Author Archive for Janet

When we don’t know how to pray.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Apologies in advance. Don’t want to brag. Last week I gave a silly grin of pride. Yes, shameless pride at my four-year-old granddaughter.

In those delicate hands, she held her Mom’s cell phone. And in seconds, she managed on her own, to text a message to her other grandma.

The message read: “Alyssa qwert7iopasdkdlf.”

Grandma texted back, “Alyssa, it’s you. I love you!”

Besides spelling her name correctly, the message was no message really, it was just gibberish, made no sense. Yet, grandma understood and replied. She knew where it came from.

When communicating with God, sometimes we do the same. When we just don’t know how to pray, don’t have the words or the way to express what burdens our soul, then spiritual gibberish comes out. But the Lord knows. He knows where they come from.

Have you been there? When praying seems to be an unfamiliar concept because we’re in the foreign land of pain and anguish. When loneliness and fear block any word of prayer, it’s in these moments when God receives the text from our heart. And silently, yet powerfully texts back, “…I love you.”

But, in His intimately-given love, He doesn’t stop there. He wants to reassure us that He has ways to know our sorrow, understand our plight, and see our wounds. He is familiar with our weakness. And for us doubtful chicas, Paul spells it out “… the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (Romans 8:26-27).

Father, I praise you because when I’m too weak to formulate my thoughts and words, you hear my pleas. I thank you for the reassurance that you have the divine way to make sense of my spiritual gibberish. Thank you for the freedom to approach you, voice my need, and count on your divine answers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• When was the last time you cried out to God?
• What hinders your prayers?
• When did God answer your prayers in a way that exceeded your expectations?

Janet

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box. Here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

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Categories : Burdens, Fear & Anxiety, God Hears and Answers
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What makes a Mom great?

By Janet · Comments (2)
Saturday, May 12th, 2012

I just read this: “God couldn’t be everywhere so He made Moms.” Forgive the rudeness, but this is plain ol’ crazy talk.

Moms would like to be everywhere. But do you know where they are? In the bathroom, privacy a thing of the past as toddlers follow her in. Moms can’t finish a sandwich while standing at the counter. With one hand wiping a runny nose and with one knee holding the cabinet door shut to keep her toddler out.

Here is my take of a great Mom:

  • A Mom who knows mistakes will be corrected in the hands of a loving God.
  • A Mom who goes to sleep at night with dishes still in the sink, but a bedtime story in her kid’s heart.
  • A Mom who knows perfection will happen on the other side of heaven.
  • A Mom who sees her kid’s weakness and still smiles at his strengths.
  • A Mom who places guilt in the garbage disposal of life.
  • A Mom who leaves fingerprints on the glass door to place an imprint of love in her kid’s heart.
  • A Mom who looks in the mirror and smiles because she is molding one of the leaders of tomorrow.
  • A Mom who picks shoes off the floor, thankful her kids can walk.
  • A Mom who listens to endless chatter, thankful her kids can talk.
  • A Mom who signed a partnership with God above.
  • A Mom who stirs this sweetener in the coffee cup of her heart: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

To that great mom and all the moms reading this—Happy Mother’s Day!!

Janet

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box. Here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

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Categories : God's Love, True Success
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Seven ways to find joy.

By Janet · Comments (3)
Sunday, May 6th, 2012

It was our favorite Mexican restaurant and hubby and I sat across the table from friends with whom we re-connected after decades. And in the lively conversation a comment was made that jolted my senses.

I positioned the wheelchair beside the table (I still can’t put weight on the foot with the broken bone). The comment came innocently, I’m sure. “Janet is blind and now lame,” he chuckled. “So, so much for this Jesus thing.”

Although it was a comment in jest, he had a point. Amigos, does the world think that when you become a Christ follower, life is perfect? Or does it mean that when you commit your life to Jesus, troubles end?

The answer is a resounding “no.” Life will not be perfect. But you will be perfectly equipped to face the fierce storms in life.

And even when life is ugly, here are seven ways to know joy, true joy that plays the melody of confidence in the symphony of Jesus’ promises:

1. Joy comes because we know His love will transcend all—blindness, illness, broken feet, broken hearts and broken plans.

2. Joy comes because He promised to bring solutions we never dreamed.

3. Joy fills our heart because loneliness is a foreign word. The constant whisper that God would never abandon us echoes while sweet sleep comes at night.

4. Joy is ours because when the rest of the world is searching, looking and hungry for fulfillment Christ fills the void, feeds the spiritual hunger, and puts in place the piece that makes us whole.

