Excuse me, Sandi Patty...

My friend gave a gentle pull of my arm and leaned her head to me. “I can’t believe I let you do that,” she whispered in the midst of muffled giggles.

 

We were exiting the crowded backstage area after I served as a Spanish interpreter for the Women of Faith conference.

 

As we maneuvered through the crowd, I had bumped into someone, and I blurted a quick “Excuse me.” No big deal…until my friend told me that it was Sandi Patty I almost knocked down. Yes, THE Sandi Patty.

 

Now, friends that was last year. Here’s what I did this year.

 

Once the conference ended, I slipped my headphones off as I was placing all my junk in my bag, ready to leave the backstage area, which by the way is where all the speakers and musical artists pass through. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Que Dios te bendiga,” a voice said.

 

I think it’s kind of cute when someone tries to speak Spanish to me. So, I gave a cordial smile with a silly wink and blurted a quick “Gracias” and went on packing my stuff.

 

My colleague and friend dashed toward me, shook my arm, and with a rushed voiced said, “Do you know who that was?”

 

I gasped. Who do you think it was? It was Sandi Patty…again!

 

Man, being blind sometimes stinks. Wish I could see enough to get my act together and react appropriately when someone of that stature is near me.

 

Okay, reality check here. Sandi Patty is one thing, but how many times have I almost dismissed as insignificant when Jesus tapped me on the shoulder—through friends, circumstances, even setbacks and tough moments. But did I pay attention? No. I went on doing my stuff—sometimes confused, other times pitifully sad. Or maybe I was too busy being angry or discouraged at whatever ugliness dripped into my day.

 

But nothing new about my aloof behavior or foolish reaction. The Israelites did the same thing, too. God tapped their hearts, telling them to obey His commandments, to follow His ways, to turn away from evil. “But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers” (Jeremiah 6:24-26).

 

Maybe the question for them and for us is not why didn’t we pay attention, but rather, why weren’t we willing to see? Willing to be healed, to be set free or to be shown a better way. We just weren’t willing…mercy, mercy, girlfriend… why do we do that?

Pride? Ignorance? Stubbornness? Probably all of the above. But hey, good news here. God’s patience has no limit, His grace has no boundaries, and His constant attempt to get our attention never stops.

 

Pray with me: Father, what keeps me blind from recognizing you, from feeling your loving tap in my heart? Show me to listen, to pay attention and I ask you to silence the distractions that cause me to miss your persistent calling. I ask this in Jesus’ name.

 

·         Try reading God’s Word, asking Him to reveal His plan for your life.

·         What will you do next time God taps at your heart?

 

Great news friends: Now available in audio—my book, “Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow” – a celebration of living a life of triumph where adversity doesn’t have to defeat you and heartache doesn’t have to overcome you. http://www.janetperezeckles.com/store.html

 

And if you like to receive my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com.

 

 

Janet Perez Eckles

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Book trailer: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=6d4decc2f50b21ca652c

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Janet-Perez-Eckles/664713948

Twitter: http://twitter.com/janeteckles

 

What a way to start you day!

“What did you have for breakfast, honey?” I asked my son when he fluttered out from the nest for the first time and moved in with some friends.

 

“Left-over pizza.”

 

“Pizza?”

 

“Yeah, sausage and pepperoni.”

 

“Hmmm…you realize what your energy level will be like? All that fat in your body early in the morning. Not a good way to start your day.”

 

“Uh huh.”

 

I knew my admonishing melted like the cheese on his pizza before reaching him. But still, horrified, I chided myself. Where did he learn to do that? I practically stood on my head trying to teach him and his brothers to discern between nutrition and junk food.

 

God must have been frustrated with me, too. I’d done the very same thing. Years back, looking at the to-do list for the day, I took bites of my own pizza called stress. And while still chewing, I dashed off to start my day, tackling the gazillion tasks. I hopped from chore to chore, dealt with challenges, and was crazed about crossing off the stuff that crammed my to-do list.

 

Time for the Lord? That had to wait. Too much to accomplish first. And reading His Word came later.  Conversations with Him? Yes, but only when desperate situations slithered in.

 

No wonder angst gnawed at me. I lacked energy, made stupid decisions, carried stress like a bag of rocks on my chest, and inevitably the heartburn of a bad beginning to my day started to sting.

 

Have you ever done that? If so, go ahead; inhale a deep sigh of relief. We’re not the only ones. David, you know that handsome and powerful King, didn’t begin his day with the Lord either. Nope, probably not (my assumption, of course). But it’s a fact, that night he looked where he shouldn’t and he succumbed to temptation, big time. Then, no surprise, sin had him for breakfast (2 Samuel 11).

