Our Parents-Love Locked

4 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ivan

1922, Ivan and Dora meet at a dance held by The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 

Both families came from somewhere else.

The children play together, first grade, Washington School.

1930, Dora falls in love with Ivan. He has curly hair.

He works, fishes hunts, and gets into mischief.

Dora waits and dates Benny, a sweet, penniless orphan, but she waits for Ivan.

Dates Harold, who adores her,  but she waits for Ivan.

1937 Still the depression, Ivan leaves Canon City and moves to Lovelock, Nevada, to work as a butcher.

1937 Ivan needs somebody and sends money for Dora to come.

She buys the rose gold, three-diamond-hearts wedding ring they discussed in a letter once. 

And departs on the first Trailways bus, ever, through Canon, City, Colorado.

 She gets off the bus and turns expectantly to the sound of Ivan’s whistle.

She works with Black Foot Indian Women at the laundry.  

He works for Safeway. She walks him home from work on payday so he won’t linger.

Lingering, she says, is no way to get ahead.

For better, for worse, infighting and in peace, for richer or poorer.

She never takes off the ring.

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

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Texas Bluebonnts

3 Apr

Sunday Memories

Judy Wills

“It’s that time of year again, for me to re-post this blog.”                                              

                                    

2

Some of my family is from Texas – actually my brother and I were born in Dallas, but moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico when we were small children. But my mother’s mother (Granny) and her oldest daughter, Jessie, lived in San Antonio for many years.

3

Consequently, I had known about the Texas Bluebonnets for longer than I really knew what they were.

4

Even though Fred and I lived in Fort Worth for many years, it wasn’t until we moved to San Antonio that I really knew about the Texas Bluebonnets. And they are AMAZING! They have been adopted as the state flower of Texas.

5

On the internet I found this: As historian Jack Maguire so aptly wrote, “It’s not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat.” He goes on to affirm that “The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.”  Well said.

6

 

When Springtime comes to Texas – from the Dallas/Fort Worth area down to the Corpus Christi area – the Bluebonnets are in full bloom, from late March to mid-April. They are the most dainty, beautiful flower, and we’ve see just fields and fields of them – like a blanket of blue in some cases. I’ve been sent many pictures of them via e-mail through the years, and have enjoyed seeing them all.

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There is even one of Bluebonnets in the snow! Must have been a late storm – although Dallas/Fort Worth can have abundant snow in early Spring.

When we moved from San Antonio to Florida, I took some Bluebonnet seeds with me and planted them, hoping for some lovely spring flowers to remind me of Texas. No such luck! As I’ve just gleaned from google, they must be planted in the fall and have to have the wind, rain, and cold weather to make them leap forth in the Spring. And the panhandle of Florida just doesn’t have that kind of winter weather. Shucks! Oh well, I then planted strawberry plants and they did very well.

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But the Texas Bluebonnet is a source of great pride for Texas – as if they needed something else! And they are just a beautiful side of Texas that most don’t know about. I think a lot of people think of Texas as dusty, flat, and unimaginative. But it is full of great differences, including some of the most beautiful flowers in God’s creation.

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                       I’m just so glad I was able to see them, and enjoy their beauty.

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

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.

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Our trip to Spain Part 3

30 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 3

After breakfast this morning, our group assembled in the conference room for an introduction orientation to the Casta del Sol by our Program Director.  Once he had explained all of the details he thought we would need, to navigate around the area on our own, he gave us time for a Q & A session.  All of this would be helpful in the days to come, to help us understand what was available to us in the area, during our leisure times.  Then he went over the tour itinerary and discussed the ‘Optional Tours’ available, and we were given an opportunity to sign up for the ones we wanted. We had already decided which Optional Tours we wanted to go on and were glad, with all the recent worldwide confusion, that they were still available.  This took up most of morning and it was lunch time before we knew it.

Photo Credit: https://favpng.com/png_view/meeting-clip-art-png/4bkPvG6q

After lunch our group was led on a walking orientation tour of Torremolinos by our Program Director, who pointed out the highlights of the city.  He also showed us the various shops and some of the ‘Approved’ restaurants that the tour company had arranged for us.  This was especially helpful for everyone to know, so we could enjoy the local culture and food without the fear of thinking we might come down with ‘Montezuma’s Revenge.’

