Heaping Coals of Fire

30 Dec

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and ArtistAs I write, my soup heats on the stove. A banner blows from the porch over bright red poinsettias in sunshine. A shiny whirly-gig spins on the back fence. Red tallow tree leaves flutter in the breeze. I’ve had two days of being down with a cold, but today I’m feeling myself again and everything looks better and brighter.

I just had a rest listening to Dino’s incredible piano hymns on my new Pandora radio station coming from Bill’s iPhone. The cat lay on my chest purring the whole time.

Before that Bill and I cleaned house so it would be fur-free when, tomorrow, one of our grown children’s friends brings his family for a rare visit. They live in the Atlanta area and we live in Florida, so we don’t see them often, but we do talk on the phone.

Bill vacuumed and I dusted. It was cool on the porch, but not too cold to water the plants and run a dust rag over the shelf where we keep them. Oh, yes, some hot-pink Christmas cactus is in bloom there, too. I filled the birdbath and the painted buntings came to bathe, to drink, and to eat the seed Bill put out for them.

As I was lying down to rest, just before the cat got comfortable, while the music was playing softly, Bill brought in a vintage book he’s reading: Strange Scriptures. It was written by a missionary by the name of Barbara M. Bowen who lived in Palestine and published her book with Wm. B. Eerdman in 1945. It explains many of the things we read in the Bible by telling how the people of Bible lands have lived since the days of Abraham.

He read about coals of fire, Romans 12:20. Mrs. Bowen explained that where she and her husband lived people kept a brazier of fire going in their homes at all times. If the coals went out they sent someone to a neighbor’s house for fresh ones. If the neighbor was loving and generous she filled the container for the coals full and it was carried on the head back to the fireless home. Paul said that if we give our enemies food and drink, we are heaping coals of fire on their heads. In that day and time it meant to forgive fully and generously. Such love and forgiveness can only be experienced through the Spirit of God and those who love and trust Him.

It had been one year since Bill’s heart attack. As he read to me, he had his ball cap on, ready to run an errand. My bed was the right mix of firm and soft. The house was neither too warm nor too cold. Our work was done, our house was clean. The radio played softly, “It is Well with My Soul,” and it truly was well with our souls. Sometimes such moments arrive and we treasure them fleetingly. I wanted to share this one with you and wish you a New Year full of them.

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Memories of New Year’s Past

29 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

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

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

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

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

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

And then I remember some New Year’s Eve’s in our small church in Virginia.  We would gather for a time of sharing and remembrance, then share the Lord’s Supper together, and then pray in the New Year.  The pastor would try to do the Lord’s Supper differently some times, to make it more meaningful for us.  I remember a time when he had a loaf of bread, and we pinched off our own little piece.  I also remember a time when there was a community cup for each family to share the “wine” (grape juice in the Baptist church!).

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

May YOUR New Year be blessed beyond measure.

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Five Keys to Make This New Year Happy

28 Dec

“We play games every night,” my friend said. “We’re miles apart but we spend time enjoying a game online. It’s great fun.” Imagine that. Sharing time online, playing, enjoying and connecting with loved ones without having to hop in an airplane.

“How cool is that!” I said. “It’s like being close to the person, interacting and enjoying the cyberspace company.” I pondered on what my friend shared. And since I have the habit of trying out what I hear is fun, interesting or enjoyable, I decided to check out this new pass-time.

Sadly, I lack the time to play games. So I thought I’d try my own version of online connection. I’d connect with God, with His Word and with His guidance on a more intimate level.

Here are five ways I plan to connect with Him in the cyberspace of His love.

1. When He makes the first move to open the door to serve Him, I respond with no reservations.

2. When He moves a tough situation my way, I respond by seeing the possibilities, not the obstacles.

3. When He makes the move to bless me, I’m quick to move into the gratitude mode.

4. When He seems silent and makes no move to answer my prayer, I respond with gratitude anyway.

5. When He moves, displaying His discipline, I respond with requests for wisdom to learn.

Maybe I’ll begin that game before the New Year. I’ll make the first move: “…Cast my cares on the LORD…” and He will respond with His promise: “He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22).

Father, for this New Year, I plan the online connection with you to be rich, my efforts to be rewarding and my satisfaction, profound. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• With whom are you connecting lately?

• Who brings the satisfaction that fills your soul?

• What new connections will this New Year bring?

Legacy

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

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The Cat Who Predicted Seizures

27 Dec

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

                           Tee Cee

Animals are such remarkable creatures-
often misunderstood.
Were it not for their independent personalities,
Cats might be naturals for all sorts of jobs.
“Service Cats”, if you would.

So far, however, they’ve firmly rejected
any such callings.

All save for one.

The cat in question is named Tee Cee,
who has earned International fame
for his uncanny ability to predict
epileptic seizures of his owner.
Modestly, he answers to his name.

Ironically, the English feline had endured
quite a bit at the hands of a human who
stuffed Tee Cee and his littermates in a
box and tossed it in a river.

