across the hall we go.

Two weeks ago DK calls to tell me the unit across the hall was now empty and that he wanted to show it to me. No this is not a proposal story, so sit back down.

This place is twice the size of his last place and has not 1, but 2 walls of windows. That and he got an amazing deal on it. So we talked and prayed, went back and forth and last week he signed the papers.

One of the best perks is that we'll have space for both of us to set up shop and work together, something we've been dreaming about for a long time. We have so many ideas and dreams. And we really need a chalkboard wall to sketch and sprawl them all out. (Coming soon!) I chose one of the windows facing east to set up my desk and am giddy about the progress, organization, and creativity that will take place because of this transition.

And it feels good to be on the upward slope again... more and more our days are filled with consistent peace and understanding versus the clutter that's been so present lately. Somehow, someway we've got to keep pulling each other back to the truths of who we are and what we are together and seperate. Regardless of our location, we thrive by being creative together and by really taking time to hear one another.

Here are a couple internal shots... but of course it looks nothing like this now because there is STUFF. EVERYWHERE. Peace!



And my favorite - the windows! You can see downtown and the fireworks from Minute Maid on the far window to the right. My window is the second one on the left!

living water international.

It's been nearly 4 days and the adrenalin rush hasn't yet worn off. Maybe because it's so beautifully laced with peace, balance, through gifted, inspiring people and fresh water for babies all over the world? Could it be?

I fell in-love with this organization initially because of the people who "work" for LWI, who give and serve so passionately in Africa, India, and Latin America drilling fresh water wells for villages, families, children. These men and women are not just gifted planners, delegators and drillers, but are also vivid storytellers. To sit and listen to anyone who has been there, anyone who has seen a well pump overflowing with fresh clean delicious water, anyone who has witnessed smiling children cupping this life giving water to their mouths and dancing freely because of it... I could sit for hours listening. And you'll hear them say "It never ever gets old."
(*Please note I put the word "work" in quotations because anyone from LWI will tell you it's not a job so much as it's just "what we do".)

Last Friday night was LWI's annual gala and they asked me to emcee the evening. I realized from their outstanding track record (full of surprises, creativity and trusting God to really bring it) this night was going to be out of this world. Suffice it to say, I was (am) honored and was giddy/willing to do whatever needed to be done. Through the planning stages, I was wowed at the staff and how kind, thorough, open, available, resourceful and hopeful everyone was consistently.

Held at the Intercontinental Hotel near the Galleria in the Legends Ballroom, guests mingled in the foyer amongst tall cylinders of dirty water and large photos of models holding glasses of brown water. (My description of the decor does it no justice whatsoever, it was BRILLIANT and I'll post photos eventually.) Once the doors opened, the sight was breathtaking as you entered into a ballroom full visual displays of clean water and purity. The backdrop to the stage was a waterwall itself. The crew REALLY outdid themselves.

The evening opened with African tribal music and dancers while everyone was taking their seats. As the music finished, I stood onstage under a spotlight and in complete silence looked out over the entire ballroom. I started to open my mouth to welcome everyone, but became so overwhelmed with the thought that these 700 people were about to take in information and visuals of LWI's work... and then do something huge to help further this Kingdom. I gasped. And somehow I went on to welcome and open the evening.

From there, it was pure adrenalin and passion that kept the momentum going. The Chairman of the Board Gary Loveless spoke about finances and the future, Pastor Gregg Matte said a beautiful prayer and then guests ate dinner until they were interupted by some Chick-fil-a cows who shared about an incredible way they are helping with the water crisis. Lael Kurcera shared her story about volunteering with the Health & Hygiene program and then watched a video about a young girl named Nichole Lalime who was killed by a drunk driver just last year - she gave up her birthday and Christmas gifts to give money for clean water. Unreal. Her parents were present and when asked to stand, were given a standing ovation by everyone in the room.

From there, we saw a beautiful presentation by an African man who told his story of receiving clean water, then an Indian family gave their testimony about how their children can play now instead of carrying water for miles back home and Estuardo shared the story of his life growing up in the midst of war and how he now drills water for LWI. Stan Patyrak delivered an incredible presentation about how churches, major corporations and advocacy organizations help out and then I got to introduce the gala chair, David Weekley. David. Was. Incredible. I wish I had a transcript of every word he spoke to share with you. Man!! After David shared, Paul Darilek came on stage and shared his personal journey with LWI in the most poetic and fluid way leaving everyone in the room completely breathless. The evening was finished out by Mike (who reminds me of David Letterman!!) who thanked everyone and closed with prayer.

