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If you have already found happiness, DO NOT OPEN THIS

6 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Reblogged January 6, 2018

 

If you have already found happiness, DO NOT OPEN THIS.

 

January 5, 2018

Gotta love this friend. She made me laugh with her story.

While a favorite cake I made baked in the oven, I put my feet up and began reading a print catalog. I saw an item that interested me.

In order to see the photo a bit larger, I simply touched the picture. I expected it would load additional info with a larger picture.

Nothing happened. So, I touched it a few more times until I realized DUH! It’s not going to load anything else. It can’t load. It’s not digital…it’s print!

I laughed, and you might have, too. But how often you and I have done the very same thing? We’ve tried and tried to enlarge God’s love.

When the ugliness of life turns dark and tears soak our pillow, we want God to be large enough to ease our sorrow. We want to enlarge His power to quickly erase our heartache. And we definitely want to increase His understanding of the yuckiness of our situation.

Who visits me now?

Then we go to the next stage. Self-pity visits and settles besides us on the couch of life, and biting our lower lip because happiness left us, we so desperately wish His voice to be big enough to bring it back. Or at least loud enough to order our gloom to go away.

I know this first hand because I’ve been there. At 31, enjoying my role as a Mom to my 3-, 5–, and 7-year-old sons, an intruder came and robbed my happiness. It was called Retinitis Pigmentosa. The dreaded hereditary disease dropped a black curtain over my days, leaving me completely blind.

Desperation, not a nice sensation.

And in that darkness, I furiously wanted to tap the surface of my faith and make God large, super large to look down upon me and say, “I’m big enough to grant relief to your pain. I will give your sight back.”

But He didn’t. And so, I went to bed with wrinkled tissue in hand, trying to suppress my cries, hoping my husband wouldn’t hear his blind wife sob her night away.

Hubby didn’t hear me, and apparently, God didn’t either. He seemed small, distant, and aloof to my heartache.

Give me the end of the story.

So, what happened? Some of you have already read my books and know the rest of my story. But let me remind you that the light shone in my heart when I took a long sigh and got quiet, really quiet.

Since my eyes stopped working, my hearing became sharper. With earphones securely on, I listened to God’s Word. It was His voice speaking to me. So clearly, he repeated the verse in the book of Matthew.

He said that I was more than a fool. I was first looking to see again. I was obsessed in being a “normal” person. I sought first to be a sighted Mom and wife. But His Word was saying, stop that nonsense. Instead, seek me first. And guess what! All the stuff you’re looking for will be added to you. (This is not a quote from the Bible, but rather, my bold paraphrase and interpretation of Matthew 6:33.)

Taking action.

And so, I did. I put on my eyeglasses of obedience and began my search…of Him. In doing so, I stepped back and realize that my blindness was no match to the size of His provision. My darkness was insignificant compared to the brightness of His light.

Then all turned around. All fit perfectly where it belonged. No more desperately seeking to see again. The eyes of my heart saw His promises with 20/20 spiritual vision. What glory!

Now what?

How sweet the truth that God is already large enough to conquer anything. That’s why my seeking never stopped. Today I seek Him, with fervor, with diligence, with passion, and with expectation.

Joy has been visiting each night, Hubby’s respect and admiration repeats each time he says he loves me. My sons grew up strong, capable and loving.

And the things God said He would add…well, He multiplied them instead.

How about you?

I write these lines because He’s probably whispering the same to you: What in the world are you seeking? Are you searching what this world cannot hold? What it cannot give you. Or what it cannot answer?

Seek Me, God says. And watch; just watch how powerfully big and mighty I am. Watch what I will do.

Father, keep me humble enough to first and above all seek you. Keep me bold enough to declare the size of your mighty power, perfect enough to meet my every need. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • How big is God to you today?
  • And what is first in your “seeking” schedule?

