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Good News in the Midst of Fear and Loneliness

23 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/23/23

Night after night while the smelly sheep slept, the worn-out shepherds watched over them. But this night something bizarre happened, frightening really—an angel showed up. The shepherds must have jumped up and wiped their eyes, making sure they weren’t seeing things as they shook with fear, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11).

All the people? That’s us. That good news is for us and the do not be afraid is a message for us today as well.

Jesus is the Good News

Good news:  evil may trample with force, but God has the victory.

Good news:  the valleys we walk through have an end.

Good news:  loneliness has hope as the companion.

Good news:  when relationships end in heartache, Jesus prepares a new beginning.

Good news:  because when devastating diagnosis leaves us numb, His healing has already begun.

Good news: because when fear and anxiety barge in, He’s wiping them out.

Good news: when depression strikes, His Word brings the sunshine back.

Good news: no matter the darkness, His light will shine through.

Good news: when things look hopeless, He’s working on something great.

Jesus, the Christ was born.

But His birth is just the beginning. He died so our punishment would die, too. But then He rose again, so we can join Him in the forever glory…and that’s super Good News!

I pray all of you, whom I love dearly, will enjoy a Christmas rich with the joy no one can take away, the peace that won’t end, and the hope that never wanes. Merry Christmas!

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award. Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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What to Do When Facing a War

9 Dec

Walking by Faith Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/9/2023

I was speechless when I read this email from my dear friend:

We just arrived in Israel last night, and it feels so great to be here! The airport was nearly empty. It made me cry when the customs lady said “You do know we have a war here, right?” And we told her how much we love Israel. With tears in her eyes, she said, Thank you!

While visitors are fleeing Israel, she and her family remain focused as rockets are still flying around them. They’re busy stopping at shelters and nursing homes, bringing food, singing songs and bringing the love and hope of Christ to their broken hearts.

With supernatural courage, they draw from their unstoppable passion to serve Christ in war-stricken Israel. Meanwhile, back home we have our own wars against the evil that surround us.

 Battles and wars all have one thing in common—they stir horror and fear. But if we use God’s weapons, we’ll remain steady and firm.

Using God’s Weapons

When the terrain is rough and we’re exhausted fighting opposition from all sides, Jesus says, “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” (Matthew 11:28-29).

When our soul is at rest, comfort grows and confidence comes back.

When the attacks become fierce, weakening our resolve, “[God] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

The strength He gives endures through the pain, through the sadness and sorrow.

When our supplies dwindle, “…the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

With His riches, our days are filled with the abundance of His provision.

When we feel alone in the battlefield, this promise becomes our weapon: “…nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Bombs of anguish may go off, death may surround us and hopelessness may threaten to invade us, but God’s love is with us to sustain, protect and renew our hope through Christ Jesus.

Let’s Pray

Father, although You warned us that in this world there will be trouble, the anguish of those suffering intensifies the sorrow. Yet, we believe in the power of Your Word that will sustain us through the wars in distant countries and those near us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

What do you do when war rages?

BONUS ARTICLE on today’s topic.

Janet 

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Three Lies That Can Rob Your Security

14 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

I tried, really tried not to get nauseous at Angie’s story.

“I was taught that you eat anything you kill,” she said.

Angie is one of hubby’s family members whom we recently visited. They live in a double-wide trailer surrounded by vegetable gardens, horses, and gorgeous trees at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Each family member is refreshingly warm, down-to-earth, simple, transparent and genuinely kind—traits seldom seen these days.

I relished in their ways of life and in their unique stories like the one Angie related about the day she killed a crow.

“I brought it home,” she said matter-of-factly. “Prepared it, carved out a piece of the breast, breaded it, added salt and pepper and fried it.”

I gave a fake smile to hide my disbelief but had to ask, “How did it taste?”

“Awful. I spit it out.”

In these times of turmoil, we also need to spit out the distasteful and destructive lies from the enemy of our soul.

