoid Premature Aging With One Word “Enthusiasm”

9 Feb

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

It is not how long you’ve lived
Or how long you have left.
It’s how much life is packed into those years
So you are not feeling bereft.

 

Sometimes our greatest work is
encouraging other to do
their greatest work.

 

Perhaps our aim is purpose.
To find our reason for living.
Experience has taught me, it’s not what we get –
But the joy is to be found in giving.

 

“Find an aim in life before you run out of ammunition.”
Arnold Glasow, “Our Aim in Life”