__________________

Janet

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Source: If you have already found happiness, DO NOT OPEN THIS. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Turning your New Year’s resolutions into solutions

30 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

Reblogged December 30, 2017

 

Turning your New Year’s resolutions into solutions.

 

December 29, 2017

I stood by the table piled with my books after addressing a large group at a women’s conference. And right after I autographed her book, a sweet lady squeezed my hand. “Honey, I loved what you shared about what helped you get through the sorrow you experienced,” she said. “I also have known tragedy. But the reason I made it through is because Jesus gave me the answer. He first became my comforter. Then He became my counselor. And He never left me.”

There you have it. The wisdom of a heart turned from pain to peace. She didn’t bother with resolutions. Instead she embraced the ultimate solution that carried her from day to day, from month to month and from year to year.

And as we end this year, while the world is busy talking about their New Year’s resolutions, let’s welcome God’s solution. It’s powerful enough to change our outlook, our heart and our destiny. He promises to be:

  • Our Comforter. When the burden weighs heavy, the load drains, He will whisper to our soul: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
  • Our Counselor. Who reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-9).
  • Our Captain. When buffeted by rough waters of adversity, His word speaks to our soul: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:1-3).

Father, I look forward to a new year with you by my side. Challenges might come, bad news might increase and problems might multiply. But nothing will alter my security. I trust in your protection as my comforter, my counselor and the captain of my ship in the sea of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What solution from the Lord can you count on in this new year?

Source http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/turning-youro-new-years-resolutions-solutions.html

Video sneak peek

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How to erase loneliness during Christmas

23 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

How to erase loneliness during Christmas.

December 15, 2017

Reblogged December 23, 2017

 

In the midst of crowds and Christmas celebrations, our hearts can be lonely until we trust in Christ alone.

Recently at a gathering, a friend shared these episodes of reality.

The bush that Moses encountered was just an ordinary bush until it burned without consuming it. The staff was just a staff until it turned into a snake. The rock was one of many, until Moses struck and water gushed out. The Red Sea was just a body of water until God parted it for His people to cross on dry land. David’s rocks were simple stones, until he used one to defeat Goliath. Mary was a humble peasant girl, until God touched her with a miracle.

See, that’s how it works. Our life may be mundane, until we encounter the wonder of God’s love. Our future might be a series of tomorrows, until the horizon of His riches appears. Our dreams might be elusive, until we believe God’s power at work.

And when it comes to loneliness, it might be a dark emotion, until you lift our eyes to Jesus and grab His hand.

That’s why His birth might be just an event, until we understand the reason. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

__________________

You will find more stories like this one in Janet’s book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Your copy filled with inspiration and path to healing waits for you HERE.

Feeling a chill in the air? Janet’s video at the beach is just what you need!

VIDEO SNEAK PEAK

Source  http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/erase-loneliness-christmas.html

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How to overcome depression.

16 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

How to overcome depression.

Reblogged December 15, 2017

 

Why do folks feel depressed during the holidays? Maybe trying to overcome depression adds to the pressure of life.

My neighbor and I stood in front of the mailboxes near the sidewalk, chatting about life. She sighed. “Things are bad all around. More shootings all the time. I can’t seem to get out of debt, and my job is on the line.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said hoping to give her a bit of comfort. “Life is not up to us…it’s up to God. He provides, guides, and comforts all who call to Him.”

OOPS…wrong thing to say. She grunted. “Not everybody has the outlook you have,” she said.

But was it my outlook or the truth that God repeats over and over again that He never meant us to live a life of pessimism no matter what bad news flash through our mind, through the TV screen or the internet?

Although that is not His plan, we all succumb to the temptation to check out the latest news.” And those details mix with personal conflicts that don’t seem to stop. No wonder so many are feeling lousy, down, defeated and depressed.

Who has the answer?

Only one person, who’s active, caring, aware, and willing to give you the right answer, the reliable promise, and lasting assurance. His first sign was on the cross, His arms open, His heart submitted, and His love abundant.

