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What you need to do in order to live secure.

14 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

What you need to do in order to live secure.
Reblogged with permission 4/14/18
Mom held a broken piece of metal in the air. “Look at this,” she said.

She and my Dad had gone to get their car washed. And when they returned home, they found the car door handle had been broken. Those responsible, rather than admit their guilt, had tossed the piece on the driver’s seat.

With broken piece in hand, we headed back to the car wash.

“We have to view the video cameras,” the manager said. “Unless we see it, we can’t’ take responsibility.

End of story. They glued the piece back. Cameras come in handy, don’t they?

Real Life

But in real life, we’re all also watched, closely and constantly. He who watches us is the loving Father, with care in His hart, compassion in his approach and forgiveness in His plan.

I’m glad He’s watching, aren’t you? This way, we don’t have to remind him of how hard the journey is. Or we don’t have to point out the areas that need fixing. He already knows, and as He closely watches us in action, we can rest and declare out loud that He has this.

And since He has all under control, working to bring the perfect solution, we, in our busy world, in our flawed ways, have an important task–to pay attention to our heart. What does it contain? Our heart is what holds the emotions that can either break us or the emotions that keep us running the race to victory.

5 Coaching Points

And since that race run is fueled by our heart’s content, here are five coaching points right from God’s Word:

  1. Empty your heart of sin, or wipe out junk that doesn’t please God or resentment from the past because “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:19).
  2. Let go the material stuff, the superficial longings and desires of what you think your life should be. Instead, “…store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).
  3. Once dark emotions are tossed out, fill your heart with life-giving praises: “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).
  4. Though the darkest valley might cover your security, can you be bold enough to echo these words? “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me” (Psalm13:5-6).
  5. With unwavering faith, fill your heart with God’s truth and speak His promises upon your life. “LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm: 16:5-6).

Complete security comes when we receive that delightful inheritance. And when our heart rejoices, the enemy retreats. When we search our heart, God speaks healing. When we guard our heart, evil flees. When we equip our heart with God’s Word, triumph is already there.

Let’s pray.

Father, thank you that right now, you’re watching my every move. You know well how often I let my heart be broken, shattered by adversity. But now I know that when it’s filled with what you tell me, my heart will not fear, my life will not be ruined. And my future will not be dim, but will be secure, hopeful and bright. In Jesus name.

Will you take time today and examine 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  https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/need-order-live-secure.html

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Are You Sure You Will Go To Heaven?

31 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Are you sure you’ll go to heaven?

Reblogged March 31, 2018

 

Class reunions are so much fun…not. “Wow, you didn’t change a bit,” I heard a friend say.

But how can one not change during decades?

Of course, we change.

But we say state the “politically correct” thing. After all, we’re reuniting with friends from our youth. Those friends that joined us in the silly antics. They shared the insecurities that we try so hard to hide. Those friends who, long ago, sparked envy, and others brought comfort.

Reuniting with them is, can we say “interesting.”

Don’t Miss This Reunion

But there is one reunion no one should want to miss. The reunion that holds the glorious life after we take our last breath. The reunion that opens the door to the place where no more tears are shed. No more pain. No more sorrow or fear.

That reunion with Jesus makes life on earth bearable, doable and possible.

But really? You might be like a friend who voiced her doubt to me recently. She said, “There are many ways to heaven. I’m a good person, I never hurt anyone intentionally and I do my best to live right.”

Hmmm…how good is good-enough? And living right is right-enough?

Did you ever ask that question? What is the level of “goodness” in a person that opens the door to heaven for eternity?

Here’s the Answer

God so longs to reunite with us. That’s a fact. But one day, He shook His head as He observed our feeble attempts to get it “right.” (My personal paraphrase.)

As you can guess, He saw that, on our own, we never could obtain that “good enough” level to gain entry to heaven. So, He did the most amazing thing. He said again that He loves us so much that He sent a Savior to save us from eternal death. He said His name would be Jesus.

