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Living Waters

29 Mar

Scribe: DiVoran

Photo Credit Pixabay

Beloved Child,

I bless you. I pour my Spirit out upon you. Do not fear. I will always be here for you. All rejection is a tool to bounce you away from what people think and into my arms. 

Do not any longer blame yourself or try to fix anything on your own. All the apology in the world will not change the basic attitudes of those who want to own you. 

Photo Credit Pixabay

No one can own you. You are mine. I will never leave you or forsake you. Stand still and watch how I deal with your troubles.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit you have been saved. Springs of Living water refresh and renew you. 

Photo Credit Pixabay

Be still and know that I am God. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Music and Me Part 2

28 Mar

Sunday Memories

Judy Wills

Still considering my piano playing,  I guess one of my favorite pieces to play was “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.  A magnificent piece.  I really loved that music.  Unfortunately, so many of the Miss America contestants during those years played it for their talent, it sort of became “rote.”  There was another piece by Debussy, “The Sunken Cathedral” that I attempted to learn to play, but it just seemed to be out of my range of capability.  It’s quite complicated, but in the right hands, it, too is magnificent.  Mrs. Larsen played it for me one time, and I was mesmerized.

! have mentioned in a previous posting, that after we joined our church here in Orlando, that our Minister of Music gathered six of us that played the piano and we had a concert for the church.  We each played on a Clavinova (electronic pianos), which also meant they were all “tuned” together.  In my post of September 30, 2012, I mentioned this concert.  I mentioned that we practiced at the piano store, then they brought the instruments to the church and they were placed on the stage.  I stated:  We played two or three pieces all together – different parts of the song, like an orchestra.  Then we each played a duet with one of the other pianists, then a solo.  It was a great deal of fun, and we got to praise our Lord with the talent He gave each of us.

Photo credit Church Art

I never really thought I would be a piano teacher.  I mean, I played the instrument, but that is quite a bit different than teaching someone else to play it.  At different times, I have had several people ask me if I would teach their children, but I always declined.  However, when we were in Heidelberg (1980-1983), I was given the opportunity to teach.  I wasn’t too thrilled with the prospect, but the circumstances were different.

Photo credit Pixabay

You see, there was a Canadian family in our church.  They approached me about teaching their boys.  I was quite interested to learn that Canada has a “conservatory” system of teaching piano.  In other words, if you lived in one of the Eastern provinces and began taking piano lessons, but then had to move, perhaps to one of the Middle or  Western provinces, you could find a teacher and pick up right where you left off!  Neat!  And these boys had been taking lessons for a number of years, and just needed someone to keep them up-to-date while they were in Germany.  It was quite a program, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we had together.  One of the boys was in high school, and the other boy was in middle school, therefore – different levels.  

Because of my time studying music at the Community College in Florida, I had learned a lot of theory that had just never occurred to me before.  I was able to pass all that along to those boys I was teaching.

Another time that I taught piano, was still during the time we were in Heidelberg.  We had a military doctor and his family living downstairs from us, and they had three little girls.  The oldest was about eight years old, and eager to learn.  And so they talked me into teaching her.  She had some piano lessons behind her, so that helped.  Well, as I’ve mentioned before, I was/am NOT a prodigy.  But this little girl WAS a prodigy.  I hardly had to teach her anything, and she was off and running with it.  For instance:  I have always had trouble doing transposition.  When I mentioned it to her, she said, “oh you mean like this?” and proceeded to transpose the song she was playing from one key to the next – all the way through the octave!  I’m sure my mouth was hanging open by that!  She was amazing!!

Photo credit Pixabay

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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Cancel Culture Vs Grace Culture

4 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

After my post last week, Pondering Cancel Culture, I was surprised to learn not everyone knows what Cancel culture is. I found that to be encouraging.

One writer describes it as a modern day stoning in the public square. The aim of Cancel culture is not to change a person’s mind with civil debate. No, the aim is annihilation. Whether the target is a business or someone working in your building, no one is safe.

“Canceling a human, not redeeming a human is the prize here.”

Dr. Keith Ablow

No matter the victim’s attempts to explain, they are judged and condemned. Brave is the employer who stands up to a Cancel culture attack.

In my opinion, the media fuels the outrage, trading lives for revenue.

The world’s Cancel culture says you have offended us and you must be destroyed.

I am so thankful that we can live in God’s Grace culture which says

You have offended me and I forgive you.

Cancel culture scorns repentance but God’s Grace culture

Graciously and with love welcomes repentance.

