Three Steps to Peace in the Middle of Your Mess

18 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged June 18, 2022

June 17, 2022

So, we’re dancing with gladness.  We grabbed a super deal on airline tickets. While our 401k plan is smiling, we pack suntan lotion and sunglasses. It’s vacation time.

Remember those days? Remember when life was easier? Folks got the flu and it was no big deal? The only time we saw masks was when surgeons or surgical nurses wore them?  Seems like that was a lifetime ago.

What we face now are masked people here and there and no one knows for sure why. Airline tickets makes us soar into shock. While our 401k plan cries out for help, we grit our teeth at the grocery bill. And when we fill the gas tank, we empty our bank account at the same time.

And to add more ugliness, reports of violence invade our peace. The bad news on the media reminds us we’re in the wilderness of gloom.

But we’re not alone.

The Israelites had their own wilderness, too. They focused on the pitiful and were infected by the virus of discontentment. “They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?’” (Psalm 78:19-20).

When God provided, they complained. When God was with them, they rebelled. When God protected them, they still whined. And when God made His promises, they doubted.

Sound familiar? We complain on social media, at the dinner table, at the grocery store. We whine about the ugly world situation. And in the complaining, doubt comes in. Like the Israelites, we question God, we doubt His provision, His help, and His power.

The good news is that we can change. 

Instead of gazing at the gloom, we catch a glimpse of the promise land. It comes to view when we take our eyes off the situation, off the tragedy before us, off the gloom upon us or the immorality within us.

Next, we turn down the volume of the world’s bad news. And turn up God’s voice. We increase the volume of His promises.

And over and over again we repeat His words that speak into the middle of the mess:

  1. When we’re weak with worry, He says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
  2. When the economy downfall robs our financial security, God says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
  3. When fear is about to eat us for lunch, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, says with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Equipped with the power of God’s promises, we don’t retreat, but lift our head high and move forth with boldness. When inflation rises, God’s power increases. When fuel gets more expensive, God’s provision becomes greater. When bad news bombard us, God’s truth shields us. When the world gets darker, His light glimmers brighter. When war breaks out, victory is His promise. Tomorrow may seem bleak, but God’s hope shines through.

Let’s Pray

Father, in the mess before me, I will choose to see You, trust in Your protection, hold on to Your promises, and to rely on Your provision. I embrace them all as the gift wrapped in your unfailing love. In Jesus name.

What brings peace to your mess?

Janet

______________________________________

I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.

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:

An Opportunity for You

If God spoke to you through these writings, would you prayerfully consider joining us in spreading the goodness of Christ Jesus to those who are lost and hurting?

With immense gratitude, JC Empowerment Ministries welcomes your tax-deductible donations.

One click will take you to the place for your gift. You can GIVE HERE.

Thank you for helping the ministry reach souls!

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our Trip to Spain-Part 12

15 Jun

A Slice of Life

  

Day 9 (Continued)

In the heart of the Alhambra is the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions) which is the centerpiece of the Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions).  This part of the fortress was built during the reign of Muhammed V in the 14th century and is amazingly beautiful.  The workmanship and the artwork are breathtaking.

Photo Credit: https://makespain.com/listing/courtoflions/alhambra/granada/

The views of the city of Granada, with the mountains in the background, from the various locations in the Alhambra were amazing and gave a feeling of grandiosity to the viewer.  You can get an example of what I mean from the picture below, taken from a postcard I picked up during the tour.  

Photo Credit: https://www.alhambra.org/en/

We were told that the flag of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella was first raised over the Torro de la Vela (watch tower), there in the Alhambra, in early 1492 AD as a symbol of the Spanish conquest of Granada.  This significant time in history was the turning point for the Islamic world, as the expulsion of all Moors by the Catholic Monarchs from what had become Spanish territory, from that date forth, marked the end of the Islamic rule.

Photo Credit: https://granadainfo.com/torrodelaveka/alhambra/

After that delightful tour of the Alhambra, as we were on our way to the restaurant for lunch, our attention was drawn to the Zambra María la Canastera, which is located in the picturesque Sacromonte District of Granada.  This famously unique hideaway has long featured traditional flamenco dancing and music performed in a tiny cavern adorned with memorabilia.  When I looked them up on the internet – Surprise!  They all look older.  How can that be? I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we were there, and the picture was taken for this postcard. 

