Liz's Letters

I have been "on a diet" for 11 days now. I am tired of it. Yesterday I was geared up for difficult temptations since that is the day we enjoyed our family meal to celebrate Easter. My family had all been warned that there would be no ham (since it is so high in sodium, it is not on my list of foods to eat) and that the casseroles would be limited to only one. So, we had coffee rubbed beef tenderloin (which was fantastic), roasted asparagus, grilled portabello mushrooms, broccoli/rice/cheese casserole, rolls, and strawberry shortcake for desert. I only at one spoon full of the broccoli casserole, skipped the rolls, and ate only the strawberries for desert. We went to the Saturday evening worship service and when I came home, I was still satisfied and went to bed. WHEW! I made it! This morning, every tempting thought ran through my head. "Who cares how much you weigh, you look fine in the dress you are wearing to the wedding." "Look at all the chocolate tha...

What a fantastic time my husband and I had celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary! Here are a few of the highlights! This is a live photo of the one I posted on February 7th. It is more beautiful in real life! The view from our beautiful hotel room. Snorkeling is always fun! It was whale season in Maui. We saw lots of whales...this is a baby. Mom is underwater. This Banyan Tree was planted in April, 1873, and marked the 50th Anniversary of Christian missionary work in Lahaina. The tree was imported from India and was only 8 feet tall. It now stands over 60 feet high, has 12 major trunks in addition to a huge core. It stretches over a 200-foot area and shades 2/3 of an acre. Cruising on our anniversary Along the road to Hana What a great place to eat! Fred's! Our Lei ceremony Blessed with wonderful memories!

As of tomorrow, my son's wedding is only 6 weeks away. I am excited, but I panicked a bit recently at the thought of the family photographs that would go down in history. So, I started a weight loss program. I have gradually crept up in weight since my move to Texas, now almost 7 years ago. Turning 50 hasn't helped. And although I exercise diligently, I continue to not see results in the area of weight loss. So, I am making a drastic change - at least for the next 45 days, I will be following the Slim4Life program. I am a little skeptical but willing to commit for that amount of time and more likely for 8 to 10 weeks for a 20 pound weight loss. I just finished a 3 day preparation phase (also known as a cleanse). I found it impossible to eat 2-3 pounds of meat per day but have lost 3 pounds in 3 days - most likely water. Tomorrow begins the weight loss phase. I know it will be difficult because it is quite restrictive, but like I said, I am willing to do whatever it take...

Life is flying by quickly these days. Those who know me well know that I must guard myself carefully or I will over-schedule, over-book, and over-commit. But, in the last few years, I have learned to slow down, to take time for myself and to actually spend time a.l.o.n.e. which is something that I rarely did in the past. Many times I have found myself noticing that I actually enjoy my own company and look forward to times where it is only me hanging out with me. I find myself talking to God a lot more and that's always a good thing. Burning the candle at both ends is a thing of the past and now you will rarely find me awake after 9:30 p.m. and if I do happen to still be awake, I am usually tucked quietly in my bed reading. This week, these disciplines will be a challenge to keep. I shopped all day for things needed (wanted) for an upcoming anniversary trip to Hawaii. My future daughter-in-law's wedding shower is tomorrow, so I finished up the shopping for that as well. W...

Tonight, I completed my project reaction paper for the biblical counseling course that I am taking. What a relief! After 5 hours of a recorded seminar by Paul Tripp, and an equal amount (or more) of time writing the paper, I can now say I have completed it! I was not feeling so certain that I could do it a week ago, but oh so sweet it is to know I can. Thank you to the Lord Jesus Christ for giving me all I need, even if that means the time and the ability to record in my own words what it means to walk in gospel centered community. To Him - all praise and glory!

My honey and I will be on a flight In just over a month Our eyes will behold this beautiful sight With luau's and cruises We'll don snorkels and flip flops Whale watching and napping Hiking and browsing a few lovely shops Our anniversary's here Married now thirty years How can it be? The journey has brought laughter and tears But I would choose him again So to Maui we go So excited I am - let the countdown begin!

When you ask God He answers. Just sayin'