Janet's Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Sunday, leave church well-equipped with what we need to tackle the week’s mess we’re sure to face.
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.
Tuesday, dust the top of our heart. You know how junk of insecurities accumulate? So we dust them off.
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.
Thursday clean out the drawers of confusion. Arrange all that’s important in the right order: God first, family second and job third.
Friday, prepare for the celebration, polish that silver tarnished by gloom, let God’s joy shine through.
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

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:

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.
Know that each moment of trials don’t compare to the treasures He will bring.
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.
Understand that you will go through it simply because God’s grace is enough, truly enough to get through it.
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

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 unannounced, 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

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?

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.

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?

Madonna did her thing. Was it curiosity or enjoyment that grabbed millions of viewers’ attention during her halftime Super Bowl performance?

Shocking, talented, daring, vulgar, gifted? No matter which describes her, she has to still answer the question: How to define your identity. According, that is, to this article in this Wall Street Journal interview:

“Since dropping out of the University of Michigan and moving to New York with $35 in her pocket, the woman christened Madonna Louise Ciccone has adopted a dizzying array of identities: the sexpot Material Girl; Esther, the Kaballah enthusiast; Queen Madge, the Anglophile.”

Wanna be like Madonna? Many are when it comes to defining their identity. Questions rumble: who am I? The search for identity is more common than Super Bowl parties.

And when the cheering is over, the winning team goes home with their prize. But in the silence of night, the search for identity still runs through the football field of the mind.

Until God scores the touchdown for humanity by answering the nagging question, How to define our identity.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

Madonna has fame, but we have firm reassurance– of who we are, and whose we are.

Father, thank you for giving me the identity as your child. Thank you that I can live a Jesus-centered life. To love you back. To accept your abundant provision. To settle in your comforting arms. To breathe in your healing power. And to expect the riches due to your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

• What expectations do you have as His child?
• When did you claim your identity?
• Do you ever question to whom you belong?

Goodness gracious, did she say that? My dear friend reminded me what a member of an audience said after my talk: “You’re sunshine on legs.”

Imagine that. Me, this silly chica being sunshine to someone. That was an undeserving yet humbling comment.

For a fleeting moment confidence, reassurance and a bit of self-satisfaction began to grow in me.

But how silly that is. Allowing one comment to bring my mood way up. And I know myself. Should someone hint the slightest critical notion in my direction, that same confidence dashes to the basement?

Why do we do that? We innocently find confidence, a little strength, and reassurance in others’ comments. But, sadly that habit is like looking for sun rays under the bed. Not the right place.

God said, when we’re weak, lonely, confused, when down and discouraged, His grace is sufficient. (Please check out this video for some inspiration: http://bit.ly/zFr0kQ.)

Times when no one notices. No one looks at us with approval. Nobody cares. And no one around acknowledges—His grace is sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Father, thank you that it’s in your grace where we find confidence. In your provision is where our reassurance is found and Lord thank you that you are sufficient for all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

• How high is your confidence lately?
• Where does your security come from?
• In whom do you trust for the reassurance you need?

Janet
www.janetperezeckles.com

When observing our life, God takes the bad, the good, the messed up, the lousy, the great and, molded in His hands, He creates a joyful life. So amigos, why do we fret when disappointments disrupt our days? Here are some 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 bigger, better and more wonderful.

2. When disappointment strikes, time to fight back. The best weapon: gratitude. Think back to ways God provided results that exceeded our expectations. Gratitude cancels a destructive attitude.

3. Disappointment is a test to see how strong our faith is. Where do we place our faith, in circumstances or in the King of the universe?

“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 which 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 Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com

“Zillow’s fifth annual most-desired and least desired celebrity Neighbor Survey…here are the results: Tim Tebow and the Pitt-Jolie family were the top two celebrities most desired as neighbors. The ‘Jersey Shore’ cast and Charlie Sheen were the least desired neighbors.”

That got me thinking. Although I’m no celebrity, I wonder what kind of neighbor I might be.Here’s the measuring stick: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

As myself? Gulp. We’re talking lots of loving. So, did God really mean that extreme kind of love? Guilt, I admit. I don’t even know the neighbor next door. Not really. I guess I could say I love them by leaving them alone?

Correction chica, God seemed to say to me. The neighbors aren’t always those that share the yard, but those who share the universe with us.

Here are three ways to know if you’re a loving neighbor.

1. How kind are you to telemarketers who interrupt your dinner, taking surveys or selling their stuff? (2 Timothy 2:24).

2. How do you react when someone slapped your senses with unfairness? (Matthew 18:21-22)

3. How do you react to that co-worker who makes you crazy? (Micah 6:8)

Tough questions. But while we’re in our own world, our own house, watering our own yard of peace, without warning, God has pop quizzes, sporadic tests and one final exam: Did you love your neighbor? Really love him?

I’ll try to be a Tim Tebow kind of neighbor so more people will want to be near me. And I’ll start with the next person who interrupts my day with annoyance. How about you?

Father, thank you for the circumstances to test my commitment to you. Grant me wisdom to know the reaction, use the words and apply the love you teach. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

• Who’s driving you crazy today?
• How successful were you in resolving the situation your way?
• Have you tried God’s way to love your neighbor?

Janet Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com

1. When we’re healthy, free from pain or discomfort, what is our approach? Is it gratitude and appreciation? I vote for taking a break: stop and pause to smell—not the roses—but the richness of God’s blessings. (Psalm 71:14-15)

2. Whatever task our nimble hands are crafting or activity we’re plunging into, is it something that will bring glory to God? Is the purpose one that will cause Him to smile and be pleased? Are the motives honorable? (Proverbs 16:1)

3. Is God’s wisdom driving the thoughts, actions and decisions we make? (Proverbs 16:16)

4. What is the reference point to choose whether a task is a priority or not? Is it God’s Word and His precepts that decide what should take precedence? And, what order will bring the guarantee of a rich life? (Psalm 119:1-2)

5. And most importantly, do we carry His promises engraved in our heart so with our healthy voice, vibrant heart, and energized spirit, we can shout to the world that God is alive. He’s well. He’s in control. He’s observant. He’s ready to receive us as His own through His son Jesus. (Psalm 19:7)

“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand [Lord], your arm, and the light of your face, for you have loved them” (Psalm 44:3).

Father, thank you for humbling me in my flawed ways. When healthy, it’s not my tasks, accomplishments or success that brings balance to my life. But it’s your love that extends through the gift of life, the treasure of health, and the blessing of you living in me that ushers victory, true happiness, joy and balance. Use my healthy moments to bring glory to yourself. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

• How are you feeling today—emotionally, spiritually?
• Are God’s promises carrying you through the difficult moments?
• How will you use your healthy days when they come back?

Janet Perez Eckles
www.janetperezeckles.com