Archive by Author

How to turn our ugly past into a beautiful future.

19 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

August 18, 2017 Reblogged

Why do we look behind and long for what we had yesterday to come back? We wish we could roll back time and go back to days where life was easier. Have you done that? God knows we all do at times.

“Okay, here’s another box full of VHS tapes,” Jessica said. She’s my teenage friend who comes to help out as she’s earning funds for a mission trip.

“Can you read the label on some of the?” I asked.

As she read the content of those tapes, my mind went back to that time when my two younger sons were in diapers, and I was living a “normal” life. I had eyesight back then. And with not a care in the world, I’d pack all three of them in the back of the car and zip to the store or appointments, or to the park.

What a long road it had been as I transitioned from full sight, living a full life to being blind, completely blind and terrified.

But before my physical darkness turned to emotional darkness, this verse came alive in me: “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).

How beautifully He had brought streams of hope in the wasteland of my blindness. When I cried to understand why, instead of an answer, He gave me peace, sweet peace.

When I grumbled with frustration after burning my finger when cooking, God soothed my pain when my boys asked for seconds.

I also brought back memories of the times when hubby and I would go out to dinner and he didn’t have to lead me by the hand, but what joy when God took me by the hand and led me to the banquet He had prepared for me.

And what a privilege to be able to write these lines and remind you to look at the present and gaze at God’s power that’s making a way in your desert and creating streams of hope in your wasteland.

Father, help me to focus on the good of the present, on the blessing of the moment. On the new things you’re still doing. On the gift of your provision as my eyes read this. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How will you overcome the past to see the new beginning?

Janet

Video sneak peek: http://bit.ly/1JodQQQ

Source: How to turn our ugly past into a beautiful future. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Comparisons- Helpful or Damaging?

18 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

When we compare, we want to be the best.
The paradox of “fit in and stand out.”
Comparison is the thief of happiness.
Acceptance of our self and others is what
Life is all about.

 

Be kind to yourself.
Accept yourself for who and what you are.
It will relieve that inner strife.
In God’s eyes, you are already a star.

 

Take time for creativity.
It’s important to your well being. don’t you see
Is achieving and competing truly deserving of
all your attention and energy?

 

Have you made achieving too important
and creativity as no longer of value?
Re-think your priorities, be kind to yourself
You will be a much more contented you.

 

“Why do we struggle to be something we
are not when God created us to be a
unique flower in His garden?”

 

Photo credit Judy Wills

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Are You Traveling to View the Solar Eclipse

17 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Wednesday at breakfast with friends, the discussion naturally turned to the August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse. Our small town in North Carolina is in the path of totality. Two weeks ago before we left to spend some time in Florida, the eclipse conversation centered around who had family coming and where to get protective glasses. It was relaxed and casual conversation.

 

Wikimedia.org

This week the conversation was completely different as my friends shared the stories they had been hearing about the event and the crowds. I decided it would be good to share some thoughts from a local for those traveling to view the eclipse.

The most surprising thing I learned was that some restaurants would not be opening on Monday citing not enough freezer space to stock up and uncertainty of staff’s ability to get to work.

SUGGESTION ONE: DON’T DEPEND 100% ON PURCHASING MEALS IN RESTAURANTS. BRING SNACKS, PROTEIN BARS, FRUIT ETC. IF YOU ARE SPENDING THE NIGHT, BRING A COOLER WITH MILK, JUICE  AS WELL AS BREAKFAST FOODS LIKE CEREAL OR POP TARTS. DON’T FORGET PAPER PRODUCTS LIKE BOWLS, CUTLERY AND PAPER TOWELS. 

There are rumors that some accommodations are charging exorbitant rates, if you can find a room at all.

SUGGESTION TWO: IF YOU DON’T HAVE RESERVATIONS, DECIDE WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO SLEEP IN YOUR CAR?

