Tag Archives: God

Angelic Rescue

17 Jan

From My Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

When something happens that is unexplainable,
and excites our inner core-
It leaves you with a sense of awe,
and the desire to know more.

God tells us that “He will put His holy angels
in charge of us, to keep us in all our ways”-
At the time we are being challenged, though- negative thoughts create a haze.

I was driving home alone one night,
not late, but it was dark.
To avoid a lot of traffic I took a back road
where activity was stark.

I have driven this path many times,
But always during the day.
“As fate would have it, I missed my turn
but continued on my way.

It was a dark night, but street lights were few-
Suddenly I was filled with dread!
The road seemed to come to an end, and
dense woods were straight ahead.

“Dear Lord, I need your help,
I don’t know what to do.
There seems to be a ditch on either side,
and trees ahead obstruct my view.”

Two bright lights appeared ,
as a truck came into sight-
“Out of the woods, at this hour?
Lord, your Angel saved the night!

An angel? Yes, I have no doubt.
What other reason could there be
By His bright lights, I turned around
and continued on home safely

I was going to follow the truck a ways,
but it disappeared from sight.
Mission accomplished!!
An angel truly saved the night!

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me
and delivered me from all my fears”.

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Taste and See That the Lord is Good

11 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

How do you explain blindness to a two-year old?

Sunday after church hubby and I stopped at a local restaurant. And as always, we ran into friends.

And as we exchanged comments, I heard a little giggle. “Hi Reagan!” I said looking in the direction of my friend’s two-year old little girl. “Did you like your visit to Cypress Gardens?”

She didn’t answer.

“Honey.” Her mommy said. “Mrs Eckles, can’t see. You have to say ‘yes’ out loud, not just nod your head.”

We chuckled.

“Close your eyes.” Her mom said. “That’s what Mrs. Eckles sees.”

We continued our visit, her mom and I chatting about silly stuff for several minutes. Then suddenly Reagan’s mom paused. “I’m sorry Reagan, you can open your eyes now. And go ahead and eat your food.”

We hadn’t realized during the whole time we were talking, she still had them closed.

I’ve done that too. When I faced tough times, the sting of setbacks, or the jolt of disappointment forced the eyes of my heart to close. And when in the darkness of my pain, I missed the banquet set before me.

I waded in the pool of self-pity. Then soaked with discouragement, sat in the hard chair of gloom. Refusing to open my eyes, I reasoned I was justified to sulk and pout.

Even worse, when God’s Word echoed in my heart, the rehashing of negative details of the circumstance drowned his message.

Yes, it’s ugly and smelly to be in that spot. No doubt, God’s patience was tested with me. How often He must have whispered, “Open those eyes and check out the banquet of blessings I placed before you. But my stubborn heart refused to open.

Those episodes come in all sizes and often unexpected. As a writer, rejection of my work stings. And my discouragement quickly closes my eyes. Then sadly, I become blind to the encouraging notes that fill my in-box when my words elicit positive reactions.

And when those times hit me hard and long, the popular saying, ‘get over it’ rings true. Just how long could I keep my eyes shut to his truth. And refuse to see the treasures within trials and the blessings that often follow burdens.

As a blind friend, I invite you to take a look, move beyond that setback, disappointment, or discouraging comment. If not, you’ll miss the bouquet of blessings, fragrant with His love, and sweetened by His compassion.

Unlike Reagan, don’t wait for someone to tell you to open your eyes. Instead, relish in the banquet the Lord has before you, and “Taste and see that the LORD is good…” Because when facing tough times, “… blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

(Psalm 34:8)8

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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After Christmas…

5 Jan

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

 

Christmas is such a joyous time.  I love the decorations – not only at our house – but also those that the neighbors put up.  Ours is rather tame compared to some of our neighbors, but that’s okay…….we have what WE enjoy!

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I love the season that reminds us that our Savior was born – to bring us life everlasting in His presence.  I’m sorry that society has made it into something so commercial, that so many people can’t see past the glitter to see God’s handiwork.  We received an e-mail from some friends who are working with Wycliffe Bible Translators, telling of some translators in Nigeria who were working on Luke 2:7, where “She [Mary] gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”  After pondering the word “manger” the locals used a word.  When the Wycliffe translator asked what that word meant, they said it was a “cradle” hung by ropes where the newborn could be laid and it could be swung.

