In This Issue

Newsletter

To receive my newsletter, please send a blank email to: subscription

Back to top

Testimonials

“Janet Eckles is an amazing speaker! Her love for the Lord is captivating and her love for life is contagious. She'll make you laugh, she'll make you cry, she'll leave you changed forever!”
Renee Swopet
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Charlotte, NC

“The mission of our event is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and encourage women in their walk of faith. Jan's message to our group accomplished both facets of our mission. This was the sixth annual Women's Breakfast our church has hosted. We have been blessed with tremendous speakers each year. The impact of Jan's presentation was so profound that the ladies gave her a standing ovation. She has been our first speaker to receive such an honor.”
Sharon Shearman,
Family Ministries Director
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
St. Louis, MO

“One thousand people heard Janet Eckles story about overcoming trials. She is fabulous. Her humor, her presence and her powerful testimony all work together to make for a great event. She will encourage, inspire and challenge all who hear her."
Justin Miller,
Lead Pastor,
Real Life Christian Church

Back to top

Humor

A cowboy rode into town and stopped at the saloon for a drink. Unfortunately, the locals always had the habit of picking on strangers, which he was.  When he finished his drink, he found his horse had been stolen. The cowboy went back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head without even looking and fired a shot into the ceiling. "Which one of you sidewinders stole my horse?!?!?!" he yelled with surprising forcefulness.  When no one answered, he continued his tirade, "Alright, I'm gonna have another beer and if my horse ain't back outside by the time I finish, I'm gonna do what I dun in Texas when my horse got stolen! And I don't like to do what I dun in Texas!"

Some of the locals shifted restlessly. The man, true to his word, had another beer, walked outside, and his horse had been returned to the post. He saddled up and started to ride out of town. The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, "Say pardner, before you go...what happened in Texas?"

The cowboy turned back and said, "I had to walk home."…..Mikey's Funnies

Back to top

A Choice Through Pain

Truth from “Christ Notes”: “Pain is God's megaphone.”

I so agree! It was through pain that I heard God’s voice. Through pain, I made the choice. Then on a new path, and a new life, I tasted freedom. No more worry or fret, He drowned out that awful noise. Instead, He whispered in my ear, “I’m with you…rejoice!”

Back to top

For You Animal Lovers

Another compilation book will include one of my stories, “miracles and animals--when miracles happen".  true stories of God's Divine Touch. Released by Guidepost Books. Available in bookstores everywhere. Here’s an excerpt of my contributing story about Patti and her horse, Scout:

When I cried into his neck, he nickered softly and nuzzled my shoulder with his velvet nose. I sensed his tenderness when I whispered my deepest pain and desperate longing as my life sank into a dark tunnel. “I’ll be here for you; I’ll be your eyes,” he seemed to say.
We took long rides. And Scout was protective of his sightless rider as he galloped more cautiously. Unable to direct his path, I couldn’t guide him around dangerous obstacles like before. But I trusted him. And he proved more than capable, not only at carrying me around physical dangers, but also at easing me through emotional pitfalls.

Back to top

Winner

This month’s winner of my book is Lisa Buffalo. Congratulations! I’ll draw another name for a free copy of my book, “Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow."  Just copy me when you forward this newsletter to any friends. Simply put “free book” on the subject.

Back to top

Feeling Financial Discomfort?

“Sometimes God allows discomfort, but He always allows assurance”—Chris Hansen

Can you relate? My hubby and I sure can. Here’s an adaptation from my book, “Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow”:

We experienced financial discomfort. Actually, it became searing pain. Years ago, our finances cried out in desperation, bankruptcy loomed over us like an ogre. We clung on to this promise in Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

When the last of the funds slipped out of our bank account, our commitment to tithing pri cked angst. We swallowed hard and still gave God the first of our fruits, meager and already spoken for. But the miracle was around the corner…

Read More

Back to top

My We Prayer For You?

Need others to pray for you? Click here and leave your request. Prayer warriors in a worldwide ministry will lift your request before the Lord.

Back to top

En Espa?ol

Know anyone who speaks Spanish and could need a bit of encouragement? Please direct them to my page in Spanish for an  audio of my testimony. Click here.

Back to top

Thanks

Thank you to my readers. Comments like these tug at my heart:

“Oh how I was touched by your Story of the Month.  It was as though you looked into my heart. Once again, you have given me encouragement for this season.”—Ann H.

“I loved your Christmas news letter. I am SO proud of you! You just get to be a better writer each time I read you; I can't believe you are composing all this in your mind without seeing the words on the page. To sound like so many of your readers, your story was just what I needed. God bless you as your writing gift continues to bless so many others!”—Jeanette W.

