So, here I am, after being out of the music scene in quite awhile, having gone through many changes in my personal life, including emotional, and physical, over the last few years. I wish I could say it has all been sweet, but, there have been some rough, and sad times. However, those experiences have brought me to a place where I am much more appreciative of where I am now, and what I've overcome. What matters most though, is that I am learning from the past, and making changes for the better for now, and my future. I have learned that there are some things in life that are not worth worrying about, or forcing to happen, or change. I've learned that if I am not passionate about something, it is better to leave it alone. I've learned that I do my best when I challenge myself, and set goals. So, in all this rambling, my point is this: What matters most is that I am happy with me, and where I am, and that I am applying myself into the things I am most passionate about. It has been a long road, but with God's help, family, and some good friends, I have survived, and am now ready for the next half century! :-) If you are reading this, thank you. I hope you enjoy what you read, and hear on my site. I am writing music, and songs again, although my signing voice is not what it used to be, and that's ok. I don't have to be a great recording artist. I just want to be the creator of good music, and lyrics, and hopefully, bless some of you here! :-)

Have you found that as you get older, the time seems to pass more quickly, and you suddenly find yourself not having enough time in the day to complete all of your tasks? Or you see the days/months, even years speed past you, and the hopes/dreams/visions you had planned to take time to complete, are now fading into the sunset? Before you know it, your kids are grown, graduating high school, starting college, looking at starting their own families, and you're yelling inside yourself, "WAIT A MINUTE... I haven't done everything I wanted to do with you, and now you're becoming SO independent!!" We still have vacations to take, places I want to show you... another trip to Disneyland; but you have other plans... you are wanting to move on with your own life. We barely get used to being parents, and then it seems, the time flashes by us, and we find ourselves sitting home, alone, like tonight with the nice dinner I made which no one else got to enjoy. Not by my choice. I would have welcomed the company, but they had their own agendas. I guess it makes me think how many times I couldn't wait for a weekend to get here, or a vacation to come, and before I knew it, it was over. A co-worker once told me, when I said I couldn't wait until Friday, "You're just wishing your whole life away when you do that." At the time it didn't make much sense, but now I realize she was noticing how I was trying to make the time pass more quickly... if only I had SLOWED Down a little... A friend sent me an illustration today, where a daughter was very anxious to show her mother a field of daffodils. The weather was bad, the visibility was low, and the mother wasn't interested in taking the time to go and see the flowers, but the daughter insisted. Once they arrived, they came upon a hillside which was covered with thousands of daffodils. The mother stood in awe of the beautiful sight... Long story short, there were over 50,000 of them, which were all planted, one at a time, over 40 yrs. by one lady. One lady who had the patience to see the bigger picture... one lady who didn't mind working the soil, and waiting for the return profit... She didn't complain about how long it took, or how many bulbs she planted... When we take the time to slow down, to smell the flowers, to see the beauty in all that God has created, to appreciate a friend who has been there for you, to say "I love you" to someone special, to hug your children, to help someone in need, we ALL reap the benefits of our fruits and labor. So, SLOW DOWN a little, enjoy life a little more, and appreciate all of the good things life has to show us... Blessings, Liesa~

Have you ever had someone in your life inspire you? Has that person changed your life in any way? Or, maybe you've had a life altering event take place that made you appreciate every breath you take. Maybe you've lost someone dear to you, whom touched your life in a very special way, or maybe, circumstances in your life have changed, and you've had to look at everything with a whole new perspective. I know after my mom's open heart surgery, she said everything looked more vibrant to her; the colors of the sky, flowers, things in her room; things you normally over look and just take for granted. It was explained to us later, that many people who have near death experiences, awaken to see everything in a "new light." For me, it has been some of the above circumstances which has made me really stop in my tracks, and re-evaluate things in my life... and even have a new appreciation for things I had taken for granted. I've been at a crossroads for awhile. Things in my life have changed, and I've had to take a deep look into who I've become. Starting over in life at my age, well, any age, is a scary thing... being on your own, starting a new life, new job. There are many fears that overwhelm you, insecurities surface, maybe some of them you haven't seen or felt since your earlier years... things that make you act out in ways, you'd forgotten exist... But then, time passes along, you start to regain your composure, a close friend to you battles cancer, and you see how precious life is... how she touched so many lives through her love and her music, you see her lose her battle with dignity, knowing she has gone to a better place, and now, you're the one left behind, with the knowledge she imbedded in you, a tool she's given you to hold your head up high, and face the world and it's challenges with little or no fear. Taking our eyes off of ourselves, and focusing on Him... Allowing Him to mold us, and shape us into that person that others look up to, when we face our battles with dignity. It is then, that we are viewing life in a different light; in a light from those who have gone before us, speaking to our hearts, making us stronger than we knew we could be. This is for Janice: You inspired me more than you will ever know. Your light touched my heart, and my life. I have held the lessons you taught me, and the memories, dear to my heart. I thank you for your words of encouragement, and wisdom. I have vowed to try and take each day, and make it a better one, and to not live in fear any longer. Life is too short, and too precious to waste. You have made me view my life, from a different light, a different perspective. I hope some day, to be an example to others, to be an encouragement to them, just as you were to me. I will welcome the day I can see you again, and thank you in person, for being my light. Janice lost her battle with cancer this past Friday, but her memories will live on in those who loved her. She was a mentor to me, and a wonderful example to so many. As I ponder where this life will take me, I know each day I have on this earth is precious. My children are precious. My family and friends are precious. The wonders that God created for us to enjoy, are precious... I pray I can soon incorporate some of these thoughts into my music. I feel the words coming, and the music is right behind... in my mind I can hear it; now it's time to write again. The glass half empty, is starting to look full... the "lighting" has changed. Blessings, Liesa~

