Survival

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord Your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
Isaiah 43:1b-3a


Today, I share one of the most important verses GOD has used in my life. Simply, GOD promises me "survival." No matter how bad it gets, HE will see me through to the other side. I am HIS and HE will never abandon me.

If you are struggling today, I pray you will find comfort in these verses. There was a season in my life when I slept with GOD's word. Yes, I held my big study Bible in my arms at night. My pain during that time was deep and yet, I survived. I am here today as a witness of GOD's love and protection.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Seek Peace and Pursue It

"Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

We live in difficult times. My weekend challenge for each of us is to: "Seek peace and pursue it." With the dynamics in some of our families this may be quite the challenge. Let us make the commitment and leave the problems and excuses at the feet of Jesus.

Seeking peace in all situations,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request for Hannah

This week GOD led me on a journey in blogland. While traveling about, I stumbled and fell into my Heavenly Father's arms as I read Hannah's mother's blog. My heart was captured as I read about precious Hannah and her sister, Sarah. Hannah is 9 years old and has a multitude of medical issues. Please visit Hannah's moms blog and storm the heavens on her behalf!

Storming the heavens with each of you,

Andrea

*The beautiful prayer button is made by Edie at Rich Gifts. Thank you, Edie for blessing us through your talents.

Allergic Reaction

Life is becoming more and more of an adventure. Most of you know we are planning our daughter's wedding. Last evening, we met with the wedding coordinator at the site where the Reception will be held. It is a rustic facility on two lakes. My husband is one of the owners and we visit there from time to time. It holds a special place in each of our hearts.

Here is my problem: The last two visits I have made to this facility I have become ill. I am apparently VERY allergic to something that grows around the lakes or possibly something in the building. I need prayers for healing and protection during this time. I must continue to prepare for the reception at this facility and I also have to make it through the reception.

It may sound crazy, but I laid in the bed this morning and laughed. At every turn things have not gone quite as planned and somehow it seemed humorous that I am allergic to the event area for the reception.

"the joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10

I am determined not to allow satan to steal my joy. I must admit I have been a bit cranky. Not breathing well does that to me. I am taking allergy medicine and holistic treatments.

I am amazed at the number of you who have chosen to call me friend. I thank you for your support, love, and prayers.

Amazed by His grace,

Andrea

Inspirational Blog Award

A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with this beautiful award. The Inspirational Blogger award was made by Dear Craisin. She is a beautiful young lady who is growing gracefully into the person GOD created her to be. I am amazed as I read her blog, following her journey through High School and the challenges of teenage life.

Today, I would like to pass this award onto each person who follows my blog. Each of you inspire me daily. I can not express how much I appreciate your love, encouragement and support.

"But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work, also." 2 Corinthians 8:7

Let us journey together as we live out the life GOD created for each of us to live.
May GOD bless each of you.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory Of Layton Johnson, Sr.
















Today, we will attend the Celebration service for my husbands uncle, Layton Johnson, Sr. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I chose today's picture because Uncle Layton loved the water and in earlier years owned a vacation home on the bay.

I will try to catch up with each of you. Please forgive me for not visiting regularly the past few days. I miss each of you and the encouragement you provide. I do feel the prayers and I praise GOD for the strength, comfort, and peace they provide.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Children Of Light

"For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

God has a plan to use each of us to light the world. Let's all do our part as "children of light."

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea

Uncle Layon's Journey Home

Doug and I come to you prayerfully thanking each of you for your prayers on behalf of his Uncle Layton. At 10:15 A.M., our precious Heavenly Father rescued Uncle Layton from his bed of pain and whisked him away to his new heavenly home. Uncle Layton gracefully took his Heavenly Father's hand and began a glorious journey with no pain, heartache, or tears.

As the family prepares to celebrate Uncle Layton's life, please continue to pray for each of them.

In HIS grip,

Andrea

Family

Lately, our lives have been filled with wedding plans. Our daughter is getting married September 19th. My husband, Doug and I have been very busy. Please pray for us as we continue to prepare for her special day.

Last night, we received a phone call from my husbands aunt letting us know his uncle is in RR ICU. He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer yesterday. They have told the family he has between 5 days-1 month to live. He is in a great deal of pain. Some of the medications make him hallucinate and react strangely.

Doug's uncle is a strong christian and has lived a good, long life. Doug and I went to the hospital last night and spent some time in ICU with him. It was very difficult for my husband to watch when he had an episode of violent pain along with some confusion. Please pray for the family and the doctors as they seek to control the pain.

Once again, I thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support.

