It Cannot Be Destroyed

"A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it." Psalm 46:4-5


Many large and powerful cities have rivers running through them. In Bible times, these rivers were used to water crops and allow access from neighboring cities to promote trade. Jerusalem has "no" river, however it had God.

When Jerusalem abandoned God, they suffered becoming captive to the Babylonians. How many families have abandoned God? We suffer the consequences of our parents and grandparents decisions to jump ship and go their own way. We are often captive in a run away speed boat on the river of earthly life.

My sister and I are products of a family who chose to jump ship and go their own way. As we became adults each of us realized we must get out of the boat and into our Heavenly Father's arms; we chose a new river-GOD. We surrendered our hurt, anger, and fear and found peace and love. God, our new river "cannot be destroyed."

Where God dwells their is protection. My sister and I live in the very midst of God's protection. We choose God and not the run away speedboat on the earthly river of life. If your family has chosen to abandon God, there is hope. You can turn the tide and change the journey for future generations. Come join us as we crawl, stumble, and fall into our Heavenly Father's arms.


Graciously forgiven and loved,


Andrea

Overcoming Depression

"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again- my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you- even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar." Psalm 42:5-6

Depression is a raging problem in our world and seems to worsen as the crisis of life's storms beat and batter many of us. I found myself relieved to find the gloomy problem is not new. The Psalmist suffered deeply, yet he found his hope in God.

"I will put my hope in God!" The psalmist chose to put his hope in God, knowing his LORD was the only answer to his deepest need. I, too have shared the psalmist crisis and praise God I share his solution.

Focus on the hope only God can provide! Listed below you will find helps for journeying through the depression battle:

1)Keep a journal of God's blessings in your life and the lives of those you love.

2)Praise God for each blessing!

3)Spend time in prayer, surrendering those things you can not change!

4)Spend time in God's word!

5)Leave those things you can not change at the foot of Jesus!

6)Most importantly, DO NOT allow satan to rob you of God's perfect peace. Keep your focus firmly planted on your Heavenly Father.

Praising GOD for victory over depression,

Andrea

Groaning With A Purpose

"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us His Holy Spirit." 2 Corinthians 5:1-5


Many folks feel the groan and sigh in their earthly vessel Paul speaks of in this passage. Tired and weary, we find our earthly bodies inadequate and failing at times.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "God has planted eternity in the human heart." Our hope abounds when we realize the earthly vessel we dwell in is temporary. Our aches and pains are temporary and pale in comparison to the horrible circumstances others find themselves enduring.

The last few days, my heart has been broken for a dear friend from High School. She was diagnosed in her early twenties with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease progressed rapidly and now at age 40 her body is frail, contorted, and weak. Her mind is sharp though communication is quite challenging, due to the severity of her speech.

Certainly, the earthly vessel of my dear friend is groaning beyond my own comprehension and will one day be surrendered for a magnificent heavenly body. She has endured the earthly disease, Multiple Sclerosis, with dignity and grace. She spends her days confined to a nursing home, yet GOD in his infinite wisdom has given her a ministry.

Yes, this contorted groaning body has a purpose. Over the last few years she has facilitated a book club in the nursing home. The residents meet on Thursday mornings to listen to books on tape or Cd and then discuss what they have heard. Recently, I received a note from my friend written by nursing home staff. In this note, she said, "one of my friends will not take her bath on Thursday because she is afraid she will miss book club."

How awesome a GOD we worship and serve. In the midst of a ravaging disease, my sweet friend is fulfilling a divine purpose. Today, I praise GOD for all that HE is and all He will accomplish through those willing to obey, despite their circumstances.

Overcome with GOD's divine presence,

Andrea

Living The Quiet Life

"Make it your goal to live the quiet life, minding your own business and working with your own hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are NOT Christian's will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."
1Thessalonians 4:11-12

Recently, I have been contemplating returning to secular work, however GOD in His infinite wisdom has been gently nudging....well, truthfully "shoving" me into a larger ministry of writing and speaking. Daily, I would allow the secular thoughts to creep in.

Yesterday, I went to the hairdresser to have color put on my hair. The facility was a buzz with chatty women portraying themselves as Christian's, yet their words hurt my heart. The distraction of those words became intensely loud, yet the still small voice inside me was able to overcome the roaring lions on the outside.

GOD brought me to a quiet place of writing; HE graciously gave me a writers nook within my home and a husband who is thrilled with the adventure GOD set before me. I am able to work in my pj's and soak daily in GOD's word; what more could I ask?

I tremble when I think of how easy I am tempted to do things my way. Today, I thank GOD for giving me "the quiet life" and lovingly directing and redirecting my path.

Soaking in my Heavenly Fathers peace, love, and restoration,

Andrea

Season Of Blessings

"The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!" Song of Songs 2:12-13

What an awesome creation GOD created; He has given us beautiful nature and beautiful love to share with the one He created us to travel life's journey with. God intended for each of us to stop running chaotically to and fro and enjoy the blessings He has given us.

Do not allow the state of our economy, fear, gossip, or any conflict to distract you from the world GOD created for you to enjoy. Most importantly, do not allow these things to come between you and the one GOD created you to partner with.

Enjoying the season of blessings,

Andrea

"Wilted and Fading"

"The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him. His salvation extends to His children's children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments." Psalm 103:13-18


As the wildflower within me fades away, my Heavenly Father will unveil my eternal body and home. My earthly being is fragile, but my eternal body awaits! One day, I will leave the "dust" behind-as though I had never been here.

We often spend our days fretting over worldly possessions, financial woes, physical illness, and yes, even gossip. At the end of the day...what a waste.

