Liz's Front Porch

Traveling

                        

Hi Friends, 

Dear Heart and I are settled, most comfortably, in the San Antonio International Airport and find there are some 30 minutes before we get ready to prepare to board. Since I didn’t get time last night to check in with you, this seems a good way to use waiting time.

Did you know that along the walk ways in San Antonio International Airport rocking chairs are scattered here and there between security and the gates? So cool!

Sitting in one of the high-back white rockers, a daddy had his daughter snuggled safely in his arms. Even though she seemed a little droopy, her eyes flashed fear as she watched the crowd of strangers. But leaned against her daddy’s chest and gripped his hands as he moved both of them back and forth and back and forth.

Sometimes, when I’m hurting and confused and the world is crashing against me,  

I climb into my Heavenly Father’s arms and press into Him. It is there that security settled around me and I am comforted. As I relax, at peace in His care, I snuggle quietly, listening to His reassurances.

  then all is again well.

I wanted to snap a picture of the daddy and child, but could not bring myself to interrupt their communion to ask permission so I walked on, holding their image in my heart.

I’m holding images of all of you in my heart as I constantly ask Father to help us turn our hearts totally to Him and to please pour mercy onto our parched souls and rain onto our parched land.

This will be ready to post when we settle into our hotel in Sarasota this evening.

Be blessed, friends!

Liz – enroute!

February Fog

Have you missed me? I've missed chatting with you. But, to you awesome "faithfuls" out there who have checked in every day.... hopefully expecting to meet me on the porch...Thank you! 

Even mist is welcome and we had some minor moisture today. In these dry days, even drips are appreciated. Besides the wind and fire dangers all around central Texas and the hill country, February has been mentally and emotionally foggy. Some of us and our loved ones and precious friends--are experiencing worries, illnesses, doubts, fears, and heavy trials and we can attest that the enemy is hard at work. Let us remember: neither the fog nor the wind nor any other evil will get us down, because we serve the risen Lord.

So, for you faithfuls who have joined me on this cyber walk of trust, Easter is coming up.... right on the heels of the joy and glory and excitement of Christmas. Oh dear.... oh my... but... WAIT. . .

There is more.

A lot happened between the manger and the tomb.  

The cross.

Please join me to meditate on the passion of our Lord. Such amazing love.

In the meantime, Dear Heart is taking me on a 4-day so-journ to Florida to celebrate the 7th anniversary of our engagement. For those of you who have NOT noticed our photographs, let us assure you that sweet love truly does happen in old age!

As we travel, I'll leave messages and then I hope you'll join me on Wednesday, February 25 (Ash Wednesday) for prayers as we walk to the cross.

Love and Blessings

Liz    Oh and P.S….. When you drop in and I’m not on the porch, please leave a "comment." Just say “private” and I won’t publish your words. It is always nice to know when company calls. You are important…. As in….

1 Thessalonians five, eleven ….

“..encourage one another, and build up one another….”

Isn't it interesting J that those words are followed in verst 16 with 

“Rejoice always!!”

February Winds

I don't remember such winds in February as we've had this year.

Even though I've locked all the windows, secured all the cracks and crevices, the wind still permeates my being. Is God is calling His people to prayer?

Then morning comes, trees sway in gentle breezes, the sun shines, we hear about lives protected in the midst of fierce fires during the night.

The season of Lent is approaching. Already I am pondering the might of God's love.

In the meantime, going to the Throne of Grace is not always a mission to ask for "things." Sometimes, when we stop our lives, humble our hearts, and sit in God's presence, we simply acknowlede Him as King of our lives. We give Him love and adoration. We get still ando know Him. We remember to stop and dwell in His presence.

Funny how we find it so hard to stop to pray when He asks so little of us.

"For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Isael, has said, "In repentance and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and trust is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15 NASV)

Let us worship and grow strong together.

Please be blessed.

Liz

Wind Noise

The wind seems to have been blowing more than usually during this unusually dry winter. And, I’ve had trouble sleeping lately. Funny how it takes time to recognize a problem, more time to figure out the cause, and more time still to know how to fix it. See why I age so quickly????

 

Wind was the culprit in my current problem.

 

I’ve never liked high winds. Soft breezes, yes, harsh winds, NO.

 

Maybe for me it goes back to the 1953 tornado in Waco, Texas. No, I did not live there when the downtown buildings crumbled into a pile of bricks, but I saw the results the week following the destruction. I moved to Waco two years later to attend Baylor University.