He was rescued and taken to an adoption center
where he became the pet of Michael Edmunds.
a man who suffers from an extremely dangerous
and unpredictable form of epilepsy..
The disorder causes sudden violent seizures
that strike without warning.

The problem is so serious that Edmonds can’t leave
home unescorted for fear of having an attack at
some unexpected time or place.
Edmunds’ new cat provided almost providential
help.

Tee Cee took a great deal of interest in his new owner-
particularly when he was about to seize.

This was remarkable, because Edmonds displays
no symptoms prior to attacks…or, at least, none
detectable by humans.

“We noticed that Tee Cee began staring at my stepfather\
prior to a seizure and then ran to my mother to let her know all
is not well, acting as an early warning system.”

Edmund’s stepdaughter, Samantha Laidler, told the BBC.,
“Once assistance arrives, Tee Cee doesn’t leave Michael’s
side until he regains consciousness, and his warnings have
proved invaluable to the family.”

The behavior was so unexpected that it took a while for
family members to make the connection between the cat’s
staring sessions and Edmonds’ epileptic fits. But once the link
was established the fame of the former stray spread far and wide.

In 2006 he was nominated for a prestigious
“Rescue Cat of the Year Award”-
quite an accomplishment for a feline who was once thrown
away as garbage.

P.S. Corky and Angel, my little feline friends, are holding their headsup higher, too. They may never receive public recognition for their loyalty or rescue service, but they definitely deserve recognition from me. There is nothing that will bring one’s blood pressure down like a purring cat against your legs or lying peacefully on your lap  They look up at me with eyes that seem to say “Thank you.  I love you, too”  

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Our Trip to the UK~Part 4

26 Dec

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Bill Lites

Bill Lites

Our Trip To The UK Part 4

By Bill Lites

 There seemed to be a Pub close to most everywhere we stayed, and Whitmoor Farm was no exception.  Just down the road a short distance, was “The Nobody Inn” where many of the locals took their meals and a pint or two after work.  The food was always good, but the servings were larger than what is normally served in the U.S.   Even when DiVoran and I would share, there was still food left over, and we didn’t have anywhere to keep it over night. 

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We headed west to the Cornwall area, intending to visit the home of Dame Daphne du Maurier in Kilmarth, where she lived and wrote many of her now famous books.  But, we ended up at the now famous Jamaica Inn and Museum, in the middle of the Bodmin Moor.  We had afternoon tea at the inn, while browsing the many posters and memorabilia they have collected, related to the famous Cornwall coastal area.  The Jamaica Inn, was originally established in 1750 as a Coaching House and staging post for changing horses during stagecoach runs over the moor.  The inn is known for being the base for smugglers in the past, and has also gained notoriety, for allegedly, being one of the most haunted places in Great Britain. It is also known as the setting for du Maurier’s novel by the same name, which was published in 1936.

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As you may know, du Maurier was known for her romantic suspense novels, such as Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel, and The House on the Strand.  After we finished our tea, we visited the “Smugglers Museum” adjacent to the Inn.  The museum’s focus is its collection of smuggling artifacts that depicts the history of the Jamaica Inn and the inn’s role in the smuggling trade over the years.  The museum has also recreated a room that du Maurier used to do some of her writing, using various items owned by her, including her writing desk and typewriter.  This was all especially interesting for DiVoran, as du Maurier was, at one time, one of her favorite authors, and told me all about how her novels were filled with lots of smugglers and intrigue.  As an example, in her novel, Jamaica Inn, the plot follows a group of murderous wreckers who run ships aground, kill the sailors and steal their loot.          

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As we headed north, we stopped near the city of Bristol, and enjoyed the Dunan Guesthouse, where Sandra Devereux showed us a wonderful time and another wonderful typical English breakfast.  Then it was on north to the city of Hereford, located in Herefordshire, on the Wye River, to visit their cathedral and the surrounding area.  Hereford is another of the many, what in England is called a cathedral city, and is dominated by its beautiful 12th century Hereford Cathedral and many other city buildings and structures from that same time period.

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 The name “Hereford” is said to come from the Anglo Saxon “here”, meaning an army or formation of soldiers, and the word “ford”, a place for crossing a river.  The Wye Bridge is said to be the first bridge built to span the Wye River and dates back to the 12th century.  Hereford is rich with history, and even claims to be the birthplace of Nell Gwyn, the 17th century actress and mistress of King Charles II of England. 

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While visiting the city of Hereford and the Cathedral, we enjoyed all the comforts of another English B & B.   This time it was at the Webton Court Farmhouse, run by Mr. & Mrs. Andrews, who made DiVoran and me feel right at home, with a bountiful home cooked dinner, fit for a king and his queen.  What a wonderful time that was!

