Archive by Author

What Type of Reader are You?

29 Jun

On the Porch
Onisha Ellis

 

This morning I was idly thinking about my reading habits. I consider myself a “fluff’ reader.  I didn’t enjoy what my teachers called the classics. Steinbeck and Hemingway bored me to tears and I really wanted that old man in the sea to just cut-the-line. And what was the point in the Iliad and the Odyssey and sirens luring men to their death? Hello, who didn’t know that men will fall for a pretty face and enticing body. Reading the book was not going to change that. Give me a good mystery or romance novel. I also enjoy a rousing action story.

I definitely don’t enjoy fantasy novels, although I have read a couple that engaged my attention. Thinking about reading made me wonder about authors. What influences their choice of genre?

It seems to me that authors of fiction fall into two very general categories, fixers and story tellers. Fixers write in genres that involve building worlds that are a better place, especially fantasy novelists. The authors who write dystopia and thriller/war create problems then set about solving them. Romance novelist are serious fixers. They create wounded characters and spend the entire book setting them up to be restored, complete with a happy ever after ending.

Story tellers take a more gentle approach. Their characters need to be fixed but that is not the point of the novel. My favorite story tellers are D.E. Stevenson and Miss Read.

 

 

 

Their books and writing style are now considered simplistic and old fashioned but they draw me into the lives of their characters and include me in their journey. James Herriot was a fine story-teller as well.  His books are classics I can relate to.

 

 

Reader friends, are you drawn to fixers or story tellers? To my author friends, I would enjoy your take on my theory. Do you see your writing in terms of fixing or telling a great story?

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The best gifts of life.

24 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

 

 

Doesn’t it feel good when we help another person? A friend visited from Cuba and lamented on the condition of her hair. I took her hand. “Look, you don’t need to worry about fixing your hair,” I said. “We’ll go shopping and get you a lovely wig.”

She hugged me. “In Cuba, we could never afford a haircut, much less a wig…thank you!”

We walked in the store and she chose one to match her natural hair color. As she stood before the mirror, she put it on. Her gasps of delight were heard all through the store. “I don’t want to take it off, “she said. “I look so pretty.”

Then weeks later she wrote me from Cuba. “I’m sorry. I can’t wear the wig because the weather is so very hot here. I put it away in my drawer.”

Did she say she put the gift I gave her in a drawer? She sure did. And that’s exactly what the enemy (the devil) wants you and I to do. He wants us to –put God’s gifts in the drawer of our emotions.

When and how does he do that? He does it each time we face adversity, struggles, conflict, or bad news. He does it by distracting us so we forget God’s gifts.

And the gifts are many. Each one is suited for the situation we face. Each gift is prepared with the answer we need. Each is molded to fit the longing in our heart.

And when we receive them, unwrap them and use them, here are seven results:

  1. When unfair accusations create wounds, we’re protected as we say, I am free from any charge against me.” (Romans 8:31-34)
  2. When life seems uncertain and shaky, I have access to God through the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18)
  3. No painful experience is a match to God’s love. I cannot be separated from the love of God.” (Romans 8:35-39)
  4. The world’s evil cannot affect me because I am established, anointed, sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
  5. When I feel confused about all that’s going on, I remember that all things work together for good. (Romans 8:28)
  6. When feeling empty and unable to give, my spirit is revived because I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
  7. When no one listens or has any advice, I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)

Ready to pull out those gifts from the drawer of your heart? They’re yours. They’re ready to be used. They’re offering the power to ease the pain. To deliver you from strongholds. To bring peace to turmoil. And to erase fear.

Father, when life becomes so very difficult, help me to open my heart and receive these gifts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Which of God’s gifts will you unwrap today?

Janet

Video sneak peek: (fun, family traditions) https://youtu.be/11HB26idG-8

 

Source: The best gifts of life. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Surely There’s an Easier Way

23 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

Before I was afflicted
I did go astray,
but God wanted my attention
to walk in His way!

 

God gets our attention
through suffering and pain.
To be His obedient servant
is truly great gain!

 

I now have a more teachable spirit,
but it came at a price.
Remember your dad’s admonition?
“I’m not going to tell you twice”!

 

Thank you, Lord, for your patience.
It takes awhile to learn your way.
Help us to keep our eyes on you, Lord,
As we strive to be obedient each day.

 

 

 

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Repurposing Christmas

22 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

We have been enjoying visits from family the past two weeks and I haven’t had much inclination to spend time on the computer. I do want to take a quick minute to share my latest repurpose project.  I fell in love with this gift bag at Christmas and purchased several to tuck Christmas gifts for my friends into them. When we returned to the mountains in May, I spotted one that I had left on the table when we closed up for winter. It brought me so much pleasure, I set it on top of our tea box as a decoration.  When I cut some hydrangea blossoms to enjoy in the house, I decided the Christmas bag would be a perfect way to dress up the plain vase.

 

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One thing you must do to be truly happy

18 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

 

Last week, I followed my nightly routine and fixed myself a cup of chamomile tea; not sure why I filled it to the brim, but I did.

