Ohhhhhh, October. Splendid blue skies. Crisp air warmed by the sun. Green leaves giving way to gold, orange, russet, brown. Season after season, God reveals the glory of His creation and the certainty of His provision.
This month’s verse offers the two things our souls need most year ’round: unfailing love and unending hope.
It’s okay to make things simple. God does. Look.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22
Just sixteen words, but wow. Notice how, before He asks anything of us, our faithful God goes first.
May your unfailing love… Psalm 33:22
It’s an invitation. Even more, an expectation. Whether we say “may” (CSB) or “let” (ESV) or “show” (EXB), we are fully prepared for God to come through for us, because He always does.
What He is offering us here is hesed — a rich Hebrew word translated in lots of ways, all of them more beautiful than the brightest autumn day.
We revel in His “steadfast love” (ESV), which cannot falter. We embrace His “covenant love” (EXB) as promised in His Word. We delight in His “loyal love” (LEB) that never leaves us or forsakes us. We receive His “gracious love” (ISV) that provides a remedy for sin. We bask in His “constant love” (GNT) that will not waiver. And (my favorite word) we celebrate His “lovingkindness” (ASV), which often flows through the hearts of His people.
This Fall I’ve experienced an outpouring of His unfailing love like never before — thanks to you. Since I shared my diagnosis of endometrial cancer on Facebook and in print, your cards, letters, gifts, emails, tweets, comments, and especially your prayers — dear friends, your love for God and your kindness to me have brought tears to my eyes again and again. I can never thank you enough.
Meanwhile, my BFFs here in town have found creative ways to get around my insisting, “I’m fine! Don’t need a thing!”
Early one morning, Elizabeth J. slipped into my darkened hospital room, bearing an extra-hot Venti Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks. When she found me tucked beneath the covers, she quietly put the tea where I could find it and whispered, “You’re in good hands, Liz. The Holy Spirit is all around you.” Even as she spoke those words, He affirmed His presence with His peace. Oh, glory.
When I came home from the hospital to find our fridge empty, another friend, Elizabeth H., texted me describing a mouth-watering dinner she was making for her family. “Be right over!” I texted back in jest. The next day, she appeared at our door with all the scrumptious leftovers, from salad to dessert. Who does that? A friend who won’t take no for an answer.
Sometimes when we think God isn’t near or doesn’t care, we can look at those who are near and do care, and realize they are God’s hands and feet, delivering tangible proof of His unfailing love.
…be with us, Lord,.. Psalm 33:22
This is what God does for us that truly boggles the mind: He is with us. All the time, whether we are aware of Him or not, whether we acknowledge Him or not. His Word promises He will “be over us” (CJB) and “surround us” (CEB) and be “upon us” (KJV), such that “we experience” (NET) Him in the here and now.
Like the day my friend Fifi came over to rub my feet, which were aching from chemo-induced neuropathy (it’s a thing). In 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, I share another foot-rubbing occasion that was painfully awkward for me. So you can imagine how hard it was to say, “Sure, come on over and massage my feet.” But I did, and she did, and it was holy and sacred and beautiful.
Yes, they were Fifi’s hands, but it was God’s touch. This is how He shows up. This is how He ministers to our needs.
And the nurse and hospital secretary who appeared in my little pre-op cubicle just before surgery? I knew they were believers and asked if they would pray for me, thinking they’d do so on their own. You know, maybe later. Nope. They pulled the curtain shut and prayed right then. Tenderly. Fearlessly. Who does that? Two women who love Jesus.
…even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22
This is what we bring to the table, beloved: our hope in God. He goes first, loving us, surrounding us, making it possible for us to declare with confidence, “our hope is in you alone” (NLT) because “we depend on you” (CEV) and “we have waited for Thee!” (YLT).
It’s in the waiting we discover His strength. It’s in the hoping we see Him answer our prayers.
Two contemporary paraphrases perfectly capture the bold and beating heart of this verse:
“Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.” Psalm 33:22 MSG
“O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You.” Psalm 33:22 VOICE
Thank you, Lord, for making things simple. And simply wonderful.
A super-quick update: I’ve finished my three radiation treatments and have four rounds of chemo to go. So far, so good. I’m sleeping more than usual and have weathered a few less-than-lovely side effects, but otherwise, your Lizzie is going strong, thanks to your prayers! Here’s where I’ll be speaking in the months ahead.
So many of you pre-ordered 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, we had to create additional goodies! Samson and I did our best to get everything in the mail in a timely fashion. Not ordered your copy yet? Visit your favorite local bookseller or find it on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook, Books-a-Million, LifeWay, and ChristianAudio.
Oh, and hey, we did a giveaway! ’Tis the season for The Pumpkin Patch Parable and 31 Proverbs, naturally. Congrats to our five winners: Dawn V., Elaine P., Lyn H., Patricia C., and Karen H.
Bless you for opening God’s Word with me today!
Your sister, Liz
Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart and every time it’s always exactly what I’m needing to hear. Gods perfect love through you! Love and prayers!
It is so awesome how God reminds us of His presence through His marvelous Creation.
On a day I thought I was just going to crumble He burst forth sunshine through a very cloudy day and it was the first time I had ever heard the song “In the eye of the storm.” He let me know that yes, I was in the eye of that storm, but I was not alone.
Praying for you Liz. You are an amazing woman. Praying for complete and quick healing for you.
beachlucy@sc.rr.com LIz today when I saw your blog awesome just I need another message from God. Yours and God’s timing just right. I will never forget the first time I meet you . Pumpkin Patch I was trying to get you to sign it finally made it at women’s conference in North Myrtle Beach a few years ago, you were so kind and I was so happy to meet you and just your Love for the Lord . Thanks for making my days great with your Books.. Love In Christ . Annette
Thank you for sharing your story. God does work miracles in our lives when needed. I am a cancer survivor and been cancer free for 20 years. I also want to thank you for the bookmarks you sent. I shared them with the ladies I shared a room this past weekend during an Emmaus walk that I was working on. Have a blessed day. I will be praying for you.
What a blessing you are.i just read your blog for the first time. It gave me a new light of hope and peace and joy! God has been teaching me about that deep joy and peace in Him for a while now. And Satan wants to whisper “watch out something bad is coming your way” but you know what? I’m not afraid!! I have a Great God ! Thanks for sharing your story!
Liz, dear hearted sister-in-Christ- I was so saddened to hear of your diagnosis, but oh so joyous to see your bright shining spirit come through. In following you for so many years (since your first books) I have been so encouraged and laughed and brought further in my walk with Jesus. When I did the study on Ruth with the ladies in my church we watched your “Righteous Ruth Rap” and we all felt so close to you! Just a note to say that I love you and will be praying for you…one of my dearest friends that I have never met (yet!) In His love-Pam
Your words inspire me and lift me up. I love you and your infectious spirit. I enjoy the times I see you and read your words. I pray that the Lord continues to heal you and strengthen you as you continue on your path. May He continue to pour out His blessings on you as you pour out blessings to so many :). Love and hugs from the South Carolina mountains
Oh Liz, sending may prayers for you! May the Holy Spirit continue to carry you through this time.
Praying for your recovery. Thank you for always sharing your heart with us.
hank you for sharing what’s on your heart. Gods perfect love through you! Even through your struggles and pain you manage to encourage us. You are a truly an amazing woman of God. So many blessings! Love and prayers!
Thank you for your candidness (this that a word? It is now).
I agree with Kathy, you always post what I need to hear.
Love and prayers! The side effects are the worst part. Sleep as you need and let your body heal.
What a beautiful giveaway, and so festive. The proverbs is something I could really use in my life during the season I am in, and my children would ADORE the pumpkin book! You always have a way of speaking to my heart that feels like God planted a seed in you of what I am going through or dealing with and gives you words to comfort me and help me to know that I am not alone. Thank you so much for being such a beautiful vessel for Christ!
My Lord gives me unfailing hope and love on a daily basis. I work at an HBCU about an hour away from home and there has been some on-campus violence this past week that resulted in two young men being shot. One seriously and the other not so much. I’m not afraid to be on campus or walk around campus because the Lord walks with me and protects me. He’s walking with and uplifting my husband and I as we go through the arduous process of purchasing land and a new home. It’s our first since we’ve been married. His Hope and Love are two things I cling to on a daily basis. He’s always there for me.
The words from this Psalm are so encouraging. I enjoyed looking each version up on my phone app and marking them for the future. God is good and He has you in good hands, His and your BFFs.
Praying for peace, complete healing and forbearance through the upcoming chemo. I pray our Lord will pour out His peace upon you.
Thank you for these studies! They are timely, uplifting and beautiful to look at.
I have journeyed through chemo and radiation and like you, have witnessed first hand the power of prayer and the care of friends and family. I completed my last treatment in December 2005 and am thankful every single day that I can reach out and be a blessing and a symbol of hope for others going through their illness. It is a battle that can be beaten. God is good! Sending prayers to you for continued healing.
Wow thanks for sharing how God is using people to be a blessing to you and how you are being a willing vessel to accept the love from others. I continue to pray for those next 4 chemo treatments that God will grant you his comfort and peace to be able to be strong in Him! Blessings to you and your family!
Liz, I just read of your diagnosis. Somehow I missed your first post when you revealed it. I went through chemo also. I am 2 years out from my last treatment which was a tough one. I had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It was in a brain tumor. They were able to remove most of it in surgery and then I had to have the grueling chemo. I now facilitate a support group for women who have or have had cancer called Victors. I can say I know of the battle you are in. I will pray for you, my friend. GOD IS FAITHFUL. I am cancer-free and know I have been blessed with His healing touch. You have always been one of my favorite authors. I know that from this time forth, you will write your best works BECAUSE this journey you are on will make you a better person. Cancer changes a person. We must decide if it is for the better or for the worse. You have decided for the better!
God Bless You and touch you with His healing hand.
I’m going to share your words of wisdom and experience with a friend so desperately in need of seeing how God works through others to love us, care for us and administer His grace and mercy in our times of need. Praying for you, Liz.
Dear, dear sister in Christ,
I am walking with you and praying you through your treatments. I, too, started chemo treatments for cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) this fall. I pray you will not experience any more side effects or reactions to the treatments. We are leaning on the Lord together for answers to that prayer, fully understanding what ever He wills, will be done. Love ‘ya Liz.
Thank you for your wonderful words on scripture. My eyes are always opened and my heart a little more softened when I read your thoughts.
I have been enjoying your excerpts from the 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path book on Facebook every day. Thank you for sharing! I am praying for your healing to feel God’s presence in your journey.
It’s amazing how God sends what we need in that moment. Praying for your complete recovery!