 

 

—–To Be Continued—–

 

 

 

 

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25 Dec

christmas05art deco

From all of us at Old Things R New

DiVoran Lites

Dateline Flanders, December 24, 1914

24 Dec

DiVoran shared a wonderful poem over on Rebekah Lyn Books.  I hope you find it as touching as I did. Merry Christmas to each of our bloggser and readers. I hope you are able to spend time with your loved ones. Remember our soldiers both past and present~ Love, Onisha

candle05

Dateline Flanders, December 24, 1914

By DiVoran Lites

 Cold night, starry night,

Not a solider here in sight.

Trenches dug as deep as graves,

No one stirs, and no one waves.

Suddenly from out the dark

Comes a candle like a spark

Set upon a small pine tree

Lighting bold and shining free.

German sign ‘cross no man’s land

A song rings out, a friendly hand.

Sunrise comes, thus ends the night.

“You don’t fight. We don’t fight.”

Daylight now, they bury dead

Not in trench, but grave instead

Then the boys share gifts of food

In Christmas cheer and kindly mood

And then a bit of playful rest

The touch of Life, a game of zest

Until the Brass Hats get the word

Oh, no, they say, it’s too absurd.

Get back to work and shoot some more

Peacefulness is such a bore.

The Christmas truce comes to an end,

Millions dead before the mend

In the spring red poppies grow

Around the crosses, row on row.

We’ll always have the wars you see,

But Peace has come for you and me.

British and German troops meeting in No man's ...

British and German troops meeting in No man’s land during the unofficial truce (British troops from the Northumberland Hussars, 7th Division, Bridoux-Rouge Banc Sector) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Never Mind Trying to be Nice

23 Dec

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and Artist

I’ve been to parties once or twice,

And I don’t like them, I’ll tell you that,

Except for the time you wore that funny musical hat…

Remember?

And when the wooden wheel with the candles under it scorched from grown-ups playing with fire—

When jellied cranberry didn’t melt in the casserole,

And Stan brought boat flares for the gift exchange and related them to kisses,

And Billy and Christian pinned on the girl’s add-on braids and dangled them over their shoulders,

When the paper-ball battle broke out and everyone was fair game, even the granddads?

 When Rebekah Lyn came over to have a chat and deliver homemade cookies,

And seven relative strangers sat in a cozy den one night and had a real conversation with soft Christmas music in the background,

Donna brought her million dollar brownies to the church dinner

And we met Connie and her college age wonder-son?

 Remember when Alicia told us about learning to play the piano two years after her daughter’s death from aids And you had a quiet tea, in pretty cups, with a dear friend from long ago

How about at the grade school program when baby Jimmy pulled off Santa’s glasses, and pushed him away and Santa said, “I don’t know what you want for Christmas, kid, but you sure don’t want me.” Jimmy’s mom said privately that Santa was too skinny, anyhow.

 No, I don’t have to be nice, but I need to be honest and I guess I must say, I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it.

wreath02 skinny

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Christmas Memories

22 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY

 

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

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I remember Daddy sitting us down and reading the Christmas story from the Bible.  He and Mom always made sure that we knew the true meaning of Christmas – why we celebrated the season and all the gifts that came with it.  And why we gave gifts to each other and to those who didn’t have all we had.

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

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

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

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

Nope………Christmas Memories and just too precious.

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Does Everyone Go to Heaven

21 Dec

Does everyone go to heaven?

On my recent trip to the West Coast, I held on to the escort’s arm that dashed me through the crowds in the Los Angeles airport. No time to waste–only half an hour between flights.

We stepped outside. “We’ll wait for the shuttle here,” he said.

Gulp. Did he say “wait?” We can’t. I’ll miss my connecting flight for sure.

The shuttle finally came, and I boarded. When it stopped I jumped to my feet, hoping there would be someone to guide me to the gate.

I twirled the tip of my white cane between my fingers. Nervous? A tad. The clock was ticking. Finally an agent took my arm, “ready Mrs. Eckles? I’ll take you to the gate.”

He didn’t take me. We practically flew through the groups of passengers and luggage.
“We’re here. This is your gate,” he said.
While trying to catch my breath, the PA system announced, “Ms. Janet Eckles…paging Janet Eckles.”

“That’s me,” I called out.

To my relief, they had prepared an assigned seat and had my name on the list to pre-board. Woo hoo! They were prepared for me.

I boarded the plane, and as I settled in my seat a thought darted in my head. The same scenario will play when I arrive to take the flight that will take me to eternity. Jesus bought the ticket with His life and I count on the guarantee He has a place ready for me.

For that reason, this Christmas will shine brighter with the reassurance that no matter what happens in this life, He’s prepared the place. No matter how deep the pain, He has a promise waiting at the other end of this life. And no matter how long the wait, His love keeps the door open for us to come in.

And until that time, we can face tough moments on earth, but Jesus calls us to face this truth: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1

Father, how this life changes, knowing you have prepared that place for me. Hope shines brighter, joy flows easier, and peace bathes our days more frequently. In Jesus’ name I thank you. Amen.

–What has you rushed these days?
–Do you know your destination when your days end on this earth?
–Where are your steps leading you today?

Legacy

 

 

 

 

 

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

 

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