5. Joy is complete because our purpose is defined: To Love God with all our mind, heart and soul and love one another. Love those who wound us, ridicule and insult us.

6. Joy sings in our heart because this life is short, often dotted with trials, but we live in anticipation to the forever eternity promised to those to whom Jesus is their Lord.

7. Joy is our promise, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, and you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20).

Father, the joy you promise is the treasure that shines beyond setbacks, pain or troubles. For that gift, I praise and thank you in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

• Where do you find the joy that keeps you going?
• What is the force that ushers peace to your nights?
• Where do you turn in painful moments?

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box. Here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

Janet

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Categories : God's Love, Hope, Strength in Christ
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What to do when doctor gives bad news.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Saturday, May 5th, 2012

A friend asked me the following question (she had read my last post about me praying with the doctor who had given me bad news).

“Dear Janet. Question. If you had just met this doctor for the first time, how did you know he would be willing to pray with you? Did you know he was a Christian???”

My answer: I had no clue, no idea, or notion whether he was an atheist, Christian or anything else.

But what I did know was that when he said there was no guarantee, I was 100% sure Jesus was the one who has the ultimate guarantee. He holds all results in His hands, in His power and might.

Knowing that truth, there was no way I’d leave Jesus out of that scene. That’s why in a shameless way, I held the doctor’s and my hubby’s hands and prayed in Jesus’ name.

Bottom line, at that moment, even when a broken toe isn’t really a huge deal, I believe God was watching. He was looking and listening. He observed to whom I would turn first when doc gave bad news. Who would be the one I call out to? And He watched how I lived out what I believe, what I write and speak about.

He was attentive not only the broken part of my body, but more so in the wholeness of my soul because “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Father, when facing painful circumstances, setbacks, broken plans, disappointments I will look beyond them and see you. I will seek your input, your intervention and your divine ability to bring about results that exceed all expectations. In Jesus’ name, amen.

• What are you facing today that requires divine input?
• How is Jesus leading you through this tough moment?
• How much trust do you have in His power?

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box, here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

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Categories : God Hears and Answers, Hope
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When we die, do we really see the light?

By Janet · Comments (0)
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

I sat on the table lined with paper at the doctor’s office—my foot dangling and my broken toe still swollen. I waited while doc reviewed the x-rays on the computer screen.

“Oh…oh…oh, that is not good,” he said, “this does not look good at all.”

My imagination went wild. I saw amputation on the horizon.

Summary: What happened was the acute fracture and severe displacement needed repair yesterday! It started to heal, crooked. Why? Because this silly chica waited too long to have it checked.

“You have two choices,” the doctor said. By now my heart was jumping out of my chest.

“I re-break it and re-set it. But no guarantees. The second choice is to leave it this way and you’ll have problems the rest of your life.”

Gulp. Help me, Lord, I said inside me. Then I did what any sensible gal would do. I asked the doc (whom I met for the first time) to pray with me. He agreed. Then hubby, the doctor and I held hands and I asked the Lord to guide him.

God did. After the procedure the x-rays revealed amazing success. “God answered your prayers,” doc said.

But then the exciting thing happened. I fainted. I was out, cold, gone. We’re talking pulse almost nada. Blood pressure to the floor. Nurses frantic and a tad concerned  trying to revive their patient near coma.

I heard words, but my body just went limp. Kind of like taking my last breath.

When I related this to my friend, she asked, “Did you see the light?”

See the light?

“No, girlfriend,” I said, “How can I see the light? I’m blind…remember?”

After we laughed, I thought, really pondered and reflected on that question. The day we’ll inevitably face and take our last breath, will we see Jesus?  Will we see the light that leads to heaven? To glory, to enter to our home forever? Will the steps on the streets of gold wait for us when we close our eyes for the last time?

The answer is a resounding yes if we show our brokenness, our crooked life, and our displaced ways to God. And trusting in the path He prepared through His son Jesus, we receive Him as Lord. Then we’ll make a glorious entrance into our new dazzling home, the mansion He prepared for us. The residence where life, true life vibrates pulsates and is eternally real.

We can count on that because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Father, I have a new view of my days on earth when I see it through the promise of life eternal. This guarantee of never perishing shines new hope, sweet expectation and deep joy that brighten each moment of each day. In Jesus’ name I thank you. Amen.

  • Where will you be when you close your eyes for the last time?
  • Deep in your heart, who is Jesus to you?
  • What expectation keeps you going each day?

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box, here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

Janet

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Categories : God's Love, Hope, Inspiration
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Three ways to reach real success

By Janet · Comments (2)
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

“Don’t you just hate her?” some have said at the way Nora Roberts has reached real success as an author.

But her story goes just a tad beyond success. Five books a year? Insanely impossible. Not for her. She just threw a party to celebrate her 200th book out. And, the millions each sold no doubt, adds to her glory.

How does she do it? I just read a clue in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, it says: “Ms. Roberts writes for six to eight hours every day, fueled by Diet Pepsi and Winston Filter 100s cigarettes.” Read this Wall Street Journal interview.

Hmm…her source of fuel, according to the article, is unique, isn’t it?

On the other hand, my friend, Bob Saffrin, is fueled by God’s power to pen insights from Scripture. A young man recently back from Iraq shared how discouraged he and his wife had been, not able to find work after moving to another state. When they read Bob’s book Moses – Steps to a Life of Faith together they realized this “desert” time in their lives was God preparing them for something great.

Amigos, to reach real success, it’s not the number of books sold, but the quantity of hope our books sing. The hope that revives the soul shines the spotlight on Jesus and brightens the horizon through the gloom of pain.

So, before I start a new habit and rush out to grab my own pack of Winston cigarettes, allow this chica to give you three secrets to success:

  1. Identify the source, the fuel and the reason for your passion, making sure, nothing is done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3).
  2. When sales don’t soar, believe anyway—with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23).
  3. And finally, at the end of the day, when you worked till you can’t anymore, the computer is off and the family is sleep, in the deepest corner of your heart, you can say with a smile of gratitude and with the peace few know, ”All, absolutely all is well with my soul.”

Father, I confess I had coveted success that’s measured by numbers, dollars and prestige. But I came to recognize the success that is measured by your power, ordained by your Word, and orchestrated by your plans. Show me how to accomplish only the tasks for each moment. Those that sing of your faithfulness, to spend days that show your provision and the kind of success that lifts a sweet fragrance unto you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  • What does success look like to you?
    Who measures your success, the one no one sees?
    What fuels the work you do?

Hey friends, I invite you to become part of my inspirational family. Go ahead, don’t be shy, dance right on over and sign up to receive these posts in your in-box, here’s the link: www.janetperezeckles.com/blog.

Did you know all my writings are drawn from my #1 bestselling book, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. Did you get your own copy yet? http://amzn.to/pwDntn

Janet

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Categories : Inspiration, True Success
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Three reasons why we know God will answer.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

I stepped out from our bedroom. “C’mon, honey,” I called out to hubby in the next room. “It’s late.”

Sometimes I need to nudge him to stop his tasks and head to bed.

After that reminder, I made a quick turn to head back in the bedroom. And with one swift swivel of my foot, I caught the door frame, jamming my toes into the wood. I heard a snap and an unpleasant crack. Intense pain shot from my toe, through my leg. Did I break it? No doubt.

While my foot throbbed, I called hubby again. “Ouch! Ouch! Quick get me some ice.”

See what we do? We run into a painful ordeal and whom do we call? The closest person to us.

And why not? We call that person because we know they’re there. We call them because we know they’ll give us comfort, understanding and loving support.

While I sat on the bed, foot elevated, with a bag of ice, something also elevated in my head—a question. Why is it that in moments of sudden pain we don’t call to God first?

In moments when we jam our heart into heartache. When we run into painful circumstances. And our security and confidence are fractured; the thought of calling on God first melts quicker than the ice on our wound.

So, amigos, let’s be real. We do need reminders. Here are three ways to be sure God is near so, with all the confidence that lines our heart, and without a trace of shyness, we can call His name and know God will answer…

1. Because we know He’s near. He said so: “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15).

2. Because of His promise that declares He’s near us. “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 91: 3-4).

3. Because through Him, we can conquer fear: “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:5-6).

Father, I confess I relied on those around me often more than you. I trusted in my own ways to find comfort instead of looking to you. I will believe in your Word and know you are the God who will answer and restore anything that’s broken. In Jesus’s name, amen.

• What is fractured in your life?
• Have you found the comfort you need?
• Who is the person who will never fail you when pain invades your world?

Hey friends, I look to inspire you with more stories, visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

Janet

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Categories : God Hears and Answers, God's Love, Hope
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By Janet · Comments (0)
Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Hey friends,

Just a brief note to say what I think of Oprah. (Please don’t throw tomatoes at this blind chica…).

I happen to take a different angle to Oprah’s fame and glamour. She’s human, talented, insightful, human, generous but yet human.

Did I mention “human” too many times? I did because she’s is—human and with limited attributes. I have friends who use her words, message, example, opinion as gospel. Gulp. I believe there is danger there.

Believing another person before looking to God for the true Gospel, the defining solution, the only true path to anything good might be a tad dangerous.

Glad to know that in this interview, she admits  she’s not perfect. Check it out as she reveals what she learned: Watch    full interview.

I applaud her candor, always admired her tenacity, but never bought her opinion for answers. How about you?

Next, we’ll go back to my usual blog style.

Janet

Hey friends, if you want more inspiration drawn from my latest book,Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, come visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

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Categories : Inspiration

Three secrets to finding strength.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

All banks closed. too bad. Airport shut down, that’s life. No water or electricity, sorry!

That was our hometown in Bolivia each time a revolution exploded. Not far from us, only blocks from where we lived. Now, they are but ugly memories from the past.

But recently, my good friend was in the middle of a similar political unrest. Her mission trip ended. Airports closed. Electricity and public services minimized. And she had no way to get back home to the States.

Until, a miracle shone through. A travel agency found one flight available. She boarded the plane and the crowded aircraft had a surprise for her. They bumped her to first class. She’s now home safe and sound.

Isn’t that like life? We’re going through each day, minding our own business. Being good, not bothering anyone. When suddenly a revolution of anxiety explodes in us—a diagnosis, a financial setback, a devastating situation, a chronic illness—all threaten to shut down the airport to peace.

The bank where we find strength and energy is closed. And the electricity supply that had brightened our days is now off.

But when we least expect it, God has a flight waiting. One seat available in the first class of His love. Here are three secrets to find strength until we board that plane:

  1. Know that it’s not us but He who pilots the aircraft that takes us to healing, solutions, and answers.
  2. Accept the situation with gratitude as He is aware of every need. He collects every tear. He understands every sigh. And pours the grace we need for each moment.
  3. Turn a deaf ear to the enemy’s lies that whisper hopelessness, defeat and gloom. His lies are shut down with God’s promises that have resonated with hope through the ages.

So if you find yourself I the middle of a revolution of fear, know the Lord’s wings will cover you. You’ll not be defeated, fall or sink because “…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

Father, I confess I feel defeated in face of tough moments, unforeseen setbacks and unexpected heartache. But now I know I can wait upon you. I can wait in expectation that you will grant me the strength I don’t have. Hold me when I want to faint. And renew my strength to face each moment. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What struggles keep you in the revolution of fear?
  • What keeps you from believing He has the flight of rescue waiting for you?
  • What will you do while you wait for God to renew your strength?

 Hey friends, if you want more inspiration drawn from my latest book,Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, come visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

Janet

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Categories : Hope, Strength in Christ
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How to make sure we’re going to heaven.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Okay, so a little envy slipped from this chica’s heart. Do you blame me? My friend described the house she’s building right on the water in a prestigious area in Florida.

But envy soon changed to wisdom. “What’s wrong with you,” I said to myself, “you live in a mansion yourself.”

Compared to our dilapidated house in Bolivia, our home now is a mansion. We have electricity and running water. We’re living in total luxury!

And speaking of houses, my friend reminded me that it’s not so much the house we have but what matters are three things: location, location, location.

And caramba, amigos, those three things also matter when it comes to the location of our heart. If we want to reside in the mansion Jesus prepared for us, the location of our soul is the key.

  • Is it located in the swamp of misunderstanding—faith in a religion will bring us to heaven?
  • Is it nestled in the sand of misconception—the good things we do in this life will open the door to heaven?
  • Is it located in the mistaken notion that God is too kind to allow anyone to spend eternity in hell?

I know I’m getting a bit harsh here. But this is important stuff. Eternity is a long time. It happens to last forever. And the location of our heart while on these few days on earth will determine our final residence after we take our last breath and enter that forever place. So, the question is:  how are we saved from ending up in the midst of hot flames?

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

Father, I confess my heart lived in the wrong side of the tracks—living according to my own wisdom, and my own path to enter heaven. Thank you for shining truth in my heart—through your son Jesus, I have the key to open the door to heaven and settle in the room you prepared. In His name I thank you. Amen.

  • What do you believe opens the doors to heaven?
  • Where is your heart located?
  • Should you take your last breath tonight, where will you spend eternity?

Hey friends, I’ll continue to bring insights your way, visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

Janet

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Categories : God's Love, Hope, Inspiration
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