 

Great example for us because after his failure and his disgraceful sin, he regretted and repented. And learned to make the Lord his priority …he learned it the hard way. He longed, thirsted, and craved for the Lord…from the early morning: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God (Psalm 42:1).

 

How great would it be if we also had that thirst for the Lord, early in the morning before the daily engine of stress started? He then could nourish our souls and provide spiritual vitamins and nutrients to conquer tough moments. He’d pour wisdom to respond to unpleasant episodes and even would usher joy with laughter.

 

Pray with me: Father, spark in me a desire to put you first, to drink of your Word, and be filled with your presence from the early morning. Remove distractions and temptations so my days will be rich, productive, and become a sweet, sweet fragrance in your site. In Jesus’ name I pray.

 

·         What keeps you from being still and spending time with the Lord?

·         When did you find Him to be the closest to you?

·         For one week, try beginning your day by spending 10 minutes just focused on the Lord. The changes for that day will surprise you.

 

 

Janet Perez Eckles

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Author of Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow—a true story of triumph, with practical steps to conquer adversity, heartache, and fear. Now available in audio at http:/www.janetperezeckles.com/store.html

 

Book trailer: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=6d4decc2f50b21ca652c

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Janet-Perez-Eckles/664713948

Twitter: http://twitter.com/janeteckles

 

And if you like to receive my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com

Who hurt that puppy?

“It broke my heart,” a friend said when I asked her about her experience in my native land of Bolivia. She sighed. “All those poor dog wandering in the streets.”

 

That picture came back to me like a flash. She was right. In remote streets and rural areas, stray dogs abound. They walk aimlessly as their bones protrude through their dirty, matted hair. They spend all day and night sniffing any pile of rubble searching to fill that ever-present empty spot in their stomachs.

 

Her concern went deeper because her passion is to rescue abused dogs. She took in Sweets one day. And contrary to her name, she had lived a bitter life. She didn’t like men, and dashed under the bed at the site of a belt. But my friend with patience, crazy love for these cute creatures, taught Sweets to trust, to play, and feel confident. And now, her tail wags wildly, and with each lick on my friend’s cheek, she says, “Thank you Mama, I never knew love like this.”

 

Not quite like those four-legged creatures in Bolivia, but there were similarities in my life.  I’d go  about my business, busy searching for meaning  and purpose in the rubble of the world, and craving to satisfy that ever-present empty spot in my heart. It screamed to be filled.

 

Until the day when adversity crashed in, leaving me wounded, devastated, and whimpering from the pain. Then God scooped me up and placed me in the shelter of His arms. And with unlimited love, He taught me to trust, to know the richness of joy, and relish the fulfillment of that craving in my soul.

 

Recently, a friend, familiar with all the episode of heartache I’ve known, wrote, “Sheesh, you guys haven't had much luck. Good thing your faith is strong.”

Yes, I would say it is strong…could it be that it’s because I’m a different puppy? And with every breath I have, I say to the Lord, “Thank you, Jesus…I never knew love like yours.”

 

With that love delighting my soul, how can I help but follow His call, “I will always lead you. I will satisfy your needs in dry lands and give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water, like a spring that never runs dry” (Isaiah 58:11).

 

Pray with me: Lord, hasten to fill the emptiness that nags at me. Show me the way to satisfy my every need, even those I cannot identify. I ask this in Jesus’ name.

 

·         What wounds still need healing in your heart?

·         Which needs have you detailed to the Lord?

·         What keeps you from resting in His arms?

 

Janet Perez Eckles

Bilingual Spanish Speaker and Author

Inspiring you to overcome crisis, leading you to conquer fear.

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Great news friends: Now available in audio—my book, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow. A celebration of living a life of triumph where adversity doesn’t have to defeat you and heartache doesn’t have to overcome you. http://www.janetperezeckles.com/store.html

 

And if you like to receive my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com

 

What a mess; look at me!

My mom looked at me, clapped her hands like she would when I did something cute as a little girl. “Oh my, you look like a princess.”

 

My mom is precious, but tends to exaggerate just a tad.

 

I did a silly twirl. “You like it?” I said.

 

“It’s beautiful.”

 

It was. The red blouse and skirt I wore to match was delicately laced with gold threads, giving it a shimmering look. The outfit was a native attire from the Philippines—a gift from my dear friend while I visited the islands.

 

That morning, feeling extra dazzling with my new outfit, and with only a few minutes to spare before leaving for church, I sat at the kitchen table, grabbed the carton of almond milk to pour on my cereal…and, with one swoosh, I splashed it all over the front of the dress.

 

I jumped off my chair, “What a mess. I can’t believe I did that.”

