Tag Archives: Religion and Spirituality

Taste and See That the Lord is Good

11 Jan

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

How do you explain blindness to a two-year old?

Sunday after church hubby and I stopped at a local restaurant. And as always, we ran into friends.

And as we exchanged comments, I heard a little giggle. “Hi Reagan!” I said looking in the direction of my friend’s two-year old little girl. “Did you like your visit to Cypress Gardens?”

She didn’t answer.

“Honey.” Her mommy said. “Mrs Eckles, can’t see. You have to say ‘yes’ out loud, not just nod your head.”

We chuckled.

“Close your eyes.” Her mom said. “That’s what Mrs. Eckles sees.”

We continued our visit, her mom and I chatting about silly stuff for several minutes. Then suddenly Reagan’s mom paused. “I’m sorry Reagan, you can open your eyes now. And go ahead and eat your food.”

We hadn’t realized during the whole time we were talking, she still had them closed.

I’ve done that too. When I faced tough times, the sting of setbacks, or the jolt of disappointment forced the eyes of my heart to close. And when in the darkness of my pain, I missed the banquet set before me.

I waded in the pool of self-pity. Then soaked with discouragement, sat in the hard chair of gloom. Refusing to open my eyes, I reasoned I was justified to sulk and pout.

Even worse, when God’s Word echoed in my heart, the rehashing of negative details of the circumstance drowned his message.

Yes, it’s ugly and smelly to be in that spot. No doubt, God’s patience was tested with me. How often He must have whispered, “Open those eyes and check out the banquet of blessings I placed before you. But my stubborn heart refused to open.

Those episodes come in all sizes and often unexpected. As a writer, rejection of my work stings. And my discouragement quickly closes my eyes. Then sadly, I become blind to the encouraging notes that fill my in-box when my words elicit positive reactions.

And when those times hit me hard and long, the popular saying, ‘get over it’ rings true. Just how long could I keep my eyes shut to his truth. And refuse to see the treasures within trials and the blessings that often follow burdens.

As a blind friend, I invite you to take a look, move beyond that setback, disappointment, or discouraging comment. If not, you’ll miss the bouquet of blessings, fragrant with His love, and sweetened by His compassion.

Unlike Reagan, don’t wait for someone to tell you to open your eyes. Instead, relish in the banquet the Lord has before you, and “Taste and see that the LORD is good…” Because when facing tough times, “… blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

(Psalm 34:8)8

Legacy

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

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Memories of New Year’s Past

29 Dec

SUNDAY MEMORIES

 Judy Wills

Judy Wills

I guess I am just like most people when it comes to New Years – “I AM going to lose those _____ pounds this year!”  “I AM going to get the house in order!”  “I AM going to scan all those pictures and get them in an album!”  etc., etc., etc.

So, resolutions not-with-standing, what are my memories of New Years past?  I guess my favorite memory is of growing up in my church in Albuquerque.

1

For many years, on New Year’s Eve, the church would have a program that started about 6:00 p.m. with a dinner.  Now, this was a fairly large church, and we had a paid staff who made the meals every Wednesday evening, before the regular activities began.  And those ladies made the BEST dinner rolls!!!  Nothing I’ve ever been able to duplicate!

Anyway, dinner started at 6:00 p.m.  After that, I remember either a movie shown on a large screen in the sanctuary, or games.  Perhaps there were games for the smaller children – I just don’t remember.  But then there was a time of “remembrance” or sharing.  Just being thankful for the year that was passing away, and looking forward to the new one approaching.

But the best thing about the entire evening, was that, after the sharing time, we would – literally – ring the outer edges of the sanctuary, holding hands to make a funny-shaped circle, and pray in the New Year.  We could hear the fireworks going off, and people yelling outside the church building.  But inside, we were asking God to bless the New Year, and us in it, and our part of it.  It was an extremely wonderful time.

And then I remember some New Year’s Eve’s in our small church in Virginia.  We would gather for a time of sharing and remembrance, then share the Lord’s Supper together, and then pray in the New Year.  The pastor would try to do the Lord’s Supper differently some times, to make it more meaningful for us.  I remember a time when he had a loaf of bread, and we pinched off our own little piece.  I also remember a time when there was a community cup for each family to share the “wine” (grape juice in the Baptist church!).

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But in all the memories I have, it always culminated with prayer for the New Year.  And I can’t think of a better way to start any New Year, than asking God’s blessings upon it.

May YOUR New Year be blessed beyond measure.

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What Is Your Legacy

16 Nov

“Do you remember how Joe would make us laugh with his silly comments?” I said to my sons at the dinner table the other day. They affirmed. And we all laughed remembering his wit, his unique insights and his gusto for life.

As I relish on my son Joe’s sweet memories, I reflected on the memories I, myself would leave behind. How about you? Do you ever wonder what will people remember you by? What will your children’s children talk about when your name comes up? Will they know what you wanted them to know?

