Liz's Letters

My prayer this past summer has been that God would be my Everything. There is much in my life to be grateful for and He blesses me each and every day. But, there is a hole in me that can only be filled by Him. I try, sometimes, to fill that hole with other relationships, with activities, with things that leave me feeling empty and confused. We have been singing this song a lot in worship at my church so it has become special to me. My prayer and my song to my God. Happy Labor Day God in my living There in my breathing God in my waking God in my sleeping God in my resting There in my working God in my thinking God in my speaking Be my everything Be my everything Be my everything Be my everything God in my hoping There in my dreaming God in my watching God in my waiting God in my laughing There in my weeping God in my hurting God in my healing Christ in me Christ in me Christ in me the hope of glory You are everything Christ in me Christ in me Christ in me the hope of glory Be ...

As Thursday approached, I have allowed my mind to ponder the letter " F ", giving room for the Holy Spirit to bring to mind what God would want me to F ocus on myself and share with my F riends and F amily. All week, my thoughts remained on one word...FINALLY. So, I reflected on the word FINALLY as used in God's Word, I thought I would share the verses that F illed my mind this week. Definition of Finally - 1. at the final point or moment; in the end. 2. in a final manner; conclusively or decisively. 3. at last; eventually; after considerable delay Philippians 4:8 F inally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. I have had many a season where this verse has meant much to me, but nothing like the season of the last few weeks. My mind obsesses over wrongs that I have been guilty of and wrongs that have been aimed t...

I have blinked. And she is now a ninth grade girl, young woman. My daughter, Rebecca, has started her first year of High School this week. This year is already different than other years. The school supply list includes things that middle school (and elementary) did not. One of those items being that very expensive calculator...isn't there one around here somewhere from one of her older brother's high school days? School clothes shopping had included under garments being of equal importance as the outer garments. Purses and wallets....let's not talk about the trip that I made to the Coach Store. And two flutes! OK, so High School shopping is much more expensive. So, I took a picture of Rebecca when I picked her up from her first day. I proudly sent the photo out to family and friends who might be interested. One of the comments was priceless, from Wendy: "Oh my gosh, she's beautiful!!! What happened to that little girl who let me brush her wet hair after her bath a...

Last year, right before my mom and I left to go on our cruise, she had a dream about spending all night lowering her eyebrows so that she would remain calm for a job interview. (she was also a man) My mom has the craziest dreams and she entertains me often by telling me about them. She shared this particular dream with me on our car trip to the port from which we set sail for a week in the Caribbean and it struck me so funny that I laughed about it the entire week. You can read her dream on her blog site Observations. Since then, we both never miss any opportunity to make a joke about an eyebrow lowering experience. Well, I found out that my mom has never been real happy with her eyebrows and I realized that I haven't either. She and I made a trip to Ulta (cosmetics store) to look around and found ourselves having eyebrow make-overs. For most of my 46 years, I have left my eyebrows alone. They are quite small and never needed "cleaning up" until I hit my mid fortie...

Another way that God is good... I love this song and have loved it since the first day I heard it on the Newsboys Adoration CD several years ago. This past weekend it took on new meaning in my life. The song goes beyond the surface and touches the depths of who we are in Christ. It expresses who Christ is to me and who I am to Him. My theme song for this season.... In Christ Alone In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone, who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteo...

Having just returned from San Antonio, I am pumped up, excited, exhausted, full, sleepy, rededicated and blessed. Beth Moore has been one of my favorite Bible Study teachers and authors for over ten years. (She is a fantastically gifted teacher and I always am pointed to God when listening to her speak) Being able to sit -live- under her instruction was one of my desires fulfilled and I am so glad to have been in San Antonio, at Living Proof, with one of the best friends I could ever ask for...my dear friend, Susan, sitting beside me. I had a specific prayer request for the weekend, as did Susan. We agreed to pray for each other and we will continue to pray for each other as God answered our prayers; but we both still need to take the time to meditate on what we heard. God's answers for me goes deep and will be a process, but He is good and He did provide answers that are immediate, life changing, and clear. Having been living in a "pit" (as Beth affectionately calls i...