His craftiness is peppered with deceit and destruction. Caution: he works best to destroy us by first bringing in doubt, then aims to rob our security hoping we bite into these lies:

  • Seek first to solve your problem
  • Change will come if you try harder
  • Another person will ease your loneliness
  • Your provision comes from your paycheck

Angie spit out the disgusting crow’s meat and we should also do the same with those lies. On the other hand, victory comes when we delight our soul with the delicious truth in God’s Word:

  1. God’s ready to give us what we need. Are you busy seeking answers, solutions, changes or breakthroughs on your own? If so, you might be stuck in the mud of discouragement, exhausted by the seeking frenzy. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). While you choose to seek God first, expect and count on the promises that will come in ways you may not expect and in the timing that might surprise you.
  2. Resist the lie that says you prayed incorrectly, your prayers are too brief, too long, with the wrong words. God has the prayer pattern defined in Matthew 6:9-15 and He adds, “And most of all, …when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7). Before you ask Him? That’s deliciously wonderful! No wonder confidence increases in knowing He’s aware of your needs, desires and longings.
  3. Another lie we need to spit out is the one that sparks these questions: Am I worthy? Do I deserve what God offers? Am I clean enough to receive? Am I too weak to pray boldly? His reassurance comes when you whisper to Him: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Through Jesus, our heart can be clean and, more open to hearing His voice, knowing His lead and savoring His promises.

Let’s Pray

Father, in these times of difficult challenges and pending requests, I vow to discard the lies from the enemy of my soul. I will instead taste the goodness You offer, the path You show me and the peace You infuse in me. In Jesus’ name.

What lies are creating a bitter taste in your heart?

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

BONUS article on recognizing and defeating our enemy’s lies.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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This is How You Overcome Stress, Sadness and, Worry

30 Sep

Reblogged 9/30/23

A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”

I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”

We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.

The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.

After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!

Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.

That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!

You’ve been disappointed like that, haven’t you?

Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.

Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:

Wash away doubt because victory will arrive.

Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?

This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions.

Will the Lord reject forever?

Will he never show his favor again?

Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be merciful?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9)

The answer wasn’t so much in what he thought or how he felt. But the answer was in what he remembered:

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will meditate on all your works

and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)

Passion comes back when we consider this:

God sent Jesus to set us free (John 3:16), gave us power not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14), and Gpd promises His protection (Psalm 91:1-2).

No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.

Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.

Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.

What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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What Kind of Prayers Does God Really Answer?

2 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. Recently while a pastor taught this topic, some of us squirmed in our seats.

“When we ask God for blessings,” he said, “we often repeat mousy petitions.”

Mousy petitions? He explained the prayers we blurt out often carry doubt. We lack the reassurance that God will grant what we ask. They repeat the circumstance, not the victory we can count on. They mention the dark side, and fail to declare God’s triumphant possibilities.

And when we ask, we forget to give thanks. We forget to anticipate He will answer. We overlook the mighty way He can exercise His power.

So, what’s the best way to pray?

With boldness, with conviction, with authority, with firmness and with holy audacity.

The number of words we use don’t matter. Nor the flowery expressions. But, the complete faith, the firm authority because of Jesus is what makes the difference.

They did for John and Peter. They saw the beggar at the entrance of the temple. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8)

Why did Peter take the man by the hand? Because he was sure he could get up. Because he declared it in the name of Jesus. Because he counted in Jesus’ power at work. Because he was confident Jesus was working through him. And because he knew the man’s crippled legs were no match to Jesus’ healing power.

How about making that change?

When on your knees, lift the power of God at work, the authority you have in Jesus, the answers that align with Scripture, the promises that echo through His Word.

When you pray the power instead of the problem, you activate the confidence you need, the boldness you must express, and the answer in which you must believe.

On a personal note, I don’t dwell or labor in asking God over and over again for healing of my blindness. I declare I am healed. I will see whether here on earth or in heaven. It’s a guarantee.

In the meantime, when I focus on the power at work not the problem, my blindness isn’t a sorry circumstance, but a reminder that God’s power is still at work.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for transforming the way I bring petitions before you. I praise You for the freedom that comes when I focus on Your power, Your promises, and our divine position to give me the answer in Your perfect timing. In Jesus name.

Who counsels you when life gets sticky?

Bonus article on today’s subject. 

