Tag Archives: Blind Inspirational author and speaker

How to face painful moments. 

15 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

Was this God’s way to teach us how to face painful moments?

Hubby and I, along with our dear friends, headed to North Carolina for a fun visit.

As we crossed from one state to another, the driver took instructions from the rest who did the navigating.

“Oh, oh…I see the red line, that means traffic coming up,” my friend said. “Let’s take a different route.”

For the next few minutes alternate routes were discussed, considered and explored to avoid “the red area” because after all, that meant traffic. And we were having none of that.

But before we knew it, we reached the dreaded “red zone.” And to our relief, the slowdown was slight, so very slight. All that fretting for nothing.

That’s what we humans do all the time, don’t we? We dread the red zone of adversity, the time when we might not be able to handle life. We cringe at the thought of reaching a place where we might be stuck in helplessness or in illness or in financial trouble.

So, worried about that day, we work hard to avoid that at all costs.

But all the while God is preparing the way for us to face those painful moments. He does this through His almighty, supernatural power; He’s already present at those upcoming “red zones” of life.

And that reassurance comes in two different ways:

He established a prerequisite for us to be safe, completely protected: “’Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation’” (Psalm 91:14-16).

Since He knows the danger, keeping us safe is His promise:

“’Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’” (Isaiah 43:2).

How lovely life becomes when we truly believe in these promises. And as we ride on the highway of life, we know God is ahead making the way, waving the green flag, and making sure that with His help, we will navigate through all the red-zones of life.

Father, guide me away from fear of the pain that tomorrow might bring. Guard me from the worry about what might happen. I invite you to be the driver of the vehicle of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What adversity are you dreading these days?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EnobbFT3QeE

How God helps us prepare for painful moments?

Source: How to face painful moments. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Heartache: 7 ways to conquer it.

8 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

July 07, 2017 reblogged

Sorry, no 911 to call. No emergency assistants available. And medical facilities are nowhere around.

My brother and I snuggled next to my Mom. We rode in the back of a truck. “When will we get there?” I asked her as my 10-year old mind anticipated fun moments in the tropical area of Bolivia.

But to get there, we risked our lives as we rode on the most dangerous road in the world. Should there be a car accident on the narrow mountains bordered with huge cliffs, fatalities are unavoidable. That’s the scene outside my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia.

One such accident took place recently, leaving a young man paralyzed. His family, American missionaries, sent prayer requests through cyberspace. Walking only moments earlier, paralyzed the next.

Why is it that tragedy barges unannounced? It catches us unprepared, vulnerable to its cruel claws.

I tasted that heartache years ago when the doctor said to my family and me “He didn’t survive the stab wounds he received.”

Losing my youngest son was unthinkable. I cried out to God, “Why?”

I found that kind of pain has no reason, but also learned that God’s peace has no limit.

Friends, if you or anyone you know is in the prison of pain, here are seven vows needed to conquer heartache:

  1. We count on His help, constant and never changing because “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
  2. We silence words of self-pity or sorrow. “My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live…” (Psalm 63:4a)
  3. We let go the grip on bitterness and instead, we reach up to Him. “In your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:4b)
  4. Our heart may be broken, but our soul is intact. “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:5)
  5. We thank God for the sweet sleep that will come because “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night because you are my help…” (Psalm 63:6)
  6. We claim His power, knowing where we find protection. “We sing in the shadow of your wings. Our soul clings to you…” (Psalm 63:7)
  7. We declare: Lord, we will not faint because “Our soul clings to you; your right hand upholds us.” (Psalm 63:8)

Father, I praise you for already knowing the help we would need, the comfort we would desire, and the reassurance we would call for. Thank you for going before us to prepare the healing and the restoration of our peace. I thank you in Jesus’ name, amen.

  • How long does heartache have to steal your joy?
  • What needs to change for you to accept His comfort?
  • In the silence of the night, what calms your soul?

Janet

 

Source: Heartache: 7 ways to conquer it. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Freedom, A Distant Desire

1 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

Ouch! It hurt when I read the following:

“I will not read any of your books,” a reader wrote some months back when I presented my views about the not-so-hidden-agenda that drips from Hollywood.

But after I spread some salve on the scratches of my ego, I realized this person was flagging the trophy of democracy— including freedom of speech.

When I stood in that courtroom over thirty years ago, I lifted my right hand, and tears of gratitude trickled as I pled my allegiance to the United States of America.

Becoming a United States citizen was an honorable vow, a commitment and a promise that America would from then on hold my allegiance and my respect.