Photo Credit: https://zambramaríalacanastera.com

We stopped for lunch at a very nice ‘approved’ café there in Granada, that served us a wonderful traditional Spanish meal, while we were entertained by some local musicians playing soft guitar music in the background.  That was very pleasant.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After lunch our tour continued as the tour bus took us around the city of Granada with our Program Director explaining various points of interest, such as Mirador de Los Carvajales, Albayzin, Sacromonte, Paseo de los Tristes, and Mirador de San Nicolas.

Photo Credit: https://www.odysseytraveller.com/articles/granada-spain/

Our bus trip took us on a different route for our return trip back to Torremolinos.  This allowed us to view another interesting section of the Andalusia countryside while the many points of interest were explained to us by our Program Director.  Some names of the more interesting towns we passed thru were Churriana de la Vega, Parque de las Ciencias, Ogijares, and Velez de Benauadalla.  As before there were luxury hotel complexes and the beautiful Villa Loma Linda.  

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As the hiway turned west along the shore of the Mediterranean, our Program Director had us stop near the town of Nerja for a quick tour of the caves of Nerja (Fundación Cueva de Nerja).  The caverns are said to have been re-discovered in 1959 and have become a major tourist attraction.  We were told that concerts are regularly held in one of the many chambers, which forms a natural amphitheater.  

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Some of the caverns stretch to the sea and the view of the Mediterranean from inside the caverns can be breathtaking.  I don’t remember if we had to pay this young boy to pose for this photo, but I think it made for a great picture, don’t you. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After that amazing tour of the Caves of Nerja we passed thru Torrox with its Faro Torrox (lighthouse), Benagalbon with its 16th century church, and Malaga with its famous bullring, before finally arriving in Torremolinos and the Bajondillo in time for a short rest before it was time for dinner.  DiVoran was still feeling poorly, and I brought her a bowl of chicken soup in hopes it would make her feel better.

Photo Credit: https://notaboutthemiles.com/malaga-spain/

—– To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 64 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

Tags: , , ,

12 Months in Florida

13 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

On the first of January, the New Year begins. 

She makes resolutions and repents of her sins.

On the first of February, the cardinal sings

And flashes to his mate on crimson wings.

On the first of March, she goes wild for seeds

And tries to think what a farmer needs.

On the first of April, she tells fool jokes,

 But they’re never are funny as other folks’

On the first of May, she declares it’s summer! 

Not always, though, and that’s a bummer.

On the first of June, she forgets her plants

And they are eaten by tiny ants.

On the first of July, she’s ready for joy 

Coming to visit: grandgirl and grandboy!

On the first of August, she’s sweltering hot

And wants to go back to a cooler spot.

On the first of September, pampas grass blooms

Down the hill from the school, a bicycle zooms. 

On the first of October, she celebrates age

A birthday is coming, so now turn the page.

On the first of November, she thinks about gifts

She goes to the church, and her loving heart lifts.

On the first of December, she turns on the songs

And listens to Christmas because it belongs.

Pictures by Pixabay

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.”

Tags: , , , ,

I Don’t Speak Portuguese!

12 Jun

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Re-blogged

One of the funniest things – and most irritating – about growing up in New Mexico, is that a whole LOT of the U.S. population doesn’t even know New Mexico is one of our great 50! So much so, that the New Mexico Magazine has published a book of anecdotes people have shared. It, as well as a full-page article in the magazine, is entitled One Of Our 50 Is Missing. I have laughed – and growled – over some of the things people have encountered in this vein.

I never thought to have one of those experiences myself, but sure enough – it happened to me!

Some years ago, after we returned stateside from Germany, we were living in the small town of Seaford, Virginia. It is a lovely little place, just eight miles away from Yorktown, which is part of the Historical Triangle in Virginia. That triangle encompasses Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Jamestown.

There happened to be a Baptist Church in Seaford, and after “visiting around” the other churches in the Hampton Roads area, we decided Seaford Baptist Church was where God wanted us, so we joined the church.

Within the first year, our church hosted a youth group from Tennessee. Seems like the man who had served Seaford Baptist Church as a volunteer youth pastor was a military person, and had been reassigned to a military base in Tennessee shortly before we arrived on the scene. And he volunteered as youth pastor for the little church they joined there. He brought his youth group to Seaford, and we provided the beds and food for the youth. Since our house contained four bedrooms and three full baths, we signed up for two girls. One of our bedrooms and bathrooms was downstairs, which made it nice for company to have their own bedroom and bathroom. So our assigned girls stayed there. Turns out, they were both named Kim.