Our Heavenly Father is waiting for each of us to surrender our problems and "LEAVE" them with Him. If He is capable of preparing a new life for me, beyond this life, why do I distrust Him by hording my problems and not releasing them?

If you feel as though your very being is wilting in an untimely manner, I pray you will allow our Heavenly Father to strengthen and renew your being, preparing you for the remainder of your earthly journey.

Watered and renewed by the Ultimate Source of Life,

Andrea

Are You Withered?

"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O GOD." Psalm 42:1

We, like deer depend on water as our source for life. Deer and human alike must physically have water to sustain us. A human can only survive approximately three days without fluids, before death.

Our lives are dependent on GOD! In light of the comparison in this passage; what would happen to those who go three days with out spiritual water supply? The withering begins!

If you feel withered and alone, reach for GOD, your spiritual water supply. Do not allow the separation to continue.

Longing and thirsting for my Lord,

Andrea

*The picture was taken a couple of years ago while my husband and I were at Big Meadow Lodge, Shenandoah National Park.

Serving Amongst The Daisies

"He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people!" Psalm 113:6-8

For many years, this has been one of my favorite passages. Time and time again, GOD has used this scripture to remind me: He can and will use me. There is "no" excuse I can use worthy to get me out of serving HIM.

We often "believe" God only uses famous, rich, or intelligent people. We are wrong! GOD often uses the lowly, creatively strange, and unexpected person to accomplish great and awesome things for HIM.

In GOD's infinite wisdom, HE is opening the floodgates in many of our hearts for new and wonderful adventures with HIM. If you are the lonely tree amongst the beautiful sea of daises do not despair for you may be next!

Embrace this adventure with your whole heart. With HIS heart beating through ours we can accomplish all HE asks of us. Blessings, my dear friends......I look forward to witnessing many of those adventures!

Serving amongst the daisies,

Andrea

"Created For Purpose"

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mothers womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! and when I wake up, you are still with me." Psalm 139:13-18

God has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us, yet time and time again we question Him and drag our feet. Psalm 139 is one of my favorite scripture passages, because it reminds me of GOD's love and presence in my life.

If ever in doubt, I read and reread this passage. My heart quivers as I ponder the new adventures He has in store for each of us. Swing open the floodgates, Lord; we eagerly anticipate your good will and purpose for our lives.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Ocean

Ocean

Who art thou...
A roaring lion,
A melody of lyrics,
A distant future,
A deep revene,
Many thoughts,
Words without end...
Listen Carefully,
My dear friend,
I am the ocean
Speaking from within!!


Who is your ocean?

My ocean is my Heavenly Father! He meets me in my deepest need and rejoices with me during accomplishments and times when my heart is full of joy. He never leaves me or abandons me.

Today, I pray each of you will search your heart and soul. What is most important to you and what drives your decisions? What emotion controls you? and who is in control of this emotion?

"For Thou dost make him most blessed forever; Thou dost make him joyful with gladness in Thy presence." Psalm 21:6

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting." Psalm 126:5

"A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

Each day I begin trying eagerly to align my goals, desires, and thoughts with God's. God promises each of us: "Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding." Proverbs 17:24a

Lets continue to seek our Heavenly Father with joy in our hearts....

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Help Me, I'm Scared!!

God made each of us unique. Some of us love snow and some of us prefer the security of warm weather. There are also those of us who love both the beautiful ocean and as summer closes we can not wait until the first snow covers the ground. I am one who cherishes every aspect of God's creation. My heart leaps at the thought of tiptoeing through the warm sand, yet I eagerly dream of the cold winter day when GOD in all His glory spills forth snow from the heavens and surrounds me in a peaceful winter wonderland.

Sharing GODS creation is exhilarating and exciting. God graced us with a beautiful winter wonderland this week. Each of us celebrated His creation in our own unique way. My furry children are no different; three of them loved the snow, yet my 15 year old Cocker Spaniel, Macy said, "Please Mom....get me out of this stuff and let me back inside." My human children gathered their parka's gloves, boots, and raced to the garage to get the sled. They were eager to share this beautiful and amazing snow with our 20 month old granddaughter, Savannah.

Excited to see Savannah as she partook of her first snow, I grabbed my gear and raced outside to find a little girl unsure of her surroundings. From the windows of our home she had watched the snow fall with amazement saying, "WOW" over and over again. Savannah's "WOW" disappeared when she was placed in the snow. She was unsure of her footing and definitely not interested in being pulled around on a big red sled.

I wondered how many of us admire with amazement GODS gifts until they are given to us. We then become unsure and afraid. Can we do this? Are we really on the right track? How can we be sure?

When faced with fear, Savannah lifted her arms toward those she loves and trusts. She knew where to find safety, security, and love. With eyes filling with tears, her little arms reached toward the heavens past her earthly security.

Today, Savannah and I encourage you to seek your Heavenly Father when you are unsure, scared, or faced with uncertainty.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

"Pull Yourself Together"

"And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you are talking about? Pull yourself together Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall!" Job 38:1-3 The Message

Many of us have either experienced "violent storms" in our lives or are in the midst of one now. It is easy to take our focus off of our Creator and Savior and place it on the storm itself.

It is simple! Do we trust GOD or not? I admit, many times in my life I have babbled on and on about my problems and worked myself into a frenzy impacting my health, husband, children, friends, and probably people I do not even know.

Today, let us together "get up on our feet, pull ourselves together, and stand tall."
Let us leave the violent storms at the feet of our fully capable Heavenly Father and snuggle closely in His arms knowing He is our refuge, strength, and provider of all hope.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

andrea