Janet Perez Eckles's Blog – July 2008 Archive (8)

I just got back from a delightful trip to Dallas, where hearts are big and folks are reeeeal friendly.



Among the highlights, I heard a story told by a dear friend. It touched me so much I thought I’d share it with you.



Years back, he happened to be driving on a road, late at night, out in the country--no lights, no sign of life, no nothing. In the midst of total darkness, he heard that familiar beep. The beep that indicated his cell phone just went out of rang. That… Continue

What a crazy idea…get unsuspecting folks in a cab and shock them with a surprise chance to win money.



My mom was watching this program, enjoying it to the max. And I wonder what the thrill is. Is it the surprise element? The fact they took a simple, ordinary activity of taking a cab and turned it into an exciting adventure? Or is it simply the potential to gain cash that stirs excitement?



I'd love to ride in a cab, answer questions the correct way, and relish with the… Continue

Learning to Shoot a Gun



I was shocked when a sweet friend shared that she had at one time been a guard at a women’s prison. The job was rough, the demands stringent, and the circumstances often mirrored a nightmare. But armed with her gun, a sense of security must have eased her tension.



Her instructions were to shoot, no reservations, no hesitation…just fire should she see any inmate display even a slight attempt to escape.



She learned how, she was trained, she… Continue

Did you know there are books written to provide such information? I can see the need, the hunger to know the secrets, and the tips for a better experience coveted by visitors who yearn to get a close-up glance at Mickey Mouse.



This thought is fresh in my mind as two friends and I visited EPCOT this past week. Goodness those lines! When I learned a 70-minute wait was on the horizon, thoughts immediately raced through my head—the myriad of tasks I could accomplish during those same… Continue

Have you ever had that in the back of your mind? I did...never thought I could, never thought I would . But when the Lord is in charge all kinds of doors open.



I'm watching those doors swing wide open and one of them just took place at the International Christian Retail Show---where authors have the opportunity to meet with editors. Gulp. The hope is to garner interest for your writing.



That's where I've been the last few days, but I plan to be back with my blogging… Continue

That’s what characterizes our dishes from Bolivia. But one trait that I shake my head about is the way it’s served.



Contrary to American style, each person is served a full plate. The Hostess scoop a portion of each item on a plate and carries it to the table, placing it before each guest.



This past Friday, my Dad’s brothers arrived from Bolivia for a short visit. And as part of the cultural tradition, my mom insists in serving everyone Bolivian style.



“Let them… Continue

I got a call from a friend. That’s all she said. What is the natural question when someone tells you that? You want to know why. So I asked, but she said she didn’t know.



Did you ever feel that way? You just experienced a great event in your life, or enjoyed a great thing…and when it’s over, sadness with gloom invade your heart.



But God knows. He sees our moods, our disappointments, and our hum drum routine. So He gave us the answer: each day has a new dawn of… Continue

Today I once again stand in awe at the privilege of living in independence, saluting the flag, becoming citizens, pledging allegiance to the United States of America—all gifts we still treasure. We received them when my family and I became naturalized citizens of the United States, the most powerful country in the world.



But its power, prosperity and prestige came with a price. A cost that spills to the family of courageous soldiers, their sacrifice and yes, that of their loved… Continue