Greetings from Atlanta

I hope this December has been a good month for you all. I have meant to get back to the Blog for a few weeks, but honestly, like most of you, I have been busy with company, decorating, cooking, shopping, and all that we do to make our Christmas celebrations special and memorable. This Christmas has been just that for me and my family. This was our first Atlanta Christmas, so that alone was worth the memory making category. For me, it was the first Christmas in many, that I was whole in Christ, redeemed from brokenness to a new place to experience an intimate relationship with the Savior of the World. Celebrating His birth this year took on a new meaning for my life. So, as I shopped for gifts and prepared for our celebrations, I had one goal in mind and one purpose in my heart....to show my kids and my family God's amazing love and grace that he has given so freely to me.

One of the highlights of the month was having all my family here in ATL at one time. Mom, Dad, Lane, Lauren, and Luke (Lauren's boyfriend) drove from Arkansas to Atlanta. This was the first time my parents have been to this great city. I was so excited to finally have them here and show them where Lawson and I landed. There was so much to see and so little time. I think the highlight of the trip for Dad was seeing the Alpharetta High School Christmas Band concert. Lawson's percussion ensemble played several cool opening numbers, but for Dad, the finale was the best. It was a John Phillip Sousa March with a little Christmas flair. On Saturday, we took a family trip to the Georgia Aquarium and had a great Italian dinner together at Maggiano's in Buckhead.

I think Mom and Dad were overwhelmed with Atlanta's size and all the traffic. There is no comparison to little Pittsburg, Texas (population 4500) to Atlanta, Georgia(population 5.6 million). I tried not to scare my poor Daddy with my driving, but I'm sure at one point, there were doubts in his mind that I really new my way around this huge city. Mom just sat in the backseat oblivious!

As everyone left and I hugged and kissed my parents good bye, my heart broke for a bit as I always hope it is not our last goodbye. Usually I'm leaving their house and cry as I drive down the road. Mom never knows I'm crying. This time, I was crying before they left the driveway. I don't think my Mom knew how to handle it. She wisely said, "this is part of life". Still doesn't make it easy. I say all this because in the pain of saying goodbye, I also have complete assurance that no matter what happens, I will spend eternity with both my Heavenly Father and my earthly parents. I am so blessed to have that peace of mind and faith in life eternal.

That's the meaning of Christmas in my life. Through the birth of a sinless babe that would become a sinless man, born as the Son of God, to live and die for all mankind, who without Him have no hope. This Christmas, I have hope and know the God who gives hope. I pray for peace in our world, healing for our nation, and hope for those I love, to know God and walk with Him closer in 2009.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Blessed New Year!

Liz

My Thanksgiving List

This Thanksgiving Day is almost over. I helped Mom cook the big Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, making sure I took mental notes of how she made the dressing. Then we had the chance to sit down with Dad and my niece, Emily and have a cozy meal. Before our meal, Dad blessed the food, in his usual way, not failing to give praise and thanksgiving to our Lord for the abundance in our lives. At 83 years, Dad has lived through so much in our country, in our family, in his marriage, and in his own life. He has remained faithful to God and leads our family, even as spread out as we are, to do the same. To pray with my Dad is the greatest privilege and joy in my life.

So, now that the kitchen is cleaned, I've had a nap with the Cowboy football game in the background, and with my favorite coffee in hand, I want to share with you my Thanksgiving Blessings (in no particular order) and pray your life is blessed and full of joy today!

Mom and Dad

Vicky

Lauren, Lane, Lawson

Georgia

Texas

Arkansas

Beautiful Seasons

God's redemption

Grace

Eve, Judith, Sally, Ginny, Lienne

Freedom

My Baby Grand Piano

Emory

Church

Eternal Life

Good Health

Buddy the dog

Music

Work and Rest

Georgia's Autumn is Stunning

I wish I could capture the absolutely beautiful colors that I get to experience as I drive around Atlanta! This Fall has proven to be as colorful as any I have ever lived through. The angle of the sunlight enhances the colors and I can't even begin to take the picture of God's handiwork with my little digital cam. Last week the reds and oranges were in full peak. This week, the transition to their yellows and golds make everything seem even brighter. The days reach 70 and the nigths cool down with the sunset. I've tried to share with a few pics what I get to see when I walk around my neighborhood. Of course, Buddy gets to take a run when I get out and he is totally uninterested in any of the changing colors.

