Customer Reviews

Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow

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If you or someone you know has ever gone through a rough time, sometimes nothing seems to help except words from someone who has also been through it. Often, the only way to access a person who has encountered a similar situation is through reading a book. In Jan Eckle's book, she shares with you her personal pain and triumph in order to help you learn how to overcome your own adversities.

Jan's story begins at the age of twelve, as she moves from La Paz, Bolivia to the U.S. We enjoy reading the background of her life as we approach the defining moments that led her to write this book. She takes you briefly through her college years, shares how she met her husband, and how she at last fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother.

While Jan was still young in her early 30s, something tragic happened that would change her life forever. She began to lose her eyesight. In the chapter, "Living in Darkness," she describes the shock she felt when her doctor first told her that she was going to gradually lose all ability to see. At the time, she was the mother of three active boys, and it was terrifying to not be able to see them anymore.

The day came when she realized it was too dangerous for her to drive her own car, and she mourned the loss of independence of being able to drive her sons to their sporting events and activities.

Yet because of her suffering, Jan realized that her physical lack of sight was nothing compared to her spiritual darkness. She shares her amazing testimony in the chapter, "Salvation." Jan's vision may have diminished, but her heart began to "see" things she'd never understood before. She writes, "Climbing slowly out of this dark and cold place, I began to walk with Him, warmed by the light of His Word. My heart began to fill with peace, a peace beyond what I could understand." Her changed heart led her to a lifelong thirst for scripture - and instead of being able to read it, she listened to hours and hours of sermons on the radio.

As a blind person, Jan had to learn how to run her household - she learned to find things and even cook in complete darkness! And she discovered a talent she didn't know she had: the ability to interpret very quickly between the Spanish and English languages. She's won many high awards in her career as an interpreter.

Her book gave me details into how a blind person uses a computer. If you have children who are studying blindness in school, TRIALS OF TODAY, TREASURES FOR TOMORROW will give them an in-depth glimpse into the tools of modern technology that enable a handicapped person to live and thrive like anyone else. They may even become interested in reading books out loud to record for the blind.

Then another tragedy struck her family on Sept. 7, 2002. Her precious college-age son, Joe, was killed in an accident. Jan's sorrow over the death of her son and how she overcame this suffering are what led her to write this book. She was completely overwhelmed and had nowhere to turn but to God, the Giver of all Comfort. From the love and healing she received from her Savior, Jan now lives to offer a message of hope to other people who grieve.

I couldn't put this book down. Jan's faith inspired mine in so many ways. Her storytelling techniques drew me in completely, and she has the gift of telling truth in love that so many people need to hear. I would give this book to anyone who is going through a difficult transition or loss in life. The author shares how the truths in scripture set her free from a life of feeling sorry for herself. She relies on hope in God to give her an inward joy that is contagious.

- Reviewed by Heather Ivester

Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow is a lift-changing book. Who can read this story of faith and courage without seeing the power of God? Janet Eckles has had more devastating challenges in her lifetime than most of us will ever see. Yet through her faith in God and her refusal to let circumstances dictate her joy in Jesus Christ, she sets an uncomplaining example worthy of being followed. This book is a true treasure written in such a real way that only the hardest heart could fail to be moved, changed, and delivered from depression and sorrow. Read it today. It will lift your heart to God.

What a joy it was to read how God worked in the life of Jan. It was refreshing to see her honesty as she revealed intimate details of her walk with the Lord. God has truly blessed her and she has chosen to look beyond physical difficulties and family loss.

This book will not only encourage those who face trials but offer hope in God's eternal love toward all of us. Jan is a true example of a child of God.

what a book! no words could describe how i felt when i read this book. it's captivating ,encouraging ,uplifting,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 twice! it's a book to turn to when you are at your lowest because it will bring you right back up knowing that
GOD loves you and uses whatever He needs to and lights your way out of the darkness and into His light. i'm definitely going to read it again & again. thank you God for Janet Eckles. tence

When I first started reading the book, I thought I would just read the summary and maybe the first chapter. After a few sentences, I found myself totally involved in the book and did not want to stop reading it. I had to find out what happened next. It was very easy to read, so I was quickly able to get to the next chapter. The book really makes you think about life and about your relationship with God and people close to you. This book can relate to anyone. Even if you have not had to deal with the loss of someone close or you are not dealing with a disability, you find yourself relating to the author and feeling her emotions. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I loved it.

The first night I received this book, I could not put it down, Half the book was read and I had to sleep. I was in dispair over the recent loss of my mother. This book opened my eyes and my heart in a a very special way, to the knowledge she was with our Savior and indeed happy. It took me on paths I had not seen in years. I highly recommend this to anyone who is questioning their faith and to those who are comfortable in the knowledge they know where they are and where they are going. It not only answered questions but gave me new ones to look at.

I had the pleasure of meeting this author/speaker, and joy sparkles from her eyes, though she's blind. This book is a treasure to anchor your heart to Christ. The book takes you on a life's journey filled with bumps in the road and roadblocks, but Jan Eckles overcomes each obstacle placed in her path by keeping her heart and faith anchored in Christ. Join Jan on her life's journey. Read about how she lost her sight at 30. Then, she lost something even more precious than her sight--her son. Her life has not been easy, but she has perserved and anchored her heart in Christ through all of her earthly trials and tribulations. She didn't work when she was sighted, but she's found her life's calling and is able to see more through insight than sighted people. Google Jan Eckles to enjoy her inspirational blog and newsletter.

Barbara J. Robinson
Author/Educator/Freelance Writer
http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

Even though the main motivator for most readers to buy this book is the fact that it is extremely inspirational, I also want to comment that Jan's writing style itself makes the book a pleasure to read. I love how she is able to convey ideas with richness and simplicity at the same time.

I also enjoyed how vividly she describes Bolivia, both through her own eyes, and through her mother's memories. When I read about her family's arrival to St. Louis, especially the culture shock and language barriers, it occurred to me that she described these things in such a way that *anyone* would be able to understand them. For example, I enjoyed the line about the new language sounding like indecipherable noises, especially as it is clear that this is a language the author now masters.

There were so many things I loved about this book, and so many lines that stood out to me... as I was reading, there were many times where I either laughed out loud, gasped in shock or welled up - I think any reader would do the same.

Hearing all of the things the author went through, especially in her experience of gradually losing her sight, it is hard for anyone to imagine, yet somehow she puts the reader in her shoes, and we can feel her emotions - shocked, horrified, fearful, angry, hopeful, determined, saddened, grateful, happy - all of these. What a brave woman she is, and an inspiration to everyone.

It is obvious that Jan is a natural communicator (no wonder she excels as an interpreter), someone who wants to reach out with her heart and share with others whatever she can to help so that they may draw on her experience. But part of her success in communicating is that she has something important to express. I thank her for being willing to share her story so candidly, and with such grace, for others to hear.

I look forward to reading more from this writer.

I found the book to be very positive and uplifting. The author really gave me a sense of being able to find the good in all things, even if we don't recognize it right away. God does have a plan for us after all!

I loved this book because Jan Eckles opens her heart to you as you're turning the pages. You will be encouraged as she shares her life, both thru her triumphs and tragedies. As I read, I felt the Lord Jesus speaking to me through Jan's words. I reread parts of the story that I felt gave me hope in my own life. I've already bought a copy for a friend, and I highly recommend this book to you.