Liz's Letters

“History of Present Illness Chief Complaint – DRUG OVERDOSE. This occurred last night. Toxic symptoms present in ED with nausea and abdominal pain. The patient has experienced situational problems related to work. Has recently lost job. The symptoms are described as severe. He has been depressed. Has had suicidal thoughts. Has highly lethal plan for suicide. The method is available.” (HIPPA compliant) I read medical records like these every day. And my heart breaks. Every time. Every single time. These are more than medical records, they are real, live human beings. They are in front of us at the grocery store and beside us at the stop light. And the one who’s record is notated here…the same age as my oldest son. Sobering. When I left for work this morning, I was upset because my husband made a comment about the untidiness of my shoes in our closet. Something as trivial as shoes had the capacity to ruin my mood the entire day. Until I got to work. My job responsibilities sometimes have...

Today draws to a close and I am aware that when I sleep and rise again, it is the day that my pastor will be having surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. Wow. Many thoughts and emotions have occurred since I received this news. And many have been the conversations with others who are experiencing similar feelings. I have had deep conversation with a dear friend, a new believer. Her faith was rocked...for a time. She seeks, God answers. Even those who have walked a long time on the journey of faith in Jesus have struggled to remain steadfast. We are not alone. But, all in all, we have hope. Claiming this verse today... 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 ...

Today, we get to select any verse! FREE DAY! One of my very, very favorite promises of God's is this: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7 (NIV) I love the way that the Contemporary English Version says it: Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. This verse reminds to that my life is to be about walking so closely with Jesus, that His will becomes MY will and therefore when I ask for whatever I wish, it is already in His will... and so it is answered! It is not about me and getting what I want. It is about Him getting what He wants. When I am walking close with Him, I want what He wants! I LOVE IT! For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

W hether you turn to the right or to the left, Your ears W ill hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the W ay; W alk in it." Isaiah 30:21 This is one of my very, very favorite verses. It has meant a lot to me over the years, mostly because my husband and I have moved quite a bit in our life together. (Seven times in 28 years, and no, we are not in the military) A lot of those times, we did not know exactly when or where the next move would take place, but we knew it would. When we moved to Virginia, we were told we would be there for 1 to 2 years and it turned into almost 12 years. It was during this time that God showed me this verse. And I clung to it. And I have found Him to be true to His word. For more ABC's of the Word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

By faith we u nderstand that the u niverse was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3 For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

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

How G reat is your G oodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19 Today I am Grateful for this verse. He has stored up His Goodness for me. My refuge is totally in Him. His Goodness is revealed in the way He cares for me. The word He teaches to me. The sleep He brings to me. The ones He sends to me to surround me... in love, in prayer, in hope, in understanding, and in encouragement. His Goodness is revealed in the beauty of the earth, the comfort of my home, my health, my joy, and even my sadness. His Goodness is Great! For more ABC's of the word visit Grey Like Snuffie

I selected a new verse to memorize today. I didn't have to think about it, or pray about it. It was one of those verses God gave me. Yep, He just handed it to me today and said, "Here, this is yours." Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 EVIL? Hmmm. I have thought about this since this morning when God so gently suggested that I memorize it. Thoughts of how I have lived my life so far - careful or careless? Sadly, not as careful as I would have liked. For every step I have made, there was an opportunity for something good or something bad to happen. The apostle Paul says in this verse, "Be VERY careful...." It sounds like a warning to me, screaming like a big flashing yellow light, "CAUTION!" How many times have I just taken the next step without thinking of how it would affect me, or others, or especially "What is God's desir...

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

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

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...

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...

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,...

It's Thursday! I love Thursdays because I take special time to ponder and pray about the verses in God's word that have meant a lot to me as I walk with Him. I was excited to get to "Y" because of of my very favorite scriptures begins with "Y", using the word "Your" as we talk to God about how wonderful His love is. This particular scripture is one that I go to whenever I feel that I have wondered away from Him and it is a song (by Third Day) that I sing when I want to praise Him for how deep, how wide, how big His love really is! More than I can imagine! Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV) For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:9, 10 Ok, I am having too much fun with my scripture memory. I chose the second part of my first memory verse because I felt I have verse 8 down pretty well. These verses speak to my heart and helps me know that I am not alone. His guidance is promised in these scriptures and that is something that I strive to do...follow Him. Visit Beth Moore's blog to see almost 1500 women memorizing the wonderful word of God!

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:38 I love this verse. Living Water... I ponder... What IS that, living water. But I know because I have it. It gives life It is life It is Him Living in me. For more ABC's of the Word visit Grey Like Snuffie

Today is the letter A Quiet Spirit On my heart With God's help I'll do my part to let his spirit work through me and a quiet spirit my beauty be ~Liz For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 This verse brings deep breath, sweet aroma, and the feeling of knowing that all is well in the world... in my soul... in my life. PEACE What a wonderful thing to have. During times of loss (like now) During times of not understanding (like then) During times when we don't know what to expect (like tomorrow) No trouble in my heart today. My God has it all under control. For more ABC's of the word, visit Grey Like Snuffie

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!