The Move to America

5 May

 

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

7 Steps to Live With Confidence

Reblogged May 5, 2018

En Español: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog-espanol/seis-secretos-para-la-paz-interior.html

In 1964, my family and I left our hometown in Bolivia and arrived in St. Louis on a cold winter day. With expectations and excitement, we had packed our suitcases with hope for a glorious life in the United States. But the adjustment was bumpier than the airplane ride.

Two days after our arrival, my father looked at me and my brother across the kitchen table. “You have to go to school and learn English,” he said. “We’ll enroll you today.”

Although none of us spoke a word of English, the language of ridicule is universal. A group of sixth grade girls surrounded my desk. They pointed, whispered, and giggled.

It was my pierced ears!

Months later, I learned the reason why. What seemed strange to them was the fact I wore earrings. They stared at my pierced ears—a strange practice for American girls back in 1964.

They didn’t invite me to play with them and their giggles toward me continued. Oh, how I missed my friends back home in Bolivia. With each stare from American girls, I sunk in my seat, holding back tears. And my sense of worth and self-esteem sunk with me.

Destructive Lies

And that happened because of one reason and one reason only—I turned their rejection into destructive lies: You’re inferior. You don’t fit in. You’re strange. You’re unlovable. You don’t measure up. You’ll never be accepted.

Those lies pressed pain into my heart. The kind of pain that lingers for years. I was 12 when I believed them. And they remained until I was 22, 32 and beyond. Have you been there? We smile on the outside, but inside our heart aches, it’s tied up with lies.

And it continues until we make this important appointment.

We decide to visit Jesus, the divine counselor. He has the answer. And with confidence and trust, we step into the office of His unfailing love. As we pour out what’s in our heart, He listens. He washes over us with compassion. And with mercy. He offers the path. Each of these seven steps restores self-esteem, invites confidence back, and plants security for our days.

  1. Change our thoughts. Think about what is just, true, good, excellent and praise-worthy. (Philippians 4:8)
  2. God’s truth through His son Jesus set us free. (John 10:10)
  3. No matter how black the darkness, nothing can separate us from God’s power and His love. (Romans 5:38)
  4. We delete the past and embrace the new that God has planned. (Isaiah 43:18)
  5. Our feelings have no authority over God’s promises. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
  6. Recognize where lies come from. (John 8:44)
  7. Believe; truly believe that God will turn our sorrow to joy. (Psalm 30:11)

Victory comes when we choose to believe. Then with empowering confidence, we draw closer to Him where He embraces us with His arms of love, whispering: I know how beautiful you are. I know how I created you. I know what you’re worth. And I know you’re lovable—enough for me to die for you.

Let’s Pray

Father, grant me the ability to remember that only your opinion matters. Only your Word is true. And only you have the correct description of who I am. Thank you for granting me confidence to silence lies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • What lies fuel your sadness?
  • What truths fill your heart?
  • How much confidence do you have in God’s promises?

 

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/7-steps-to-live-with-confidence.html

 

 

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Take a Hike

1 May

 

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

As far back as I remember, I have felt a deep connection to the natural world. Even as a kid, I felt a longing to explore when I saw a patch of woods. I would wonder, what mysteries lies beyond the palms, what earth treasures might I find in the mossy limbs of the oaks.  What creatures roam there?

Going out in nature wasn’t something my family did, so I am not sure how or why I was born with such a strong lure to seek out the answers to the mystery of nature. Today that connection is there, stronger than ever. When I want to find peace, and well being, I spend at least a few hours walking somewhere that isn’t man made. Where the sounds sooth the soul and the presence of old trees awakens your sense of place. The smell of earth and life renewing itself, all encompass my being in the love of God. Thank you dear Lord for your precious gifts.

 

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.  unknown

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world   John Muir

 

 

Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world, we can’t expect them to help protect and care for it.  David Suzuki

 

 

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.  Aristotle

 

Florida provides a unique hiking experience in the United States. Our hiking season, is October to April, and the best backpacking is January through March. Florida is so diverse in environments and scenic habitats. We have forests, rivers, lakes, springs, swamps and ocean.

Hiking in Florida can be tough but so rewarding. Education is the key to keeping you safe and comfortable so you are free to totally enjoy the beauty of Gods creation.

If you know what is out there, what to avoid and how, what to enjoy and how, you don’t have to fear the unknown and can free yourself to be at peace.

Florida is a beautiful and diverse state. The link below will guide you to a wonderful and safe outdoor experience. There are also many driving trails available in Florida. This is a great alternative in the heat of the buggy summer.

