Tag Archives: Christianity

Five Keys to Make This New Year Happy

28 Dec

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• With whom are you connecting lately?

• Who brings the satisfaction that fills your soul?

• What new connections will this New Year bring?

Legacy

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

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Christmas Memories

22 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nope………Christmas Memories and just too precious.

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Does Everyone Go to Heaven

21 Dec

Does everyone go to heaven?

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That’s me,” I called out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legacy

 

 

 

 

 

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

 

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You Are a Star

13 Dec

From my Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

 

Being good isn't good enough
to meet another's expectations-
I'll be the best I can be,
But I have to be ME-
What do you see in YOUR reflections?


God created us just as we are-
He had a plan, don't you see.
In His plan for your life,
You are a STAR!,
But I will still remain Me!



Oh, but God has a plan for all of us-
even though we can't all have top billing.
On the "Stage of Life" we all have a part-
To serve takes a heart that is willing!



God, Himself, came to seek and to save-
What an example He set for you and me-
Lay down your life for your fellow man,
We are here to love and serve all humanity.

1 Samuel 7:3, 12:14 “Thou shall fear the Lord and serve Him.

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Relishing on the Journey

7 Dec

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

“Mom, please, please, can I have that for Christmas?”

Christmas used to be seasoned with pleas from our kids to get them that one more toy. We weren’t perfect parents; we gave in sometimes. But why wouldn’t we? Just like our kids, we’d fallen for the popular competitive race. It used to be called “Keeping up with the Joneses,” but now the Jones family is bankrupt. You’d think we would have learned, but no. I would put on my running shoes, slip on my headband, and put on my T-shirt that read, “Heading to Win – I’m on a Mission,” and dash off to the finish line. Anxious voices cheered me on: “Get the best, gather more, and grab every opportunity!” That included indulging our sons so they too would be a tinge above the competition. Finally, with wobbly knees, I reached that elusive finish line. But to my disappointment, rather than contentment, another finish line awaited. There was ALWAYS another finish line to reach.

Competition often throws us into the compare snare. And caught in its web, contentment is as elusive as snowflakes in Orlando. Way back in 1927 poet Max Ehrmann wrote, “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter.” Now, years later and with a bit of wisdom flickering in me, I broke loose from that snare. By replacing competition with contentment, stress is greatly reduced. I learned this from a pretty great guy. He found contentment in ways foreign to most of us. He’d been in prison, beaten, insulted, and even left for dead, yet, he found real contentment. How did he do it? Paul is his name and he wrote a letter revealing his secret. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) The “Christ” in Christmas is what gives us the strength to change competition to contentment. So, while sipping on a cup of hot apple cider, I’ll ponder on this truth: Contentment ushers in, not when reaching goals, but when receiving His grace to relish on the journey.

For nuggets of inspiration, visit Janet at: www.janetperezeckles.com
Legacy
Janet Perez Eckles,
Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
Inspirational video  just for you.

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Throwback Thursday

5 Dec

My Take

Onisha Ellis

On Facebook and Twitter, Thursdays have become “Throw Back Thursday. People post old photos of themselves, their family or places with fond memories. Then there is the Facebook page, You Grew Up In…. There is a lot of nostalgia going on, I wonder why that is?

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My thoughts linger on the past, remembering all my loved ones who have moved to heaven. I miss them and remembering makes me feel close to them. Sometimes I look back on my life with regret, wishing I had make better choices and been wiser but I am also thankful for how far I have come and the sure knowledge that even when I was distant from Him, God was not distant from me. He was just waiting for me to move forward.

Are we looking to the past, which has a safe, secure feeling because we subconsciously don’t feel secure about the future?  I have always loved Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Or as my mother would say, “What do you have a Lord for?”

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8

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Listening

2 Dec

My Take

Author, Poet and ArtistDiVoran Lites





 I hear the cardinal's, "Tu-tu-tu."
 I know exactly what he'll do.
 He calls his mate; they build a nest,
 she lays the eggs, and there they rest.

 I hear the chuck-will's widow sing.
 I know her song is praising Spring.
 I listen to her in the night,
 And all my fright takes off in flight.

 I listen to the dove's soft sound
 and sense that peace is all around.
 I'll listen to what God will say
 to me through birds (and you) today.





				
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Aunt Jessie~Part 3

	
		1
		Dec
	

	

	

		


SUNDAY MEMORIES


 Judy Wills


 


JUDY                                               


 My Aunt Jessie…..