He said in His action and in His words too: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

How’s that for the ultimate reassurance? The profound confidence and the guarantee for a lifetime! He took it all—the pain, the heartache, the loneliness so you wouldn’t have to.

Emotions come and go, feelings are deceiving, but His help is ever-present, ever-abundant, and always available.

That’s why we don’t take on the task to overcome depression. He already has. Jesus, on the cross, already “felt” the pain so we wouldn’t have to.

He overcame so we wouldn’t have to be in the battle. He triumphed so we wouldn’t have to do the fighting. And He sang victory so we wouldn’t have to seek it on our own.

Pray with me: Father, I’m tired of wrestling with feelings of depression. I ask that you open my eyes to see your hand at work to heal me. And to receive your grace to lift my darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When will you give your depression to the One who died to set you free?

__________________

You will find more stories like this one in Janet’s book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Your copy filled with inspiration and path to healing waits for you HERE.

Janet

CLICK HERE for video sneak peak.

 

Source: How to overcome depression. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Finding joy in the midst of loss

2 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

Reblogged December 2, 2017

 

Finding joy in the midst of loss.

December 1, 2017

 

Like fog in the morning, the spirit of Christmas had vanished. Still, I shuffled in the garage. One by one, I retrieved the bins I’d stored the previous Christmas. While the aroma of sugar cookies wafted through the air and Silent Night played in the background, I began the decorating.

Placing the nativity scene as the focal point of our family room, I spread the rest of the decorations around the house: red and green candles, musical boxes with winter scenes, and bright red poinsettias framed with green garland adorned with burgundy, velvet bows. They all transformed our home into a lively winter land.

Next, I retrieved three stockings to fill the marked places above the fireplace; each embroidered with our sons’ names: Jason, Jeff, and Joe. Once Jason and Jeff’s were hung, with tears burning my eyes, I clutched Joe’s against my chest.

The empty stocking seared my heart. It had been years since Joe’s tragic death.

Long years that his absence left an emptiness we can almost touch.

Christmas didn’t call for a celebration. Not anymore. Not when you had a vital part of your life missing. Festivities didn’t have the joy they should. And Christmas trees didn’t emanate the scent they should.

Actually, my days needed to erase Christmas, the birthdays, the holidays—as all ushered pain rather than delight. They reminded me of what I once had and now what I missed so terribly like the air I breathed.

The world continues to celebrate; greetings of good wishes fill the room. But when tragedy turns your world upside down, no amount of cheer can bring clarity to the fog of sadness.

Strange, though, because often, it’s the scorching pain that forces our eyes to open to a bigger picture. It did for me as I rewound memories of Christmas years ago.

Back then, when our three sons, including Joe, were still young, I focused on providing a perfect Christmas; a perfect tree to wrap a perfect celebration. As a result, little things tended to roil in me such as a light strand that refused to shine because of a burned bulb. Annoyed at the glitch, I promptly set off to resolve it —I fussed, I rearranged, plugged and unplugged until frustration grew hot in me.

How foolish and silly. I focused on that one bulb, dismissing the glow of the star atop the Christmas tree. I’d done the same with light bulbs that burned in my life—from broken relationships to shattered plans. Exerting tons of energy trying to fix them, I missed the star– the one that gave significance to my life.

Joe had left that radiance to my life. He’d been the star that should still shine in my heart. His sweet smile, his tender hugs and his sense of humor should be what sits atop of my life, casting off that glow to bring back the joy. To remind me that he’s not gone, not from my heart, not from my mind, nor are the images of his spunky self…gone.

When that void in our heart aches to be filled, it’s the star of comfort that makes it whole. When bitter sorrow robs the spirit of Christmas, it’s the star of genuine love that whispers joy. When a health diagnosis shakes our world, it’s the star of reassurance that shines the certainty of new tomorrows. When the economy robs our security, it’s the star of endurance that ushers the radiance of expectations. It’s the same star that never loses the brilliance of hope, incomprehensible hope, one we can only embrace when all strands of life burn out.