 

About 20 years later, I attended a church party at the lovely home of friends. I asked the hostess, “Doesn’t the wind up here on this hill bother you?”

 

She looked at me blankly. “What do you mean? We’ve always lived on hills. Never noticed any wind.”

 

Time didn't help. All these years later, I live on a little hill and I notice the wind. A lot.

 

During the past few months, windy nights have particularly distressed me. Sometimes routing me out of bed to walk the floor. The good part is that on many of those nights, I curled up with my Bible for comfort. Every time, God showed me something new.

 

Yes, you’re right: the more we seek God, the closer he becomes!!

 

But the howling wind continued to make horrible, hissing, thrashing, banging noises. It seemed to blow through my soul. Whistling. Screeching. Squealing. Thump, hammer, pound.

 

A few nights ago the squealing screamed at my soul, stopping me in my tracks. I stood in the middle of the room. Quietly. And, of all things… the sound was coming from one, lone window. One tiny-little-barely unsealed-less than a micro crack!!

 

I heaved the window up, slammed it down, and shoved the lock in—TIGHTLY!

Guess what?

Sweet silence. Quiet. Calm. No more wind sounds.

I slept.

 

The next morning dawned quiet, still, and clear. Standing quietly in the Son's light, I understood how the enemy sneaks in, pilfers, steals, and fills the room of our minds with garbage. Or fear. Or old beliefs. Or just plain lies. Simply because I didn't shut all the openings.

 

I’m trying desperately to keep my mind so steadied on God’s word  that I will know the origin of stuff that blows around trying to lie to me and steal my joy!

 

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord!

Psalm 37:3 & 4 (NASV)

 

P.S. I have a praise report to share... I got word today that a new anthology will be released March 10. A Cup of Comfort® Women of the Bible Devotionals. Three devotions I wrote are included. AND, this volume is the 12^th anthology containing my work. God has touched me so sweetly. I’m grateful to ALL of you who keep encouraging my words! Chek out Liz Writes From Texas 

Hugs and Blessings,

          Liz

Clouds

Funny how life happens during the living of it.

The first Sunday in February dawned bright and clear. Then a cloud descended on our Choose Life Sunday School Class. A friend shared with her fellowship of believers that a debilitating disease had struck her husband. He just turned 60 years of age. So young. And he won’t recover. At first, friends don’t know what to do. So, we stood with clenched fists. Then we cried out for God’s mercy to enfold our friends and we begged for huge helpings of grace for them. Then the human anger subsided and individually we mopped up the muddy mess our tears had made and we collectively RAN to the One who will provide knowledge, wisdom, and comfort. We will know what to do. When. And how. And our prayers will tightly cover our friends.

On Monday, the wind began to blow and Dear Heart and I went to a funeral. We celebrated the life of a lady who, infinitely loved, had lived a long and remarkable life. After serving faithfully as wife, mother, granny, teacher, confidant, and friend she escaped the suffering and confusion and pain of mortal life to rest in her Father’s arms. Their children, grandchildren, spouses, and a horde of other family and friends surrounded her husband of 63 years. But, of course, he sat alone. Bittersweet, you know. Again, we friends ask our Teacher for wisdom and time and thoughtfulness to grieve with him.

I don’t know how others coped with these particular heartaches in our one little community but our family received a sweet balm of comfort. Unexpectedly. My daughter’s son and his delightful intended came to visit. Just because. Drove all the way from San Antonio after college classes. They solved one of the computer/bookkeeping problems that had clouded my soul, Dear Heart made a fire, they talked, I cooked, they chatted, we laughed, they told stories, we ate, they asked questions, we hugged, his mom beamed.

Somehow our upside down world was—though slightly leaning—right side up again.

Today, Dear Heart had a medical appointment with more to come, I had a dental appointment, and life goes on. We’ll write some cards, send a few e-mails, make phone calls but mostly we’ll stay seriously prayed-up.

Please take time to do the same. Sometimes the living gets rough around the edges.

Big hugs, loving blessings, and remember to rejoice!

          Liz

Yikes - Cleaning!

Please come back on Tuesday when we will chat for real !! 

Today is the day I promised myself I would clean the office. Oh dear. Oh me. Oh my.

                                                      

It won't get CLEAN, but I'm tearing through stuff, throwing out, shredding, and hopefully making progress.