The Wycliffe translator tried to get them to understand that was not what happened – that Jesus came in the lowest possible way, that it wasn’t just a matter of tradition. God expects us to find the words that express the original meaning as accurately as possible. Furthermore, this word tells us something profound about God.  “When He came to live among us and bring salvation to us, He came in the lowliest way possible. He did not come and sleep in a nice rope-hung cradle like every mother wants for her newborn.  Instead, He showed us his unbelievable humility.  So we need to find your best word for an animal feeding trough.”

Suddenly the one who had argued most loudly for the traditional term offered, “We feed our animals out of an old worn-out basket that is not usable anymore except to feed the animals. We have another word for it.” 

And so they used that word. 

That story reminded me of a man in our church who works on the Jesus film for the Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru).  He said that there was a translator working with the team in Africa going from village to village, and he would translate.  But it wasn’t until they took the film to HIS village, and he heard the story in his heart language that he finally understood the message of Christ!

God has made it so very easy for us to know and find Him.  In the “after-Christmas” we must hang on to the message that God sent his one and only Son to be born in the lowliest way possible, and grow into the man who would die for our sins, so we can live forever in His presence. 

How very great is our God!! 

 Psalm 8:9

Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

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Extra Effort for Ordinary Results

3 Jan

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

Sometimes I need a reminder
of just how blessed I am-
Especially when my heart is troubled,
as though I had failed an exam.

Perhaps it is age-related-
My arthritis is here to stay.
I sincerely try to ignore it-
but it refuses to go away!

I was on my way to go shopping
when it began to rain.
The car ahead bore a message on its tag-
“Too Blessed to Complain”.

When I reflected on My blessings,
my pains began to subside.
“Dear Lord, You are our healing physician-
In YOU I want to abide.

You provide all of our needs,
according to Your riches in Glory-
As I reflect on Your mercy and grace,
I am humbled to tell Your story.

P.S. We don’t need more to be thankful for-
We just need to be more thankful.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

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Memories of New Year’s Past

29 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

I guess I am just like most people when it comes to New Years – “I AM going to lose those _____ pounds this year!”  “I AM going to get the house in order!”  “I AM going to scan all those pictures and get them in an album!”  etc., etc., etc.

So, resolutions not-with-standing, what are my memories of New Years past?  I guess my favorite memory is of growing up in my church in Albuquerque.

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For many years, on New Year’s Eve, the church would have a program that started about 6:00 p.m. with a dinner.  Now, this was a fairly large church, and we had a paid staff who made the meals every Wednesday evening, before the regular activities began.  And those ladies made the BEST dinner rolls!!!  Nothing I’ve ever been able to duplicate!

Anyway, dinner started at 6:00 p.m.  After that, I remember either a movie shown on a large screen in the sanctuary, or games.  Perhaps there were games for the smaller children – I just don’t remember.  But then there was a time of “remembrance” or sharing.  Just being thankful for the year that was passing away, and looking forward to the new one approaching.

But the best thing about the entire evening, was that, after the sharing time, we would – literally – ring the outer edges of the sanctuary, holding hands to make a funny-shaped circle, and pray in the New Year.  We could hear the fireworks going off, and people yelling outside the church building.  But inside, we were asking God to bless the New Year, and us in it, and our part of it.  It was an extremely wonderful time.

And then I remember some New Year’s Eve’s in our small church in Virginia.  We would gather for a time of sharing and remembrance, then share the Lord’s Supper together, and then pray in the New Year.  The pastor would try to do the Lord’s Supper differently some times, to make it more meaningful for us.  I remember a time when he had a loaf of bread, and we pinched off our own little piece.  I also remember a time when there was a community cup for each family to share the “wine” (grape juice in the Baptist church!).

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But in all the memories I have, it always culminated with prayer for the New Year.  And I can’t think of a better way to start any New Year, than asking God’s blessings upon it.

May YOUR New Year be blessed beyond measure.