With eyes focused on the star, I hang Joe’s stocking along with his brothers’; not empty anymore—but filled with sweet memories—his wit, laughter, his hugs and kisses.

God called that bright light His “Morning Star” to dispel our darkness, dry our tears and repair strands we cannot fix.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

__________________

Stories like this one appear in Janet’s release, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Your copy filled with inspiration and path to healing waits for you HERE.

Janet

Video sneak peek:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO20Wabf0TU

 

Source: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/finding-joy-midst-loss.html

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Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe

18 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

My friend stopped by the other day. We sat at the kitchen table and chatted. She rumbled in her purse. “You have to see the pictures I took during our trip,” she said.

I smiled.

“Oops,” she added, “I always forget you…well…that you can’t see.”

“I forget myself,” I said with a chuckle. (I like folks with a sense of humor.)

For me, having no sight is a way of life…actually a wonderfully blessed life. My days sweep by with gratitude, so much thankfulness that I can hear, walk, talk, and love. I am truly rich with so much.

And for that reason, I thought I’d share my unique recipe for this Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t mind if you copy it and serve it to your loved ones.

  1. Gather the ingredients stored in the cabinet of God’s Word.
  2. Stir together large portions of His promises, spoonfuls of His direction, and dashes of His admonitions.
  3. Place in a large bowl several cups of commitment to read His Word.
  4. Add generous amounts of faith to cover all traces of doubt.
  5. Blend together, adding sprinkles of laughter, of enjoyment, fun, and unexpected surprises.
  6. Bake in the oven of your heart till triumph is golden brown.

With songs of thanksgiving playing in the background, present it to the guests who come into your life. And unlike the rest of the world, instead of entering the doors to stress, gloom or anxiety for the days to come, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).

Why? “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

It’s your turn, can you share some things you’ll be giving thanks for this year? Would love, love to read them. You can send them to me via comment.

Did you know most of my writings are drawn from my bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta? Did you get your own copy yet? And how about one for that person who needs encouragement and a reason to feel joy again?

Simply Salsa is available HERE.

Janet

Video sneak peek:  https://youtu.be/Ox9zAIeRRTA

Source: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/best-thanksgiving-dinner-recipe.html#comment-961

 

 

 

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How to get rid of panic attacks.

11 Nov

Walking by Faith, not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Reblogged 11/11/17

 

Temptation got closer and I nearly succumbed to a low-grade panic attack.

Excitement was building in me as I sat at the gate in the San Francisco airport. The trip from Orlando had been long, but I was now closer to my final destination. Once I boarded that 30-passenger plane, I’d soon be in North Bend, Oregon to keynote a ladies’ event.

But that anticipation vanished when I heard the gate agent make this announcement. “We’re offering a $300 credit for any volunteers to stay and we’ll pay hotel and meals.”

Gulp. Does that mean the plane is full? With white cane in one hand and my bag on the other, I was ready to board.

The airport escort who was to help me in the plane leaned toward me. “They are in big trouble because you, who needed assistance, should have boarded first. They didn’t do that. And now no more passengers can board because the plane has reached the weight limit. Next flight isn’t till tomorrow.”

No way. If I missed this flight, I’d miss the event which had been booked one year in advance.

But before my heart would begin beating fast, I was distracted by the flare of anger from passengers to my right and my left. Cursing, ranting, accusing and nearly attacking the gate agent.

I could’ve joined the madness. Or I could’ve panicked, complained and demanded my right to board. But I learned that I must never, never give something or someone the power to rattle me.

How about you? Here are three stern instructions from God that keep us from granting power to external influences:

  1. Refuse to give the situation the power to control our thoughts. All begins in the mind. We can choose thoughts that align with the victim mentality, thoughts of indignation, or thoughts of dark defeat.

Or instead, go with this option: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

God’s excellent plan for me to speak would prevail no matter the flight obstacle. That became my foremost thought.

