Tag Archives: Peace

Lord, Please Reward and Prosper the Cause of the Righteous

2 Oct

A Slice of Life

DiVoran Lites

Reward and prosper the cause of the righteous,

For you are the righteous God, the soul searcher,

Who looks deep into every heart to examine thoughts and motives. 

God, your wrap-around presence

It is my protection and my defense.

You bring victory to all who reach out for you.

Righteousness is revealed every time you judge.

Psalms 7:9

TPT

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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This is How You Overcome Stress, Sadness and, Worry

30 Sep

Reblogged 9/30/23

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?

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.

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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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Peace

8 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Isa:26:3 & Isa 60:1

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Arise, shine; for your light has come!

The glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 

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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The Peace of God

17 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

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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Perfect Peace

2 Jan

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Isaiah 26:3+

You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You.

Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us. He has humbled those who were proud. 

Lord, you make the path smooth for good people; the road they travel is level. 

We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire. 

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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From My Heart

24 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I spoke with my son on the phone yesterday. I never take that for granted. You see, in September of 2021 my son had Covid really bad. As on a ventilator bad. The prognosis wasn’t good. In his early 40s he had tons of co-morbidities. He was in a local community hospital and eventually transferred by helicopter to a major medical center over 300 miles away. (Truly a God thing.)

And as per Protocol, no one could be with him. It was traumatic for those who love him. But praise God, after more than two weeks in the hospital he was off the ventilator and able to go home.

Here is what I want to share. As we talked about his time in the hospital, he said he didn’t remember anything. Not going to the local hospital, not been intubated. Nothing except being asleep and having weird dreams.

We were devastated that he was alone. My mother heart could barely endure that.without the comfort that only God can give, I don’t think I could have endured it at all. Yet, our son doesn’t recall experiencing any anxiety.

As we talked I felt that sharing his experience might bring comfort to the heart of someone whose loved one didn’t survive and was alone.

I truly don’t know if his experience was the norm, but I hope it was.

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 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  

My 2022 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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The Shelter of the Most High

31 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust! Psalm 91:1-2

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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Quick to Listen

24 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

My dearest brothers and sisters, take this to heart: Be quick to listen; but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. Therefore, (with the help of Holy Spirit) abandon everything morally impure and all forms of wicked conduct. Instead, with a sensitive spirit we absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within our nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. James 1:19

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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10 Steps to Turn Chaos to Calmness-Part 1

5 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged March 5, 2022

March 4, 2022

A few years back, the plane landed in Quito, Ecuador. I had packed excitement and anticipation in the suitcase of my heart. What joy it is to have the opportunity to address hundreds of women in this beautiful city.

And, as usual, I prepared my trip by calling the airline ahead of time. “I’m blind and I’ll be traveling alone. Can you provide an escort for me to navigate through the airport?”

They did. And once in Quito’s airport, the friendly escort led me through immigration, luggage claim and to the exit door. “My friend should be here any minute to pick me up,” I said.

We waited, and waited. No one came to pick me up. What would I do in a new city, with nowhere to go, no cell phone service and unable to see my surroundings?

But peace remained because that morning I had prepared my heart before leaving the house. I put on headphones, heard Bible verses and pondered in their meaning. God was in my heart, filling me with peace, with reassurance and confidence.

I carried all that as I waited for someone to pick me up. Two hours later they did.

It had become a habit for me. As I travel alone across the U.S. or abroad, these are the ways I manage to keep that calmness only God can provide. (NOTE: This post contains the first three of ten steps. The remaining 7 steps will follow on March 18 and April 1.)

  1. Make God a priority.

“How do you do it?” my friend said to me when she called to ask for prayer. “I try to make time for God, but life is so hectic.”

I smiled. I’ve been there. Kids’ demands the moment they open their eyes. Schedules need to be followed. Chores to do, places to go, husbands to please. When do we find time for God?

“It’s a decision,” I said. “It begins with the mind, the thoughts, and the resolve.”

