Tag Archives: Faith

The Choice That Set Us Free

17 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

“Turn that off,” I finally said to my husband as I walked in the TV room.

The nightly news blared yet another angle of the George Zimmerman case. The sad details stirred painful memories of our own trial—the prosecution of the man who killed our 19 year-old-son 10 years ago here in Florida. The man who stabbed him 23 times pled self-defense and the verdict also declared: not guilty of all counts.

The rage, the injustice and the protest that has been dominating the media were familiar to us. But more importantly, the details remind us of the decision my husband and I made back then. After nights of diligent prayer for strength. After pleading God for comfort. And after claiming the victory He would bring, we made the choice. The decision to forgive the killer.

The process wasn’t easy, nor the task simple. We chose to forgive because God had instructed us to do so. Were we such good Christians that we would obey? Not really. But we were desperate to be set free from anger or resentment that could’ve held us prisoners.

God said to forgive. But he also said without Him we can do nothing. He said not seek vengeance. But He also said Vengeance belongs to Him. He said to find joy in Him. But He also said to have a heart free of malice.

We found the peace that goes beyond all understanding. We learned firsthand the freedom that forgiveness brings. We found that tragedy happens, evil abounds, but triumph through the power of God is possible.

Writing about this episode is not easy. But the price Jesus paid for murderers wasn’t easy either.

Media hosts have asked me during interviews: What words would you say to the mother of a victim to murder?

I would say three things:

*Seek God’s help for the grieving process. Although it’s impossible to overcome the pain without His help, the journey is different for everyone.

*Be careful to choose what fills your mind. The mentality of a victim never reaches victory.

*Honor your child’s life by turning this painful episode to a powerful message. I suggest inviting those who have a high profile and are outspoken folks to use that same energy, passion and efforts to teach, to encourage and show young people of ALL ages the evil of violence, the value of self-control and the power of forgiveness.

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14.

Since Jesus gave us the power to forgive, our family’s loss turned to the gain of God’s gift. The gift of freedom wrapped in forgiveness.

For we know that unforgiveness is the chain that keeps us bound. And Forgiveness is the choice that sets us free.

The full story is included in Janet’s #1 best-selling book Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. http://amzn.to/pwDntn

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I Believe in Miracles

14 Aug

Bill Lites our normal Wednesday blogger has internet issues and was unable to send in his post for Wednesday. A true miracle occurred this week, I have written a blog post and have it ready to go. so I am posting Wednesday in the hope that Bill will be with us Thursday.

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I believe in miracles, in fact I delight in miracles so much they send my soul into a happy dance. My favorite miracle is seeing God bring people together to meet a need, encourage someone or heal a heart. I have lived long Onishaenough to look back through time to see how God guides the threads of our lives in His hand then draws together those lives to create a miracle. It confirms to me how intimately  God cares for every aspect of our lives. I wish I could draw well because this would be one of my favorite pictures.

As I was thinking about these small miracles, my heart questioned me about the big miracles. Why don’t I feel the same joy when I pray for the “biggies” like freedom from bad life habits, healing and even salvation?  Of course I pray for those miracles and say all the right words but where is the joyous expectation?

Here is my question: Do I rejoice in small miracles because I am afraid to yearn for big ones?

UPDATE: Monday morning, shortly after writing this I received a call that my precious 10 year old grandson was having silent seizures and needed an MRI  ASAP. I marvel at how God led me to search my heart so that I can joyously expect a miracle.

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Woman Cures the Blues by Writing Poetry

12 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

I am my own guinea pig. I figure what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, in other words, I learn things about myself all the time and wonder whether others feel the same way I do.

My latest discovery is in connection with the writing of poetry. I was in the middle of a final polish of my third novel in the Florida Springs Trilogy, Clear Spring, and I was feeling so down, I had to stop every thirty minutes to eat a teaspoon full of pecan pieces. Besides being nervous, a condition I attributed to stage fright because I was drawing near the end of my book, I also had a bad case of self-chastisement, a plethora of thoughts about how I wasn’t any good as a writer, nor as a person. I know I’m the only person in the world who ever has these thoughts, and that bothers me too. What is wrong with me?

Then I saw a Face Book call for entries for poems  about forgiveness from a Christian point of view. I was onto that like ducks on a June bug. First I started through my poetry workshop file, hmm, nothing specific on forgiveness, I usually write about more tangible things. So well, the thing to do is to start a new poem about the topic. I got so caught up in that I found the morning passing without a single bad thought or pecan piece. I wrote and rewrote. I asked my husband to read the poem to me. It was perfect except for one word. I wrote and rewrote again, this time shortening each line by two syllables. That required some word changes too. It got better. By the time I finished I was feeling mighty fine. No stage fright, no collywobbles, no cat-o-nine tails across my own shoulders. I felt ready to tackle anything, even polishing.

