Tag Archives: Joy

Music Heals the Soul

15 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

PS 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. 

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.”

Mighty Warriors

19 Dec

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps. 45:3-4 TPT

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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.”

28 Nov

My Take

Divoran Lites

Photo Credit:Pixabay

Ps. 66:1-4

For the pure and shining one, 

A Song for awakening.

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.”

Five Secrets to Become the Best Mom

7 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 7, 2022

May 6, 2022

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

______________________________________

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.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

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.

Let’s connect:

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

Live With Joy

13 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

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!

Here is the link to the webinar page.  https://bit.ly/jperegister

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

Lost My Joy…

1 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

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.

I'm a winnerAfter 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.

A Little Christmas Story

23 Dec

Guest Post

Patricia Franklin

 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.    

Image result for Pixabay small birds

 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! 

  Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

Summer Has Arrived

28 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm a winnerAfter 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.

 

Finding Joy in a Busy Life

19 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

 

 

Reblogged January 19, 2019

“Oh, you poor thing,” my friend’s email read. “I’m worried about you. You’re burning the candle at both ends. You must take lots of vitamins. Are you getting enough sleep?”

I grinned when I read that. Although Sundays I relish in a full day of rest, from Mondays to Saturdays my days are full.

Confession time.

When I was sighted, I was even busier—with finding ways to fill a nagging void in my heart. With coveting others’ accomplishments. With efforts to cover up insecurities. And with futile efforts to catch the wind called success.

But my abilities weren’t enough. My work didn’t measure up and all that work to find happiness and success proved feeble.

All changed when I lost my sight and God replaced it with 20/20 spiritual vision.

Then I saw a sweet revelation: life Is not what we cannot do because of circumstances out of our control. Success comes when we recognize what we can do with God has given us.

He gave all of us the same 24 hours a day. Whether we’re sighted or not, we can accomplish enough because we’re God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (see Ephesians 2:10).

And to my delight He had prepared plenty for me. Sometimes, my problem is choosing which I love the most—writing sassy chapters for my new book, traveling to speaking engagements, writing blogs like this one. Working on my personal success coaching or hosting radio shows. Or is it my work as a Spanish interpreter?

This busyness for a blind person might seem too much.

And it would be for me to if I thought for a minute that it was my abilities that sustained my schedule. But it’s His hand that leads, guides and provides. In proverbs 16:3 he said “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Rather than commit to find success, we commit each task to the Lord. The, when God establishes our plans, joy dances into our success. Gratitude fuels our passion. His power feeds our energy. Our wisdom is at work. and our confidence grows.

With that confidence, no matter how heavy our load becomes, we declare: “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest” (Psalm 139:3 NLV).

Let’s Pray

Father, I thank you that when I allow You to chart my path, design my plans and define my steps my heart is calm and my days find peace. In Jesus’ name, amen

Who charts your path to success? What path to success have you taken lately?

Janet

______________________________________

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.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

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.

Let’s connect:

Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/encouragement/finding-joy-in-a-busy-life.html

 

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

Today I Choose to Seek Peace

4 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 

2018 was a year-long journey to experiencing joy. I have a tee-shirt that is inscribed with “Joy…in spite of.”  While reading Galatians 5:22-23, I decided that my purpose for 2019 would be to aspire to the next aspect of the Spirit’s fruit and peace was next on the list.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

 

I confess I am not looking forward to 2020 with long-suffering following peace!

Hebrews 12:14-15 advises us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. How hard can that be?  Ha!

I confess that the state of my mind this first three days of January has been a war zone with past angers rising like a bon fire’s hungry flames.

 

 

Hebrews 12:14-15 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

 

We are living in an era that is soaked in contentious speech and disrespect.Seeking peace will be challenging, yet exciting.  I’m counting on converting the flames of anger into flames that will purge bitterness from my heart and mind so that no roots will survive.

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