Tag Archives: Inspirational

Three things we must do when our world turns dark. | Janet erez Eckles

28 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

His Way

 

That short hour the other night without electricity reminded me how wimpy I had become. Back in Bolivia where I was born, electricity and water only lasted till noon. And we adjusted, thought of it as normal and never thought to complain.

“Honey!” I called to my hubby the other night, “the phone is dead.”

“Everything is dead,” he said. “The electricity went out.”

You see, for this blind gal, the fact there are no lights is no big deal. But when the phone or the computer don’t work…that’s major stuff.

My lights went off recently in a different way. I witnessed one of my closest friend suffer with a sorrowful situation with her family. Adversity seemed to darken her life with no warning. And her heartache and worry became mine. We prayed together on the phone and we asked for God’s intervention. As we did, God used the centurion’s story to remind me of the three truths to cling to when darkness hovers:

  1. Jesus is attentive to our own sorrow, to small and big details, as well as when we pray for others. “When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.’” (Matthew 8:5)
  2. If we turn to Jesus, place all that aches before Him and wait; we’ll find He’s willing to answer. “He said to him, ‘I will go and heal him.’ The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’” (Matthew 8:8)
  3. Jesus observes our level of trust, our belief and our faith. “When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, ‘I tell you the truth. I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’” (Matthew 8: 10)

How much faith will you have as you place all your requests before Jesus?

Janet

Source: Three things we must do when our world turns dark. | Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

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Faster Weeks, Slower Me

19 May

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I'm a winner

I mistakenly believed that once I retired life would slow down and weeks would not fly by faster than a comet. It seems the only slowing down that has occurred is me. Maybe since it takes me longer to accomplish tasks, that is why it feels that weeks are zooming along.

On Monday the husband and I went to work on the slide area in our yard. The  county Soil and Water department suggested we replant the area with tall Fescue grass. We decided to fertilize, amend with lime and re-seed the entire yard. My husband used the garden tiller to break up the grassed areas that had become particularly bare and hard. After that we put out lime, then fertilizer and seed. My job was to gently rake the tilled area to spread some soil over the seeds. We have no idea if that is what one does when seeding clay soil. Growing grass in Florida is totally different. Finally we spread wheat straw and watered everything. I am NOT a fan of yard work, but the day was beautiful with a gentle cool breeze and I enjoyed it.

Tuesday was an interesting day. The charging port on my husband’s phone stopped working and my do-it-yourself man decided he could change it out. He is pretty sharp at fixing things but this one almost defeated him. Ten tiny screws had to be removed to change the port. No problem, Spilling the screws and losing one, now that is a problem. After an hour of searching, he put the phone together without the screw. It powered up and he was able to place a call. Yea! Except he could not hear me talking to him. So, tear the phone apart again. The missing screw had not appeared but being a problem solving kind of guy, he remembered that his old phone was the same brand as his current one. He pirated the old one for a replacement screw, put the phone back together and now it charges and has sound. Problem solved.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Missing screw found! We are cleaning house for company and removed rug and furniture from the room of the lost screw. Handy husband pushed all the debris into a pile and used his flashlight to illuminate the screw. Now to save it or not to save it.

Wednesday started off well. We had breakfast with friends then spent the rest of the morning running errands. Somewhere along the way, my energy drained away and my mood slipped lower than the thermometer on a Ontario winter day. I decided to hibernate.

After a good night’s sleep and some motivational musing, today is looking up. I am not the center of the universe. That job belongs to someone far above me. My job is to keep looking up.

Cherry Blossoms on tree.

 

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Three secrets to live triumphantly.

14 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

05-13-16 3It might be strange to say, but this time in history is probably the best time to be blind. Technology has advanced so much so that those us who cannot see can perform just about any task as the sighted. And soon, even driving a car might be on the list.

But for now, the gadget I enjoy as much as the computer that reads me the screen is my cell phone. The feature of “voice over” is fascinating. Hard to believe it recognizes my voice and obeys the spoken commands. Never realized the effective way my spoken words could be.

In the same way, when adversity strikes, our words, our spoken words out loud are effective to bring triumph into our lives.

The apostle Paul, Peter and also David spoke words, powerful words…unleashing God’s force. We can do the same in any situation, any challenge, any stronghold, any disappointment, any struggle. We speak triumph in our lives in three ways.