 

 

 

Log off, shut down ….  Go outside

https://floridahikes.com/floridatrail/plan-your-hike/

 

 

 

 

I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
Melody

 

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Smoky Never Won

30 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

 

DiVoran on Smoky, , Granddad holding Smoky, Daddy’s legs

 

 

Smoky was Grandad’s Horse
Bought when G. moved to Colorado.
He and grandmother joined
The saddle club and
When they gave up riding
I got Grandmother’s boots.
When Granddad was a guard at the prison
Smoky was a runner
My Daddy was the jockey
Thin and spare
Good rider, but never won.

Warden, Granddad’s boss, Sir!
Had horses too and ran them
He picked the prisoners to ride
Vicious men who had to win.
Warden told Dad to hold Smoky back.
Dad asked if just once
He could get a fair chance.
Warden said, “Not on your life!”
Everybody knew who to bet on.
And Smoky never won.

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Scriptures From The Heart

29 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

 

 

Back in 2000, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my church family gathered around me with so much love and support, that I knew God’s hand was in it.

Since my tumor was slow-growing, my surgeon and I decided we could wait a month for the surgery. I told him that we had a trip planned and paid for coming up before that month was over. And, as it turned out – he and his wife were going on a trip to Greece during that month, as well. So the month-away was a good decision.

We had a great trip. We met with my brother and his wife (Bill and DiVoran Lites), and went to Albuquerque, New Mexico – our home town. DiVoran is a writer, and had a writers conference to attend. We just went along for the ride, and thoroughly enjoyed our time in Albuquerque. We met up with quite a few of our growing-up friends while there.

When we returned from that trip, our mail box was overflowing – with cards from people in our church family. And each one presented me with their favorite scripture verse!

Now, I had already been given a couple of scriptures that meant a lot to me (please see my post of May 18, 2014 – Be Still and Know…

 

 

And the post of March 2, 2014 – Earthquake – 1 Chronicles 29: 10-11).   But these scriptures just homed in on how great our God is, and how He was taking care of me.

One scripture that I’ve enjoyed, is John 16:33. So many times I’ve heard people read that scripture and say “in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Now, that really is what it says, but then I correct the speaker by saying, “no, you are saying it wrong; it should be said:

“In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

That middle section really must be said with GREAT emphasis!! Jesus Christ, our Savior, has OVERCOME this puny world! And he’s OUR Savior! Woohoo!!

Here are some other scriptures that were presented to me then:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

Under His wings you shall be safe.   Psalm 91:4

When I said, “my foot it slipping,” Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.  Psalm 94:18-19

O Lord my God, I take refuge in You; save and deliver me….  Psalm 7:1

God is with you in everything you do.   Genesis 21:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.  Psalm 55:22

O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us…..   Psalm 12:7

Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge. Psalm 16:1

 

 

Can you see why I was in tears after reading some of these scriptures? Not only these scriptures, but the words of comfort from friends was just what I needed to strengthen my heart and mind as I prepared for the surgery, and the future treatment.

I just wanted to give you these scriptures – they are from my heart to yours. Perhaps someone reading this post will need one or more of them in the near future. They are yours for the asking.

 

 

 

 

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The way to find today’s happiness

28 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

The way to find today’s happiness.

 

Reblogged April 27, 2018

 

High Heels vs. Tennis Shoes

Some months ago, a friend came to pick me up. I opened the front door, she came in and paused, “What’s with the high heels,” she asked

“Why not?”

“Because we’ll be doing a lot of walking in those airports. You need comfortable shoes.” She stomped her feet. “Like these tennis shoes.”

I chuckled. Few friends understand the Latina thinking—that heels make us, well…more feminine. Silly, isn’t it? That desire to wear high heels is one of many quirks to which we cling. Actually, we hang on to many more that might seem a tad trivial.

Yet, no matter what nationality, we all tend to hang on to other stuff that’s not trivial, but traumatic—past hurts, relationships now gone, resentment for what we lost, anger for what went wrong and even bitterness for broken dreams.

How did those dreams become nightmares?

Trying to figure it out, we gaze at the rearview mirror of the past, analyzing its painful details. And in doing so, we risk running into a wall of deep depression. We relive what happened back then over and over again.

And when we do, so pitifully, we miss the wide gate God holds open ushering us to a new chapter, a new beginning, vibrant possibilities, treasures to be found and opportunities to savor. We miss it all because we’re still staring at the past. What we had. How it was. What we enjoyed and how we felt.

Time to let go.

Broken dreams don’t have to shatter our hope. Plans unfulfilled don’t have to constantly fill our mind. And unforeseen obstacles don’t have to forecast our future.

If we let it, all of this can hold us captive to the world’s deceptive lies that say it’s okay to sink in unforgiveness, grudges, or resentment. They keep us from breaking free from yesterday’s pain. They bind us to our negative emotions rather than empowering our thoughts. But even more devastating, they blind us from seeing Christ’s cure for the torment.

How about if we leave all that where it belongs—in the past. Today is here. Today is when God is whispering a new beginning, a new path and new horizons.

Welcome in Contagious Joy

And it’s in that view that we realize that contentment for what we have now ushers contagious joy that becomes the strength for tomorrow. That’s when we can expect better turns. Ones that we never dreamed nor didn’t think we could have. But definitely, we can have them because “For I know the plans I have for you, “says the Lord, “plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

If He has that future prepared, and if He is almighty and He’s true to His word, why linger in the past? If His plans are to prosper us, why not expect the best for tomorrow?  If Christ lives in us and we in Him, our destiny shines, our future is secure.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (II Corinthians 5:17).

Let’s Pray

Father, how often do I have to repeat your promises in my head before I believe them in my heart? I ask for wisdom and commitment to believe in what you say and not in what I see. Show me how to praise you today, in the moment and while I relish in a vibrant hope for tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What is yesterday’s sadness that you need to leave behind in order to enjoy today’s happiness?

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.

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/the-way-to-find-todays-happiness.html

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Reaching the World Without Leaving Home

27 Apr

On the Porch 

Onisha Ellis

 

 

Many people know of Kennedy Space Center, world-famous as the heart of America’s space launches to explore the heavens. On Thursday the Legacy adults (old folks) of our church, traveled  45 minutes south to the small town of Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is located adjacent to the space center and Port Canaveral a popular cruise ship terminal. We were on a mission to share some food and spread some love at the Space Coast Seafarers Ministry, where they share the good news of the eternal heaven. The teasing aroma from 100 pieces of Publix fried chicken greeted us as we boarded the church van. Along with the chicken, the van was loaded with 97 packages of cookies that church members donated during the months of March and April.

 

 

 

I wish I had taken a photo of the exterior. It is a converted Post Office!  When we arrived we were met by the director Rev Mark Wodka, and this delightful crew member. I believe he said he is from Bali. He had a mile wide smile and has a reputation as a jokester.

 

The kitchen staff had  prepared several dishes and deserts for lunch before we arrived. At this time they have a tiny kitchen and rely on electric skillets and pots. On some days this tiny kitchen is used to feed lunch  over 300 people! They are all excited at the prospect of a new kitchen being installed that would include a huge gas range, stainless steel work spaces and built-in refrigeration and freezer. It has taken a long time but the renovation will be completed debt free!

 

 

 

The director walked us through the facility and his passion for the ministry was evident. He shared stories of interactions between volunteers and crew members who spend time talking with them and especially asking if they need prayer for anything.

 

 

 

Walking through the rooms I was touched to see crew members video chatting with friends and family. Some were speaking languages I could not identify. Most work 6 month contracts with no time away so being able to keep in touch using the free wi-fi provided there is a blessing. According to the director, they often have over 200 devices logged onto the internet.

Not only does the center provide food and wi-fi, they have buses that make trips to the shopping areas three times a day. And if shopping at the mall isn’t their thing, or they can’t find what they want, online shopping is an option. Online shopping for crew members was a time-consuming affair before Space Coast Seafarers came up with a solution. Previously, the packages were sent to the location of the cruise line office, then they were sorted and sent to the ship. It could take as long as three weeks to receive a package! Now packages for crew are delivered to the Seafarers where they are sorted and ready for pickup. The program was so successful, a part-time person was hired to manage it. To my amazement, the packages are sorted by ship name and placed in this small room. What a job! The cool part is that the salary is paid for by volunteer donations of those getting packages. On a normal day they receive over 100 packages and don’t even think  about the onslaught after Black Friday!

 

 

One of the things we take for granted is being able to see outside. But for some crew members, their long days are spent in parts of the ship with no view. As part of the renovation from Post Office to the center, an enclosed porch with wide sliding doors was added, along with an outside porch. Colorful flower baskets hang from the porch rails, providing splashes of color. So much heart and creativity is put into sharing God’s love with our visitors from across the globe. The center hangs a flag from each country that visits. At this time I think they have 130! In an effort to stay connected, they even have an app.