In my pondering this week, I knew that Cancel culture was definitely not my culture. Certainly, I felt the urge to cancel them! But wouldn’t that drag me into their net of rage? As coincidence would have it,(sure it was a coincidence) I am participating in a Bible study with the women of my church, The Armor of God. The first session teaches about standing firm in God’s truth and discarding anything that deflects from living in His truth.

This truth I am sure of. I was not created to live in anger. I am making the choice to forgive those who choose Cancel culture life. And I hope they discover the blessings of living in the Grace culture of God.

I'm a winner

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 2020 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.

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15 Reasons Why We Must Never Fear

28 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

REBLOGGED November 27, 2020

November 27, 2020

“We had the worst Thanksgiving,” my friend said. “My uncle became so irate at the news, he hurled his shoe at the TV and cracked the screen.”

Whoa! What’s happening in our homes today? Parents are tense, kids aren’t happy. And just about everyone is fed up. We’re over the chaos.

But what’s truly taking place is a false mindset courtesy of the enemy of our souls. He served a turkey stuffed with lies. And silly us, we ate it.

Questions to Ask

But before we get emotional indigestion, let’s ask these questions: Who said evil can win? Who said those who are Christ followers should ever feel weak, accept fear or allow anxiety to come in? Who said God is distant and deaf to our cries? Who said that? You know the answer—the father of lies.

To counter them, we push down Satan’s lies in the garbage disposal of life and serve a new dish to delight our soul–God’s victory.

David did that when he faced an army of enemies. Fear could have eaten him for lunch. But in Psalm 37 he acknowledges the wicked who surround him. He recognizes the evil at work. He speaks of the destiny of the wicked and the direction of the righteous. And he illustrates how to put it all in perspective.

But please note that David’s new perspective has no room for wimpy notions, self-pity episodes, or doubt. Instead, He becomes empowered by God’s truth.

Make these 15 Declarations Against Fear

That’s why this Thanksgiving season we have more reasons to be grateful. In the pandemic of discouragement God expects us to do the same as David–with courage oozing from our pores, we declare these fifteen steps to let fear know who’s boss.

  1. Even when we watch the news, we toss anxiety out the window because God says: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
  2. We never stop being generous and kind, expecting He will meet our desires. We make sure to…. “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
  3. Do not worry if your voice is not heard. God will take care of that. Instead, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
  4. When we long for relief from all this yesterday, we become restless. But God has a plan and He says: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
  5. Let others swim in the river of destructive anger. Instead, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil.”
  6. God has His judgment ready. And for us, He has a promise: “For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
  7. Peace is soon to arrive. God’s divine strategy is at work: “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
  8. No matter what seems to be against us, we count on God’s victory. He gives us a clue here: “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
  9. When we feel drained, we focus on God’s mighty strength to defend us: “The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.”
  10. Praise God for what you do have because “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.”
  11. Make sure to be blameless from lashing out insults and accusations because “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.”
  12. We don’t worry about our enemies because “the wicked will perish: The LORD’s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish-vanish like smoke.”
  13. We can expect blessings when we give. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.”
  14. Resist the world’s pattern, follow God’s ways instead because “If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”
  15. Danger may seem to be drawing near, but God has the last Word: “The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

No matter what we face, fear has no power. Conversely, God is the one who has the power to restore, to heal, to turn things around and to hand us victory on the platter of His faithfulness.

Let’s Pray

Father, when this world seems to be falling apart and Satan attacks more fiercely, your power is what I count on. Your victory is what I anticipate. And Your hand at work is what keeps me going each day with no fear, with hope, but with joy and deep, deep peace. In Jesus name.

How was your fear conquered today?

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.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

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

Four promises God makes during the pandemic of our troubles.

31 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged October 31, 2020

October 25, 2020

My hands grew sweaty and my heart beat fast. I did my best in my task as a novice Spanish interpreter in that courtroom decades ago.

Then the unexpected happened.

“Mrs. Eckles, approach the bench,” the judge said after he announced a recess during one of the sessions.

Gulp. He’s calling me, Wasn’t I doing a good job? I stood and took a few hesitant steps toward him, expecting a reprimand.

I swallowed hard and looked in his direction. “Yes, your honor,” I said.

“I’m also bilingual,” he said in a calm voice, “and I’m impressed with your high level of accuracy and your professionalism.”

I fought the urge to jump high and cheer. But instead, I gave a shy smile, “Thank you, your honor.”

Facing the Divine Judge

On a greater scale, the question for all of us is: what will we do when we face the Divine Judge? Will we tremble? Or will we approach Him with love and wonderful expectations?