In the midst of this beauty God reminds me of his creativity, his provisions, and his presence during the ever changing seasons of my life. The God who created all things, is the God who loves me in the most intimate way and has become my constant companion during my journey to Atlanta. I am at such peace with being content and settled. What a change from 12 short months ago!

2008 Atlanta Heart Walk

It was a perfect day for the 2008 American Heart

Association annual HeartWalk in Atlanta. I was the proud team captain of a team reaching high goals. Emory Healthcare was the top company in Atlanta raising $257,000 for research, education, and public awareness of cardiovascular disease.

An estimated 22,000 walkers participated today. For me it was great to get out and exercise but it was also a chance to walk through parts of Atlanta I've yet to visit since arriving in April. So, like any excited tourist, I had my camera ready. My pictures can't do justice to the fabulous fall colors that have painted the Atlanta landscape in the past week. But I've attempted to capture some of this beautiful fall for you.

Outstanding Altos from Mt. Pisgah

High Tea was Saturday for all the altos from Mt. Pisgah. Hats and gloves were in order, as was the finest of china and a wide selection of English Teas. (Sorry Jud for having coffee during High Tea). What a fun afternoon to learn Emily Post's rules for High Tea etiquette and practice with only the classiest women. After tea we rehearsed our parts for the North Atlanta Christmas Festival. We are recording our CD this week and must be completely on pitch. If anyone wants to come to Atlanta for some Christmas Shopping extraordinaire and take in a professionally produced Christmas Concert featuring (not only me in the alto section) the Georgia Tech Drum Corp, let me know. I'm really excited about the production and the ministry that God has put me in.

Theresa and Me

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Originally uploaded by bsnyder95

After months of prayer and asking God to meet my needs for friends, I am so happy to introduce my new friend, Theresa. We met through band. Her son, Hunter, and Lawson are on the drumline and look like brothers. T and I are accused of being sisters. We are getting to know each other so well, Like me, she is a survivor. She has a tremendous testimony of God's healing her body of terminal cancer. Through T, I found a church, sing in the choir, and have the encouragement of a friend.
I so miss my friends in Arkansas and know that good friends are a gift from God. I treasure each and every friend.

Raider Marching Band

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Originally uploaded by bsnyder95

Lawson is having a great time in the Alpharetta High School Marching Band. This band is 5 years young and already marching Class 6A. Their show this year is awesome. When I watch Lawson march, I feel like the proudest parent ever. He has fit right into this band and loves the drum line. His band director and percussion teacher are awesome. We are both so blessed with our move to Atlanta.

Work is going well and my clinics are very close to being JACHO prepared. I am excited about being at Emory and the opportunity to share in the culture of learning at this academic and research hospital and university. I hope to work on campus in the future, but until then, I have a huge job that allows me to share a vision for patient care and help bring order to chaos!

Labor Day with Mom and Dad

It was so good to spend Labor Day Weekend with my parents, my sister, and my kids. Of all the people in my life, no one stands before my family. My parents are one of a kind people and have been the greatest influence in my life. I pray everyday that God will keep them safe, healthy, and guide their every step. The hardest part of moving to Atlanta was creating more distance between us. My parents have been nothing short of 100% supportive of my move and are very happy for us living here. I only wish they could be here, too. My sister, Vicky, deserves accolades, as she never leaves my parents side when she is with them. She is the first of us to get to them when they need help, and she makes them laugh! We had a good time together, and we never take for granted our time anymore. Mom.....next time I order flowers, I'm going to have Dad just pick them up!!!!

Love you all forever.

Back to my Blog

It's been awhile since I officially posted to my blog. Mainly because my laptop has been held hostage by the Geek Squad at Best Buy and also because routine has set in. The new job isn't so new these days and Lawson has started school and started balking at homework. Pretty much back to normal, whether in Little Rock or Alpharetta! But, all is good and we are getting along so well. We're in this move together, and I have committed to not have too much of a social life for the next 2 years until Lawson is off to college. My focus is on God first, then Lawson and my family, and my job. I fit into all of this by doing what I do best, taking care of others. I am most happy and blessed when I know that I can help those I love have what they need and to feel loved. I daily ask God to bless me just so I can bless others.