Afterwards, I met so many more people and left feeling confident the small part I had in the evening was truly surrended and blessed. I don't think I ever stopped smiling. If you know me, I leave after having to be in front of a lot of people and beat myself up for how stupid I sounded.

But this was obviously so far from being about me personally, it was about how EVERYTHING comes back to water. It was about mothers who can sleep knowing their babies are healthy, it was about pastors being able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ because their people have needs met, and it's about education, health, progress and LIFE.

You can learn more about the Story of the Thirsty by clicking here.

(Photo by Stan Patyrak)

it's fall again!

This morning I woke up to the sound of the rain and with Kenai curled up in the crook of my knees, I didn't want to move at all for fear of disturbing this perfect moment. She's smart though and sensed I was awake, her tail starts wagging and I say "Good morning!" At that, she's ready for some sort of adventure so we hopped up and while she stretched, I put on my boots and rain jacket. Then we took off down the street in the rain, Kenai dances from puddle to puddle and I just ahhhhh... soak it up. Hello Fall.

wednesday fashion inspiration.

So I've started my own fashion trend this week. It's fall and I'm inspired, I suppose? Today I went overboard!

I found this classic Gap denim jacket for $10 at the new Goodwill on Westheimer (used to be the Dollar Store) and have been wanting to mismatch it with something so badly. So I pulled out my whitish 7 cuordoroys which could be considered something typical but then put on a black and white bold striped cotton shirt and a green and yellow silk scarf. And I wore my bronzy sandals again today.

My friend Angela once taught me the value of "not matching" and I think I'd like to take it to an even crazier level. Maybe I played it too safe today. Either way, I'm having fun with my Fall Fashion Week.

wedding videos like no other.

DK found these guys and showed me last night... I'm astounded. Seriously, get your tissues ready before viewing.

going in blind // aaron + jess' sde from stillmotion on Vimeo.

jc plus esther // all 7d highlights from stillmotion on Vimeo.

get out of my head, you bozo.

Lately I seem to be surrounded by whopping themes. *Please understand I strictly reserve the term "whopping" only for serious occasions to describe a particular person place or thing as "out of this world" i.e. amazing cheeseburgers, extreme enlightenment, those sorts of things... ya know.

Here's a good one to mull over: I think a lot. Let me rephrase, I SWIRL a lot. Seems that I get stuck pretty often in circles while thinking about just... stuff... and it happens when the doubt or fear creeps in soon becoming a disastrous mixture. Swirly thoughts + No resolution = Exhausted Liz.

One of my best friends and I were talking about a job interview she had yesterday at 2 p.m. It's a really awesome opportunity and for me from the outside looking in, it's easy to see how she's a perfect fit and they'd be crazy to not hire her. I think she was "swirling" while we were talking beforehand though, feeling pretty negative about the whole thing. She wasn't feeling great physically, (darn you Eve!!) she was pretty low on confidence (that never ever happens to me, ya right) and eventually chalked it up to it "just maybe not being God's will that I get the job."

A few nights ago, I woke up while it was still dark outside. I wasn't completely awake... you know where you're somewhat conscious but really dreamy like? So there I was, sort of in a sleep limbo. I always feel really vulnerable in that place though and I know the enemy knows this too. While I was stirring, my thoughts of things to do later that day turned into things I did do in the past and were basically ruining my current cozy spot. It's happened like this before and is somewhat familiar, this guilt and achey gross feeling that in my wide awake state is far more easy to put to rest.

Somehow, this time though, I found strength to ask the question "God? If this guilt and these reminders are from You being stirred up in my vulnerable state because You want to do something through it, then make it known. Otherwise, bozo Satan creeper, take a hike and know your place."

Suddenly the bluebirds and green lush trees entered back into the scene and without the actual letters H-O-P-E being written out across the blue sky, there was definitely a new unmistakeable theme present. Hope.

