Side by Side

28 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

 

 

“Oh we ain’t got a barrel of money, maybe we’re ragged and funny,

but we travel the road sharing the load, side by side.”*

 

Bill and I have been married sixty-two years. Of course,we’ve had bad times, mad times, and glad times. But we are in the happiest part of our lives still traveling the road and sharing our load.

The road, however, is a bit rocky while we wait for Bill to get his shoulder replacement surgery. When he gets it, it will be the best shoulder replacement the world has ever known, but getting to it is an uphill battle.

The patient has already had four shoulder surgeries, but this is the big one, the titanium one where he’ll be able to put his shirt on himself and take out the trash as he used to do. Meanwhile, Bill has been in a great deal of pain and been unable to sleep.

I asked him not to do that scary pain-breathing sound that makes my blood pressure go up. He tried, but one night he was so stalled that we were both awake for hours. Finally, around 3 a. m. we had some cookies and herb tea and were able to go back to sleep. The next day we made a trip to the emergency room at Advent in Orlando 35 miles away because the hospital here isn’t aware of Bill’s issues. The whole trip took seven hours, but at the end of it, we had our dope and Bill’s pain had decreased. That lasted for about a week, but then we got close to running out and made the Big City drive again. The third time we went we had an appointment with the doctor and for a number of excellent reasons he refused to give us any more oxycodone or Percocet. Suddenly we were desperate.

The only thing the doctor could recommend was a pain clinic. We asked our rehab guy (from last year’s surgery) to recommend one in town but he couldn’t. We might have gone to another town, but when I talked to a friend (who works in the medical field) she told me about an operating room nurse we know who could die if she takes opioids. As it happens the nurse came to a place where she needed an operation on her shoulder. Finally, she found a way to use essential oils to make a “Morphine Bomb.” No opiates and no side effects. We called her, and she helped us make this amazing natural pain reliever. Now, all we have to do is wait a week or so for the surgery.

We are ready, but the doctor has a ways to go. He is a world-famous inventor of parts for joints. We did all the tests except the last one which has to wait. We were not afraid of the surgery but looking forward to the ownership of a brand new shoulder. We have, however, waited for one month already and have another month to go. The reason forthe hold-up is reasonable. I wish I could explain it better, but first,the doctor needs the best CT scan available. He has one now. He will make a 3-D model and if all is perfect he’ll get the parts put together. If it is not perfect we could wait another four weeks for a CT scan and the building of a custom implant.

At least Bill can drive now that he’s off the dope. We got a hospital bed in order to relieve the pressure on his shoulders (the other one hurts too).

So here we are side by side not only in waiting and pain, not only for surgery and rehab…but forever. The Bible says there is no marriage in heaven, but somehow I know that when we get there we will experience more love and oneness with others and in Christ than we can imagine our Christian spouses among them.

 

It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Msg.

 

 

*“Side by Side,” Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

 

 

 

 

 

Author, Poet and Artist
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.”

A Sweet Memory

27 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

 

 

I have mentioned, in previous postings, that my Father came from a large family – he was number five in a group of 13 children. He was born in 1892, and was 20 years older than my Mother.

 

10 of the 13 children – 1936-1938  Daddy is fourth from left. Uncle Ed is on the left.

 

I think his closest sibling was a brother, Edwin, who we called Uncle Ed, or E.O.  He had left the family farm, went to college, and had a typewriter shop in Shreveport, Louisiana.  He had married, but had no children.  He became a widower in about 1961.

While Fred and I lived in Fort Worth, Texas, he married a lovely lady, Joecilla, who had been widowed very young, after about four years of marriage, and never married again – until she met Uncle Ed. He moved to her house outside of Shreveport.

 

Uncle Ed and Aunt Joecilla visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico – 1960’s

 

When our little family was moving from San Antonio, Texas to Florida in 1974, we stopped to visit and stay with Uncle Ed and Aunt Joecilla for a few days.  She had a dress shop in her little town, and women from Shreveport would drive the 30 miles from Shreveport to shop in her store.  She had quite good taste in clothing.

