Tag Archives: Faith

Getting my Ducks in a Row~Part 2

13 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

We remained inside most of the day after the winds of the hurricane began to die down. Traffic lights were not working and we didn’t want to deal with the hassle driving would be. So Saturday we decided to venture out. We visited a friend and helped take down her boards and later in the day we drove to the marina. There were four sailboats that had washed ashore, but I only took pictures of two as the others were further away.

The yellow is to keep oil and fuel from escaping into the water.

On the way home from our friends home we drove through a neighborhood where we once lived. It is an older subdivision with a lot of oak trees. I was fascinated with the moss that covered yards and the road, The hurricane stripped the tress so that some yards appeared to have gray snow on them. I wasn’t able to get a good picture of the moss as husband felt a tad odd taking pictures while people were in the yard cleaning up.

 

On our way home from the marina, we drove down “river road.” It has a name, but it has always been called this by locals. There was far less damage than I expected as the news had been warning of a storm surge. Thankfully they were wrong. When we were almost at the end of the road, we saw it was blocked by a tree and back tracked.

fullsizerender-4

On Monday, we went to the local Target to get away from the house.  The third day after the storm passed, freezer cases remained almost bare.

I was nervous before the storm about not being able to board up. We were fine, no wind damage alt all.  I do think it would be a good idea to order some of the plylox to have on hand in the future.

One of the heart warming and encouraging results of the storm is the way churches reached out to help people, especially widows, single moms and the elderly prepare for the storm . We are blessed to have young pastors who have a heart of love for the community. On Sunday, instead of holding a service, they are meeting to go out into the community and aid in clean-up activities.

Monday afternoon was a big day for many of our residents. Power crews were able to restore electricity to homes that had been out since Thursday night. I was visiting with a friend when her power returned and there was a lot of whooping and hollering going on. Power company linemen are heroes in our community and we are thankful for every single one who left their families and came to our aid.

One thing was missing in the midst of this disaster. No one asked who one was voting for in the Presidential election. Neighbors talked to each other. They shared information and acts of kindness were the norm. This is who we are. This election period has brought out the worst in our country, but Hurricane Matthew a force of destruction,  brought out the best in us.

 

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Your security depends on what you choose from the menu.

8 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Menu of life

I sat at a large table among friends at a restaurant famous for its delicious Bar-B-Q. The smell would make anyone’s mouth water. We laughed, made comments and oohed and aahed at the menu items.

And since I don’t eat red meat, I tasted delicious moments with dear friends instead.

I looked in the direction of the waiter standing beside me. “I’ll order a side salad and cole slaw…and a baked potato with nothing on it.”

“Sure,” he said, “And your meat? Ribs, steak, chicken, pork?”

“No I’m fine with my salad,”

“You mean…” he said with disbelief in his tone, “You don’t want to order any meat?”

I shook my head and grinned as I always do when folks ask me that question in that you-must-be-crazy tone.

The same happens even in airplanes. A passenger seated beside me and I chatted for a long time. I told him a bit of my story and we discussed faiths.

“I don’t believe in religions,” he said. “I think we’re here on this earth to serve a purpose for the next life and that’s it.”

“Interesting,” I said.

“For example,” he said, “since you like to help people and you can’t see, you probably will come back as a guide dog in your next life.”

Gulp.

And when I stated that Christ Jesus, the one who died for my sins, is the Lord of my life, the ruler of my days and my guarantee for life eternal in heaven, he gave the are-you-crazy tone similar to the waiter

That’s okay because in John 14, the Bible makes it all clear. We don’t come back as dogs or other creatures, we remain in heaven for eternity because…

  • In heaven is where Jesus prepared a mansion for us.
  • He extends that invitation to all.
  • Jesus healed the sick to display His power.
  • He transformed souls to leave room for freedom.
  • He’s the only truth so we would see clearly.
  • Jesus died on the cross to kill our sin.
  • He rose from the dead, so we would, too.
  • He wrote Scripture to guide our path.
  • And finally He loves unconditionally, passionately, eternally so when the world lets us down, we can count on Him.

While you analyze the menu of religions, philosophies, beliefs and notions what do you choose to feed your soul?

Source: Your security depends on what you choose from the menu. | Janet Perez Eckles

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Getting my Ducks in a Row

6 Oct

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

UPDATE 10/8/2016

Waiting for Hurricane Matthew to arrive was making the whole family edgy. We spent Thursday morning picking up a couple of items  like extra snacks and a tote in which to store photo albums. Aside from rain, the weather did not deteriorate until around 10 pm.  By then I was worn out and decided to try to sleep as the worst winds were expected after 3 am. Friday morning came and the storm was still growing strong but thankfully, we still had electricity and air-conditioning it. I will write more on this in my Thursday blog

I’m writing this on Wednesday night instead of my usual last minute on Thursday post. It seems preparing for a hurricane spurred me to be more organized and “get my ducks in a row.”