I did note that the empty arms of the Willow tree outside my office window are lifted in prayer under a light blue sky. The tree and I are praying constantly for our Father's mercy  to send rain to our parched land.

I'm also praying - as I sort and clean - for the needs, concerns, and hearts of my friends!

Love and Blessings,

Liz

Shiver and Pray

It is 33 degrees on our back porch as I type. Believe me, in our part of Texas that is COLD. There is a slight drizzle and the bare limbs of the Willow tree are swaying back and forth as if urging the heavy, gray clouds to drop their moisture.

One of the real thrills on a cold day is clipping your own herbs for chicken stew. I went out half an hour ago, to grab some Thyme, Rosemary, and Marjoram for the stew we’ll have after awhile in front of our fire. As long as I was outside, I covered the Comfrey and one of the sage plants because they are in big pots and tend to fret when it freezes. I also covered the Geranium that still has brave red blooms. Bless its courage.

We are so desperate for water in central Texas that yes, we are praying that God in His mercy will send a lot of moisture tonight. Yes, I know that means icy roads. We are also praying that those who must be on the highways and byways will be cautions and stay safe and that those who are cold to find warmth.

Sometimes it is hard to pray. Praying God’s Will is not necessarily safe, but wise. He told us so.

Praying for mercy does not always bring our hoped-for answer, but as my friend Sally says, praying for mercy is the only truly safe prayer.

I refer you, again, to 1Thesolonians 5:16 & 17, and to James 5:13-18. Those words are still on my heart so they are words I am reading, studying, and praying.

Let's end on some fun news!!  Way back in November I wrote to you about the joy of enjoying adult grandchildren. Now, another grown-up and soon-to-be-official-grand is saving me from cyberspace.

I’ve had a bookkeeping program sitting on my desk for a year. Unopened. The intended granddaughter is going to install it for me! Hey, want me to count up the number of words I’ve written and submitted and that have been published under my names in this year????

I’m blessed and I know it to have someone in the young generation freeing ME to pursue my druthers!

Stay warm. I add all of you who leave notes to my prayer list. Please pray for me, too.

And, REJOICE!

Blessings,

Liz

Our Nation's Heart

Dear Friends,

My heart is heavy today.

 

I had planned to chat with you on the porch—it was 80 degrees in our part of Texas today—about kitchen gadgets I’ve discovered that make cooking so much fun!

That will have to wait.

 

I have deliberately avoided politics in our chats. Politics is not my call, my job, my expertise, nor my intent on Liz’s Front Porch.

 

Actually, my burden today is not political, though I fear some may think it is. I am simply deeply troubled for the heart of our nation.

 

Today the President of the United States officially made it legal, again, for our government to pay for abortions anywhere in the world.

 

I pray daily for President O’Bama and will continue to do so.

 

In fact, I urge you to read the Wednesday, January 21, 2009 post by Sylvia Gunter at www.thefathersbusiness.com for an excellent devotion, “Pray for the President and All in Authority.”

 

It is imperative that all believers join together to pray constantly, deeply, and devotedly for our nation and for all those in authority.

 

As I ponder the things of our nation, I am studying James 5:13-18. Your comments are most welcome. (At the end of this post, just click on the word: Comments and write your thoughts. You do not have to give your name and I will not publish anything you request to be private.)

 

Perhaps the Apostle Paul’s instructions to the church at Thessalonica are important for us right now in January, 2009:

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing.”

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 15, 17 NASV

Love and Blessings,

        Liz

 

Kitchen Blessings

I never liked to cook.

Until the last couple of years! I’ve told you how old I am so never fear getting bored with life; there is always something to learn. Actually, cyberspace has done a number on me, and I've come to feel safer in my kitchen and I love my new-fangled kitchen gadgets.

In fact, my search for an inexpensive way to vacuum-seal leftover’s led me to the greatest shopping delight of my life! It started with my grandmother who loved to say, “A wife can throw away with a spoon more than a man can bring home with a shovel!” I hated hearing that, but it is as true now as it was then. Since I'm the chief cook, I’ve made a dedicated effort to be serious about waste.

I loved using the first device I found to suck air out of plastic bags. Dear Heart laughed as I pumped away. It actually worked and my upper arms got exercise. The little smokies seemed to be languishing happily in the freezer but within a few days, I noticed frost was frost inside the bag. Ah ha! Dead giveaway there was air in the bag, too. After a few more tests, I admitted defeat.

