Tag Archives: Fear

Fear

13 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Re-blog

I would like to preface this re-blog for those who read my posts.  

My beloved, wonderful husband Fred, suffered a stroke mid-March 2025. 

 Because of that, I feel that I  need to concentrate on him and his care.  Consequently, I will be doing a series of re-blogs of previous postings.  Perhaps most of them have been read, but sometimes it’s nice to re-read something we enjoy.

But before I start with the “series” I would like to present this particular one.  It was written during the Covid lockdown, but in re-reading it, I realized that it fits my/our situation today just as much as it did then.

  I fear for my husband’s recovery…I fear for our new life – it will never be as it was, and I shall miss it.  

HOWEVER….I will NOT allow Satan to make me live in that FEAR!!  I serve and love and honor a loving, living God who only has good for me and my Fred, and we are willing to plant our feet, dig in, and conquer this stroke!!  Praise be to His Holy Name!

And so….

QUARANTINE TIME – TAKE 3 Reblog

I’m sincerely hoping that this will be the final “Quarantine Time” post I will make.  I hope that for the most part, it will be over by next week, and the country will be up and running as it should be.

However, along that line, there was something on facebook recently that really caught my eye.  I would like to present it to you here.

Each one of these has predicted the same thing – we’re ALL going to die!  Well, yes, we are – eventually.  As my beloved father-in-law said, “100% of us die.”  But we do NOT have to live in fear.

And that brings me to something else I saw on facebook:   

Fear does not stop death.  It stops life.  And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles.  It takes away today’s peace.

And yet again:   I never thought I would see a time that so many people were so afraid of dying that they were willing to stop living.

I mentioned to someone recently that my step-father was the stereotypical pessimist.  For instance, as we were about to go to Germany in 1980 for our three year tour in Heidelberg, my step-father said to me, “well, I hope to see you again!”

Almost in a fury, I turned to him and said: “Sid, if the balloon goes up (world war 3) while we are overseas, one of two things will happen – I’ll either live or I’ll die.  If it is God’s timing for me to die, then NOTHING in this world can keep me here.  If I am to live, then NOTHING in this world can take me out.  I REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR!”

And that has pretty much been my mantra ever since.  My life is in God’s hands, and I trust Him completely.  And if it is, indeed, time for me to die, then I know I will be instantly in the presence of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!  Nothing is better than that.  

The peace of mind that brings to me is far beyond anything I could imagine.  And as I said before, I REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR!’

Jesus promised:

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

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Do not live in fear!  God has your back!

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Hope in God’s Reminders

8 Mar

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblogged 3/8/34

Some weeks, the topic for these posts comes easily. Other times, I struggle to find the words. This week, I had written most of the post but when I went to finish; the document was missing. I guess it’s just another way God is trying to remind me what 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, something He’s done multiple times over the past several weeks. I wasn’t sure why this verse has continually popped up in my devotionals and other readings, even a post here on February 19.

I thought to myself how thankful I am that I’m not facing any trials at the moment. But when I felt led to write about this verse again for today’s blog, I took a step back and realized there are trials I’m facing.

The greatest of these is a situation I have absolutely no control over. I can’t fix it. I can’t even think about it without becoming physically ill over all the horrific ways it can turn out. I pray for resolution daily, and several months ago I surrendered it completely into God’s hands, but there are still moments of deep pain and worry.

On another front, there is uncertainty at work as we go through corporate restructuring. I’ve been with the company long enough to see these shifts come and go, always bringing with them drama and rarely working out as hoped. Fortunately, God burst the “my job is my identity” bubble long ago, so I don’t feel threatened by the change. Still, tension and uncertainty try to wiggle into my mind, and I wonder if it’s time for me to move into a new department.

Then there’s my current novel. I’m ready to be done with it, but there’s still work to do. The hours I spend editing fly by faster than any other hours of the day, except perhaps the hours I sleep, those fly pretty fast too.

It’s March and I haven’t even gathered my papers for the tax man. I have a to-do list that never seems to shrink. There are plans to be made for an upcoming trip. The dog needs a bath, the car needs the oil changed, weeds need to be pulled. Does anyone else ever feel like there are more jobs to do than hours in an entire lifetime?

It’s no wonder God keeps telling me the trials of this lifetime are momentary and I need to stop focusing on what is seen because it will all fade away. Instead, I need to focus on the unseen, the coming glory of eternity in His presence.

Stop where you are today and unload your worries. Ask God to show you where your priorities need to be and let Him lead you. There will always be struggles in this life, but they are fleeting. They may be outside our control, but He knows exactly what needs to happen. Find hope knowing that God wants the best for you, even if it means you have to walk a hard road for a time. He is there with you and will bring you through to the other side.