When I look back at where we started in the clinics on May 10, we have made tremendous progress. I could not have accomplished this on my own. I have a team, some I would not have initially chosen, who have surprised me with their willingness to be compliant and adaptable and work through all we have had to do. They are like my kids, and I feel like their Mom! I would never think I could love this staff, but I do. In spite of difficult changes, these girls (and 1 guy) really treat our patients with dignity and respect and follow my leadership on how to do that. Besides doing this, they have started to act like a team that wins. I am very proud of all of them. I just hope they know that. Today, I had a meeting at one of my satellite clinics, and when they started to leave, we actually hugged. That is so huge to me. I can't explain how special that made them to me and I hope they know that as their supervisor, I have so much faith in their desire to do what is best. It was such a blessing.

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AHSMB-Old Soldiers Day Parade-(LJohnson)_1137
Originally uploaded by bsnyder95

Lawson has been fully indoctrinated to the Alpharetta High School Raider Marching Band. He has been busy since the end of July with Percussion rehersals and band camp. School started on the 11th, and practice is every afternoon. This parade was their first preview. What a fun day. We are so glad to be in Georgia and part of a wonderful community and school.

Happy July the 4th!

The kids are here and we had a fun July 4th in Buckhead. I think this picture of the fireworks is pretty cool. We spent the evening in Buckhead having dinner at Maggianos (great Italian food with great entertainment) and then watching the fireworks at Lenox Square. We're having a great time together and I'm so happy to have a house full of kids. I am so blessed.

i

July is finally here!

I am waiting for the kids to get here. Later in the evening, Lauren and Lawson will arrive after driving from Little Rock. Lawson is here to stay and Lauren and her friend Kellie will be here for 2 weeks. I am taking my first day off tomorrow and will have the 4th off also. I'm so ready for this long weekend and more so to hug my kids. I just wish Lane could have come with them.

I've settled into work and embrace the challenges that managing my staff and running the clinical operations of 3 busy cardiology clinics. We've made so much progress to date. I'm very happy doing what I do everyday. I start each morning really early and only after a cup of coffee and a prayer. I pray for wisdom in working with people and more than that for the Holy Spirit to have the opportunity to work through me.

I am attending First Baptist Atlanta and can't imagine wanting to go anywhere else. I love the worship and Dr. Stanley's teachings are applicable and on target. I will be glad for Lawson to get involved with the youth program.

The past few weeks have been restful and healing. I'm thrilled the kids will be here today. I'll have some pictures to post soon.

Saturday June 7

It's been a few weeks since I've "blogged". It's not that I have been super busy, I think I'm just trying to settle into life in Atlanta and not doing too much but working and spending desperately needed quiet time with myself, my pets, and more importantly, God. The past few months rendered much turmoil and change, alot for any one person. From divorce, home purchases, job changes, family illnesses, financial uncertainties, a cross country move, all in an 18 month span of time, I have found myself exhausted, totally dependent on God, and just wanting to be alone for awhile. In no way do I believe that this move was an attempt to run from anything, but clearly a part of God's plan for my life. And I honestly do not think that moving to Atlanta means that I will escape the pain of loss or the trials of life. There is still the struggle with loneliness, financial issues, work, and being alot farther from my family. Romans 8:28 says that God uses ALL things to work together for our good. I believe this and know that the trials and hardships of my life are part of His bigger plan for me and keep me in a place where I totally depend on Him and long to seek and find Him even closer to me than ever before. This week, the prayers in my heart were that I would have an undivided attraction to Him. I have found that by being quiet at night, spending time alone during my weekends, and resting, has helped me know that place of attraction to our God.