My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of this year. We have felt very blessed thru all his treatment. Prayers for you too. Mathew chapter 8 has been a blessing for me as I read Jesus said “I will come and heal him”.
hugs
Sonja
Your words inspire in me to run the race set before me knowing thatGod is with me, as well as He is with my husband who suffered a stroke in August and is in rehab. God’s got this because He loves us with an unending love. All I need to do is walk with Him and He will keep us in the palm of His hand.
Liz;
Literally, I just put down chapter 23 (Proverbs 3:27) about doing good when we have the opportunity when your email popped up.
Therefore, I appreciate your bold spirit of honesty and integrity. I have known others who have struggled with chemo and radiation, and it seems to push your body to its limits and beyond. But those friends have seen God is there too at our physical limits. He is our hope and in Him is our trust.
One day at a time, one step at a time.
I love this. Its so hard to accept help from friends but a pastor once said when we don’t let others help us we are robbing them of the joy and blessing God has for them as they help us.
So grateful for this email… I’m in a dry place and desperate to get wet with the Word. Thanks for reminding me that He’s just waiting…less than a breath away.
My sweet friend, we are Survivor Sisters of stupid cancer. So good to see your sense of humor and sweet spirit have not been damaged by the ravages placed on your physical body. I am so sorry for what you’re going through, but I KNOW our hope is greater than the world’s. Continued prayers for peace, more good days than bad, and complete ratification of all bad cells in your body. Blessings, my friend. Becki
Oh Dear Precious Liz! In my struggle to share words of hope and encouragement with you, your own words give me exactly what I desire to give you! There was a time, a year ago May, that you spoke truth directly into my heart . You were Gods voice-exactly what my heart needed. Right there in the basement conference room of the George Hotel in Edinburgh! His love is enough. It never fails! My prayers are with you daily!
Thank you, Liz, for your transparency! You are in my prayers as you walk this path!!! Thank you for reminding us of God’s everlasting love.
Liz, I am so sorry for all you have gone through. So thankful God is always there in the midst of our storms.
I want to thank you for the way you have impacted my life.
Seems your postings are what I seem to need at the moment. Bless your precious friends for being “Jesus” to
You. Love you dear Lady.
Liz, I wish I were a rich woman! I am in many ways, but unfortunately not so much in financial ways. However that is
not the point. What I wanted to say is if I was I would buy a case of your book of Proverbs. I need one, but have so many friends who have greater need of it than me. A lot of them going thru cancer treatments also..Bless you dear Liz as you continue to go for healing. What would we do without Christ in our lives and Liz.
💞
Liz, you’re on our family’s daily prayer intentions for a quick and complete recovery. I LOVE your books; always insightful, down-to-earth, and easy to relate to. God bless you.
I so appreciate your beautiful focus on God’s Word & on His unfailing love. I am so in need of it, as I imagine each of us is. Where else could we go but to HIM?!!
Prayers for His healing and peace.
Your words are so encouraging to me Liz. God is using this season to strengthen your faith and trust in him.
Every time you give voice to your belief in his unwavering love and care for you through your friends support, I am sure you bring a smile to his face !
May he continue to heal your body and strengthen your trust in him.
What a blessing you are !
My dear sister Liz,
My prayers and hugs are sent your way…
Jesus holds you in His loving caring arms
every step of the way! He love you soooo
much!!!
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Raquel
Dearest Liz,
I am holding you close in my heart and lifting you in my prayers. The Holy Spirit in you has taught me many things and I so appreciate you willingness to surrender to His calling. Thank you for pouring out on us the Wisdom that comes from on high.
Blessings Like Rain,
Carol
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and all of your blessings. Women are amazing when it comes to caring for their dear friends!
Your journey is so encouraging through your beautiful attitude of your hope in God. Used an excerpt from your book today to message a friend waiting on her husband to start his first treatment for cancer. Praying for complete healing for you.
Dear Liz,
Please know that I am praying for you and your family, as you go through your cancer treatment.
What a blessing you are to your readers. For sharing with us your journey through cancer. You may be giving hope to another person who needs to believe in our loving God. Thank you, for your openness, and the scripture you chose today. You and your teachings of the Bible have carried me through some recent trials.
At Mid Valley Church here in Woodburn, Oregon we are studying the book of James. My favorite verses, James 5:15-16 “And the prayer offered in FAITH will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.(NIV)
Prayers to you and God’s Peace,
Jan Kirk
Thanking God you are doing so much better. Love your bible studies and hope to win these two books (resources ) that you’re giving away! You’re such an inspiration to all of us women and we gather strength from God from listening to you and studying the bible through your bible studies. May God continue to heal you and make you a stronger woman. In His care you shall grow stronger. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Mary
“It’s in the waiting we discover His strength. It’s in the hoping we see Him answer our prayers.” – God used you to speak to me today. Thank you, Liz.
I am struggling with hope right now in the waiting. My husband just received a malignant cancer diagnosis and the earliest appointment with a cancer specialist is five weeks away. And that’s just for the consult. This has blind-sided us. My pastor husband who is normally the strong, “God’s got this, there’s no reason to worry,” man is worried and I’m not holding up well. I feel as if the small step I’m standing on is being chipped away and I can’t see the next place to go. I am clinging to God’s word for dear life.
Praying for you and your husband during this time of uncertainty and waiting. HE will see you through. Hold on tight and see Him move in your circumstances.
Kathy
Sweet Sister,
What a blessing you are to so many! To share your gifts of words when you are ill and hurting is a beautiful thing. Please know that you are
Lifted up to our healing Father for comfort and strength in my prayers. Thank you for continuing to encourage and bless us. Love ya
Thank you for reminding of how much God loves me.
Oh, Lizzi, you are so precious and you are a constant in our lives bringing us God’s Word, refreshing us and doing it all unselfishly. You remain in my prayers, sweet sister. Sending you love and hugs.
Liz, so sorry to learn about this journey you are going through. However, there is no doubt in my mind that God has a purpose and I can’t wait to see how this will be used for his good. Keep strong in Christ.
So thankful for you and your heart for our Lord. He’s got this and you! Beautiful photos to go along with the amazing words of God. THANK YOU! for sharing. Will be praying for His grace to continue to go before you in this journey… Hugs to you!
Thankyou for the inspirational post in the midst of your trouble! Thanks for showing how Good God is! May He bless you Abundantly! You share the hope each of us can appropriate!
God is so good,all of the time God is good.It is so wonderful to see how our heavenly Father provides help to us,in ways we can’t even imagine.A friend’s touch,a nice meal, or a prayer,He truly shows us His love in so many wondrous ways.Praise is truly what He deserves.
Oh, my…I did not know about your cancer until I received this email today. ( I do not use Facebook. ) I pray that your recovery will be quick and you will feel marvelous again. I know that you let nothing stop you?
Liz,
The waiting season is always so difficult. We just have to remember that God has already won the victory and is in control of the answers and the timing. This is the time that our faith and trust is tested, and
it is easy to be anxious and troubled. But we must hold on, for joy
comes in the morning. What a precious promise from our Father God!
I am writing to encourage you as I, too, face a difficult season with my family and trials that have come our way. The above comments are a result of the lessons I have been learning through the last couple of years. I know God cares and is faithful to bring good and complete
healing to His beloved children.
Thank you for all the encouraging words you have shared with so many over the years. I hope these few words will encourage you today. I am lifting your needs up to our loving God as I write, and I will continue to pray for your treatment and healing, thanking God that He already sees the future and gives us hope when the storms come into our lives.
Blessings,
Beverly
Beautiful Sister Liz!
I am so touched by your selflessness, especially during this difficult season in your life!
You have had such a positive effect on my life, when I read ‘Bad Girls’ I finally realized that I too was forgiven and loved. I am praying for your healing and thanking our God for you.
Love, Sara
Thank you for the wonderful email today. Your words are always so eloquent and inspirational. I pray that God will heal you quickly and that you will feel better soon!
Thank you for being such and encourager, even in times when you are the one in need of encouragement! You are a light!
Liz, thank you for sharing your heart. May God fill you with His Peace and healing.
There are many passages in Proverbs that I like however, I have not done a deep study of Proverbs. Your book on Proverbs will certainly help me with that (I don’t have the book yet, but hope to get a copy soon). Thank you for these studies and this beautiful giveaway.
Blessings, Tina
I love to hear how God is showing His unfailing love in your difficult season. Thanks for encouraging us Liz!
Liz you’ve got our prayers! I’m sorry anyone ever has to go through this but on the positive, you’ve got God. Your kids are old enough to be supportive. I was twelve when my mom had breast cancer. She was 30. I was a snotty rotten preteen brat and I was very disrespectful and resentful. I’ll be 40 in a few weeks and she’s 58. I’m so glad I still have her. God bless you for all you do.
Dearest Liz,
You are amazing! Through your trials, you continue to encourage me and others! I love you. If only I knew how and have opportunity to demonstrate that love in person…
Thank God; He did that as only He can!!!
<
I don’t know where I ‘ve been, I didn’t realize that you were weathering a battle with cancer! You are in my prayers Liz, may God’s healing hand be upon you! Thank you for your words of encouragement in this season!
Oh sweet Liz……I’ve seen you once, in Louisville, Ky…..and immediately fell in love with you and your wittiness. I’m so very sorry you are going through cancer and all it’s uglyiness. I’ve been there and know how you feel. Almost 11 years now surviving that scary thing and praying you will do the same. You are such an inspiration to me. Gods richest blessings to you!
Thank you once again for sharing your heart with us. I can’t wait to dive into your newest book. I have loved all of your books & was privileged to hear you speak in person at Women of Joy Confereneces a few years ago. Blessings be yours.
Liz
This book came at a perfect time! I can’t tell you what a gift it was. I felt the pull to do a bible study for single women at the holidays. It’s so hard no matter what age to go they the holidays alone.
Thanks for writing this so I can use it for this.
Thanks so much for today’s study. It was so appropriate for where I am in life.
This is the first I’ve heard of your cancer diagnosis and I just want to say what an inspiration you are and how magnificent our God is in His timing and ways! We don’t know the future but we know Who holds the future and you are living out your faith. May God bless and keep you Liz and may He allow us the blessing of your presence for many years to come. After all, He’ll have you for eternity too!
My husband has a life-threatening disease that we have lived with for the past 11 years. For 10 years he felt pretty good, but this year things have changed dramatically. He has been in and out of the hospital at least 6 times and we’ve lost count of all the testing and lab procedures. We have had to learn to receive help from our friends and family. I have to bite my tongue when someone asks to help us in some way. I have to remember that when we were the hands and feet of Christ, there was someone who was agreeing to receive the blessing. So we have been blessed and continue to be blessed by those who have come to help. It’s hard to be on the receiving side, but who am I to stand in the way of a blessing?
Praying for a full recovery for you Liz. God is in control. Enjoyed the Bible study today.
Thanks for helping us to enjoy the Bible with additional works. I get so much please reading and thinking about the verses each day.
