On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Today is shaping up to be a busy one starting out with volunteering at Compassion House food pantry but I wanted to take a moment to share this.
“We can know the right words yet never be changed. This is the difference between information and transformation”-AW Tozer
A thank you to Melody Hendrix who generously shares her photos with me.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
I am pleased, thrilled actually, that I made it through the State of the Union speech without mental fireworks. Much of what we see on the news are selectively chosen sound bites to put forth the narrative of the outlet. Sound bites are deceptive and I shudder to think how sound bites of my words could be contrived to say something completely different from my intentions.
Sound bites don’t require a media outlet to feed our brains.
We do it to ourselves when we mentally replay out of context words from conversations. It seems to be easier to focus on negative words than the positive ones.
Okay, back to the SOTU speech. The things that steal my peace are usually not the words spoken but all the standing or not standing, clapping or not clapping.
The SOTU is supposed to be serious, not a drama show. I try to watch speeches live to avoid sound bites deception and I did watch this speech live, BUT I did not watch the screen. I highly recommend this method!
Love: Love finds a way to not feed anger. (I am a work in progress. Blew it big yesterday)
Joy: Joy is like pouring water on a fire.
Peace: Our church posted this verse on their Facebook page.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Monday morning I was at the eye surgical center to have a laser procedure. The subject of being blind vs deaf came up as several of us awaited our turn. The consensus was that being blind would be the most devastating. i told them of my amazing friend (Janet who is our Saturday blogger) who does not allow blindness to stop her from fully living life. In the conversation I was able to talk about how strong faith in God enables one to face frightening challenges. Not a lot of witnessing but trusting seeds were planted for someone, who didn’t know who to cling to.
Fast forward to Monday around 4pm. I was on the phone with a friend and noticed my vision in the eye that had laser treatment was suddenly blurry. I decided the eye just needed moisture so I put in drops. The vision was getting worse. How my thoughts ran to worry and fear! What if the doctor had botched my procedure. Eyes are not easy to fix once messed up. Then I remembered the conversation at the eye doctor. I prayed,
“Lord if I am going to lose my sight in this eye, I will trust you. If you can lead Janet to overcome complete blindness, I know you will do the same for me.”
It seems the seeds I was hoping were planted at the doctor’s office, were the very ones I would need.
I called the surgery center and they suggested waiting until morning then they would work me in. Blurred vision was not a usual side effect of the procedure.Tuesday morning, my vision was clear. Tuesday afternoon the blurriness returned. I was worried! I have cornea transplants and was concerned the procedure may have triggered a rejection. Wednesday morning I called the doctor and was given a time to come to the office. Praise God my cornea was fine. Not so good, my pressure was ridiculously high. My visual disturbance was the result of the elevated pressure and the doctor felt sure it was a temporary elevation and send me home with new drops.
Isn’t God the best? Psalm 23:5 reads He prepares a table before me. I never thought before that the table could be spread with tools to enable me to stand firm in the presence of my enemies. Enemies like fear and worry. He leads us, He prepares us, He anoints us, and in the end we are followed by His goodness and mercy!
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23
Video highlights of Super Bowl Sunday sermon.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
On Monday, following last week’s post, my peace was greatly disturbed. My heart boiled with anger. The object of my anger has been an ongoing thorn and their sound bites are frequently shared on television and social media.
This time i forbade my mind to entertain my usual angry tirade. I set my mind to prayer and the most amazing prayer of love formed in my heart and mind. I can’t explain it as it simply bubbled up. The anger was gone as in locked away from my mind and heart and replaced with peace!
As the week progressed, I would occasionally “ping” my mind by saying their name…..nothing. No anger trigger, just peace. Praise God!
Yesterday I experienced a set back. Whoever created sound bites should be locked up for disturbing the peace!
Photo credit Pixabay
Love: Love that matters does not flow from me but through me from the author of love, God
Joy: I awoke this morning, not feeling the joy. I don’t have to feel it every moment, but I do have to acknowledge that it is there, waiting on me to accept it.
Peace: Presidential elections are on the horizon. I am going to need to be claiming peace frequently.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
!
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Tuesday my husband and I took a day trip. The original plan was for my husband to go alone as he was planning to visit a “toy store” that I had no interest in and he didn’t want to feel hurried if I were waiting on him. I was happy to have a day alone to accomplish some projects of my own.
Tuesday morning he must have begun to regret his decision to go alone as he started asking me if I wanted to go with him. After some back and forth (You know what I am talking about…Do you want to go, do you want me to go…blah, blah) Finally I said “Just say what you are thinking, not what you think I want to hear.” Grrr!
Turned out he wanted me to go and didn’t want me to go. (Surprised?) He wanted me to go because he was hoping to visit a surplus store and wasn’t sure he could find it on his own. (I KNEW there was a reason for him changing his mind. Ha!)
We hit the road, driving north with Ormond Beach as our ultimate goal.
Since he had sold this adventure as a “knocking around” kind of day, I took my camera. Unfortunately I didn’t find any photo opportunities but I kept my eyes open for interesting shopping opportunities.
In Daytona I spotted a Sears Outlet center as we drove past it. Husband asked if I wanted to go back and of course, I said yes. That is what you do when you are knocking around. The store was very meh. But at least we had checked it out. The surplus store was a miss as it was no longer in business.
I was impressed when we arrived at his toy store. It was larger than I had imagined. It’s previous location had been rather small. I had planned to wait in the car and listen to a book but needed a bathroom break. As we walked in I spotted a sitting area with soft couches and chairs, much like major outdoor stores have. Perfect! I told him to shop to his heart’s content. I was listening to a library book that would be whisked off of my phone in 15 hours and I wanted to finish it.
