Liz's Letters

Well, so much for a football game. My family received word late this afternoon that my father in law is in his last hours. He was moved to an end of life facility this week and his life is now ending. Thank you so much for the many prayers and please continue to pray them as we go to spend time with the family. I will be back next week.

Happy Halloween! I will not be celebrating this holiday tonight though... It is a BIG football night in Flower Mound, TX. The two Flower Mound High Schools go to none other than... Texas Stadium to have the MOUND SHOWDOWN! GO JAGS! Big Night!

I have a dear friend who I love to spend time with. She is a single mom and I am blessed enough to be able to spend time together with her and often times her little guy who has just turned 6 years old. (she also has a 14 year old daughter who I like, but does not thrill me as much since I have one of those myself.) Tonight, I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with my friend and her son. Through out the meal he said, "We need to count our blessings." If he said it once, he said it a hundred times (not really, but a lot) and finally, in frustration, he said, "WE NEED TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS!" So, I went for it. I began listing off the many blessings in my life....my husband, children, family, job, house, health, you know ... all the "normal" blessings. He was not satisfied and I kept going. I listed off the more creative blessings, and he began to help me by adding things that he knew I was blessed by, and things that he was blessed by. What was real...

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie I almost missed "O". Some of you know that I had to take a test at work today! I have been studying for 4 weeks and today it is over! I passed! Hooray!

Ok, so I am on my way upstairs to wash my face and get ready for bed and my daughter stops me, ready to take my picture for this blog. So....back to the computer I go (the camera is in the computer desk) and sit for a quick photo shoot, compliments of my 14 year old daughter. The unveiling of the red hair. Ready..... Ok, I can see that pictures don't show how red it really is...you will probably have to click on the photo and blow my face up the size of the moon in order to see. Boy....I love the thought of that. All you guys who don't know me...looking at my face the size of Texas. LOL! Well, I guess I have been talking about taking off the concealer and seeing the REAL me! I guess I will change my profile photo. I can't believe I just did this...like a kid. No, like a child of God. :) Thanks for having fun with me!

I am smiling....my hair is red! Photos soon. (in my pj's now) Just wanted to let you know.

Happy Tuesday! It is time for the weekly thoughts on the book study Behind Those Eyes. Check out Lelia's blog for more information and look up the author, Lisa Whittle . Good stuff on both of these blogs! Chapter 6 is entitled, Cosmetics for the Soul. Lisa shared a story about working a part time job at a cosmetics counter. A woman approached, covered, hat, sunglasses and all, because she was hiding horrible scars from burns. Lisa spent around an hour concealing the woman's scars with cosmetics until she felt a little better about what she saw when she looked in the mirror. She used the story to illustrate how we, as women, try to conceal things about ourselves in order to hide the truth and escape rejection from others. This hit home with me when I read it. I will do almost anything to avoid rejection! Lisa say in chapter 6: We use concealer - cosmetics for our souls - that will camouflage those places in our hearts that are uglier than we want to see. I understand....

So....... What is it about the changing temperatures that make us want to make other changes too? I picked my 14 year old daughter up from school early today because she had an orthodontist appointment. Afterward, she said, "I REALLY need my haircut, Mom!" I asked her when she wanted me to make the appointment, and her reply was, "Now!" So, I called our hair salon, knowing our normal stylist is off today (and would be too booked to see Rebecca on a moment's notice), but one of the younger girls was available to cut her hair. She was so ready and I had time, so off we went to the hair salon. That is her new do! It is cute and sassy. She went from this- To this - Ok, get ready! I have an appointment on Wednesday! I am pretty sure that I am going to go RED! It is time for a change!

God is absolutely, wonderfully, cool! Yesterday, I committed to reading, living, and learning from Luke 15 this week. (at least a week, maybe more) I posted a blog about my thoughts last night. When I woke up this morning, logged onto the blog to see updates, imagine my surprise when I saw the CWO Bible verse for the day! My heart soars with joy over the confirmation that He gives. I know He is rejoicing with me and over me as I start life over in the attitude of this one friendship, so dear to my heart but so damaged. Join me as I pray for reconciliation. God is good!

Some years ago, there was a phrase that became very popular: What Would Jesus Do? I was asked this question (rhetorically) when I was struggling with a relationship. A friend of a friend asked this question by way of comment on this blog, seemingly to point out that I was not doing what Jesus would have done in the same situation. True. Since then, that relationship has deteriorated and I have been thinking a lot about the question, "What would Jesus do?" As a result of seeking God in this situation, I have since that time made choices that I believe that He would have made Himself. (However; being without sin as He was, He would not have been in the same situation) Anyway, I have taken responsibility for my part. I have confessed the wrong doings on my part and asked for forgiveness. I have asked for reconciliation and expressed the truth of my heart...sincere regret and desire to start over. To no avail. What would Jesus do? He would not have posted some of the things...