Until we meet Him face to face, we can practice our reaction now. In these tough times that press hard, we can anticipate all the good He offers in the courtroom of life. We hope for His hand to resolve our problems, for His grace to cover us during the Chaos. And during the pandemic of fear, we expect to hear His voice.

And we will, should we choose to, be still and listen. The good news is that His approach isn’t one of a ruthless judge, but one of a loving Father.

And that love is active. When we take the wrong path, He disciplines. Rather than scolding, He gives reassurance. Rather than apathy, He corrects our ways. Rather than punishment, He extends mercy. And instead of condemnation, through His Son Jesus, He offers forgiveness.

Four Promises

That’s why we wake every morning embracing what He offers. And before we sip our coffee, we serve these four promises to feed our soul:

  1. Should uncertainty rattle our nerves, we offer Him our complete trust as we declare: “in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11)
  2. And when trials weigh heavy, we lift our head and with audacious faith, declare: “two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. (Psalm 62:11-12)
  3. When discouragement leaves us weak, our lips repeat His promise: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
  4. When frightened by natural disasters, violence or unrest, we remember what God said through Moses: Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Let’s Pray

Father, in the stillness of Your presence is where we find our refuge. In Your love we find peace. And In your promises is our trust. Thank You for never failing us. In Jesus name

What is God saying to you in the pandemic of your troubles?

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.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

If you enjoyed these moments of inspiration, consider supporting JC Empowerment Ministries. We keep going, keep inspiring and keep bringing Jesus light into the darkness only through your cheerful tax-deductible giving. It’s simple. Just hop over to this LINK. https://janetperezeckles.com/about/non-profit-tax-exempt-authorization-letter

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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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What not to do as we face tomorrow.

12 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Rebl/ogged September 12, 2020

September 11, 2020

Some years back, I eased into the large chair at the ophthalmologist’s office, my face pressed on the chin rest.

“Look straight ahead,” he said. “Can you see the light?”

“Hmmm…not really,” I answered.

He sighed. “After removing the cataracts, I was really hoping to recover at least some of your sight.”

“It’s okay. I’m not worried about it.” I gave him a genuine smile. “I have so many things to do and accomplish. God has His perfect timing. In the meantime, I cannot worry about what my eyes see or don’t see.”

He squeezed my hand. “I wish all my patients had your disposition. You sure have a contagious happiness within you.”

Happiness? Not sure if I agree. Superficial happiness is the last thing I seek. I learned that being “happy” came and went along with events and circumstances. And at one time, I had chased it, big time. Then, when I lost my sight, I groped for happiness but it had vanished in the darkness of my world.

It all changed.

All changed when Christ opened the eyes of my heart and freedom ushered in through the darkness. Joy visited my heart for the first time. That’s because there’s incredible comfort in knowing we don’t have to trust in what can change, hold on to what can end, lean on what might crumble, or count on what can vanish.

Recently, we experienced all the above as our world changed. So, what do we do? We hold on to what we can trust. We believe what we know is true. And, with Godly wisdom we avoid these three traps:

Avoid these Traps

Trap No. 1: We stop listening to the world, it’s messages and predictions. We stop looking to understand why and how. We refrain from searching answers and seeking solutions to the parade of problems. Instead, we look for God’s priority when He says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:33). The “things” we look for, He will bring. The explanations we expect, He will provide. And the promise for tomorrow, will prevail.

Trap No. 2: Long for what we had before. Yearn to go back to the “normal” of yesterday. And give in to the loneliness of our misfortune. Instead, trust in He who says, “Those who know your name will trust in you. For you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). He promised He will never abandon us. That’s an invitation to seek Him in our tough days, to look for Him in our lonely moments. And call upon Him in our restless nights.

Trap No. 3: In Psalm 1:1, God warns us about this trap when He says blessed is he who does not look for advice and direction from the world. He does not welcome the company of those who sin and sin some more. And he who does not join the foolish mockers with their ranting and blaming (paraphrased).

Instead, “… his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3).

We had no choice when the world changed. But we have the choice to obey God when He directs us to what lasts, remains steady and trustworthy.

That’s why rather than dive into the news, we delight in His Word. Think about it day and night. Then we see the freshness of each day with renewed hope. We will produce what is needed in its perfect time. We don’t wither under the daily pressure or stress. And we embrace His promise that we will triumph, we will win and will prosper in all we do.

Let’s Pray

Lord, When I ponder about tomorrow, I’m tempted to slip into the traps the world sets for me. But only Your Word lifts me up, sets me free and reminds me I have nothing to fear. In Jesus name I thank you.