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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This is the Way to a Rich Life

22 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 7/22/23

Sweat made my hair stick to my neck as I shooed mosquitoes off me. Most would say, “What is a blind gal doing in this remote, rural area of Mindanao, Philippines?”

I confess, it was rough, yet my mission was to minister to those sweet people. But was I ever wrong!

I held the pastor’s wife’s arm as we walked down uneven dirt roads till we reached a small nipa hut where Mirna lived. No running water, no electricity, but joy was in her voice as she greeted us.

She drew near, gave me a hug and cupped my face in her thin hands. “Welcome, beautiful visitor,” she said as she led me to a metal bench under the scorching heat. “Sit here.”

The voices of hungry children surrounded us. Mirna’s routine was to offer them a bowl of rice, perhaps the only meal they would have all day. They sang songs, they ate, and she told them Bible stories. She filled their tummies with rice, but filled their heart with stories about Jesus.

I observed with my hearing and was moved by her joy and passion for her ministry. Before leaving to head to our next stop, I hugged her skinny, frail body. “You have so little, but you give so much,” I said.

“Oh, no,” she gave a shy giggle. “When you have Jesus, you have enough.”

I pondered on that assertion from someone who has materially nothing. But perhaps that’s the secret. Mirna possesses the richest spiritual portfolio, the wealth which she shares, and the fruit her life produces is evident.

“Thank you, Mirna,” I want to say. She taught me this truth: It’s not what we have, but what we know. We know when our possessions are gone, Jesus meets all our needs. When all falls apart, Jesus restores and renews. When loneliness knocks at the door, Jesus never leaves our side. When wounded, Jesus soothes and heals. When attacked, Jesus is the warrior who fights for us and conquers all.

Some questions to consider:

We all know these truths. But deep down, we still long for what we don’t have. Or lament what we do have. Whine about what annoys us. Complain about what disturbs us. And sadly, complete satisfaction is as elusive as snow in July.

Why is that? Perhaps answering these questions within the context in Luke 8 will reveal the reason:

  1. How tight does your heart hold on to God’s Word and His Promises? “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:11)
  2. How do you react when tough moments test your faith, your trust, and your convictions? “Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (Luke 8:13)
  3. What do you do with worry, with distractions of this world and financial burdens? “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Luke 8:14)

No matter what happens, do you wake up with praises on your lips, God’s truth in your heart and trust in His promises for the day? “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)

We may live in the nipa hut of imperfection, and the world might fall apart but we remain steady, secure and confident because we have the path to a rich, abundant life when we declare Jesus is indeed, enough!

Let’s Pray

Father, I confess I need to prepare the soil of my soul with deeper convictions, constant trust and determined to live inside the beautiful truth that You are, indeed, enough. In Jesus’ name.

What riches does your heart long for these days?

Bonus article: Check out this great article on today’s TOPIC.

Janet

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

No Eyesight, No Limbs, But Enjoying the Fullness of Life

1 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 7/1/23

In the middle of the crowded NRB convention, I stood beside Nick Vujicic and faced him. “Can we take a picture together?” I asked him.

“Sure,” he said in his Australian accent.

So here we are, me, the blind gal, and Nick, the amazing man with no limbs.

My blindness is nothing compared to his limitations. But wait a minute, limitations? No, Senor! The world may see them that way, but Nick has no limitations when it comes to fulfilling his mission to spread the Good News.

He has no arms but he embraces the Gospel. He has no legs or feet but walks on God’s truth and takes it to literally millions across the world.

So how do we live that abundant life despite perceived limitations?

Here are three ways:

  1. Listen to the right voices. Turn away from the internal voice that says, “I can’t do that” or “that’s impossible for me.” When that type of thinking dominates the mind, we become silly sheep who end up eating discouragement for lunch. However, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27)

Jesus’ voice says in Him there are no limitations, no handicaps, no disabilities. In Him, those disabilities turn to abilities for you to see how He guides you better, brings you farther, and lifts you higher. His voice opens doors that even those without legs walk through. He paints beautiful horizons even the blind can see.

  1. Remain connected to Christ Jesus, the divine source. Whatever challenge, physical, emotional or mental, He’s the source that supplies all we need, makes all things possible and takes us over hurdles of difficulties. Even without sight, without limbs, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “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 15:4-5).