First, prayers continue for you! This verse in my translation reads “may your unfailing love rest upon us …” I imagine the rest He provides “in green pastures & beside quiet waters” 🙂 What joy & peace I can know & share! Thank you for bringing this Word to us!
Thank you so much for sharing with us today! Praying for you as you recover!
Liz, I had not heard of your cancer situation. Thank you for the courage you are showing. I pray God’s healing hand on you and that He gives you many more years to be a faithful servant of His. May He bless you as you have blessed so many of us with your books and your speaking events.
Blessings,
Charlotte Lang
Liz i feel like i know you as a dear friend. I have loved and read all of your books from your very beginning of publishing. I think what touched me about this posting was the way your neighbors took care of you without asking. They just knew what you needed! I miss that. We moved recently to be near grand kids and i left those kind of neighbors behind. I know the Lord wll bless me in other ways being with my grand kids. Im trying to be that kind of neighbor in my new neighborhood but it takes time. Banana bread seems to be what im reaching out with! Bless you Liz as you fight this fight against cancer! Love who you are and how God is using you in all things💜💜💜
Liz, I met you in San Antonio in 2000. You signed all my copies of your parable books. I have read them to all 6 of my children throughout their childhood. I am so grateful for your serving spirit and hilarious comments! You & your sweet family are in my prayers. 💕
Dear Liz,
Praying for you as you go through treatments. May God continue to keep you in His peace and love as you hope in Him.
A beautiful reflection. Thank you for bringing this Scripture to life. I love all the ways God loves us. It is so much bigger than we could know or imagine.
Dear Liz,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and journey through your battle with cancer. It is so encouraging hearing about how Christian friends and women have been the hands of Christ. One instance when I was personally touched was when a lady in a check out line overheard me talking about my son’s upcoming surgery. She asked his name and said she would be praying for him. I was so amazed and awe struck how this woman I didn’t know took the interest and time to say she would pray for my son. God is good.
Your message today just blessed me. I have been dealing with bronchitis and sinusitis for two weeks. It has now turned into pneumonia. I have been ordered to stay home, no work, bed rest. For a single mom, first grade teacher, that is a hard request. However, I have never felt so sick in my life. It is nothing like what you have gone through Liz. Your message was the best medicine for me today. My son is dealing with anxiety from a terrible car wreck he was in a month ago. He lives in Texas and I am across the country. He needs me to come but finances and my illness are keeping me here. But I can pray and I am sending him your message. Believing good health whether it’s physical, mental or spiritual for you Liz, my son and me. Our God is already at work. Would love to win your give away. Thank you for writing such beautiful work. Will keep you in prayer. God bless you richly my sister.
Love,
Kathleen
Liz, so thankful for you and the way you share God’s Word. You help me see scripture in ways I would not have done so on my own. Also glad to hear you are “hanging in there”. Please know you are in my prayers.
Your Sister in Christ,
Debbie
Thank you Liz, this is exactly what I needed today. My granddaughter’s leukemia has returned with a vengeance and there have been times my hope gets very low. I needed to be reminded that she is in His hands and He loves her so much more than I can imagine. You touch my heart often, thank you. Blessings on your health
Thanks for sharing your journey with us; you have been in the prayers of many, allowing us the opportunity to lend encouragement to you as you always do for us.
Love The Parable of the Pumpkin Patch; have 6 grandkids with whom I could share. And who doesn’t love Proverbs, duch timeless advise.
Take care. Blessings.
I always love to read your blog posts, they are so encouraging! Continued prayers for you.
Reading this as I sit in the emergency room of the hospital where I work. My mother fell as she was leaving the clinic building next door and now we are waiting on results of X-rays and CT scans to assure there has been no serious injury. Thankful that so far everything seems ok. But restless because I had to leave my work area and there is no one to come in help the coworker I left with an orientee who is unable to do all of our tasks…
And yet peaceful because somehow there is purpose…long story…
Praying for you in your journey Liz. May the peace that passes all understanding cover you during this process.
Thank you for this messays. My mother is dying, a terrible wasting away. The kindest thing would be for the Lord to call her home. My father is suffering from the stress of seeing his lifelong companion slowly and irrevocably fade away in mind as well as in body. The message in your latest email gives me hope and gives me peace. Thank you.
Blessings to you through this “bump in the road” with your treatments. Know your many friends that you have met and some you have not met have you in their prayers. Love to you and your family, Jeanine Andrews
So sorry to hear that you are having health problems but know that God is walking through this journey with you. You are in my prayers.
Hey, Liz,
So glad to hear this good report, but I know there’ve been tough times, and will keep you in prayer…
I was really encouraged by this newsletter, especially by the examples of how God used your sisters in Christ to minister His love to you…I am encouraged to step out in faith to follow through on the ideas that come to me. Even if I sometimes wonder what others will think of me, I need to also wonder if this will be just the thing that God will use to remind that person of His love and care in their lives!
God bless you, sister, and thank you for continuing to minister His word to all of us!
Liz- how timely for me to read this. Somewhere I missed your diagnosis. Tomorrow my mother will get the path of treatment for her endometrial cancer. We as her family are as you would expect unsure and afraid. I love what you shared here and look forward to your complete remission.
Thank you Liz for sharing your heart with us and sharing God’s Word. I appreciate your encouragement and support for your fellow sisters in Christ. You are in my prayers for complete healing and restoration.
Oh, Liz, how you are encouraging our hearts even as yours is needing and receiving encouragement. Our Lord is so faithful to each one of us right where we are. May God continue to bless you and heal you.
Yes, God’s unfailing love and hope are all around us. If only we look for it. That is the key. We need to pay attention. So sorry that you have to endure this, Liz. My prayers are with you and I hope your recovery is speedy.
You are blessing us all, dear Liz, as you walk through this fearsome valley. Thank you for sharing your hope, your joy, your peace and surrender to the One who loves you more than His own life–which He so freely gave. I keep saying that because it still boggles my mind–such love, such generosity, such peace prepared ahead of time for all the storms of our lives and the assurance of a better eternity. I’ve been praying for you and will continue to pray, knowing our Father answers prayer, knowing He loves you with everlasting, never ending, endless, boundless love. You are His precious daughter–daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Oh, how He rejoices over you with singing, dear Liz! Rest in His lullabies, dear Sister. Let Him restore and renew you. Love always!
I saw you at ECC in Fort Wayne Indiana. A few years ago. And you were an inspiration to me then and you still inspire me today. I so enjoy your face book posts. And they always seem to hit right at what I am going thru. As a newly retired person I am now starting to enjoy reading and learning about the Bible. I believe God has a Plan for us all we just have to let him lead us. It has been shown to me thru my life. Keep up your strength and God will get you thru. Praying for your recovery. Hugs
Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us of this truth… God is always so faithful…. we can depend on Him to fight our battles for us.
Dear Liz, Your message is just what I needed, today. One of our dear ladies at our Women’s Bible study group passed away unexpectedly, today. Liz, you bring so much encouragement and the marvelous gift God has blessed you with, laughter, to so many people’s lives. My heart goes out to you as you weather this storm you are passing through. I know God will carry you and the waters will not overflow you. Prayers for your continued healing and recovery.
Dear Liz: May God continue to be with you as you go through this battle! If you would like to read the story of someone who has “been there & done that” I highly recommend Dr. David Jeremiah’s book “A Bend In The Road”. My husband has had cancer twice & this book was a blessing beyond compare to us during that time & I’ve since given it to friends & family who’ve gone through it too.
What a beautiful post! Keeping a strong & unwavering faith in the midst of a challenging time is so difficult, but your post shows us it can be done. Praying for minimal to no side=effects from your treatments & complete restoration of health. I have a close friend going through chemo right now & have been inspired by your friends’ actions to step up & do more to make this time more bearable.
Hi Liz!
I appreciate your study, thoughts, and shared truth!
I’m with ya sister- God and His Word, came alive even more when He battled my breast cancer in 2010! I Praise Him for continued healing!
Praying for you!
I’m looking forward to hearing you at Living Hope Baptist Church this weekend. Thankful you are able to be here. Praising God for your ministry!
Dear, precious Liz ~ Thank you once more for digging deeper into Scripture and sharing. Your words touch my heart and bring to life God’s words. Also thanks for a bit of update on your journey. So glad to hear the blessings being dropped into your world by those who live close. We’re praying and will continue praying for you and your family. Cannot tell you what a joy it is to still meet you here. Onward!
Thank you for the example of ‘praising during trials’. There is ALWAYS something good, even in the midst of not. I’m praying God’s healing for you and patience in the waiting.
Praying God continues to wrap you in His strong and graciously loving arms! You truly are His beloved.
A breaking heart truly needed this today. Appreciate with all of my heart that you took the time to share God’s word during your time of recovery and continued treatment. Keeping you in my prayers.
It was good to learn about The Pumpkin Patch Parable as children need to learn of the love and joy from Jesus. Liz, thanks for sharing about the people who were helpful to you. I will pray for you and your recovery.
This was so perfect as my sister is having a heart cath right now and the grief I feel is with me lately even though it has been 10 months. Thanks for the comforting reminder.
Loved today’s thoughts. Why is it so hard for us to admit that we could use help sometimes? I’m also the one that is always -“I’m fine, don’t need anything” person. How wonderful that you have friends that are willing to look beyond your words and reach out and show God’s unfailing love to you during these days. Prayers for you during this time.
Would love to win the Proverbs book 🙂
Liz, when I read your blog my heart seized with fear for you because we’ve had cancer hit out family also BUT I read the entire message and my heart calmed because your reads of scripture led me to the only source of healing on hope. Our heavenly Father! I will pray for strength, hope and peace to continue to quiet your heart. Love, Joy
So many of us are involved in the cancer story. Mine is through my hubby’s prostrate cancer. Never thought we would be facing this. But Christian doctors, nurses, and our family’s love & care as well as Christian friends are sustaining us. God will carry us thru it all. Praying yours Will be a story of His Grace & mercy.
Oops, “your message from scripture”
Dear Liz
I was surprised to hear you are having to undergo treatment for cancer. I don’t connect on Facebook, as I can barely keep up with just emails.
More surprising, it looks like you are keeping a full traveling and speaking schedule. If it were me i’d probably cancel all my engagements and just focus on the treatments. You are so amazing, courageous and strong! Praise be to God; for I know He is the one who strengthens and nourishes you! You definitely are His LIGHT that shines brightly! Thank you so much for being and inspiration to us and for your gift of words and laughter! May the Lord continue to HEAL and BLESS you mightily, as you have blessed so many others!
I’m sorry to have missed your recent speaking engagement here in Hawaii. Your event was at the same time as our church’s big women’s event, so I was unable to get away- I’m sure it was fabulous! Take care, dear lady!
Many Blessings to you! Love & Aloha!
