Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Okay, dearest friends, as of yesterday, Spring is officially here. Time to blossom.
Like flowers, God is at work—He’s offering you the drink of living water, His Words
to bring sunshine into your days, and the promise that you will blossom, grow, shine
and give off the fragrance of joy.
Happy Saturday!
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
With permission: wikimedia.org
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
When will I learn? You’d think by now, aware of the limitations of my blindness, I’d be careful, really careful with the experiments and projects my 6-year-old granddaughter and I do.
“It’s a disaster,” she groaned.
She was right. I had placed the hot iron on the paper covering the group of beads she creatively arranged on a pegboard. The iron was too hot? I pressed too hard? Or missed one step in the instructions?
Don’t know. But after I lifted the iron, part of the melted beads had spread on the carpet, burning a baseball-size spot. Gulp.
After we dried her tears of disappointment, I took a deep breath, and then wisdom trickled in.
I knelt on the carpet and once the rug had cooled, I gently rubbed the palm of her hand on the scorched spot. “Feel this? This will help us remember that when we mess up, it’s not a failure if the mess-ups teach us a lesson.”
“What lesson?
“To read instructions more carefully.”
How many disasters have you have in life? Broken relationships, financial troubles, bad decisions, failed careers.
And the mess is there. They formed a rough spot in our heart, difficult to clean up. Heartache and regret melted in areas where they shouldn’t.
What if we didn’t consider them failures? Instead, those very events can become God’s powerful reminder that He still restores. Because of Him, we may stumble, but will never fall. Relationships end, but His love still remains vibrant. Finances crumble, but He still provides. Careers end, but He gives new beginnings. Illness wants to shake away our peace, but His hand stops the fear.
When embracing the lesson, life smiles again as we repeat “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:7-8).
Father, how often the failures, mistakes or calamities of life have threatened to shake me. But now, because you’re near me, peace still sings in my soul. And I know each broken area is the lesson that teaches me to wait in expectation for something new, something better, something richer and something worthy of your praise. In Jesus’s name, amen.
• What has failed in your life lately?
• Where do you find the lesson?
• How will you allow God to turn it to good?
Janet
Learn more about Janet, her books and her ministry as an Inspirational Speaker at Janet Perez Eckles.
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
“Now what Lord?” I asked when, at thirty-one, I lost my sight to an incurable retinal disease. Initially, I sunk into a dark well of self-pity. And as bitterness and anger dribbled into my soul, the murky water of defeat threatened to drown me.
But years later, when Jesus tapped my heart, He opened my eyes to see beyond my physical darkness. I learned to operate a computer equipped with a voice synthesizer. And my fingers began to dance on the keyboard stringing words of triumph and hope.
But the journey was spotted with chuckholes and hurdles. The biggest bump was how to creatively turn the feelings in my heart into words that would touch my readers.
Then one day, I sat with a heart full of insights and ideas, but my fingers froze. Then, I leaned back and said, “Lord, whisper wisdom into my soul, order into my mind and diligence into my skill.”
When He answered, I widened my spiritual eyes to see that it wasn’t me who worked those phrases together, but it was Him who directed my writing, my inspirations and my stories.
His Word became my spiritual white cane guiding me through my writing journey. Now when I sit before my computer, I take a deep breath and say, “Thank you Lord, that your instructions seep into my soul; then they spill onto my keyboard.”
It’s rewarding for me to say, “I wrote this.” But it’s enlightening to assert, “I heard His whisper.”
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
I ate moldy bread, stepped on snakes and almost swallowed a bug…
Yes, friends, I lead a pitiful life. When you can’t see, life can get pretty crazy.
Through the years, I’ve posted on each of the above incidents. But I also posted about the time I stepped on a beautiful rose. I’m talking about my friend. I had related details of my misunderstanding of her motives, of my own blind view of her words and the one-sided perception of the relationship. I confess: I stepped on a rose. The rose whose beauty was overshadowed by my judgment and my unfair and skewed assessment.