I am already seeing signs advertising their parking fees. A local flea market is charging $6.00 to park and another business is charging $20.00. I will not be surprised to see higher prices on the day.

SUGGESTION THREE: BE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES SUCH AS PARKING. I SUSPECT LOCAL ATM MACHINES WILL BE DEPLETED QUICKLY.

Our community is having fun events including a free concert by Mountain Faith, but as we discussed the predicted crowds and clogged roads, the consensus at the table was that we were are all staying home to view the eclipse. If we get brave, we may venture out for some of the activities on the weekend.

SUGGESTION FOUR: KEEP YOUR GAS TANK TOPPED OFF SO THAT YOU WON’T HAVE TO WORRY IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC.

One article I read about the eclipse made three very practical points. It is August and it will be hot.Dress accordingly including sunscreen. You will need water and you will also need to consider the lack of bathroom facilities, especially in roadside parking. i am not sure how to remedy the last one.

SUGGESTION FIVE: BE SURE TO BRING ENOUGH WATER TO MAKE IT THROUGH A WARM DAY AND SCOUT OUT BATHROOMS NEAR YOUR VIEWING AREA.

I hope you don’t mind the caps and bold lettering in my suggestions. I did it for those who need a quick read, without the chatter. I am excited about the eclipse. I already have commemorative T-shirts for my family and will be stocking up on groceries for our family members who begin arriving tomorrow. I  feel incredibly blessed to be living in the path of totality. Wherever you view the eclipse, savor the time with family and friends, make memories and keep in mind that even stressful bumps in the experience often turn into favorite family tales.

 

Click her for More tips from our county Facebook page.

 

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How to find true love.

12 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

August 11, 2017 Reblog

Looking for love in all the wrong places. Remember that song popular a few years back? The lyrics resonated with millions because they probably did that very thing.

The other day, I looked in hubby’s direction, fist planted on my hip. “You mean you wouldn’t get up in the middle of the night and, knowing that noise scared me, you wouldn’t take care of it?”

“Well,” he paused, “I might have maybe when we first got married. But After 41 years of marriage, I don’t know.”

I tried to give him a hateful look. But he didn’t give me a chance because he gave me a quick kiss on my cheek. “Only kidding,” he said.

Ha! Maybe not. The truth is that through our marriage, our love has changed. It resembled the seasons of the year. Some years saw the freshness of spring as we began a family—joy blended with the exciting stage of parenthood. The summer brought the warmth of affection, particularly when things went well. And even coldness in the winters when we both needed to grow, mature and learn.

Yes, hubby and I have experienced all levels of love, all forms, and in various intensities.

Our love changed because we’re only creatures in the learning mode of life. Not so with Jesus. He loved us even before we could be called His children. He loved us enough to die for us. His love didn’t diminish when we shrugged at His instructions and went our own way. And His love remained constant even when fear threatened to consume us. Could we say Jesus is the only true love, ready to defend us when noises of adversity scare us?

We can count on the fact that His love never changes, never wavers, and, joy of joys—never, ever will it leave us.

And if that weren’t enough, that true love carries the promise that we’ll be filled with the fullness of God. So “…you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Father, I praise you because I no longer have to keep looking. Your love is mine. And for me, that’s enough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What kind of love fills your life today?

Janet

Video sneak peek:  https://youtu.be/bEoyJynuTZA

 

Source: How to find true love. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Our Life is Meant to Be

11 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

May you always remember
God is in control.
He has a plan for your life.

 

Listen with your heart
As he leads you.
You will ward off the strife.

 

The events in our life
Are meant to be.
There is a peace that
Can be found.

 

The challenges are many
Diligence is profound.

 

We may not have chosen
The path we are on,
But trust it was meant to be.
God works in mysterious ways
As he plans our destiny.

 

There is a peace that can be found,
Know God has a plan for our life.
Keep your faith strong in him.
You will ward away the strife.

 

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Avoid this mistake when looking for fulfillment.