There you have Him. Jesus, the Savior, the one in whom we put out hope for life eternal. For a future secure after we close our eyes for the last time. The one who resurrected and is alive. And the One, the only One who promised that when we open our eyes again, we’ll be by His side, walking on the streets of gold. Forever whole and complete, overflowing with joy.

What do you think?

Is it time to celebrate? Resurrection Sunday holds that promise: death has no power over us. Gloom has no significance. And fear has no grip.

Let’s hold on to this truth because the expectation of that reunion with Jesus should keep us dancing in celebration.

That’s precisely God’s will. And when we do His will, we find comfort in this admonishment:

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-22)

My Prayer for You

I pray that you, friend, haven’t gotten lost in the busyness of life. And distracted, you’ve been lured by other stuff that you forgot about “that day.”

Instead, I hope that you’ve chosen to open your heart to Jesus and invited Him in. Then you can be certain that as you go through life on earth, you’ll be secure. And in the next life, the sweet reunion with Jesus happens.

Until that day, store this promise in your heart: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).

The guest list to enter that House has specific names …is yours included?

Let’s pray.

Father, I don’t know the number of my days; show me how to do your will and to know you through your Word. Grant me wisdom and diligence to fill my heart with truth from Scripture and fill my days with your instructions. I ask for the freedom to live a life rich with the security that heaven is guaranteed for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What has kept you from knowing Jesus in a personal way?
  • Where will your courage come from to choose to follow Jesus as He instructs?
  • What security do you have that heaven awaits you?

Janet

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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.

SOURCE: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/direction/are-you-sure-youll-go-to-heaven.html

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Seven truths to hang on to when you feel attacked.

17 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

When evil attacks, our soul wants to shrink in pain, our heart shatters and our mind fills with gloom. Unless we run to God’s promises for refuge.

We need His protection because often as unexpected as rain on a sunny day, adversity pours. And when it does, we’re stunned at the reason why. Why us? Why now?

I need a break.

I asked those questions years ago. When my boys were small, I had wiped the kitchen counter and mopped the floor for the umpteenth time. I folded laundry, fixed meals, calmed cries, changed diapers and picked up toys off the floor as I did every day. The routine, the monotony and the endless chores sometimes pushed me on the couch, wanting to scream, “I need a break.”

That break came when in a matter of 18 months, a retinal disease robbed my sight completely. And facing the horror, the sorrow and the desperation, I sat on that same couch, wishing, oh wishing so badly that those “monotonous” days could come back.

Have you done that? Complained and ranted about how life is, hard, routine and so difficult? Then, suddenly a wave of bad news crashes your life. And pain enters your world. Then those days of routine, mundane and filled with tasks are ones you wish to come back. In fact, you’d do anything to go back to what you had before. Anything to be relieved from the current pain.

And to make it worse, we’re attacked by regret, sorrow and anguish.

Seven truths.

But God knows. He has the protection from those attacks. He has the shield from the arrows that pierce our peace. And He has the promises, the specific instructions, the powerful path for us to follow all outlined in Chapter 54 of the book of Isaiah.

  1. When life’s unfairness flogs our heart, we’re tempted to give up. “’…but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,’ says the LORD your Redeemer.”
  2. When you wonder if He’s the same as He was long ago. He says, “’To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again.’”
  3. When you question the power of His love, He assures ”’…Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.’”
  4. When you wonder what will your future look like. What will the new chapter hold? He states, “’O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.’”
  5. And when you wonder what will your legacy hold? He gives the answer: “’All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.’”
  6. When you question what will be next, what you can expect, He addresses that too: “’In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.’”
  7. When you ask for constant security. He says, “’If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you.’”

Though blindness has been part of my life for over 30 years, these promises shined a constant light of beautiful hope. And they will for you too. If storms crash your life and bring rain of heartache, know that these same promises prevail over the winds of fear. His Word hushes the thunder of sorrow. And as you wait patiently, His voice speaks to turn your adversity to joy.