The week went by quite quickly, and we enjoyed their company a lot. The night before they were to depart for Tennessee, we were all gathered in the kitchen, just sharing and talking. One of the girls stated that she didn’t think she would go on the youth trip the following year. Why not, I asked? Well, Max wants to take us to New Mexico, and I don’t want to go. Why not, I asked again? Well, I DON’T SPEAK PORTUGUESE! WHAT???……Portuguese? Well, they speak some foreign language out there, and I just don’t want to go!

Yep…….one of our 50 is missing!

Now, I may not – at that time – have been able to tell you exactly WHERE Tennessee was located on a map (I can now), but I most certainly knew that Tennessee is one of our 50 states! Makes me wonder what the geography teachers in Tennessee are teaching!

                                               

I Corinthians 10:26

for the earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.

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 and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: , , , ,

Oh Those Israelites!

10 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I am not a confident driver on good days, throw in rain and curvy roads and I become a teary eyed mess. A few weeks ago, I needed to drive my husband to a doctor appointment in a town two hours away and the weather report warned of heavy rain all day. I was stressed.

In my waking conversation with God I was telling him that I was distressed and plain out scared. When I gave Him the chance to respond, He reminded me of the multiple times he had given us a clear, dry bubble as we traveled. Most recently I was driving through pouring rain in Orlando traffic. I noticed that while my back window was a sheet of water, the windshield wipers were not having any problem clearing the screen.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten His mercies in my anxiety. Kind of like those Israelites who kept forgetting the ways God miraculously rescued them time after time. Think parting of the Red Sea.

Photo credit:https://www.flickr.com/photos/amboo213/7429036760

I confess I have frequently questioned the character of those Israelites who grumbled at every challenge, forgetting how faithfully God delivered them from dangers.

I was thinking like the Israelites!!

On Wednesday we had another appointment set up in the town two hours away. My husband had enjoyed six days in a row of doing well and I was feeling confident I wouldn’t need to drive. No worries about the forecast rain, he handles rain driving very well. Except Wednesday morning his feeling well streak crashed. I looked once again at the rain prediction and felt anxiety seeping in.

Then I made the decision to remember the Israelites and remember God’s mercies. There was rain that day, but not a drop fell on us.

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  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

Tags: , , ,

Our Trip to Spain-Part 11

8 Jun

A Slice of LIfe

Bill Lites

Day 9

DiVoran woke up this morning feeling sick to her stomach, and with a case of diarrhea, and didn’t want to get out of bed.  We couldn’t figure out if it was the water in Morocco or the water during the meal, we had enjoyed the night before, that was causing her problems, but she said she was staying close to our room all day.  That was a real shame, as this was the day scheduled for our group trip to tour Granada.  After breakfast I checked on DiVoran again, and she told me to go ahead with the trip.  She said she had a good book to read, and that she would be fine.  As our group boarded the bus for the 1½-hour trip, I was sad because I knew how much she would have loved to be going with us.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Our Program Director gave us a running monolog of the points of interest on our trip thru the Andalusia countryside and the Parque Natural Montes de Malaga National Park.    There were ranches, villas, and luxury hotel complexes, (each with a story of its own) as we passed the small towns of Puerto de la Torre, Las Escaraillas, and Castillo de Lachar, before arriving in Granada.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As we arrived in Granada we were informed that the city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and was founded by king Muhammad I in the early 13th century.  He ruled the Arabic Gharnata kingdom from 1232 to 1273. 

Photo Credit: https://www.guidigo.com/Tour/Spain/Granada/

The main attraction during our tour of Granada was a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace.  This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses the royal palace from the Nasrid dynasty, and overlooks the Albaicín quarter of Granada’s old Moorish city. The Moorish portion of the Alhambra includes the Alcazaba (citadel) which is the oldest part of the fortress.  This brilliant jewel of Moorish architecture is a 13th century complex of palaces, fortifications, and gardens.  It reminded me of a fairy tale movie set, with its maze of quiet courtyards, serene pools, sparkling fountains, opulent harem rooms and lavish baths.  The Alhambra is considered the last remaining example of the Moorish kingdom in Spain.

Photo Credit: https://www.britannica.com/Alhambra-fortress-Granada-Spain

I was amazed at the intricate decorative inlaid tile work everywhere I looked.  It was some of the most beautiful and creative mosaic work I have ever seen.  I could understand why it took so many years to complete this grand palace.

