Welcome Back, My Friend!

I don't often write posts about other members, but I think this occasion merits an exception. A few months ago, one of my favorite writers on ActiveRain took an extended hiatus. Recently, she returned to the fold, and in top form. When she went away, I know that she was dealing with plenty of personal stuff, along with running her business.


Selfishly, I wanted her to come back soon, so I was very excited when she began actively blogging again. I have had a handful of other good friends that I enjoyed reading who have disappeared into the ether, never to be seen again. Thankfully, that is not the case here.


Elizabeth Nieves is in an elite group of top-tier writers that I have seen here in my 13-month stint, and I am proud to call her friend. I spent some time today (actually, well over an hour) catching up on the phone with her, as we shared some of our personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, both past and present.


We share a deep faith in Jesus Christ, which is something that I have become ever more bold about proclaiming in the wake of my close friend's death in March. We also share a profound and abiding love for our families.


If you have not encountered Elizabeth's blog yet, I would like to encourage you to make some time to read her stuff when you have the chance, and to subscribe. You will be moved. Frankly, her inspirational and honest stories are the ones that deserve to get more exposure. Truth be told, I would love the opportunity to collaborate with her on a book someday, and even more so after realizing how many similar life experiences we have had.


Her writing style is much like my own, which I consider "conversational". I always feel like I am talking to an old friend when I read her posts.


Elizabeth recently went through a really difficult time while trying to adopt two little girls from Mexico. To get a taste for her writing, you can read her entire tale about this in three parts:


I asked God for a miracle...and He gave me TWO! (This is for EVERYONE who prayed FOR and WITH me.) Part One


I asked God for a miracle...and He gave me TWO! (This is for EVERYONE who prayed FOR and WITH me.) Part Two


I asked God for a miracle...and He gave me TWO! (This is for EVERYONE who prayed FOR and WITH me.) The Final Chapter!


Here is one of the first posts I ever read by Elizabeth, back when she won our inaugural Inspired by Song! group contest last fall (I will warn you that this one is particularly heartwrenching to read):


If You Could See Me Now.... (In memory of Steven Lawrence Crain Jr. 1977-1993)


Here is another terrific and memorable post about her husband, Diego:


My 50TH Post...It's Gotta be SPECIAL! (I'd Like YOU to Meet My BEST FRIEND!)


I could provide more links, but you can just look around her blog and find plenty of good stuff to read without my help.



Elizabeth, this one is for you:


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