Funny thing is that those of us who are blind tend to bump into things, especially when we’re in a hurry. And that’s exactly what I did. As I carried it from the kitchen to the bedroom, I misjudged the door frame and my elbow caught the edge, causing my tea to spill out. UGH!

That’s what happens to all of us. When we experience bumps in life, whatever overflows in us will pour out. If we carry fear and we hear bad news, fear will spill out. When we harbor anger and someone doesn’t measure up to our standards, rudeness and anger will trickle out. When insecurities overflow, a defensive attitude will leak out. And before we know it, we stand in a puddle of unhappiness.

But there’s hope, and it comes in the vehicle called “change.” When faith, grace, patience, genuine love and gentleness overflow in our heart, no matter how hard the bump, these will spill out. “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:34b-35).

What we store in the heart is the determining factor between living a marvelous life or a miserable existence.

Father, grant me wisdom to analyze what fills my heart. Show me what I need to remove and replace. Reveal to me what I must store in order to please you; to bring honor and glory to you. Teach me how to store genuine love so it spills out to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What fills your heart today?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/uq9PG0FZjA4

 

To learn more about Janet, follow the link below to visit her website.

 

Janet Speaks

Looking for a motivational speaker? Learn how you can book Janet for your event. She is an international speaker.

 

Source: One thing you must do to be truly happy. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Hear the Cry

16 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

 

Open your front door-
Just stand there and listen.
Do you hear it?
Believe me, it is there!

 

This time, close your door-
turn off the television.
Listen to the sounds in your own home.
Hear it? Sure you do…it’s everywhere!

 

To be certain, listen to your own heart.
You hear that?
It’s unmistakable-
It’s coming through loud and clear.

 

“I want to be loved!”
But wait, there’s more!
“and I want to love!”
There is no need so dear.

 

The world cries out for love that heals,
unites, and inspires.
To love and be loved
is a basic need that every soul desires.

 

This is no news to God.
He created us for love.
Our love for God and our neighbor
Fulfills the law of God above.

 

Footnote:
“Love is like the five loaves and two fishes.
It doesn’t start to multiply
until you give it away.”

 

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Visualize Yourself As Water. Keep On Keeping On

9 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

A river cuts through rock,
not because of its strength,
but because of its persistence.
We, too, need to forge ahead.
Keep your eyes on Jesus
and His never failing assistance.

 

There is no point in carrying
around worry and regret.
They only weigh you down.
Keep yourself open to hope and to love.
A smile will replace a frown.

 

Water is so refreshing-
necessary for life.
Jesus is our Living Water.
Trust Him to put an end to strife.

 

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When God seems so far away

3 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

 

(May 05, 2017)

 

I can’t believe hubby had the nerve to do what he did! He sat among executives around a large conference table for their weekly meeting. They all took turns sharing a bit of news about their life and family.

“Well,” hubby said, “this weekend Janet and I split up.”

Gasps spread around the room. They all know we’ve been happily married over 40 years.

Then he followed by saying: “Yep, I went to California, she went to Titusville and we both came home on Sunday.”

Funny guy, isn’t he?

But whether a joke or not, separation is devastating. I know firsthand. Years ago, sorrow had separated me from God. My sudden blindness at age 30 and the death of my youngest son pushed me far away from Him.

Drained by my heartache, I didn’t sense Him near. I didn’t hear His comfort or even felt that He cared.

Have you been there? Although our mind wants to believe, our heart refuses. And though we know God exists, His comfort seems distant.

What joy to write this for you. My fingers are dancing on the keyboard as a result of the peace that fills my soul. Here’s the reason: Jesus said:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

He had His place. And I had mine. He claimed His role and named mine, too. When my foolish notion of finding answers on my own faded, peace came back, joy was born and freedom from sorrow swept through.

Father, I praise you because we don’t have to face this life alone. Thank you for promising we’ll bear fruit, find refuge, have a new beginning, and live with victory united with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What are you trying to accomplish on your own?

Janet

 

Source: When God seems so far away. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Somewhere

2 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

 

Somewhere there’s a place for me-
A place I have a need to be.
A new plateau, a goal to meet-
Purpose, direction, without defeat.

 

Oh God, give me strength
to greet each day-
with a cheerful countenance.
Don’t let me sway.

 

Please let me focus
on the issues of life
That bring joy to others,
that relieve their strife.

 

To have victory over
the enemy called “Fear”-
The energy and stamina
to persevere!

 

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Good Friends, Good Food

1 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Yesterday we visited with friends in Anderson, South Carolina. That is like going to the big city for those of us living in the mountains. We did some shopping together and had lunch in a wonderful restaurant specializing in Southern home cooking, Mama Penn’s. Mama P runs a daily meat and three special. For those not from the south, that means a meat and three vegetables. Mama Penn allows one to choose a dessert in the place of a veggie. In the south we love our veggies and we want our cake too. Hubby chose the German Chocolate cake and he is still raving about how good it was.

If you happen to be in Anderson, be sure to visit Mama Penn’s. She even gives you a cup of sweet tea to go.

 

 

Love that they share a Bible verse on the cup!

Do you have a favorite restaurant that serves the food you grew up loving to eat?

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