  1. We speak words with authority as Paul did with the slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. “Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.” (Acts 16:18)
  2. We speak words in faith as Peter did with the crippled man, and God’s healing power is released. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.” (Acts 3:6-8)
  3. We speak words in truth, and the giants we face are defeated. “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty…’” (1 Samuel 17:45)

It takes boldness, it takes faith, and it takes audacity to say, “In the name of the Lord Jesus……”

And when we do, triumph comes as we speak out loud, when we declare in faith, and when we utter words to bring about God’s power to anything we face.

What words will you use to triumph over the situation you’re facing today?

 

Source: Three secrets to live triumphantly. | Janet Perez Eckles

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Three sure ways to overcome anxiety

6 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

04-29-16 anxietyAs I slipped under the covers in the hotel room this past weekend, I sunk my head on the pillow and enjoyed a good night’s sleep. But I confess, years ago, I’d never be able to do that that—travel by myself, unable to see the surroundings, spend the night alone in a hotel in a strange city. And to add to the stress, I had to get up and deliver a keynote speech before influential folks. Before my blindness, that would never have happen. But when I learned to walk by faith and not by sight, life began to look good, and nights came with peaceful sleep.

I engraved in my heart these three keys which David gives in Psalm 27. They erased anxiety and fear.

  1. Recognize who holds our life, our troubles and our struggles: “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?” (Psalm 27:1)
  2. Declare victory when the enemies that rob our peace and the intruders of anxiety attack: “When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.” (Psalm 27:2)
  3. We claim with confidence In God’s power, In His mighty strength and His faithfulness to bring the victory—the triumph even when we don’t see the answer: “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:3)

What anxiety will you allow God’s Word to triumph over tonight?

Source: Three sure ways to overcome anxiety. | Janet Perez Eckles

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How to heal from shame: three truths.

30 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

I gasped when I read this headline: “Chinese Woman Mistakes Airplane Exit as Bathroom, Deploys Evacuation Slide.”

Her mistake was all over the news. The process to put back the slide in place delayed the flight for hours. Her passport was confiscated and she probably went home with a suitcase filled with embarrassment.

That’s what the world does, relishes in pointing out faux pas. The news emphasizes mis-spoken words, actions and mistakes.

If the adulterous woman scenario took place today, Tweets about her affairs would be all over the News. And details of her shame would be blasted throughout the internet. But they didn’t have cell phones then. Instead, they had rocks to stone her with. And right when they were about to begin, Jesus asked which was without sin. They probably broke out in sweat as they dropped their stones on the ground.

Because of Jesus’ presence, things turned out differently. And since He’s alive now, and powerful, loving, and forgiving as back when He walked on earth, when shame tears our insides, the end is glorious.

Three things He does when we stand facing our shame:

He hopes we stand still, lift our face to see Him and not try to run away.
He states His forgiveness.
He gives the advice for freedom.

“…with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’

‘No one, sir,’ she said.

‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” (John 8:9b-11)

No matter how much we try, we’ll end up pulling wrong doors as the Chinese woman. Or head down the wrong path, make huge mistakes, or do something that makes us blush just thinking about it. That’s Okay, we can rejoice because Jesus doesn’t condemn, blame or accuse…He simply forgives.

Any shame or regret hiding in your heart today?

Source: How to heal from shame: three truths. | Janet Perez Eckles

 

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

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How to live a clean, happy life: three promises

23 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

ouch“Ouch! Ouch!”…that’s what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t.

My fault entirely. I let my routine teeth cleaning go beyond the six month. And although I’m the queen of flossing and teeth brushing, I paid a painful price at the dentist chair.

There I was, mouth wide open, bib placed under my chin, and sucking hose hanging from the side. The scraping began.

Oh, friends, I’m not talking normal gentle scraping. Oh no. Actually, I think the dental hygienist had pent up frustrations for a year and this was her moment to let them out.

The furious metal scrapes against my teeth could be heard in the parking lot. And unable to let my pain be known each time the metal hook jabbed my gum, my heart begged, “mercy, mercy!”

May I ask you—aren’t you glad we don’t have to go through that awful, grueling scraping during the cleaning process of our sins? I’m mighty grateful for that. If I look back at the overdue routine episodes of repentance, those sins would need industrial scraping.