5 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

August 04, 2017 Reblogged

We don’t need statistics to know that millions of people live aimlessly without fulfillment, purpose or meaning. But there is an answer—simple and doable.

My brother and sister-in-law, Lois, visited a few weeks ago. As usual, Lois and I did a little shopping. And it’s always, always a super fun adventure.

Why? Well, there’s a unique thing about us: Lois is deaf. And, as you know, I’m blind (yup, totally).

I held her arm as we walked through aisle after aisle in Hobby Lobby, looking for a specific item.

“There’s a store clerk,” Lois said.

Whew! Finally, the help we need, I thought.

“It’s over there where that lady is turning,” the clerk said.

Well, those instructions didn’t help. I couldn’t see where she was pointing. And Lois couldn’t read her lips as the store clerk wasn’t facing her.

What disappointment!

We couldn’t blame the clerk. She had no clue she was addressing two gals, one deaf and the other blind.

Our mistake was to count on someone who didn’t know our needs or limitations.

We all do that in life, right? Mistakenly, we count on someone to give us the answer, provide the solution, point us in the right direction, or fill our needs. But because they don’t know us, they simply cannot.

Here is a test. Have you made any of the mistakes below?

  • You seek a job, expecting it will provide financial security.
  • You look to your spouse, hoping they will bring joy.
  • You look to the success of your children, expecting you’ll find gratification.
  • You look for relationships, hoping to fill the emptiness.
  • You seek health, hoping you’ll live longer.
  • You take a risk, hoping you’ll find success.
  • You seek the perfect position, expecting to find satisfaction.
  • You write the next book, hoping to change lives.
  • You find good works to do, expecting to please God.
  • You save and save, hoping that will make tomorrow secure.

If you made even one of these mistakes, disappointment is about to knock at your door.

That’s because none of the situations above are constant; they’re not reliable, consistent or dependable. They’re not as trustworthy as God’s word and promises.

They can’t provide what only God can. They don’t fill the void only God promise to fill. They don’t bring the fulfillment or meaning found only in Him.

Are you ready for the good news?

Although things in this world are pitifully imperfect, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect” (2 Samuel 22:31-32).

If God is our refuge, why worry about our protection? If He’s our rock, why think we’re weak? If His word is flawless, why look for meaning anywhere else? If He’s our shield why fear? And if He’s perfect, why doubt His fulfillment for our soul is perfectly designed?

Father, I confess that my wounds, disappointments and grief are a result of placing my trust in other things, people or circumstances. Transform my mind and heart with the truth that you and you alone can fill me. In Jesus name, amen.

How can you correct the mistakes you made in seeking complete fulfillment?

Janet

Audio sneak peek: https://thegoodlifehawaii.com/janet-perez-eckles/

 

Source: Avoid this mistake when looking for fulfillment. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Keep Your Eyes On The One Who Is Invisible

4 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

 

As a child, who did you go to for answers?
As a teenager, who was your “go to” friend?
As an adult, do you have a mentor who helps
you find answers you seek?
You can engage the wisest person in the
universe as your councilor to the end.

 

(Without council, plans go awry,
but in the multitude of councilors,
they are established. Proverbs 15:22)

 

Move in the direction of life, not fear.
Stand on the promises of God, our Savior.
He promised to always be near.

 

If you are feeling “in the dark”,
look up to “The Light.”
Keep your eyes on the one who is invisible.
He will guide you safely through the night.

 

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How long will God take to answer my prayer?

29 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

July 28, 2017

 

We pray, we ask and we beg, but still no answer. Have you ever wondered, “Is God there? If He is, why doesn’t He answer my prayer? How long, Lord?”

We’re not alone; the Israelites join us in that grumbling.

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

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: 10-14)

Have you ever complained like that? I have. And that’s because we’re deep into our own struggles. We end up terrified like the Israelites. We grumble in the hot desert of frustration. And as we trudge through the dry land of conflict, of uncertainty and nervousness, we desperately look for God’s answer, a clear path, a solution; we look to be rescued now.