One of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of James. It is so practical, so down to earth, and often times hits me square between my eyes. This past week, I found myself reading in James, chapter 4. Many lessons were for me to be found in James 4 this week... What causes fights and quarrels among Christians? What has caused me to fight and quarrel?James says it is because we want something and we don't get it. I cannot have what I want. Affirmative. So, I work on my motives and my relationship with God. I am challenged to think of where my loyalty lies. Am I loyal to God? Do I really trust Him? Do I really believe that He will provide all I need and satisfy my every desire? Hmmm . Recently, I felt that was not true of God. If it were, than how could He have allowed my best friendship to fall apart? Why did He not intervene when things started to go south? Why? Wrong question to ask. What I do know out of James is God gives me more and more grace. I am not proud of my part i...

This weeks verse is focused on the letter "E" . The verse that came to mind with the focus on the letter E is out of a book that begins with the letter E as well. It is a verse that is comforting and reminds me of God's absolute sovereignty. There is a time for Everything, and a season for Every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 I like this verse. There is a time for all things. There is a season for all things. Many things are for a season. Time. Didn't I talk about time yesterday...and the day before that? A time for everything. A time for joy. A time for death. A time for friendship. A time for being alone. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to sing and a time to pray. For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

Leroi Moore (September 7, 1961 - August 19, 2008) The musician responsible for my beginning interest in Dave Matthews Band died yesterday, August 19th. Due to my son's love of playing the saxophone, this very talented man is who first drew my attention to the band. Over the years, Dave Matthew Band has become my favorite band. Leroi Moore will be missed by many, many fans...myself included.

The week before last, I posted a prayer request for my father in law and our family as we were faced with deciding whether or not to continue cancer treatments. At the time, his mental state was such that we did not think he could make that decision himself. God is good though and He gave us an answer that brings peace. My dear father in law is still suffering from bouts of mental disorientation. We understand this is part of the process when one is near death. However, he has had clarity enough to be very certain about his decision to discontinue treatment. His cancer is rapidly spreading, his immunities are very weak. Fred went to spend the weekend with his father this past weekend. It was a time of laughter and tears. It was a time of knowing that there will not be very much left. Time. Their relationship has had periods of distance, misunderstanding, and even anger and hurt. There were times in our marriage that I wondered if healing would ever occur. But, what I see is love and fo...

For my birthday last year, my best friend who recently ended our friendship, sent me a CD. It is the new Lifehouse CD, Who We Are and she bought it because we both enjoy the band. We had gone to hear them in concert one spring where we stood in the pouring rain, under a blanket, throughout most of the concert. It was hilariously fun and something that I know I will never forget. In February, when I was so angry with her, I threw the CD out of my car in a catharsis because it was such a gift of love and I was in such pain, I couldn't bear to hear it. I did go back and retrieve it and then I put it away for a while. Recently though, I started listening to it again. Knowing the song that is playing often on the radio, Whatever It Takes, I suspected that I might be opening myself up to painful feelings, but I also know I must walk through them. Just that song itself tells the story of what I would say to her if she would give me the chance. The chorus says it all: I'll do whatever...

The past few weeks, I have had a difficult time staying asleep through the entire night. The chaos of recent events have caused my mind to go into overload with thoughts of every variety. A friend of mine has been helping me overcome this. He is the Lord. My favorite way to fall back to sleep is to recite to Him who He is and what He does. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD ...

It is after 2:00 in the morning. This is the second night in a row that I have stayed up this late. I thought last night was amazing...and it was! Tonight has to have been one of the most amazing and interesting nights that I have ever experienced. The Dave Matthews concert was fantastic, as expected. Truly they might be the most talented band that I have ever heard. But SO, SO much more than a concert tonight. It was a night of happenings that could have only been orchestrated by God. I will write it all out later, if I can even capture the night in writing. All I can say right now is that I believe in angels. What a night.