Even though I’m an easy target for kitchen toys, I almost did not buy the next gadget I found because it came encased in one of those horrid plastic containers. The kind of clear hard plastic that makes you run check your medical insurance before attempting to open it.

 

Applause and drum roll, please! I have no idea whether the gadget is worth its salt, but let me tell you: Reynolds ® is my new best manufacturing friend.

As I examined the container, praying for courage to open it, I noticed a small yellow tag that read: Pull Corner Tab To Open. Yeah, right! I laughed out loud. But…. well, you would try it, too! Lo and behold I pulled and the top lifted apart like magic. I didn’t even have to get out my pliers.

So, purchasers of the world unite. If Reynolds ® can do it, the rest of the manufacturers can too. The Handi-Vac ™ Vacuum Sealer is easy to operate, comes with batteries and a supply of bags, but you’ll have to check back next week to find out how my testing goes.

 

The vac may not work, but let me tell you: pulling that nifty tab was a thrill and a half!

 Of course, I don’t need the easy-open container to find joy in my kitchen, and I didn’t have to have the bouquet of yellow flowers Dear Heart brought me yesterday. The gadget was fun and flowers from a quiet man spoke volumes, turning a grey day to sunshine!

            I will never be the woman of Proverbs 31, but God patiently and lovingly teaches me a lot in my kitchen. And sometimes, as I stir soups, snip herbs, chop onions, and soak beans, I hum as I give Him thanks for blessings beyond measure.

Father, bless my friends, especially the ones walking through grey days.

Also, Father, we pray Your blessings on the new President of the United States.

Cleaning Up!

I've been thinking about a lot of things these last four days as I've cleaned out closets (had promised myself I would NOT do that), sorted clutter (the one thing that drives me to do things I promised I would not do), packed away Christmas (the thing that makes me sort of sad and nostalgic), and having major dental work done (no comment there!).

I've discovered things about time that have surprised me.

From my office window, I've watched the tree next to the barn. The barn is still red in places and looks pretty good considering Dear Heart’s Uncle Alfred built in 1913. The tree is one of those wonderful/dreaded Texas Mesquite trees. Mesquite wood is mandatory for Texas outdoor barbequing- it burns hotter than hot and too hot for most fireplaces and creates a flavor in steaks and barbeque that no machine can manufacture. Furniture, mantles, cabinets, and miscellaneous decorations made from Mesquite are the most exquisite in the world. There is even an annual Mesquite Wood Show here in Fredericksburg every fall.

BUT, for the farmer, the cattle baron, mesquite has thorns, can cover an entire pasture in a few short years, and is more difficult to eradicate than cedar and don't get me started on cedar!!

I named this particular, lone Mesquite tree "My Thinking Tree." I can no longer climb trees, but my mind does. Often. The Mesquite is beautiful in the spring and summer. It is a known fact among country people that when the Mesquite leafs out, there'll be no more freezes. Well---- we pretty much know that. And we definitely plan our lives around it.

But in the winter. Oh dear. All the limbs and tiny branches that once were dressed in lacy, leaves-- in every shade of green ever created--just stands there naked. All its arms reach to heaven but it is empty, not growing, not even resting. Any breeze and all winds that come along whip the limbs and fragile branches every which way from Sunday, yanking, snapping, whipping, sapping their strength. The tree looks as if it will never again ever know life anymore. It stands there like a lifeless statue. No children-or old grannies- climb onto its nooks and crannies to tell secrets, to plan, to think, to dream.  The tree is not waving a cheery "Hello" these cold days. There is even no ice on its exposed limbs to give it a sparkle. It just stands there, a dead sentinel to winter.

Last week my soul felt the way my winter Mesquite tree looked.

But today, the branches are waving gently in a little breeze. The dull gray sky behind it brings out the brown of the bark. Perhaps.....dare I hope.... life IS inside those majestic arms? Perhaps... just maybe... my Thinking Tree is just thinking, waiting it’s time to bear life again, to write, to wave, to take on color, to open its arms in friendliness.

Perhaps all of us- trees and writers and grannies and daughters- need a time to curl up and rest.

I hope you are resting. Because - - - when all my cleaning out and packing away is done, I have some things to ask you!!!!!! Might even see you Monday!

Hugs and beautiful, restful winter blessings,    Liz