Uncle Ed was two years older than my Father, and at his age at that time – 84 – was in rather ill health.  As a footnote – my father had already passed away by this time.

To tell this story, I must brag a bit here – both of our daughters were reading before they ever went to school.  That includes kindergarten at age five.  I have always said that being able to read is probably one of the most important things in life.  If you can’t read, you can’t do math, since many math problems are word problems.

I have a sweet memory stored away in my mind of Karen, sitting on that big blue couch in the picture below, with a book on her lap, as if she were reading it.  She was about three years old, and the book was upside down!  But she wanted to read so badly, she was trying to make the words work for her.

In any case, at this point of time, our Karen was seven-years-old (7) and Janet was four-years-old (4).

 

 

Karen had been through kindergarten and first grade before we moved to Florida.  However, she and I had been reading together since she was quite small, and by the time she was in kindergarten, she was one of only a few in her class that finished the reading program the school offered.

All of that is important to this story.  You see, while we were visiting Uncle Ed and Aunt Joecilla in 1974, there was one day that I went looking for Karen for some reason.  I couldn’t seem to find her anywhere.  However, when I looked in the den, there was Uncle Ed, stretched out on the sofa with an afghan draped over him.  And there was Karen, sitting on a stool at his side, reading a story to him!  He was enraptured with her and her story!  I have no remembrance of the story she was reading, but she was having a great time reading to him, and he was having a great time listening to her!  They just enjoyed each others’ company.  I waited until she had finished the story before approaching her with whatever I needed her to do.  I most certainly didn’t want to interrupt that sweet time between the two of them.

As I said – it is a sweet memory for me.

And just incidentally – she is a librarian now!

 

JUDYJudy 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.
She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

The secret to overcoming self-pity.

26 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by SIght

Janet Perez Eckles

The secret to overcoming self-pity.

 

Reblogged January 26, 2019

It’s no good to share secrets. But sometimes, it’s fun to create them like when my 5-year-old granddaughter and I had a secret.

Give me a G

In the midst of playing or eating a meal, and without any prompting, I’d turn to her and say, “Honey, give me a G.”

She knew that secret code. She stopped what she was doing, and thought, trying to find something for which she was grateful (the ‘G’ stands for grateful).

Her young mind swirled around to find something good. Something pleasant. Something fun or even mundane but worth appreciating.

Who knows, but learning this at five years of age, the secret of gratitude to erase gloom will keep her out of the poor me club.

How about you?

Maybe this is a not-so-good day for you today. And that’s why God is trying to get your attention and asking you to give Him a ‘G’. That’s the real secret—in the midst of the garbage of life, look, really look for the gem of gratitude.

When I first lost my sight, I found hope when I dug up that gem in the pile of discouragement. That has been my secret from then on. Always looking for that something for which to say Thank you, God. Always searching for that worthwhile thing that sparks gratitude. Always digging deep for that something to appreciate and value.

And when everything falls apart. When life couldn’t get any darker. When issues become too huge to solve, gratitude shines when our soul repeats: “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Let’s Pray

Father, confessing the sadness that clouded my days, finding something to be grateful for had been elusive and futile. But knowing my help comes from you, my hope is in you, and my healing and answers are in your hands, gratitude will always fill my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Can you list ten things you’re grateful for?

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.

 

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/gratitide/the-secret-to-overcoming-self-pity.html

 

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

Seeking Peace~The Angry World

25 Jan

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.

 

.

 

Winning

24 Jan

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.

 

 

 

 

I'm a winnerAfter 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.

2018 Florida Road Trip~Part 7

23 Jan

A Slice of Life

 Bill Lites

Day 7 Thursday 10/25/2018

 

This morning I headed west on SR-52 & I-10 towards Pensacola.  Since I was going to have to do some back tracking once I visited the Pensacola museums, I decided to check out some of the museums I had missed on U.S. 98.  I was hoping they would have had time to recover from any hurricane damage by now. I took SR-85 south at Crestview and headed for the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum located at Eglin AFB. This is a large two-story museum, with multiple displays, artifacts and memorabilia of the many types of armament devices developed by the U.S. Air Force over the years.  Around the outside of the museum building, there is a large assortment of restored U.S. Air Force aircraft on static display.