In the complexity of relationships, the true friends are simple in their genuine love. They’re those who are trampled upon, yet forgive. They are hurt, yet still love. They’re accused, yet they still serve.
Could it be that Jesus wants us to avoid pain when He says,
Father, keep me in line when I’m too quick to jump into conclusions. Grant me a heart to value the treasures you place before me. Hold me accountable to appreciate what is valuable in life. In Jesus’ name, amen
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Janet wrote a powerful post this week on her blog, and I am sharing it on Old Things R New. Be sure to click below to read the rest of the story-Onisha
“You got to write about that,” my friend said on the phone.
“Naw…people will think I’m a religious nut.
“No, they won’t.” She argued and won. So here I go.
As most of you know I dedicate Mondays to fasting and prayer. Not that I’m trying to be a holy roller, but I genuinely want to concentrate in my efforts to lift in prayer the heart-wrenching requests that come my way on a regular basis.
Fasting (water and a few slices of bread for the day) is immensely rewarding and doable for me. Unless…my routine changes. And a few weeks ago, it changed drastically. Hubby and I along with friends boarded a cruise ship. And just FYI, I have the habit of judging the caliber of a cruise by three vital criteria: the quality of the food, the food, and the food! –
See more at: http://www.janetperezeckles.com/finding-the-richness-of-life/#sthash.PS0oGmpG.dpuf
Got a story to tell you. It happened not long ago.I was busy putting the finishing touches to a story. Earlier I had facilitated a session on managing stress to colleagues across the country. Still at my computer, I paused when hubby walked into the room and said, “Just to remind you, we need to be leaving in about one and a half hours.”
Ah! I perked up. The black and white gala we were to attend held promises of great food, good company, and a fun time for us.
As I always do, I work until the very last minute. Then, I jump to my feet, hop in the shower, and get ready all in fast motion. But this time, after I washed my hair, I paused and the thought that this was a formal event struck me. My closet is jammed with lots of formal dresses in every color of the rainbow…but, I don’t have a long black one.
Gulp. I just finished giving all kinds of suggestions, guidelines, and hints on how to control and efficiently manage stress. And now my own stress test came to visit.
I took a deep breath, and said, “Lord, I can’t wait to see how you’ll resolve this one. But I just know You will.”
“Honey,” I said to hubby, “In the 32-years of marriage, I’ve never done this. But…I just realized the dress I have ready for tonight is short and I need a long formal.”
I wish I could have seen his expression that accompanied the long pause of silence. “I was going to take a quick nap,” he said, “and get ready. But, no problem,” tenderness marked his words. “Let’s go to the mall; we’ll find you a dress.”
Now, ladies, would you agree that was the ultimate understanding on his part? I sure did. Though I’ve never seen him lose his temper with me, this would have been a justified moment.
“Thanks.” I said sheepishly. I grabbed my make-up (I can put it on in the car to save time). Then wet hair and all we rushed to the car. We had a little over an hour to head to the mall, park, shop, try a dress on, pay for it, rush back, and get ready for our formal event. Crazy, isn’t it?
But my hubby’s disposition remained calm, sweet, and light-hearted. I turned to him, “Honey, thanks for being so understanding.”
He squeezed my hand, “That’s part of my present to you.”
Once in the parking lot, we drove and drove around to find a parking place. The whole world must have decided to shop that afternoon. Finally, he pulls in a spot, we dart out of the car, dash across, and holding on to his hand, we zig zag between cars. Once inside, a loud hum of conversation (shoppers conversing) filled the store. “Let’s go to the petite section,” I blurted.
Dodging people, hubby spots a salesclerk. Once we tell her what we’re looking for, she leads us to the section with long dresses. “Here’s a black one.” She places it in my hand. The size was one bigger than the one I wear. But at that point who cared.
“Do me a favor,” I said leaning toward her voice. “I’m blind. So, would you mind showing me to the fitting room?”