Which promise speaks to you in the storm? I’d love to hear your answer.

Let’s pray.

Thank You for your great comfort that surround us continually, even when heartache and turbulence enter our lives. May we be ever mindful of your promises to turn our adversity to joy. And trust in your great faithfulness as we wait on You to fulfill those promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

__________________

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: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/encouragement/seven-truths-hang-feel-attacked-post-bring-sorrow.html

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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

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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

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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.com–Onisha

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

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Four Ways God Turns Trials to Triumph

3 Feb

Waking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

February 2, 2018

Reblogged February 3, 2018

He’s got to be kidding.

I turned toward a new friend seated beside me during a writer’s conference. He’s got to be kidding! Did I hear him right? Did he say what I thought he said?

Those questions ricocheted in this crazy chica’s head when I heard him described what he did on the side.

I let out a quick gasp as he related, with a matter-of-fact tone, that he made jewelry out of, are you ready? …moose droppings!

I pinched my nose. “Tell me this is a joke,” I said.

“Nope.”

Being from Alaska, he explained the process. And I tried really tried to understand this craft. My imagination went wild with not-so-pleasant images.

 

Photo credit https://smashhumor.files.wordpres

Our Own Trials

But, amigos got to spill it all. This brought to mind the yucky droppings of trials that had paraded through my days—blindness, my son’s death, the struggles of sorrow—all gave my life a bad smell of heartache.

But viola! God turned the trials to triumph as He saw beyond the pain, the sin, the ugly scenes and transformed it all to a shining jewel for His glory.

No, amigos, don’t you think for a minute I’m saying this chica is a jewel. But the triumph God ushered certainly is.

Your triumph is waiting for you too. In the horrible, ever-present battle you’re facing, He’s got his tools and is at work too. He is at work to clean, shine and make it glow.

Four Things

And during the process, all you have to do is:

…receive the joy for the moment. The joy that comes because you know He’s in control. The joy that resonates even when we don’t see the end result.

…choose gratitude in expectation of what He will do.

…look back at ways He transformed other smelly circumstances in the droppings of life.

…spray the perfume of repentance on that smelly sin. When He’s done He will showcase His victory in you.

Life sometimes does stink. But no matter how unbearable the stench of sin or sorrow is, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Let’s Pray

Father, from a discarded soul, tainted with sin, smelling of pride, you polished life, beauty and sparkle through your son Jesus. Thank you that our life now has a glow of salvation, of freedom, of joy and hope. In His name we thank you. Amen

  • What painful situation stinks in your life now?
  • What will it take for you to allow Him to turn your trials to triumph?
  • What keeps you in the same rut?

Janet

 

Source: http://janetperezeckles.com/blog/encouragement/four-ways-god-turns-trials-triumph-2.html

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.

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Just in case…being prepared with what you really need.

27 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

Just in case…being prepared with what you really need.

 

January 26, 2018

Reblogged January 27, 2018

Get a load of that little packing pouch.

Filled with all sorts of vitamins, lotions, medicines, scissors, tweezers, band aids, Neosporin, etc. Until a few years ago, my little cosmetic bag was mostly empty when I traveled. Now it seems to overflow with items I don’t necessarily use on a regular basis…but things I might decide I need while away.

It’s crazy that I pack so much in this little bag because when packing my clothing and shoes I try to get by with just the bare minimum with maybe just one extra shirt or pair of sox. I really do like to travel light but as I age my “just in case” bag becomes more and more important. After all, I don’t want to have a migraine ruin the trip, or find my aches and pains slowing me down.

So, while my suitcase has enough for what I really need my little cosmetic bag is over-packed with items that MIGHT be needed. That seems a little crazy. And it makes me wonder if I’m doing the same spiritually.

Our spiritual lives can sometimes become routine.

