Liz's Letters

1. I'm PMS-ing , I'm excited , I am feeling out of balance . 2. Why do I have short legs and not tall, thin ones ? 3. How does this surrender stuff really work , anyway? 4. Every morning, I put make-up on my face . 5. I consider myself lucky because I have God in my life . 6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting Lelia and Kelley in person , tomorrow my plans include Step Study Class, shopping with my daughter, worship service , and dinner with friends (and maybe seeing Lelia and Kelley again) and Sunday, I want to work in my yard a little bit! For More Fun Friday Fill Ins click here!

My post is late in the day this week. It was a very tiring day and there is chaos in my work place. I have spent the day before the Lord. This morning, I prayed about my "C" verse and so many came to me that I really did not know what I felt Him calling to to ponder. This evening, I know why. He waited until I needed the verses. I have two "C" verses for today. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 For More ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

This came to me from a friend this week. Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the pople who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't. I am trying! And I am so blessed to have so many people who do treat me right...with love, mercy, and grace. Such godly friends and family He has given me. Even you all, my bloggy friends. Thanks for the many prayers and encouraging words! And the ones that are not acting in godliness... I think I will just let Him have them........ Love you all! Liz

It is Yes to God Tuesday and the title of Chapter 5 in the book Self Talk Soul Talk is Look Back: Forget Not His Benefits, O My Soul. Timely is this chapter for me. Some of you may be aware that I am in " recovery " and am currently working on what recovery programs call step work. Currently, I am working on... Step 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. And my prayer for my group last week was that I would be able to find the difference between remembering for the sake of healing - - - and obsessing. I had not read this chapter at the time of this request, but isn't God good that He answered my prayer before I even prayed it? Due to where I am currently in my life, my walk with God, the things He has brought me through and what He is teaching me, there are many, many things in this chapter that spoke to my heart. Certainly, I don't want to bore you with repeating all that was written in the book (after all, most of you reading this post have ...

I love it! My friend Teri @ A View From The Mountaintop , posted a quick video on her blog today. The clip is taken from part of a message that Matt Chandler gave at the Desiring God pastors conference just a couple of weeks ago. She sweetly linked my blog to hers because she knows that I attend Matt's church, The Village. She and I both share a love of his style and the down to earth way that he speaks the truth! Today, I have had a few people ask, "Do you go to Matt Chandler's church?" The answer is Yes. And he is just as good every weekend as he was at the Desiring God conference. I am so going to email him (or tell him face to face) all the hooplah that I am getting on MY blog about him! He will get a kick out of it. Actually, he is very humble. But I will tell him anyway. So, for those of you who wonder what in the world I am talking about, go check it out on Teri's link. Or go check Matt out on the church web site.... The Village Church The messages are pod...

Have you ever just had one of those days when you are so full that you feel like emotions are just oozing out of your heart? My day has been like that. And I sit here, screen in front of my weary, weepy eyes with too many words, heart bubbling over like soup left behind on high on the stove. What do I do with this? My Step Study class is taking me right where God wants me. I rejoice over that, but it hurts. I drove, prayerfully, to the church building, early this morning. Tears began to fall as I struggled with memories. You see, I am taking a fearless and honest personal inventory. One that reaches deep into the depths of who I am, who I have been, and who God wants me to be. I sat down in the class room, streaks on my cheeks. This is a place for honesty, safe. A group of other women seeking God with all their hearts to recover from brokenness that only God can repair. Honesty trickled from my lips as I shared with two others before the start of class. I read answers that I had writte...

1-3 are courtesy of Mar this week. And...here we go! 1. Give me the chance and I'll show you how God has changed my life. 2. Whenever I feel down, God always give me something that lifts me up . 3. I wish that people were more forgiving and less willing to let relationships go because of hurt . It is always worth it to work on things when there is still love. 4. Chocolate pie was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious. 5. To live in this world I must look forward to not having to stay here; there is a better place coming . 6. Other than this one , Gail W @ Job 19:25 He Lives . is the last blog I commented on. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to shopping for a gift and hanging with my husband, tomorrow my plans include the same Recovery Step Study class (every Saturday) and then a play- In The Beginning - at Dallas Theater Center with friends, and Sunday, I want to attend church, and then have fun at a wedding shower that will be a joy...

BLESSED Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 For more ABC's of the Word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

Even the chapter title of Chapter 7, Self Talk Soul Talk causes me to take a deep breath and pause. A counselor once told me that, on a scale of one to ten, (one being "calm", ten being "spun up") she thought I might always function at about a six. I agreed. Since that conversation somewhere around ten years ago, I have spent much time practicing "Calm Down". Seasons of this work have been spent allowing the Lord to still and quiet my soul, but other seasons have been spent like a volcano, erupting at every disturbance. This chapter speaks to the very heart of my thought closet. Seventeen months ago, I began doing things differently in regard to anger in my life. Between months seventeen and thirteen, I failed quite a few times. The result? It seemed like insanity. It felt like I was out of control. I was, but it was not myself who needed to reign me in, it was God. In February of last year, an incident took place in my life where He finally got my attent...