“Sure, come with me.” She loops my hand around her arm and we rush to the fitting room. But we had to stand and wait and wait some more…all the fitting rooms were taken. “I’ll stay with you,” she said.
At this point I was just exploding with gratitude for this one-of-a-kind employee. I asked her name.
“Carmen,” she said.
“Can I tell you that you’re just an angel God sent to me today?” I whispered. She chuckled.
While we waited for the fitting room, I had already made up my mind that no matter how it fit, I was going home with that long black dress. Carmen helped me put it on, and though it felt loose, I shrugged my shoulders. “It fits just fine, I’ll take it.”
“No,” she argued. “Your husband has to approve it.”
“Holding my hand, she led me to where he stood. “Looks fine,” he said.
She helped me back inside. And here’s where I knew God’s hand was taking care of the most minor details. Carmen says, I’ll take the dress, follow me.” She led us directly to the cash register, bypassing the long lines at all seven or eight registers. We paid (it was on sale–half price) in minutes and we were heading home.
Hubby took a brief nap; we got ready and arrived at our event on time. Once in the fancy hotel, we entered the elegant dining room. The cold air-conditioning struck my arms with the same force as a thought: I had so often read, and read again the words David gushed:
“O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me…You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life” (Psalm 139:1-4 and 13-16).”
He did! He really did from the very beginning form every detail of my very being. And He never stopped, even now, He knows the intricacies of my thoughts, my apprehension, my silly mistakes, and the moments I fail…but He also knows the solutions for all areas of our life—minor and major ones . And yes, even how to lead us to the right dress to wear and the precise person with a kind heart to help us out.
If you’re facing a moment of sadness, disappointment, though minor for most, but huge for you…He does care, He does see, and He does bring answers.
Give it all to Him. He can not only save lives, move mountains, and calm seas, but also cares about bringing solutions for those minor details that trickle into our day.
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Sometimes I just have to disagree.
I received a newsletter that made my head shake. The theme was one most people find logical, accepted, and even embraced with fervor.
Does the title, “I Did It My Way” ring a bell?
Yep, it’s Ol’ Blue Eyes’ song that my friend mentions in his newsletter. The lyrics and Frank’s melodic voice stir hearts and sparks “Oooh’s and ahhh’s.”
Not me, though. I like his singing. But the message in this song roils in me. Let me tell you why. I tried doing it my way– letting my inner strength drive me forth, my dreams plunge me forward, and even attempted to let my abilities and skills open doors. This tactic works, quite well, I might add. Until, without warning, your world crumbles and pain filters like venom. Then your solutions are elusive and dark times threaten to suffocate you.
I’ve been there. And found when those times strike, reality flashes like lightening. Then my efforts show their true colors–, my feeble ways, my limited wisdom, and my weak efforts to change my circumstance accomplish nothing.
But before you knock me off my soap box, one more point: those who sing, “Do it your way” haven’t rolled in the mud of despair, or been stuck in the trenches of desperation. Some still insist, “Do it your way,”
God says,
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8).
Father, I confess I need you to keep me focused on your ways, your timing and your ability to accomplish what I cannot. I relish in knowing that it’s your power that is at work in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
I admit it. Sometimes I open the door to the bedroom of my heart during radio or TV interviews.
“During media interviews, candor and passion are the blend that will engage listeners.” That was the advice I received a long time ago.
“You’re my role model,” a gracious radio hostess said as she interviewed me some years back. “I read your book, know your story and I think about you and your situation just about every day.”
How nice to make such an impact, right? Not really.
She thought of me when she went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and tripped over stuff on the floor.
How do you cope through life,” she said, “you know… unable to see and living in darkness all the time?”
“Hmm…God’s grace, no doubt” I said.
I did tell her that in the morning I make sure thoughts of gratitude fill my head. Actually, I thank the Lord for all what-if’s in my life—what if I weren’t able to hear? Thank you, Lord for allowing me to hear. What if I weren’t able to walk? Thank you, Lord for giving me legs. And I thank Him for going before me to solve the challenges of the day.
It’s a daily thing because I found gratitude is to joy like water is to plants. Gratitude allows the joy in us to live, thrive and grow.
When those ol’ boo-hoo’s try to come in, I say to myself, “C’mon, chica, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’” (Philippians 4:5-7).
Father, keep me humble, focused, and keep me grateful. I do receive your peace to guard against negative emotions from my heart, and from destructive thoughts in my mind so I may appreciate what I have rather than lament what I lack. In Jesus’ name I ask.
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
My website in English
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Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
How do you explain blindness to a two-year old?
Sunday after church hubby and I stopped at a local restaurant. And as always, we ran into friends.
And as we exchanged comments, I heard a little giggle. “Hi Reagan!” I said looking in the direction of my friend’s two-year old little girl. “Did you like your visit to Cypress Gardens?”
She didn’t answer.
“Honey.” Her mommy said. “Mrs Eckles, can’t see. You have to say ‘yes’ out loud, not just nod your head.”
We chuckled.
“Close your eyes.” Her mom said. “That’s what Mrs. Eckles sees.”
We continued our visit, her mom and I chatting about silly stuff for several minutes. Then suddenly Reagan’s mom paused. “I’m sorry Reagan, you can open your eyes now. And go ahead and eat your food.”
We hadn’t realized during the whole time we were talking, she still had them closed.
I’ve done that too. When I faced tough times, the sting of setbacks, or the jolt of disappointment forced the eyes of my heart to close. And when in the darkness of my pain, I missed the banquet set before me.
I waded in the pool of self-pity. Then soaked with discouragement, sat in the hard chair of gloom. Refusing to open my eyes, I reasoned I was justified to sulk and pout.
Even worse, when God’s Word echoed in my heart, the rehashing of negative details of the circumstance drowned his message.
Yes, it’s ugly and smelly to be in that spot. No doubt, God’s patience was tested with me. How often He must have whispered, “Open those eyes and check out the banquet of blessings I placed before you. But my stubborn heart refused to open.
Those episodes come in all sizes and often unexpected. As a writer, rejection of my work stings. And my discouragement quickly closes my eyes. Then sadly, I become blind to the encouraging notes that fill my in-box when my words elicit positive reactions.
And when those times hit me hard and long, the popular saying, ‘get over it’ rings true. Just how long could I keep my eyes shut to his truth. And refuse to see the treasures within trials and the blessings that often follow burdens.
As a blind friend, I invite you to take a look, move beyond that setback, disappointment, or discouraging comment. If not, you’ll miss the bouquet of blessings, fragrant with His love, and sweetened by His compassion.
Unlike Reagan, don’t wait for someone to tell you to open your eyes. Instead, relish in the banquet the Lord has before you, and “Taste and see that the LORD is good…” Because when facing tough times, “… blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
(Psalm 34:8)8
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
“I hate making long-range plans,” I said to hubby at dinner the other night.
“You have to. If you don’t, you’ll flounder.”
Grrr. He’s right. But setting goals is way too tedious for me. I’d rather just do what comes up. You know, follow God’s lead for the moment. And contently, try to do my best each day.
I’m tempted to do the same this year too. When most are setting New Year’s resolutions, making plans, charting paths to reach this or that, I just want to chill.
Anyone out there feel like I do? To-do lists already dictate my day. And the daily demands beckon relentlessly.
But I guess it’s time to change. This 2014, I’ll embrace a different attitude. I’ll plan to do three things:
These are my three goals. I don’t know what the New Year will bring. I don’t know where God will take the ministry. But I do know that peace, sweet peace will fill my soul just because His Word whispered to me this morning: “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10
He’s God when I fail to plan, when I fall. And He’s still God when triumph comes in spite of it all.
Janet Perez Eckles loves to inspire. She is an international speaker, author, radio host and life coach. www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video just for you.
Old Things R New 