Prayers for healing & peace!
Hi Liz, I am so enjoying your study and also very appreciative of your sharing about the progress of your treatments. We have a precious woman in our church whose diagnosis is Stage 4 Breast Cancer with Metastasis to the Bone. She is undergoing her chemo at this time and was at church yesterday to receive lots of love. She also has great hope of complete recovery and many are praying! Your testimony is a great encouragement to those going through the process of healing and those of us praying and standing for that healing! Love you, praying for you every day.
“Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.” Psalm 33:22 MSG
Love this translation, Liz! Not really sure why, but this is the time of year I relish the “simpleness” of His love. It’s as if He says to me, “It’s time to slow down, take in the beauty, linger, and rest.” Even with all the seasonal chores, it feels more peaceful than any other season for me. Sending you prayers of healing and peace – and much love.
I have loved every book of yours that I have read, and I have read lots and lots! I need to purchase The Pumpkin Patch Parables for my sweet grandsons, especially since we just visited a pumpkin patch in NC on our fall mini vacation! I have been privileged to see you in person three times and have been so blessed! I pray for your complete recovery, and many more years of your wonderful sharing of God’s word!
To My Precious Beautiful Sister in Christ ~
You give so much from the midst of your Heart to each and everyone of us without ever thinking twice about it…I was very Blessed to seat at your feet at The Women of Joy in San Antonio and just embrace the Presence of Our Father that pour abundantly from you.
Father I lift up Our Sweet Sister and speak this Priestly Blessing over her from the crown of her head to the souls of her feet…….
The Lord Bless You Sweet Sister Liz and Keep you….
The Lord make his face shine on You Sweet Sister Liz and be gracious to you….
The Lord turn his face toward you Sweet Sister Liz and give you peace…
Our Father will Bless You Abundantly in Your Health, Heart, Mind, and Soul.
Love you Sis….
May the Lord bless You! May you receive his comfort, as you have comforted so many.
I so love you books, I used “The Girl’s Still Got it” for my ladies Sunday School class on Ruth and the ladies loved it. I have used your “Bad Girls” in our class on Women of the Bible. I can’t wait to be able to order your “Proverbs 31” book, just need to put money aside each month until I have enough. Your research is so deep and it makes me dig deeper in the subject / person. Your writing style is so unique and I love how you throw in laughter zingers so that I laugh right out loud and my family looks at me like I’m crazy ( which I am ). Thank you for your ministry to all of us through your books.
Dear Liz
‘Go in the strength you have’ ‘I will be with you’ Judges.
Our Father God is with us, my heart bursts with the peace of this knowing .
Bless you for everything good and true and beautiful.
Thank you.
Liz, I didn’t know about your cancer. You will go on my prayer list. You are such a blessing to me. Love and hugs.
Thank you for sharing a piece of your journey, Liz. Finding the helpers always points out God’s work, and it sounds like your BFF’s are doing that for you!
Liz, thank you for the reminder of PaPa’s everlasting love and for being His hands, feet, voice, messages, to us. Even with all that you are personally and physically going through right now, you do not fail to be what God call you to be to those He has set in your pathway. You have your Father’s heart.
Blessings and love – Pat Works
Just so you know, from one Sister in Christ to another… you are not alone… My heart goes out to you and your circumstances and I want you to know you have the gift of blessing others through your writing and your public appearances, which I have been so blessed to see you in person. I am never the same when I walk away from spending time with you and your humor and your gift of sharing God’s word. I know our Lord has many more plans for you and I am thankful for your open heart to let Him use you to reach all of us who need his word. You are an amazing example of God’s love and His light does shine through you!Thank you Liz, for all that you give of yourself… and now it is our turn to pray over you and for you, as our God leads you through this journey that you are on. May His healing powers cover you and restore your to full health. In God’s love and Mercy, blessings dear Sister.
Liz: Thank you so much for this post. It was most needed. Sometimes we don’t think about how God is fulfilling our desires every day. But if you take the time to stop and think about your day, you will discover all kinds of help from the Father. You only need to stop and notice! I pray for your quick recovery and your unusual strength. May the Lord bless and keep you!
Was good to read these words while waiting for my mom to come out of surgery. Prayers for you as you continue on your healing journey
I find such inspiration in all of Liz’s works. It’s like sitting down with a dear friend and chatting over our favorite coffees! 🙂
What a testimony. You remind me of Paul in Acts. Even though he was beaten, thrown in jail he did not let any circumstance deter him from his goal in life: to spread the Gospel. And that is what you are doing my dear sister. No natter the diffcuties you are facing, you have not lost the viewpoint: spread the gospel, telling others about Christ. God bless you.
Liz – you have brought so much joy into my life by using your God given gift of humor in your writing. I am praying that He will continue to bless you with strength and courage to face your illness. Many prayers are being lifted to the Father on your behalf.
Liz, How I marvel that though we have not ever met, you are my dear sister both now and eternally. I am able to feel your pain, share your hope, and seek God on your behalf, and so I pray our Father abundantly comforts, strengthens and continues to surround you with love from many directions, and exactly when and as most needed. God Bless you my friend and sister, in Christ Jesus I pray.
Beautiful and touching. Glad you’re in the right hands.
Dearest Liz,
Words fail to express what’s really on my heart & mind…. as tears stream down my face. I just want to tell you that you are indeed loved not only by the Lord (as you surely know) but myself and untold numbers of other people who have been blessed in multiple ways by your ministry! Your books are awesome, and every word you share – whether written or verbal….. conveys a godly women, loving her Lord, and being used by Him for his Kingdom! A zillion thanks for your willingness to be His vessel here on earth. You are in my prayers – always!
Liz, I think of you often and pray for you. God has made you strong and courageous. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for all the books you’ve written to encourage us.
Oh Liz,
I first heard you speak many years ago at a Womend Retreat in lower Michigan and you really touched my heat, as have your kids books. In fact, it’s time to forward them to my youngest grandson.
Please know that I am praying for complete healing for you, be it on this earth or your final HOME, Heaven.
God Bless you.
I would love to have these books for a good friend of mine, she just adopted two boys and is having some challenges with the oldest with his behavior. She is such a sweet godly woman and would certainly be the perfect one to win this!
thank you!
Bless you, Liz, for keeping hope alive and vital. As a cancer survivor, I depended on God for all my treatments. Friends asked how I could stay so calm, and I said, “I’m not in charge, God is!” Please know that many are praying for you, and are holding you close to their hearts.
I loved this study” Peace and love.
Relieved to read this, having your God with us moments woven throughout 💗
In the months and first years after losing our Christ follower week shy of 19 yr old son in a tragic work accident… God revealed Himself in a myriad of ways. Out of the box! ways.
It’s been 16 years now, He still wows me time to time, through a song, through a sunrise, a birdsong, still out of the box times and ways.
Praying for you❤️
in His hands,
Deb Moore
Liz, your devotions are so encouraging to me.
Whenever I am at my lowest and wondering how God is going to come through, one of your devotions pops up in my email and I find strength and courage through His Word that you so aptly share to go on….I pray that God does a mighty work in your body so you can continue on with the work for His glory that He has laid upon you….Blessings and love sent your way….
Wow! How wonderfully simple. My favorite version would be the last version, ” O Eternal drench me.” Just like Our heavenly Father does and wants to. I too need drenched Lord. Thank you for sharing your gifts and needs.
Continuing to keep you in our prayers.
Covering you in prayers as you continue your treatments. God bless you.
The Holy Spirit touched my heart as I read your beautiful words! Just today my bible study on Discerning the Vouce if God concluded, but He showed himself to me in your blog. My our Great God continue to shower healing and blessings upon you! You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you Liz!
I have lifted up prayers for you, and everyone who is suffering from cancer. You have experienced God walking with you through a dark time. I am praying that others will be able to feel God with them as they walk through similar dark times. Continue to share how God has been with you as you have through out your life. It is the sharing of those God moments that touches other lives just when they need God. Blessings to you.
Thank you Liz! On a day when I was feeling not-so-loved, how like you to show me my Father’s love, and to do it in the midst of your own adversity. Much love and many prayers, my friend.
Nancy
Sweet Liz, thank you for sharing these miracles. Chill bumps!
Dear Liz,
Praise God that you are being taken care of not only by our Provider, Comforter, Restorer, and so many other things He does for us, but also that He has gone before you, is with you, and will be there in the future!
How wonderfully humbling to be taken care of and to allow yourself to be loved through others with Jesus’ hands. Blessings!
Oh Liz, what a beautiful attitude you have! I’m so happy to hear about all those providing for you and sharing God’s love. You have been an encourager to so many of us for years, and even as you battle health issues, you continue to uplift and encourage. Thank you, and God bless you and restore you!
Liz,
God blesses me so much through your ministry. I am praying that He will heal you quickly, though I know He has purpose for your suffering.
Liz,
Thank you so much for these encouraging words…not only from Scripture but from your heart as well! I am amazed at your strength, courage and humor in the midst of this great trial. It can only come from God! Yep, I can spot that! I know Him well!
I wish I lived close so I could be used by Him personally to bless you… but since Oregon is not next to Kentucky, know that I will be going to the Throne room for you continually until you are on your feet and healthy once again!
May He bless you mightily this day and every day!
Love and prayers,
Susan
Thanks for reminding me of God’s love and hope. Prayers for your healing.
I love that you are so open. As,you have shared, I have been seeing that I am not the only one in the middle of something. Your posts on Facebook and emails have been encouraging. But that also remind me to keep others in prayer as well. Thank you.
THANK YOU for all your obedience to HOLY SPIRIT and sharing HIS Wonderful WORDS to us!!
I’ve LOVED you and your writings since I discovered the BAD GIRLS… it opened my eyes to these AMAZING WOMEN that GOD revealed HIS LOVE to in HIS WORD. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly! HE was and is there for all of us at every turn in our life walk. THANKS for the giggles, the tears and the revelations!!
My PRAYER for you, my dear Sister in CHRIST:
MAY HE WHO is able to do MORE than we think or ask enfold you in HIS LOVING, HEALING, ARMS, Bless you with HIS DIVINE TOUCH of Health in every domain of your being! I believe in the POWERFUL NAME of JESUS the CHRIST! <
hugs, D
ps: I'm writing my 1st book because of your encouragement.
It is a 'legacy to my Grands' called "The Princess & You". It may be published by DECEMBER. yAHoooo
I look forward to reading these inspirational books. I am severely depressed b/c of so much pain in various parts of ears, brain and body. My head and body just torture me daily. Praying for you.
After reading your blog, I am sitting here feeling uplifted. Thank you, Liz, for your words of hope, pointing us to Jesus. And a great reminder of what a blessing friends are, especially in times of need. I heard you on Chris Fabry Live and am inspired by your positive attitude through this cancer trial. May you continue to feel God’s peace.