What traps do you need to avoid as you face each tomorrow?

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.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

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

Random Memories of Germany-The Bakery

26 Jul

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

The symbol for a bakery in Germany – the pretzel – 1982

I’ve mentioned in previous musings about the Bakery that was just around the corner from the housing area where we lived.  I made many trips just to visit that bakery (Bäckerei in German).  I have many fond memories of going into that store and “speaking” with the lady who owned it.  I spoke a little German…she spoke a little English, and so we were able to communicate fairly well with each other.  She was a delightful lady.

One thing I enjoyed the most about her was the way she treated her customers.  For instance, the first year we were in Heidelberg, Fred’s parents came to visit (which they did each year we were there).  Wanting to show them all the wonderful things about Heidelberg, we took them to the bakery.  I introduced them to the owner.  I told her that they really loved to eat raisin bread (Rosinenbrot), and she produced a loaf.  We ate off that loaf for a few days.  But the really fun thing is that every following year, when Fred’s parents visited, and we went to that bakery, she remembered them – greeting them with smiles and handshakes – and presenting a loaf of raisin bread.  She remembered not only the couple, but what they enjoyed eating!  Great lady!

I remember going in there one day in the Spring, and she had set out samples of an onion tart she had made.  Onions grew abundantly in the area, and she made the best of it.  It was a delicious taste – but I can’t remember whether or not I purchased an entire “pie” to take home.  I probably did, because I knew Fred would enjoy it.

Another memory of the bakery – as mentioned in other posts, I had started teaching aerobic dancing while in Heidelberg.  My partner and I had set up a contest among our students, to make a design that depicted our logo.  We had several entries, and chose one top winner,

The winner of our logo

 and one runner-up.  As it happened, I went from one of my classes, still wearing my aerobic outfit, to the bakery before heading home.  The owner of the bakery asked about the shirt (Heidelberg Aerobic Dancing) and I tried to tell her it was an exercise class, but made use of “dance” instead of just exercises.  And so I told her it was “tance…aber….gymnastic” (dance…but…gymnastics).  She seemed to get the idea.  I just hoped I had said it right!

 One of the best memories of the bakery, was what I did for Fred’s birthday, the last one before we left Germany.  I had frequently purchased just slices of her famous cream pie (like a cream cheese pie, lemony flavor and mildly sweet), and other goodies.  One day I was in there, when someone ordered a Black Forest Cake for a birthday.  That gave me the idea for Fred’s birthday.  I was able to order and purchase a small Black Forest Cake (about 8″ diameter), and asked her to write “Fred” on it.  She didn’t understand “Fred” so I said “Frederic.”  She then said “Fritz?” which is the German nickname for Frederick.  I said “nein” and said “Fred.”  A little disgusted with me, she handed me the paper and pen and said “here!”  So I wrote “Fred” out for her, and we were both happy.  Fred was more than surprised, and pleased.  It was a delicious cake!!

When my BFF, Sue, came for a two-week visit, we squired her all around Heidelberg and Germany.  She and I went on a bus tour to Holland – that is a memory for another post.  But one of the things I did with her, was to take her to my favorite bakery!  I spoke to the owner in my halting German, asking for whatever it was I wanted.  After I had finished, Sue said, “Wow, Judy, I never heard anything like that.”  In reply, I said, “believe me… that’s like NOTHING She’s ever heard before either!”  And the lady just laughed.  So she probably knew more English than she let on.  But that’s okay, we got along famously with what we each knew.