 

I have found the retirement life,with flexible plans and few deadlines, feeds my procrastination gene. However, this week I discovered a remedy and its name is Hurricane Matthew! We have been steadily watching the path of the large storm and feeling safe since it was predicted to move east and away from Florida. On Monday it became apparent that Matthew might not agree with the projected track and Rebekah and I decided to top off our hurricane supplies. To be honest, I was feeling a bit smug that we were being proactive and not waiting until the last minute. That night we discussed the pros and cons of boarding up windows as they are relatively protected by a porch and the side walls of other townhouses.

We decided to board two windows that might be vulnerable and headed out to the home improvement store early the next morning. When we arrived at the store it  was busy but  without the craziness one sees when a storm is imminent. We planned to look first for Plylox, clips to hold the plywood in place over the windows, then grab a piece of plywood and hopefully have it cut to make it easier to carry home.

Plylox clips

Plylox clip

On our way to locate the clips, we passed the area where a large saw is set up to custom cut wood. To our dismay, a sign stating the saw was out of order was taped to it. Oh well, we should be able to find a way to get the wood home on top of our car. We hung a right and went to the far end of the aisle where a large container for the Plylox clips stood…empty. To be honest, we were irritated that the home improvement store was so unprepared.

Do you see the humor in that? We were upset that they were unprepared. Our daughter has owned this home for eight years and this is the first time any of us gave thought to purchasing supplies to board up for a hurricane.  I guess the best plans can have a flaw. Our flaw could be a major one, but I have a peace about our safety even though Hurricane Matthew has tracked further west and may make landfall in our county early Friday morning.

hurrican-im-here

Since the hurricane will be passing over us during daylight hours, I hope to get some photos and will post them here as an update when power is restored. Prayers for the safety of everyone in the path of this storm are appreciated.

Luke 8:22-25 The Message

22-24 One day he and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” he said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass.

25 Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?”

They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what he tells them!”

 

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What to say to a depressed loved one. 

1 Oct

Walking by Faith , Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Depression, anxiety and worry are the enemies trying to kill our peace and they are on the rise among men, women, and teens. Why? Few know the answer. But here, Dr. Michelle Bengtson has important guidelines so you can help someone begin the victory path.

09-23-16 Bengston

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Proverbs 18:21

What we say to others can either build them up or tear them down. We must take care not to further injure someone in their suffering from something we say.

As a neuropsychologist, I’m witness to the well-intentioned but misdirected words of friends and family to depressed loved ones that only serve to pull them down further.

When people suffer from depression, they often also harbor low self-esteem, guilt, and shame. What they crave is to know they are loved, accepted, and not alone.

Let Scripture help you determine what to say to a depressed loved one: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Here are a few things to say to someone struggling with depression:

  • I love you. There is no better time to hear this than when they are struggling to love themselves and wonder if others truly love them too.
  • I’m here for you. This is one of the most comforting things you can say to someone feeling alone.
  • You are important to me. It’s vital to know they are still acceptable, accepted, and important.
  • I’m sorry that you are going through such a painful time. Expressing your sorrow for their pain communicates that you care, even if you don’t fully understand.
  • Is there something I can do for you? This communicates your willingness to help and just your offer will lend comfort and encouragement.
  • You may not believe this now, but you won’t always feel this way. The depressed individual often needs reminding that there is hope.
  • We will get through this together. This communicates your acceptance, and your love.
  • Nothing. Actions often do speaker louder than words. I remember when Job encountered great hardship. Job 2:13 says his friends came and sat with him for seven days and nights. During that time, they didn’t speak a word because they saw how great his pain was. Words could do nothing to help his misery, but their company spoke volumes.

Remember, when you are speaking to a depressed loved one, your goal is to encourage and uplift them. “But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief” (Job 16:5 NLT).

How will you encourage a loved one today?

 

Source: What to say to a depressed loved one. | Janet Perez Eckles

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It Takes Time

30 Sep

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

 

Thank you, Lord, for your promises.
Thank you for your loving care.
You satisfy our every need.
Your presence is everywhere.

 

Patience is a trait that takes time to acquire.
It isn’t zapped into our being.
God uses situations as learning tools.
such as waiting for things we are not seeing.

 

It takes time to form relationships-
a bonding of two souls.
Patience is essential
in working toward our goals.

 

There is no substitute for friendship.
It begins with our Lord, above.
What a friend we have in Jesus.
The Cross is the symbol of love.