The first time I saw you was in Hershey PA for the Women of Purpose conference. You had my friends and I laughing so hard we took stock out in Depends!! Ever since that first time I saw you, I have been touched by your love for scripture and your love for God. You are a true soldier for Christ and He will see you through all these tough times. Sending some of the love you give out back to you <3
God is good…all the time Liz! I am praying for your healing and I am so happy that you have such wonderful friends to help with your recovery.
Can’t wait to get to a bookstore and get your new book. I enjoy all your books so much! Keep on writing and sharing God’s love with us!
I love it, “You’re are in good hands, Liz, the Holy Spirit is all around you.” Oh how precious is that! It made me cry happy tears. <3 You are so loved and prayed over, my friend.
As a Prayer warrior, I think I’m the Perfect choice to win your 3 lovely books. They all begin with the letter “P”, and my name is Paula. I will also Pass them on to other friends after reading them.
Paula
Perfect choice
Prayer warrior
God’s love is unfailing even when we wander. He loves us so much that He takes us back and forgives us. I have seen & felt His love, His protection, & His provision many times along with His blessings.
Liz, first of all I was not aware of your cancer and so sorry to hear that. I am praying for you constantly. This latest e-mail from you is awe-inspiring. My husband and I have heard you speak at the North American Christian Conventions and always loved hearing you speak. Our next NACC is next June in 2018.
Again, I will continue to pray for you daily for your health and strength.
Martha Martin
Indianapolis, Indiana, 9551 E. Gemini Dr, 46229
Sweet Sister Liz, Thank you so much for these encouraging words today and the example you set for others who are going through trials. This battle weary woman was so blessed by your words and how the Lord is using your friends to comfort and cheer you! Amazing that you are able to do so much, so soon, to God be the glory! Grace and peace to you sweet sister. You are in my prayers.
I was so excited to get your 31 proverbs to Light your path and was planning to read one a day for 31 days well that was a joke ,I started to read the first and would read another and then another . So I read the both in 4 days and was was so excited to see why the little task you have given at the end of each chapter… This was so inspiring and I planning to order a couple more as Christmas gifts if my finances allows.. I so appreciate and enjoy your inspration and faithful to God our Father … Love and Prayers …
Liz, I amen sorry to hear of your cancer, somehow I never saw that message. God is so good ,He sends just the right person at just the right time. He is so faithful, thankful for His promises, He is always there. Prayers for total healing, keep looking UP!,,,, hugs
Oh Liz ~ I was gone for the weekend and never read your blog. Stay positive and strong in the Lord. He WILL direct your path and guide you~ He WILL be your strength, your comforter and He WILL heal you.. He is good! I love the Pumpkin Patch Parable, The Christmas Tree, The Lily … I read these books to my preschoolers every year and shed a heart felt tear! Thank you thank you for them. God bless you my dear ~ thank you for all your writings… God flows in you and through you ~ I would love oh love a copy of your new Proverbs 31 book. in His love ~ May God be glorified always ~ Tamara
Liz, I am so sorry to hear of your cancer. Somehow I missed reading about it. Right now, I’m picturing you on the Lord’s lap, His hands gently caressing you, His words of love affirming you, and His healing infusing your every cell.
Thank you for this beautiful devotion. Once again, a feast of promises and hope! You are such a gifted messenger of God’s Word infused with love and hope.
So excited to read your newest book!
God bless you, and keep you [here with us] and continue to use you to shine His light brighter and brighter as the world gets darker and darker.
I am a cancer survivor (Hodgkins Lymphoma-12 years). I suffered through 12 rounds of chemo & now must deal with Neuropathy too. Liz, you’re in my prayers. Please enter me in the 2 giveaways. Philippians 4:13
Thank you for reminding us of His Faithful love that we find in Himself and others.
I always like to give a copy of The Pumpkin Parable to first little trick-or-treater that shows up at my door!
How awesome is God that I have just come across your news . I am currently facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis and even as I trust in God find myself unprepared .
My 36 year old son who has struggled with depression just accepted Christ as his savior after a waitress at a Waffle House shared Christ with him!
Such hope in the midst of sadness ….. and now I know that whatever may come we will face is together through prayer, trust , and hope in our Savior!
I feel like we’ve had sweet fellowship for years even though we’ve never met face to face. When I listen to you or read what you’ve written it’s a beautiful if somewhat limited conversation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ministry and for being open about your health situation. I know His eye is on you just as the old song says,” His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me…”
Thank you Liz for sharing your new reality with us – your extended “family”! Somehow I missed your announcement about it. I’m so sorry about this recent diagnosis but know you are a strong woman who trusts wholly in the Great Physician. He’s got this & you in His perfect plan. I look forward to hearing how He works through & in you as you get to share your faith with those who take care of you. I love reading your novels & look forward to reading these new devotions.
Dear Liz, thank you for all your encouraging words through the years! I remember hearing you tell the “Pumpkin parable” years ago. My oldest child (he’s 9 already! Where does the time go?) loves pumpkins; I’ll have to see about getting him the book. =)
Prayers for God’s healing touch on you and blessings on you and your family!
Oh Liz I’m so excited to see you this weekend here in Bowling Green,KY and I am praying for you continually as you go through this valley to the mountain top to tell the devil all along the way you are defeated Satan, I am woman of God and you’re not going to stop me, My God is greater.
Praying the Holy Spirit fills you continually.
Love you sweet lady!!!
Praying for your speedy recovery
Dear Liz,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of chemo and radiation. I have walked the path as a nurse, teacher of children with cancer, and most of all as a wife. My husband had neuroendocrine cancer and went to meet Jesus in August of 2016.
I admire your ability to continue your ministry during this time, too.
Dear Liz,
I sent a previous message but I do believe every line was my e-mail as an autofill.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this journey. I have walked it as a nurse, teacher of children with cancer, and as a wife. My husband died in August of 2016 of neuroendocrine cancer. I saw the struggle through side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. The journey also included surgery and a blood clot.
I admire your ability to continue your ministry through this difficult journey.
In Christ,
Sally Jurkowski
Dear Liz….I am so grateful for your update-while I am not on Facebook I keep check on your site each day (since I can at least view) knowing there will be an update or a funny saying or a wonderful verse and quote. God the Father is close to you always and knows when you need a lift or a meal or a smile. We are here to respond to His call and lift you up in any way we can. The prayers are unceasing and the love can be felt miles and miles away. I’m sending my hug to you right now in the hopes you will know the hug is warm, is loving and will not let go of you. I am getting your Proverbs 31 book for my birthday so I can’t wait!
Liz, we are all in this battle together. That’s what friends are for.
Betty Watson
Dear Liz,
When we have Gods Son Jesus, isn’t it interesting in all
the seasons especially on dreary Winter days when the
sun shines there is hope and we see God in His creation
like His son Jesus. Two different words, but two words
exactly alike that radiates warmth, love, hope and the
strength to carry on in life. Son and sun goes together
and our Father knows how to make us smile even on
a dreary day with everlasting hope in Jesus His Son.
Forever Grateful for my Salvation in Jesus,
Debbie Brant
Hi Liz,
wow! my prayers are with you!
my thoughts were ‘NO!’ not our Lizzie!!! “frown”
of course- I worked as an Occupational Therapist for over a decade with breast cancer patients, developed a rehab program for them, with guidance from our Lord of course!!! So I know cancer can occur in anyone. It got my brother 6 years ago at age 57. I know your too. I still need to tell you about our small group here near Traverse City that traveled last fall to Grand Rapids to hear you speak 🙂 God’s has been busy with us 🙂 He told me to name our little group Wednesday Warrior Bible Study. We’re having a Jewelry Party for W.A.R., Int’l Dec 2. 🙂 just because of your book!! IT’S GOOD TO BE QUEEN !!! I’ll tell you more later, in the meantime, drink plenty of fluids, sleep, rest, eat healthy organic foods!! Love you to the moon and back sister!! xoxoxoxoxo
Praying for strength and healing for you, Liz!! You are stronger than you think! 🙏
Dear Liz,
I am so sorry to hear about your cancer but I fully understand what you are saying about your Christian support group. My husband was diagnosed with post radiation sarcoma in May and we too have experienced the love of God through our church family and neighbours. During the difficult times God makes his presence felt in very special ways. We Praise him for that. May God richly bless you for continuing to serve him.
I frequently feel very unlovable so I’m thankful for God’s word and the reminders of his steadfast love.
Thank you for sharing about your cancer and how our Lord is so faithful through this time. So thankful that He is the great physician . Will be keeping you in my prayers.
Liz, May I pray 2 Thess. 1:11-12 for you? Because you know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, I pray for you all the time, pray that our God will make you fit for what He is called you to be, pray that He’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with His own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, He will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving Himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving Himself freely. Amen
Lifting you in prayer. Thank you always!!
Lifting you in prayer. Thank you
Dearest Liz,
Know that you are and will be often in my prayers as you walk this journey! I so appreciate all you do to encourage and uplift women. You have made a difference in my life! Hugs across the miles, wish I were closer, I’d bring over some fresh baked bread!
Sending love instead,
Marcia Beachem
I had the hands of God through a friend be there for me after a major orthopaedic surgery. It was a lesson for me to be there for others in the future.
You are an inspiration to me and I thank God for your willingness to share what He has given you to share!
The Heart yo Heart women are praying for you, dear Liz!! You continue to speak encouragement and truth to us as this bump in the road draws you even closer to Jesus! You are much loved by Him and us!! ❤️
Liz, Your honesty and encouragement are so refreshing to me. And laughter, the best medicine! Praying for healing and comfort as you go through your treatments. 😍
Thank you once again for sharing from your heart, Liz!
I, too, love the word hesed….it has such deep meaning. (It almost makes me want to learn Hebrew/Greek~). The English language does not do justice to so much of the original Scripture. It keeps me learning!
Dear Liz,
I love you, my Dear Sister – in – Christ.
The impact you have made on my life has been one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. You are
precious.
I met Jesus when I was 12 years old. For me, it was an incredible moment I will never forget. My understanding was still quite unlearned, (still is) but when God called me it was a love I could not resist. When I reached the pulpit and asked Jesus to be my Saviour The Holy Spirit filled me instantly to such an overflowing warm and joyous love.
I am not a writer, but I am certain God is telling my heart to share my story with you.
How well I understand your experience and illness.
I was diagnosed with two types of cancer in my Junior year of High School at age 16 in 1979. I had two major surgeries six weeks apart and over 30 malignant tumors were removed. Along with surrounding muscle and lymph glands with plenty of nerve damage resulting in permanent loss of some functions and feeling.
I too faced radiation and treatments. Many times.
However, the morning of my first surgery, before sunrise, I climbed into a bay window of my hospital room that looked out over a river. It wasn’t yet known that I had cancer. “You only have a 5% chance,” said my Dr, “We’re just going to do a little check to be sure.”