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

There were many beautiful grand old Moorish style buildings and large villas interspaced between newer high-rise apartments buildings and condominiums along the sea-side promenade.  This gave us the picture of how some of the early wealthy visitors, who came to this area, spent their time and money to enjoy the Casta del Sol.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Then we boarded a bus for the short 30-minute trip to tour Malaga, which is the main city of coastal Andalucia.  An old Moorish fortress dominates the city that is made up of twisting, narrow streets, and a lovely waterfront promenade.  The city gives one a taste of the new Spain, while at the same time, retains much of the look and culture of the small-town old Spain.  Being the birthplace of famous painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga and the Costa del Sol are well known, but didn’t really start becoming the popular winter holiday area, for the European wealthy that it is today, until in the early 19th century, 

Photo Credit: https://outofoffice.blog/malaga-spain/

As part of the Malaga tour, we visited the Perez Texeira Winery for a tour of their facilities.  This was a very interesting tour, that gave us an idea of how the larger wine company’s processing operations work.  Of course, we were offered a small sample of the various wines they produced.  Our Program Director assured us we would have a safe trip back to Torremolinos, as the bus driver was not allowed to partake of the winery’s generous sample offers.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

On the way back to Torremolinos, our Program Director explained the various points of interest as they related to the colorful history of the Costa del Sol.  We got back to Torremolinos in time for dinner at the Cetus Restaurante there at the Bajondillo.  As part of the ‘All Inclusive’ plan, dinner entertainment was included.  This evening it was a complimentary Flamenco Cabaret show that was very entertaining for everyone.  The music, the costumes, and the performers were outstanding, and it made for a beautiful finish to a wonderful day.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

—–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

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Holy Spirit

28 Mar

My Take

DiVoran Lites

I satisfy your soul with good things 

So that you become an ember of light

And warmth to those who need love and attention.

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

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The Seamstresses in My House-Part 4

27 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

When I was about 13 years old, it became a fashion to have a circular skirt made out of felt.  Granny made quite a few of them for me.  Here is one in fuchsia. 

She also made one of a beautiful turquoise that I wore when I was older.

And she made one of red, for me to be in the Christmas parade in downtown Albuquerque one year. 

Judy and best friend, Shirley

I was in Jefferson Junior High School at the time, and we each had a placard with a letter that spelled out J E F F E R S O N.

 And of course, all those skirts had layers of crinoline (petticoats) under the skirt to make them stand out, rather than lay flat, but that was the “style” back in those days.  Either crinolines or hoops under the skirts.

I do remember about that same time, that Mother had a gentleman come by the house and display clothing for us.  He was physically handicapped, and this was his living.  We purchased quite a bit of clothing from him.  This green and black plaid skirt with the green sweater was one of those purchases.  The skirt was a light-weight wool.

This blue skirt and sweater in wool is another example. 

He carried quality merchandise, and we were glad to give him our business.

Here I am in my Easter finery in 1955.  I wish I could remember just what the fabric was, but I don’t, perhaps some kind of acetate, but definitely not satin.  I seem to remember it was a soft, silky and shiny fabric, and was so very comfortable to wear.  I am sure that either Granny or Mother made it for me.  It is a fairly simple design.

Bill and Judy

Here I am in another dress in 1956 (I was 15 at the time).  It was store-bought, as I remember, and was sort of a polished cotton.  Looks like I had a hoop under the skirt, perhaps with some crinolines to make the skirt stand out.

Here I am in my High School Senior dress.

Mother and I went shopping for a dress for me for Graduation.  I tried on dress after dress, but when I put this one on…we both looked at each other as if to say – “that’s the one!”  It was pink and pretty, and fit me just right.  This particular picture was taken at one of my wedding showers, so apparently I hadn’t put on too much weight (and inches) that I could still wear it.  I really loved that dress!

Here is a picture of our wedding party.

I am wearing my Mother’s wedding dress made with a lace overlay

I had the girls wear white, along with the candle lighters (sisters) and the flower girl.  Fred’s mother made the dresses for his sisters, and either Granny or Mother made DiVoran’s dress.  They were made from a soft, silky fabric, not stiff like taffeta, but softer, again perhaps an acetate.

The Christmas before we married in June, Fred, my parents and I drove from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, California to spend Christmas with my brother Bill, and his wife DiVoran.  I had been sewing quite a few things by this time, and one of the dresses I had made was this one in this picture.  It was a cotton fabric.

 My Dad and Fred are there with me.  I had heard that sewing plaid fabrics were quite difficult, but I didn’t find it so difficult to match up, as this dress shows.  I sewed quite a few plaid garments throughout my lifetime, and never really found them to be all that difficult.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Our Trip to Spain-Part 2

23 Mar

A Slice of Life

   Bill Lites

Day 2

When DiVoran and I arrived in Malaga, Spain there was some confusion at the airport, as people from many different airlines gathered to wait for transportation to our hotel, 30-minutes down the coast in Torremolinos.  To make matters worse, we couldn’t find our luggage.  We were finally told that our luggage had gone to Istanbul, Turkey by mistake.  That was a bummer, as we had wanted to ‘travel light’ on our flights, so we had put almost everything else in our suitcases.  It was two days before the airline delivered our bags to us.  Hey, no surprise there, right! 

Photo Credit: https://www.spanish-web.com/costa-del-sol/

Our tour group was bussed from the Malaga airport to the sea-side resort town of Torremolinos.  The Bajondillo Apartments on the shore promenade, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, there in Torremolinos, was our base location from which, most of our meals were taken, and our daily adventures started each day.   It didn’t take long for us to get settled into our lovely fourth-floor apartment (nothing to unpack).  It actually turned out to be a one-bedroom kitchenette with a sea-view balcony.  By then, we were hungry, and were glad when they announced it was time for lunch.  After lunch, DiVoran and I went to our room and had a long rest, to help us recover from the long overnight flights from home.

 Photo Credit: https://www.hippostcard.com/listing/torremolinos-spain-bajondillo/

That afternoon we joined a group for a leisurely walking tour, with our Program Director, to get acquainted with the immediate vicinity around the Bajondillo Apartments, which included the seaside promenade, and the adjacent beach scene.  When the tour was over and we made it back to the Bajondillo, we had time for another quick nap, before we were called for an excellent ‘Welcome Aboard’ dinner at the Cetus Restaurante, there in the Bajondillo, hosted by our tour company.

Photo Credit: https://www.atrapalo.com/apartamentos-bajondillo/torremolinos/

After dinner DiVoran and I took a stroll along the beach promenade to check out the shops and beach cafés.  Then we sauntered down onto the beach to admire the many sand sculptures that were still standing after the tide had come in.  We stopped to get a photo of DiVoran in front of one of the symbols Torremolinos uses to advertise their many apartment complexes there on the Costa del Sol.  All that exercise (which we needed after those many hours flying from the U.S.), sun, and fresh sea breeze, was very relaxing and just what we needed to help put us in the mood for a long restful night’s sleep.

Photo Credit:Bill Lites

—–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

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It’s Been a While

22 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I knew it had been awhile since I wrote a blog, but I am kind of shocked I haven’t written anything since last January. February first brought pre-op visits, surgeries, post op visits, loss of a family member and a lot more, I think you get the picture.

But good things happened too. A twenty year broken family relationship was restored and my heart is dancing with delight. Only God could have healed done it.

I wear funky old people sunglasses that fit over my glasses because I am not responsible enough to remember where I put the glasses I take off to wear shades. Due to an eye condition I have to wear sun shades that do a great job at filtering UV rays and they are expensive. To my dismay I realized my sunglasses were fraying and needed to be replaced. I took them to the optical office where I had purchased them in 2019 to order a new pair and received a wonderful surprise. The glasses were covered with a lifetime warranty! I filled out an online warranty claim on March 18th and received a new pair on March 21st. Amazing! The brand name is Cocoons and I highly recommend them.

Coccoons

Monday was promising to be typical of most days since the first of February, appointments and a tight schedule. I had the day planned. The first item of my to do list was a failure. The office where I needed to drop off my tax paperwork was unexpectedly closed until noon. (note on door). Fortunately our daughter was off work for the day and volunteered to drop them off later. The second and third tasks went pretty smoothly and I thought the 4th one had gone smoothly too, but not so much. The fourth and final errand before going to an out of town doctor appointment was to stop at Publix Grocery. A quick grab and go for some fresh green beans for our supper. My husband is on special diet and can’t eat much, but he can eat green beans.

The grab part went well and my husband agreed to snap the beans while I put laundry in to wash and made his lunch. Then I pulled the beans from the package. G R O S S. They looked fine but…they were slimy. My first thought was I don’t have time to go back to the store.

My second thought was, I’m calling Publix. For those not familiar with the store, they are a great grocery chain and take pride in their products. I wanted to alert them to the problem since I wouldn’t be taking mine back for at least a day. When I spoke with the manager she offered to replace them, which I knew they would. I told her I had a tight schedule and couldn’t return to the store in time to prepare and serve them. She offered to have them delivered right away. Wow!

Probably less than 15 minutes passed before there was a knock on the door. Too soon for Publix I thought. Our daughter answered the door and there stood the produce manager of the store, with a grocery bag in one hand and flowers in the other! Who does that?

The rest of the day went smoothly. We made it to the doctor appointment, took out a loan to fill up the car with gas (joking about the loan.) and even ran the car through a free car wash. My husband had green bean for his supper and I was happy that the doctor had told us the end of his restrictive diet is near.

Life happens with its joys and difficulties and sometimes my mind is too muddled to put coherent words together. I am thankful for my fellow bloggers, dear friends who keep the blog going.

Today is a new day with new challenges. I don’t think the day will end with flowers, but, you never know what sprinkle of joy God has planned for us.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

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Worries

21 Mar

My Take

DIVoran Lites

Worries are a cause for sin.

Right away, when I begin

I carry them where they’ll harm,

And cause my soul the most alarm.

God says he wants to have the task

Of doing more than I can ask.

“Admit it, daughter, come to me.

I’ll share new thoughts and set you free.”

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

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The Seamstresses in My House-Part 3

20 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

While I lived a lot of my growing-up years in fiesta dresses, that was not the only type of clothing I wore.  I have pictures of myself in many dresses and outfits other than the fiesta dresses, but have no memory of whether they were store-bought, or made by my grandmother or mother.  Many of the play clothes I wore, I am sure were made from cotton.  Since sun dresses for a small girl’s body were fairly simple to make, I’m convinced they were home-made. 

1943 – Bill (5) and Judy (2) in Granny’s backyard, San Antonio, Texas

1945 – we had just moved to Albuquerque – I was nearly 4 years old

Since polyester had not been perfected yet as a type of fabric, I’m sure cotton was the way to go.  Here are a few examples. 

1949 – Albuquerque – Bill (11) and Judy (8) – clowning around

1950 – Albuquerque – Judy (9) and my best friend Shirley (9)

1950 – Albuquerque – Judy (9) holding Boots

Again, I’m not sure whether they were store-bought, or whether my grandmother or mother made them.  Most of these were before I had learned to handle the sewing machine.

Here is a white velvet dress that was made for me.  Apparently I was to be a “Junior Bride” in a wedding, and my dress mirrored the bride’s dress.  I was five years old at the time.

1946 – Albuquerque

One reason I think more of my clothes were store-bought, is the ruffles and trim that I see on some of these dresses.  I know, from experience, that those “touches” are not easy to put on a garment.  I remember making dresses for our Karen when she was just a small child.  First of all, she was not happy having to “model” the dress/outfit as I was making it.  Second, I found I could purchase adorable outfits for her from J.C. Penney’s or Sears, with all the trim and ruffles, for less cost than if I purchased the fabric and spent my time attempting to make the garment.