I know the devil is good at a few things. He's good at lying, creeping, and he's great at using insecurity, fear and doubt to sound like he's the voice of God. He wanted to distract my friend from doing well and having confidence in herself during her interview. He wants to make you feel gross and unworthy by reminding you of things that helloooo you've already been forgiven for.

Maybe when you start to feel unsure of the voice whispering in your ear just remember the holy spirit's conviction doesn't come ugly. (Disclaimer: truths revealed and growing pains are pretty tough, but always laced with hope and freedom)

Here's your proof: John 10:10 "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with JOY AND ABUNDANCE."

*to the authors of The Voice translation, I believe this passage should be tagged with an appropriate "BOOYAH".

tuesday's fashion inspiration.

mono·chro·mat·ic
Pronunciation: \mä-n-krō-ma-tik\
1: having or consisting of one color or hue 2: consisting of radiation of a single wavelength 3: of, relating to, or exhibiting monochromatism 4: lacking variety, creativity, or excitement

(I think #4 is the funniest)

monday's fashion inspiration.

Pretending like it's WAAAAY Fall outside, today I busted out my latest excitement, my fall boots.

I found these last season way on sale and have been checking on them in my closet a lot recently, wondering when would be the best day to make their debut. Today was the day.

(T-shirt: Norma Kamali, jeans: American Rag from Macy's, scarf: gift from DK from India!)

enthralled and inspired!

These are a few of my favorite blogs as of late...

Jeremy & Kathleen (thanks to Hub who pointed them out) they blog about life and work and also record what they wear everyday. Sound silly? Just check it out, you'll get hooked too.

Design*Sponge is full of ideas and clicks in my brain that go "Hey! I can do that too!!" Plus my friends Stephanie and Taylor were featured in the before and after section showing their renovated Scamp!

And though not a blog, Kim keeps us all up to date with her latest art... she's my sister-in-law and she paints such beautiful water colors and more!

What are your favorites?

smells like fall.

Today I woke up and felt like wearing a dress. I knew exactly which one too.

On our rainy drive back through Tennessee last March, DK and I stopped off to shop at what past billboards boasted as the most massive thrift store in the U.S. I spent $20 and scored several great finds, including a vintage electric blue cotton knee-length dress with 3/4 sleeves and a tag that read in gold stitching Oleg Cassini. Meow.

That's today's dress. I chose to accent it with my brass sandals and a wide brown belt with a brass clasp. Perfect.

I think I woke up feeling ready to officially begin the fall season... I can usually sense how the weather is before even opening my curtains and was anxious to dress the part. As I finished hair, make-up and teeth cleaning, I opened my medicine cabinet to put away my toothbrush and I saw it. My finishing fall touch!

I'm the queen of disclaimers though so I have to tell you first that I don't spend much at all on indulgances like this AND it was a gift years ago that I still treasure greatly. My Coco Chanel. I received it on my birthday and because of that (and the scent is definitely too heavy for spring or summer) I wear it only on special occasions and in the fall and winter months...

So regardless of the fact the autumnal equinox is still a week away, I declare today the official First Day of Fall. Just cause I felt like it.

crazy love.

Been reading Francis Chan's book Crazy Love - was ticked at first because I wanted the clarity and answers upfront but he's so intent on stopping to breathe between thoughts and taking your time to soak up nature in the process of reading and experiencing the book. It's what I've really needed... to reset my focus and energy off of the obvious and get back to working on some of the fundamentals.

Something he talks about that really struck me was concerning familarity. In relationships it's easy to become complacent and familiar with one another and we do it with God too. Especially if you work in ministry, He's what you talk about, what you know and can easily become the default subject. This makes sense to me. He then has you watch this video on the cosmos that blew my mind, his intent in showing it was to remind me that the God of the universe LOVES me. He's CRAZY about me. I am not a default subject to Him.
I was also reading this morning out of my Sparkling Gems quiet time titled Never Forget How Good God Has Been To You! Of course it's a lot of study on the wandering Israelites and how God continually provided for them while they doubted over and over again. Then I read this: "Don't be classified with those who murmured, complained, and didn't trust God. Be counted among those who are grateful and thankful, who trust God to be exactly who He has declared Himself to be. God is good to you - and don't even let yourself forget it!"

On the other side of this tough time I want to be able to say "I trusted! I had patience! I was thankful!"

Just a thought for today :)

love from Christie.