I have never thought of myself as an "evangelist". To share with people who do not know Christ has always been a little uncomfortable for me. My comfort level is much higher when sharing how God has worked in my life, or helping people see how he is working in their lives, AFTER they have already made the commitment to follow Him. It is something that, in the past, I experienced a small amount of guilt over, especially knowing that is something He has put me on earth to do. When I have taken various Spiritual Gift Inventories or Evaluations, there is always a sigh of relief when my highest gifts fall in categories like Knowledge, Wisdom, Teaching, Discernment, even Prophet is less scary than Evangelism. But it's funny, in the last year I have had the wonderful blessing of sharing my story, (which has included the ugliness seen on this blog at times) and leading two different ladies into the decision to become followers of Christ. It might be the first two times that...

WOO HOO! Those of you who know me also know that the man in that picture is my all time favorite musician! Dave Matthews. And not just him, but his entire band...when they play, something happens to my heart and soul that words cannot explain. Music is a language all it's own, and it is one that my heart understands deep in the depths of my soul. Tomorrow Lezlie and I will be going out to dinner and then onto Dave Matthews Band concert. My excitement is indescribable. And no, this is not the first time I have seen him perform. The first time was with my son, Adam, who also loves DMB, and the last time was with my old best friend, Ruth, right before I moved from Virginia to Texas. I guess the memories could be a little bittersweet tomorrow, but I am so, so looking forward to going. So, get ready for an "I am in love with Dave Matthews" post coming real soon. (smile, Fred) Tonight, I am off to spend time with my daughter. We are going to see the sequel to one of o...

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 This particular verse is one that I probably need to tattoo on my face. There have been times in my life when I have not done this at all. Recently, it has been the case. In a situation where I found myself very hurt and very angry, I used words to hurt others. I allowed other people to use words to hurt the same people. As a result, I have lost my best friend, since it was she that I was angry with. The other's who I hurt are her family, her friends, and the people who I used to worship and serve with in my former church. The words I used were not building them up and they certainly did not benefit anyone who heard them. Well, Satan was probably having fun. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to the people that I hurt with my unwholesome words. To Ruth, I am so sorry, To ...

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:3-5 God is love. (1 John 4:8) God's love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34) Sometimes, I just can't get a grip on this. In my mind, everything has a beginning and an end. Life. Relationships. Work Days. Meals. Worship services. Phone Calls. Movies. Sleep. You name it. It begins and it ends. Not God's love. Wow. I recently have been questioned about how I can proclaim scripture and have some of the behaviors that I have. I answered the question, to myself, "I am a sinner-but saved by His wonderful grace." Then His word came to mind and reminded me that nothing will ever change His love for me. My status as a child of God will never change, no matter my behavior...or someone else's. It can be easy to look at li...

I am off to bed for the night...thank GOD, tomorrow will be another day. Work was hard work today, and emotionally hard work too. My only assignment for the end of the day is to make my gratitude list. I AM GRATEFUL FOR: 1. The wonderful friends that I have...did I say WONDERFUL!?? Thank you all for being there. 2. My mom, and the BEST mom, ever! 3. My husband only has 11 more weeks until he has his Master's degree. 4. I get to see my favorite, favorite band in concert this weekend....DAVE MATTHEWS BAND! 5. I know that I am loved by the God of the Universe, the Creator and I am His precious, Holy Child!

So....I guess everyone who lives in Texas has to do it at least one time! Friday night, I went to a Honky Tonk bar! Cowboys in Arlington was hopping on Friday night and we made it even more fun! I am still laughing out loud. Let me tell you, I am not a honky tonk girl. I don't like bars (anymore) and had NO desire to go. I was coerced by my friends and co-workers...after all, Yvonne was in town from North Carolina AND it was her 39 th birthday. How much of a party pooper could I be? (I knew I could be a BIG party pooper ) These gals were not even arriving at our destination until 9:30 or 10:00 p.m! I religiously am in bed by then most nights! Staying up late is 10:30 - with the few exceptions that Tina and I chat on the phone until after midnight...but those nights are fewer and far-er between. (we are in our 40's now) And I had to drag my poor husband along - again - on another Girls Night Out. Poor guy! And have I mentioned that I can barely tolerate Country Music...

Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions. Today’s jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum. Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime. Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse. Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery. Today’s greed is tomorrow’s embezzlement. Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear. Could that be why Paul writes, “Love … keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5 NIV)? Sometimes I forget I have an option. Paul says I do: “We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). I am a soldier and my thoughts are my enemies. What if I succeeded at taking every thought captive? What if I took the counsel of Solomon: “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (Prov. 4:23). I am not a victim of my thoughts. I have a vote. I have a voice. I can exercise thought prevention. I can also exercise thought permission. Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions, what happens when I fill my mind with thoughts of...

Some of you know that my father in law has been battling cancer for some time. Things have been up and down lately, but every up is lower than the last time. We know that cancer will be what takes him from this earth and on to be with His Lord when he leaves us. Today we got a report that our family will need to pray about. The cancer has metastasized (again). The oncologist has given the family the freedom to make the decision: either chemotherapy - again, or just keep him comfortable and let God have Him when He is ready. The chemo might kill him because he is so weak. It does not look like the best answer. But, do we simply choose to not try and fight more? The family requests your prayers as we make this decision by next Friday. Psalm 17:6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

All day long, this song by Toby Mac has been running through my head. It is an older song, I think about four years. It is my theme song today! I am loving it! I feel revived again, I am alive again You got me lifted and lifted you lift me!

In case you did not know, today was National Fresh Breath Day! I certainly got a kick out of knowing that. I kept chewing gum in my mouth as much as possible. I offered minty gum to everyone that I sat beside. One friend of mine used Listerine for the very first time today. I went to eat dinner with another friend, and we had sushi. We laughed because it was not the best choice for National Fresh Breath Day, so we chewed gum in honor of such a day. Today also is the anniversary of me and my husband's first date. Twenty eight years ago today, we went to Wendy's Hamburger's at 51st St. and Harvard, Tulsa, OK for our first date. We never forget to wish each other a Happy Anniversary and acknowledge our gratitude for that day. We usually do something nice for each other, today being no exception. I saw my daughter in her Marching Band uniform for the first time today! What a proud moment. I posted her picture below ! I went to my favorite meeting tonight. We talked a...

I have been reading a blog recently that I have really enjoyed.... Grey Like Snuffie. She is hosting ABC's of the word every Thursday and when I read about it, I thought it would be fun to ponder a scripture every week that began with the corresponding letter for that week. I love to play games and dwell on God's word, so I thought this would be fun for me too. This week's letter is the letter: On and off through out the day, knowing that I would post a scripture tonight, I allowed my mind to wander over scriptures that came to mind as I thought of the letter "C". The verse I chose for today is one that I have prayed many, many times and will pray many more I am sure. I love this passage because I know that God can do it. With the current circumstances in my life, I have recited it over and over as I meditate on His promise to answer this beautiful request. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

My life has just changed forever. Last week, my daughter began her band activities as a freshman in High School. Lucky for me I had been told by a friend who used to be involved in Texas band years and years ago that Texas band was no comparison to what I had experienced as a Virginia band Mom. When that comment came along, I had no idea that I would experience Texas band first hand, but here I go. Last Saturday I took my daughter to register for band. She had already had two days of practice and now it was time to make the commitment...be fitted for the marching uniform, buy the shoes, t-shirts for hot weather performances, etc, etc, even a Band Mom and Band Dad t-shirt for us to wear at games! I took along my veteran band mom and very good friend so that she could show me the ropes. She is in the last two years of band, her youngest child is a junior this year at the same school, also in the same band as my daughter. She has had two other kids graduate from said school, having ...

Back in the spring, a friend shared with me a music video by Sanctus Real that described how she was feeling. The video and the note from her sparked my curiosity...so I did a little research on the songs that this particular band had recorded. I found that I liked the band, so I started listening to them here and there. The week that I returned from my trip to Virginia, a couple of days after the phone call from her to end that long time friendship, I heard this particular song on the radio, a different song but by the same band. I had not heard it before, but I will never forget the moment that I heard it for the first time. It was about 7:15 a.m. on June 28th...two days after I received that phone call that changed my life and attitude about friendship and what God is doing in this particular situation. I felt like the song had been written for me before I was born, before I knew Christ, back when He was the only one who knew what would happen between myself and the woman who I ...