1970 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Karen is 2½

1970 – Albuquerque – Karen (2½) with Oma

As I grew older, many of my more dressy clothes were made from other-than-cotton fabrics.  I’m not exactly sure just what type of fabric was used.  I do know that, like in this picture, it was perhaps a taffeta-type of fabric.  It was a shiny fabric, for sure.  

1950 – Albuquerque – Judy at the old upright piano

1952 – Some kind of iridescent fabric, but softer than taffeta 

I’m not sure just what the occasion was for me to be wearing this dress and holding a candle – perhaps I was in a wedding, and would be lighting the candles?  I seem to be awfully young for handling a lit candle, however.  Not sure what fabric the dress was made of.  I was 11 years old at the time.

1952 – Albuquerque

I actually remember the vest I have on in this picture.  I believe it was a heavier weight cotton, perhaps twill,  and I would wear it most seasons of the year.  It was quite comfortable over a sweater, or over a cotton shirt.  I believe my mother made it for me.

1953 – Albuquerque – the Lites family

I remember that the “Poodle skirt” was the “in” thing at that time.

Credit Google Search and Grace Opulanza

I remember coming home from school one day, and finding that my Mother had made me one – it was draped across the second twin bed in my room! 

1955 – Albuquerque – the “Poodle Skirt”

I was ecstatic!  It was cotton, of course, and made in “gores.”  While it wasn’t exactly that current “type” of poodle skirt, I really liked mine.  I think the design (poodles) was pre-printed on the fabric:  just cut it out and stitch it up.  We made up the blouse to match the color, and I wore a scarf around my neck along with the outfit.  That was a fun thing to wear, for sure!

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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10 Steps to Turn Chaos to Calmness (Part 2)

19 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged March 19, 2022

March 18, 2022

You read the first three steps. And now your life still needs a little more nudging. We all do. And God provides what we need, what we long for, and what we anticipate.

These next three steps will lift you to a place where you can taste His peace and relish in His goodness.

(As a reminder, the first three steps were: (1) Make God a priority, (2) Set a time and place for you and Him alone, and (3) consider the rewards. Please see the March 4 post to read about these steps in their entirety.)

  1. Choose, not the good, but the best.

Guilt bombards the heart when we fail to follow through with our commitments to be still in His presence. And other times, a different guilt pops up when we leave certain household chores undone.

What is the answer? Two sisters give us a hint and set the example. Martha chose to get busy; Mary chose to be calm. Martha chose what was good. Mary chose what was better.

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42)

  1. Plan ahead when you’re away from home.

Some people always like to plan. And detailed schedules can become more intricate when families go on vacation.

When the boys were young, I didn’t mind all that planning because I also relished the time away. But sometimes restlessness nagged. Our boys misbehaved and impatience won, even frustration visited from time to time.

That’s when I learned that taking vacation from the daily routine can’t mean taking vacation from those rich moments in the Lord’s presence.

Instead of neglecting this special time, I made my own plan to find my own moments of spiritual delight.

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)

  1. Stop to listen.

Sometimes as Moms, we have a sixth sense. We can sense when our kids are up to something. When they’re hiding something. Or upset. They don’t have to say a word. We know, we just do.

But even when we know, life happens. It’s way too busy, so we forget the vital part and that is to listen. Oh yes, we listen, but often it’s with cell in hand, checking posts, lured by social media, or texting messages. Our minds are on the task, our heart is partly with our kids, and our attentiveness to what they’re saying is reduced to nearly zero.

The task is challenging because in order to listen, really listen, we need to sacrifice—stop the activity. Put away the phone. Make eye contact. And lean toward the person. This is the best way to convey they’re important.

And when it comes to listening to God, the same approach is needed. To put all else aside, turn all our heart toward Him and listen—to His whisper, to His guidance, to His instruction.

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. (Psalm 119:58-59)

Let’s Pray

Father, how often I’ve been distracted by the world when emptiness aches in me. Thank You for providing what I need to fill the void, and bring me secure, lasting peace. I praise You, Lord. In Jesus’ name.

What distracts you from receiving God’s peace?

Janet

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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:

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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