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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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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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Rhythm Band

25 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and ArtistIn our Sunday school class, we have two drums. One is a Remo lollipop drum on a stick. I bought it at a consignment shop. It has a wonderful sound, and is beautiful with red, green, and blue stripes going around its face. I played it one day in church because it went with my bright red top. The other is a frame drum made by the same company. It would remind you of a tambourine with a drum top but no little cymbals. It also has a strong sound. Every Sunday during the Sunday school, but not in church, children play rhythm instruments and sing while the church music mistress plays the keyboard. Bill comes in to sing and pray with us and the assistant teacher is there too.

The two drums are always the first instruments the kids pick up. We have two ankle bracelets with big bells on them, a crow call, a stick tambourine, a wheel thing that makes a nice sound with metal ball chains, two sets of maracas. Something I’ve never seen before that my friend/associate teacher got at a thrift store is a bunch of plastic bubbles on a stem that hit together when you shake it. We have a triangle too. It is metal and has a metal mallet that makes a clear, ringing sound.

The only problem with the drums and crow call is that the ball on the end of the mallet of each gets such a work out that they take to popping off and having to be chased across the floor (not far) and stuck on again. Bill glues them, but the kids are so enthusiastic that they soon come loose again.

It’s fun to see how the newbies are usually at a loss as to how or when to play, but as the weeks pass, they become more and more integrated and sometimes we all play the same tempo and end at the same time. It must do a lot for us to learn to play together that way and to become cooperative and aware. It’s fun anyhow. Rhythm band anyone?

Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together, there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

Does that mean even when we’re making a clatter? I believe it does, don’t you?

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What Is Your Legacy

16 Nov

“Do you remember how Joe would make us laugh with his silly comments?” I said to my sons at the dinner table the other day. They affirmed. And we all laughed remembering his wit, his unique insights and his gusto for life.

As I relish on my son Joe’s sweet memories, I reflected on the memories I, myself would leave behind. How about you? Do you ever wonder what will people remember you by? What will your children’s children talk about when your name comes up? Will they know what you wanted them to know?

In good times and bad, we’re subtly creating a legacy, weaving memories and painting strokes on the portrait our family will hold in their hearts. The portrait will display the life we lived, the values we held, the dreams we made come true, and the answers to these questions:

  • did we choose to see life beyond circumstances, or did circumstances see us to despair?
  • did we face challenges with determination, or did we allow them to determine our destiny?
  • did we look for tomorrow with passion, or did momentary trials rob the passion for today?
  • did we reach out to others to encourage them, or did our own discouragement reach out to hold us back?
  • did we live life rich with God’s reassurance, or did we look to insure our own way?
  • did fear steal our joy, or did God’s joy erase all fear?
  • did we do things for our own interest, or did we first take interest in God’s ways?
  • did we follow our plans, or did we first plan to follow God’s path.
  • did we fret over petty things, or find the power of God’s precepts?

No matter what the answer, “…from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children-with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalm 103:17-18).

Father, I pray your everlasting love nourishes my desires, goals and dreams. I ask for wisdom to leave a legacy that honors you, resonates with my children’s children, and reflects my obedience to your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• What memories will you leave behind?

• What do you want to be remembered by?

• What would you change if you knew tomorrow was your last day on earth?

Janet

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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Hiding Behind My Exterior

15 Nov

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders

The young woman in me came out to express herself.
We bantered back and forth over issues "put on the shelf".
"You need to "lighten up", she said-
Let me have free reign.
I'll put a smile back on your face.
You'll forget about your pain.
Laughter is the best medicine-
and it won't cost you a thing.
It's actually infectious, you know-
Amazing what it will bring.
Instead of being philosophical,
always expressing your point of view-
Dwell on things that bring a smile
You'll be a younger YOU!"
❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥ ❥
So, I'll leave it up to you, dear friends-
I'm  truly not deranged.
I had a little talk with the Lord, you see-
Because of Him, I've changed.

Proverbs 17:22  “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

Proverbs 15:13 “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”

Eccl. 8:15 “Nothing better than to eat and be merry.”

P.S.  I am too blessed to complain!

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