In my dreams she is there, never seeing- her eyes will not look her heart is now closed. My memory is crisp as a cold winter morning- takes my breath away her voice and her laughter. For many years we traveled best friends- we played like young girls shared our deep thoughts. I sat in her presence when the counselor revealed- "He is abusive, you know" the words stuck in the air. My mind ran in circles wondering what should I do- watch pain in her eyes, the change in her soul? Each day she was sad and more grieved- her laugh was now strained, and truth became lies. The green in her eyes turned dull with the pain- the smile was infrequent, the singing was strained. In my desperation I lost the freedom to love- My judgment was winning, Respect all but gone. My anger toward God became all that I had- Wanting truth to be told, So healing could come. But God did remind me that vengeance is His- Only He was the one to convict of the sin. I made some grave errors that turned things a...

Once upon a time, before the world began, God decided you would be born. He decided that I would be your mommy and that daddy would be your daddy. We had been praying for many years for a little girl just like you. We named you Rebecca Krisanne and knew you were the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world. We loved you and cared for you, even though you cried a lot. Only at first and then you started to smile. Your big blue eyes would twinkle and your smile would grow fast and big! The love of my life. We played Barbies and Beanie Baby's day after day. You loved to swing and swing, your blond hair flying behind you and then in front of you. I watched, and watched and loved you with everything. School started and you loved to learn. Your questions were thoughtful. "Mommy, why are some people brown and some people pink?" "Mommy, why do boys act louder than girls?" "Mommy, why do we work at home when we are finished with school?" The questions you pon...

I love Valentine's Day! And if you have never served your husband dinner in your bedroom, you should try it! It is crazy romantic! Today is also my sweet daughter's birthday! (hence having already celebrated Valentines Day with my sweetie!) I will post a tribute to my lovely daughter later, but for now- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET REBECCA!

And...here we go! 1. It seems like life is flying by these days! 2. Would you flush when you're done, please? 3. If I thought you needed me , I'd be right there ! 4. Love is what I think of most when I think of you. 5. To me, Valentine's Day means it is my daughter's birthday . 6. God gives me strength. 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time pampering my husband for Valentines celebration , tomorrow my plans include Step Study Class, my mom is coming, and we are having a birthday party for my daughter , and Sunday, I want to go to the worship service, and spend good time with my family!

The word on my heart for the last two days has been ABIDE. I know Pam used it too, but I have waited all day (almost) for a new revalation... and God wants me to abide! My life has been spinning around me, emotions up and down. I have experienced joy that is new and refreshing. I am abiding. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless i abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9 For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

Look Up: Hope In God, My Soul Life happens, doesn't it? And the next thing I know, it is Wednesday! I had the craziest day at work yesterday (sometimes I have time to post on my lunch break) and then I went to my daughter's mid-winter band concert last night. If any of you noticed the national weather, we had storms and tornadoes in north Dallas (that is where I live) and so my computer was safely turned off while we listened to tornado sirens and sat in the mini hallway under our staircase. All is well, no damage, but my Bible study thoughts did not get posted. I have to confess... the entire week has been sort of like that. So, this afternoon, I read chapter 6 while on the treadmill at the gym. If you read the chapter, you will know the irony of that truth. (more later on that) So, while I am jogging at 5 miles per hour, I am trying to imagine myself as a table! As funny as it sounds, I loved the concept. We have 4 legs on which to stand on, 4 legs that we need to keep in sha...

As soon as I met her I hoped we would click Her words when she spoke - intriguing Different than mine, but still right. Open and chatty, and how I yearned for a friend. I was new. Small children and cross country move My heart was lonely, missing. She accepted, willing. Every week we would meet with others to study, to share and to listen. We wrote notes not paying attention And laughed at our childish fun. Add phone conversations for hours on end. My phone friend. Years went by, our children grew. Our friendship grew, deeper. My love, unconditional. Through thick and through thin In pain and in joy We journeyed together. My laughter she smiled and my tears she was patient Taking time to hear my heart. Holding my hand. Her turn came and she pulled away. I waited and waited And prayed for the day. Reunited we were, my joy had returned. If we made it through this forever friends we would be But her pain intensified My fear jumped outside My mouth flew right open Insensitive and wrong. Ap...

We can expect to feel fear, even dread, at some points in our lives. We will always have situations that, for a time at least, seem more than we can bear. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 But the clouds will lift. We are never given more than we can handle, and with each passing day we become more at ease with ourselves and all that life, and ultimately- GOD -gives us. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 I am learning "this too shall pass". My confidence, peace and joy increase as my strength in God increases. Finally, be...