A similar thing happened once when my mother and I were waiting at a fish camp for our men to come home from a boat-shopping trip. It got later and later, but I didn’t have time to worry because I was working on a poem, “Bridgett’s Mustang.” You can see that poem in Bill’s, Old Things R New, “Slice of LIfe archives,” Our Trip Across America Part 9.

I need to go now, I am still working on forgiveness, and I hope to send it off within the next hour or so, then back to Clear Spring for some more polishing—stage fright free.

DiVoran’s books can be found at Rebekah Lyn Books as well as on Amazon

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I Was Watching You the Whole Time

10 Aug

We are pleased to welcome Janet Perez Eckles to Old Things R New. She lives in Orlando with her best friend and wonderful hubby, Gene. They  delight in the love of their two grandchildren from their son Jason and his wife Rachel, and their middle son, Jeff. We wait in joyful expectation to the day when we’ll reunite with our youngest son Joe, in the glory of heaven. 

Janet Perez Eckles

My three-year old granddaughter gripped my hand. “C’mon, Nana. Let’s go jump over the waves.”

My feet sank in the hot Florida sand as I took each step, her tiny hand inside mine. Even at her age, she knows to lead her blind Nana.

For a long, long time, we jumped, giggled and wiped salty water from our eyes. Then like the splash of a huge wave, I realized we had walked far from where her Papa was.

Worry began to burn. What if we cannot make it back? What if he lost sight of us?

I got down on one knee and held her thin face in my hands. “Sweetheart, do you see Papa anywhere?”

“Uh…no,” she said. “Let’s jump some more.”

I heard a conversation nearby. “Excuse me” I said, waving in their direction. “Can you help me? I’m trying to find my husband.”

Before I’d finished my question, I heard a familiar voice. “I’m here, honey.”

That voice was my husband’s. “I was watching you the whole time.”

How similar to God’s voice when stress, fear or worry fools our heart to believe we’re far from Him. But in reality in the sea of life, when the sand of hardship burns, and when the heat of heartache sears, God is watching, aware of our every step. Though we may think we’ve wondered far, He’s close enough for us to hear the whisper of His love. And how life changes when we can feel the touch of His grace. We sense the power of His protection. And when waves of unexpected trials come, we count on the safety of His care.
Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? 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
Janet Perez Eckles, the blind Latina who helps you see the best of life.
http://www.janetperezeckles.com

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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Your Old Men Shall Dream Dreams

7 Aug

Your Old Men Shall Dream Dreams

2004

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Sometime in 2004 I had a dream that started in a small building about the size of the church we were attending at the time.  A few people (some of which I knew) were scattered around the room.  One good friend walked up and handed me a lapel mike and asked me who was going to lead the meeting.  I said I guessed I could get it started by having everyone tell us his or her name.  As I started around the room, many more people were coming in and I realized I couldn’t name them all.  So, I just looked around and asked them to meet and greet each other.  As people kept streaming in, the room kept expanding until there were thousands of people in a huge outdoor coliseum.  Even though I was completely out of my element, I could feel the people’s love for me and for one another.  I was moved by their openness and asked them to pray that Jesus would visit us in Spirit and Truth.  I was filled with the most wonderful feeling of love and acceptance, and couldn’t stop sharing with them the love that Jesus had for all of us.

 

Then I started sharing with the people how Jesus must be hurting, and how we had all hurt Him at one time or another.  I told Him how sorry I was for how I had hurt Him and immediately felt His warm love and forgiveness.  Everyone was open and receptive to what I had to say, except for one heckler right on the isle next to me.  He was not mean, just disruptive and I finally looked at him and said, “Be quiet mister.” And, he immediately disappeared!

 

The sky above us was constantly moving and filled with every color in the rainbow (like Alice in Wonderland).  At some time during the gathering, it became very dark all around the outside of the coliseum and started to rain, but not on us.  The open sky above us remained bright and filled with moving color.  It was a very scary position to be in, but as thousands of people kept coming in, I found myself filled with an ever-increasing desire to share the love of God with them.  It was the ultimate worship experience!

 

When I woke up, I felt cool and calm, not hot and sweaty like when I wake up from most dreams.  My first thought was “I don’t ever want to find myself in front of that many people, in that kind of a position!”  I immediately repented and told the Lord I was willing to do whatever He wanted me to do.  Then I thanked Him for giving me the experience and felt that I should write it all down.  I wasn’t sure why I felt like I should write it down, because I have never done that before, especially in the middle of the night, but it just seemed like the kind of dream that I wanted to share with others.