I had a weird ‘feeling’ that I didn’t understand, but up in that window I had climbed and I prayed /talked to Jesus.
I told Him I put my life, live or die, in His Hands. I had complete trust and total faith in my Lord.
Then I turned back to my room to climb down. What I saw I have never told another other than my sweet Grandmother.
My entire private room was filled with all I can describe as a Cloud. The Love and Comfort and Peace radiating from all around me and through me were indescribable!
The Cloud lingered and slowly cleared until I could see my room again, but the feeling stayed very close.
Two hours later I went into surgery making jokes and at total peace. The feeling was right with me.
When I woke up in recovery, I had no idea I had been in surgery for over six hours. Still, I thought I was talking clearly and normal volume, having no knowledge my vocal cord was paralyzed and I could only whisper.
I was so restless, repeating ‘What was it?’ What did they find?’, that the nurse had to get my Dr to come to my side in recovery. Through blurry and drugged eyes, I looked up at him and asked, “What?”
I clearly remember he said so gently, “Yes Kathy, we found a problem.”
Then it was ok. I knew what he meant, but the feeling was even stronger. So I fell asleep and woke up later back in the same special unit room I had prayed in.
It was my Grandmother who showed me Scripture and then my head knew what my soul had known instantly.
She showed me the Book of Exodus and how God appeared ‘as if in a cloud’ in at least two or three Scriptures.
I was stunned! Me?! Why?
I still don’t know.
But I do know that I did not respond well to treatment. My parents were both Educators and I was fully capable of understanding my condition. So they included me in every conference and discussion. It was my life we were discussing after all!
One particular conference I decided to sit a bit closer to the window but I could still hear very well.
This Dr explained in a fashion trying to talk over both my head and my parents. My Mother would have none of that! She asked polite and pointed questions, not settling for any double talk. Go, Mom!
My Dad was a school administrator and sat quietly, no need to step in …yet. The Dr was clearly unprepared for an intelligent interaction. My being there seemed to suddenly bring out a cruel side in him.
“Well”, he said loudly and sternly and looking me straight in the eye, “I’m saying you’re between a rock and a hard place and I don’t think you will see 17.”
I didn’t drop his stare or flinch at his words. I said, “No problem, I’m already standing on the Rock.”
I have no idea if he had a clue what I meant. But, as my parents and I walked to the car, my Dad said: “Time to get a new doctor.” God bless him.
Looks like I am well over 17, lol. God can do more than anyone can imagine!
Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been easy. I have never been in remission and never will. I have always had it come back, but zap it like I had a can of RidX!
I no longer respond to any treatment now. Along the way, I’ve picked up extra illnesses, like kidney failure and your experience with neuropathy.
(You ARE right! It IS a real thing! And it hurts!)
But God has blessed me with a daughter Drs said I’d never carry (and she weighed 12 lbs!).
I believe I heard you say at Southland Christian Church in Nicholasville, KY, “Why have a Baby when you can have a Toddler?!” Amen.
I have been blessed to have such a wonderful family and Christian heritage. I see miracles every day. Prayers I prayed decades ago are beginning to tumble down around those they are meant for. Now I understand what God means by “In due season”.
My Dad had just passed away when I first discovered your books. I was so incredibly full of grief and loss. (My first Fiance died suddenly in 1985. I did not handle it well.)
You have helped bring me back to God and keep me going
more times than I can count.
Now, it seems at age 55, I have three types of cancer, Lung, Breast, and Bone. I have so many specialists it’s crazy.
They are different here in this place I’ve been transplanted.
They seem to think I don’t understand. Sorry fella’s, I’ve been doing this since you were in diapers.
Plus, I am my Mother’s daughter. I will ask polite, direct and doctereze questions. (That’ll catch them off guard.)
I know it’s God who holds my time.
I don’t care what any Dr thinks. I could live 2 months or 10 years. I have always said, “I will not lie down on my grave until God tells me to.” But, as long as I do draw breath, I will praise Jesus, the “One who loves me the most.”
And I will pray.
God bless you,
Kathy Lynne
P.S.
I had hoped to see you again in Bowling Green (have tickets), I’m the one who had asked about my wheelchair?Your event is something I was so excited about.
Now, I am quite unwell, as I am sure you know.
I am going to pray for strength and relief from pain and nausea. If I do make it there, can I borrow your puke bucket, lol!
Proverbs are such a blessing and Pumpkin Patch Parable is delightful. It has long been read and given to my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Praying for you Luz and not one bit surprised that you are resting in God’s grace and comforting others with the comfort you’ve received
Love and prayers always
I experienced my own version of hope and love this past summer. My husband and I dated and broke up in the early 80’s. 30 years later we reconnected. After 2 years of long distance I left Indiana and moved to Utah. We got married 3 months after that. We were in the process of building a house. This past May, a month shy of our first anniversary, he became deathly ill. He flat-lined 3 times. He was life-flighted to a hospital in Salt Lake City. Diagnosis: hantavirus. 40% death rate. Contracted from a mouse. After 3 months in the hospital and incredibly weak he came home. But due to complications he is now a double below the knee amputee. We are not living the happily-ever-after life I left Indiana for. But he is alive, he is a man of God, and we still have each other. We love each even more if that is possible. We are leaning on the Lord to get us through this and provide. We have seen him work in such incredible ways. As my husband likes to tell people, something good is going to come out of this. If nothing else, it has opened some awesome opportunities to witness. God bless you Liz. I love you and your books. I hope you come to Utah. I didn’t get to see you in Indiana.
Even with all you have and are going through you are still sharing encouragement, hope, and spunk. Thank you for these words❤️And happy healing.
I had the opportunity to read “Pumpkin Patch Parable” to a group of about a dozen children at my parents’ church a couple of Sundays ago. As an elementary librarian reading to children is always fun, but that particular story has been a blessing to me for a very long time. I read it to my own children when they were small, I’m now Grammy and looking forward to reading it to my grandchildren.
Thank you so much for your encouragement all through the years, may God continue to grant you many more years of encouragement for you as well!
Who doesn’t love nuggets? Liz’s new book, 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path, contains 31 nuggets of the absolute truth. Each one is a reminder of God’s promise to love us and care for us always. Dig in! One is never enough!!
I encourage you with the scripture that has given me so much hope!
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Key words: “are healed!” It’s already done!
God’s blessings upon you as you receive your healing!
Thanks for the reminder that
God is always with us!
I am delighted to pray for you.
Liz, I want to grow up to be just like you. Love your wit and humor. Oh my, how I’ve enjoyed reading everything I can get my hands on written by my new favorite author/speaker.
I am praying for your complete healing and I wish I could bring by some chicken n dumplins, my mamas cure for everything. You are a little far from Odessa, Texas tho so count on my prayers. Love you sister friend!
Liz, my prayers are with you daily as I too was diagnosed this summer with uterine cancer. Hillary Scott has a song out “Still” which means so much to me.
“I believe that You are God alone
But sometimes I still try to take control
Cause I get scared when I can’t see the end
And all You want from me is to let go
You’re parting waters
Making a way for me
You’re moving mountains that I don’t even see
You’ve answered my prayer before I even speak
All You need for me to be is still”
Giving Him control is the hardest and yet very simple. Your words today remind me that He is in control!!
Thank you for sharing what is on your heart. God’s perfect love is shining through you! Even through your struggles and pain you manage to encourage us. You are a truly an amazing woman of God. Thanks for the reminder that God is always with us! Love and prayers!
Thank you for your words of grace and hope. Keeping you in my prayers as you continue your treatment. Planning to start 31 Proverbs as my November devotional reading. God bless you in all your ways.
I need my spiritual food each morning even before I get out of bed. So every morning I can laze and enjoy breakfast in bed- specially delivered by our one and only – living God.
My smartphone is truly a communication device as I can tap into the recorded word day and night. My direct line with my Creator gives me power unspeakable, joy unimaginable, insight and wisdom unbelievable.
I am so sorry to hear about this “vexation’ you are going through. I will be praying for you as you continue your treatments. I share your pain, as I am a cancer survivor. God is good and He is faithful. I so enjoy your books, blog, posts and your joy in serving our Savior. Keep the faith and stay strong.
Dear LIZ, sorry to hear about your challenges , may God continue His wonderful healing on your body. Thank you for your words of inspiration and words of HOPE. I am a Mama who is journeying through the passing of her only son. I find your writings so encouraging, motivating and uplifting. I send greetings from my beautiful land South Africa. Thank you , thank you!
🐝
Thank you so much for your encouraging words which bring light and laughter to my soul going through some health issues myself and was so sad to hear you have been so sick but praise God you are coming through your journey He is so faithful hugs from Australia Helen
cant even read because my tears are causing my eyes to float. just when I thought the Lord was absolutely wonderful I see he is even more so!. like David I say your joy O God is more in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees!! ps 4msg. to realise He is with me because he loves me and is faithful to surround me with his love is hope. I love that you reminded me that God is very near to me because there are people who he uses to love me. sometimes you just get so bogged down in life that you forget that his presence is in the people around you.
I am glad to hear of your recovery. not an easy road but one that is not lonely by the sounds of things. it’s spring time here in the southern hemisphere – so it’s great to see new life every where. we have had some severe wind storms recently and it always makes me think of Songs where the woman asks for the cold north wind and the warm south wind to blow on her. it’s wind storms that release the spice of Jesus in our lives. I can certainly see spices flowing from your life in your wind storm. for amazing pumpkin pie, spice is essential:)
SO glad do hear you are doing better. Missed you in Roanoke. Praying God continues to send people your way to comfort you, as you have comforted others.
Thank you for the update. We will keep praying for your complete recovery.
“Love us, God, with all you’ve got”–that is always so much more than we can hope for or imagine! Thanks for sharing the tenderness of your heart, Liz. You help me see and appreciate the hugeness of Jesus’ love for each of us. You are prayed for daily. Love you!
Liz thank you for being you! I love the way you write. Each time I read what you write I feel like I’ve been with Jesus. I’m so glad you have such wonderful friends who are loving on you. Please know I’ll be praying for you. X O
Thank you for sharing God’s love with us. Praying for you!
Liz, thank you so much for sharing your story as you’ve done for all the years I’ve followed you. We have an awesome God and I know HE is healing you!! Thank you for showing us that especially in adversity HE is faithful!!
God Bless you,
Tricia
I am so very thankful God led you to write about Proverbs 31, which will bless us all, but He is already using to bless you as His words surround you and comfort you through this trial.
I was told that it was important to accept help so others will l get GOD’s blessings from doing as he asked them. I try to remember that . I t has made it easier , Know I am keeping you and your support system in my prayers. Always enjoy your books.