Photo Credit: https://www.dosde.com/discover/en/tilework-in-the-alhambra/

The Patio de la Acequia at the Generalife and the Alameda de la Alhambra Park and its gardens were beyond description.  We were told to stay together as we ventured into the gardens.  A person could easily get lost in that garden maze.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

There are several beautiful and peaceful courtyards within the Alhambra’s vast grounds, whose pools are supplied by water from the Darro River via a cleverly engineered aqueduct system and the Torre del Agua (water tower).   It also supplied the necessary water pressure for the many beautiful pools and fountains throughout the Palace.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I had to stop and have my picture taken at one of the beautiful fountains, with the sound of water peacefully bubbling, to help soothe the tired soul.  The entire tour was breathtaking, and I was so sorry that DiVoran had not felt like coming on this tour as I know she, being the artist in the family, would have been enthralled by the amazing beauty and grandeur of the Alhambra, as I was.

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 64 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

Tags: , , , , ,

To Bill

6 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Soon we will be celebrating our 65th wedding anniversary when we more or less ran away to get married. Our mothers, Bill’s sister, and my cousin and aunt made it to California, where Bill was in the Navy. Our Dads, who both traveled for their work, missed it.

Here is my tribute to you, my love.

Thank you for making us a pair. 

Thank you for the good times and the hard times.  

Thank you for your forgiveness and comfort.

Thank you for your safety and the knowledge of handyman things.

Thank you for your resounding laugh.

Thank you for your curiosity about almost everything.

Thank you for being a tenacious man who got things done.  

Thank you for your tender love.

Thank you for loving and caring for our children. 

Thank you most for trusting Jesus and teaching us to know him too. 

DiVoran

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.”

Tags: , , , , , , ,

The Seamstresses in My House-Final

5 Jun

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I really didn’t do much more sewing after that – mostly just repair work.  And that continues even today.

Somewhere along the way, when we lived in Panama City, Florida, I purchased a Bernina sewing machine from a store in town.  It wasn’t the top-of-the-line, but it was still an amazing machine!  I still have it.  One thing that impressed me about it, was that it could go “from nylon to leather in one stitch.”  I’ve never had to try that, but it is still an amazing machine.

Credit Pixabay Images

At the same store, they offered classes in sewing.  I had Karen take a class once, and she made a pillow case and a nightgown in the same nylon fabric – in lavender.  She wore that nightgown for many years.  Apparently it was quite comfortable.  Unfortunately, she hasn’t done much sewing since then.

Here is a picture of us in Albuquerque, at the Sunport, just before we headed off to Heidelberg, Germany in 1980.  The top I have on is one that I did make, and liked it very much.  Short sleeves, but a cowl neckline.  Cotton and polyester blend.  Very comfortable.  I believe I made the slacks I had on, out of polyester as well.

Here’s a picture of Janet and a dress I made for her when she was in high school.  As I recall, it was made out of polyester fabric.

But one of the things I enjoyed most, was making this bedspread, dust ruffle, matching curtains for both windows in Karen’s room in Heidelberg.  I think I had the pink-and-white gingham cotton fabric when we went to Germany.  The bedspread was out of already-quilted cotton fabric.  I had already made the bedspread and dust ruffle for her bed in Virginia.  But when we got to Germany, I discovered an entire bolt of the cotton eyelet lace, and I purchased the entire bolt, and added it to the curtains.  It made a lovely addition to the curtains.  Karen was thrilled.

As I said earlier, I’ve really not done much true sewing recently.  Not that I’ve lost my love of sewing, but just haven’t found the time or inclination to do so.