But God is so very merciful. His cleaning is gentle but His calling firm. He declares three truths:

  1. No sin is too dark for Him
  2. No flaw too deep to correct.
  3. No mistake too serious to erase

David knew this. He sat in the chair of repentance, heart wide open. He looked up: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).

God’s promise to you and to me: “…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Source: How to live a clean, happy life: three promises. | Janet Perez Eckles

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

What an honor it would be for me to delight those who attend your women’s gatherings, retreats, church congregation or corporate events. Here are some of the TOPICS you can choose from.

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What to do in the storms of life

16 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

 

04-08-16 storms

 

Decades ago, while still in my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia, birthday celebrations were a big thing. With a handful of invitations, I ran from house to house on the dirt streets where my friends lived. Anticipation danced in my heart as I delivered them with pride because my Mom had designed them with colorful writing.

My parents gathered enough money to buy ingredients for a birthday cake. And the other treat at my 10th birthday party was made by mixing red Jell-O with evaporated milk. Since we didn’t have the luxury to own a refrigerator, Mom placed them outside, hoping the chilly night would make them gel.

And when my special day came, the friends who accepted the invitation, filed in through the worn, rusty gate of our house. They carried gifts. And in turn, I carry that memory in my heart.

Decade’s later invitations took a different meaning. During the storms of life, I ran down the dirt street of worry and self-pity. The only way to conquer all that was to extend an invitation to Jesus. He accepted and together we celebrated a restoring of my soul.

We can all do the same. But the invitation has to be specific:

• We invite Him into our storm.
• We invite Him into the heartache of the moment.
• We invite Him to share the disappointment in our marriage.
• We invite Him to share the longing for a solution.
• We invite Him into the diagnosis from the doctor.
• And we invite Him to be with us when we face the end of something we treasure.

When Jesus accepts the invitation, He shows up carrying the gift of His promises, colorfully wrapped in His love. They repeat: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Visit Janet’s website to read the rest of this story and to learn more about Janet and her ministry.  What to do in the storms of life. | Janet Perez Eckles

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Is Jesus really enough?

9 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

cooltext173078713213329I received a peck on the cheek as I hugged a small, frail woman. “Welcome beautiful visitor,” she said.

She brought small bowls of rice to feed the children who gathered outside her tiny nipa hut nestled in the rural areas of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

In the midst of the humid, scorching heat, she fed them. They sang songs, and then she nourished their souls with Bible lessons.

Fighting mosquitoes and wiping sweat beads off my forehead, I listened and observed her joy, her passion, and patience with those little ones. As we were about to leave and head to our next stop in our missions trip, I hugged her. “I admire you,” I said. “You have so little and give so much.”

She gave a shy giggle. “When you have Jesus, you have enough,” she said.

Can that be so? Can Jesus really be enough?

Here are three questions to determine if He’s truly enough for us:

1. If we lose all we value, can we still declare we believe and trust in Him?

2. If our plans fail, our heart is broken, and our future looks bleak, will contentment still fill our hearts?

3. If His ways contradict ours, will we still embrace joy?

And if we had nothing, can we repeat what Habakkuk 3:17-18 declares? “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

No matter what you’re facing today, can you still rejoice in Him?

Source: Is Jesus really enough? | Janet Perez Eckles

I am thrilled to share this news about Janet

What a delightful shock to receive the news that I was chosen as the winner of the 2016 Alumni Merit Award by my alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University.

How ironic! When I arrived at that campus so many years ago, I was overcome by homesickness. I was the queen of insecurity, shy, and fearful I’d never make it to graduation. Could it be God had His own plan in spite of it all?

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Mrs. Q. and the green ink

4 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Author, Poet and ArtistI suppose someone provided me with a first pair of jeans when I started riding a Shetland pony at eight years old. Anyhow I grew up wearing 3jeans whenever I could get away with it. When we moved from Colorado to Los Alamos, we wore jeans to school on Fridays. No one missed that opportunity. When I moved to Florida as a married woman with children, I gave jeans up and went for knit pants. Eventually someone came along who loved clothes and loved to shop and she straightened me out. Jeans wanted me.

