Liz's Letters

There is one thing that I REALLY don't enjoy about being an "older" female. (some of you know what I mean and some of you might not...oh well) It's called belly fat. I eat the same, exercise more (well...I did until my arthritis has caused me to change my entire work out routine) and I continue to watch my midsection grow larger than the parts of me that are supposed to stick out! What's a girl old lady to do? So, here it is Sunday night before the Monday that I decide to "do" something...again. My middle son (who reluctantly still lives with us until he enters the Air Force this fall) suggested that we go back to eating "close to the ground", so to speak. As we shared our thoughts with a friend last night, she suggested (again) the Whole 30 program. I feel discouraged. So, tonight I am making macaroni and cheese. Not total, bad macaroni and cheese - at least I am preparing the heart healthy version with whole wheat elbow macaroni and...

My strongest desire is to live my daily life in such a way that I am aware of God's presence, honoring Him in what I do, say, and think and at the same time, experiencing the peace that He has promised me and I know is available to me.  I participate in different activities, disciplines, and such, in order to learn more about how to live life in such a way; sometimes with success and sometimes with little growth but never giving up.  This past weekend, I participated in a retreat (one of my favorite ways of learning and practicing a lifestyle that helps me with a higher awareness of God's presence) and I am still chewing on some of the wonderful gifts and insights that God revealed between Friday and Sunday afternoon.  If you know me (well) you know that I am a grateful member of Al-Anon.  And also, if you know me (at all) you know that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  This is something that I actually had to "work through" in my mind.  Let me explain....

Yesterday I received some news that I have been waiting for.  An email was delivered to me with the results of an exam I took to complete a certification in Biblical Counseling.  Don't get too excited...it is not THAT big of a deal, but it did take over a year for me to complete the work and honestly, I am quite relieved that it is over.  Almost two years ago, the church that I attend thought it would be a great idea to equip their "Home Group Coaches" with a (level 1) Biblical Counseling certification.  It is a good idea, but what happened was that several of those who serve in this capacity found the time frame a bit more intense that what they could actually do.  Myself, and a few women barreled through (and I think about two or three couples) and the work is now complete!  Whew! As I ponder this completion, I have to snicker to myself.  "What does this actually mean?" and "What am I really going to do with this?"  As I worked on process pa...

Have you ever taken one of those personality tests?  You know, the one's where you are identified as extrovert or introvert, or choleric vs melancholy?  Well, I have taken several...for work, in ministry and some just for fun.  One thing has been consistent.  I am identified as extrovert, the out going one, energized by being around people.  And I never questioned it for probably 30 years... Until recently.  Can an extrovert become tired and turn into an introvert? I am starting to wonder.  Others have always commented on how I can stay so busy...go, go, go.  I never tired of being involved here, volunteering there, and meeting with so and so.  But lately, I find any excuse to just come home after work and do nothing.  Zone.  Sit in the quiet, talk to no one. I am not depressed. Honestly, I am just not interested and the the very thought of another conversation is too much for me to think about.  So, I wonder, have I been misdi...

Well, it has been nearly one year since I posted to this blog. I have given thought to giving it up, but I enjoyed posting these blog posts in the past and whether anyone reads them or not, I find the process of putting my life experiences to written word is somewhat therapeutic. Currently, summer is in full swing.  Rebecca has completed her freshman year of college.  She did beautifully and we are very proud of her. She moved out if the dorm in the below post and moved into a different dorm room with a sorority sister in January.  I was so hesitant for her to join the sorority but I believe it has been one of the best things she has been a part of.  She is making great friends and learning much about relationships.  Aaron enlisted in the USAF a couple of months ago and will leave for Basic Training in November.  When he first talked of doing this more than two years ago, I wasn't convinced.  But, again, I think I have been wrong and most likel...

This doesn't feel exactly like I thought it would feel. Our youngest daughter moved into her dorm at college last week and although I am not sure what I expected, it has been somewhat uneventful. Don't get me wrong, the many days of shopping and packing prior to the move were busy and full of activity. The actual day was exhausting and exciting.   We transitioned a room from this... to this... And then when I saw her looking like this.... It was really difficult to feel very sad. After all, this is what we have been working toward, right? Another step toward independence - this is a very good thing! So, even though I miss her and find myself wondering what she is doing, what she is eating, how did she sleep last night, my heart is full of joy, not empty, as we enter this new season in our lives. Congratulations to our daughter, Rebecca! We are so proud of you and know that you will do very well as you enter into this new time of your life!  I lov...

My house is messy. It was only cleaned yesterday but it remains messy. There are books piled here and there, projects started and stashed away, and beloved items that won't be thrown away but have yet to find a "home" in our house. It seems I can't keep up with it, so the messiness remains here and there and it just gets cleaned around. On Monday, our daughter leaves for an extended vacation with some friends. I keep wondering if I should take some of that "free" time (haha...she is 18 years old!) and tackle some big cleaning project and do a little decorating, or develop some feng shui. But then I remember what I read about feng shui. One of the original uses of feng shui was to orient tombs in China. Tombs. That seems so unappealing and contrary to to living - the messy, breathing, living that goes on in my home. Maybe I will start another project....like painting.