 

My mom, who’s always lurking about heard my gasp. “Here,” she said as her tennis shoes squeaked across the kitchen floor toward me, wet towel in hand. “Got a little soap, it’ll come out.”

 

She rubbed, blotted, and viola! Clean again.

 

“The trick is to get the spots right away,” she said.

 

Moms are always right aren’t they? So is God. When sin spills all over our soul, shame stains the borders, and darkness seeps to the core, He says to repent—right away, completely, and genuinely.

 

Aha! The trick is to get to the task right away. But as stubborn as we are, often we walk with that unsightly guilt for years. We hang on to that disturbing reminder of what we’ve done wrong for countless seasons of life. And we wear a spotted heart for longer than we can remember.

 

No need to do that. Jesus’ blood is the best bleach for the soul. He poured it already so we can be set free; feel clean, unbound, and liberated from the messy look of our soul.

 

So, friend, what’s the hold up? Go ahead, get bold and be willing to clean up the mess; His forgiveness is waiting. There’s a reward and a great prize for a clean soul: “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither in days of famine they will enjoy plenty” (Psalm 37:18-19).

No famine for you and me; no disaster or shame. Each time sin spills into our life; we jump to our feet, repent with all the sincerity our mind can grasp. And joy of all joys, God’s forgiveness will rush to us with the towel of love in hand.

 

Pray with me: Lord, take the sin, the guilt and shame that have burdened me for so long. Give me a mind to comprehend that I am worthy of receiving your forgiveness, your love and freedom found only in you. In Jesus’ name I ask.

 

·         What has kept you in bondage lately?

·         Do you trust that God will give you the power to walk away from sin?

·         Are you willing to start over today? Free and clean?

 

Great news friends: Now available in audio—my book, trials of “Today, Treasures for Tomorrow” -- a celebration of living a life of triumph where adversity doesn’t have to defeat you and heartache doesn’t have to overcome you. http://www.janetperezeckles.com/store.html

 

And if you like to receive my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com

 

 

Janet Perez Eckles

Bilingual Spanish Speaker and Author

Inspiring you to overcome crisis, leading you to conquer fear.

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Excuse me; I don't need these kinds of surprises.

One evening, a few weeks back, I sat at my computer, my fingers dancing on the keyboard when hubby walked in. “You won’t believe this…but it’s 95% certain I can’t go.”

 

He’s got to be kidding! We planned this vacation for a year; it was paid for in full. We looked forward to a bit of rest, a little distraction, fun times to renew our body and soul. This time away was God’s gift to us. Really, it was.

 

I grimaced. “I can’t go without you. What fun would that be?”

 

“You’ll have to find someone else to take my place. It’s too late to cancel. We’ll lose all the money.”

 

I blew out a long breath, dropped my head on the back of my chair, closed my eyes and thought about how much I hate, hate these kind of surprises.

 

I know, girlfriend. You’re thinking what kind of shallow chick I must be to get worked up over this. I agree. In fact, this is nothing compared to the shock that slammed into my life before. More than once actually. The level of pain was so intense, it went off the charts.

 

Maybe you’re going through that right now. Beyond spoiled vacations, devastating news was thrown at you, unexpected and unfair. You stand there with a look of shock frozen on your face, your stomach cramped, your mind mush trying to figure how or why. And your heart beats wildly in protest.

 

Been there. But guess what? The God of the universe, the King of Kings, the one who, cell by cell, knit you and me in our mother’s womb, knows all about these surprises, so he says to not be stunned or shocked.  “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

 

Rejoicing awaits us. That’s good news. So, when ugly news barges in our lives, trying to slap our emotions and crush our spirit, remember “the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:17).

 

Pray with me: Father, remind me moment by moment that you are close, so close that you heard the news along with me. You have the answer, the strength to sustain me, and the power to see me through anything. I pray this in the name of Jesus.

·         What has caught you by surprise lately?

·         Is the surprise God’s prolonged silence?

·         What promises from His loving Word sustain you?

 

Janet Perez Eckles

Bilingual Spanish Speaker and Author

Inspiring you to overcome crises, leading you to conquer fear.

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Christian reflections, encouragement, and inspiration to overcome adversity in life.

Reflexiones, inspiración, y aliento Cristianos para superar adversidad en la vida.

 

For my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com.

 

A crazy, crazy hobby...

Hey, friends, please understand, there’s no judgment on my part here. Let me share a conversation I had recently with a woman I met on a cruise. She sat across the table during lunch and we chatted for a bit.

 

I dug my fork into my salad. “So, what did you do when you visited the island? Did you go snorkeling? Tour the gorgeous surroundings? Or shop for bargains?”

