You alone are my heart’s desire, my chief delight, my soul’s
Glory, joy, and crown. Every advantage life offers is rubbish compared to the overwhelming gain of knowing you. You are worthy, Lord—worthy to be thanked, praised, worshipped, and adored.
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.”
A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”
I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”
We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.
The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.
After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!
Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.
That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!
You’ve been disappointed like that, haven’t you?
Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.
Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:
Wash away doubt because victory will arrive.
Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?
This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions.
Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9)
The answer wasn’t so much in what he thought or how he felt. But the answer was in what he remembered:
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12)
Passion comes back when we consider this:
God sent Jesus to set us free (John 3:16), gave us power not fear (2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (Exodus 14:14), and Gpd promises His protection (Psalm 91:1-2).
No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.
Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.
Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.
Let’s Pray
Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.
What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?
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.
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.
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.
My heart leaps for joy, and I will thank Him in song.
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.”
Now strap your lightning sword of judgment upon your side, O mighty warrior, so majestic!
You are full of beauty and splendor as you go out to war! In your glory and grandeur, go forth in victory!
Through your faithfulness and meekness, the cause of truth and justice will stand. Awe-inspiring miracles are accomplished by your power, leaving everyone dazed and astonished!”
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength
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.”
Everyone everywhere, lift up your joyful shout to God!
Sing your songs tuned to his glory!
Tell the world how wonderful he is.
For he’s the awe-inspiring God,
Great and glorious in power!
We’ve never seen anything like him!
Mighty in miracles, you cause your enemies to tremble
No wonder they all surrender and bow before you!
All the earth will bow down to worship;
All the earth will sing your glories forever!
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.”
I went down on one knee. “Look at me, honey.” I turned my four-year-old Joe’s face toward me. “What’s in your mouth?”
“Nothin’.”
As the youngest of three, he never knew a mom with sight. A retinal disease robbed my sight when he was much younger. And my family’s adjustment was painfully inevitable.
I took him by the hand. “Is that chocolate I smell? It’s before dinner. C’mon young man, let’s spit it out.”
Outwardly I seemed in control. But I still questioned my ability as a blind mom. I fretted about their possible lack of confidence or even shame because of my blindness.
Mothering without sight was daunting.
The tasks challenging. I questioned my ways. Did I do too much? Not enough? Did I fail my sons in the way I corrected them? Was I too strict? Too lenient? Insecurities lay on the pillow beside me at night.
But along came David to save the day. Remember him as a boy? He was scrawny, a bit of a shy kid, the youngest of his brothers. And probably voted the least likely to succeed in the senior class of the local Shepherd high school.
And when Goliath showed up, David seemed inadequate, unprepared and way too weak to defeat the giant. But God knew different because He chose him. Skinny David held not a trace of insecurity, doubt or worry. He put on the backpack of courage and gathered five stones. But those stones weren’t what would defeat the big guy. But rather, David’s secret weapon called bold faith became the weapon to bring him victory.
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 17:44)
That’s the same way we come against insecurities in our mothering, in our doubt of our abilities, regret for what we did or failed to do. As we come against all of that in the name of the Lord, we put on our bold faith and gather our five stones. Even in these turbulent times, they are the secrets to succeed and be the best moms ever.
The stone of courage to stand firm and secure enough to know we have Christ’s power to silence the lies that whisper doubt and insecurities.
The stone of reassurance that God is with us every moment of every day to defeat fear, worry and anxiety.
The stone of wisdom, God-given wisdom to choose our words, direct our steps and guide our path.
The stone of trust to know God has His eyes on our kids. He will keep them safe, guard their lives and trace their steps.
The stone of joy to erase gloom, sadness or disappointment.
This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate not so much the perfect moms, but those who are perfectly devoted to Christ. Not the moms who have all the answers, but those who believe God has them. Not the moms who have it all together, but the moms who admit their weakness so God can make them strong. Not the moms who are raising stars, but those who teach them to rise above hard times. Not the moms who cover her kids with the latest fashion, but those who cover them with prayers.
