Three ways to reach real success.

By Janet Perez Eckles

“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 200^th 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 Lord, 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

Three reasons why we know God will answer.

By Janet Perez Eckles

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

Three secrets to finding strength.

By Janet Perez Eckles

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

Seven ways to find balance in your life.

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 discouragement.
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

Five ways to turn your trials to treasures.

By: Janet Perez Eckles

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?

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

How to find true love.

By Janet Perez Eckles

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

How to build confidence.

By Janet Perez Eckles

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’s 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

 

Four ways God turns trials to triumph.

By Janet Perez Ecklesl

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.

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

Five secrets to get rid of wrinkles.

By Janet Perez Eckles

“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 the 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

Five ways to deal with disappointment.

By: Janet Perez Eckles

I messed up. Ugh!

“So, sorry,” I said to the producer.

The inspirational videos we filmed this past Saturday needed to be done just right because of its potential outreach. And when I fumbled on a word during the shooting, I cringed. No doubt, we had to “take it from the top” again.

But then the producer gave a quiet chuckle. “Don’t worry,” she said, “I can take the best of all recordings and edit to create the one that will sound just fine.”

I grinned with relief.

She was taking God’s approach. When observing our life, He takes the bad, the good, the messed up, the lousy, and the great and, molded in His hands, He creates a life that is, indeed, fine.

So amigos, why do we fret when disappointments disrupt our days? No doubt, it’s part of the shooting in the film of life.

For example, when disappointments leave us discouraged and dizzy with confusion. And an invitation to a pity party slips under the door of our heart—time to take action.

Here are five steps to ditch those dreaded feelings that come with every disappointment:

1. Someone said disappointments are God’s appointments. Clever but true. When we’re let down, God is up—up to something. Often, something bigger, better and more wonderful.
2. Disappointments always bring friends of negativity, self-condemnation. (If only I should have’s and also insecurities. But using Jesus’ broom, we can sweep them all out with one swoop of His truth.)
3. When disappointment strikes, time to fight back. The best weapon: gratitude. Think back to ways God had brought results that exceeded our  expectations. Gratitude cancels a destructive attitude.
4. Disappointment is a test. An exam to see how strong is our faith. Better put—where do we place our faith—in circumstances or in the King of the universe?
5. Be confident because when God is filming in the studio of His love, He’s taking all the flaws, glitches, mistakes, disappointments and editing them to show us that in the end, a life that is just fine.

He is the divine producer, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Father, thank you for the workmanship you have prepared. Thank you for your design that is bigger than the setbacks of life, greater than the disappointments we experience, more profound than the times we mess up. Show us, Lord, to see beyond the glitches of life to gaze at the larger plan for our life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

• What is the biggest disappointment you have faced lately?
• How can you see beyond it?
• What has God’s Word promised you?

Janet