#amblogging | Old Things R New

Tag Archives: #amblogging

The Only Connection You Need to Feel Safe and Secure

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged July 16, 2022

July 15, 2022

Just try to trick a blind woman. A while back a close friend and I sat across the patio table from each other. A warm spring breeze came through as we visited and chatted about life.

As I was sharing some deep stuff with her, I stopped. “Are you on your cell?” I asked, not as a reprimand, but out of curiosity.

“How did you know,” she said.

I grinned. “I don’t have to see. But the sound of your voice changes when you’re looking down.”

Plop. I heard her put her cell on the glass table. “Sorry.”

She didn’t need to be sorry. I understood. It’s noted that today cell-phone addiction is the new virus. My friend, David Welday shares this:

I recently saw a short video where everyone was on their smartphone during personal moments. Friends sharing a meal, a husband and wife cuddling on the couch, moms watching their kids splash in a small backyard pool, or taking a quiet walk through a nature park. In the midst of these moments, people were scanning their phones -reading texts, scrolling through Facebook, watching funny videos.

None of that stuff is bad. But what’s not so good is that screen has become such a subtle, but powerfully irresistible lure that invades our time, our attention and distorts our desires.

Although cell phones can be an important connection with our kids in emergencies, could it be that, ever so slowly, we’ve given that electronic gadget the power to be the king of our attention, the ruler of our distractions, and the focus of our satisfaction?

On HelpGuide’s website you’ll find this statement:

Smartphone addiction, sometimes colloquially known as “nomophobia” (fear of being without a mobile phone), is often fueled by an Internet overuse problem or Internet addiction disorder. After all, it’s rarely the phone or tablet itself that creates the compulsion, but rather the games, apps, and online worlds it connects us to. (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/smartphone-addiction.htm)

Wait a minute? Could it be we’re hungry for connection? Sure, we are. That’s why God invites us to connect with Him. To focus on Him. To hunger for Him. And to find satisfaction in Him.

King David must have written these truths on the screen of his heart. Even at fourteen, he carried in his pouch, not a cell phone, but a clear connection with Almighty God. He was solidly connected to His power and mighty strength. That’s why fear was afraid of him. And rather than shaking on his scrawny legs, he stepped forward, strong and determined. He looked up and “David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts…” 1 Samuel 17:45.

In these turbulent times, we want the same victory over the giants we face. But as we’re busy swiping and clicking on that screen, connecting with the world, menacing giants lurk nearby. They come at us, licking their lips as they’ll eat us and our cell phones for lunch. Disconnected from God, we become their pray, weak and defenseless.

No wonder suicide rate is off the charts. No wonder anxiety and depression visit most homes today. But we can reverse all that. Here’s an audacious challenge: put your cell phone away (only for a moment). The pain might sear as you temporarily disconnect from the world. But when you do, you just left the line open for God’s voice to come through.

And when it does, a beautiful connection begins. We can then draw from His strength, tap into His power and become charged with bold faith.

And like David, we’re able to come against our giants in the name of the Lord and through God’s power we chop their heads off too.

That’s why while the rest of the world is lost in intimate moments with their screen, we dance into victory and sing praises like David did in Psalm 103:

Verse 1: Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.In praising God, we’re declaring God is bigger than our problems, we’re declaring He’s sovereign and His victory is ours.

Verse 2: Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. His benefits? God’s benefits are that we can come under His wings of protection. We can count on His power to bring down the giants that keep knocking at the door.

Verse 3: Who forgives all your sins… Only a connection with God through His son Jesus will bring that freedom from condemnation and erase the or unwanted shame.

Verse 4: Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion… Connected with God, we’re lifted from the pit of depression. We walk down the aisle of joy, wearing the crown of compassion and His love, unfailing and true.

Verse 5: Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Intentionally disconnecting ourselves from the world and connecting to God, to His Word, to His promises, guidance and strength, He satisfies all our desires, meets all our needs, and renews our security.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for the wisdom You grant me to connect with You, to honor You with my time and my attention. In Jesus’ name.