 

I want to follow in His footsteps
in helping my fellow man.
Even in my old age,
I know my Savior has a plan.

 

Keep looking up, dear friend.
That’s where our future lies.
Our physical body is subject to death-
but our soul never dies!

 

sunset-with-upraised-arms

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A friend who refreshes.

17 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, this month is extra special as you’ll be inspired by other voices with uplifting messages. Here is the first one from my friend Kolleen Lucariello. Enjoy!

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09-09-16 LucarielloAs we flip our calendars from August, ushering in September, we say farewell to our summer vacations and hello to the season of back-to-school, cooler temperatures of fall and one of the highlights of our home: football. Here’s another bonus of September: it’s also Women’s Friendship Month and I love the gift of friendship!

Recently I was reading in Acts about Paul and how difficult life had become for him. He was beaten, bound with chains, accused by the Jews, imprisoned, taken before councils and Rulers, and then eventually sent to Rome. I imagine by the time Paul boarded the ship to begin his journey to Rome he was a tired man; he’d endured a great deal. As I’m feeling bad for him, this verse jumps out at me: “The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, treating Paul with [thoughtful] consideration, allowed him to go to his friends there and be cared for and refreshed” (Acts 27:3 AMP).

I simply adore the fact that Julius, the guard in charge, thought enough of Paul to recognize he needed the care and refreshment of his friends. That part of the story just blesses my heart because I’m so grateful for those who recognized when I needed the care and refreshment only a faithful friend could bring. While my journey, or your journey, may never look like Paul’s, it’s still possible for imprisonment to find us.

We might endure a prison of darkness when depression covers us like a thick heavy blanket. Or chained to a past we can’t seem to move away from. We may find ourselves standing before accusers—relentless in voicing their opinions while refusing to hear ours. Life is full of moments when the waters can become a turbulent sea.

That’s when we need our own Julius, the guard in our lives, to recognize our need for care and refreshment. Who is traveling your journey with you? Who is your guard in life that notices when you’re about to break? Who reaches out when you begin drifting away? We all need a guard like Julius, someone willing to stand by us, giving thoughtful consideration to our needs. And we all crave friends who bring care and refreshment to our lives. The ABCGirl said: Proverbs 11:25b promises, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (NIV).

 

Source: A friend who refreshes. | Janet Perez Eckles

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What you must kill in order for joy to grow.

20 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

GardeningA desire to garden exploded in me when I read this:

Why do gardeners go for their hobby with such passion and dedication? I think it is because the creativity never ends. Gardeners are always adding, trimming, forming, watching, and that’s what makes the work fun. Our gardens are our living, ever-changing palette.

What fun! I want to do that, too. But then I remembered what someone told me. Gardening requires work, real work such as consistent efforts to pull out weeds so the flowers can grow.

I should’ve known that—nothing grows without work. I learned that in the weed-filled garden of my own life. And when I went to work, pulling out the weeds, then joy began to blossom.

And like many, the most stubborn weed is the one called doubt. It has to be yanked out. If not, doubt chokes all that tries to grow.

Often that unsightly doubt comes in these three different varieties:

  1. Doubt that God is enough, that He will provide for all our needs. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
  2. Doubt that God will be with us no matter where life takes us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
  3. Doubt that is the key that opens the door to destructive fear. So we fear things won’t turn out, answers won’t come or solutions won’t arrive. “For I’ve not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When doubt is pulled out, the garden of life shines with new colors. Peace grows, security blossoms, and hope brings on the fragrance of joy.

What weed-killer are you using for that stubborn doubt?

Source: What you must kill in order for joy to grow. | Janet Perez Eckles

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What if things get worse? Where do we find reassurance?

13 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

08-05-16 flat tire

VIDEO OF THE WEEK SNEAK PEEK  (CLICK HERE)

The sound was awful, the heat unbearable and the tummies were empty. That describes our ride home from a theme park with the grandkids this past Saturday.

The sound came from the rear of the car. We had traveled a few miles and were in the middle of nowhere. The heat read 99 degrees. And the 6- and 8-year-old grandkids in the back seat were more than a tad hungry.

So, what did these two wise, grandparents do? Nothing, we rode for a while hoping the noise would go away, and at the same time going through options for the reason for such noise.

Hubby pulled over and discovered a totally flat rear tire. Aware that our somewhat new vehicle doesn’t provide a spare tire, we waited for the tow truck.

We wiped sweat from our foreheads as the heat sizzled through the windows. And to pass the time, we played a silly game. It’s called the what-if game. We imagine alternate options, ones much worse than we face in reality.