Don’t forget to check out the resources page I am developing with content I have found encouraging, has taken me deeper in my walk with God, and generally builds my hope.

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When Bad Situations Turn to Victory

27 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

“This is the new me this year,” my friend said. “Healthy eating and I’m even joining the gym.”

I cheered her on.

And I found a great thing,” she added. “After I juice, I use the pulp to sprinkle on my salads…it’s actually delicious!”

Most discard the pulp, but not her. Instead, she put it to good use. God did the very same with me. When blindness struck at the age of 31, I thought my life was over. I thought I’d be relegated to stay inside my four walls, empty of achievements. And like useless pulp, ready to be dumped in the garbage disposal of life.

Did you ever have moments like that?

Life didn’t turn out like you thought, plans fell apart, and bad times turned your joy to soggy pulp. You were too weak to fight and to down to look up.

At one time or another, we all have experienced this. But when God is in the midst, He uses what little we may have, what flaws we display, what ugliness comes in, or how low we feel. He crafts something deliciously beautiful. That’s because no matter how we try to overcome our own battles and rise above our weaknesses, God is about to turn them into strengths. He uses our weaknesses to make great things. He molds sad circumstances to success. And He turns our losses into gain.

He did that with me. I had asked God to remove my blindness. He didn’t. Instead, He turned my physical blindness into 20/20 spiritual vision.

Paul’s Challenges

In a different way, Paul also encountered adversity, painful and unpleasant, He confessed:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12: 8-10).

Paul delighted in His weaknesses…and God turned them to strength. He endured hardships…God pulled him through. He faced insults and unfairness…God brought about the victory. He was persecuted… God ushered him to freedom.

Where are you in this new year? Facing hard times? Drained by unexpected setbacks? God’s strength is being perfected in your weakness and inside your walls of tough times.

His strength might not be revealed by correcting the situation, but by changing your perspective to see His hand that removes anxiety, erases fear, and calms stressful moments. He’s at work so you can trust. He’s active so you can relax. And He’s crafting the solution that will strengthen your faith.

Let’s Pray

Father, the situation I face has drained my strength and my tears washed away the joy.

But I will cling to Your promise that Your power is being made perfect in my every weakness.

I shall trust You with every detail, and at every turn, I shall proclaim Your victory. In Jesus’ name.

What strength can you count on today?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Waste of Brain Space

25 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I awoke this morning feeling unsettled in my spirit. Last evening as I prepared for bed I felt prompted to boot up my computer and write something, but I had no idea what or why, and booting up the computer once I am done for the day is not a pleasant thought, so I didn’t.

Of course, this morning my mind began running through all the scenarios of what might happen today because I chose to ignore the prompting. Let me tell you when it comes to possible negative outcomes, I think my brain could challenge the newest AI bot.

In my life, I have wasted so much brain space and energy thinking about life’s “what ifs.”

My thoughts zipped from, was I supposed to write something, to share something, to read something then on to are my children ok and a lot more. All of this before I made it past the end of my bed.

Then I realized what I was doing and sharply commanded my brain to stop, just stop now. Every fear I felt was created in my mind. “What is going on with me?” I asked myself.

Then I remembered I had forgotten one of my life’s biggest lessons. But God.

I don’t think I would have emotionally survived a serious family conflict without taking every fearful thought and turning it into hope.

“What if they never speak to me again?” And I would in my heart respond, “but God, I trust that if they don’t ever speak to me, you will heal my heart.”

I am not sure why the fearful thoughts captured me this morning but I am so thankful I didn’t have to remain mentally captive.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I’m a general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  

My 2024 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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Whom Shall I Fear

16 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

The Lord is my light and my salvation 

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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A Strong Tower

22 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Prov. 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; 

The righteous run into it and are safe.

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Fear Not

1 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Isa. 41:10 and Job 11:18

Fear not, 

For God is with you.

He will strengthen you.

He will help you.

He will uphold you with His 

Righteous right hand.

Having hope will give you courage.

You will be protected and will rest in safety.

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Not Afraid

10 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps 112:7-8

He shall not fear evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting, leaning on, and confident in the Lord. His heart is established and steady; he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire upon his adversaries.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Because the Tomb is Empty, Your Loneliness, Fear and Anxiety Can End

8 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 4/8/23

Sometimes in the privacy of our heart and in the silence of our loneliness, we want to pour out what aches inside. Even when no one knows, our soul cries out:

Lord, sometimes my days seem like an endless echo of distant drums

Tormenting my soul and whispering sounds of sorrow.