And we celebrate that fruit that we bear, not because of our own abilities, but because we remain In Jesus. And He remains in us, in our struggles, in our tough moments and seemingly in impossibilities.

  1. Expect God’s provision to exceed your expectations. To the world, those unable to see or walk may be labeled as having limitations, but there’s no limit in He “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 3:12).

God’s power within lifts barriers, makes the way and moves mountains of opposition.

No matter your perceived limitations—dark prognosis from the doctor, failure, rejection, loss or loneliness, broken relationships—in our eyes, limitations turn to obstacles. And in God’s hands, limitations turn to beautiful possibilities.

Let’s Pray

Father, let my life reflect Your truth that with you as my source of power. There are no barriers to the abundance You promised. In Jesus name.

What preconceived limitations are holding you back?

Check out Nick’s message of hope HERE.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my newly released book: Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. You can get it HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Five Reasons Why Loneliness Cannot Enter Your Heart

27 May

Walking by faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 27, 2023

As I made my way down the hotel hallway, I held on to the arm of the kind woman in charge of the speaker. In this case, I was that speaker who had the honor of addressing the annual women’s conference.

Upon reaching my hotel room, she inserted the key. And as the door opened, I asked her, “Can you come in a minute and make sure all the lights are off please?”

She was silent. I imagine that was an odd request so I explained: “It’s not healthy to sleep with the lights on. Since I can’t see, would you mind making sure they’re all off?”

They always comply with that silly request from this blind Chica.

Once in the room, using my fingertips, I found the locations of each piece of furniture in the room. Then I unpacked, arranged my items on the bathroom sink, and headed to bed.

And while I was praying in silence and putting the details of my talk in order in my head, I fell into a deep sleep.

The reason is because the fear of being alone in a strange hotel room or of experiencing loneliness never gets a chance to come in. And in the hotel room of your life, loneliness won’t come in either if you hold on to these five truths:

  1. God’s protective power is real.
  2. His presence is certain.
  3. His protection is constant.
  4. His companionship is sweet
  5. His comfort is forever.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16).

Let’s Pray

Father, sometimes even when surrounded with people, the loneliness can be cruel. But thank you for filling the void. For bringing reassurance to every moment. For whispering protection and provision. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, for we know you’re present now, and you’ll be present in the happenings of our tomorrows. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you invited Christ Jesus into your lonely moments?

Further Reading

God gives you what you need to defeat loneliness.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my newly released book: Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. You can get it here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Five Weapons for Mothers to Overcome Stress

13 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 5/13/23

I went down on one knee. “Look at me, honey.” I turned my four-year-old Joe’s face toward me. “What’s in your mouth?”

“Nothin’.”

As the youngest of three, he never knew a mom with sight. A retinal disease robbed my sight when he was much younger. And my adjustment and theirs was inevitable.

I took him by the hand. “Is that chocolate I smell? It’s before dinner. C’mon young man, let’s spit it out.”

Outwardly I seemed in control. But I still questioned my ability as a blind mom. I stressed about their possible lack of confidence or even shame because of my blindness.

I carried all that with in me. And often the obstacles before me seemed like facing a huge giant. I questioned my strength, my wisdom and abilities. Did I do too much? Not enough? Was I too strict, too lenient?

Stress followed me during the day and it lay beside me on the pillow at night.

But along came David…

…to save the day. Remember him as a boy? He was scrawny, a bit of a shy kid, the youngest of his brothers. And probably voted the least likely to succeed in the senior class of the local Shepherd high school.

And when Goliath showed up, David seemed inadequate, unprepared, and way too weak to defeat the giant. But God knew different because He chose him. Skinny David held not a trace of insecurity, doubt, or worry. He put on the backpack of courage and gathered five stones. But those stones weren’t what would defeat the big guy. Rather, David’s secret weapon called bold faith became the weapon to bring him victory.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty…” (1 Samuel 17:44).

Today, the giant moms face has grown bigger and more vicious. In addition to dealing with our own personal stress and insecurities, we face evil that barges into our schools with not only violence but with immoral and horrifying doctrines.