 

 

Now I headed south on U.S.-85 and east on U.S.-98 (which was open by now) to visit the Fishing Museum located in Destin.  They were open, and this turned out to be a very interesting museum, dedicated to the history of Florida Gulf Coast sport fishing industry in the Destin area.

 

 

Next I headed back west on U.S.-98 a few miles to visit the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum located in Fort Walton Beach.  This restored 1911 schoolhouse is typical of the one-room schools of the early 1900s. What is interesting to me is that most of the desks and other schoolroom type equipment in this museum were still being used in the grade school I went to in the early 1950s (they built things to last back in those days).  I’m sure, like me, this is the case with many older citizens today.

 

 

 

I continued west on U.S.-98, across Pensacola Bay on the Gulf Breeze Parkway, to visit the Historic Pensacola Village located just north of E. Main Street in the Old Pensacola area. This is a cluster of 28 beautifully preserved/ and restored  buildings (including the Dodd House and Old Christ Church) that made up a 6- acre section of downtown Pensacola that gives visitors an idea of how the city looked during Colonial times.

 

 

Now it was time for Greta (my Garmin) to take me to tonight’s motel there in Pensacola.  When I got to the motel, I was surprised to see the lobby full of guests milling around.  I told the desk clerk I had a reservation and when he looked it up he said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you that we had a water main break this afternoon, and we had to cancel all the 1stfloor guest reservations” (my room was on the 1stfloor). He apologized and gave me the name and phone numbers of two motels in the immediate area that had vacancies. Bummer!  I wondered what else could go wrong on this trip?  I tried to make reservations on my phone, but that didn’t work, so I ended up staying in one of the motels which I had been given the name (at 3-times what I was expecting to pay for my original reservation).

 

By now I was tired and hungry, so when I saw a Sonny’s BBQ Restaurant, I pulled in for a plate of their delicious Baby Back Ribs.  Of course this meal included baked beans, broccoli, and garlic toast.  And, to cool me off, a BIG glass of ice tea.  Things looked a lot better by the time I finished that meal.

 

 

—–To Be Continued—–

 

Live Enabled

22 Jan

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

 

God Keeps His Promises

21 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today was our first day at school for Good News Club.

We had eighteen children.

The smallest one was a little boy about three feet tall

With big brown eyes.

Another was as tall as me and

Quite the knowledgeable gentleman.

He and a girl at his table already knew

Good things about Jesus.

I felt like a child myself listening to

The stories and games.

Today we had a large screen with

Bright and beautiful pictures

Of the story of the birth of Jesus.

I caught my breath when I saw

Gabriele and the

Startled look on Mary’s face

Such a shock that she, a virgin

Would bear God’s child.

I felt Josef’s brief sadness that

The baby would not be his,

But God persuaded him to accept

The Son and look after Him.

The children sat immersed in the

Story-teller’s words and expressions.

The Messiah had been promised.

Thousands of years passed.

The Messiah came.

The promised Savior to

Save us from our sins.

God always keeps his promises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We sang and danced to sign-language gestures.

Meanwhile,someone worked in the background

Making sure the children who were supposed to be there were there.

The room was full…looks like we might need a bigger one.

God always keeps his promises.

 

 

 

Author, Poet and Artist

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.”

My Children in Church~Part 2

20 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

 

 

As I mentioned in my previous posting, a memory came to my mind recently that caused me to giggle.  When I described it to Fred, my husband, he chuckled, as well. Hope you think it’s funny, as well.

Also as I mentioned, we were in a fairly large church at that time – the time of this incident.