When you set time for Him first, God will give you all you need. He will give time. He will give peace. He will give wisdom. That’s why the Bible says to…

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

  1. Set a time and place for you and Him alone.

I was a bit envious when my friend described the special place in her home for her quiet time with the Lord. She set a table by the window, placed a beautiful lavender candle, her Bible, a pad of paper, pen, and a group of cards with her favorite verses. She sat on a comfortable chair, making that spot the silent, quiet place to spend with the Lord.

Not me. Our home was so small that the place for me when my kids were little was the bathroom. With the door closed, it was only I and God.

God doesn’t look at the physical surroundings as long as our heart can be still enough to allow His precepts to penetrate our heart and His Word to seep into our soul. That’s when peace washes over us knowing that He not only sustains us but He’s the one who fights our battles.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

  1. Consider the rewards.

“I’m addicted,” my friend said. “Sometimes I even take my phone to the bathroom. I’ve got to check what’s going on, what my friends are up to, and post stuff myself.”

She tried to go into a Facebook fast. But it didn’t last. She tried to put her phone away; that lasted half an hour. She tried to find a friend to make her accountable, but the friend also struggled with the same social media madness.

That’s when she chose to exchange. She put aside the small rewards that social media brought. And, instead, she relished in the sweet joy that moments in the presence of the Lord gave her.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Let’s Pray

Father, from now on, my life will find moments in stillness before You. I thank You for the beautiful gift of peace you offer. In Jesus’ name.

What do your moments before the Lord look like?

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.

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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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Just a Little Talk with Jesus

7 Sep

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Of late, I have been singing myself to sleep with the song “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” One of the many seeds of faith planted in my child heart that now sustains me as our child faces a difficult decision. Oh parents, isn’t it the hardest when we have to stand by while our child struggles?

Isaiah 55:11 is a frequent verse that I have often associated with those turning away from God, praise God it also means the seeds of His truth planted in our hearts will not be lost, but will grow. They will multiply. They sustain me.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

I have precious memories of my family and my mother’s sister’s family singing this song. My uncle Connie could really hit the low notes. My dad sang tenor and played guitar, mom added her unbelievably beautiful alto and my aunt Della her clear, high soprano. How I wish we had the modern recording abilities then, but memories live beyond every new technology.

I listened to two versions of the song on You Tube. One with Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash The other an unknown to me group of African A Capella singers, Jehovah Shalom A Capella. The celebrity rendition was snappy and upbeat but I loved the smiles and blending voices of the African singers.

The days we are living in are hard and some days hope seems to have vanished. Even friends who have remained positive during the season are weary. I am weary. And yes, there is a song from my childhood for that. Come Unto Me. To keep my mind from dwelling on the negative I try to fill my mind and heart with God’s peace.

When churches were closed, so many went online and that has been a huge blessing to me! I regularly watch First Baptist Orlando. The pastor, Dr.David Uth is kind and loving and teaches in an easy to understand manner. The congregation is diverse and the church cares about the community and devotes time and money to it. The singing is wonderful. The 8:30 service music is a blend of traditional and contemporary and I enjoy it. The old songs soothe my heart and the newer ones lift it!

My Florida home church, Gateway Community is also online. The pastor, Clay Stephens is totally different from David Uth but they both love and serve God and although both can be called Doctor, neither uses the title. We call ours, Pastor Clay. He doesn’t have the smooth delivery of many, I am 100% positive the man has serious ADHD but a pastor doesn’t have to be perfect to serve God. Our small church is blessed to call him pastor. He is currently doing a series on Revelations available on You Tube. I have heard this preached many times but I appreciate that Clay admits to not having all the answers.Each week he stresses God’s love for all through the difficult times. Although, unlike the Orlando church we are small, we operate a food pantry to assist our neighbors.

All of the above to say, there is hope and there is peace to be found. You don’t have to venture into a church to find it. You are not alone and you are loved.

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 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  

My 2021 goal is continue touse 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.

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