In HIS grip,

Andrea

Thank You, Forever Friends

As evening rolls into morning, I reflect on the treasure I have before me. I stand amazed as I ponder the friends I have made via blogging. God has used each of you more than you will ever know to greatly impact my life for HIS greater good.

From darkness to light, GOD has abundantly blessed me with love, prayers and encouragement. I cherish each of you. I pray GOD will bless you beyond that which you could ask or imagine.

Forever Friends,

Andrea

Prayer Request For Sharon.

"Each new day does bring about the possibilities to take whatever didn't work out right yesterday and we can start over fresh today and begin to walk a completely different path." Kat @ Heart 2 Heart

When Kat left the above comment on my blog she did not know I would be posting a prayer request for a friend who is struggling emotionally. Kat's words are perfect.

Sharon is an intelligent young woman and a writer with a wonderful gift. Sharon was recently diagnosed as Bipolar. Please pray Sharon receives the proper counseling and treatment and if it is GOD's will, complete healing!

Once again, Edie @ Rich Gifts graciously made a prayer button. You can pick up this button at Divinely Designed. Mary asked Edie to make a button for Sharon. Sharon lives in Texas and became friends with Mary and I through facebook during the last year. Please storm the heavens with prayers for Sharon.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Celebrating Sunday

Celebrating a beautiful Sunday reflecting upon the beauty of God's creation. Each new day brings a new adventure in our walk with our Heavenly Father. May GOD bless each of you on your journey.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Resting

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

I have been quite busy the last couple of days. After completing today's tasks, I was exhausted. It was time to rest in my Heavenly Father's arms. I am acknowledging my need for rest. I will be blog visiting as soon as I can gather strength.

The picture I chose to post is from a recent trip to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. The flowers and butterflies were captivating.

Resting,

Andrea

Update On Ellen

Ellen's doctor visit went well. The news is not as bad as she had feared. The hole has closed, but it will take the bubble they placed behind it approximately another month-6 weeks to dissipate. She is up! No more hanging her head and laying 23 out of 24 hours per day!

She is continuing to heal and still needs prayers. Please continue to storm the heavens on her behalf. She is still overwhelmed by your prayers and support. I thank you and the family thanks you.

Ellen's niece, Donna has begun a blog, SeaGlass Reflections. Donna is a dear friend of mine. I directed a few of you to her blog initially, but I would like for you to drop by and let her know you are still praying for her aunt and also check out her blog.

GOD BLESS each of you for your love, encouragement, and prayers!

Andrea

Neno's Award

Recently, I was awarded the Neno's award by Silver @ Reflections and yesterday, I was awarded the Neno's award again by Christy Rose @ The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. Each of these two ladies are very special. They are encouragers and write from the depths of their hearts. Thank you, Silver and Christy Rose.

I am in awe and amazed by the love and encouragement shared in the blogging world. I thank each of you for your prayers, support, and gentleness. You share openly and honestly with all of us.

Neno's award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging. I have met so many wonderful people through blogging and I am so excited to pass this along. I want to pass it on to:

Mary @ Divinely Designed
Loren @ The Magoos News
Lora @ By The Lamplight
Sandi @ My Yellow Door
Yolanda @ Higher Grounds
Sarah @ Writing
Rosel @ Off The Beaten Trek
Kat @ Heart 2 Heart
Linda @ Being Woven
Lidj @ Crown of Beauty
Steve @ Gotta Have Faith
Debra @ Clothed With Scarlet
Two Finches @ Girl In A Glass House
Sally @ Smiling Sally
Mary @ Piles Of Smiles
Erica @ Scottsville
Audry @ Country Mom
Lelia @ Write From The Heart
Leslie @ Writing From The Lord
Edie @ Rich Gifts
Alleliabelle @ Humble As I Go
Ina @ Ina In Alaska
Just Be Real


There are so many more. If you do not find your name on this list, Please pick this award up. Each person who visits my blog is an encouragement and is valued. GOD BLESS you "all."

In HIS grip,

Andrea

Confession And Award

A couple of weeks ago, I received this award. We were getting ready to leave on vacation. I saved the picture as an image and I "thought" I wrote down the information about the award. After returning home, I realized I did not have the information and I could not remember who gave it to me or what to do with it.

You may say, "No big deal." For me it is a big deal. First and foremost, I am ashamed I can not remember the precious bloggy friend who gave it to me. Each of you are "very" special to me and I do not take your friendship, support, and prayers lightly. I am overwhelmed and honored by each readers comment, love, and support.

True Confession time:

Most of you do not know I struggle with short term memory loss. As I travel from one blog to another, I usually make notes about prayer requests and anything else I need to know later. It takes some time before my brain links your name with your blog name. I must keep going back to verify who you are and the correct blog you belong to. It is not that I do not know who you are, but the names do not instantly make a connection.