American freedom graced my life like a treasure. Not a freedom to indulge my own gain and desires, but a freedom that required responsibilities. Moreover, the realization that responsibilities call for commitment. Commitment requires courage. Courage begs wisdom. Wisdom requires truth. And upholding truth demands action.

Sadly, this writer believes we’ve taken action. But not toward upholding the freedom this country was founded on. But to freedom that is slowly opening the door to a prison of moral destruction.

We have the freedom to paint TV and theatre screens with vulgar scenes, words, and examples of behavior that ridicule God’s precepts. That freedom we do have. But will we have the courage to face the consequences?

Pushing God out of our courtrooms, schools and public entities does indeed shout freedom of speech. But do we have the commitment and diligence needed to pick up the pieces of a country veiled with darkness in the absence of God?

Freedom includes wisdom—not our own, but that of our creator. The same wisdom that fueled the founding fathers to birth a country that rose to be the most powerful and prosperous in the world.

But that prosperity, rather than evoking gratitude, brought false confidence and pride. It masked values and opened the door for discontentment, criticism and a free-for-all for financial gain at the expense of innocent eyes and ears.

Freedom of speech is like pouring rain—it can moisten parched land, or cause destructive floods.

And flooded we have become with distorted values, and violence that fills our kid’s minds excused as acceptable, lyrics that sing of horrific actions blaring over radio stations, even groceries stores displaying magazines that celebrate sin with luring headlines is as common as milk on the shelves.

Admirably, some parents still fight the battle, attempting to instill truth and morals in their kids. But when did freedom of speech become the enemy making those efforts more difficult every day?

My love and gratitude for America haven’t dwindled, nor my appreciation diminished. It’s that admiration that evokes fear as the wind roars announcing the destructive hurricane of corruption

We have freedom of speech handed to us. But do we have the valor to stop its abuse, to make a stand before we drown in the murky waters of sexual decadence? Like a frog in boiling water, we won’t realize its destruction until entertainment dripping with violence and blatant depravity cooks our conscience.

To the lament of most, that coveted freedom would then be but a distant desire.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Father, we need wisdom to seek you, your ways, your laws, your precepts and your freedom. Grant us a humble spirit to recognize without you, darkness awaits. But with your hand guiding, victory is ours. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Will you join in prayer for America?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKWLQLJBzMg&feature=youtu.be

 

Source: Freedom, A Distant Desire ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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One thing you must do to be truly happy

18 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

 

Last week, I followed my nightly routine and fixed myself a cup of chamomile tea; not sure why I filled it to the brim, but I did.

Funny thing is that those of us who are blind tend to bump into things, especially when we’re in a hurry. And that’s exactly what I did. As I carried it from the kitchen to the bedroom, I misjudged the door frame and my elbow caught the edge, causing my tea to spill out. UGH!

That’s what happens to all of us. When we experience bumps in life, whatever overflows in us will pour out. If we carry fear and we hear bad news, fear will spill out. When we harbor anger and someone doesn’t measure up to our standards, rudeness and anger will trickle out. When insecurities overflow, a defensive attitude will leak out. And before we know it, we stand in a puddle of unhappiness.

But there’s hope, and it comes in the vehicle called “change.” When faith, grace, patience, genuine love and gentleness overflow in our heart, no matter how hard the bump, these will spill out. “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:34b-35).

What we store in the heart is the determining factor between living a marvelous life or a miserable existence.

Father, grant me wisdom to analyze what fills my heart. Show me what I need to remove and replace. Reveal to me what I must store in order to please you; to bring honor and glory to you. Teach me how to store genuine love so it spills out to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What fills your heart today?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/uq9PG0FZjA4

 

To learn more about Janet, follow the link below to visit her website.

 

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Source: One thing you must do to be truly happy. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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When God seems so far away

3 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

 

(May 05, 2017)

 

I can’t believe hubby had the nerve to do what he did! He sat among executives around a large conference table for their weekly meeting. They all took turns sharing a bit of news about their life and family.

“Well,” hubby said, “this weekend Janet and I split up.”

Gasps spread around the room. They all know we’ve been happily married over 40 years.

Then he followed by saying: “Yep, I went to California, she went to Titusville and we both came home on Sunday.”

Funny guy, isn’t he?

But whether a joke or not, separation is devastating. I know firsthand. Years ago, sorrow had separated me from God. My sudden blindness at age 30 and the death of my youngest son pushed me far away from Him.

Drained by my heartache, I didn’t sense Him near. I didn’t hear His comfort or even felt that He cared.

Have you been there? Although our mind wants to believe, our heart refuses. And though we know God exists, His comfort seems distant.

