Liz's Letters

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, L et him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, L et him serve; if it is teaching; L et him teach; if it is encouraging, L et him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, L et him give generously; if it is leadership, L et him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, L et him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 These verses have been special to me over the years, but especially so the last few weeks. I went on a retreat last month where I spent an entire weekend looking at my spiritual gifts and how God might like for me to use what He has gifted me with. In the past, I wasn't so pleased with my own gifts. My gifts are ones that require guts. Prophesy. Teaching. Discernment. And I felt bad because I had little mercy. What I have found is that just because mercy is not my spiritual gift, it does not mean that I do not feel merciful toward hurting people or ...

8 Things I found this over at my friend, Pam's blog. Because I have too much to say, but not yet the words to say what is on my mind, I thought this would be fun! Consider yourself invited to play along! It's really simple to play, just complete the 8 things. Oh and leave me a comment so I can visit your 8 things list. 8 Things I look forward to 1. Any time that I spend with God...the morning prayer time, Bible reading, singing to Him in the car, and going to worship services at my wonderful church! ...it is all something I look forward to! 2. Hanging out with my husband, even after 27 years of marriage. 3. Spending time with any and all of my kids, whether it is sitting on a bed talking, going shopping, or playing a game, I love spending time with my kids! 4. Having grandchildren one day. ;) 5. Time with my friends, whether it is Home Group, Al-anon, just dinner...whatever! 6. Dave Matthews concert this Saturday! 7. King Tut this weekend! 8. Visits from my mom...this weeke...

1 4 3 always

I am so proud of this man! And I am happy... no longer do I have to be a "student widow!" Does he look excited or what? Ashley and me! She is one of the best friends ever! My family.... Dad, Glena, Sarah, Austin, and myself! All of the Russell's - except Adam - who is in Washington DC. (missed you much, Adam!) Dad and son, Aaron Daddy's little girl, Rebecca Life long BFF, Lori. Been there through thick and thin! While Ashley and I are trying to get a REAL photo, Fred decides to be silly. Prayer partners that prayed all the way through the Master's degree! Ashley and Shirley Home Girls...couldn't have survived it without them! More Home Girls! Love them all!

It is Friday and time for my weekly "Fill in the Blank" Blog post. You can read more Friday Fill-In posts by going here . Check it out, it is fun! 1. Apparently there's some sort of conspiracy in the state of Virginia. 2. I look forward to every day that is a sunny day. 3. 2009 is a great year so far. 4. When I realized how self centered she really was -that was it. 5. For too long I've been co-dependent . :) Change is beautiful and fun! 6. I am not obsessed with chocolate ; I am not! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a facial and a massage, compliments of my son and his girlfriend , tomorrow my plans include Step Study class, lunch with a friend, some shopping with my daughter, and church services and Sunday, I want to finish reading the book I am reading!

K now that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 For more ABC's of the word: Grey Like Snuffie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND!

Me at the Belagio The Rio The Motley Crew Las Vegas is not a place that I really ever thought I would want to visit. My husband has suggested it as a place he and I might sneak away for a long weekend, but I always choose the beach if the option is available. So, when the National AAPC Conference was being held in Las Vegas, I thought it would be as good a time as any to check it out. So, a few of my fellow Medical Coders and co-workers decided that we would travel together and check out "Sin City". I am not quite sure how to describe the six of us that went except that we are certainly a motley crew. My roomie, Yvonne, and I are pretty similar in personality, so we decided to room together. (not that we had to, but trying to save some money and we enjoy hanging out, we thought it would be fun). (Myself and "V" aka Yvonne) Stephanie and Vicki, although different, are best friends, so they roomed also. Both are married, one pregnant. Stephanie was my boss when I fir...

Congratulations to my wonderful husband, Fred! He has been working diligently on his Masters degree. In early, March, he finished his classes. April 4 th - he walked across the stage and was handed something that he has wanted for a long time... The Masters Degree! This week, I have been making preparations for today. Today is the day that we have invited our friends and family to our home to CELEBRATE! Tonight, we will eat and visit and laugh. And we will honor Fred for all of his hard work. I am so proud of him. So, my blogging has been light with all the cleaning and shopping, and calling. I am taking a quick break (to rest a minute) before wrapping up the final preparations. Food on the table, candles, lit, champagne is chilled. Woo Hoo ! Shout out to the Graduate! Blessings~ Liz

I just returned from Las Vegas. It is the last thing on my mind. So, what is one to do when so much is on your heart that you can't find the words to express anything? I want to share my adventures, but what is really on my mind is my kids. The pain of lost love. Teenage break ups. My mind goes back to the early years. The thing I most longed for was a full night of sleep. Not having to go to a crib and find a pacifier to place back in crying babe's mouth. "Please, Lord, don't let there be a fever." Now, I wonder...is she the one he should marry? Will he regret this decision? Or will she remain firm on her decision to break up with him? Will he get moved to Texas like he wants? Like I want? Will she get into Grad school? What about his job in Washington DC? Night falls, I am in soft and comfortable bed, my husband's soft snore beside me. I want to be at peace, but I am tossing and turning. Visions in my head like nightmares. Thoughts that pop ...

Last night, this man, Chad Kroeger from Nickelback, serenaded me and my friend, Tricia! I have always loved his voice. The show was great! He was fantastic!

He was man He is Savior He took everything that I did and made it right One time He died Dark sky He knew before warned them ate with them Remember me in the bread in the wine "I will leave" "I will return" He promised Prayed and wept obeyed and walked carried the cross Beautiful Savior Horrific death My life Your life He Died He Rose Remember.

1. Anonymous... usually means you are not willing to admit to something openly . This might be good if you are seeking help, as in Alcoholics Anonymous, but not so good if you are leaving an "anonymous" comment. If you can't put your name to something, you might want to think twice about doing it. 2. Las Vegas is a crazy place that really never sleeps . 3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, as I allow my God to make thee sweet . 4. Spending time outdoors is what I look forward to most about Spring. 5. Who needs therapy when you've got great friends . 6. Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate MUST go into the Easter Basket! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling with my son, Aaron , tomorrow my plans include Step Study class in the morning, taking dinner to a friend who just had surgery and then Nickelback concert with another friend and Sunday, I want to have an Easter celebration that is full of worship ! For more fun fi...

INHERITANCE Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the I nheritance . It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Colossians 3:23-25 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any I nheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:5 For More ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

Sometimes, I don't like working. Even though I like my job, there are days that are just not fun. I work in the Health Care Industry and sometimes it is difficult to do what I do... handling physician charges, making sure they get paid, managing a group of people, making sure surgeries are coded correctly, solving problems, and tracking down answers. Some days, I get tired. Some days, my job is great fun! I chat with physicians who are excited about what they are doing. My department gets kudos and they are all happy! I am interested in the operative reports that I read. And every now and then... I get to go places. My job requires that I have regular training to stay certified in my field. Continued Education Units aka CEU's. This next week, I will be at work, getting CEU's in LAS VEGAS! I work with some really fun and smart people. And six of us are going to Las Vegas together. We are leaving two days early to do some fun stuff (company paid)! How fun is that?! Thi...