What connection lures you today?

Janet

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

______________________________________

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!

Tags: #amblogging, Blind Latina Inspirational Author and Speaker, Christian bloggers, Faith, Reconnect to God, Smartphone addiction

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Janet Perez Eckles-Walking by faith, Not by Sight-Saturday
Author Onisha Ellis

God and Cell Phone Providers

14 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

What do cell phone providers and God have in common?

Wednesday morning I spent over an hour with my cell phone provider tech support over text. It was a frustrating experience. The tech support person and I didn’t seem to be understanding each other. He didn’t understand my problem and I didn’t understand why he didn’t.

He didn’t know where I was texting from and I didn’t know where the support person was located. He could only judge my location based on the address of my account. I didn’t understand why that was so hard for him to grasp as I TOLD him where I was.

I didn’t figure it out until the end of the session. I could type “I AM IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS, NOT FLORIDA” all day long but if the tech was in another country, he wouldn’t understand.

It’a kind of like when I tell God my problems. I explain to Him how I feel and what I think I need. He listens, but sometimes I don’t feel like He gets it. But He does. Just like tech support couldn’t grasp my problems since he had no idea of my location, so I can’t always grasp God’s answers because He sees my problems from a different perspective-a perfect one.

Due to understating issues and technical complications, my problem was not resolved. As we ended the text chat, the tech thanked me for being understanding. I replied that I wasn’t being understanding, just trying to be nice and added LOL. Sort of like how some of my conversations with God end. “I don’t understand but I am trying to be trusting as I wait.”

We don’t have posts from DiVoran or Bill as of yet. Their internet has been down since Friday. Is it my imagination or is the internet experiencing a lot outages?

My daddy moved to Glory 29 years ago today. He was a good man and a good dad.I learned interesting things from him. How to reel in a big fish, take a catfish off my hook, and how to cast a Penn reel and know what a fish bite feels like in the ocean surf.

He was an airplane mechanic in WWII, It wasn’t a good experience but it led to him being hired after the war as an auto mechanic. At supper I would listen to him talk about the cars he repaired and I became pretty good at diagnosing engine noises.

Most of all, he and my mom taught me about love.( though they did not spare the rod on me.) Their love and God’s love for me. I believe in miracles because I learned of and saw miracles in their lives.

I miss him.

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: #amblogging, Cell phone failure, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Internet failure, tech support

Comments 3 Comments
Categories Onisha Ellis On the Porch- Thursday
Author Onisha Ellis

Are You a Pillar or a Caterpillar?

12 Jul

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Reblogged

The pillars are a strong foundation
in any relationship.
On their strength we do depend.
The caterpillars crawl in and out,
failing to connect.
They dream to be a butterfly in the end.

God created all of us,
and He did it all with vision.
I don’t have your attributes-
That was God’s decision.

I will strive to be the best I can
with what God has allotted me.
To be more like our Maker,
That is our destiny.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Poem, Poetry

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Louise Gibson From the Heart- Friday
Author Onisha Ellis

Our Trip to Spain-Part 15

6 Jul

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 12

Today several of our group opted for a short 20-minute bus ride to visit Mijas, a lovely Andalusian whitewashed village set in the Sierra Mountains. This village is known for its shops, cafés, and magnificent Mediterranean Sea views. It was a pleasant ride thru the Andalusian countryside along the seashore. When we arrived, we were told we were free to wonder the village at our own pace until lunchtime, as we all needed to meet at the ‘approved’ café for our group lunch. DiVoran and I strolled thru the narrow streets and visited the many small shops while taking in views of the Mediterranean.

