“Help,” I called out trying to hold back my frustration. Hubby walked in the room. “What’s wrong?” I let out a big huff. “The computer froze again,” And hubby, who’s also my hero fixed the problem with a few clicks. As he walked out of the room, I said, “Hey big guy, I just couldn’t do it without you.” He came back in and whispered, “That’s how I designed it.” I laughed. But in my head that same message echoed faintly. God said the same to you and to me. He designed our lives so we couldn’t make it without Him. So we would need Him. So we could rely on Him. So we could call upon Him in times of trouble. He designed our lives with detailed preparation. With a purpose and a plan. But being a tad stubborn, we dash off to follow our own plans. And that’s when our life freezes with disappointment. We’re stuck in the futility of our own whims because God said, apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” John 15:5 But as always, God gives the saving alternative: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8 What remains in you-a desire to go after your goals or a passion to go after His grace? Quote for the day: “On the way to triumph, you can view each step as a struggle, or strive to see the power of each step.”-Janet Perez Eckles

“Thank you, honey,” I said to hubby as he placed in my hands two huge rolls of freshly baked French bread. I placed them on the top shelf of the fridge thinking that would be perfect for our dinner guests. And being the zany chica that I am, I dashed off to my tasks. Days later, preparing dinner for my guests, I searched for the bread. There they were still wrapped in the paper bag. I pulled them out. But Ugh! They weren’t soft as when he brought them. , if I should strike my counter with them, no doubt, the tile would crack. Why didn’t I put them in a plastic bag and freeze them? Hardness is not a strange thing to me. There was a time when my head, my thinking and attitude were as hard. And, to make it worse, unaware of my stale condition, I came wrapped in a paper bag of pride. What a package I was for God. What would He do with me? Hardened, unappetizing in His sight. Too stale for any use. But rather than toss me in the trash, or feed me to the birds, He was gentle. He was kind. He was patient and held me in His arms of love. I softened, and He poured His sweet mercy upon my flaws. He filled me with compassion upon my stubborn heart. And spread forgiveness for my sins. “Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” Proverbs 28:14 What condition is your heart in today? __ Will you tell me what you think? I love, love your comments. www.janetperezeckles.com