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter, Rebecca, and I traveled to Tulsa to have a very special photograph taken. We had finally talked my sister into taking a "family" photo of my mother, my daughter and me, and my sister, Lynn, and her daughter, Kristin. One of the reasons that I am thankful to be back in the middle of the United States, is this beautiful littlest girl in the photo - my niece Kristin. She was born three weeks before we moved here and I was determined to spend time with her. That would have proven to be difficult had we stayed in the state of Virginia, because she and the rest of my family all live in Tulsa, OK. Taking this picture represents many things. Family. Fun. Three generations of women. Love. We had a great girls day out on this day. We got all cute for the picture, did some shopping, making good on a bribe made to Kristin that required a trip to the candy shop. We got all dressed up afterward and went to a "fancy" restaurant. What fun. An...

Thanksgiving I am grateful for - A Savior who died for me to live. Weather that makes me need to wear a sweater. My health, that I can walk, talk, see, smell, eat, potty, laugh, sing, and cry. My job, the great people I work for, with, and the great team that works for me. My husband who is patient and loving when I don't deserve it. Our son getting excepted at University North Texas today. Our daughter is making good grades and keeping up with band her first year in High School. Knowing that we will see our oldest son in less than a month, God willing. Family- the ones that we don't live with but that are important enough and loved enough to be a regular part of our lives. Forgiveness, and REAL friends who forgive and continue in relationships in spite of imperfections and hurt, who are willing to work through rather than walk away. The right to vote. Lower gas prices. Soup. The ability to write, the freedom to put out here what is on my heart and spell check.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10 I know, I know...I couldn't help but think of this passage for "N" week. I tried and tried to think of something else, but I continued to come back to this verse. Was it me? I doubt it. I have an accountability group and they are praying for me. This week I asked them to pray that I would please God in my marriage. I think it might not be a coincidence that verse continues to roll around in my mind as I have pondered which verse to share today. It seemed like a good idea to look up the definition of the word "noble". After all , it is not a word we frequently use in our conversations today. What I found made the verse even less appealing for my post today. 1. Of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence. 2. Very impressive or imposing in appearance; stately; magnificent. 3. Having excellent qualities or abilities. 4. Of an admirably high quality; notably superio...

Hosted by Lelia I know Ms. Spirituality. I spent many years playing her role. I was on the Music team, the discipleship team, writing curriculum, leading a small group, teaching various classes, mentoring one on one, holding a position on a leadership team, and organizing Women's retreats. Whew! Now, I can't say that I was pretending, because I was honestly walking with God and totally enjoyed the ministries that I was involved in...but it was way too much. The verse, "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 speaks to me now, but didn't so much then. I did not realize how little peace I had. I was too busy doing to enjoy being. God knew. He showed me. He plucked me right out of that situation and moved my family far away from that entire place. Every time I tried to play Ms. Spirituality in my new circumstances, He stopped me. I had to rest. I had to reestablish my relationship with Him. He urged me to spend all that time that I p...

My mom taught me that one should do a thorough cleaning of the house twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. Hmmm. I do not always follow that advise (neither does she) but every now and then I actually make an attempt and sometimes get a good deal accomplished. Interesting - my mom recently wrote a blog titled Is Cleaning House Actually Important ? and started me to thinking about why I clean house. I was happy to discover it was for the right reasons - according to my mother's blog. I clean because I like my surroundings to be serene and beautiful. I also realized that the time of year is here and I have found myself cleaning house, really cleaning house, even before my dear mom posted her blog. I have been cleaning drawers and cabinets, sorting through pictures and papers, and even cleaning my computer. (What have we come to in this century? I have to CLEAN my computer??) I spent a little time thinking about what it actually means to clean or to be clean. A...

Let us not forget..........

UPDATE 10/19 Thank you for your prayers and the many comments and notes. My father-in-law made it through surgery and is recovering in his room. My husband has gone to be with him. Although there is no more treatment that can be done, and Bob is in pain, he is praying aloud to His Savior, expressing his desire to go home. God has provided a bit more time with his earthly family before taking him to be with his Heavenly Father. My father in law, who has been battling cancer, is having an arm amputated tomorrow in attempt to save his life. He is very weak and very ill with his cancer and only has a slight chance of surviving the surgery. Please pray that God's absolute and strong presence will be in the operating room and in the hearts of family members as we approach His throne in asking for His best. Thank you.

Yes To God Tuesdays Hosted by Lelia Well, I just finished reading chapter 4 in the book Behind Those Eyes...a little late for Tuesday's post, but I thought I would post a little of my thoughts anyway. Because...I have been Ms. Happiness. I started off thinking other people could make me happy. Ask my husband. He knows the whole story here. For many years I thought it was his "job" as my husband! Whew, did I have a lot to learn here. Then I realized that he wasn't the key, and I began to believe that I could make myself happy. Wrong again. Due to some serious upsets in my "happiness" I began to really seek after my God and discover the difference between happiness and joy. Oh, praise and glory to Him that the lesson came along before I got caught up in believing that something that I have or something that I do can make me happy. I find joy and happiness in my home, in my ministry, and in my job, but these things are not responsible for my happiness. If any o...