Photo Credit: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-mijas-spain/

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

We visited the small Museo Historico (museum) located in the old town hall. This is a city history and ethnology museum that displays many of the tools and other artifacts used by the Mijasians, over the centuries, for their diverse livelihoods which has included farming, carpentry, wine making, olive oil producing, and fishing. We met the group for lunch and had a wonderful meal (can’t remember exactly what we ate, but it was good), and the mariachis singing to us, in the background, painted a perfect picture of Spanish life at its best for us.

We passed up the opportunity to ride one of the famous ‘Mijas Donkey Taxis’ preferring the exercise of walking. DiVoran was not sure how comfortable she would be riding on one of those donkeys. She was afraid, with her iffy stomach, that the rocking motion might make her ‘Donkey Sick’ and then where would she be. When the group had spent all their money in the shops and on ‘Donkey Taxis’ around town, we climbed aboard the bus for our return trip to Torremolinos.

Photo credit: https://www.picfair.com/donkey-taxi-in-mijas-spain/

Upon arriving back at the Bajondillo, DiVoran and I had a nap and then we went for a leisurely stroll along the Paseo Maritimo (seaside promenade) while we enjoyed the sea breeze coming in off the Mediterranean. The sun was getting low on the western horizon and the colorful clouds, drifting across the sky, added to the beautiful evening we were having. The cooking smells wafting in the air from the many seaside cafés finally got to us, and we returned to the Bajondillo in time for our evening meal. After this exciting day, it was time to get some sleep, as tomorrow was going to be another busy day.

—–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: #amblogging, Andalusia, Christian bloggers, Travel, Travel Series, Vacation in Spain

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Bill Lites A Slice of Life- Wednesday
Author billlites1

You Ask Me How I am Doing

4 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Dear Friends,

I’m certainly looking at scriptures and listening to the YouTube preachers. It seems that just a small scripture can bring me back to the joy of the Lord. A worker angel in my imagination sweeps the bad and anxious thoughts away.

Nearly fifty years have gone by since some wonderful pastors became quite famous worldwide. One was Derek Prince, and one was Cory Ten Boom. We were privileged here in Central Florida to see each of them individually several times. Now that I am listening to Derek Prince on YouTube, I am so happy that I was in his presence back then, and I am re-learning marvelous and real things that I know God wants me to remember and grow with.

My flowers are growing in the front and the back of the house. Soon we will have a lush landscape in front of the house. It’s fun to go outside and tend to whatever catches my eye. If I forget how hot it is, I have to quit and go back inside. Much thank you to God for air-conditioning.

We had such a wild storm yesterday that when it was over and time for our kitty, Thea, to come out from under the bench in the closet, she slunk out with her belly almost touching the floor. She is one of my playmates. The black and white cat is so beautiful, and our special game for exercise for both of us makes us happy. I call it my walk; she calls it to crawl under the small blue rug and destroy it with her back claws, though it never falls apart.

I read too. One day I reclined in my bed and read for about two hours on a Sandra Dallas book. She has been a favorite writer of mine for a long time. Today we went to the library, and I looked through the books on the free table before I went in. I find treasures there. I love Haiku and found a free book of poems I am eager to read. Also, I got one that Oprah recommended. I might like it; I might not. We have a Book Chat once a month at church. We all read a good Christian novel and discus it at the meeting. It’s so nice to be in the presence of about twelve ladies of a certain generation. They are beautiful and wonderful to talk to and pray with.

Bill and I go out and about. We just got back from the grocery store. Yesterday we drove to Orlando to have lunch with Bill’s dear sister and her fine husband. We change off every other month. In other words, they will come here next month.

I send a bloggette to a few people first thing in the morning. It is like this-

“The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

If you want to be a Christian, you’re a wise person. It’s not hard at all. Open your mind and heart to Jesus. Invite Him to take over your life; you will be so happy when you do this that you might even cry. It’s such a relief to put everything into the hands of the Lord. Listen then. He speaks in a still, small voice and will never leave or forsake you. Today is Independence Day, a wonderful day to leave a hard life you’ve had and claim your new one.

Jesus says, “My lambs hear my voice and follow me.”

