My friend and I sat by the window at a local restaurant. Between bites, we caught up after months of not seeing each other.
Then, with no warning, the fire alarm went off. We stopped for a second, then went right back to our chatting.
We smelled something burning, made a comment, then right back to our talking.
Firemen showed up. No one asked us to leave, so we resumed our chatting.
That must be how God feels when He tries to get our attention. When He sounds the alarm to change. He sends the warning we need to take a different course, a different way of thinking, different attitude and approach.
But like my friend and I, we keep sitting at the table of life, busy dashing from task to task. And while the fire truck of His love arrives to rescue us, we disregard it.
When he sets off the alarm to signal we must exit a life of defeat and gloom, we don’t’ budge.
We choose to stay in the comfortable place as always, committed to listen to our feelings and emotions rather than to His calling.
Time to change before the flames of despair begin to burn. His promise is too sweet to ignore: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Father, as you observe all of us on earth, I want to be among the ones who are truly committed to you, attentive to your call, obeying your warnings and receiving the strength you offer. In Jesus’ name, amen.
• What keeps you focused on the same ole, same ole?
• What will bring you to the place where His word leads your days?
• How does His call to follow Him affect you?
Janet
May I tell you why I chose to dance? Not because life was great or my days were easy. I chose to dance because I found significance in life despite being completely blind. I found joy even in the midst of heartache. And I found forgiveness in the harshness of injustice.
So, dear reader, I write insights and practical steps for you because I believe all of us, way, way deep in the basement of our soul, want to find significance. We want to make our life count, reach happiness, taste success, and spend nights in peaceful sleep.
But sometimes we can't. Life's trials get in the way. So, in the pages of all my writings, including my two books: Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life and in my #1 bestselling, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God's Fiesta, I take you through the path most people miss--it's simple, not complicated. The insights are for you, for your tough moments and times of doubt.
And with gentleness yet with a bit of sass, I show you the secrets to make your life count, find peace and soar to success that has nothing to do with a bank account.
So, treat yourself. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in with one of my books. Here's a gentle warning: prepare to shed a few tears, laugh a little and to be changed as you will see a sweeter reflection when you look in the mirror.
You'll see why life isn't about what you cannot do because of situations out of your control. Rather, success comes when you recognize what you can do with what God has given you.
When I moved from Bolivia to the United States, I brought my passion, my Latina flair and outward affection. I include them all in my writings, which will delight you because they're drawn from the one true, trustworthy and never-changing Word of God.
I dance each time I learn one of my colorful stories is published. To date, they're in more than 30 compilation books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul and hundreds of publications such as Guidepost magazine.
And because inspiration is a daily need, I write blogs to inspire you and brighten your day at www.janetperezeckles.com
Did I tell you that when I met my blue-eyed gringo during my last semester in college, I never dreamed he'd be my husband and the love of my life for 36 years? He's often my eyes as he drives me everywhere and sits with me on the floor while we play with our two grandbabies.
We make our home in Florida, known as the sunshine state. And coincidently, Jesus, the son of God is who brings a sweet shine to the state of my soul.