 

 

Since I was a child, I have had a tender heart for missions and I enjoyed the time we spent there. I hope that next winter, I can be a volunteer a few times per month. I have a weird fascination for commercial quality kitchens and I think it would be fun to be a part of the food preparation.

This video of crew members telling what the center means to them is from the Space Coast Seafarers Ministry website. I hope you will take a look. If you live near a port, check to see if there is a Seafarer Ministry. Their work is not limited to cruise ships, but cargo ship crews as well. Volunteer or donate and be blessed!

 

 

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Road Trip~ Treasure Falls and Lobo Overlook

26 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

Day 14, September 20, 2017

 

Tomorrow we would be packing up and heading to the Denver airport, ending the fun week we spent with Rebekah and Pam. Since this was our last day in Pagosa Springs, we decided to stay close to our home base and explore the mountains nearby.

After browsing our accumulated tourist brochures, we decided to visit Treasure Falls, then drive up to Lobo Overlook and have a picnic. There were two trail options to reach the falls. Rebekah and Pam chose one route and husband and I chose the other. Even though it was a very nice trail, it wasn’t a good walking day for my husband. We found a bench where we could rest and enjoy being in nature.

 

 

Rebekah and Pam made it to the trail end and shot some pictures of the falls. I read a hiker blog post about viewing the falls in winter. He said it was 70 percent ice and 30 percent flow. I would like to see that!

 

 

Next stop, Lobo Overlook.  HikingMike.com describes the overlook:

Lobo Overlook with a 3 mile dirt/gravel road leading up – Forest Road #402 is an easy, slow drive (4wd not required) that winds about 1.5 miles to the very top of the 11,760 ft unnamed peak north of Wolf Creek Pass. In winter, snowmobilers take this same route to the top. If you want to go on foot, you can hike the road up, or hike the Continental Divide Trail which starts just west of the road and tracks just west of the overlook. By the way, heading south on the Continental Divide Trail lets you head up the ridge to the summit of Alberta Peak, the top of Wolf Creek Ski Area.

Once you get a chance to look around, you’ll find great views of the San Juans all around. There aren’t many places where you can drive to the top of a high elevation mountain on the Continental Divide!

 

Living in the Western North Carolina mountains, we are accustomed to winding gravel roads.  Although I do have to confess that they still creep me out a bit. As we climbed, Pam wondered if the road might be the one that her son-in-law traveled on horse back with an elk hunting party just weeks earlier. After returning home, she spoke with him and it was indeed the same place. Another similarity is that we didn’t see any elk and they didn’t take down any elk.

The view from  Lobo Overlook gives a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks of the San Juan Mountains and lands that lie within the San Juan National Forest (including Weminuche Wilderness) and Rio Grande National Forest. Near the parking area was a convenient vault toilet. It turned out to be an amusing experience due to the location of the toilet and the swirling winds.

 

 

Nearby there were some picnic tables, and a rough fence surrounded the overlook area. The temperature and strong winds made the air dramatically colder prompting us to pull on jackets over our short-sleeved shirts.  I was in my element, high above the valley, embracing the strong winds and chill.

 

 

Me
Pam
Rebekah

Fun!

 

 

Unfortunately, the altitude of 11,760 feet taxed my husband’s breathing and we made a hasty retreat to the car, foregoing our picnic. On the way down, we saw this interesting bird. Can you tell me what kind of bird it is?

 

 

We came across these cuties at one of the pull outs.

 

 

 

Two random pictures taken from road pull outs.

 

 

 

It was a long, but good day. I was thankful my husband’s breathing settled down and he was able to drive us down the winding gravel road. We were sad to be leaving the condo at Pagosa Springs, beautiful area and beautiful memories.

 

 

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Green Sea Turtle: Chelonia mydas

24 Apr

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

 

 

One summer morning just before sunrise last year, my friend and I went searching for sea turtles laying eggs on Playalinda Beach in Titusville. At first looking down the beach, I didn’t see anything on the sand. As I walked to the water, I saw in the distance, something tumbling in the surf.

 

I thought it was debris, but decided to quickly head over to investigate. Much to my delight, it was a pair of mating green sea turtles. Oblivious of me standing there, the surf brought them closer and closer to the beach.

 

Normally sea turtles mate under the water, but nature was calling and all focus was on procreation as the waves tested their endurance.

 

Finally they were separated by a large wave and disappeared into the surf. As I turned to go back, another beautiful green sea turtle has just finished laying her eggs. She was very late. Exhausted she was heading back to sea when I noticed her. She was there all the time and I didn’t see her. She was hidden, almost into the dunes.