Jessie was born in 1910, and died in 1990.  As you can see, she lived to be 80 years old – one of her goals in life.  As it turns out, she, her sister (my mother), and their mother (my Granny) all THREE died when they were 80 years old!  She had only one sibling, my mother.  I really enjoy these pictures of them as children.
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This one is one of my favorites.  When I showed it to a friend, her comment was, “Look at that – she’s mad as a wet hen, but still has a bow in her hair!”  Seems like Granny liked for her girls to look feminine – with bows in their hair a lot.


 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  


 This is also one of my very favorite pictures of Granny, Jessie, and Mother.  Someone must have said something really funny!
 
 
 
  
 
  
  




 


I’ve mentioned before her love of antiques.  This is an antique drop-leaf table that she treasured.


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For Christmas in 1955, one of her friends “wrought” a tapestry for Jessie that is truly amazing.  She had it framed and hung on the wall between the dining room and living room.  This picture shows just how huge it is!


 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 


Jessie had a really unique house in Albuquerque.  This window corner is in the kitchen.  When Granny was alive, she had pots and pots of African Violets in that East window.  She loved to tend to them.12  After she died, and Jessie couldn’t keep them up, she placed some of her knick-knacks and beer steins there, so she could enjoy them.


The upstairs bathroom was a neat room – the tile work 13was fascinating.  Actually this same theme was throughout the house wherever there was tile – kitchen (white with black), downstairs bathroom (green with black), etc.


The wall between the dining room and the living room was a “stair-step” affair, and she used it to advantage.  At Christmas, she would make candles, using waxed cardboard milk cartons.  She would literally whip some of the melted candle wax to make a foamy outer layer, and she would sprinkle sparkles in it before it hardened.  When the candle was burned, it glowed through the foam (and sometimes color) to make a delightful ambiance in the room.  I really loved those candles. (If you look in the background, you can see the “cove” ceiling I mentioned last week)


 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 


She had a real talent for decorating.  She loved Christmas and went all out to decorate the house for her – and our – enjoyment.


 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  


She was a delightful lady, and I’m glad she was in my life.




Philippians 1:3


 I thank my God every time I remember you.

				
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Use What Talent You Have

	
		29
		Nov
	

	

	

		
From the Heart


Louise Gibson


author of Window Wonders




Don't allow yourself to be intimidated


by the talents of others.


God created you to be unique!


He gave you special gifts of your own-


You are far more talented than you think




We are all actors on the stage of life.


Study the script, my friend.


Notice that even the brevity of parts


doesn't determine the end!




Do your best to honor the Lord-


serve honestly and be fervent.


In the end you'll hear the Master's words,


"Welcome to the joy of the Lord,


good and faithful servant"




Quote by the Rev. Oliver G. Green:


"Use what talents you have-


the woods would have little music


if no birds sang their song


except those who sang best."





				
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I Decided to Change Thanksgiving

	
		28
		Nov
	

	

	

		
On the Porch


Onisha Ellis


This year, I decided to change Thanksgiving. Every year since my parents passed away and my Thanksgivingbrother’s chose to not spend the holiday with me, I have mourned, cried, tried denial and even went on a Thanksgiving cruise. Nothing has worked to chase away the Thanksgiving blues.  This year I am changing things up.


First, I am working on my attitude. To be truthful, I have tried this every year and haven’t been successful. I would be fine up to “THE DAY” but would find myself in tears as my heart listened to the echo of years past, of kitchen banter, sharing recipes, children stories and just being family.


Secondly I needed to find something new and challenging on which to place my focus. I decided instead of roasting a whole turkey or even a turkey breast, I would purchase fresh turkey breast in a half-breast size. I chose four; each between two to three pounds and each adult in the family would be responsible for seasoning one. I seized the opportunity to try brining a turkey.  I plan to rub it with poultry seasoning and garlic infused oil before popping it into the roaster. I can’t wait until my son and his wife arrive to find out how they are seasoning theirs. I think the mixture of flavors will make the house smell delicious.


Why am I, a woman who knows she is truly blessed sharing this story? Because very few people have perfect lives. At some point most of us will face sorrow, loss and possibly rejection. This is my way of coping and I wanted you to know that this Thanksgiving I will be praying for you, that your heart will be made whole and maybe you could do the same for me?


 


Update Friday November 29,2013


Thanksgiving was so wonderful I don’t have words to express it. Thank you for your prayers.


One of our turkey breasts was brined with red pepper, garlic powder and peppercorns, one used A1 dry rub and the last one was brushed with rosemary and lemon infused oil. Everyone was eager to test each one. They were all delicious but hands down the brined one was the favorite.


 
 
 
  
 Rosemary and Lemon 
 
 
 
 
  
 Brined 
 
 
 
 
  
 A1 Dry Rub 
 
 
 
 

				
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