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: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, Life, Reading, Sandra Dallas novels

Comments 2 Comments
Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

The Lady and the Cross

3 Jul

Sunday Memories

Judy Wills

Reblog from July 2016

I know the July 4^th, our country’s Independence Day, has come and gone, but it’s never out of style to be patriotic. Because of the service to our country that my Father, my Father-in-law, my husband, and his brother have done, I find myself fiercely patriotic. I weep when the National Anthem is sung or played. And I am not ashamed of my patriotism.

Many years ago, while in the church choir, we were given a song to sing that touched my heart so much, that I’ve never forgotten it. I would like to print the words below and hope you feel the same patriotism I’ve always felt.

The comparison between our Lady with the Lamp, and the Cross of Christ is absolutely breathtaking.

Credit to Lillenas Publishing Company

Composer and Lyricist Neil Enloe

Arranged by Tom Keene

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: #amblogging, 4th of July, Christian bloggers, Our Lady with the Lamp, Patriotism

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Judy Wills-Sunday Memories
Author ludyja

We Have What it Take to Defeat the Evil Around Us

2 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged July 2, 2022

July 1, 2022

I was in awe and a bit nervous. At the age of 17, I followed my parents and my brother into the hush of that St Louis courtroom. A red, white, and blue flag covered the front wall. With tears of gratitude, we raised our right hand and pledged our allegiance to the United States of America, the greatest country in the world.

As new citizens, we tucked in our hearts profound gratitude for the privileges, opportunities and freedom she offered.

But decades swept by and things changed. Freedom has a different meaning, the constitution has a different value, and what’s holy and true has a new definition.

How could this happen?

Perhaps it’s because we believers respond as if the evil who’s robbing our freedoms is greater than the One who is in us.

And as a result, we sit in the chair of silence, glued to it by fear.

Or maybe we’re eating ice cream while on the couch of complacency. If the past patriots held that lame mindset, the 4th of July would be empty of any celebration. If we embraced a trace of their courage, we would ask questions. Who decided what is politically correct and what is not? Or what does the term mean anyway? And when did freedom of speech turn to a license to ridicule those who still hold God’s truth?

Politically correct or not, evil has to be addressed. The evil that infused those who, wearing the robe of pride elbow their way to the front mocking and ridiculing God’s ways.

They’re gaining ground. And if we sit back in our church pews and step out as victimized observers, we risk becoming like frogs in boiling water. Eventually, we realize our freedoms have been cooked away.

**Can we feel the heat and step out and declare, enough?**

God speaks with no excuses, no explanations or the need to be politically correct. He’s not running for office. He happens to be the ruler of the universe, the Most High God whose love is unfailing. He is just and He is holy, yet His wrath is real.

God is the one who defines what’s good and what is not, what’s wrong and what’s correct.

And though critical, this is no theory, but it is the truth—God created ALL races and colors. And it’s for ALL who He turned His love into a Savior, Christ Jesus to save All from hell. Some choose to accept that love, others refuse it.

But in face of evil, what we refuse is to stand idle while evil tries to warp our children and grandchildren’s minds. We can’t be silent when destructive ideology invades our schools.

We do fight to keep their innocence with which God created them. We declare war, not against any person or entity, but against the evil that has this destiny:

All who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water. (Jeremiah 17:13)

Urgent times are here.

We cannot forsake our convictions, our belief in God’s truth, nor the courage God has given us. The courage to recognize the wind of evil that roars announcing the destructive hurricane of corruption and depravity.

In the midst of this spiritual hurricane, how foolish to take refuge and trust in governments, in their laws and mandates, Instead, we choose to stand under the banner of Almighty God who warns:

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. (Jeremiah 17:6)

God cannot be mocked. He punishes evil and destroys the wicked. But He also hears our prayers, sees our danger, watches our steps, and promises triumph to those who fight under His banner.

We may be sick at the chaos, disgusted at the evil, and drained by the news, “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17’:7-8).