  1. Refuse to give it the power to bring on worry and anxiety. No one can make you worry. No one can make you frustrated. And still, no one or nothing can bring about anxiety…unless you give it the power.

God says “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

  1. Refuse to give it the power to take over your emotions. The world gives us reasons to be frazzled, and we receive it. Announcements at airport gates give us news that brings on stress. Sadly, we receive it. And others give us reasons to make our blood pressure rise, and what do we do? We give it the power by receiving it.

Good news is that victory comes when we refuse to give each of the above power. And, instead receive what Jesus offers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)

Receiving His peace brings the most important solution—a calm heart. And with that peaceful heart I smiled big when the airline attendant said, “C’mon Mrs. Eckles, take my arm, we’re going to board you now.”

Father, I confess. I’m tempted to burst into negative emotions when things don’t go my way. Help me to remember that with You at work in me, I have all the power to conquer any attacks of panic, of fear or worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When facing panic attacks, can you identify to whom, or to what have you given power?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/oZptO6OkLEY

 

Source: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/get-rid-panic-attacks.html

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Help! My Life is Way Too Busy

4 Nov
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
His Way
Reblogged November 4, 2017
One funny fact is the quail’s ability to freeze at the sign of danger.

Have you asked a friend lately, “How are you?” Their answer is usually something like “Busy; I’m so, so busy.”

That might be your answer, too. I know mine could be as well. We’re all ridiculously busy.

Strange though, a group of quails taught me just how crazy that is.

A lovely piano tune echoed through the house where I stayed during a recent trip. My friend’s piano faced a window. And during one of his melodic tunes, a group of quails gathered outside.

Suddenly, the strangest thing happened. Each quail, big and small froze, no movement, no twitching. They turned to feathered statues.

Why? Their keen ears had picked up a pitch from the piano that mimicked that of a hawk. As a defense mechanism, they instinctively freeze in place.

That night I reflected on that rare reaction by those cute quails. And I vowed I would follow their example.

More than once a day, I would stop my insane busyness and be still. I’d pause enough to listen to God’s Word. I’d not move until, in my soul, I felt His presence. In my heart, I’d hear His whisper. And sense His voice in my ear.

Not only our ears, but our whole being needs a quiet break, away from the busy and away from the stress.

Are you game? Let’s give it a try. When we want victory, pause. When we want results, stop. When we want solutions, freeze…He’s about to reveal something huge.

When the Egyptians chased the Israelites, God was about to do something big as well. That’s why Moses gave the same advice to the Israelites as they ranted, complained and shook in fear.

We do the same, don’t we? When stress, demands, conflict, illness, disappointment chase us, we grumble, too.

That’s why Moses’ words ring true today as they did back then: “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 14:13-14)

While they were still, God did something huge. He fought on their behalf. He delivered them from danger. He did the impossible. He supernaturally parted the Red Sea so His people could cross on dry land and be free of the Egyptians.

Why wouldn’t He do the impossible in our lives today? He would. He will because He can. When we’re still, the path to a better life is revealed. A renewed panorama appears. A fresh answer is found. And best of all, when we learn from the quails, and stop, He turns the busy to the best.

Father, show me to the quiet spot of my day. May I be faithful to seek You for strength, for wisdom and for serenity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How will you stop your crazy busy and find a calming moment?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/Ey1UJZnp4JU.

Source: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/help-life-way-busy.html

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So You Want to be a Sheep?

28 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

Reblogged 10.28.2017

 

Today, for you, our final guest blogger in our October series.

Sometimes we need to be humbled before God can do a mighty work in us. And sometimes we need to be lost before we find The One to take us to victory. Can you relate to Maureen’s story below?

 

October 27, 2017

Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than any other animal; symbolically they refer to God’s people. All the sheep that belong to the shepherd are of one flock.

God has many names; each one describes an attribute of His character. A favorite name is Yahweh-Rohi – The Lord, Our Shepherd. Here is the description of the relationship our God wants with us. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).