I continue to work very diligently with Emory to get our Heart and Vascular Center in Dekalb ready for a certain JACHO inspection sometime this summer. Within a month, I am already seeing some positive changes. There is so much to do, and no way to accomplish it all in one month, but daily, I do what I have to do, and at the end of the day, I get to go home, rest, and start over again the next morning. Now, after 4 weeks of diligent and hard work, we are seeing progress, and that feels great. This position has caused me to realize the humility that is required to be a leader. There has been nothing glamorous in cleaning and hauling trash! This week, we will finally have real linens at our clinic--no paper gowns or paper towels for the patients anymore! When I told my staff that I had ordered a linen service, you would have thought I had moved a mountain for them. They have had to use paper towels after echos, stress tests with sweaty patients, and the pillows had nasty paper pillow cases that I doubt ever got changed. The one thing I am learning, the simple and easiest changes, like having real linens, make the biggest impacts. I am so happy to help this clinic have a new vision and move them forward with small daily and weekly changes.

Lane is Here!

It's been a really fun weekend with my son, Lane, here. He arrived on Friday and we have not stopped to rest. There are so many great places to take him, and it is impossible to do everything in Atlanta in a weekend. But, we've done our best and had a great time doing so.

We started on Friday with dinner in downtown Alpharetta and then shopping at Macy's. Yesterday we browsed some galleries in Roswell before heading to Ducktown, Tennessee where we took a white water rafting trip on the Ocoee River. This river boasts of class 3 and 4 rapids and offered alittle excitement for Lane. He's already planning his next trip back. Today we attended worship at First Baptist Atlanta and then landed in Decatur for a huge art and jazz festival. The vendors were both local and national artists with so many different types of artwork. It was a great venue and the weather was perfect. Lane will be heading home to Little Rock tomorrow, and I will be sad to see him go.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I can't help but recall a shirt I saw today that says it all. "Freedom isn't Free". We live in the greatest country in the world. The freedom that we are blessed to have did not come without cost. Many men and women have given their lives for the purpose of our freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. I hope that you stop this Memorial Day weekend and realize what this holiday is really about and say thank you to those you know who have served our country faithfully. I say thank you to my dad who served in WW II in the Air Force. Thank you also to my friends, John D. and Lane T. I dare not forget to thank Tom A., Jeff A., Tom W., and all the crew whose wives helped inspire me to look beyond Little Rock!

Saint Joseph

This beautiful Saint Joseph statue is the newest member of my collection I started last year. I found him at the Canton Antique Mall in Roswell. I purchased him with a gift from a very special person. There is so much symbolism in this gift, the statue, and what Saint Joseph represents. I started my collection last year when I dug up a Saint Joseph in my front yard. I learned then that these little resin statues are buried in yards so that your home can be sold quickly, and to the right person. The little statue I dug up found a special place in my house, and then I started looking for more statues. I particularly like the Saint Joseph with Child. Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, who protected him, cared for him, and provided for him. This statue also bears the Lily of the Valley which represents chastity, or I like to believe, a pureness for God. I have likewise been blessed with an earthly father who has loved me, protected me, provided for me, and been an example of God to me. Then, through the forgiveness of God, through the sacrifice of His Son, I am able to have a pure heart before Him. So, this statue, represents those things and people I hold near and dear in my heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

I received this gorgeous bouquet of flowers this morning from my three great kids. I consider my children to be my greatest success and legacy. They each have a heart for God, love their parents, are forgiving of others, and respect people. Those are the greatest gifts Lauren, Lane, and Lawson could ever give back to me. It is very hard to be away from them this Mother's Day but I know our hearts are together. I pray every single morning for them, for angels to surround them and that their hearts will stay pure. As well as being blessed to have such great kids, I'm equally as blessed to have a mother who has inspired me and supported me through all of life's challenges and been there to celebrate all my victories. To her, I say Happy Mother's Day and I love you. To all my friends who have their own families, who are daughters and who are mothers, I wish God's blessings on Mother's Day and always. Love, Liz

Emory Week 1: Atlanta Week 2 (almost)