Hey, it"s been awhile since this has been updated... thinking maybe next summer? :-) Hello there, We had the 3rd Annual Christian Songwriter's Gathering this past July, and are looking forward to the next one, which will be held July 10-12th, in Beautiful Townsend, TN! Make sure you review the information at www.christiansongwritersgathering.com and check back for more information as time gets closer. This next year's Theme is: "Saddle Up Your Horses, Let God Take the Reings." We will kick off with a COWBOY Feast the first night for the Traditional Ice Breaker evening, and then have another Open Mic Night, as well as an evening of Worship. We also have sessions, and collaboration times during the days for you to share your experiences, and learn from others who share theirs. We hope to see Y'all there!! Blessings, Liesa~

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNOUNCEMENT: The DATES for the 2007 Christian Songwriter's GATHERING are: July 12-14th, Thur-Saturday, at the Highland Manor Inn in Townsend, TN. PLEASE Mark Your Calendars for this Event!! This Year's THEME is: "BREAKING DOWN The BARRIERS" (What comes between YOU and God?) There will be some activities designed to help those who need to "De-Frag" a bit, let go of the distractions, break through your writer's block, etc., and break through the things that come between YOU and Your Songwriting/Ministries/God. Be Ready for a time of Re-Juvenation! We will follow a similar format for this year's GATHERING, ie., the first night, an ICE BREAKER Event, which will be a MEXICAN FIESTA with food/fun/fellowship. Daily sessions on Friday and Saturday, and Open Mic Night/Share time, and A worship Evening! We will also be having some Collaboration Time, so Bring a Song or Lyrics that you've been working on, and get some feedback from the attenders! EARLY REGISTRATION Until June 15th: REGISTRATION for the "GATHERING" will be as follows: $30 per person, $50 per couple, (or Registrant with a paid guest.) This includes passes to the daily sessions, as well as the evening sessions. (Daily sessions for Registrants/paying guests only.) Evenings are open to guests, and family/friends. AFTER June 15: Please ADD an additional $5.00 per person Registering for the Sessions. FEES for the MEXICAN FIESTA/ICE BREAKER: $7.50 per Adult, or $13.00 per couple, (or Registrant and paid guest.) Kids 6-11, $4.00 each, (or kids 5 and under, Free.) PLEASE FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE and send it to: friends@christiansongwritersgathering.com. Mailing instructions for payment will be given to you, once received. Rooms at the Highland Manor Inn will be $79.00 per night. You are welcome to contact them directly and reserve your room. Go to http://www.highlandmanor.com For more information on the Townsend area, please feel free to view this link: http://www.townsendchamber.org/ There is MUCH to see and do in the Townsend area as it's at the base of the Smoky Mountains... IF you can arrange it, plan a couple of extra days to sight see and explore all the area has to offer. NOTE: IF you'd like to be on the Planning Committee, please contact me at friends@christiansongwritersgathering.com. We need help in setting up, planning sessions/calendar of events, sound tech/recording, and tear down. For MORE INFORMATION go to: www.christiansongwritersgathering.com *********************************************************** REGISTRATION FORM: (Please mail along with your payment, or e-mail to: friends@christiansongwritersgathering.com. NAME of REGISTRANT: NAME of GUEST: Mailing Address: E-mail Address: Phone Number: How many attending the Daily Sessions? How many attending the MEXICAN FIESTA? Adults: Kids 6-11: 5 and Under: Interested in HELPING OUT? Please Check ALL That Apply: Gathering Committee Set Up Tear Down Decorating Worship Photos Preparing Food Technical (Soundboard/Recording) Communications (Contacting Registrants/committee members as needed) Teaching a Session, if yes, please explain: Other: What kind of sessions would you like to Attend? How long do you think the sessions should be? Would you like Free Time built into the days? Anything you'd like to add? (This will be reviewed by the "GATHERING" Committee... Any Questions? Thank you for taking the time to fill this out. Looking forward to seeing you at this year's GATHERING!!