Dear Liz… Thank You for helping me fall ‘more’ in love with our Lord and His Word… through your writings. How your Love shows through the words you pin… the smile you wear… and the insights you share…! You have Blessed my life! Love ya, Lady… Sweet Blessings to you… jp
(from Paducah/ past Dayton, O) …it’s been a long, sweet journey… from the joys of a Pastor’s wife/ teaching/ training ladies/ to losing our 19 yr old son to Hodgkins/brain cancer… seen the ‘ups and down’… and He’s been with us every step of the way… Jesus… Name Above All Names!!!
Dear Liz,
We are praying for you. My husband, Paul, has just gone through treatment for bladder cancer. The chemo is rough, we know, BUT GOD is our strength and our hope during these times. He will give you peace and hope and the strength to cope with everything. We found that the prayers of the faithful believers made all the difference, and are still continuing to bless us with their prayers for recovery.
We will be praying for your complete recovery.
You are a blessing!
Lizzie, Thank you for continuing to let His light shine through you. I have several rare diseases. God has used them to not only strengthen my faith in Him but also to let His light shine through me. I know He is doing the same in and through you. Keep holding on to Him! I’ll be covering you in prayer, sweet sister. Keep loving up those sweet furry-babies, too. Aren’t they comforting. We’re up to five: each with their own unique personality. Each one sensing when I’m having a rough day and needing some unconditional love. God sends His love and blessings in many ways!
My daughter and I often spend time together with God seeking His strength and guidance for the day. This morning we read “Unfailing love, unending hope”. We enjoy the times we can share your writings and insights. It’s always good to bask in God’s love and refresh the hope we have in Him. May God continue to use you as a blessing to others.
What a beautiful Bible study you sent. I can’t wait to receive them. God Bless your ability to make the Bible come to life for those of us without that kind of a gift. Sorry I missed the announcement of your illness. Glad you have such good people to help out and such a loving family to see you through this. We all know that God is in control. We can only live with His love, power, healing strength, guiding us through our days, one at a time. Love you Liz, stay strong, and may God grant that you come out on the other side stronger than ever.
I used to doubt my faith because God sheltered me for a long time. Then I heard you speak and I don’t remember what you said, but my take away was that my faith was genuine. It was a long time ago but I always remember you were the first one to say that you didn’t have to go through devastation to have faith. Sorry to hear about your cancer, but you can count on prayers from me.
So thankful for your update and that you are staying strong!
So appreciate your explanation of the Word, your encouragement and honesty in sharing your own experiences. My sister is dealing with post chemo neuropathy after endometrial cancer same as you. She is a believer and trusts God to get her through this. Your devotionals are so enlightening and encouraging. May God bless you with complete recovery and bless your ministry!!
So encouraged by your words, Liz. Thank your for remaining a light and uplifter in the midst of your own storms. Praying for you all ♡
Oh, Liz! You are covered in prayer! My bible study group is loving your new book!!!! So much wisdom and many wonderful reminders (today was about keeping our mouths shut)! I would love to share this book with another sister in Christ. And the Pumpkin Parable is the only book in the series that I do not have in my home. Thank you for your faithful witness to all of us! God loves you and so do I!
It’s imperative that we all have a friend that points us closer to the Lord, encourages us to see God’s fingerprints all over our day-to-day happenings. I find hope and peace when I study God’s word. You know when you get to meet a good friend for lunch? The excitement of getting to leave everything else at the door for a while and chat? That’s exactly how I feel when it’s time to meet the Lord in prayer and study, and I know I have a Liz Curtis Higgs study waiting for me…a friend in the Lord, who is fervently pointing the way.
You are amazing. I read the Pumpkin Patch Parable to my Grandson regularly, as do I the Parable of Lily. Beautiful books.
Just learned of your battle with cancer. I’m so sorry. I can relate, as I toddle around on my neuropathic toes, after a hysterectomy, radiation and chemo. But God blessed me, and I have been a survivor/victor since 2012. I went to my treatments to pray for those around me, and it really blessed me. When my hair disappeared–surprise, surprise–I told myself I was on an adventure and got 2 wigs. What fun.
I pray you will be, are being, blessed by the Lord in the unique way He has, and that He will bring you through with the deeper awareness of His presence we all hunger for.
Nan
Thank you for your words. They touch my heart and soul. Praying for a quick recovery for you. May God bless you.
So sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and illness, but so glad you are on the road to recovery. Glad you had close friends to help take care of you and your family. May God continue to bless you and heal your body. Take care…
Thank you for your words of hope and encouragement. May God bless you as you continue to bless others. Praying that chemo will go well and that you will have no side effects.
Thank you for being a light to this dark world. It is so awesome that you are able to be so raw and intentional about sharing how God is showing up in your life everyday. It makes me realize that God can be subtle. He can show up in little ways that often get overlooked. I am glad to hear you are doing okay and that you are keeping your spirit up! Godspeed!
I am loving my daily study of Proverbs! Couldn’t wait to purchase it. God Bless you Liz Curtis Higgs.
Liz, Each year I so look forword to the beautiful sights God provides for us . I see it as a time of amazing thankfulness. Reading your e-mails adds so much to my soul. As a cancer survivor and also a Radiation Therapist for 35 years I sometimes have moments of despair for my patients. Thank you for sharing your amazing sense of grace and love in God during your time of trial. Our Lord is truly awesome and will help us through the dark times. Prayers always, Lori
What a blessing it is to see your name pop in my inbox. I know that it will be scripture from God’s word in real life stories. Thank you for sharing your heart. May the Lord hold you in his hands. Praying right now for you.
Oh Lizzie, I am so sorry to hear about your bout with cancer. You are definitely in my prayers. For a little over 5 years I have walked through cancer with my husband of 55 years. He has bladder cancer and a year ago he lost a kidney to cancer. He also has CHF, which makes treating his bladder cancer a double whammy. But he has stayed positive through out chemo, radiation, surgery, Sepsis and BCG treatments. He always jokes around with the doctors and nurses. All this has brought us into a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. We know we have to lean on Him for strength and courage and He has never failed us. He has been with us every step of the way. I met you a number of years ago at a Writer’s Conference at Glorieta. You were an awesome encourager and an inspiration. Love you, sweet Lizzie. Praying always for you.
Just now learned of your cancer and treatment. (Bill, pamper that gal, she deserves every minute of it. God has blessed you with a winner.)
Prayers on the way up to the throne for your treatments and recovery. Prayers also for the doctors, nurses and technicians supporting you and giving the treatments. Liz, you being you, they will be blessed by your testimony to the Living Christ. Your openness is an inspiration to others going through similar situations. Prayers, prayers, prayers for a lovely person, who never misses the chance to give God the glory.
Oh Liz, I am so sorry to hear about your health problems, but am not surprised of the way those around you show you His love!
I too, am walking with a friend who is on a similar path and God’s goodness is so evident, day in and day out, even on the bad days.
He is the sustainer and the lifter of our head! And He is always good!
I will join the throngs of people praying for you.
God’s blessing on you!
Life sometimes is difficult to navigate and it is so important to allow others to help. When we fail to let them, we miss the blessing and so do they. Thanks for sharing your journey, I am going through a difficult time and your words were encouraging. Thanks for the opportunity to win! You are a blessing!
Liz.
You are a strong woman in Christ and always find the positive in everything.
Sending lots of love,
Dear sister-in-Christ, Liz: You are such a blessing to me in sooooo many ways! I, too, have been thru the cancer-chemo-radiation circuit almost 6 years ago. My radiation oncologist told me that most people with my genetic mutation don’t make it 5 years or have something worse crop up. I told him it was my hope and faith in my wonderful God which has brought me thru thus far! He totally agreed and we did a victory dance! I was blessed to have been able to speak with you in Myrtle Beach this past May (I was the Martha girl needing Mary time) and how blessed I was because of it! Double blessings speaking with my favorite Bible Study writer over the years! I know God put on this great adventure track for wonderful reasons and we will do what He desires with it all! Love and prayers and keep on writing dear lady. Yours in Christ, Linda E
Thank you fur your delightful insights & inspiration! Blessings as you continue in His plan for blessing others & drawing them to Himself!
As soon as I get to Lifeway, I’m buying your new book. Can’t wait!
Precious Sissy,
God does provide just what we need when we need it! HIM!! And His presence with me and you always!
I have lived with severe Neuropothy for 20 years now and am only 48. I have talked to you about this before. God has blessed me..and yes I say blessed me with this disease because He has used me to bring people to Him in the medical field. Ministered to others while at my own doctor appointment, or praying for my doctor who is pregnant while at my pain management appointment.
They see my JOY!!!My JESUS! PRAISE GOD! Days can be extra long with pain and nights are even worse BUT GOD!!
I can do this! With His strength and His peace! So can you Liz as well as all you my sisters!!!
I am trying to accept God’s will in regards to his plans for my husband Lee. He is battling very aggressive stage 4 kidney cancer. We have two young daughters together and I so desperately want God to stretch out his hands and cure him so one day he can walk our girls down the aisle on their wedding days. I can’t imagine my life without him. I know God’s plans are perfect and he doesn’t want to harm us, so I am constantly looking toward him during this difficult time. Please add my family and I in your daily prayers! Thank you!!
Wow you are so amazing! Thanks for such wonderful words always when I need them. Remember to rest (the nurse in me just had to tell you that 🙂 ).
I’m looking forward to my copy of both books. One for me and one for a new mom. Books make the best baby gifts.
My Bible study gals and I have been exploring the lovingkindness and mercies of God and were just discussing how God shows up through acts of kindness of others and when we least expect it. I will share your post with them. You are a blessing and a true gift of inspiration.
Liz,
What a blessing you are to so many of us. I have followed you for a while and my heart was sad to hear of your cancer. However, like always you bring words of encouragement that shine a light in a world that can seem so dark at times.
Thank you for being real and sharing your story.
Prayers for you and your family
Judi
Liz, I’m not on Facebook so I didn’t know about your diagnosis. Thank you for this beautiful word of encouragement and hope. You have been on my mind of late because my ESL Bible Study is going to tackle your Embrace Grace. Please keep us posted on what the Lord is doing in your life.
I am not on fb so I didn’t know about your diagnosis either. I look forward to your post every month. Our daughter is getting married in the spring and we don’t have the $$ to pay. She’s staying with us to save $$ and pretty much financing everything along with her fiancé who, by the way, is a gem. What little we have to offer is a place for her to live temporarily. Thank you for sharing your life, especially the not so pleasant surprises that you turn into praise for God’s glory.
Thank you Liz for your words of hope and encouragement! These are trying times and there are so many hurting women out there going through all kinds of trials. Thank you for letting the Lord use you and all your special gifts to encourage and bless us all.
Liz, you bless my heart in so many ways ! Thank you for being real , and approachable ,and sooo optimistic!! I love you girl!!
