Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world

Christian Meditations – A Chris Hansen Column

March 8, 2008

You met Chris, now you can read more of his work:

About Jan Eckles Inspirational autobiography of blind Christian author book review.

Reviews and Testimonials for,

"Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life," by Janet Eckles (Xulon Press 2004).

Dr. Ben Lerner, New York Times, Christian Books and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of "Body by God" says the following about, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow:

"When we are confronted with life's painful struggles, relief can only be found through an experienced encourager. Thank you, Jan Eckles, for being that port in a storm for so many. Jan has used the unimaginable in her life to make our life manageable."

Mary Connealy, a well-known reviewer for the Lyons Mirror-Sun adds in her review, "[Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow] will pull you in and compel you to find out what happens next…[Jan’s] story itself is enough, losing her sight, losing a child, nearly losing her husband. But Eckles takes us deeper with a study guide at the end of the book, helping us to find the Lord in every situation. Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow will help each reader to understand that we must turn our lives over to God, or our victories will destroy us as surely as our defeats."

Reviewed by: Dakota Wind, "Rolling Seas Reviews" Australia, April 2005 ©

"When destiny decrees the path our lives will take, then there will be times when as mortals we are going to need to search for inspiration to gather the strength of heart from, to continue on.

Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow by Janet Eckles is a powerful inspirational story that rises above the adversity of being able to see the beauty of the world, as a child and young woman, only to be blind by the age of thirty.

When this adversity struck Janet Eckles, not only did she have to learn to see through new vision, but as the mother of three sons she was to face an even worse nightmare—the sudden loss of her son, Joe, who at nineteen had the strength and vitality of youth snatched away from him.

Joe left the greatest gift of all for his mother, father Gene, and brothers Jason and Jeff—the gift of true faith. Janet Eckles’ husband, Gene, has walked every step of the way beside her; he is the guiding hand who is there to catch her when she falls. There is no greater love to give one another.

Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow is an ever-inspiring story; a story of, walking out of darkness into the light; of a light shining eternal from the star of peace and hope. How beautiful are the parables from the greatest stories ever told. Janet Eckles gathers them all to her heart to share the promise of eternal life with those who are lost and searching.

This story walks from the past, into the future, with eternal hope."

"…[Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow] has so much depth that I plan to read it again! Usually I don't read a book more than once, but the spiritual gems in this "treasure" need to be "mined", fully examined and used in my life…" --Sharon N.

"[Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow] A book everyone should read…what a book! "...No words could describe how I felt when I read this book. It’s captivating, encouraging and uplifting. It gives you that feeling of renewed hope and love. You can't help but share this book with others. It’s a book everyone should read not only once but also twice!…"—Tence Valentin

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"…I was in a depression and could not understand what was happening to me.... I was reading the last part of [Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow]. This is where the chains that were holding me down broke loose.... and the garbage that was making my spirits sink, all floated to the top and was cast away by the Holy Spirit. Instead of living in my past and just going through the motions of living.... I looked toward the heavens as Jan did, and spiritually looked into Father's eyes, and for the first time in months...I literally felt myself immersed in a cleansing and it was like all my burdens were lifted. That night, I felt like a bird out of a cage..." Ann Marie Randolph

To order: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com or contact the author:

www.janeckles.com

jeckles@cfl.rr.com

Jan Eckles
Writing and speaking for insight and inspiration
www.janeckles.com

Dying To Follow Jesus: Almost! Ben Jennings prayer warrior: a hero of the faith!

Most people would never guess what a hero of the faith Ben is, simply because he would never tell the story.  He’s too humble to tell it, so I will!  About thirty years ago, I attended Ben’s church, Prescott Bible church, now Evangelical Free church, here in Modesto.   I was a baby Christian, and he took me under his wing, and put me to work as a Sunday school teacher-not because he needed me-but because I desperately needed him!  One morning before class, we were discussing the Sunday school curriculum, when, suddenly, a man burst into the room and began to yell and threaten the pastor.  It seems that the man blamed pastor Jennings for the break up with his girl friend.  The truth was that his girl friend had decided to follow Jesus and left her unbelieving boy friend behind.  Suddenly, as the man ran from the room, someone yelled, “He’s got a gun!”  Well, as calm as you please, Ben began to pray!  I prayed too, from under a table!  Prayer is not only a part of Ben’s life, it’s his ministry with Campus Crusade For Christ!  Ben coordinates a world wide prayer ministry.  (He may have retired by now.)  The man left, and did us no harm.  I saw Ben face death and do so with a peace and dignity in Jesus that I still remember to this day!

Chris Hansen

Senior adult Sunday school teacher. First Baptist Modesto www.fbcmodesto.com

Author: “Revelation Revisited,” “Secret of the Psalms,” “Grandfather’s Journal.” www.xlibris.com

Chrishansen54@sbcglobal.net