This week ends my first week at Emory and almost 2 weeks in Atlanta. Today I experienced my first "real" traffic jam in Atlanta. A wreck completely closed down 8 lanes of traffic on 285, the main loop around the city. I was right in the middle of it and an hour later, pulled into my drive. Last night was marred with me locking myself out of the townhouse, barefooted, no phone! I finally found a neighbor home who was able to break into the house for me. I'm feeling really secure. I trust Buddy won't let anyone get to me. Today was my first day at one of the three cardiology clinics where I'll manage the clinical side of the practice. I've got my work cut out for me!! For my nurse friends, let me just tell you that I found a urine specimen in the med fridge, the insulin had been expired for months, no dates on open meds, the crash cart unchecked in one year in the back hall, and my first request, please order the aminophylin that had an expiration date of 7/07!!! I'll be taking all those seemingly silly JACHO standards we applied at ACH and putting them to use at the Dekalb Emory Clinic. The Dekalb Clinic is in Decatur, a quaint community within Atlanta. Yesterday I was in downtown Decatur during my lunch hour. The courthouse has a wonderful shopping district with live music during the lunch hour on Wednesdays and Saturday's. I'm going to head back down there this weekend for dinner and listen to music. There are some super neat art galleries in the area and other unique shops that are standout kind of places. I did buy an "ecofriendly" purse in one shop. The owner reassured me that it was not made with any animal byproducts! I guess you could say it is a "vegan" purse. I just really liked the style and color.


I continue to trust God in this part of my journey. I know that someday, this will all make sense! Thanks for keeping up with me!

This is the most recent addition to my cross collection. It is a beautiful turquoise enamel cross on satin mat that is framed in glass. I have it separate from the rest of my collection because it is so unique and special in that one of my favorite people, Kelley, gave it to me before I left Little Rock. It looks great in my bedroom next to a gold framed mirror that I sat on my dresser. The mirror was the focal point in my den in Little Rock. It is fun to use larger pieces in different rooms and for other looks in the townhouse. It has all come together so far and except for Tricia, the cat, (a painting by Susan Morrison, a wildlife artist from Eureka Springs) I have all my pictures hanging in key places around the house. I am ready to start adding the furniture to complete the look I want here. Of course, I need to start to work first, and catch up after the expense of the move and not working for several months. Empty spaces are ok and keep me dreaming and planning.

I reached the place I needed to be this weekend. Unpacked, feeling settled, and able to rest before starting work on Monday. I'm reminded of a verse in Philippians (3:7) that says "and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I am experiencing such peace not only about how I have gotten here, but what awaits.

May 1

I love new beginnings and the beginning of this month is the beginning of calling Alpharetta my new home. Today marked the beginning of starting to live here as I unpacked the last box, put the pictures on the wall, and then had time to treat myself to a pedicure and carwash. (OK, the carwash maybe not for me, but Cactus Carwash is as much of an experience with their computer stations, soda fountains, and big screen tv, as it is a necessity for the dirty car after a long trip from Arkansas). I stopped at my new Kroger and bought pesto sauce, artisian bread, and the makings for a ceasar salad and came home and cooked my first dinner (no more sandwiches, please). And now, I can once again, bring my thoughts beyond all the tasks of moving and relax again and take everything new in.

This has not been an entirely "exciting" experience. Bittersweet better describes my feelings. My last night in Little Rock was the culmination of grief (thanks Eve for being there) and unpacking on Monday brought the sad reminder that the season of raising "babies" is done and this is a new season of life. It's not that I'm not a mother any more, but it is that I turn my children completely over to God and entrust them to him as I move alittle farther apart from them.

On a lighter note, Buddy has become the pooch of the century. He is a great dog and until now, has never gotten on the bed. Now he is king of the hill and loving my supercomfy bed. He is getting 2-3 walks a day and has already discovered the lake just across our street. He's a great companion and I'm so glad to have him.

I am looking forward now to starting to work and moving forward with my career in nursing. Stay tuned!

It's Moving Day!

It's finally Friday and Bekins has arrived on time and prepared to load us up! They actually came by yesterday to load my "baby"...... the grand piano. After knocking a hole in the bedroom wall, they decided they needed to break until today. Of course, Don, the driver and foreman of the group, is fixing the wall. No worries.

I finished my part. Packing a total of 65 boxes. It has been alot of work, and I think unpacking in the townhouse will be a bit like going shopping! All my pretty things will take on alittle different look and make our new place feel like home. They plan to unload me on Monday (a change from the Sunday date). I will have exactly a week to work around the place and take care of business before starting to work at Emory.