Our spiritual lives can sometimes become so routine that we ended up doing the bare minimum to just get by. When we are confronted with a challenging situation, we may not really have what’s needed to get us through. To be victorious.

If all we do is punch our ticket each week at church or read a quick devotional followed by an even quicker prayer, then I dare say we’re not ready; we’re not prepared. And our spiritual suitcases are nearly empty. And with nothing to draw from, we are defeated, discouraged, and downcast.

Yet, how much better if we had our “just in case” bags overflowing with God’s Word, with God’s promises. What if we were prayed up and in constant communication with our Commander so we were prepared to fight battles and receive direction. What if His Word was so dear to us we were in it daily and “at the ready” so we could more easily recall the wisdom needed for the moment?

What if we had prepared ourselves by learning to know God’s voice through spending time with Him so that when a challenge presented itself, we were able to clearly hear Him speaking to us to reassure us, to motivate us, to direct us?

Have the Right Bag

Having the right bag, the “just in case” bag, packed and ready would make all the difference in our lives.

I’m no better than anyone else at spiritual preparation but when I think about it and how vital it is to us, I am encouraged to set it as a goal this year and to strive toward reaching that goal.

Won’t you join me in 2018 in re-filling your own spiritual “just in case” bag?

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Let’s pray.

Father, at the beginning of this new year, I recognize how important You are to me. I really need you in all areas of my life. And I appreciate that You, too, desire that. I want to be sure my own spiritual “just in case bag” is always ready. Thank you for helping me accomplish that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mimi

Originally posted on Mondays With Mimi, used with permission.

Source: Just in case…being prepared with what you really need. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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The richness that costs you nothing…a post that will make you shine

20 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

Reblogged with permission January 20, 2018

 

The richness that costs you nothing…a post that will make you shine.

January 19, 2018

 

Oh, those words that can cut right through! And then there are those that can soothe our pain.

Here’s what happened.

Last week, I stepped to the counter at my doctor’s office. “Here is your referral for your blood work,” the receptionist said. But her words, though simple and mundane, were delivered in a delightful, pleasant tone.

I smiled. “Thank you.”

Then I leaned toward the desk and added, “And stay as sweet as you are.”

Her reaction surprised me.

“What did you say?” She said then paused. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me lately.”

What? I gave a simple ordinary comment and it touched her. Can our words have that power?

I think they do. So, when hubby came home that night I gave him the usual hug and after a quick peck, I said, “Do you know how much I look forward to you coming home?”

He picked me up and twirled me around. “…So sweet,” he said.

Theory proven.

There you go, my theory proven. Words spoken are like a fishing line. Cast them out and you’re sure to reel something in.

And that something depends on us. Caring words reel in pleasant results. Conversely, raw words cut through the heart.

Listen to what L. Tomlin once said, “Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.”

But the contrary is also true; people have a deep need to be encouraged. They have a longing to feel valued, appreciated and accepted. Our words can speak to that need.

And the effort is easy. Positive and kind words are available at all times. And even better good news is that our words are the beginning of the love God commands we must extend to others…even strangers.

Here’s the true test.

I decided to use this approach with telemarketers. Whenever they call, I search and choose words carefully.

I answer the phone. “Did you say your name was Mary?” I ask. “Well, Mary you sound like you’re a nice person. So very sorry that I can’t accept what you’re offering. But what I’ll do is pray for God to bring success in your life. Is that okay?”

There’s usually silence. But one woman seemed touched because her voice choked as she said, “Thank you. I needed to hear that today.”

We all have that power. Those sounds that come from our lips called words make a difference. They can change an attitude. Transform negativity. And ring a bit of joy into an otherwise gloomy life.

No wonder God said, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21)

And as we speak life into others, the beauty is that what we say also comes back with positive, satisfying, and pleasant feelings that make our soul happy.

Delight in that feeling as you consider that…

  • Words are free.
  • They require little effort to say them.
  • They’re always available.
  • They can be chosen with love.
  • They can turn a life around.
  • They can calm anger down.