 

Credit Google Search and First Baptist Church, Panama City, Florida website

 

Because it was a large church, the Minister of Music wanted the choir to stay in the choir loft during the entire morning service, and, surprisingly, he wanted us to stay up in the choir loft during the EVENING service, as well.  Being dutiful choir members, we did just that.  We weren’t too keen on staying up during the evening service, as that meant that we were never able to sit with our children during any worship service. But that was a sacrifice we made, to be part of the music program at that church.

Well, I know that children will get into all kinds of trouble in church.  Just the nature of the beast, I guess.  I remember some stunts I pulled as a child, so I guess I should have expected our girls to follow along that path.  And they did!

But this one particular evening service – it was along about the same time frame as the incident mentioned in my previous post – as I was in the choir, listening to the pastor give his sermon, that I noticed our two girls.  They happened to be sitting with two of their good friends.  The boys’ mother was also in the choir with us.

I noticed that all four of the children would look down together at something in the hands of one of the boys.  And then they would look way up.  That puzzled me.  What in the world were they looking at?  Look down….look way up…..look down….look way up.  On and on it went.  I finally managed to look up at the same time they did – and what did I see? The reflection of a hand-held mirror, bouncing off the mirror from one of the chandeliers in the Sanctuary – and hitting the ceiling of the Sanctuary!  He must have finally found just the right angle for the mirror to reflect on the ceiling!

Before I had time to get up and leave the choir loft – the service ended.  As you might imagine, I made a mad dash to the children!!  I told them two things: 1) you four are NEVER to sit together again. 2) don’t ever bring a mirror into the Sanctuary again!  Actually, I told the girls a third thing – LOOK AT ME OCCASIONALLY!!  I would give them “the look” and they knew that I meant for them to stop whatever they were doing and SIT STILL!  Pay attention to what was being said!

Oh well, kids will be kids, I guess.  But it’s a funny memory to have.  And, as I posted last time:

Children are a heritage from the Lord….

Psalm 127:3

 

Karen and Janet – 1976

 

 

 

JUDYJudy 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.
She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Finding Joy in a Busy Life

19 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

Reblogged January 19, 2019

“Oh, you poor thing,” my friend’s email read. “I’m worried about you. You’re burning the candle at both ends. You must take lots of vitamins. Are you getting enough sleep?”

I grinned when I read that. Although Sundays I relish in a full day of rest, from Mondays to Saturdays my days are full.

Confession time.

When I was sighted, I was even busier—with finding ways to fill a nagging void in my heart. With coveting others’ accomplishments. With efforts to cover up insecurities. And with futile efforts to catch the wind called success.

But my abilities weren’t enough. My work didn’t measure up and all that work to find happiness and success proved feeble.

All changed when I lost my sight and God replaced it with 20/20 spiritual vision.

Then I saw a sweet revelation: life Is not what we cannot do because of circumstances out of our control. Success comes when we recognize what we can do with God has given us.

He gave all of us the same 24 hours a day. Whether we’re sighted or not, we can accomplish enough because we’re God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (see Ephesians 2:10).

And to my delight He had prepared plenty for me. Sometimes, my problem is choosing which I love the most—writing sassy chapters for my new book, traveling to speaking engagements, writing blogs like this one. Working on my personal success coaching or hosting radio shows. Or is it my work as a Spanish interpreter?

This busyness for a blind person might seem too much.

And it would be for me to if I thought for a minute that it was my abilities that sustained my schedule. But it’s His hand that leads, guides and provides. In proverbs 16:3 he said “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Rather than commit to find success, we commit each task to the Lord. The, when God establishes our plans, joy dances into our success. Gratitude fuels our passion. His power feeds our energy. Our wisdom is at work. and our confidence grows.

With that confidence, no matter how heavy our load becomes, we declare: “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest” (Psalm 139:3 NLV).

Let’s Pray

Father, I thank you that when I allow You to chart my path, design my plans and define my steps my heart is calm and my days find peace. In Jesus’ name, amen

Who charts your path to success? What path to success have you taken lately?

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.

Let’s connect:

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/encouragement/finding-joy-in-a-busy-life.html

 

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