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time, but we know that God is with you and will bring through every trial. We just experienced the untimely death of our 31 year old nephew to an aortic aneurism —his lovely wife of 1 year had to decide about ending life support along with his 10 year old son. The Lord took him home after 5 weeks in a coma—many prayer were answered and I know yours will be too.
Reading your devotional this morning and praying for your complete healing. Loved the Two contemporary paraphrases perfectly capture the bold and beating heart of this verse:
“Love us, God, with all you’ve got—that’s what we’re depending on.” Psalm 33:22 MSG
“O Eternal, drench us with Your endless love, even now as we wait for You.” Psalm 33:22 VOICE
Liz, first of all, I pray that our great God and Father grant you peace, healing, strength and joy today. Thank you for ministering to me. I needed to hear of God’s unfailing love today. You see I have a prodigal son and I am struggling to move forward out of the guilt and intense pain of it. To set my mind on Christ…you helped me do that today! God bless you sister
Oh Liz, just love your books and writings. You have away with words that makes me feel like God and you are right here with me. I know God is, but it strange how much I feel your presents when I read your works. God bless and have a wonderful day.
I have been following you with public speaking engagements when they are close by for several years now. I first heard you speak at Speed Church in Sellersburg many years ago. I am a fan of your books & have read most of them. You and your story are very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement with us.
Liz ,
Just a note to let you know that I will be praying for continued blessing and healing for you while you are recovering from recent health issues ( I don’t do FB so just now found out ).
I have several of your books and our Ladies Bible Study group have done a few of them as well – what a JOY !!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your books. We are “in-between” studies right now but hope to begin another of your books very soon.
You are a true blessing to so many . Stay strong and continue the good works that Christ has led you to do so faithfully – he gave you an awesome gift and I’m so glad you are willing to share it with all your readers.
THE WORDS FOR TODAY ARE SO UPLIFTING AND IF YOU HAVE EVER SEEN LIZZIE YOU KNOW THAT ID HER THROUGH AND THROUGH.
IF WE WOULD ALL ADOPT THAT ATTITUDE AND TRUST OH HOW MUCH BETTER OUR LIVES WOULD
THANKS LIZZIE FOR YOU WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND GOD BLESS
I just found out today about your illness. So sorry to hear this, but glad your treatments are going ok and I will certainly be praying for your healing. Love your writing and have heard you speak several times. It is always a blessing.
God bless you as you remain strong in Him.
Love and prayers,
Charlotte
May double portions of chesed and ruchamah be with you, LCH…and your cat, too (if that’s your cat?).
If my cat could read, she’d purr healing vibrations at you too!
You are an inspiration to me and my sister. Our stepfather is currently undergoing chemo for bladder cancer. So, we can relate to what you are going through. At this time in life, I’m hoping God is using us as His caring hands to help those in need. I pray we will make Him proud.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this season of your life. Thank you for sharing all that you do with us.
God Bless You!
Thanks for sharing this purse today. Your words brought the word I desperately needed to hear today and you are prayed for by so many of us
Liz,
I have learned so much from you at Women of Faith conventions. My prayers go out to you for a rapid and unremarkable recovery.
Go with God
I love it when I can read God’s word and find encouragement in the simple. I get encouragement from the thought-provoking through my weekly Bible Study but sometimes I need a daily dose of simple. Thanks for providing that Liz!
I lost my only brother on Sept 1, 2017, it is so painful, after a battle with addiction after a recent hope for recovery that he so desperately wanted he had only been home a month from a out of state facility he was so positive and full of hope and so quickly gone. I am a woman of faith but am having the most difficult time currently. So so sad.
These books would be a great encouragement. I pray you’ll be healed completely!
Dear Liz:
Thank you for these inspiring words! A dear friend from Iowa was recently in a horrific car accident. We are seeing the prayers of so many bring daily miracles her long healing process.
My girlfriend and I were hoping to catch you in Cannon Beach, OR next June, but they tell us there is a waiting list of 60+! We put our names on the list anyway. 😉
God bless you on your healing journey. You are loved!
Thank you so very much for all you do. I read the 31 Proverbs book at night before I go to bed. It is a wonderful “nightcap”… You are a true blessing.
Thank you for allowing God’s words to be said (typed 😉 ) an don’t your own. I am a college student and have the privilege to hold a bible study in my dorm for the freshman on my floor. This week many on the floor including myself have been in feeling of being in a hopeless situation, from homesickness to sexual assault, to confusion of where to go next. My heart hearts for these sweet sweet sisters of mine. As I am in a transition where my chronic illnesses have now come to a point where I will be moving back home for new treatments and surgeries at semester. I have been struggling to hear God’s voice of what to talk about this week and you have allowed Christ to speak through this to me and I am so excited to share what your post has taught me during life group in hopes that God will speak His word into the group and that I would be completely absent from it. Thank you again, so glad to hear you are doing well. Praise God for friends that are the hands and feet in service of His name and for His faithfulness!
Liz,
Sending prayers to you 🙏. I enjoy all your books. You are such an inspiration. The Solvang bible group will lift you in prayer.
Blessings,
Teresa
Liz You are truly a Blessing I have heard you speak at a few Women’s conferences I have attended. And the way GOD uses you to bring His Word across is Beautiful and hilarious at times. The JOY of the Lord brought through you is a delight and Awesome witness to see a Vessel chosen by GOD!! To reach women of all ages and meet them right where they are. I had always wanted to meet you in person, and at the last conference I attended. Praise God I was able to meet you and had you sign one of your books for me.And on top of all that I was able to take a picture with you :). The Presence of God I could feel all around you. You are a true Blessing to everyone one!! And I pray for Gods Healing for your body in the Mighty Name of Jesus!!! Love You!!
Liz thank you for your inspiring words! I too was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer 9 yrs ago. After 28 radiation treatments and 6 months of chemo Im blessed to say Im celebrating 8 yrs cancer free! Besides the wonderful doctors, nurses and of course family members many times I felt God right there with me comforting and putting my fears to rest. Without Him I couldnt have gotten through it. Hang in there and be kind to yourself!
I have very recently been made aware of my pride and now I can see how this has influenced my aughter the same way. She is much more a CHRIST follower than I, though I am a born again Christian. I am ashamed of how arrogant I’ve been especially about medical issues. This issue involves this same daughter who has been struggling with pain for 16 years,she’s 32 now. I needed to be in charge of her health care as her nurse mother but I also influenced her life and how she looks at herself,the medical profession and her being in controll of everything around her. She loves JESUS as do I. She,Joy,lives to serve HIM,now with her husband,but I see this pride shooting up in her. I,myself,need to kick myself off the thrown that JESUS belongs on. I would love to have the opportunity to have your book,and the hope of healing and direction it can bring. Thank you and GOD bless you.
Dear Liz….I am a cancer survivor…. non-hodgkins lymphoma twice, breast…..bilateral mastectomies, endometrial is the last one so far! My prayer for you is also one simple prayer that I find so comforting throughout good and not so good days. “Dear Jesus, I pray for strength and courage and healing. Help me to know you are truly beside me through the night and day. Amen.”
So much wisdom in such a small book! Thank you for your continued faithfulness to God’s Word!
Liz you have so blessed me today with this devotion! Keeping you in my prayers as you go through this journey.
I already am enjoying the devotions in your book, but the giveaway would make make gifts for me to pass along.
Our love and prayers are with you and Bill. I really enjoyed this update.
This is just showing up in my inbox. Strange. Prayers continuing. My girlfriends are praying for you too. They know how much your writings mean to me. Absolutely love Proverbs.
Cancer stinks Liz. My mom and dad both battled it. I pray for you often. It is so good to get an update. You bless us so often, even in the midst of your recent trials. Thank you. Take good care of yourself. Sending lots of hugs and lots of love.
Praying for you! I am enjoying the wisdom of your “31 Proverbs.” Thank you for your continued ministry and for sharing your journey. You are loved.
Your journey is an amazing one, Liz! I know your love for Jesus and your trust in Him is one of the great reasons you are doing as well as you are. Tho, I’ve not done the chemo route, 8 years ago I did 2 surgeries and 7 weeks of radiation for breast cancer. I must say that I’m so enjoying 31 Proverbs and each day gain a greater understanding of our Lord. Holy Spirit is guiding me through some great moments and I love that you are a part of those moments. Everyday I read the next chapter I feel as tho we are having tea together and discussing His Word and love for us. Keep the faith my sister and know that you are being prayed over, under and for!
Thank you Liz,
I am listening to 31 proverbs each morning as I drive to work. God is using his word and your words to speak to me powerfully and guide me each morning. Nearly every day I am overjoyed and overwhelmed at how apt the chapter I have just listened to is.
Thank you so much for your ministry xx
I just picked up your book on Proverbs. I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to you at Inspire in Detroit in August – you absolutely are God’s vessel of love and filled with the Holy Spirit! Praying that God touches you with divine healing and restoration while you walk a journey that no one desires. God is so faithful and will walk with you step by step, and carry you when you need to lean into Him and rest. May God bless you with His favor and grace, and His peace overflow and spill out in abundance. Much love and many prayers sweet woman of God!
Thankyou Liz for such honesty and transparency. After a diagnosis, 2 years ago I secretly ran away from Him and His people. It became easy to pretend all was normal But He ran with me so did His people. Its so true He never leaves nor forsakes you, all I had to do was make a decision to be real about it all. So thankyou again we need to hear what you have to say an Encourager in every sence of the word. Denise
Your email and your journey are beautiful, I know God is with u every step of the way and He has given you a heart full of hope and beauty. Thank you for being you
Liz, This post spoke to my heart in a tremendous way. The experiences of your journey are heartwarming and encouraging. I don’t live near enough to stop by with goodies, but know that you are in my prayers. God impressed me to put your speaking calendar on my prayer list knowing that you may need extra encouragement during those travel times.
Love you bunches,
Jan Muske
Dearest Sister Beautiful Lizzie:
Was so sorry to hear of “C” visiting you. My heart is with you and this am as I was reading this from Streams in the Desert you came to mind. I receive your blogs and am always blessed. You make me smile big. May the Lord Jesus Christ show up morning, noon and night. Hugs from another “Scottie” (Nova Scotia, Canada – God’s Country you know)
“God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than that person’ strength, through God, to endure it.”
Dear Liz…
I feel like we could be great friends, even though we don’t know each other. To be honest, I had never even heard of you until you visited us in Roseau, MN several years ago. What a wonderful gift of your presence (our Father’s light definitely shining through you) you gave us that day. Actually, you and I did have a conversation that day and I have the little autographed bookplate you gave me. I use it as a bookmark.
And now, oh happy day… you are going to visit us again in April!!! Roseau is waiting for you! Your sisters in Christ are anticipating another wonderful day with you!
Heartfelt prayers for you to be healed and strong by then.