“Just read your newsletter.  Thank you!  You are always more than a “Splash” of inspiration.”—Alan A.

A bit of insight:
From “Christ Notes”
“ Your outer life is your reputation with people, but your inner life is your reputation with God.”

Back to top

Welcome

Every trial has a treasure...
Every triumph holds His truth
Welcome!
So glad you took a moment to receive a Splash of Inspiration in the midst of a hurried world.

Sailing Into a New Year Facing the sea of another year, events can take us through rough waters, sudden storms, or periods of calm seas.
I’ve experienced them all. And when rating the intensity of storms, my blindness wasn’t
the worst. But really, do emotional storms have ratings? They all hurt, they all jolt us and they all cause us to rethink our life. In my case, these storms nudged me to a higher place. Actually, it’s a good place-- where the view is clear, clear enough to see God who’s the Captain in control.

So, I learned. When hurricanes shook the foundation of my world, I threw my arms around the pillar of God’s Word. And while fierce winds cut my face and thunder roared above, nothing could pry me away from holding on to His promises. Then, when dark clouds parted and winds died down, peace reigned. Taking a deep breath, I dusted off emotional debris and to my delight, gems of wisdom shone through - gems that had fallen in the midst of the pouring rain. Here are some I collected in the pocket of my heart:

• Trust in feelings and emotions and your path will not be sound; trust in God, and God alone, you’ll walk on solid ground.
• We know defeat when our feet refuse to step out of the puddle of discouragement.
• Pain is like a bucket of water. The longer we hold onto it, the heavier it gets.
• More effective than sleeping pills is slipping gratitude into our thoughts.
• Forgiveness opens the door to freedom.
• Turmoil can only boil when fueled by worry.
• Focus not on the real estate you hold, but on the One who holds the real state of your destiny.
• The green of envy highlights our worst features.
• Life tastes better when seasoned with kind words.
• Constant work may bring results; but blended with commitment to God’s Word results    in peace, sweet peace.
• Patience is the muscle that strengthens the soul.
• We know compassion only when love is our passion.
• Anger vi sits places where fear dwells.
• We miss the beauty ahead when gazing into the rearview mirror of life.
• Broken plans are often God’s divine detours.
• Resentment clogs the pipes of peace.
• Positive attitude is the passport to places others don’t get to travel.

Janet Perez Eckles--Faith and Love with a Latin Flair
For nuggets of inspiration, visit me at: http://www.janetperezeckles.com

Click Here to Contact Janet

Back to top

Story of the Month

“Sweating the Race”

Have you ever been shy, scared or insecure? All these emotions used to keep me at the back of the line in gym class. At fourteen, my heart anguished. Not because of my broken English, or the fact I still carried the horror of showing up for gym class in women's long underwear rather than sporty gym shorts (we never knew what shorts were in Bolivia). Nor was it the giggles of girls huddled a few feet from me. Not even the fact that I struggled to understand my teacher's instructions.

What gripped my heart most with fear was the distance I'd have to run between the starting point and the next runner where I'd hand off the baton in the relay races. For most, the distance was short, but for me, it ran the length of the world. All eyes would be on me. Dreadful th oughts would rumble like thunder. What if I should stumble or drop the baton? What if I were to fall or cause my team to lag far behind? Such visions would torment me just before every race began.

Have you ever felt that way? One more stretch of life is before you, and you wonder if you'll make it. Everyone is watching, observing your performance. Ahead is a journey, painfully foreign to you. Sweat pours out and you ask, "Will I make it one more step?  Can I?" That's when God makes an announcement only for your ears to hear. "Let me run by your side!"

With the firmness of His Word, He will whisper confidence to begin the race. With His grace, He will lift your burden to lighten the load. With His promises, He will cheer you on. With His mighty hand, He will scoop you up when you stumble. Should fatigue run you dry, His strength will pour renewed hope. If doubt flickers through, His lips will speak reassurance to build your faith. When anguish and pain sear and burn, His compassion will soothe and bring calmness to your soul.

I wish I'd known back then what I know now; that no matter how long the distance, how arduous the journey, or how threatening the obstacles, my legs don't need to tremble and my heart doesn't need to race wildly prior to the races of life. And most of all, never, ever should I allow fear to accompany me because those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

I've run other kinds of races since then - adjustments because of my blindness, healing from emotional pain, dealing with sorrow. Each time, I found the secret: Looking upward rather than at the track ahead fuels my spirit with renewed energy and strength drawn from His Word. And then that moment comes, when panting, drained and fatigued, we lift our arm and release the baton. We give it to the Lord. His outstretched hand is waiting, His heart is longing, and His power… more than capable to finish the race.

Do you know anyone who might need a bit of inspiration? If you liked my stories, would you consider forwarding the newsletter to your friends? I’d be so thrilled to know that you did. And if you have any comments, just send them to: Jeckles@cfl.rr.com.

Praying your 2008 glows with the gold of proosperity, shines with the silver of success, and is filled with the gems of God’s Word to make it all happen.

With love,

Janet

Back to top

Health Tip

“…what you eat or don’t eat has absolutely nothing to do with whether you go to heaven or not but has everything to do with how quick you get there!”--Dr. Haselden

Here’s Dr. Hazelden with more on that truth:

First of all, I want to thank Janet for the opportunity to contribute to her fine newsletter.  With 36 years of experience in the natural health arena, I thought I would dedicate my first article to what I consider the most important health and longevity-promoting concept I have ever learned. It is something we all know but sadly ignore. If you grasp and faithfully implement this simple concept into your life, health improvement (and weight loss) just might be in your future.

Think of your body as a machine. Just like your automobile, it requires a specific grade of fuel. If you car’s manufacturer says that your car requires Amoco Super Premium gasoline, are you going to put the cheapest lower octane fuel in the tank on a regular basis? Of course you wouldn’t because you know that if you did, the car would soon begin to run poorly, carbon up, prematurely wear out and die. Well, guess what! - that is precisely what we frequently do to the most incredible machine ever created – our body.

So what is the perfect fuel for the human body? Just about every health care professional has their own answer for that question. Therefore, if you are under a doctor’s care and are taking his drugs, you must do what he tells you to do in this regard. Otherwise, you might consider and research some of the information I will be giving you.

Because I am a Christian, I consider what the Bible says about the subject of nutrition to be primary. Indeed, when God created Adam and Eve, he gave them a diet. God certainly knew what he was doing, so it is reasonable to presume that that particular diet had to be the best one for their bodies. That diet as given in Genesis 1:29 was plant foods. The body apparently was created to run perfectly on only fruit and vegetable foods! After the flood, there were no plant foods for awhile, so God permitted other foods; but fruits and vegetables were the original diet and will always be the best fuel for the body. 

It is quite unfortunate that what was designed to be 100%, or at least the vast majority of our diet, has become (on average) less than 10% of the average American’s diet. And, believe it or not, half of that is French fries and catsup! This pathetic state of the standard American diet is a primary cause of the fact that 80-90% of our people will die of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.

The American Medical Association, the American Dietetics Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Council of Clinical Nutrition, and every other reputable medical organization all say that we do not eat enough fruits and veggies. Epidemiological studies worldwide reveal that those who eat the most non-plant foods are the ones that have the most cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and stroke. For instance, Japanese women eating the traditional low fat Japanese diet have a very low incidence of breast cancer compared to the very high incidence of breast cancer in the United States. However, when they move to the U.S., including Hawaii, and adopt the American diet, the incidence of breast cancer increases to the same level of that of U.S. citizens. Conversely, when they move back to Japan and adapt the low fat plant- based diet, the incidence of breast cancer becomes low again. The same thing can be said for prostate cancer, bowel cancer, heart disease, and all other degenerative diseases.

So what can we do? Just decide today to gradually increase the percentage of your diet that is of plant origin. Once you get used to that, increase the percentage some more. By increasing plant foods over time, you will automatically decrease the foods that are causing you harm and increasing your chance for degenerative diseases.

I recommend that everyone read “The China Study” by T. Colin Campbell, PhD.  Dr. Campbell was the head of the department of nutrition and biochemistry at Cornell University for over 30 years. I promise that your life will change forever! You can sometimes get it at the library and it’s also out in paperback. I also recommend any of Dr. John McDougall’s books and suggest you get a free subscription to his newsletter. ( www.drmcdougall.com)

In conclusion, please know that I am very strict with my own diet and will never suggest anything that I have not been doing personally for years. I was sick most of the first 25 years of my life. Since I began making changes to my diet 36 years ago, I have been blessed to have not needed a medical doctor for any kind of illness. I have also not missed a single day of work. I feel that health is our birthright and the body will gravitate back to health if we give it half a chance. Getting the right fuel into the body is a very important action step toward that end. I have often said in my seminars that what you eat or don’t eat has absolutely nothing to do with whether you go to heaven or not, but it has everything to do with how quick you get there!

Blessings,
Dr. H.

Dr. . Haselden has been in full-time practice in Kissimmee, Florida, since 1975. He is married to Dr. Mary Ann Haselden who is a clinical Christian psychologist. Dr. H. has two children and six grandchildren, all of whom live in Kissimmee. He specializes in the new, computerized, gentle method of chiropractic.

Back to top

Click Here To Visit Janet's Blog

Back to top

Janet Perez Eckles