My hours pass like homeless beggars, aimlessly shuffling to and fro searching for shelter

I thirst for company, for comfort, for words to quench my parched soul.

Minutes drag and mock me with more sounds of loneliness like sips of bitter poison

And the tomorrow’s laugh at what my destiny holds.

Will time creep by until I reach the end?

And though people all around crowd in on me

Still loneliness juts through like weeds in an empty and abandoned field.

But this morning, after a black sleepless night

A stranger visited me—

A glimpse of light from the horizon.

As if the sun rose within me,

Your Words Lord, the same ones that had been lost in the web of confusion

broke free to brush against my soul.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:3)

Because…

…the resurrection happened, because the tomb is empty and because Jesus is not only alive, but radiant with life-giving hope, the enemies of desperation, fear, anxiety, and loneliness have no power. None is a match to the power of Jesus who conquered death. And death is what awaits to those negative emotions that we cast to Him because He cares.

He cares enough to know the ache even before it started. He knows the details that feed the secret pain. And He even knows the degree of comfort and the amount of reassurance we desperately need.

And when we lift our head from the pillow of searing loneliness, the Son shines through, and hope dawns once again, peace filters through the window of our soul. And before we realize it, joy dances in the melody of His Word, the one that’s singing to you now.

… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise and thank You for the comfort of knowing my life, my days, my steps, my ears and loneliness are firmly placed in the hands of your unending love.

When do you hear God’s comforting words?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM.  Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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Fear

28 Feb

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

For about one year now, I have felt a level of fear, not only in this country, but throughout the entire world.  Fear of a virus – a manufactured virus at that.  Fear of that virus as taken the world to its knees.

I have seen people so afraid of that virus that they have stopped living.  They are afraid to go outside their houses.  They are afraid to go to church to worship.  They are afraid to go to the store to shop.  They are afraid of running out of toilet paper!!

I heard someone say once that, some people are so afraid of dying that they are afraid of living!  And I believe it!  And some of those people are friends who I know are deeply believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  You know, the One who told us “fear not” over and over in scriptures.  In John 14:27, Jesus told us:  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. (Emphasis is mine)

I’ve mentioned in previous posts, that I am a TV follower of Dr. David Jeremiah.  He is pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, California. (www.DavidJeremiah.org)   He has a TV program called Turning Point.  I’ve not listened to his radio program, but I suspect it’s called Turning Point, as well.  He preaches God’s word, and we are blest every time we watch his TV program.  His organization publishes a monthly magazine and devotional guide called Turning Points.  The March 2021 issue of that magazine is titled Putting Fear in Its Place.  I was most interested in seeing what he had to say about fear.

Credit http://www.DavidJeremiah.org

In his introduction to the issue, he made the statement that…”Too often we gain a fresh biblical perspective, but we never succeed in staying the course because we are derailed by fear.”  BOY! is THAT the truth!! 

Credit http://www.DavidJeremiah.org

In one article by Dr. Jeremiah he called Huff and Puff, and within that article, he made the statement that …”we never know when fear is going to come knocking – or pounding! – on our door.”  And with the illustration of the Three Little Pigs – only the third pig was prepared…we need to prepare ourselves for any and all tsunamis that Satan can hurl our way.

The second article by Dr. Jeremiah, is called Putting Fear In Its Place.  Please notice the calm, folded hands are on the Bible!

Credit http://www.DavidJeremiah.org

He stated that “To keep fear in its place, we need to know what it is, and what its place should be.”  He said we need to Define Fear…we need to Describe fear…we need to designate fear.  And the answer to all that is:   FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD!! (Emphasis is mine)

He stated that “we need to know how to address fear from God’s perspective.”  And within that article, Dr. Jeremiah stated that “There is no need to fear something that God has already worked out.”  And that’s the truth.

And again, he states that “Faith is God’s antidote for fear.”  And once again, “When fear grips us, we can’t delay the deliberate exercise of faith.”  (Emphasis is mine)

The media has set out to increase fear in our country.  We are afraid to be with and meet those we’ve had in our lives for years.  What will happen when the masks finally come off?  Will we STILL be afraid to be closer than the 6′ apart we are instructed to stay now?  Will we STILL be afraid to take off the mask for fear of germs?  We have lived through many, many infectious diseases in this country and we have NEVER gone to a lock down before.  Someone is trying to make us afraid of our shadows!!  And that “someone” is NOT God!

And so, just remember that FEAR IS NOT FROM GOD!!

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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