I've really kept to myself lately and haven't wanted to talk much about DK and me. From the outside looking in, my tendency would be to think something terrible and outrageously dramatic has happened but I assure you, it's not the case... we are really taking our time and trusting that when you pray truths and wisdom to the surface, well, God brings it... and in His own time. So it's all good and we appreciate your prayers :) (It's also important to me that you know I check with him anytime I blog or talk about things, hehe)

Though we’ve never met in person, Christie has become a great encouragement to me through Facebook and by sharing photos on Flickr. She’s an incredible mom and woman with amazing wisdom and insight - after sensing I was going through some personal things, struggling with patience and getting irritated with the “When God, when?!” she sent this email just in time. This is a portion of it:

“If I’m right about that then I’m here to say I know how you feel… Hopefully, peacefully, impatiently heartbroken.

And it can be tiring to remind ourselves of God’s perfect plan. ESPECIALLY, because it can suck to be alone (even if you have a ton of friends). It can be challenging to want His will for your life and act on it at the same time.

The devil loves to tell us that it’s not going to work out. That we shouldn’t even get our hopes up. That we should be grateful for what we have and that its selfish to want more…

The devil HATES it when we remember truths like Jer 29:11 that tells us that God wants to give us a future and hope. The devil HATES it when we count on God to meet our needs for security, love, and joy. The devil WANTS us to seek those things from our circumstances and other people so we’re ultimately let down and discouraged. The devil WANTS you to forget that our God is before all things and that in Him, He holds ALL things together (Col 1:17)

And when you’re worn out and tired and discouraged the devil does NOT want you to remember that our God renews our strength, guiding us along the right paths in order to bring honor to HIS name (Psalm 23:3) (How lucky are we to be used by God to bring HIM glory! wow!)

God knows you long to obey his commandments and that you want your life renewed with HIS goodness (Psalm 119:40)

He knows your heart, your desires, your dreams and that ultimately you want your heart, desires, and dreams to be His!

He’s got this Liz! He’s all over it! He’s carrying you! He’s loving you with His undeserving grace-filled love!

So my virtual friend - when you find yourself feeling impatient, when you’re tempted to not hope, do not fret or have anxiety about anything but in EVERY circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God (Phil 4:6)
He has never left you. He will never forsake you.

And KNOW that the theif comes only to steal and kill and destroy but our God came so that we can have life, and have it abundantly! (John 10:10)

I’ve learned that my abundant life has only come by knowing the TRUTH of who I am through Christ and who God says He is. When I meditate on the truth, I am FREE from the burdens and discouragement I’m tempted to indulge.

So seek Him girl! Seek Him like you’ve never sought before and your eyes will be opened to so much! And a peace that makes no sense will be all yours!”

I think because my God loves me so much, He likes to send little surprises full of encouragement and pats on the back in the most unsuspecting ways. And here, a woman I barely know emails me with the most beautiful words that left me pumping my fist in the air hollaring "Oh ya! Right on!". I can only explain it as being supernatural. Thanks C.

baby bros hard at work.

Check out the latest with Andrew! And he's coming to Belize with dad and me in October!!

I just saw the flight confirmation, Dave and Kim are coming home December 12th!!! I'm so excited it's hard to breathe when I think about it!!

Dave, Andy and Kim - this one's for you!!

rainy day air show.

This is my view today. I mean, this is the window in my office, but with the storms rolling in today the view is a little cloudy heehee. One after the other these airplanes descend directly above me into IAH.

used to.

Don't know what's going on with me lately but have never had such insane writer's block. After funny things happen or enlightenment takes place within my day, I'd immediately start writing in my head an opening paragraph and think of what photo to use along with the story. It's been nearly a month and because this blog is such an important tool I use to keep in touch with you, I thought maybe if I just started writing, something would eventually pour out.

