"Whispering Hope"

Whispers of God's hope are fluttering around in my mind this beautiful, cold February day. As I contemplate my own life dilemma's, as well as those of friends and family I am reminded of God's provision in word. Come...travel through the scriptures with me.

"Where then is my hope? Can anyone find it?" Job 17:15

I don't know about you, but there are times in my life when I can relate to Job's words: "where is my hope?" Sometimes I feel a bit like I have lost it or maybe my hope ran feverishly away from my wandering mind and spirit.

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Psalm 39:7

Ah, my hope did not run away. Where did I put it? Great question!! Many times I put my hope in the wrong place(s). Thankfully, God nudges me, sometimes gently and sometimes with a great big push or shove. He is faithful to draw me back to His ever faithful word.

Hope is NEVER lost...only a whisper away!

Hoping in "our Heavenly Father,"

Andrea

"Love"

Love is a single flower...
Blooming through your life...
Love is a tower...
Tilting to one side...

From beginning to end...
Love is the same...
Often we pretend...
To love our own name...

Tomorrow, Today...
We often see change...
Lingering on...
In many a way...

Yet...
The best of love...
Far better than best...
Coming from above...
Unlike the rest...


I wrote this poem in 1982 at age 16 years old. As I ponder the twists and turns my journey through life has taken me the constant has always been my Lord. Needless to say, my journey like many others has not been easy, nor have I always made the best or correct decisions. Yet through each valley and bend in the road I came to a place of peace, hope, love and satisfaction.

God has been ever faithful to meet me in the midst of any and ever aspect of my life. Never once has he abandoned me. At the end of each day, I surrender myself to Him knowing He loves me and will never leave me.

Early this morning, I awoke sensing I needed to share this simple message. I suppose in the quite of the morning I realized there may be someone who has never known or felt this unconditional love. It is my prayer God will touch your heart in a way like never before giving you the gift he gave me so very long ago. He loves you and longs for you to no longer carry your load alone.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea

Waiting On The Lord

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up on wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:31

For years this passage has been a favorite of mine. Each time I read it I pause at "wait for the Lord." Waiting is likely the most difficult part of God's plan for me. Patience has never been my strength.

Today, as I read this passage God spoke a different word to me. I realized when I run ahead I am NOT enjoying the life He has given me. Sadly, I regret the many times I missed blessings and endured unnecessary heartache because of my lack of patience.

When our Lord says, "wait" He means it. Today is a new day in our journey. Peacefully, I reside to enjoying the life God has given me. I am striving to no longer run ahead, instead be still, listen, and enjoy the blessings of each moment. In God's time, the new adventures of our lives will unfold.

Blessings, prayers, and love from the coast of Virginia,

Andrea

God's Beautiful Creation

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

As I gaze upon one form of GOD's creation I am amazed and overwhelmed. The vast ocean lay before me, waves pounding upon the dark Virginia sand. Time and time again I visit, yet my view is always uniquely beautiful. Only a divine creator could provide this unbelievable gift.

Today, the heavens open spilling tear shaped raindrops upon us, a reminder of GOD's cleansing and renewal. A day of rest, "says my Lord," a gentle reminder of His perfect plan for each of our lives.

Often we hurry, run, and aggressively push our way through each day. Not today; I am listening, Dearest Heavenly Father. I rest in your arms enjoying the beauty, cleansing, and renewal.....the perfect gift you have given me for this day.

Resting in the arms of my Heavenly Father,

Andrea

The Ultimate Valentine

My "Ultimate" Valentine.

He loves me unconditionally.
He never abandons me.
He meets all of my needs.
He desires only the best for me.
He gives me the very best from his possessions.
He always knows the desires of my heart.
He is perfect!

By now I am quite sure I have your attention. No, I did not find the only perfect man this side of heaven, however as humans go I must say I came pretty close. My husband, Doug is a wonderful man, but it is not humanly possible for him to satisfy the qualities of the "Ultimate Valentine."

The only one who is able to meet all my needs, wants, and desires is the "lover of my soul...Jesus Christ!" As we celebrate this Valentines Day, lets remember the reason for the season, Jesus! He gave the ultimate gift of love!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"...for we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love." Romans 5:5

May GOD bless each of you as you celebrate Valentines Day with the special people in your lives.

By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Octo-Mom

"Children are a gift from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

It seems everywhere we go people have an opinion about the situation with "Octo-Mom." If they don't have an opinion they likely have many questions: Why? How? and so on.

Yes, even in my home questions and opinions have be raised. After a morning of prayers and heartfelt tears for these "fourteen" gifts from the Lord, He spoke to my heart. I am a Mother and a Grandmother. Some days I believe I am a good Mom and make wise, godly decisions. On other days I feel defeated and unsure.

Today I pondered all the selfish mistakes I have made through the years. God graciously allowed me to find my way through a long and painful season of life ending in healing and restoration. My children have survived without visible scars or trauma only to find their mother questioning and debating someone Else's seemingly bad choice(s).

I am not defending Octo-Mom, I simply express my heartfelt desire to remember, these are GOD's children and He has a perfect plan for each of their lives. At the very least it is our responsibility to pray and love these children.

Please join me as I pray daily for Octo-Mom and each of her children. Only GOD can heal, restore, and redeem!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

God's Goodness

"For I know the plans I have for you, "says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

This new day within God's plan reveals itself by the pitter patter of two of the most beautiful feet created by our Heavenly Father. With a bounce and a giggle Savannah Faith finds her way to Nana. She finds her favorite book and crawls into Nana's lap.

As I cradle my precious Savannah and share the "Martha, Martha" story I am reminded of days past. A little more than two years ago I did not know I would be "Nana" and now my heart skips a beat every time I hear her giggle, laugh, and call my name.

Although Doug and I did not know we would be grandparents, God knew. When I read the words in Jeremiah, "they are plans for good" I realize the true meaning of "good." In the past, "good" meant okay, fine, or simply something I could live with.

"My" new definition for God's "good" is: beautiful, magnificent, wonderful, exceeding anything one could imagine....the grandest grand!!

In years past I strolled through this passage and kept going. Now, when I read the words "the plans for good and not disaster," I get it. God's "good" is so far above anything we can comprehend. I pray you will join me in recognizing God's goodness in each day.

By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

"Prayers For My Journey"

Today I am full of humility. Rarely does "anything" come between myself, my journal, and my pen. However, my body has been invaded by a respiratory bug slowing me to a creeping crawl. Every activity seems to require more energy than I able to give at this time.

Determined to sit upright long enough to post an article seems to be a chore. I admit I am completely miserable and whiney, but I share my weakness because GOD is speaking "loudly" in my distress.

"Slow down, seek only good things and rest in ME."

I share this breif post realizing perhaps there are others who may need a gentle whisper or as often happens to me......a loud bousterious cry from our Heavenly Father.

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea

Love

Challenge
Is often needed for love
For courage to love
For courage to speak up when you love!

The above poem was written in the heart of a young, thirteen year old girl known to most as Andee. She found herself growing up in a world without the security she once knew. Her grandmother, Marie Coates died September 27, 1979 after an extremely painful journey with Cancer.

God is faithful to heal and restore the hearts of all who are willing. The little girl known as Andee is now grown and sharing a special relationship with her own granddaughter. I am that little girl!!

As I gaze into the eyes of my precious granddaughter I think of my Nana and realize the gift God has given me. My Nana taught me how to be a Nana, giving me courage to love and speak up when I love.

In the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea