Tag Archives: Prayer

My Two Minute Drill

10 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We spent last week packing up for our return to the mountains. Our winter in Florida sped by and we enjoyed catching up with long time friends. There is something comfortable and warm being able to pick up the threads of friendship. Of course, we keep it touch over the summer but in person complete with hugs is priceless.

The Florida winter weather was delightful with cool nights and mild days. We savored it. The last two weeks we were there, warmer weather moved in and we knew it was time to return to the mountains. The day we left, it was a beautiful . The sky so blue and clear.

I am continually amazed that a mere 600 miles can make such a difference in the seasons. Florida was wrapped in full green when we left.

Spring is my favorite season in the mountains. I marvel each year at the appearance of tender green leaves on the trees. Our hydrangea bushes are sporting green shoots and I am joyfully awaiting the blooms.

Our front yard.

Our grass (weeds) is in need of a good mowing but we’ve had several rainstorms this week and the clay soil is mucky.

We made a grocery run into town and signs of spring were everywhere.

After the warm Florida temperatures, the cold mornings in the mountains are making me reluctant to leave the warmth of my comfy bedclothes. I am becoming a big fan of the snooze button on my phone.

To justify my snoozing, I whisper prayers for the day. Always I pray for Israel and the surrounding countries. It is such a mess and beyond my understanding. Then other concerns float into my consciousness.

This morning I snoozed until I only had two minutes before I needed to move it. This particular morning, I wanted to pray differently. I felt a prompt in my spirit, “pray for the lost.” Not for a specific person, but for those who need Jesus across the globe.

The times we are living through are chaotic and even frantic. I have watched a lot of football in the past. and as I prayed this morning, I felt as if I was in a two minute drill. No time outs, just execute what has been practiced.

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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 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.

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The God Who Answers

28 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalm

65:1-4

You are the God who answers prayer,

All of humanity comes before you 

With their requests.

Though we are overcome by our many sins,

Your sacrifice covers over them all.

And your priestly loves, those you’ve chosen,

Will be greatly favored to be brought close to you.

What inexpressible joys are theirs!

What feasts of mercy fill them in

Your heavenly sanctuary!

How satisfied we will be just to be near 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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You Answer Our Prayers

14 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalm 65:5-6 TPT

You answer our prayers with amazing wonders

And with awe-inspiring displays of power.

You are the righteous God who helps us like a father.

Everyone everywhere looks to you,

For you are the confidence of all the earth,

Even to the farthest islands of the sea.

What jaw-dropping astounding power is yours!

You are the mountain maker who sets them all in one place

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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If

6 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I came across this poem in Streams in the Desert during my morning meditation. I’ve often been amazed at technology’s ability to fling beauty through the air. In truth, I find it easier to trust that my living God hears prayers than that machines can send sound across through the air.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

If radio’s slim finger can pluck a melody 

From night, and toss it over a continent or sea; 

If the petaled white notes of a violin 

Are blown across a mountain or a city’s din; 

If songs, like crimson roses, are culled from thin blue air— 

Why should mortals wonder if God hears prayer? 

ETHEL ROMIG FULLER

Poet Ethel Romig Fuller was Oregon’s first female poet laureate, from 1957 to 1965. You can learn more about her at The Oregon Encyclopedia

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Thoughts

24 Feb

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photo credit Pixabay

I started going to Sunday School when I was five years old. That means I’ve been going to church for a very long time. That was where I learned, “Jesus Loves Me, This I know” and believed it. 

It seems like I’ve been praying for most of my life as well. But until I was in my thirties, I never knew the most important thing a Christian must know. Of course, the Atonement is the most important, but without the knowledge that we have the mind of Christ, we’re not going far with our Christian experience. 

That one most important thing is that we allow the Holy Spirit to tell us what, when, where, why, and how to pray, and the way to do that is to be still and acknowledge that God is God…not me. 

In the seventies, during a time of upheaval in our family, I did a lot of thinking, talking, and studying about how to be smart and sane in order to work out some of our problems. I didn’t even know how to pray about them except to beg God over and over for help. Then one day I read a scripture in a devotional booklet that clicked on the light.  

“My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

I was astonished. I had always trusted that I could eventually figure things out, get counseling, or beg God long and hard enough that he would change things for me. Suddenly, Someone higher was in charge. Oh, I took over time and time again…I still do. But now I know a better way and eventually get around to letting Him be the boss.  That’s when things began to make sense and to give me the grace of belief, peace, and a sound mind.  