I must confess to being a bit tearful everyday this week. I'm sure fatigue plays a role in this, but also, closing one chapter to open a new one can be bittersweet. I have tried to see as many of my friends as I can, but it was impossible to talk to everyone. To you all, I don't say good bye, but "see ya later". There is an open invitation to come and visit Atlanta and stay with us, and I will always try to see you when I come "home" to Little Rock.

This one's for you, Judith!

Thanks John and Judith for a great dinner and great conversation! You guys are true friends and I couldn't have made it without your support and your friendship and your prayers. I look forward to having you come to Atlanta.

Today my prayers have been for provision and safety as things wrap up for the move now just a day away. I prayed that God would provide for me just as He does for even the tiniest of his creatures. When I was telling my sister about my prayer, I looked on my deck to see a sparrow eating a worm. What a visual from God! God does provide, and commands that we not worry about what we eat, what we wear, or any of the other minutia that could keep us from focusing on Him. I just continue t0 walk in faith and look forward to telling you all about the other side of this move.

Breaking Free

I just finished the book BREAKING FREE by Beth Moore. It has been a life changing book for me to study and apply the concepts to my life. The book's purpose is to lead the reader to the victory of total surrender in Christ. I started this book in January and took my time to read and study each chapter, looking up scripture, praying for insight, and applying the truths to my heart. Early on I experienced healing and forgiveness for past hurts, failures, and sins. Satan so wants us to live in the past, feeling guilt, having nagging thoughts of self destruction and self pity. God, however, wants us to experience His unending love and mercy. He wants to "set the captive free" (Isaiah 61:1-4).To live in total surrender to Christ brings real freedom and liberty in life. Because I am totally surrendered to Christ, I have a completely satisfied life in Him and know no greater love. Through this healing, God has led me on this journey that takes me to Atlanta. I know that He wants me to move beyond the places where I experienced so much hurt, sin, and wrongdoing . Both spiritually and physically I am moving on and Breaking Free!

Liene and Me

Feeling pretty overwhelmed with all this packing and ready to quit! The highlight of today was dinner with Liene, Lane, and Eriks. Thanks Liene for the great pasta dish. I brought home a bottle of the Tuttle wine special. I'm letting this bottle age for awhile. The first bottle was their Christmas gift to me and I drank it in celebration when I returned from Atlanta. It was a great red wine they bottled themselves. Lane, you should consider the wine country when you retire!

Eriks

Today was a fun day with Eriks Tuttle, the cute 4 year old son of Lane and Liene. I had fun shopping for toys at Target, watching him throw rocks in the river, chasing him over the bridge, and "wrapping him up" to pack in the boxes for Atlanta (Liene, if he is missing, you know where to find him). It was a nice break from the constant packing of the past week. I did manage to get a few more boxes packed along with giving away a bed to some nice girls from Harding who need furniture for their new apartment. With this morning's prayertime I was asking God to bless me more so I could bless others more. I hope at the end of today, that is just what I could do. I know that I was blessed in lots of ways today.

I feel like if I pack anything else, it will have to be me!

Entry One!

Welcome Spring.....a time of change, renewal, color, sunshine......This Spring brings many changes: a move to Atlanta, a new job, a blossoming career, sunny green colors on the trees, joy.

Packing is underway for the big move in one week. Today I packed all the photos of my children. It is so tender to see their big smiles when they were so young. They are still very precious to me. It is hard to close a chapter of my life in that now they are adults. Where did the years go? I feel a paing inside my chest as I look over the pictures and wonder if I missed something. They grew up so fast. There are still so many good years ahead I refuse to have any regrets.

I'm surrounded by boxes. The things I love are in boxes waiting to arrive in Atlanta. I will be glad to get to the unpacking side of this move. I wonder what my things will look like in the new townhouse.

Lawson and I had our last Iriana's pizza for awhile. We sat next to the window and watched the trolley's go by. He is looking forward to the move but admits being alittle nervous. I must admit the same.

Isaiah 41:10 says "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not look around, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I am claiming this promise in the days ahead, with all their uncertainties, with all their excitement.
Moving to a new city, alone, but not. God is with me!