What joy to write this for you. My fingers are dancing on the keyboard as a result of the peace that fills my soul. Here’s the reason: Jesus said:  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

He had His place. And I had mine. He claimed His role and named mine, too. When my foolish notion of finding answers on my own faded, peace came back, joy was born and freedom from sorrow swept through.

Father, I praise you because we don’t have to face this life alone. Thank you for promising we’ll bear fruit, find refuge, have a new beginning, and live with victory united with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What are you trying to accomplish on your own?

Janet

 

Source: When God seems so far away. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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The bright side of disappointment.

18 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

Why does bad news come at the worst times? A while back, I sat at my computer, my fingers dancing on the keyboard when hubby walked in. “You won’t believe this…but it’s 95% certain I can’t go.”

He’s got to be kidding! We planned this vacation for a year; it was paid for in full. We looked forward to a bit of rest, a little distraction, fun times to renew our body and soul. This time away was God’s gift to us. Really, it was.

“You’ll have to find someone else to take my place,” he said.

I hate these kind of surprises. I blew out a long breath and, dropped my head on the back of my chair. Why does life have to be complicated by broken plans?

Maybe you’re going through that right now. Not something insignificant as spoiled vacations. But maybe someone let you down. Or maybe the answer you received left you numb with shock. Or even worse, what you thought would work, just ended in disaster.

But sadly we add to the disaster when we, on our own, try to swallow our pain, hold our chin up and attempt to deal with life’s disappointments.

We can’t. Rather, what we can do is look up and read the message that God writes with His love, bringing the bright side of any disappointment because each could be His new appointment. Those broken plans become His opportunity to bring new, better ones.

And here’s His reason: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

In His ways, a better path is revealed. In His path, a new direction appears. And in His way of thinking victory is in the horizon.

Pray with me: Father, I release my broken heart, my disappointment, and I welcome the solution and wait in expectation at your hand at work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What disappointment in your life will become God’s opportunity to do great things?

Hey friends, can you give me your feedback? Do you want me to include the prayer for you and the questions at the end? Or do you prefer shorter inspirational truths?

I delight in meeting your expectations.

Janet

 

Source: The bright side of disappointment. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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Three secrets to make your day shine. 

4 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

A group of friends and I chatted during lunch at an Asian restaurant last Sunday. After we finished, the usual thing happened.

A waitress approached the table with a tray. “Fortune cookies for you,” she said with a lovely accent.

Although I don’t believe in that stuff, I took one. And it read: The worst lies you hear are those you tell yourself.

Oh my, for the first time this silly cookie contained a true statement. How many times have I done that? Have you? We goof at something and what comes out, “Oh, what an idiot!” we say to ourselves.

If that becomes a habit, what happens then is those negative words we utter turn to the attitude we embrace. And that attitude turns to the course we take. And sadly, the course can take us to a not-so-pleasant destination.

But here are three secrets to change that in order to make our days shine.

  1. We acknowledge the harm in those lies we say about ourselves. And recognize where they come from.

Jesus said: “He the devil was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

  1. We ask God to transform our words.

“Set a guard over my mouth, O lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)

  1. We commit to change our words to reflect who we truly are.

“My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long…” because as the psalmist says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 35:28 and Psalm 139:14)

Next time we open a fortune cookie, we might find silly nonsense. But when we open God’s Word, we’ll find His truth, powerful truth worth replacing the negative words we’re tempted to say about ourselves.

Let’s celebrate the change because when praises, edifying words and positive comments flow from our lips, the enemy is silenced, our attitude is transformed, resulting in pleasantly sweet days.

What words have you been telling yourself lately?

Janet

Source: Three secrets to make your day shine. | Janet Perez Eckles

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The three secrets of a real winner. 

25 Feb

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

We all want to win, to triumph and reach success. But if you fail in these three areas, winning might not come your way.

The lady in this picture with me is sweet as can be. But inside, there’s a tenacious, driven woman. Not only is she a mechanical engineer with a successful career, but she happens to be a NASCAR driver.

“Tell me,” I said, “what did you have to worry about the most while on that racetrack being the only woman driver?”

“Other drivers,” she said. “I had to guard myself against drivers who were aggressive; against those who were vicious and against those who sometimes were spiteful.”

Not only that, but under those freckles and red hair, is a wise woman who knew the three secrets of a winner:

  1. Know your enemy.
  2. Be prepared.
  3. Be aware at all times.

With this simple strategy, she took home many trophies.

And so can we. During our own race of life, the Bible says, “Take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Devil’s schemes? Goodness gracious the battle isn’t against that relationship that ended in heartache? It’s not against the husband who walked away? It’s not against the conflict that divides the family? It’s not in the stress that drains us each day? Or the illness that brings on fear?