As I sat there, I noted how many nice looking men came through the doors. I sent a text to my single daughter with a Gif of “It’s raining men.” My husband finished looking around sooner than I expected. He did more than look as he had a shopping bag in his hand. When we were back in the car, he couldn’t wait to show his purchase to me and I did the appropriate ooohs and aaaahs. I was glad he found what he had been looking for and at a good price.
It was a good day We had lunch at Steak n Shake. Back in the previous century when we were dating, cruising through “Steak” in your hot car was the thing. Now days we’re more into the milk shakes. Except we didn’t have half price shakes because we are now eating a low carb diet. I felt very virtuous. LOL. I’m glad I went with him. It’s nice to knock around together, just the two of us. With the visit to Steak n Shake it was almost like dating again.
I almost forgot, here is the video I created for this past Sunday’s message. I am in love with vintage graphics. I don’t think the photo with the cross was photoshopped. The photographer mentioned it was a long shutter and luck with positioning.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Since early January I have been compiling a list of verses that touched my heart during my morning devotions. The first one on the list has become my new favorite to start my day.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
PSALM 143: 8
You know how most people can tell you which band made a song popular? I can’t. I think of the band names as tags, and my mind deletes tags. It’s that way with scripture verses too. I know the verse but no idea where it “lives.” So Monday I set a challenge for myself. Each week I will match up a verse with its tag. I am starting off simple and day one found me struggling. I hope to have a positive report next month.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
I don’t know about you, but this crazy world of politics and anger is really taxing my peace. Do you remember when people would use the phrase “fly off the handle” when someone would go all crazy about something that was said or done? Where did that phrase originate? Regardless of where, it is still relatable. These days, it seems people are flying off the handle faster than Superman can come to the rescue. But they are using big axes, axes that are intended to harm.
When I hear this stuff, my mind jumps to create brilliant arguments or scathing comments. And what does that accomplish? Nothing. I can’t change whichever situation riles me up. I can change my heart. Sarah Young in Jesus Always wrote that when you realize you are thinking thoughts unworthy of God, make every effort to change the subject. I can choose to turn my distress into trust that God is in control. And regardless of which political party is in power, the real power never changes;
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Love: I need to practice a whole lotta love thoughts.
Joy : My joy comes not from circumstances but from God. I need to remember that.
Peace: Returns when I don’t react with my emotions.
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On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Wow did this day fly by. It seems like it was just 10:30 am and I was working on the weekly church highlights video. It’s a good thing I don’t have much to write about today.
As I was thinking about my blog for today, I realized how often I say I am not lucky at winning things. But as my mind rolled back over the past 6 months, I realized I am lucky! In the past 6 months I have won a novel, Shadows of a Down East Summer by Lea Wait, a gift certificate for a massage and just this week, a $10.00 coupon at a favorite jewelry store, Amazing Jewelry. I used the coupon to buy a bracelet I had admired the day I put in the raffle ticket at the store.
All of these wins required some effort on my part. I commented on a book blog to win the novel, bought a raffle ticket for the massage gift certificate and chose to listen to the young woman asking people to fill out a ticket to win the $10.00 coupon. I guess that is why the Publisher’s Clearing House is not going to be knocking on my door with the big check and I won’t wake up a lottery winner.
I am enjoying reading the book, looking forward to the massage and love the bracelet.
Here is the video from this morning. I really like the sheep.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Have you read Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard? I read it many years ago and shared it with my daughter. She loved it so much she named two of her Cabbage Patch kids, Grace and Glory after the characters in the book. This is the Amazon description:
A timeless allegory dramatizing the yearning of God’s children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. In this moving tale, follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey as she overcomes many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and is transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd.
i think it is a timeless read and one that could be read with a child. My daughter was and is, a voracious reader and the book gave us opportunity to discuss Much Afraid’s anxieties and how to overcome them.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. HABAKKUK 3: 19
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Consistency is not one of my strong points. I make plans then abandon them as something glitters brighter. In my search for Peace, my goal is to share weekly my opportunities to live at peace with all mankind.
I have discovered that without the first two fruit of the spirit, love and joy, peace doesn’t have much of a chance to rule my mind. I am thankful, that though the journey of love and joy is painful, I have grown in them. For this new journey I have chosen JOHN 15: 4 as my touchstone:
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
My opinionated personality will certainly need to be doing some abiding!
This week’s case involves a call to my primary care physician office. I was miserable with a sinus infection and wanted to be seen. Unfortunately, due to a mandatory office meeting, I could not be seen for two days. I did not react well. (Note to self- the person answering the phone did not cause this situation, don’t subject her to your ire.) On the positive side, my husband drove me to a nearby walk in treatment clinic and I was seen within the hour and started on meds immediately. Of course, mentally I was still angry.
Do you think it would be interesting if I share my journey case notes as in this weeks opportunity?
Seeking peace case notes- The Doctor’s Office 1/15/19
I dont have to walk in anger when I can choose to walk in your love. Pray for them rather than mentally berate then. This is hard!!!
Love- every person in the office is precious to God.
Joy-anger steals my access to joy.
Peace – I thank you God, that you love every person who works in that office. My heart takes joy in knowing that because of my frustration, you prompted my heart to pray, rather than berate them.
Peace- when I choose to pray blessing rather than mentally churn in anger, I have peace.
Question: Does praying blessings on them initially negate the lingering annoyance?
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
This is the video highlight of our pastor’s sermon last Sunday, Tools of the Trade
Old Things R New 