But no one is there. And we have our own Egyptians called stress and anxiety that chase us, threatening to ruin our day.

But if Moses were alive today, he might post a message to all of us, “Do not fret, God will fight your battles. His answer is already here. You need only to be still.”

That’s because it’s in the still of His presence that His peace can fill our nights. In the still of our heart is when His whisper brushes through. And in the still of the moment is when we see His promises come alive.

Father, calm my heart, whisper your answer into my longing. Silence the distractions so I can see your answer to my prayer. In Jesus name. Amen.

Can you tell me, in the midst of your hectic life, what keeps you from being still enough to hear His answer?

Janet

Audio sneak peek: http://www.artistfirst2.com/ArtistFirst_Sweet_Talk_2017-07-19.mp3

 

Source: How long will God take to answer my prayer? ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Life Demands Mindfulness

28 Jul

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

author of Window Wonders

 

 

 

Water the seed of optimism.
Have a love affair with life.
Think positive thoughts and
you will drive away the strife.

 

Pay attention to the moment.
You’ll find you will learn a lot.
When you tackle the impossible
you will find it’s not as difficult as you thought.

 

Mindfulness is being aware of the present.
Listen to your heart.
Your life matters.
Live it fully from the start.

 

How will being mindful
help you deal with your pain?
Being aware of God’s presence
will bring serenity to your heart again.

 

Knowing God has a plan for your life
should bring assurance to your heart.
Trust Him even in the small things.
Faith is a healthy start.

 

 

Photo credit Matthew Kane- Unsplash

 

 

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What to do when life gets complicated.

22 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

July 21, 2017 reblogged

 

Sometimes we wake up, expecting a day just like any other. And, with no warning life gets complicated. Then what happens?

I was flying home to Orlando from Chicago. Seated beside me in the plane was a little girl. I turned toward her. “Are you traveling by yourself?”

“Uh huh.”

“What a brave girl,” I said. “You’re not scared to fly by yourself, are you?”

“A little. I have never flown before,” she said, chewing her gum with vigor.

“Flying is fun,” I said. “You’ll see how fast we’ll get to Orlando.”

I figured if I talked to her, she would be distracted and forget about being scared.

During the two-hour flight, I asked her questions and she opened up. We chatted over details about her friends, her pets and her excitement about visiting Disney World.

“Flight attendants,” the announcement sounded, “please take your seats; the seatbelt light is on during this turbulence.”

I leaned toward and whispered, “Do you know what turbulence is?”

“Nope.”

“Turbulence is a mini roller coaster and we don’t have to pay extra for it.”

The plane shook and dipped. Then it stopped.

“It’s over,” she said, disappointment in her voice.

I laughed. “You don’t get much for free.”

The plane landed. “Have fun at Disney,” I said. “When people ask you about your first airplane ride, what will you tell them?”

She stopped chewing her gum. “I’ll tell them it was awesome.”

My plan worked. As long as she was hearing my voice and was focused on what I said, she forgot about her fear.

Jesus wants the same for you and me. His voice is constant. His words continue to echo. His promises are repeated over and over again.

But are we listening? When life gets complicated with sudden emotional turbulence, what do our ears hear and what does our heart feel?

During that shaking, it’ His voice we need to hear. It’s His promises we must believe. And it’s in His protection that we must find refuge.

If turbulence has complicated your life, God is speaking. He’s addressing you by name. And He’s calling you to the security of his flock.

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

When you hear His voice, you silence the whispers of terror. When you allow Him to know you, He’ll provide what you need. And when you follow Him, the path is secure and the journey is simple and uncomplicated.

Father, how often I fall into panic when life gets too complicated. I trust that you can do what I cannot do for myself. And you will bring order to my life and simplify the complications. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What is complicating your life right now?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/UeRRk9hjH5I

 

Source: What to do when life gets complicated. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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