Speaking loving, sincere words are like tracing a colorful rainbow across the gray skies of someone’s life.

Let’s pray.

Father, thank you for the power of my words, may I use them to make a difference, to bring your light into the darkness of others, and may I be quick to praise and slow to tear down. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What influence have your words had lately?

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: The richness that costs you nothing…a post that will make you shine. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Six secrets for inner peace. A post to calm your heart.

13 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Six secrets for inner peace. A post to calm your heart.

Reblogged January 13, 2018

 

What do you do when impossible situations steal your peace? I have experienced enough of them to know.

New friends ask me, “Being blind, how do you put on your make-up?”

They also ask me, “How do you coordinate your clothes? I could never do it.”

My answer is simple…

“Although I need no light or a mirror, I apply it in the dark. Feeling the eyelid to determine what colors to brush, I do it carefully.”

It’s a routine task for me. After living with complete blindness for 30 years, I’ve had lots of practice. So much so that I often forget my limitations. I guess that’s good.

But what’s not so good is that I also forget to give myself enough time to get ready when going out. I have to pry myself from endless tasks. At the last minute, I rush around like a crazy woman. I hop in the shower, slip on my robe and dash into my walk-in closet. Frantically, I slide hangers, looking for any outfit to wear.

How do I do this with no sight? I have an easy method.

When I purchase an item, I store in my memory its characteristics—the texture, the shape of the neckline, buttons or length of sleeve. One light touch tells me what the item is.

But when I’m in a hurry, trying to find the right outfit gets a bit tough. Not because I can’t see, but because I just have too many clothes. Way more than any blind gal should be allowed to have. The bar holding all those hangers is probably sagging from the weight!

Oh, how my jammed closet resembles my life—full of tasks of all kinds and sizes. That’s because we’re crazy busy women, and have no choice. Because we have lots of people to please, don’t we?

I started that mindset as a young girl, I tried to perform to win my parents’ and teachers’ approval. Later on, I wanted to please my husband, my kids, my employer, and my friends. Phew! I thought that the only way to please myself was by pleasing them.

Have you been there?

The pleasing craze explodes during holiday season. We rush through life eager to make someone happy. And the level of stress and tension rises like the thermometer in Orlando’s summer.

But now that the holidays are behind us, an invitation to begin a good new year is calling us. Whether you have snow or not, how about if we vow to cool off. God never meant us to live in the heat of tension. He gave one pretty refreshing directive: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind” (Matthew 22:36-37).

When life sags from the weight of countless tasks, obeying His greatest commandment is the key to peaceful success.

Really? So how do we do that?

Here’s a suggestion.

Early In the morning as we slide our feet into our slippers, this is what should play in our head: Loving God means receiving His peace. And when the world robs it, here are six secrets to bring back His peace:

  1. Inviting Him into our day.
  2. Drawing wisdom from His word to place the correct order to our priorities.
  3. Presenting Him with our to-do list for His approval.
  4. Giving thanks in advance for glitches we know He will resolve.
  5. Inviting into our day moments of silence in His presence to refuel our energy.
  6. Inhaling the aroma of His reassurance for calmness.

Deviating from His ways equals burnout. But obeying His greatest commandment ushers in wisdom: To arrange priorities; to press forth when fatigued; to bring clarity when confused; to be calm when overwhelmed; and to know the warmth of His love.

The love that sparks a desire to please Him. To receive His rest. And to know His peace because “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know He enjoys giving rest to those He loves?” (Psalm 127:2, the Message Bible).

Let’s pray.

Father when impossible situations bring on stress rather than peace, grant me wisdom to stop and to invite your peace back into my heart. And in that calmness, may You be the one who reigns and occupies the main place. In Jesus name, amen.

What has robbed your peace lately?

__________________

Janet

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

 

Source: Six secrets for inner peace. A post to calm your heart. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

 

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