After a while I hit another snag for which I needed the help of friends. Apparently my jeans bagged now that I had lost weight. My friends tactfully explained about Mrs. Q. and her skills as a tailor and sent me to see her.

I had a number of clothes that needed to be fitted, so I took them all. When you enter Mrs. Q’s small shop it’s as if you’ve come home. Her finished work hangs on a rack along the south wall with Mrs. Q’s counter in front. At the back of the room you see three large sewing machines with a small man sitting at one. Mr. and Mrs. Q. are from Vietnam. Both of their fathers tailored clothes for a living, and now they are carrying on the tradition. They are good at what they do. Mrs. Q. and I talk over every aspect of an alteration. Mr. Q. never opens his mouth. I’ll bet he gets an earful, with all the girl-talk that goes on.

Last August, I bought a pair of white jeans with diamonds on the back pockets. I knew the jewels would never be seen because I always wear my tee-shirts on the outside. I had these jeans for several months before I took them to Mrs. Q. to shorten. When I laid them on the counter we both saw that the security tag, still attached. Mrs. Q. tugged on it and then shook her head saying, “Better take them back to the store and let them take it off.”   2

 

When I got home, I thought I’d force the tag off, but it wouldn’t budge. The next time I went out I visited the two stores where I thought I might have purchased the jeans.

“No, our store doesn’t carry this brand, but don’t try to force it because it has ink in it and it will stain the jeans,” store 1 associate.

At the next store the only associate in sight tried to help even though she knew right away that the jeans hadn’t come from their store, either. Apparently every brand of store has a magnetic key to open their own tags. She couldn’t budge it. “Be sure not to force it open, I had an accident with one and it stained my purse and my hands with bright green ink,” store 2 associate.

While she fiddled with the problem, though, I realized the tag hung from the belt loop, so I decided to cut off the loop and throw it and the tag away.

I took the jeans back to Mrs. Q. and told her about my fix. She shook her head with a worried frown until I persuaded her no one but us would ever see the loopless spot.

As I got ready to leave, I remembered to warn Mrs. Q. about the trap. “Oh, yes, I know. Ink. Green. That’s the reason I told you to take it back to the store.”

I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world who didn’t know about security tags and ink. But instead of feeling ignorant I thanked the Lord for sending helpers my way. We all need help with one thing or another. It feels good to be kind and it feels good to receive kindness.

Bill and I met our computer-programmer grandson in one of the prettiest and ritziest downtowns I’ve seen. I wore my well-fitting jeans and felt like I fit in. For one of our conversation topics, he helped with a computer problem we’d had. I believe the world has more good people in it than bad ones, but maybe that’s because I rarely meet anyone bad, as far as I know.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4: 7.

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Cosmetic surgery? How to become the new you

2 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

03-25-16 cosmetic surgery

 

I just heard that Costa Rica is the place to go for a make-over of the body. You know those muffin tops? They can be gone now. Or if you want a little tuck here, a little fat removed from here, some added there. The whole body can be transformed.

“And the price is incredibly reasonable. You can come back a new woman,” my friend said. I’m having all kinds of extra stuff removed even getting these ugly age spots off my hands.”

“Not me,” I said, “I had all that done years ago.”

The transformation was complete. Los of changes and enhancements took place. And I got a great deal. It costs me nothing. Well, change that…it cost my pride.

I undressed my heart and left my pride at the door. Then I lay down on the table of humility. That’s where I underwent a soul transformation. When Jesus came into my life, He became Lord of my imperfections.

He removed pounds of insecurities. He carved out fear, the kind that made me think I wouldn’t make it through the trials. He pulled out unsightly lies, misconceptions, and negative thoughts from my mind.

I came out a renewed woman—new thoughts, new attitude, new approach to life. And He even removed those spots of gloom that formed when I faced adversity.

All was gone. And great news, His invitation is directed to all of us. He plans to perform soul surgery because He has a purpose. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

We can’t know His will unless we let Him renew us. We can’t relish in His glory if we do not endure the change. In addition, we cannot expect glory unless we’re willing to have Him perform the transformation on the operating table of His love.

What needs a little improvement in your life these days?

 

Visit Janet’s blog to learn more.  Cosmetic surgery? How to become the new you. | Janet Perez Eckles

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