Here is a wonderful picture I found on the web of what egg laying looks like from inside the hole she dug.

 

 

Below are some interesting facts about green sea turtles I researched on the web.

Green turtle mating happens in the water. A bit of an aquatic turtle dance precedes copulation.  Males nip and bump and eventually mount the female. The male turtle hangs on to the front edge of the female’s shell with a pair of large recurved claws.  The male’s tail has another “claw” at the end.  Sexual maturity is reached between the ages of 20 to 50 years old.

 

 

The green sea turtle is a marine-dwelling species that can reach a length of 3.2 feet  and a weight up to 400 pounds. The name can be confusing as the green sea turtle carapace (top portion of the shell) is not actually green, the body fat is green. This turtle species has a black carapace and a white plastron (lower shell portion).

Adult green sea turtles are herbivores. The jaw is serrated to help the turtle easily chew its primary food source—sea grasses and algae. Juvenile green sea turtles are omnivores. They eat a wide variety of plant and animal life, including insects, crustaceans, sea grasses, and worms.

During the breeding season, late spring and early summer, male sea turtles will migrate to off-shore waters to mate with females. Nesting seasons vary in the different geographical areas of their range; however, the Florida population nests between the months of June and September.

Female green sea turtles come onshore at night to deposit eggs, a process that can take up to two hours to finish. The average clutch size is 110-115 eggs.

Green sea turtles can nest up to seven times per season. 

Once the female lays the eggs and buries them in the sand, she returns to the ocean leaving her young to safeguard themselves. The incubation time for the eggs is two months. Hatchlings will migrate to the ocean after emerging from the nest. During migration, juveniles face an array of problems including predation and losing their way to the ocean.

The green sea turtle faces many threats both on land and in the water. The main threat to green sea turtles at sea is entanglement in fishing gear such as long lines, monofilament fishing line, nets, and crab trap lines. When entangled in marine debris, the green sea turtle cannot escape and usually drowns.

Green sea turtles are also harvested illegally in some countries for their meat and eggs.

On land, increased beach development is an ongoing threat for sea turtles as development can lead to degradation of the habitat, and limit the amount of nesting sites available. Coastal development also increases artificial lighting which can cause hatchlings to migrate towards the lights instead of the ocean. Other threats include increased predation on eggs, hits by watercraft, and habitat degradation from contaminants and pollutants (ex. oil spills).

The green sea turtle is protected as an Endangered species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a Federally-designated Endangered species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule , and by Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes) 

 

 

 

I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
Melody

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Bridgette’s Mustang

23 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

 

 

Horse trader come down the draw
In a boil of red-powder dust.
I saw he had a stallion,
And own one that I must.

 

 

“You keep an eye on him.” the trader says.
“He’s mustang through and through,
A wild one from the range.
I’ve got a deal for you.

“You have fine boys and pups,” he said.
The trader wasn’t done.
You need to jaw around these parts.
It’s all that makes life fun.

“My little `un,” says I, “he’s four.”
Two boys are twins you see.
They won’t stay clean at all, at all
They are too much for me.

Them pups ain’t dogs, I say
They’re wolf cubs, as you see,
They’re cute right now, I calculate
But later might not be.

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The Cross

22 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

 

 

 

Within the past few months, we had noticed some construction going on not too far from our house. There is a Methodist church quite near us, and their property extends right up to a “loop” around Orlando.

For the longest time, we couldn’t figure out just what was going up – the structure was pretty far away from the church itself, while still on their property. We thought it might be a “staging area” for some road construction.

 

 

And then, one day – it was just….there. And what to our amazed eyes did we see, but an enormous CROSS – right there by the busy highway! It is white, and looks to be made of metal. Fred says that it is probably 80′ or 90′ tall.

 

 

As we drive toward Disney (or back to our house from Disney) that cross is so large it just “pops” up in our line of sight! It’s amazing! Especially if the sky is the brilliant, bright blue that it can be.

 

 

And because it’s on the church’s property, no one can complain about it. Well, they might complain, but that’s all that will happen. The church owns the property, after all, and they can pretty much do what they want with it.

When we told some friends about it, someone suggested that it might also double as a cell-tower. Come to find out – that is exactly what it is! So the Methodist church not only gets to tell the world rushing by about the cross of Christ – but they get paid to do it! We are sure the people who need the cell-tower pay the church for use of the tower. That’s a win-win situation if I’ve ever heard of one!

So, what do you think of it? We think it’s amazing and wonderful, and we are so glad the church wanted to proclaim to the world about the Cross of Christ. It’s beautiful!

 

 

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