In good times and bad, we’re subtly creating a legacy, weaving memories and painting strokes on the portrait our family will hold in their hearts. The portrait will display the life we lived, the values we held, the dreams we made come true, and the answers to these questions:

  • did we choose to see life beyond circumstances, or did circumstances see us to despair?
  • did we face challenges with determination, or did we allow them to determine our destiny?
  • did we look for tomorrow with passion, or did momentary trials rob the passion for today?
  • did we reach out to others to encourage them, or did our own discouragement reach out to hold us back?
  • did we live life rich with God’s reassurance, or did we look to insure our own way?
  • did fear steal our joy, or did God’s joy erase all fear?
  • did we do things for our own interest, or did we first take interest in God’s ways?
  • did we follow our plans, or did we first plan to follow God’s path.
  • did we fret over petty things, or find the power of God’s precepts?

No matter what the answer, “…from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children-with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalm 103:17-18).

Father, I pray your everlasting love nourishes my desires, goals and dreams. I ask for wisdom to leave a legacy that honors you, resonates with my children’s children, and reflects my obedience to your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• What memories will you leave behind?

• What do you want to be remembered by?

• What would you change if you knew tomorrow was your last day on earth?

Janet

Legacy

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video  just for you.

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Two Sure Steps to go to Heaven

19 Oct

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

We took pictures, from every angle. Our granddaughter was the flower girl at my brother’s wedding. So our camera was smoking from those umpteen pictures we took of our princess. We planned to send them to the world.

But all that planning fell apart. On the way home the camera slipped of the console between the seats, right into a large cup of water.

We lifted the dripping camera. There went our pictures. There went our hopes of those priceless images.

To diffuse the tense moment, I gave a silly grin at hubby. “Maybe this is an underwater camera, and we just didn’t know it?”

“Wishful thinking,” he said.

That’s me—the wishful thinker. I used to wish about lots of things. In fact, I wished my way would be the one that would bring me to heaven: By being good. By praying. By staying out of trouble. Through my religion. Or wishing God would be good enough to swing open heaven’s doors and unable to resist my pitiful look, He’d say, “C’mon on, silly chica.” I wished that.

Then some powerful truths evaporated my wishful, wrong thinking. God’s truth—the spiritual GPS programmed my destination: heaven.

The map showed two turns outlined in chapter 10 of Romans:

1. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’

2. And believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Father, how awesome of you to make it so simple to be saved from hell and enter heaven. I confess there was a time when I doubted the path would be as simple. But now I know when I made the commitment to follow you, my heart was transformed. My life was changed. Joy was renewed. And hope for eternity turned to reality. I thank you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

• When you take your last breath, where will eternity find you?

• Were you like me, wrong about the way to be saved from eternal gloom?

• Is Jesus knocking at the door of your heart?

Would love your comments: www.janetperezeckles.com

Janet Eckles Perez

Janet Perez Eckles,

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…

My website in English

En Español

My story (video)

Inspirational video just for you.

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Where is Papa?

12 Oct

“Where is Papa?” my sleepy 5-year old granddaughter said the moment she opened her eyes in the morning.

“Papa already left for work,” I said, grinning at her love for her Papa.

“I want to be with him…I just want a hug from him. I love him so much,” she said.

After the sweetness of the moment faded, a not-too-sweet reminder came to mind. What about me? Do I ask for my Father’s presence the first thing in the morning? Rather than my soul longing to be with God, in His presence and to seek His company, my thoughts often turn elsewhere. How different it would be if I did wake up each morning with a yearning to be held by Him. To be reassured by Him. And to be guided by His grace.

God knows that weakness. He knows how we begin our day by letting worry nag. How we allow stress to creep up. And how we give in to restlessness. But because He also knows how deeply we want peace, security and victory at every stage, He gives His direct instruction: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Father, I confess that worries fill my head when I wake up. I have been a fool to seek you only when troubles com, when challenges show up or gloom threatens to step in. I ask that you give me wisdom to first choose my thoughts and fill them with you every morning. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • What fills your mind when you open your eyes in the morning?
  • What longing fills your heart?
  • What is the order of your priorities lately?
Papa

Janet Perez Eckles

Grateful for the privilege of inspiring you…
My website in English
En Español
My story (video)
Inspirational video  just for you.

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Old Age is Not the End

11 Oct

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

author of Window Wonders



How do you measure life, my friend?


Life on earth is not the end.


God fashions us with a Master Plan


to love and care for our fellow man.


 


Reach out and touch another soul-


a kind deed can be your goal.


Hearts are lifted from daily care


by sincere concerns and heartfelt prayer.


 


I yearn to hear a friendly voice,


to see a smile or two.


I know that God hasn’t changed,-


I see His love in You!

				
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Investigating Family Ties~Part 3

	
		7
		Oct
	

	

	

		
My Take


DiVoran Lites


Mother’s other grandmother was Florenda Jane Bingham Bedell Britton. Anyhow, Florenda Jane was born April 6, 1847. When Dora was six years old Author, Poet and Artistand her grandmother came for a visit, she came to Dora’s room every night and they kneeled by the bed and prayed together. That TLC, Mother said, was what helped her want to become a Christian later in life. Florenda Jane belonged to the Church of God Holiness. I assume from the name they were what we now call charismatic. Florenda Jane died December 28, 1936 at eighty-nine years of age. I was born two years after she died. I wish I had known her. We’ll all sit down and have a fine chat in Heaven some day. Please join us when the time is right.