I ask Him what He thinks, and my mind opens to His wisdom and love.  Good things happen. 

Mark Batterson in Draw the Circle says,” All we have to do is follow the script of Holy Scripture and the improvisation of the Holy Spirit. We can’t create divine appointments. All we can do is keep them,” and “We can’t plan God-ordained opportunities. All we can do is seize them.” 

For out of him, the sustainer of everything, came everything, and now everything finds fulfillment in him. May all praise and honor be given to him forever! Amen .Romans 11-36

Author, Poet and Artist

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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Three Steps to Have Your Prayers Answered

2 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Image by just4today from Pixabay

Reblogged November 1, 2019

Did anyone tell you there’s no right or wrong way to pray? They’re correct. But there is a wrong sense of conviction as we pray. When we ask God for blessings, we often use a mousy attitude. We request limited blessings. And imagine only what our human mind can hold.

But when we change the way we pray, the results are different. Putting pride aside, our prayers need to be bold, sure, and expectant.

I tried that. Recently, in my prayer time, I asked the Lord to grant me favor on this particular day. Not sure what that favor would be, I didn’t focus on the specific blessing. Instead, I asked, with an expectant spirit and an anticipating heart.

Later that day, my mom and I stopped at a Christian bookstore. We walked in and the woman behind the counter recognized me. And in an angelic voice said, “A group in my church is doing the Bible study in your book.”

My book? Among all those popular books by world-known authors, her church chose my book? I did a cartwheel in my head and thanked God for that sweet encouragement.

You may not be looking for your books to be read. But instead, you need huge solutions. No matter what the request, here are three steps to pray more effectively.

No. 1: We discard doubt and express the authority we have in Jesus.

The words can be few, but the faith has to be deep.

John and Peter show us the simplicity of a powerful prayer. They encountered a man crippled from birth who begged for money.

“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).

No. 2: Never stop declaring what God will do.

Persistence and perseverance are the vehicle to answers. Keep on knocking, expectantly and the door will open.

The reason we never stop is because God said, “You don’t have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2b)

No. 3. Expect the best God has for you. 

Be prepared for a greater answer. And declare in advance praises for what God has prepared, thanking Him in advance for the gifts He has stored in the warehouse of His love. He’s willing, ready and longing to make the delivery according to His schedule.

Here’s His promise:

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11).

God, who created the universes and who knit us together in our mother’s womb, knows what we need. He’s aware of we lack. He observes our desires and knows what we desire at this moment. He knows what your heart longs for as you read these lines. And He sees the tears that wet your pillow.

That’s why He repeats His promise, “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” (Isaiah 60:22).

And as He prepares His answer, He’s curling His finger calling you to step into His will as you place your prayers before Him, with certainty of His answer and sure of His timing.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for the boldness you gave me to come before You and express my requests. With patience I will wait and with hope I will praise you. In Jesus name.

What changes do you need to make as you pray?

Janet

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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.

 


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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How to pray so God will answer.

19 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perea Eckles

 

 

His Way

 

 

 

 

How to pray so God will answer.

Reblogged May 19, 2018

 

What’s that smell?

Not long ago, an unidentified odor filled the front of our house. We tried and tried to find the source but failed. We cleaned, washed and sprayed air freshener. Nothing worked.

To make it worse, since I’m blind, my sense of smell is heightened. Ugh! There was only one thing to do—cover my mouth and nose.

So, I went to work, frantically searching for a cloth mask to cover my mouth and nose. I was sure I had put one away in a drawer somewhere.

I pulled out items; I ran my fingers all around. No mask. “Lord,” I prayed, “I know this is silly, but will you help me find that mask. You know where it is, will you help me?”

He didn’t.

Facing my defeat, I sat at my computer and worked for a few hours. Then I got up, walked around the house and, to my relief, the smell was gone, totally gone.

What came instead was a big lesson.

How often we ask for something specific, yet God is up to something bigger. We beg for a solution, but God has a mightier answer. And when we plead and plead for a specific outcome, He comes up with a different one, and one that solves a bigger problem.

That is what His promise is—to solve them His way. That’s why we can be reassured that although He listens to our prayers, He sees our heart. He often doesn’t give us what we want but grants us what we need.