However, it’s been a nice journey throughout my lifetime.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my ramblings, and the pictures that have gone with them.

~~~~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~~~~~

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 and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: , , ,

6 Traps Perfectionists Need to Avoid

4 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged June 4 2022

June 3, 2022

If you should read my bio, you might think I’m a confident, well-accomplished blind gal. Not so. I mess up sometimes. Here’s a time when my confidence went out the window.

Some years back, I sat in various sessions and workshops at a writers’ and speakers’ conference. As part of the evaluation process of an effective speaker we were to prepare a 5-minute presentation. Piece of cake for this seasoned speaker, right?

With God-given confidence and passion that bubbled up in me, I stood in front of those ladies who were to evaluate me.

With vivid illustrations, I delivered my presentation. Once I finished, they handed me the scores which I placed inside a folder.

When I got home, hubby read the results and comments. I gasped. I sunk. I dropped my shoulders in disappointment.

How, just how could I get top scores in all areas except the one for volume and the effective closing. The closing of all things. I’ve always been told that my closings leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

With my lower lip dragging on the floor, I eased onto the pillows of discouragement.

Then as I sipped from the glass of insecurity I stepped into the six traps when perfection doesn’t happen.

  1. I focused on the failure.
  2. I fell into the negative-thinking tank.
  3. I dismissed the positive, the wonderful and the promising.
  4. I embrace the enemy’s lies that I didn’t measure up.
  5. I wasted time worrying about the consequences.
  6. And the worst one of all, I let the desire for perfection drag me down with unnecessary pressure.

Lesson Learned

So, lesson learned: when we focus on the one negative aspect of our journey, we’re blinded from seeing the great, the best and the wonderful.

They all come to view when we lift the need-to-be-perfect veil. Then is when we see that imperfect, vulnerable, and flawed is how the Lord accepts us. And more importantly, these weaknesses are precisely what He will use to make us grow.

When we choose to rise above mistakes and glance at the other side of failure, we can take a deep breath. And we then reach for God’s hand to keep moving forward.

Along the way, we exchange our desire to become perfect for His perfect love and acceptance.

In Paul’s words:

He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The enemy reminds us of the failures, but Christ repeats the power of His grace.

His grace is sufficient to correct the wrong, turn failure to lessons, and usher success through opposition.

That’s why our strength doesn’t come in perfection, but in the perfect trust that His grace is truly, completely sufficient.

Let’s Pray

Father, grant me wisdom to focus on the positive, the blessings, the good and the promising. I vow to look beyond my handful of flaws and gaze at Your hand at work instead. In Jesus name.

Where are you placing your focus these days?

Janet

______________________________________

I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.

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.

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

Tags: , , , , , ,

The DARN Bear is back…and Other Things.

3 Jun

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I gave the bear top billing in the title but I think his video will be at the bottom of the post. Kind of my passive aggressive way to deal with my frustration.

Since we arrived back in the mountains, I have sort of checked out of the world’s goings on. I blame it on our porch and the sweet, cool breezes. I read a lot. The only “fly in the ointment” is that darn bear. As I am writing this, my husband is sitting with me on the porch carving and one of the two visiting hummingbirds is sipping nectar from the petunias. I am loving petunias this year.

When our daughter was here over Easter she placed a basket of petunias atop the rise behind the porch. They are now blooming riotously and bring me joy everyday.

We did manage to get ourselves off the porch in mid-May. It had been over a year since we visited my extended family who live clear across the state of North Carolina.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

On our way there we stopped outside Charlotte, NC to visit with my brother, his son and daughter-in-law. We had a broken relationship for 20 years and God brought restoration shortly before my brother’s wife passed away the end of February. Since my brother was alone in Florida, his son moved him up to be with him. We spent the night and had a wonderful time together.

On to the visit with the extended family. We spent three days there before heading back to the mountains. My cousin has an outdoor cat and one morning at breakfast I observed it guarding a bird feeder.

We have visited this area many, many times so it’s hard to find something different to do. After a delicious country lunch in a diner with an aunt and uncle, my aunt asked if I would like to visit a market that only sold pork. We said sure. After all, Eastern North Carolina is pig country. Think Smithfield ham. I had no idea what to expect but it was interesting and for me at least, fun. It was like entering a huge butcher market but the only meat on offer was pork. And it was pork from every crevice of a pig. There was even a whole frozen pig in the meat case. There were plenty of staff (butchers?) on hand if one wanted a different cut than was in the case.

It has been decades since I have seen country cured hams that weren’t in some sort of packaging or wrap. I had recently reminisced about seeing them hanging in stores. I remember one of my aunts kept hers hung in her utility room and would send her husband out to cut some slices.

Nahunta Pork Center

We enjoyed our visit but it was nice to be home for awhile. The lure of the porch is hard to resist. Two weeks later, over Memorial Day we returned to Charlotte for a family gathering, this time my other brother would be there. Fortunately the Charlotte family has a huge porch, so I didn’t have porch withdrawal, and we spent lazy hours talking, remembering the past and savoring the joy of all being together again.

husband chilling

My nephew’s wife is a horsewoman (not sure if this is the correct term). She rides Dressage and we enjoyed watching her practice.

I am so blessed and thankful that God brought restoration to my family. I remember a line from the last episode of Downton Abbey. The sisters who were usually at odds, were sitting together and making peace. One of them said something like this, “in the end, we will only have each other to remember the past with.”

Now about that pesky bear. We have been taking in our feeders at night but he remembers where they hang!

We keep the feeders in a plastic tub to discourage mice in the garage. Not sure how he did it, but this fella got in the tub. We rescued and released him this morning.

Not all thieves sneak in the night. This brave and crafty creature was determined to score some seeds! Final picture/video. I promise.


The end. The porch is calling and I must answer.

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  

My 2021 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

Tags: , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →