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“Simply Salsa”

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It’s    simple…          It’s           Simply Salsa

 “With Biblical insight, rare sensitivity, appropriate humor and Latino wit, Simply Salsa will help you know God’s perfect love in the midst of tragic circumstances.”- Lorilyn Roberts, author, founder of the John 3:16 Marketing

Seven ways to find balance in your life.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Forgive the bragging, the shameless boasting. But I have to say my oldest son married a gem.

She works full time, is sweet as can be, pretty, she’s a great Mom…and…are you ready? She keeps a spotless house.

Her secret? She has a schedule. And finding the balance in her life—time for work, family, shopping, fun—she cleans one part of the house each day. And even with a two and a four-year old, her house sparkles.

So being the quick chica that I am, I learned from her. There are seven ways that you and I can have not only a clean house, but a clean, shining and a well-balanced life. Like my daughter-in-law, we need a schedule for each day of the week:

  1. Sunday, leave church well-equipped with what we need to tackle the week’s mess we’re sure to face.
  2. Mondays, bring out the hope and anticipation of God’s help. A new week means new challenges, but also new ways for Him to show off His power to provide.
  3. Tuesday, dust the top of our heart. You know how junk of insecurities accumulate? So we dust them off.
  4. Wednesday, clean out the kitchen, including the fridge. We toss out those negative thoughts that were there so long, they probably have mold of  enouragement.
  5. Thursday clean out the drawers of confusion. Arrange all that’s important in the right order: God first, family second and job third.
  6. Friday, prepare for the celebration, polish that silver tarnished by gloom, let God’s joy shine through.
  7. Saturday, empty that hamper and wash bad habits out of your life. Be sure to spray God’s strength, the spot remover on those habits that are hard to get rid of.

In God’s book, each day is planned. Each week is arranged. Each month is orchestrated. We just need to seek God’s wisdom to follow His steps, follow His lead and relish in a new, balanced life.

“Lord, help me to know the number of my days so brief; so I may have a heart of wisdom. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you” (Psalm 39:4-5).

Father, in the brevity of life on earth, my life needs a spring cleaning every season of the year. I commit to make each day count, clean what needs cleaning, clear out what needs discarding and keep what brings that perfect balance for my days. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What lacks balance in your life?
  • How will you change your routine to make God first in all you do?
  • How often do you ask for God’s wisdom to bring order to your days?

Hey friends, hope you like this insight. It was drawn from my #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta.” For more inspiration, visit me at: www.janetperezeckles.com.

Janet

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Five ways to turn your trials to treasures.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Saturday, March 24th, 2012

Bring them on, baby. Colorful evening gowns, dazzling jewelry, snazzy shoes and hairdo to go with the make-up that was to kill for.

My friend Audrey made the above extravaganza possible to none other than, are you ready? To homeless girls. Ones for whom attending the prom was only a dream.

Audrey relates why she did this: “At 17-years-old, I was 5′ 7″ tall, weighing 97 pounds. I wore hand-me-down clothes three sizes too big (my older sister was short and chubby). Prom time came and my friend’s older sister lent me a dress, a neighbor lent me her long slip, another friend did my hair, my mom lent me a necklace and earrings (she didn’t have much).”

Years later, Audrey became immensely successful as a corporate executive. But, she remembered her prom experience. Her heart was tugged and voila! She turned her memories around. She turned her trial to a sweet treasure and a blessing for homeless girls.

Hey chicas out there. You might be wearing second-hand happiness. Not the real thing. Life nags at your and you don’t possess the sparkle that only God’s joy brings.

You can change that. Here are five ways to turn your own trials to treasures:

  1. Remember that the sad spot you’re in has a purpose, a reason and a good that will come…right now it’s in God’s secret place.
  2. Know that each moment of trials don’t compare to the treasures He will bring.
  3. Seek for something that’s good, something that is positive. And invite joy back because you know God’s promises are true—true for you and in your  circumstance.
  4. Understand that you will go through it simply because God’s grace is enough, truly enough to get through it.
  5. Wipe off that feeling of self-pity. Trust me; (speaking from experience) it messes up the make-up in our heart.

God is the perfect escort to the prom of all proms. The music of victory is playing. He’s directing the steps. And He’s leading you to the banquet where joy is served.

“I tell you the truth; you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (John 16:20).

Father, how often I played the poor-me drama of life. But I thank you for granting me the dazzling shoes of faith so I may walk on the path of victory. I may dance to the song that comes from your promise, and follow your lead taking me from mourning to joy and turning my trials to treasures. In Jesus’s name I thank you.

  • What sad circumstance is leaving you empty?
  • What will bring you a new vision to see the tomorrow He has prepared for you?
  • Have you planned to use the treasures He will bring to help others?

Janet

 

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Categories : God's Love, Overcoming, Strength in Christ, Worry
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Four ways God turns trials into triumphs.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Thursday, March 15th, 2012

I turned toward a new friend seated beside me during a writer’s conference. He’s got to be kidding! Did I hear him right? Did he say what I thought he said?

Those questions ricocheted in this crazy chica’s head when I heard him described what he did on the side.

I let out a quick gasp as he related, with a matter-of-fact tone, that he made jewelry out of, are you ready? …moose droppings!

I pinched my nose. “Tell me this is a joke,” I said.

“Nope.” (Friends, check the pictures to prove it.)

Being from Alaska, he explained the process. And I tried really tried to understand this craft. My imagination went wild with not-so-pleasant images. (Please check out www.torrymartin.com.)

But, amigos got to spill it all. This brought to mind the yucky droppings of trials that had paraded through my days—blindness, my son’s death, the struggles of sorrow—all gave my life a bad smell of heartache.

But viola! God turned the trials to triumph as He saw beyond the pain, the sin, the ugly scenes and transformed it all to a shining jewel for His glory.

No, amigos, don’t you think for a minute I’m saying this chica is a jewel. But the triumph God ushered certainly is.

Your triumph is waiting for you too. In the horrible, ever-present battle you’re facing, He’s got his tools and is at work too. He is at work to clean, shine and make it glow.

And during the process, all you have to do is:

…receive the joy for the moment. The joy that comes because you know He’s in control. The joy that resonates even when we don’t see the end
result.

…choose gratitude in expectation of what He will do.

…look back at ways He transformed other smelly circumstances in the droppings of life.

…spray the perfume of repentance on that smelly sin. When He’s done He will showcase His victory in you.

Life sometimes does stink. But no matter how unbearable the stench of sin or sorrow is, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Father, from a discarded soul, tainted with sin, smelling of pride, you polished life, beauty and sparkle through your son Jesus. Thank you that our life now has a glow of salvation, of freedom, of joy and hope. In His name we thank you. Amen.

  • What painful situation stinks in your life now?
  • What will it take for you to allow Him to turn your trials to triumph?
  • What keeps you in the same rut?

Janet

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Categories : Fight the good fight!, God's Love, Inspiration
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How to build confidence.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Thursday, March 8th, 2012

As I entered the ladies’ room at a conference I recently attended, I heard a voice. “Hey, I see you have a white cane. Are you blind?” the woman said to me.

I chuckled. “Yes, sure do, and yes I am,” I said.

“Well, I have a guide dog with me,” she said.

What, a guide dog? My brain got a bit cross-eyed. What’s she doing with a guide dog if she can see enough to know I carried a white cane?

Her explanation put my puzzled mind at ease. She had some sight but had problems with balance and her dog provided stability.

As we chatted, she and I became good friends. And as we shared silly and crazy “blind” stories, I realized something unique.

We all have various degrees of everything—not just in blindness. Some live with nagging problems.  Some are living in torment. Others have suffering that seems to have no end. Some have heartache deeper than the sea. And others don’t know what trouble is.

But no matter what degree, building confidence in God’s promises is what adds the melody of hope. God gives enough grace to fit your situation. He provides enough comfort for each hurting moment. He ushers you to triumph at every stage. And he provides endurance and strength to face days of deep sorrow.

He hasn’t written the last chapter of your life, so, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Father, my confidence wanes when I think that my troubles won’t end. But I know you’re at work, you’re crafting the details, and you’re preparing the solution I yet not see. Thank you Lord you’ve given me eyes to see you in the midst of tough moments. In Jesus’ name I thank you.

  • What situation seems to drag on for you?
  • Will you receive His grace to build your confidence to face each tough moment?
  • How can you build your confidence In Him to erase the fear for tomorrow?

Janet

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Categories : Hope, Strength in Christ
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What to do to enter heaven.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

I get a warm, fuzzy feeling when approaching the Polynesian Hotel at Disney. A joyous chorus greeted us with an effusive, “Aloha!”

I looked toward the young Hawaiian ladies. “Aloha!” I answered back.

Woo hoo! We just entered Hawaii, my mind wanted to say.

“That greeting is the latest touch,” my friend who worked at this Mickey Mouse wonderland said. “We want all guests to feel special from the moment they enter.”

It worked. I felt like celebrating already even before I crossed the door.

That got me thinking. Since Jesus provided the way to heaven, what will the greeting be when we approach its gates? Will it be: What did you do with what I gave you? Or well done, good and faithful servant?”

We can count on the latter greeting if:

  • in moments of turmoil we tapped into our faith.
  • when life overwhelmed us, we multiplied our trust.
  • when suffering ached in our heart, we counted on His answers.
  • when disappointment visited, we chose to receive God’s comfort.
  • when troubles piled up, we invested time in prayer.
  • and when doubt barged announced, we called out God’s truth.

Then, knowing how to enter heaven, and our feet are about to step on the streets of gold, we’ll hear the divine Aloha: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).

Father, you put us in charge of the faith we have, the trust we claim and the confidence we receive. May we have the wisdom to make each grow and please you with our investment. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What will you hear when you enter heaven?
  • What thoughts do you have about heaven?
  • What makes a “good and faithful servant?”

Janet

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Categories : Fight the good fight!, God's Love, Overcoming
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Five secrets to get rid of wrinkles.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Sunday, February 26th, 2012

“You know what my grandmother taught me?” Kimberly said.

I paid attention as she always has wise, profound statements. She’s that kind of friend.

“What was that?” I said.

“My grandmother said, ‘Take good care of your skin. Even cheap make-up looks good on good skin.’”

How logical. So I decided to try my friend’s new state of the art and latest technology to get rid of wrinkles. It’s called “needling.” (No chemicals, shots or other junk, more info at: http://thevinesolutions.myrandf.com.

She gave me one simple treatment. And shock of all shocks the lines on my forehead disappeared.

You’re probably thinking…you’re blind, chica. How do you know? But my mom, who sees well, verified this fact.

So since Kimberly has the amazing way to get of wrinkles, I decided to apply her grandmother’s motto to the wrinkles inside: A good heart, shining with God’s promises can handle all adversities this fallen world brings.

You know what I’m talking about—a line of insecurity, a little wrinkle of worry and another one of fear.

Here’s God’s five-step regimen:

  1. Cleanse that layer of sin.
  2. Exfoliate dead cells of  he enemy’s lies.
  3. Needle those areas that are ground in from the past.
  4. Moisturize with drinks of His living water.
  5. Apply the foundation of His Word to any tough moment.

This regimen gets rid of spiritual wrinkles. The world will see in you a new you who shines with peace.

The life that glows before others and the look that reflects His beauty.

Isaiah 61:3 says to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Father, I receive your spirit of gladness with a cleansed heart. And I thank you for exchanging the impurities of despair for the crown of beauty. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What method do you use to get rid of wrinkles?
  • Is your heart smooth and free from impurities?
  • Is your soul dry, needing moisturizing with His living water?

Janet

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Categories : Fear & Anxiety, Hope, Inspiration
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How to please God.

By Janet · Comments (1)
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

In my days as a blind Nana, a few gems of joy glimmer through.

This past week, while my four-year-old granddaughter and I interacted, the TV played in the background. In the middle of our giggles, she let out a loud gasp, and then tapped my arm. “Nana, did you hear that?”

Her tone told me she was about to say something profound (often only a grandma can appreciate).

I got down on my knees and looked in her little face. “Hear what, precious?”

That guy on TV said “God” and he wasn’t praying.

My heart did a cart wheel. That blue-eyed little gift from heaven remembered, understood and recognized when Exodus 20:7 was disobeyed.

“Come here,” I drew her close in a tight hug. “So proud of you for knowing that’s not how we please God.”

In my feeble, human way, I just about leaped with joy at her ability to understand. But, amigos, how much more the God of the universe must be pleased when we choose to obey His precepts?

In this crazy busy life we lead, and in these problem-filled days, the “How to please God” is hidden under the pile of the to-do list.

But how refreshing it is to reach the oasis of calmness. Please click to experience God’s refreshing.

And in that sliver of peace from the chaos, the longing to please God should whisper, “[Lord] Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands” (Psalm 119:73).

Father, I confess, often my level of understanding hasn’t reached the depth of obedience. Thank you for reminding me of the diligence you expect in obeying your instructions. I turn my guilt to repentance and rejoice for the new awareness and desire to please you. In Jesus’s name, amen.

  • What ways do you know to please Him?
  • How difficult is to obey all His commandments?
  • Have you found the freedom that comes when obeying Him?

Janet

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Categories : Inspiration
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Does Satan really exist?

By Janet · Comments (3)
Saturday, February 18th, 2012

We joke about it. We dismiss it. We want to ignore it. And we don’t want to think about it.

Author, Heather Bauer gives a unique twist to his influence. Bread is the Devil is the title of her book about dieting. And she discusses it on this segment on CBS’s “The Talk.”

But no matter how silly, humorous and innocent we want to make him, the truth is Satan really exists. His presence in this world is as real as eating too much bread and butter brings on the next dress size.

Are you falling for those lies right now? His deceiving whispers: what you thought was wrong is really right. And what you know is offensive to the Lord is really okay.

Not to worry. No matter what Satan might bring our way. We have victory by following the diet of all diets—refrain from consuming his lies, from tasting his tactics, and swallowing his crafty ways.

Even Jesus encountered Satan when he audaciously tempted Him. But the Lord, master in victory and powerful with wisdom, triumphed by killing his lies with the sword of truth.

So, why can’t we do the same? Could it be because we’re weak, vulnerable, or helpless? Or want to dismiss that Satan, the evil one exists? But are we weak? Or maybe, this notion is another one of Satan’s lies?

What to do? “Take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10).

Father, I rely on your power to triumph over the forces of evil. The powers that bring negative thoughts, sorrow, fear and worry. I recognize the devil does exist, but I claim victory because of the power that’s in me through your son Jesus. Amen.

• What lies have you believed?
• What truth keeps you on God’s path?
• Are negative notions ruling your life?

I would love to hear from you, please comment here.

Janet

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Categories : Fight the good fight!, Overcoming, Strength in Christ
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How to find true love.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

How to find true love.

I plopped on a chair by the hotel window and glanced at my two college friends. “Okay, how about we listen to a song from The Carpenters?”

“Sure,” Jeanne said as she keyed her amazing gadget to find just the perfect song.

While she did this, my friend Patti began the song, knowing the lyrics as if she heard them yesterday. Actually she does this with any song, any group popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

What a perfect blend of friends! One who could access song in seconds and the other who knew the lyrics.

With each catchy beat, the three of us brought back those days when bell bottoms and straight hair were the thing.

But the few hours of fun flew way too quickly. And while the melody of “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” lingered in my own head, hubby and I headed home, going back to reality. Heading to face today. Expecting the life of now.

But woo hoo! That life holds a better combination. A perfect blend that shines in my heart and delights my soul.

The exquisite blend of love and reassurance. It’s the formula, divine and true that brings peace to storms, brings logic to life and gives a colorful hue to otherwise insipid moments.

It’s the answer when we ask, how to find true love. It’s the blend of love and reassurance—both tucked in the Valentine card God signed with His promise.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again…” (Jeremiah 31:4).

Father, when life is broken, desires echo with emptiness, and we wonder how to find true love, your reassuring commitment soothes the anxiety and your reminder brings a new song to my life. Thank you for the love no one else can give and the promise no one else can keep. In Jesus’ name I thank you. Amen.

• Whose promise of love fills your heart?
• Whose love do you count on?
• Does Jesus’ love rule your life, attitude, and outlook?

Janet

I would love to hear from you, please comment here.

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Categories : God's Love, Hope
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Finding balance in my life.

By Janet · Comments (0)
Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Can I have a little pity from you? Let me tell you what a typical day for me is like: I get up, dash to the computer, put on my headset, find my Bible application, and “read” verses, passages, ponder on them and choose one that speaks to me. I then post it on Facebook.

Next I craft my entry in my prayer journal, eat my breakfast (at my desk) which includes an apple, a bowl of quinoa with a little almond milk, honey and cinnamon, followed by a smoothie.

At 8:00 on the dot my phone rings and I begin interpreting—for judges in NY, emergency rooms in CA, Insurance companies in TX. I take call after call for 8 hours. And during my breaks, I craft a blog or reply to emails.

At 4:30, calls stop. I spend a few moments with the Lord. Then back to the keyboard, to write articles, stories, reply to tons of emails and reply to my readers, arrange media interviews and prepare for speaking engagements. And except for the time hubby and I take 20 minutes to eat dinner around 9:00 PM, I’m working on the computer till midnight.

Then I push myself away from my desk. And with my brain mush, I am about to fall asleep while buttoning my PJ’s.

I didn’t think I lived the vida loca, yes, crazy with work till I got this email from my college friend:

“First off, I need to apologize for not keeping in closer touch with you. Actually, we’ve been running around Ft. Myers since we’ve arrived here at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club (la-de-dah, don’t cha know!) Take yesterday; Steve and some friends played golf here at Heritage Palms, a friend and I went shopping. We had lunch, I came home, ran for an hour (I had a big lunch!), showered (Boy, did I need that!), went to dinner, and had to get home in time to catch ‘Glee’ and ‘Parenthood’ on TV (I love those shows!). There was my day!”

What? Are you kidding me? Lord, what’s with this. Did you see her day…and did you see mine? I stomped at the unfairness.

Then, as God spoke to me in a divine, stern, mighty voice, He said: “Chill, chica.”

I had become the Latina version of Martha. While Mary sat at Jesus feet taking in His love, spellbound by His words, Martha huffed. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Only one thing is needed? No wonder finding balance for my life was lost in the hard drive of my life. No more. This chica saw the light. Finding His balance was healthier, better and wiser.

Father, I praise you because you bring balance to my days by showing me what is needed. You put order to my tasks, calmness to my work. It’s that perfect balance that helps me say, “all is well with my soul.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

• What takes up most of your time?
• What has you frazzled?
• When do you bring the balance Jesus expects?

Janet

I would love to hear from you, please comment here.

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Categories : Hope, Inspiration, Stress, Worry
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