And He gives the reason why in Isaiah 55:8-9: “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’” declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Trusting in that promise…

  • I pray not just to see a better tomorrow, but to delight in the best of today.
  • I pray not just for a leap to triumph, but to take each step on firm ground.
  • I pray not just for triumph, but to know how to defeat fear.
  • I pray not to do great things without first knowing the greatness of God.
  • I pray not for a life of roses, but to remove the thorns of doubt.
  • I pray not for knowledge in a lifetime, but for enough wisdom in each defining moment.
  • I pray not for the abundance of my bank account, but to take into account my riches in the abundance of God.
  • I pray not for my own answer to every prayer, but for His every answer to fuel my faith.
  • I pray not for God to take away every trouble, but for me to take the trouble to see His way out.
  • I pray not just for a cure to my illness, but for the healing of my soul.
  • I pray not to trust in my success, but to succeed in trusting God.
  • I pray not to heal my loneliness, but to heed the truth that God alone is enough.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank you for your answers, your solutions and your victories. Grant me wisdom to wait and to trust that your thoughts and ways are above my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • What have you been asking God lately?
  • Does your prayer align with His Word?

Janet

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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.

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Image

According to My Purpose

4 Sep

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What is the correct way to pray? 

2 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

His Way

 

 

 

September 1, 2017 Reblogged

 

Do I pray too quick? Too long? Not enough words? Too many words? Is my heart in it? What is the correct way to pray?

How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. I just heard a pastor teach about this topic. And admittedly, a few of us squirmed because his words stirred a bit of guilt.  And, goodness, his message elbowed us out of our comfort zone.

“When we ask God for blessings,” he said, “we often repeat mousy petitions.”

Mousy petitions? He explained the prayers we blurt out often carry doubt. We lack the reassurance that God will grant what we ask. They repeat the circumstance, not the victory we can count on. They mention the dark side, and fail to declare the victory that comes in His answer.

And when we ask, we forget to give thanks. We forget to anticipate He will answer. We overlook the mighty way He can exercise His power.

So, what’s the best way to pray? With boldness, with conviction, with authority, with firmness and with holy audacity.

The number of words we use doesn’t matter. Or the flowery expressions either. But, what does matter is the complete faith, the firm authority because of Jesus that makes the difference.

They did for John and Peter. They saw the beggar at the entrance of the temple. “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. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God’” (Acts 3:6-8).

Why did Peter take the man by the hand? Because he was sure he could get up. Because he declared it in the name of Jesus. Because he counted in Jesus’ power at work. Because he was confident Jesus was working through him. And because he knew the man’s crippled legs were no match to Jesus’ healing power.

Father, remove doubt from my prayers. Instead, show me how to pray with conviction, authority, and boldness as I ask in the name of Jesus’ amen.

What level of certainty do your prayers have these days?

Janet

Video sneak peek: https://youtu.be/89drJoQ0VCQ

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.

 

 

Source: What is the correct way to pray? ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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How long will God take to answer my prayer?

29 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

 

July 28, 2017

 

We pray, we ask and we beg, but still no answer. Have you ever wondered, “Is God there? If He is, why doesn’t He answer my prayer? How long, Lord?”

We’re not alone; the Israelites join us in that grumbling.

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14: 10-14)

Have you ever complained like that? I have. And that’s because we’re deep into our own struggles. We end up terrified like the Israelites. We grumble in the hot desert of frustration. And as we trudge through the dry land of conflict, of uncertainty and nervousness, we desperately look for God’s answer, a clear path, a solution; we look to be rescued now.

But no one is there. And we have our own Egyptians called stress and anxiety that chase us, threatening to ruin our day.

But if Moses were alive today, he might post a message to all of us, “Do not fret, God will fight your battles. His answer is already here. You need only to be still.”

That’s because it’s in the still of His presence that His peace can fill our nights. In the still of our heart is when His whisper brushes through. And in the still of the moment is when we see His promises come alive.

Father, calm my heart, whisper your answer into my longing. Silence the distractions so I can see your answer to my prayer. In Jesus name. Amen.

Can you tell me, in the midst of your hectic life, what keeps you from being still enough to hear His answer?

Janet

Audio sneak peek: http://www.artistfirst2.com/ArtistFirst_Sweet_Talk_2017-07-19.mp3

 

Source: How long will God take to answer my prayer? ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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