God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. (Luke 18:7 NCV)

My friend Carol tagged me, so I thought I'd play along, something a little light hearted and fun! So here are the rules: 1. Link to the person who tagged you. That would be Carol. 2. Post these Rules. 3. Tell 6 Unspectacular Things About Yourself. 4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers. So here are my 6 unspectacular things about me. 1. My house looks clean by appearance, but is really a disaster behind closet and cabinet doors. 2. I own a fabulous set of my very own golf clubs and have not played golf since I bought them. 3. I love to cook but don't think I am a good cook. 4. I could count how many times I watch t.v. in a month on one hand. 5. I have an uncanny ability to remember dates. 6. I like to do many things but don't have a passion about one thing. This bothers me. So, now I will tag six fellow bloggers: Laura Lelia Kim Pam Pamela Lynn Leave me a comment if you come and play.

Because your L OVE is better than L IFE, my L IPS will glorify you. Psalm 63:3 For more ABC's of the word visit Grey Like Snuffie

Incoming email at work today gave a report of the financial status of the company I work for. With the current economic crisis in America, with bank shares falling, the roller coaster ride of the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting to levels lower than ever seen before, job security is a little shaky for some folks. Although my company has been affected by the latest tailspin in the US economy, we were assured by our CEO that all is well. I am thinking much about my money attitude and also that of my family's attitude. We are personally not feeling the effects of what is going on in the nation, at least not yet. I give extra thought to gallivanting around town for no reason, but I continue to commute 50 miles round trip into Dallas for work daily, and do all the things that I normally would do. Our grocery bill is a little higher than it has been, but God has blessed us with the ability to pay the extra and still be comfortable. (as long as I don't look at the 401K) L...

Here are some of the best friends that I have ever had! Thank you for the unconditional love and support through one of the most difficult "friendship" seasons in my life. God has blessed me with a group that lifts my heart, heals my soul, and helps me remember what REAL friendship, grace, and forgiveness is REALLY all about.

I just finished reading chapter 3, Miss Confidence, in the Bible Study Behind Those Eyes. ( hosted by Lelia) Lisa Whittle's quotes will be in purple today. When reading this chapter, I realized that Miss Confidence is a part I play quite often, although it is getting more and more difficult as God has given me many lessons on how my only sure confidence is in Him. I found it interesting the way Lisa linked confidence with vulnerability on page 46. Confidence is so often afraid of rejection - either because of past hurts or past experiences - that she prefers to stay in her confident shell and not let the soft side of her emerge. But she soon begins to realize that it's very confined in there. In her book, Strong Women, Soft Hearts, counselor Paula Rinehart talks about this issue in her chapter on vulnerability. She says: The strength of vulnerability is a curious mixture of discovering your heart and sharing your real self, as best you can, with people God has put in you...

I just woke up from a three hour nap and it is already time to go to bed! The reason that I am exhausted is because I spent my day yesterday at the largest and oldest flea market in the United States, First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX. My friend in San Antonio came up specifically to shop this flea market. Knowing that I had now been a few times since my move to the area, she was ready to make the trip and find out what all the hype is about this huge flea market! She found out. She sort of laughed when I told her that we would be leaving the house to get there when they opened. We arrived only thirty minutes after the gates opened, but there was already a line a mile long to enter the parking areas. Yes, really... a mile long if not more. She snickered when I told her that we would be taking a cart, a metal cart, loaned to me by a friend, in order to manage all our finds. She asked, "Do you think we will need it?" Well......... on our way to our car, it was heaped ...

Oops! I somehow forgot that yesterday was Thursday but I do not want to miss out on my weekly posting of God's word. This week represents the letter K. I am looking forward to reading all the verses posted yesterday, I have not looked at them yet. The word that came to my heart and mind when I realized that I missed the weekly dose of alphabet scripture was KEEP. A few definitions that speak to me are: to hold or retain in one's possession; hold as one's own. to maintain (some action), especially in accordance with specific requirements, a promise, etc. to conform to; follow; fulfill Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will KEEP me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 34:13 KEEP your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they who KEEP his statutes and seek him with all their heart. KEEP A word that brings me both comfort and challenge from God's precious word...

There was a time in my life, recently, that I wanted to give up on the organized church. My experience had been that of justifying sin in the church, Matthew 18 not being practiced, and mature believers were leaving right and left due to the lack of mature leadership. I thought I might never go back to church and if I did, I wondered if I would ever be proud of my church family and leadership again. Praise God! He would not let me stay in the state of distrust, fear, and skeptism. My family and I have found a church and I joined a Home Group. I was asked to sign a covenant. Now- my current church is also a Baptist congregation that is reaching seekers faster than we can house them. What I had been "taught" by the leaders of my former church lined up with keeping things easy and comfortable for the unchurched. My current church home speaks the truth in love. Example; take a look at the covenant that I signed: Confidentiality: What is said in the group stays in the group unless...