One of the things I miss most about Germany, and Heidelberg in particular, is that bakery.  

~~~~~~~~~~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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Testing

25 Jul

My Take

Onisha Ellis

Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, our Fall road trip is a go. Testing out using the Mobil WP app. Great verse from my morning reading.

Jaybirds

1 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photos by Melody Hendrix

We have so many kinds of birds in Florida that it seems as if the whole state is a huge aviary. We have two kinds of jaybirds. Blue Jay and Florida Scrub-Jay. There are two major differences between them. One is scrappy, and the other is easy to tame with a peanut. The third difference is a matter of life and death.

At times up to 20% of Blue Jays migrate and come back some other time. The oldest Blue Jay on record was 26 years old.  Scientists found him in the same area where he had been born and tagged. He still wore his tag. 

Blue Jays get around and Scrub Jays stay in one place all their lives. Blue Jays can live in a variety of habitats, but Scrub jays must have a scrub area to live in. That means they nest close to the ground or in trees and shrubs that are no higher than six feet. If you walk through it, you walk on sand. The Eastern prickly pear cactus grows in certain spots. In other words, it’s a very dry habitat. It has low scrub trees and bushes. The territory needs to have a burn at least every ten years so that it doesn’t become too tall and tangled for the Scrub Jay’s needs. In former days, lightening took care of the burning chore, but now the environmental people usually do controlled fires. The birds fly away from the property and come back when the scrub has cooled. We are so blessed to have 44 acres of Scrub Jay habitat behind our house where no other houses will be built, and the Scrub Jays will thrive. (I hope).

Florida is becoming built up, however, which in turn reduces Scrub Jay habitat. The environmental people try to keep up with how much land builders can use, but much of Scrub Jay territory falls to construction until there is no place to nest and the Scrub Jays must expire. Our earth has approximately thirteen million jays, but at a recent count, only about 6,000 are Florida Scrub-Jays. 

Except for some brilliant and hopeful environmentalists, The Florida Scrub-Jay is still in danger of losing habitat and changing their status from Threatened to Endangered. The next step after that is Extinction.

God loves all the nature he created and the beautiful things he made, He did not do it for Himself but for His children so that we can thrive, enjoy His ongoing creativity, and learn from it. 

Then God said, “And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small.” Genesis 1:26

Thank you, Lord, we deeply appreciate the works of your hands and pray that we may do a good job of looking after all the gifts you have put on earth for us to take care of and enjoy. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Random Memories of Germany

31 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I have already written several posts about our time in Germany.  But recently my husband, Fred, and I have mentioned to each other some events or incidents that happened while we were there.  They were fun memories, and I would like to pass them along to you.  Perhaps you have experienced something similar in your lifetime.

As we were eating our strawberry/blueberry combination one morning, Fred mentioned he had seen a strawberry/blackberry combination.  Telling him that it sounded good, but I really dislike the blackberry seeds in my teeth, he asked if it was blackberry bushes we saw walking along a path from our housing area to another while in Heidelberg.

Heidelberg castle from the Korn Markt

You see, there was a “short cut” from our area (Mark Twain Village)

Part of Mark Twain Village – across the courtyard from our building to Patton Barracks, and it wove through an area of garden platz.  While most of the gardens within the platz were fenced in, the pathway itself was not.  And those blackberry bushes were there for anyone to enjoy.  

And we did enjoy them.  We would pick some of the berries and bring them home.  I remember making jam out of them, but the seeds just made it uncomfortable to eat – at least for me.  I think I even made a pie from them, but the same situation.  We have found some jelly made here in the States that is blackberry, but the seeds have been strained out.  Much better!!

Blackberry, Berries, Fruit, Bush

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

I remember once, when our girls and I were walking along that path, and Janet was trying to reach some of the berries that were back (obviously someone had picked the ones up close to the path), and while trying to help her reach those distant berries, I accidentally pushed her into the bushes!  And, unfortunately, she came home with a few scratches from that!  Not a good move on Mom’s part!

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

One of the reasons we liked to walk the path to Patton Barracks was that one of the eateries on Patton Barracks was a pizza parlor.  And they made the BEST pizza!  We would frequently call ahead, so that our pizza would be ready for us when we arrived.  So we could just sit down and eat it.

Pizza, Food, Takeout, Box, Pepperoni

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

Do you remember the TV series “Dallas?”

DallasLogo.jpg

Credit Google Search and Wikipedia

 We didn’t watch it, by the way.  However, one season-ending cliff-hanger was with J. R. Ewing getting shot.

Larry Hagman as JR.jpg

J. R. Ewing, portayed by Larry Hagman – Credit Google Search and Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, that wasn’t resolved until the fourth episode in the next season, November 21, 1980.  There was a lot of hype about it, even with the catch-phrase “who shot J. R.” and it seemed like the entire world was eager to see who did it.  As it turned out, that particular night, the pizza parlor was having a special – come order a pizza and watch that episode.  Well, since we weren’t big fans of “Dallas” we didn’t realize all that was going on, and we ordered a pizza!  After walking along the garden platz path, and arriving at Patton Barracks, we discovered the place was packed with people!  When I went up to the counter to get our pizza, they told me I would have to wait in line – and it was a LONG line!  And then, when we finally made our way to the counter through the line, they then told me we should have come up to get the pizza, as it was ready!  Talk about being frustrated!  I think we even just took the pizza home – it was too crowded to eat there.

Looking back – it was a fun and funny memory.

More on the path from Mark Twain Village to Patton Barracks next time.

~~~~~~~~~~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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