Your Five Weapons

But rather than shrink back, like David, we lift our head high and come against all this in the name of the Lord. We put on our bold faith and gather our five stones. Even in these turbulent times, we take out these five weapons to triumph over the struggle and stress of motherhood.

  1. The stone of courage to stand firm and secure enough to know we have Christ’s power at work in us to dismantle stress.
  2. The stone of reassurance God is with us every moment of every day to defeat fear, worry and anxiety.
  3. The stone of wisdom, God-given wisdom to choose our words, direct our steps and guide our path.
  4. The stone of trust to know God has His eyes on our kids. He will keep them safe, guard their lives and trace their steps.
  5. The stone of joy to erase gloom, sadness or disappointment.

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate not so much the perfect moms, but those who are perfectly devoted to Christ. Not the moms who have all the answers, but those who never back down or retreat at the face of evil, who instead, believe, truly believe, God has them. Not the moms who have it all together, but the moms who admit their weakness so God can make them strong. Not the moms who are raising stars, but those who rise above a culture that’s in turmoil. Not moms who cover her kids with the latest fashion, but those who cover them with prayer.

God chose David. And He chose you too. He hand-picked you to be the mom to those kiddoes. He didn’t leave David to bring down the giant on his own. He’s not leaving you alone either, As He hands you the stones, He’s already given you the victory—in His power, In His might and in His name.4

Let’s pray

Father, may Your Word remind me You are watching over my kids, guiding them when I fail, teaching them when I don’t know how, and protecting them when I’m not near them. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Which stones will you gather this Mother’s Day?

Janet

Further Reading: How do today’s mothers overcome sadness, struggles, and stress? Click Here

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my book, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. Your copy waits for you here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Three Steps to Contentment During Chaos

6 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 5/6/2023

“How do you plead, guilty or not guilty?”

In the decades as a court Spanish interpreter, I’ve interpreted that question countless times. But no matter how convincing the evidence, or how stern the judge’s reading of the charges, you never know what the response or plea will be. During sentencing, anxious thoughts must fill the minds of defendants as they walk into new life behind bars.

In the courtroom of life, we may feel sentenced to live in a world behind the bars of anxiety. But in the chaos that swirls with fury, we can still find security, we can still know peace and even live with profound contentment. Here are three patterns to follow:

Contentment comes in our praises. While in prison, did Paul choose grumbling or gratitude? “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)

With heavy chains around his ankles, Paul looked up and his lips spoke praises to the Lord. The surroundings didn’t matter. The discomfort didn’t face him. Nor did the injustice rattle him. He didn’t complain or grumble, he found contentment and gratitude. That’s when chains broke loose and freedom came. That same freedom you and I will know when we praise God and even thank Him in the pain.

Contentment comes with intimate closeness. David knew despair, his laments in Psalm 22 range from physical torment to spiritual torture. Yet when he called upon God, he remembered His goodness and faithfulness, that’s when contentment arrived as David sensed God’s closeness: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.” (Psalm 139:1-3)

Just like God is familiar with David’s innermost details, He knows ours too. He knows when we’re reading those headlines and He sees the stress that surges, the worry that walks in and the fear that makes us frantic. But God also knows how to place peace in our hearts and bring contentment in spite of the chaos.

Contentment comes in spite of losses. When day by day we seem to lose what we once knew to be sacred and good? Inflation doesn’t end. Immorality becomes more intrusive. What God called wrong is now right. And what we once held holy is now ridiculed. But no matter what changes, how much we lose, contentment dawns as it did with Habakkuk. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

No matter what we lack, we will also rejoice, trusting in the Lord, our Savior. This mindset and resolve keep us free from the prison of anxiety. We’re not sentenced to a life of gloom, but to a forever in God’s grace. That’s the contentment that defies any chaos, any battle or any storm.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank you for my renewed contentment as I recognize that the darkness that surrounds us is no match to Your power at work. I will rejoice in You, my Savior. Amen.

What difficult moments need your praises to the Lord?

Further reading: Why anxiety doesn’t have to defeat you.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my book which is coming soon, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms Betrayal, Blindness and Heartache to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. Your copy waits for you here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Tags: , , , , ,

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