 

She placed her glass of water on the table. “No. I didn’t do any of that. Actually I had my husband take me to visit the cemetery.”

 

My mind exploded with a huge “What?” But I just nodded. “Really?”

 

Should I have asked details? Or forever wonder about this odd activity.

 

I think my sudden halt to my chewing and the look of shock gave her a clue I was bewildered.

 

“Yes, I love to visit them everywhere I go and do some tombstone rubbing.”

 

Tombstone rubbing? What in the world… “What does that mean?”

 

“I love to read what the tombstones say. The words faded with time. And when you hold a paper and use a crayon to rub, the paper shows the print. It’s fascinating to read how the person died, what they did, and other fun details.”

 

I processed the whole idea—a bit weird but interesting at the same time. And I gotta admit, her words made me think…when I’m long gone, what would people read about me? Gulp. I wonder if a century from now, someone with the same bent for this hobby would rub my tombstone. My imagination went wild…what would it say?

 

I was seeping God’s Word one morning and found the perfect wording:

 

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul” (Psalm 94; 18-21).

 

I know, kind of short, but I like simplicity, honesty, and a pithy flair in my message to the world. I’d love for all to know that my days weren’t all pretty, the valleys taught me the meaning of trust, total trust in Him, and the gloom was necessary to appreciate the joy Jesus brought to my days.

 

Pray with me: Father, show me how to create a melody with my life, one that sings of your goodness, power and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray.

 

What will be the words describing the legacy you leave behind?

 

***

Janet Perez Eckles

Bilingual Spanish Speaker and Author

Inspiring you to overcome crisis, leading you to conquer fear.

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

 

Christian reflections, encouragement, and inspiration to overcome adversity in life.

Reflexiones, inspiración, y aliento Cristianos para superar adversidad en la vida.

 

For my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com

And he brought the house down!

I plopped on the soft seats at one of the lounges where my friend and I attended a talent show.

 

“Scoot over, “I said, “There’s room for more.”

 

A hissing murmur hovered as the crowds filled the place. Anticipation ricocheted all over. Rumor spread that this would be a great event. Singers filed on the stage displaying their best performance as they chose a song to delight the audience but really, they probably coveted the first prize.

 

Toward the end, one of the contestants gripped the mic and began his song. The voice was soothing and definitely artistic. But, unexpectedly, when the instrumental portion of the song began, he pulled out of his pocket a harmonica. With contagious gusto, he slid his lips from side to side creating melodies that made you sway and tap your feet. Then he followed up with the rest of the song with effusive passion, bringing a glorious ending to his performance.

 

The crowd jumped to their feet, cheered, whistled, and roared with applause.

 

Wow! What happened? Nothing extraordinary—all he did was to take an extra step, do something different, add a special flair, and move beyond the ordinary singing.

 

You and I know that deep, deep, really deep inside we also want to do that extra special thing in life. That feat in our journey that others would recognize as important, significant, and worth noticing. Maybe not for the masses crowded around us, but maybe just for our simple, personal satisfaction.

 

But in the audience of life, God is also watching, He’s observing our moves, motives, and desires. And…good news…contrary to human expectations, He doesn’t expect us to pull out a harmonica, nor display terrific talent or outstanding performance, not even to create unique flair to please others. Instead, He wants a simple servant heart, committed and true.

 

We want to reach success, but He wants us to succeed in trusting Him first. We want a nice house, but He wants us to house His promises in our hearts. We want a trouble-free life, but He wants us to delight in the freedom of His ways. We’re tempted to perform, but He wants us to instead find purpose in Him.

 

We sweat trying to please, but He doesn’t expect grandeur, just gratitude because His applause is ready when we simply “trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” He calls out the instruction: “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart…Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” (Psalm 37:3-5, 7).

Pray with me: Father, show me the silent place in your presence. The place where I don’t have to perform, prove anything, or measure my work with the world’s gauge. Grant me contentment while I wait for your next calling. I ask this in the name of your son, Jesus.

 

--What has caused you feelings of inadequacy lately?

--What is the goal unreached or dreamed that’s still a dream which causes you anxiety?

--What anxious moments did you cast to the Lord?

--Are there accomplishments in your life that evoke gratitude?

 

***

Janet Perez Eckles

Bilingual Spanish Speaker and Author

www.janetperezeckles.com

 

Inspiring you to overcome crises, leading you to conquer fear.

 

Christian reflections, encouragement, and inspiration to overcome adversity in life.

Reflexiones, inspiración, y aliento Cristianos para superar adversidad en la vida.

 

For my free inspirational newsletter, just send a blank email to: splash_of_inspiration@getresponse.com.