Denver: I'm really ecstatic about going in late October to run my 4th half marathon. My incredible friend Lynn whom I know from college (remind me to tell you how we first met) lives in Wyoming with her husband and kids and in the last year, our friendship has blossomed and bloomed. It's insane how much we are in each other's heads and so on the same page. She's a brilliant woman with a beautiful family and recently lost a ton of (baby)weight and because of her endless supply of motivation, I'm inspired to stay fit and running. Our conversations usually consist of "Hey what are you doing tonight, want to come over?" to which I reply "Ya, sure I'll pick up dinner and be there in 5." It was because of this we started looking forward to a realistic date we could actually get together and visit... so when I missed my chance to register for Houston 2010 and started thinking outside the Texas box, I came across the Denver marathon. We both couldn't shake the idea OR the excitement of how realistic this was turning out to be and now here we are, 5 weeks away!! In addition to that, one of my best friends Heather (also from college) now LIVES in Denver so we've turned this into a big girl's weekend. In Denver. I am ecstatic and absolutely giddy. I'm pretty sure I could live there one day.

KSBJ: I can't believe I've been here for 5 years. I celebrated my 5 year anniversary on August 17th and since then I've felt a different kind of confidence in my ability and what God has called me to do here. I've been thinking a lot about writing some "behind the scenes memoirs" of my time here - esp. about my favorite artists and the growth I've seen in Christian music from my perspective. Interaction with artists backstage and in the studio, time with co-workers, embarrassing experiences and favorite moments at events with listeners and the beautiful people I've gotten to meet. Wow, I'm so blessed. Maybe I'll just start blogging about that. And I'm still not completely settled in my new office upstairs in Building A, it kinda feels a little weird. Maybe it's going to take some time to adjust, but after so many years in Building B, I feel a little sentimental :) Plus, sharing an office with Mike and Jen and being so close to Barb was a huge perk. I do however love my view. I have huge windows facing east and will often spin around, prop my feet up on the sill and watch the planes, one after the other descend directly above me into IAH. It's quite a show... And I daydream about what's in store for the next 5 years. Can you even imagine?

Family: I miss my brothers and Kim more than EVER. They are all doing really well but MAN it hurts. Dad and I are planning a trip to Belize in October (it's our favorite) and I heard Andrew may make it. I hope so. We've been several times and each trip something has kept us from getting to Placencia, a town far south. I think we're gonna try for it again. I love traveling with my family. You know I was homeschooled? Dad's worked for Continental for over 25 years so growing up, dad traveled a lot for work and because we were homeschooled, we just went with him. We did mostly the States, Europe and Central America and I'm pretty sure it's the sole reason we still all crave adventure. We got the traveling bug early on, man. And we feel like we each took our traveling passion to a whole new corner of the earth. Boy oh boy, do we have some stories. That could be a whole other blog.

Love: DK and I ventured into some uncharted waters recently and have had a really tough time. I credit this tough stuff to my lack of creativity or desire to write lately but didn't feel like mentioning it earlier in this post. Now I'm just rollin' and it came out. It's hard being on the radio and living the details of my life so publicly... then feeling with this one delicate subject, because it's so vulnerable right now and I don't have all the answers to the why where when and how, I'm feel like I'm kinda being dishonest with everyone. I hate this. I choose to (try to) allow God to keep me an open book so that in whatever way He wants to encourage, share, grow or whatever through this platform called KSBJ radio, I'm game. I share everything else, but this has been the toughest one and I just. don't. wanna. The most stubborn part of me is pretty much mourning some details pertaining hopes and dreams and because I know God is working other important things right now, I'm essentially being told to wait. Again. And I don't like waiting, you see... I make my plans and I make them happen. I get a little teary eyed when I think about it - like right now - and regardless of the growth and wisdom I've attained from past experiences, you'd think I'd be a bit more patient. Everyday I'm seeing new things happen, some days it's something big like friends who love us telling us they love us and great things are coming soon, some days it's like a pretty rainbow or something nice like that. Either way, I love him and I believe good things are to come. I'm trusting big time.

Friends: Writing about all that stuff with DK made me think so much more about my friends, wow. I have the best friends in the world. I've never really had incredible and consistent best friends until I experienced a new dimension of God's love through these women in my life... women like Amanda, Domenica, Kristen, Brandi, Lynn, Heather H., Tiffany, Cindy, Heather S., and Becky. In the last couple months or so, I've felt a bit submerged in this comfortable idea that amongst them, it's totally ok to not have concise thoughts and that allowing me to be a really huge dork is part of what it means to ya know, love me :)

Anywho, I guess I just ralphed all over my blog. Thanks for believing such great things. God is good, I'll be in touch soon 'cause I think this really helped with my stinky writer's block :) XOXO.