As I pray about this award and what to do about it, God said clearly, "BE HONEST, tell them the truth."

If you struggle with this same problem, know that GOD will use it to grow you stronger in your faith and closer to HIM. I pray more and I listen more now than I ever have in my life. Before this was a problem, I could remember "everything" and I do mean every detail. Now, I must rely fully on my Heavenly Father.

GOD BLESS each of you for understanding and to the very special person who gave me this award, I am truly sorry. I love you and I pray you are not offended in anyway. You can know GOD used your support to bring this confession forward. Had this not happened, I may not have ever shared this struggle with you. I do not believe in coincidences. I know GOD has a greater plan.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Hope

"My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation. My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

As I sit in the quiet of the morning, I soak in the presence of my Heavenly Father. He is the rock that holds me steady when all else fells. He is the strength that embodies my being. Through the difficulties of this life, I have leaned heavily on Him and He has never left me. He is my hope. He is the only hope. I cling to Him from the core of my being.

Praying God's peace, comfort, and healing touch on all who long for it,

Andrea

Bloggy Prayer Request

Today, I am burdened for a new blogging friend. I began my morning reading all the beautiful comments left during the night. Nearing the end of the comments, I found a new friend, Reese. Reese asked me to pray for her and to share her prayer request with other christians.

I traveled to Reese's blog and read her entry. As I began to pray, I realized GOD wanted me to share a link to her page on mine allowing each of you to storm the heavens with prayer on her behalf.

Please visit Reese @ Family, Food, and Starbucks. Please let Reese know you will be praying for her family.

Storming the heavens with my wonderful friends,

Andrea

What I Love About Summer!

The Beach! Being able to walk with my feet in the waters edge refreshes me. The ocean and all of it's treasures are one of my most favorite things about summer. Also, being able to share those treasures with family and friends!











Our two precious little ones learning to share! Savannah (left) and Keagan (right) have a beautiful bond!













I love spending time with my furry kids outside. Sitka is my baby!














Savannah sharing fresh "corn" with O'Papa!













The warm sunshine on a beautiful day and the innocence of our precious little Savannah!












Doug, Seth, Savannah, and Trouble enjoying a day of fishing!













WHEEEE...I can fly!

















Our flowers....















Family...
Courtney (My sis), Jennifer (My Cousin), and I
(From left to right). This picture was taken in the spring after my Grandmother Bowling's funeral in SC.
















Keli (My Cousin), Courtney (My Sis), and I
(From left to right). After a wonderful lunch while visiting in SC.









I was tagged by Kat at Chili-Pepper. Now it is my turn. Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures. Summer is a great time to share!

Now I will tag:

Leslie @ Writing For The Lord

Edie @ Rich Gifts

Rosel @ Off The Beaten Trek

Mary @ Piles Of Smiles

Charlene @ Bring On The Rain

If I have not tagged you, please feel free to participate. Thank you, Kat! This was fun.

Enjoying Summer,

Andrea

Anchored

This anchor sat just off shore beyond the home we stayed in during our vacation in the Outer Banks. We were told it was washed inland during a hurricane. Each day we watched the tide come in and out, but the anchor never moved.

The anchor is steady and strong. I thought of my anchor, Jesus Christ. He moved into my being during one of life's hurricanes and has remained steady and strong ever since. He is my strength and my hope.

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20

Certainly, it was no coincidence I awoke and went to sleep seeing the anchor each day. On several evenings I was blessed to see a rainbow over the anchor. I was reminded of new beginnings with a solid foundation.

Anchored with love,

Andrea

Blog Friend Surprise

Leslie is on the left and I (Andrea) am on the right!

"A friend loves at all times.." Proverbs 17:17

At the beginning of my vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I realized Leslie from Writing For The Lord was also vacationing a few miles away. She lives in Pennsylvania and I live in Virginia.

We met at a coffee shop on Saturday morning and it was as if we had known each other all our lives. We were excited to physically connect. GOD is truly awesome! There are no accidents!

Leslie has a sweet spirit. I pray each of you will drop by her blog. She is a gentle soul with a strong voice. God is using her to bless and minister to many. She teaches preschool and is active in her church. She has a passion for the children of this world.

Blessed to be a friend,

Andrea

*Thank you, Leslie for meeting me during your vacation!

A Time To Renew

Our vacation is coming to a close. We have enjoyed many beautiful moments. I will be sharing some of them with you in the coming days. Our hearts are refreshed and there is simply one problem...we do NOT want to leave.

Tomorrow, we will travel from the Outer Banks back to our home in Chester, Virginia. We miss our family and furry kids.

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea