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Random Memories of Germany-Aerobic Part 4

30 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Just a random memory – As we were doing the cool down in one class (it was always done on the floor, to a relatively slow song and involved stretching), I asked one of the students if she liked that particular workout and song.  Her response: “Yes, but I’m still waiting for Perry Como!”  I’ve had a good laugh from that through the years.  I think my favorite cool down song was Lady by Kenny Rogers – and I’m not a huge fan of Country/Western music!

Credit Pixabay

Related to aerobic dancing, but not directly to the classes – between sessions, my partner and I would print up flyers with our logo and the dates and venues for the next session’s classes.  Our sessions usually were 12-weeks long, with an occasional 9-week session thrown in, if the longer one would have run into either summer or a major holiday.  The two of us would go to both housing developments and pass out the flyers by putting them on the “bulletin boards” in each stairwell, or in the doors of the individual houses for upper ranking personnel.  During one of those times, we were standing in front of one of the single units, when I felt such a horrible pain in my foot that I began groaning loudly – essentially screaming! – and jumping up and down!  Looking down at my foot, I realized there was a bumble bee on my foot – and it had stung me! 

Credit Pixabay

C

Oh the pain!!  I was ready to hand my partner my set of flyers and head home, but she insisted that I help her complete the mission!  It took me a while, but I finally made it home and made a poultice of baking soda to cover the sting.  I am just thankful that I was not allergic to bee stings!

One thing I tried very hard to do, was to recognize/remember my students by name.  I didn’t want to be the kind of instructor who only smiled and said “hello” as they came into the gym for class.  I wanted them to know that I was actually interested in who they were and that I knew them!  In that way, we had made attendance cards for each session.  The card held our logo, a place for their name, and a number of squares for how many classes we would have in that particular session.  We marked the squares off each class.  And so, I would mark the square, hold the card up to them, and repeat their name – matching name and face – until I had it firmly in mind.  I would like to think my students enjoyed the fact that their teacher made the effort to remember them as individuals!

And along that line, if I were to see one of my students outside of class, I would greet them by name and say something like “do you recognize me with clothes on?”  And then we would both laugh – because they usually saw me in shorts and T-shirt!  I’m sure that my question gave pause to anyone my student was with – until we explained the situation to them.  

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Random Memories of Germany-Aerobics Part 3

23 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Another fun thing was that the high school coach learned that I was teaching aerobic dancing, and asked that I come to several of his classes and demonstrate the program.  Our Karen was NOT impressed!  When I asked why she didn’t want me to do that, she replied, “Mom, you are in your SHORTS!!”  Most embarrassing to a high school student!  But I went anyway.  I was in pretty good shape at that time of my life, and during the demonstration, I mentioned that the kids could still be in good shape, as I was, at age 40!  They were astounded!  Karen later told me that one of her classmates asked her if her mother was 40?  So that classmate had been in one of those classes.  We had one dance that was relatively repetitive, and quite easy to learn.  I had the students line up and we danced it back and forth.  Then I had them dance it turning on each repeat.  Then I had them form a large circle (facing each other) and dance it around.  So much fun!  Later, the coach said that he wished he could get his basketball players to dance like we were doing.  It would give them rhythm and make them lighter on their feet, which some of them needed to be better basketball players.

One thing sort-of related to those classes, was that I had to walk from our apartment (just outside the base gate) to the classes on the base – summer or winter, rain or shine, sometimes in the snow.  And I carried my big boom box with me.  In warm weather, I was in my shorts and T-shirt.  In winter, I wore boots and my heavy coat – all the while, carrying my boom box.

Somewhere along the line, I was asked to demonstrate our program to a joint German/American group.  I thought it would be something that appeal to the Germans.  So when it was my turn, I started with “ich habe nur ein bisschen Deutsch” (I only have a little German).  That brought some laughs – so then I stated that “and so I will speak in English.”  More laughs.  I described our program, our steps, what we were doing was exercise, but was made more fun with the dance.  I then asked for volunteers from the audience to join me on stage and performed our easiest routine.  Later, as I watched a square dancing group,

Credit Bill Lites – Bill and DiVoran on the right, in their square dancing finery

I realized that all the “instruction” was done in German, but the dance calls were in English!   WOW!  Why couldn’t our program reach the German community the same way – instruct the teaching of the steps in German, but “call” the actual dance routines in English.  We left Germany before we could suggest that to the teachers who followed us.  I think it would have been a great connector between the two countries.

Credit Pixabay

We usually had one week off between sessions, to find new music and perhaps some new steps to those songs.  After a few sessions where the dedicated students were bored with my teaching the old, standard steps to the new students, I decided to use those between-session weeks to teach the old steps to the new students.  That way, when the official session began, only any new steps to teach were taught to all the students, and we could proceed with the routines.  That worked out quite well.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Random Memories of Germany-Aerobics Part 2

16 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

When either Joanne or I went on a vacation, the other partner took over all the classes. I remember one day I instructed and danced four classes – I usually only danced two classes per day!  After the third class, I wasn’t sure I had the energy left to do one more class – but I must have gotten a second wind, and flew through it!

At one point Joanne told me that her students didn’t like me – the way I did the routines.  Joanne and I had a very different way of instructing the dances.  As it turned out, my students didn’t like Joanne, either!  So the next time I taught one of her classes, I told them that, because Joanne and I were so different – I asked her students to “listen with your good ear, and I’ll try to be clearer with my instructions.”  By the end of the time I  filled in for Joanne, we were all okay with each other.

I remember one of Joanne’s students – who was a friend of mine from our church – dancing with a cast on her foot!  She’d had bone spur on her heel and had surgery to remove it.  She said the cast just gave her extra weight to pull around, and she thought it just gave her more intense exercise!  Never saw anything like it!  She was able to keep up with the class, too.

In this particular type of aerobic dancing, we always started the routine on the right foot.  I didn’t find anything unusual about that.  However, there was one student of mine who just really had a hard time with the steps.  I couldn’t figure out what the problem was, nor how to help her…until she approached me one time with “were you ever in the marching band?”  That solved the problem – marching bands always start on the left foot.  You know…”left…left…left right left…”

There was one time when I was holding a class in the gym – and the power went out.  I had my boom box plugged into the wall unit, so that was a problem.  However, There was a door from the gym into a small “store” within the same building.  So I just yelled for the ladies to keep either jogging in place or doing some of the steps, and I ran to the store and purchased some batteries for my box.  I was able to get them into the box and start up the routine essentially where I left off.

And along that vein – Joanne taught one of her classes in a small gym in another part of the base.  She said she thought the gym manager didn’t want her classes held there, so she was convinced he turned off the power every single class.  So when I filled in for her there, I was ready!  I had the batteries in my boom box, and when the power went off, I just unplugged the power cord from the box and continued on with the batteries.  I don’t think the manager was very happy with me!

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Random Memories of Germany-Aerobics Part 1

9 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

In thinking back to our times in Germany, I am reminded of the years that I taught aerobic dancing.  I have written about this previously, but there are some small details that I didn’t mention.

For instance, we had not been in Heidelberg for very long, when we attended a party for the Weather Wing (my husband Fred, was a meteorologist), and we were introduced to the men and women Fred would be working with there.  One of the wives mentioned that she was going to be attending a new aerobic class in her housing building the next week.  Well, always being interested in exercise, that peaked my interest.  When I asked if there was room for “one more” in the class, she said, “come on!”

I had heard of the Jackie Sorensen® program of exercise – aerobic dancing – literally days before we left the States for Europe.  So when I went to the first class, that was the aerobic dancing program Joanne was teaching.  I had never done any dancing in my life, but was intrigued by the concept of “dancing” as a form of exercise.  I fell in love with the class!  I am a fairly coordinated person, so I took to the steps right away.

After dancing with the group for a few months, Joanne said she needed a partner, as she couldn’t handle all the classes that people wanted.  She chose me to be her partner.  

And so, we set out to make our program as good as possible, naming it “Heidelberg Aerobic Dancing.”  This was our color and logo.

The classes were held either on the military base itself, or in the space above some of the housing units.  For example, we lived on the third floor, and the “space” above our apartment was just empty space.  At one time, I held a small group of classes in that space.  Since it was above our unit, we were disturbing no one else in the building.  I usually held my classes either in the gym, or in the ballroom of what they called “the Casino”…essentially the Officer’s Club on the base.  That particular class had about 50 women in it – we danced most of the dances in a double circle.  It was an evening class, and I actually think I enjoyed that class the most – the women had to face each other and get acquainted.  And usually the women who attend this class were those who worked during the day, and this was their way to get some exercise as well as let off some stress.  It was loads of fun. 

The classes I held in the gym were three days each week.  The man who managed the gym reserved that time for us, and would sit and watch us dance.  He said it was amazing to watch the new-comers learn the steps and eventually we were all doing the same steps at the same time.  The classes in the Casino were only two nights each week.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Memories of New Years Past

2 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I guess I am just like most people when it comes to New Years – “I AM going to lose those _____ pounds this year!”  “I AM going to get the house in order!”  “I AM going to scan all those pictures and get them in an album!”  etc., etc., etc.

So, resolutions not-with-standing, what are my memories of New Years past?  I guess my favorite memory is of growing up in my church in Albuquerque.

Photo credit First Baptist Church, Albuquerque

For many years, on New Year’s Eve, the church would have a program that started about 6:00 p.m. with a dinner.  Now, this was a fairly large church, and we had a paid staff who made the meals every Wednesday evening, before the regular activities began.  And those ladies made the BEST dinner rolls!!!  Nothing I’ve ever been able to duplicate!

Anyway, dinner started at 6:00 p.m.  After that, I remember either a movie shown on a large screen in the sanctuary, or games.  Perhaps there were games for the smaller children – I just don’t remember.  But then there was a time of “remembrance” or sharing.  Just being thankful for the year that was passing away, and looking forward to the new one approaching.

But the best thing about the entire evening, was that, after the sharing time, we would – literally – ring the outer edges inside the sanctuary, holding hands to make a funny-shaped circle, and pray in the New Year.  We could hear the fireworks going off, and people yelling outside the church building.  But inside, we were asking God to bless the New Year, and us in it, and our part of it.  It was an extremely wonderful time.

And then I remember some New Year’s Eve’s in our small church in Virginia.

Seaford Baptist Church, Seaford, Virginia Oldest buildings

We would gather for a time of sharing and remembrance, then share the Lord’s Supper together, and then pray in the New Year.  I do remember one year that Karen and Brian married (on December 30).  As we were sharing thoughts, I shared that I would have to learn to keep my mouth shut and be a good mother-in-law!  The pastor would try to do the Lord’s Supper differently some times, to make it more meaningful for us.

I remember a time when he had a loaf of bread, and we pinched off our own little piece.  I also remember a time when there was a community cup for each family to share the “wine” (grape juice in the Baptist church!).  

But in all the memories I have, it always culminated with prayer for the New Year.  And I can’t think of a better way to start any New Year, than asking God’s blessings upon it.

May YOUR New Year be blessed beyond measure.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:13

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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After Christmas…

26 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

AFTER CHRISTMAS…

I am re-blogging this, as the thoughts in it are so pertinent today…

Christmas is such a joyous time.  I love the decorations – not only at our house – but also those that the neighbors put up.  Ours is rather tame compared to what some of our neighbors put up, but that’s okay…….we have what WE enjoy!

I love the season that reminds us that our Savior was born – to bring us life everlasting in His presence.  I’m sorry that society has made it into something so commercial, that so many people can’t see past the glitter to see God’s handiwork. 

 We received an e-mail from some friends who are working with Wycliffe Bible Translators,

Credit Wycliffe Bible Translators website

 telling of some translators in Nigeria who were working on Luke 2:7, where “She [Mary] gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”  After pondering the word “manger” the locals used a word.  When the Wycliffe translator asked what that word meant, they said it was a “cradle” hung by ropes where the newborn could be laid and it could be swung.

The Wycliffe translator tried to get them to understand that was not what happened – that Jesus came in the lowest possible way, that it wasn’t just a matter of tradition. God expects us to find the words that express the original meaning as accurately as possible. Furthermore, this word tells us something profound about God.  “When He came to live among us and bring salvation to us, He came in the lowliest way possible. He did not come and sleep in a nice rope-hung cradle like every mother wants for her newborn.  Instead, He showed us his unbelievable humility.  So we need to find your best word for an animal feeding trough.”

Suddenly the one who had argued most loudly for the traditional term offered, “We feed our animals out of an old worn-out basket that is not usable anymore except to feed the animals. We have another word for it.”  

And so they used that word.  

That story reminded me of a man in our church who works on the Jesus film for the Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru). 

Credit Campus Crusade for Christ website

 He said that there was a translator working with the team in Africa going from village to village, and he would translate.  But it wasn’t until they took the film to HIS village, and he heard the story in his heart language that he finally understood the message of Christ! 

God has made it so very easy for us to know and find Him.  In the “after-Christmas” we must hang on to the message that God sent his one and only Son to be born in the lowliest way possible, and grow into the man who would die for our sins, so we can live forever in His presence.  

How very great is our God!!  

Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:9

Credit ChristianArt.com

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Christmas Memories

19 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Since Christmas 2021 is this week, I am re-blogging this post.  The memories are still as precious now as then…

Christmas memories……..so many……all good.  I remember, as a child, waking up to Christmas morning and rushing into the living room to see what Santa had brought.  And then to opening all the presents from Mom, Dad, Granny and Aunt Jessie.  I suppose my brother had gotten me something as well, but I just don=t remember that. 

1953 – Bill and me Christmas morning – Albuquerque

Bill and me in Albuquerque

I remember Daddy sitting us down and reading the Christmas story from the Bible.  He and Mom always made sure that we knew the true meaning of Christmas – why we celebrated the season and all the gifts that came with it.  And why we gave gifts to each other and to those who didn=t have all we had.

Daddy
Bill and me, Albuquerque – Christmas morning

I remember one Christmas that we were traveling to San Antonio from Albuquerque to spend the holiday with Granny and Aunt Jessie – before they moved to Albuquerque.  We had a car wreck along the way and Aunt Jessie came to pick us up and take us to her home.  We still had Christmas!  We didn’t have a workable car any more, and Bill had a broken arm……….but we still had Christmas!

Bill and me – San Antonio – in Aunt Jessie’s bed

I remember the last Christmas my Daddy was on this earth.  He’d had a very unfortunate accident in the hospital and was really banged up.  Fred and I flew in from California, and Bill and DiVoran, with their two children, flew in from Florida, to celebrate that time together.  I remember the children tearing into their presents under the tree that morning, and DiVoran stepping out of the way to urge Bill to get in the best position to get some good pictures of that.

Renie and Billy – Bill and DiVoran’s children – Albuquerque

And there was Daddy, with that black eye, just enjoying his grandchildren and children around him.  It was a time to treasure.

The whole gang – Albuquerque – 1966

I remember traveling from the Florida Panhandle to Titusville to have Christmas with my brother and his family, and then across the peninsula to Clearwater to have another celebration with Fred’s parents.  Being with family at this time of celebration is so very precious, and we cherish each memory.

And now I remember a recent time with the family in Titusville and the significant others that have joined the extended family.  I wouldn=t trade it for anything – no amount of non-Christian beliefs and just the time for partying is nearly as satisfying and delicious as being with family, in the Spirit of God’s blessings.

Nope………Christmas Memories are just too precious.  

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Random Memories of Germany-Crystal

12 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I am re-blogging this post, as it brings back so many wonderful memories of our time in Germany…

I want to share some precious items we found in Germany.  We had not heard of Swarovski crystal until we returned to Germany for our second tour of duty there (1980-1983).  We were enthralled with the beauty of it!  And while each piece was relatively inexpensive at our U.S. base exchange, we found them to be almost half price at the Canadian exchange in Baden Solingen.  We happened to be there once with Fred’s parents, and our daughters, and I had to borrow some Deutchmarks from my Father-in-law in order to purchase the ones I wanted.  And I did pay him back!

I actually purchased some for myself, as well as duplicates for our girls, so they each have a set of their own.  I suppose they can distribute ours to our grandchildren, when the time comes.

I found some lotus blossom candle holders that I really like, but I can’t use U.S. candles in them.  They are made for European candles, which are thinner-based.  So they sit on a shelf and look pretty.  That’s okay with me.

When we were in Germany, we traveled quite a bit.  One of the places we went, was Innsbruck, Austria.  The Swarovski factory is there, and we thought to pick up some “seconds.”  However, when we asked about “seconds,” the saleslady informed us that they had NO “seconds.”  If there is a flaw in the product, they just re-fire it and make something new.  Well, shucks!  That really put a damper on our outing!

Fred’s parents came to visit us in Germany each year we were there.  During our first tour, Fred’s Dad was involved with the gathering of Baptists in Bertchgaden, in Bavaria, and we joined them there, including my Mother, who was visiting at the time.  We all stayed in the General Walker Hotel at the top of a small mountain at the end of a steep drive.  The large facility was delightful (formerly used by the Nazi’s – named the Platterhof).  There were restaurants and shops within the main building. 

1969-At the General Walker-Left-to right
Judy, Kitty Wills, Karen, Agnes Lites, Charles Wills

Fred’s mother found this beautiful crystal three-sided obelisk.  Each side has a different Christian symbol carved on it.  Here they are:

Of course, I was taken with the obelisk as well, and purchased one for myself.  When Fred’s mother died, I inherited her obelisk, which I have given to one of our daughters.  When I die, the other daughter will get mine.  I think it’s beautiful.

God has been so gracious to us allowing us to live in that wonderful country for a total of six years.  It was a terrific experience, and one I never dreamed I would have.  God is good.

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected

if it is received with thanksgiving,

1 Timothy 4:4 

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Are You Missing This Main Ingredient This Christmas

11 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/11/21 December 10, 2021

December 10, 2021

Last week, hubby and I stood at the customer service line at our local grocery store to return a jar of Vegenaise. OOPS, we had failed to notice it contained soy. As we waited, we observed our line was short compared to the one beside us.

Those in that line wore huge grins as they carried their hope to the counter. They hoped the number they chose would make them lottery winners.

Could it be they secretly hoped it would make them free and happy?

No criticism here.

I was just like them. Although I never once purchased a lottery ticket, I did put hope in things of this world. I hoped my accomplishments would please God. I hoped my performance would gain His favor. And I hoped what I did would lift me up one notch in the well-done-good-and faithful-servant ranking.

We all do that sometimes. We try and try. With the most honorable intentions, we really do. And in the same way heavy ornaments bend the Christmas tree branch, our endless tasks weigh heavy till we begin to droop, too.

At the end of the day, exhausted and frayed, we drag ourselves to bed. We may not realize that God is aware. He possibly peeks through the window of our heart. He sees the reason for our exhaustion—the constant dashes to put up decorations, to place lights everywhere, to grab the best recipe for pumpkin pie, and to wrap those gifts with green and red shiny paper.

Nothing wrong with that, unless we hope that busyness will fill that for which our heart, mind and soul desperately longs.

Could it be that’s the reason folks all over still live in gloom? They serve misplaced hope at every meal. Emptiness becomes their painful companion And, no jingle bells play for those who hope in the Christmas glitter.

Hope Abounds

BUT…. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

We hope in the Christ of Christmas. That’s why we’ll never faint. We’ll never grow weary. We stand in line with a heart overflowing with hope, hope in God alone. That’s when we receive more than we expect, more abundance than any lottery, and more riches than our heart can hold.

And with hope firmly planted in the God of the universe, we walk away with armfuls of reassurance. Confident and secure, we join the Christmas choir that sings: the eyes of the Lord are upon me. I fear the Lord so I trust in His unfailing love (Psalm 33:18 paraphrased).

Once the Christmas tree is put away, the decorations are back in their boxes and leftovers are in the fridge, our only hope still turns to His unfailing love. Our hope increases in His promise that tomorrow is already planned for us. In the hope that our future is safe and guarded by His protection.

True celebration sparks when we open the gift of hope wrapped in His love. We find it overflowing with comfort for lonely moments. Satisfaction for our emptiness. And food for our hungry soul.

Let’s Pray

Father, as seasons come and go, I thank You for Your gift of hope that shines every day, increases every year, and always sustains me. In Jesus’ name.

Where will you place your hope this Christmas?

Janet

______________________________________

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

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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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West Berlin

5 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I am re-blogging this post, as it brings back so many wonderful memories of Germany…

We had some amazing experiences during our times in West Germany.  We saw so many wonderful sights while there.  So much history, as well.

One of our favorite cities to visit was West Berlin.  At the time we were there, The Wall (Der Maur) was still in place.  And, unfortunately, the Brandenberg Gate was in the Russian Zone, or East Berlin.  We were unable to get close to it. [1967-1970]

I later spoke to a German national who said she just couldn’t imagine living in such an “enclosed” place as West Berlin.  I tried to assure her that it didn’t FEEL enclosed.  The American Zone was quite open and free.  I don’t think I was very convincing.  She just had to experience it for herself.

As we walked around the city, we came upon a fascinating piece of old Germany – a very old hand-watering pump.  Apparently, anyone who knew about it, could bring their car/wagon/etc. there and get free water to wash whatever they had – as long as they were willing to hand-pump the water.  Not something you see around the U.S.

My Mother had come to Germany to visit us that year (May 1969) and we delighted in taking her places that I know she only dreamed of ever seeing.  We happened to be in West Berlin during the celebration of the 20thanniversary of the Berlin Airlift.    The German people had erected a monument to that occasion, and the celebration took place in front of the hotel where we stayed.  The monument is three-pronged, representing the American, British, and French efforts to keep the free German people from starving and out of Russian/Communist hands.  It was a tremendous success.  

Another site that impacted me greatly was in the heart of downtown West Berlin, along the Kurfurstendam, affectionately known by the locals as the Kudam, which is the main shopping street in downtown West Berlin.  After the colossal disaster of World War 2, the German people decided to leave a reminder to themselves of the cost of pride and war.  They left standing the bombed-out shell tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm church.  And built right next to it a beautiful and modern new church and church tower.  While the new structure is impressive, it cannot be fully appreciated until one is inside.  The all-glass bricks are a cobalt blue, and with the sun shining through those bricks – well, all I can say is, it’s breath-taking.  And peaceful. And amazing.  And I’ve run out of adjectives already.  

~~~~~~~~~~To be continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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