 

 

Acts 2:17

                                               

 

 

 

                                               

 

 

 

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A Little TLC Can Go a Long Way

5 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

For the past several days we’ve been hearing a bob-white conversation from the woods behind our house. We back onto the Diceranda Scrub Sanctuary where threatened and endangered species both from the plant family and from the animal world have Author, Poet and Artisttheir habitats. We have the Diceranda (thincola) or Titusville mint (endemic, which means this is the only place in the world where it is known to exist.) It is endangered. It’s a small leaved plant with leaves that remind you a bit of rosemary with a tiny violet flower. It needs a bit of clearing alongside the trail to thrive.

We have Florida scrub jays. They are like blue-jays only plainer and more shy they are on the list of threatened species. We have gopher tortoises (threatened), great

lumbering creatures that look as if they crawled out of the swamp somewhere, but who, need xeric sandhills for their burrows. Many other animals survive because of them, the indigo snake is one that uses the burrows. Indigo snakes are threatened.

Did you ever wonder what all the hullabaloo was about when it comes to the different wildlife we talk about being endangered or threateneds? In a nutshell, what that means is that there are so comparatively few of each species that they will someday be extinct if something isn’t done to

This turtle likes bird seed.

Turtle eating under bird feeder

conserve them.

Conserving any kind of plant or animal necessitates conserving the places where they live, the food they eat, the water they drink (and swim in) as well as the nesting places where they rear their young.

So what? Animals come and animals go. Why should we worry about any of that? We have our nice homes and our lawns and picnics on beautiful summer days. We have our clean water, (we hope it is clean, anyhow).

The only trouble is that as the wildlife go, so goes the world. Prime example: have you heard about the honey-bees dying off in many countries including the U. S.? What good are honey bees anyhow? We don’t need honey, we’ve got tons of sugar. Yes, but did you ever think about what we have to have to make sugar or any other kind of food, including meat, milk, eggs, spinach, apples, and yes, sugar cane. The plants must be pollinated so they will grow, flower, turn into fruits and grains. Albert Einstein once said, “If honey bees become extinct, human society will follow in four years.” I’m curious how we could last that long, but never mind. The bottom line is: no pollinators, no food.

The birds, bees and insects, all depend on each other and on plants for basic life. Throw any system off-balance and you’re asking for trouble. So what can I do? What can you do? We can start with small things, small things can make a big difference. Look at books and websites on how to create habitat in your yard. What do your birds and butterflies need? What will bring bees to feast at your place. How can you live where there are endangered and threatened species and be a part of defending them. You’d be surprised what a little bit of TLC by a lot of people can do.

We’re hoping the bobwhite will start coming to our yard again. Once a momma and daddy slipped through our chain link fence and twelve babies jumped through too and followed them all over learning what to eat and what not to. How did we ever get so blessed as to have seen a sight like that in the wild? God loves all his creatures, so obviously He’d be happy to see us find some more ways to take care of each other and the wonderful world He has given us.

DiVoran’s books are filled with her love of nature. You can learn more about her and her books at Rebekah Lyn Books

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Susie’s Daddy

29 Jul

My Take

DiVoran LItes

Author, Poet and Artist

Earl plays the guitar for our praise team. He’s one of those who can play many instruments and play them without notes on paper.

Earl is a big man, younger than my son, older than my grandson.  I hold his hand in our prayer circle after practice. His hand is gentle, patient, and strong.

His little girl, Susie, is in my Sunday School class. She’s about to be seven as she puts it.

One day she brought a plush horse to Sunday School and I noticed he had construction paper wings. They were designed and cut and adhered to the horse with tape that stayed on through all Susie’s loving. “Who made your horse’s wings?” I said.

“My daddy,” she said. Later I learned that almost all her critters have wings daddy has made for them. One Sunday she told me about a small worry, and I suggested she tell her Mommy about it. AND my Daddy says Susie adamantly.

After practice on Father’s Day it came to me to compliment Earl on his fathering skills. Everyone likes to be encouraged in this way.

As we left the platform I said I had something I wanted to tell him. A look of fear came into his eyes and I realized that he had perhaps in the past been told a lot of things he didn’t want to hear, but he was brave, he didn’t bolt.

“Susie really loves you, I said. You are a good father.”

“She’s my baby,” he said, still wary.

I told him about the wings and how impressed I was with the way Susie loves him and trusts him.

“Just doing what comes naturally,” said Earl.

I told him I understood that, but that few daddy’s of my acquaintance gave their little daughters the kind of TLC he does.

“Oh, I didn’t know….” His face began to crumple.

In order to escape his embarrassment if he started to cry I started to move discretely away, but he kept pace with me. “Thank you for telling me that,” he said. “You can’t know what it means to me.”

I told him I did understand what he meant. Regular people so rarely see our own excellent qualities.