We took turns. They began and we followed. What if we had an accident instead? What if we had no gas in this heat? What if he air-conditioning didn’t work? What if Papa couldn’t drive and Nana had to take over? (They gasped at this one!)

The game, as silly as it seems, teaches them that life has unexpected glitches, bringing painful surprises that leave us in the heat of discouragement. Then like the tire, our joy goes flat. But even in the worst or truly devastating what-if’s we can imagine, we’re triumphant still. We’re secure in the power of God’s love. And we’re in the reassuring shelter of His protection.

The Apostle Paul confirms this as he might have come up with some what-if’s of his own. And so he asserts: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37b-39)

No matter how dark your situation might be, have you considered the what-if’s?

Source: What if things get worse? Where do we find reassurance? | Janet Perez Eckles

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Could it be that these 10 steps are keeping you from the abundance of life? | 

30 Jul

Walking by Faith, not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

07-22-16 10 stepsShocking statistic. I just learned that we spend 10% of all our waking hours looking for something—from a parking spot, to our cell phone, for the latest post on Facebook, etc.

What would happen if that 10% of our time could be spent in looking for something worthwhile, something that will positively impact our lives, make it better, happier, and richer?

That something is wisdom. For it’s the lack of wisdom that lead us to make bad decisions which result in the mess of life, in the disappointment that brings on sadness, and in the regret that makes our heart ache.

Good news because God said, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding…”

And put on your celebration hat because if, in that 10% of our looking time, we find God’s wisdom, these ten rewards found in Prov. 3:13-18 are ours:

  1. For she [wisdom] is more profitable than silver.
  2. And yields better returns than gold.
  3. She is more precious than rubies.
  4. Nothing you desire can compare with her.
  5. Long life is in her right hand.
  6. In her left hand are riches and honor.
  7. Her ways are pleasant ways.
  8. And all her paths are peace.
  9. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her.
  10. Those that lay hold of her will be blessed.

I’m waving my hand in the air. I want all that! Don’t you? But in our hectic lives with traffic jams, to-do lists that keep getting longer, and pressures that squeeze us dry, how do we find that wisdom? God’s answer: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…” (James 1:5-6)

How will you embrace God’s wisdom to make your days brighter and better?

Source: Could it be that these 10 steps are keeping you from the abundance of life? | Janet Perez Eckles

Janet’s joyful spirit lifts my heart. If you would like to learn more about Janet and her ministry, visit her home page.

Janet Perez Eckles, Igniting Your Passion to Overcome

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How to use your sad yesterdays for a bright tomorrow.

23 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

07-15-16 Faith

Meet Faith

 

Hubby and I sat in the family room as we visited friends in their condo on the beach. Suddenly lights began to flicker. Then electricity went out for a few moments. I sat on the couch while all dashed out to the balcony to see the cause.

What they saw was a fire burning in one of the nearby electric transformers. Fire trucks and police rushed to the scene and took care of the situation bringing safety back.

But the fire was the hardest on a large dog. The fire burned her front yard and the experience scared her so much she won’t walk into the house. The owner has to carry her inside and give her Benadryl to keep her calm. Interestingly enough, this fearful dog’s name is Faith!

Experiences can do that to dogs and to us, too. We sometimes experience the fire of rejection that aches or the fire of disappointment that leaves its mark. We may experience the fire of wounds that sear or the fire of abuse that leaves its scars. Or and even the fire of cruel words that still echo in our head.

All are real and often build a thick wall, keeping us from the happiness and the freedom of joy that can be ours today.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what God has to say to you and to me when it comes to past experiences of fires of yesterday that smolder in the crevices of our heart:

“Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

And refreshed by that stream of His love, He will carry you through the front door to the new dwelling where He houses these promises: “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 43:1b-2)

What past experiences is God asking you to leave behind?

Janet

Source:  How to use your sad yesterdays for a bright tomorrow. | Janet Perez Eckles

 

Have you been to Legoland? Janet shared this story in her newsletter:

With backpack filled with snacks and bottles of water, hubby and our two grandkids filed through the entrance to Legoland. And what do we encounter first? A roller coaster which sent the little ones into the excitement mode.

They pulled my hand. “C’mon, Nana, you have to come with us!”

This blind Nana does not do roller coasters. But I wasn’t quick enough with my excuse.

“Nana,” my six-year-old grandson said, “you don’t have to be afraid, and Papa is going to sit right next to you.”

And he did. I shook, and jerked from side to side as the ride took sharp turns, rose up and came down again. But, I smiled because I was beside my strong hubby.

If you happen to be on the roller coaster of life, shaken up with heartache or worry, God is beside you, strong enough for you to hold on to so you can feel secure.

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