One of my mother’s grandfathers was Ezra Marshall Bedell. He was born in Syracuse New York in 1844. During the Civil War he was taken prisoner for eight years.


This brings us to Mother’s parents, Mabel and Roger Bedell. They lived on an apple ranch just outside town and settled in to raise apples, vegetables, chickens, a few cows, a son, and two daughters. Roger was manager of the Gas Company from 1917 until the town got electricity. They made water gas. The formula came down through the family, but I’m glad I don’t have to make it in order to have lights and cooking fuel. If the light over the dining room table began to dim, it was time for Roger to get the machines going again.


During the Great Depression, relatives who needed a place to stay came and went. My family has a history of feeding other people. I imagine if you investigate, your family does too. In those days, if you had food, you shared it. Now you can share knowledge with your children about their ancestors. It will make them stronger and more self-confident, especially if they hear stories about how their relatives loved and served Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

				
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Look Up in the Morning

	
		27
		Sep
	

	

	

		
From the Heart


Louise Gibson




Embrace the Promise


When we wake up in the morning,


there is promise in the air.


We don’t know what the day will bring,


but the expectancy is there.


The time to be happy is now-


We have this day to explore.


Everyday is a special occasion-


What are you waiting for?


My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;


in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.


Psalm 5:3


None are as old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.


Henry David Thoreau

				
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What If Something Bad Happened

	
		19
		Sep
	

	

	

		
On the Porch


Onisha Ellis


Onisha


In the midst of your quiet time have you ever breathed the prayer, Lord use me today and then gone about your day? Many of us do this hoping that God will bring someone into our life to whom we can minister. But what if something bad happens? Do we see that as a fulfillment of our prayer?


Ten years ago my purse was stolen in Wal-Mart. I was in shock and very angry. We had to change our door locks, car locks, cancel cards. I didn’t even have ID to go to the bank and get money. It was an awful experience and one I wouldn’t trade for a million dollars. You see, God took me up on my request to be used. My purse-snatcher was a young woman on drugs and unknown to the girl, her mother was my co-worker. When it was time for the restitution stage of her trial, I asked the judge in lieu of restitution to please send the young woman to drug rehab.


I ran into her mother today, funnily enough, at the same place we both worked ten years ago. We have each moved on to different jobs. What a wonderful time we had rejoicing in the news that her daughter continued to be free of her drug habit and doing very well. We just had a little praise session right there in the parking lot.


I have shared this story before but today it hit home to me that being used by God doesn’t mean I will lead a Bible study, share a scripture with eloquence and passion or lead hundreds of people to Christ. It means I surrender myself to His use and that includes when bad things happen.

				
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Choices

	
		2
		Sep
	

	

	

		
My Take


DiVoran Lites


DiVoran Lites


Doesn’t it drive you nuts when you decide to do something and you get so many choices you can’t make up your mind? For instance we recently changed cable systems and it seems the new one has even more choices of channels than the old one. They are up into the thousands now. I hear you can delete some of the channels and someday I may do so if I ever care enough to bother. I have found, “The Waltons,” and, “Little House on the Prairie,” and those should last me a while.


What about choices on our computers? We can do things one way or maybe we’d rather do them another way. The only trouble is, it seems to me as if sometimes one way works and at other times that way doesn’t work at all. Sound confusing? Think of the state of my poor mind.


Today I was browsing through a magazine that had pictures of several different kinds of artisan salt in it among them: Black, Red, and fleur de sel. By the way, new research is debunking the 100-year-old-idea that salt is supremely bad for everybody. Thank heavens. Anyhow, I might send away for the fleur de sel some day. Here is its description: fleur de sel is the caviar of salt (but honey, I wouldn’t eat caviar if you paid me, oh well, never mind.) It goes on: “made from the delicate crystals that blossom on the surface of crystallizing sea salts; delicate flavor; violet-like aroma: maintains integrity on wet foods. Now that sounds lovely and exotic, doesn’t it?


Don’t get me wrong, I really don’t want fewer choices in the world, I’ll muddle through the way things are. But how about religions? We have the Christic religions. That is an entirely new word for me that means what we once called Christ-centered. Or at least I assume from the context that’s what it means. Then we have Zen Buddhism, Hinduism. Humanism (yes, I do call that a religion), and a whole bunch more and within each they have denominations and branches galore. I’ve read a bit about some of them and I see some good things in some, (some really scary things, too), but the precepts that seem right and good to me are right there in the Christian Bible too. They were probably there first. To be more specific I like the Zen idea of being in the moment, but I know we have lots of scriptures that tell us the same thing. Jesus Himself did only one thing and I know he was paying attention when he did it. What did Jesus do? WDJD? He did whatever He saw His Father in Heaven doing at any given moment. And with this, I come to the crux of my rant. I keep coming back to Jesus every time I see another choice of religious precept. He is the one and only the all-in-all, the master, the bread, the salt. He is everything to me and will be everything to anybody who wants Him even a little bit. Then He and the Holy Spirit within us can help us make our choices, large and small, a very present help in trouble and in daily life. Psalm 46:1

				
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