1. Please don't tell me that I don't know how to sing - whether I can sing or whether I can't, I will do it anyway! It is so fun! 2. Can you really enjoy s-x in the morning? LOL! I couldn't resist. 3. The color blue makes me want to smile. It is my favorite. 4. I have a craving for sushi and hot tea. 5. If my life had a pause button, I pause it in 1997. My kids were all at a fun age, I would love my husband more, and I would make different choices in friendships. 6. Eyes are the mirror to the soul. I believe it. :) 7. And as for my weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family, tomorrow my plans include shopping with my daughter and working on a scrap book and Sunday I want to attend a worship service, and relax. (it has been a long week!)

The verse that I choose to share with you today is one that will always cause my heart to tremble with the Holiness of the Almighty God. The "Z" word, is Uzziah. He became king of Judah at the age of 16 and served faithfully for 52 years. He restored Judah after a long period of decline. He was a successful military leader and likely a hero of his time. I imagine that when he died it would compare to the death of a US President, well respected. So, when Isaiah had this vision, it is commemorated with the recent death of the king. Thinking, still, of yesterday's writing challenge, close your eyes. Imagine the imagry of the seraphs who flew in to announce the arrival of the Lord. And how many of us have been asked to do something (by God) that we felt unworthy to do? I know I have. Oh, I love how Isaiah gets past his personal pride and unworthiness and answers in obedience to the Holy One who asked. In the year that King U ZZ iah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, hi...

Well, I did it. I took the writer's challenge at a blog that I have been lurking around for some time. I found this blog through Laura at Wellblog 's place and have been enthralled ever since. I have dabbled in poetry on and off. Written some invitations, cards, and even a few song lyrics (for fun) but have been hesitant to post any. (roaring lion? see below post ) With the encouragement of a friend, I decided to take the challenge on L.L.Barkat's blog, in a lesson on seeing. I chose a subject that is cherished, a memory that was real and something close to my heart. The beach. Many, many days were spent at the beach in the 12 years I lived on the Southern Virginia coast. The memories are real, and when.......... I close my eyes and I can still see the beach. The endless spans of water Sometimes blue, green, or gray. It moves Gently and Violently Bubbles rise and falling forward. On and on. I close my eyes and I can still hear the crash Of tidal movement As earth slowly spi...

It is Yes To God Tuesday and time to post on Chapter 5, entitled Tune In: Awake My Soul. Struggles have occurred all day as I ponder my thoughts. The roaring lion. He is here today. He is trying to drag thoughts back into my closet, the ones that I am trying to carry to the dumpster! Sentences from inside my head that are not from God. And I wonder, what has happened? Why am I downcast? Have I, like Jennifer says on page 65, become sleepy and apathetic toward some of my poor choices and negative attitudes? Or might I have too many distractions? Tasks, yes? It is a busy week for me at work. Pleasures? Oh, yes. I have had much fun the past few days! Fear of failure? Oh, this is a big one for me. It can sometimes paralyze me. The list of distractions continues. It is good to hear Jennifer remind us that not all distractions are sinful, but when we allow them to keep us from our treasures, they become stumbling blocks. My treasures. I want to keep my treasures front row, ce...

I was just tagged by my buddy, Carol Here are the rules of the tag: 1. Go to the section of your computer where you store all of your photos. 2. Select the 6th folder. 3. Select the 6th photo from that folder. 4. Post and explain about that picture. 5. Tag 6 other people This is a picture that I took of my daughter, Rebecca, and her boyfriend, Robert. When this photo was taken, they had only been "going out" for a few weeks. They still don't "go out" since the only time they spend together is with our family or his. (they don't even go to the same school) The picture was taken last spring sometime, probably May 2008. They both look a lot older now, but especially Robert. I am not going to tag anyone, but feel free to play along if you want. Let me know if you do so that I can come visit your 6th folder, 6th picture post!

In the year 2009, I have committed to memorizing at least 24 verses from the Bible. I have to admit, scripture memory is not something that comes easily to me, and even though I know and believe all of the benefits of having God's word just a thought away (instead of having to pick up my big, fat, gray Bible), I have struggled and struggled with having good success. All credit to God, I have managed to memorize 3 verses so far. They sometimes come out a little paraphrased, but they are close. Even my husband and my daughter have joined in. They see the verses posted all over the house and will spontaneously call to me, "Say Psalm 143 verse 9 and 10 - NOW! And I must recite immediately. It is really hilarious, but I don't want to get caught not knowing it at all! So, the first two weeks of February, I am going to work on one of my very favorite passages. It is one that I have tried to memorize before because I need it so badly. Every time I have tried, I can get part of it,...

God's new testament math specializes in addition and multiplication, not subtraction and division. I know, Father, according to Your word, that if I judge others, I too will be judged, With the same measure I use it, it will be measured to me. (Matt 7:1-2) When I want so badly to judge or condemn or refuse forgiveness to another, I can hear Your Word speak to my heart, saying, "If you are without sin, be the first to throw a stone at them." (John 8:7) Help me to speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful toward others. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James:12-13) ~Beth Moore Praying God's Word Day by Day, February 1