What a beautiful picture of the rest we have in Him. Are you stressed today? Find rest in the green pastures of His finished work. Find hope and restoration as He restores your soul.

The Lord tells us in Isaiah 53:6 that most sheep will go astray and follow their own way. Are you a stubborn sheep, straying on the wrong path and in need of guidance and correction?

A shepherd’s rod redirects and corrects the sheep. The staff is used to lift and restore the sheep.  Trust and hope in the Good Shepherd to lead you out of the pit of despair.

I once traveled on the wrong path. This misguided search led me into a painful journey of drug addiction and life in a motorcycle gang. I was that stubborn sheep that got caught up in a violent gang war and became a broken victim. Crippling bullets forever changed my life.

Eventually, I encountered the hope and healing of God’s transforming love. A victorious life in Him is meant to be lived on the paths of righteousness and not in the past.

So why would you want to be a sheep? Like sheep, we need only to trust the Lord and follow Him. We need Jesus, our Good Shepherd to lead and guide us, to care for us, and to protect us from the enemy. What contentment and sufficiency we can have in Him.

Yahweh-Rohi leads us home. He lovingly rubs the healing oil on our broken and wounded hearts. The Shepherd knows our needs. He will restore us when we are broken, pick us up when we fall, and strengthen us in our weakness. Now that is a love I can trust!

John 10:27 (NKJV) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

Source http://www.janetperezeckles.com/blog/so-you-want-to-be-a-sheep.html

 

Maureen Hager is an author, speaker, and blogger. Her passion lies in empowering women to receive hope and healing from their brokenness through the love of God. Her testimony of deliverance and restoration has impacted women of all ages. Her book, Love’s Bullet is available Fall, 2017. Website: www.MaureenHager.com  Blog: www.OutoftheBrokenness.com

 

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Got Five Minutes? 

21 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

Reblogged October 21, 2017

 

Next up in our October guest blogger series is Letitia Suk.

We are so busy, we’re so productive and we’re so . . . stressed. Can you relate? Here’s Letitia’s practical way to bring back what makes victory shine in our days.

October 20, 2017

“Take five minutes to pray for your work each day and see what happens,” was the challenge proposed by our pastor to the congregation years ago. I remember thinking something like, “Duh!” Of course, I already pray at least five minutes a day for my work…don’t I? Surely all the praying-on-the-run I did each day for all the flying curveballs added up to more than five minutes.

The nudging continued so the next morning I grabbed a timer on the way to my prayer chair, set it for five minutes and began to pray specifically for my work. Wow, that timer took a long time to ding! Challenge accepted—I was ready to see what would happen.

Like many of us, my work is multi-faceted. So, I decided to give a minute to each of the five areas for my day-to-day projects. It seemed like one minute would be easier that five. I know, wimpy, right?

The first minute I gave to my coaching clients. They invested time with me to bring focus and intentionality to their lives and I wanted to give them my best work. My writing got the next minute. The current projects, the longed-for projects, my skill and wisdom in putting words on a page. Good thing the timer rang because it was easy to zone off into work mode instead of praying.

Speaking ministry was next. Events already scheduled and those I wanted to schedule. For my communication skills to grow and for lives to be changed. A lot for one minute.

My part-time chaplain work got minute #4. Patients, sensitivity, staff and overall blessing for the hospitals.

The last minute I saved for specific work stuff on that day’s agenda: marketing, blogging, networking. This time the five minutes flew by.

He was right—things happened! I felt more partnered with God in all aspects of my work. Not just that I was working for Him but with Him as I laid the concerns out each day. I saw clearer productivity and greater results.

All these years later, I still set my timer most days. My work depends on it.

Each day holds 1440 minutes…hard to claim a legitimate excuse for not finding five of them to invest in prayer over your work. You might be amazed at the return.

P.S.—The same five-minute principle works for other areas of your life too!

Source: Got Five Minutes? ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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