God chose David. And He chose you, too. He hand-picked you to be the mom to those kiddoes. He didn’t leave David to bring down the giant on his own. He’s not leaving you alone either, as He’s already handed you the stones, He already given you the victory—in His power, In His might and in His name.
Let’s Pray
Father, may Your Word remind me You are watching over my kids, guiding them when I fail, teaching them when I don’t know how and protecting them when I’m not near them. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Which stones will you gather this Mother’s Day?
Janet
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I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.
Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
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.
Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.
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.
Onisha here, posting an exciting webinar that Janet will be hosting online Tuesday, June 16th at 8 pm Eastern Standard time. I participated in the webinar today and it was inspiring. Janet never allows her blindness to limit her ministry and love for God.
LIVE WITH JOY OVERFLOWING
EVEN IN THE MIDST OF CRISIS
Crisis seems to be all around us. What if you could experience overflowing joy even in the midst of chaos? How would that affect your life? Your relationships? Your work? Your health? Janet Perez Eckles has endured devastating tragedies throughout her life including the death of her son, betrayal by her spouse, and the loss of her sight. Instead of being overwhelmed by these events, she has forged a path straight through adversity and found a profound joyfulness on the other side! She will be revealing the exact step by step blueprint of how she has conquered fear and now lives with joy overflowing!
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.
March 15, 2020 was the last time I had social, in person interaction outside of my family. I met a friend for lunch and we had a lovely chat. Little did I imagine how rapidly life would change. The irony is that for the first time, the restaurant gave me a buy one get one free meal card. I haven’t been able to use it and I am not sure the restaurant will be in business when this crisis is over.
I worry that keeping business closed will collapse the whole world’s economy. Think no money for anyone. I also worry that opening the businesses will result in more deaths. The politicians and media make it worse by pointing fingers and arguing.
The bottom line is my personal behavior is the only thing I can control or fix. I usually begin my day with reading devotionals and praying over the scriptures. Today I delayed the prayer portion and I was unsettled all morning. While writing this blog I realized something.
Joy had left my house.
In the place of joy, I had welcomed in anxiety. I allowed discontent and fretful thoughts to party in my mind. I behaved as one who had no hope. My beloved and plain speaking mother would have asked, “What do you have a Lord for?”
It’s true that in myself I lack hope but in my God, I have hope and joy. I am comforted that God was not taken by surprise by the Coronavirus. He knew it was coming and he will lead me through it with hope and joy.
Easter is coming.
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 work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
We have not had any birds in our yard since about July when that old chicken hawk took residence in our neighborhood. We have had suet in our feeder all these months and no one came. We even had snow a couple of times and no one came. We had 4 inches of snow the other day, so my husband put out some bird seed in our other feeder. Still they did not come…. finally I saw one or two of the little snow birds with their black hoodies and galoshes on their feet. They came and went so quickly, I thought I was dreaming. Then yesterday I saw one of the little black and white woodpeckers at the suet feeder. He and his mate used to live here all the time. I was so happy to see him.
This morning while I was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee, I opened the curtains and there was a party going on out there…. the sparrows, the little red headed finches and the snow birds, along with a couple of doves are at the birdseed and are squabbling over it like they normally do. Three little squirrels are gathering up the remaining seeds from the ground. Christmas is finally here!
It’s February 28 and summer has arrived in Florida. Way…Too…Early. Temperatures in the 80s have triggered the annual pollen. My eyes are itchy but I can’t rub them. That is a huge No-NO for someone with cornea transplants. I miss my mountains.
Okay, my public whining is over. Notice I said public. I am sure I will continue to inwardly whine until I give myself an attitude adjustment and decide to choose thankfulness and joy.
It has been a busy week and aside from grumbling, I haven’t had any blog inspiration. So, I will leave you with this message from hot Florida:
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 work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
(C) Copyright 2012-2024 Old Things R New All rights reserved. This website is an Amazon affiliate and the income from sales helps to defray the cost of running the site.
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
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
Old Things R New 