My grandmother Maire would approve of my telling him how I felt.. She always taught that if you saw something good about someone they deserved a compliment.

Pastor Peter Lord would approve too. His number one message these days is Eulogy:.tell people good things about themselves while they are alive. Don’t wait until you go to their funerals.

Most people need encouragement for the good things they are and do. To coin a phrase a quart of praise is worth more than a gallon of criticism. It’s one gift that makes both the giver and the receiver as happy as can be.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

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This is My Story and I Am Sticking to It

23 Jul

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

This summer has certainly had its ups and downs. Our family members have been Onishaplagued with ongoing physical challenges and a precious uncle went to be with the Lord. The garden I was so excited about in the spring has pretty much fizzled. The weather has included rain most days and when it has been nice, my work with Rebekah Lyn Books has kept me hard at work on my computer instead of chilling on the porch.

Then Monday morning I looked outside and the sun was shining, my husband was feeling better and a flower basket hanging outside my front door was beautiful and

House Wrens love to nest here.once again housing a bird nest. For the past three years we have purchased the same kind of flower basket and each year an adorable bird has nested there. Something about that basket and the new life growing inside of it sparked a thrill of joy. It reminded me that whether I am experiencing mountain top highs or walking down a thorny path it is all a pattern in the seasons of life. I have rejoiced in the glorious days and I will choose to rejoice in these trying days.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14.27

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Standing on the Promises

22 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and ArtistEvery family has trouble and sorrow. Our’s is no exception, but one day when I had come to the end of my resources, I discovered that God made promises in the Bible. Nothing has ever been the same since.

As I began to see scripture as promises I wrote them down in a small, red, velvet book. Soon it was filled with promises and quotations from godly folks I trust.

Now many years later, I’ve seen the fulfillment of those promises. Not only have they been fulfilled in the family we started with but in our descendants as well. My greatest hope has happened. God is good.

How about you, is there a special promise you have claimed in trying times?

“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 53:13

 

If you would like to read more from DiVoran she can be found at Rebekah Lyn Books

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AEROBICS AND HEARING AIDS

14 Jul

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

JUDY 

 I have been an “exerciser” for many, many years of my life.  As a matter of fact, I began jogging more than three months before I shamed Fred into jogging with me. We’ve never stopped doing something in the way of exercise.

 So it came as no surprise to me to find an “aerobic dancing” class beginning shortly after we arrived in Heidelberg, West Germany.  One of the military wives was teaching the class.  I took the class and loved it!  The interest was so great that she wanted to have a partner to help teach – and she selected me.  I taught the remainder of the three years we were in Heidelberg.   This was our logo and color.

During that time, there was one lady in my class who always stood in the front row and to my right (I was facing away from the students).  As we conversed, I thought she had a speech impediment.  After we got to know each other a bit better, she told me that she had been born with some hearing loss.  She wasn’t totally deaf, but enough so that she couldn’t hear the way most words were sounded.  That explained her speech.  But she had hearing aids that helped her so much, and she could understand all the cues I shouted out in the class.

As interesting as all that is – to me anyway – that’s not the end of the story.  We returned stateside and began our life in Virginia.  Our oldest daughter had met her 2future husband while in high school in Heidelberg (his father was our American pastor), and he had returned to the States to attend college – where she was attending, of course.  They married a few years later.

One evening, around Thanksgiving time, I received a call from our son-in-law, saying that, on their way to see his parents in South Carolina, our daughter had fallen asleep at the wheel and they had crashed.  I was furious that he would only say that she was “in with the doctor” and wouldn’t give me any more details – like…..is she still alive???!!!

I asked if he wanted us to come and take them back home (they were only about an hour from their apartment).  He agreed.  He then said, “wait, here is the paramedic who will give you directions to the hospital.”  This young man came on the phone and gave me the directions – with the very same intonation that my aerobic student had!!  I knew at once that he had hearing loss, and not a speech impediment.  And, by God’s grace, I was able to understand every word he said – the first time!  No repeats.  God had prepared me, all those years ago, for that very moment, when I would need my wits about me, and to understand this young man’s instructions.

I could end the story there – that is the main thrust of it – but I want to tell you of God’s gracious hand in all this.  You see, when our daughter fell asleep, the car drifted, and our son-in-law looked up and screamed, which woke her, and she drastically over-corrected.  That caused the car to roll several times.  Amazingly, there were no other cars around them – just down the road a bit – no other cars involved in the crash.  There was an off-duty ambulance behind them that stopped, and the paramedics gave aid.  They could have rolled off a bridge and crashed onto the road below them – but they didn’t – they just rolled to a stop on an embankment.  While the car was totaled, our children only suffered a few cuts and bruises.

Our God is loving and faithful and gracious, indeed.

O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us…

Psalm 12:7

 

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