Not at all! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Although this sounds intimidating, there’s no need to fear. With a dance of reassurance in our step, we move forward as we know the enemy and his schemes, we’re prepared, and we are aware. Thus, we go ahead and pick up our trophy.

Driving the vehicle of confidence when fighting against those forces of the dark world, God almighty and powerful, brings on the victory. As we battle against all the unseen evil forces, His power shields, protects and guards against the influences of fear, loneliness, worry and sorrow.

We then head to the finish line, winners, triumphant and victorious.

No matter what you’re facing, are you boldly declaring your victory?

Janet

Source: The three secrets of a real winner. | Janet Perez Eckles

Be sure to check out Janet’s Amazon author page.

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Three truths to keep you from giving up.

4 Feb

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

(January 20, 2017)

I can’t help it, I’m just nosy as can be. During one of the events in my trip to Cuba, I sat beside one of the ministry leaders.

“What part of Cuba do you come from?” I asked.

“Santiago de Cuba,” she said with joy in her voice.

As I shooed flies and fanned myself to create a bit of breeze in that intense humid heat, I bombarded her with questions. In the typical passion-filled Cuban style, she answered them all. Here is the summary:

She traveled 33 hours with an 11-month-old son in her arms. The trip began in a dilapidated car, springs protruding from the seat. No luxuries such as air conditioning, thus, the opened windows let all the dust in from the dirt roads. The roof was metal making the blistering heat more intense.

“How long was the trip in that car?” I said.

“Twelve hours to our first stop.”

She and the family and other families had to sleep on the cement floor of the terminal so as not to miss the first morning’s chance for transportation to the next stop. This time it was in an old truck in same conditions as the car.

Thirty-three hours later the families arrived accompanied by dozens of others who came from remote parts of Cuba to attend the event.

I was stunned. Not only at the hardship that no one in the States would even consider enduring. But I was amazed at the joy she exuded. Not a word of complaint. No words of “poor-me.” No tone of frustration. Only joy in her laughter. A sweet spirit in her willingness to serve us visitors. Imagine that. Us, who arrived in Cuba seated comfortably in a jet.

“I’m amazed at your perseverance,” I said.

She chuckled. “We love to do what God calls us to do. And the way to serve Him is to travel where we can minister to more people. That’s our reward.”

Her reward? That’s what keeps them going. The end result that keeps them energized. And the final accomplishment that gives them the strength to endure it all.

Shame on me. While on the rough road of life, the reward is often the last thing I think of. How about you?  When we find ourselves riding in a dilapidated car of heartache, we want to give up. When we’re melting in the heat of broken relationships, we want the comfort of reassurance. Or when we find ourselves sleeping in the cement floor of pain, we cry out to be freed from the torment.

Thank you God! For He has three steps to keep us moving forward in the vehicle of perseverance:

  1. No matter what you’re facing, give it all you got—the faith to believe, the commitment to endure and the strength not to give up because God said: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”
  2. Although you may not see the results, the changes or the solutions yet, joy still bubbles inside… “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
  3. Your efforts are not for the benefit of the other person or to change the circumstance; rather, “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23

If we do it all for Him, freedom comes. If we focus on His reward, the journey is doable. And if we know God is with us, no matter how rough the journey, confidence increases, and peace comes back once again.

What will happen if you focus on God’s reward during your journey today?

Janet

 

Source: Three truths to keep you from giving up. | Janet Perez Eckles

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The key to endure everything

7 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

What was I thinking? I only taught him half a lesson.

I held my 6-year-old grandson’s face in my hands. “Sweet boy. Before you go into a room and the door is closed, you need to knock, OK?”

I felt his head nod between my hands.

Later on, he followed my new rule. After a few quick knocks, he walked right in.

“Come here, sweet boy,” I said. “Nana forgot to tell you that you need to wait for someone to say, Come in before entering the room.”

My desire is for that beautiful boy to grow up in Jesus’ footsteps. To follow His lead. Emulate His ways and imitate Jesus’ sensitive nature.

And His sensitivity shows when He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 16:20).

He stands, waits and lingers at the door of our heart until we open it and say, “Come in.”

And that’s when a new beginning happens. With Jesus residing in our heart, we taste new freedom and rely in new power. We can face all the tomorrows. We endure all adversity. We walk through dark valleys, leave fear behind and welcome a New Year with confidence wrapped in the warmth of His security.

Have you heard Him knock at the door of your heart lately?

Source: The key to endure everything. | Janet Perez Eckles

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