He is my GOD!

"A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, "Will I ever make it~ arrive and drink in God's presence!" I'm on a diet of tears~ tears for breakfast, tears for supper. All day long people knock at my door, Petering, "Where is this God of yours?" These are the things I go over and over, emptying out the pockets of my life. I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd, right out in front, Leading them all, eager to arrive and worship, shouting praises, singing thanksgiving~ celebrating, all of us, God's feast! Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God~ soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you, From Jordan depths to Hermon heights, including Mount Mizar. Chaos calls to chaos, to the tune of whitewater rapids. Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers crash and crush me. Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer. Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God, "why did you let me down? why am I walking around in tears, harassed by enemies?" They're out for the kill, these tormentors with their obscenities, Taunting day after day, "where is this God of yours?" Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on GOD~ soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God." Psalm 42 The Message

Today, this psalm says it all. No matter what happens in life, "HE IS MY GOD."

Blessed to be HIS,

Andrea

Storming The Heavens

Today, I look to the heavens in search of answers. As the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Clemson Tigers my joy is tempered by the knowledge of family members who take this game so seriously they use it as an excuse not to speak. You notice I say, excuse! Obviously, there is a deeper and greater problem than a rival ball game.

Through the years our family has used excuses to cover a multitude of problems. Sadly, "The Bowling Family" is broken and only GOD can fix it. Today, I ask you to join me in prayer on behalf of my family.

One day, I would love to see each family member together, agreeing to leave their disagreements at the door and simply love one another! It is a big prayer request, but I know GOD is greater than the sin of dysfunction in our family.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Happy First Blogoversary Sitka

Yesterday, November 26th, 2009 was Sitka's first Blogoversary at All God's Creatures. Last year, GOD gave me a vision to allow each of you to follow Sitka's journey in the lives of others through Dog Therapy.

Please visit Sitka and join to follow as he loves and encourages humans who struggle in this world. Sitka visits hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities as GOD leads and opens the doors for him. Sitka also takes Nanuq (Samoyed) and Trouble (Toy Poodle) on many of his adventures. Each of them are certified therapy dogs.

Blessed to be the human at the end of the leash,

Andrea

Happy Thanksgiving

It is my prayer that each of you will enjoy the most beautifully blessed Thanksgiving, ever!

Blessed to be a part of this life,

Andrea

You Are Not Alone

Standing on the edge of one mountain looking onto valleys and other mountains, the beautiful pine tree caught my eye. He looks lonely with his beautiful green coat. He is clearly not alone. All the other trees have shed their foliage, but they are close by.

I wonder how many souls fill alone in a sea of people? I am here today to remind each of you:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

"I will not fail you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b

"The Lord will not abandon HIS people." Psalm 94:14a

Standing with HIM,

Andrea

From Me To You

I received this award from Sarah @ Gentle Recovery and Writing. Thank-you, Sarah for this award. Sarah has become a very special friend. Please visit her blogs and support her in her continued journey to help those who have been abused.

Now to follow the rules here are 7 things you guys don't know about me.

1)I can eat and write at the same time, fork in one hand and pen in the other.

2)I trained my cat to walk on a leash. You probably did not even know we had a cat. We actually have 2.

3)I have 5 children (2 adopted and 3 biological).

4)I learned to drive in my best friend's Dad's Lincoln Continental in the pasture in front of their home (rural SC....those were the days).

5)I like really loud music, especially if I am upset.

6)I was christened as a baby and baptized when I was 19, but saved at age 9.

7)I have a Bible addiction! Yes, I used those two words together. I love to check out new translations and new study notes and there is a strong chance I convince myself I need a copy.

I know I am suppose to only pass this award to 7 people, but it is simply not possible. I follow many awesome blogs and I have many awesome followers. For all those who follow and pray for me, this award is yours. Know I need and value your prayers. I also value your comments more than you know.

Blessings and hugs,

Andrea

PS: I will be away from the computer for the next couple of days. I will be working outside the home, helping a friend. I will catch up with all of you next week.

Baggage

Most of us have baggage and it is very heavy. We often trick ourselves into believing we have "checked it" at the feet of Jesus. However, quite often we quickly grab it back and continue to trek the mountains of life with it on our back. The load of unnecessary baggage is in our way. When we carry unnecessary baggage it prevents us from being healthy, productive vessels.

Today is a new day. Let's shed the unnecessary baggage of our past by "leaving it" with Jesus and step toward the light of the future.

"Cast your anxiety upon HIM, because HE cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Leaving the burdens behind,

Andrea

Sacrifice

This picture was taken a few weeks ago looking down on the Luray farming valley from the room we stayed in at Skyland Lodge. Each night, we would sit and look at the lights.

As we prayed for those living in this little community, I wondered if there were those who lights had been snuffed out by loss of job or other means. I could not help but pray more for those I could not see.

Yesterday, Doug and I were able to assist a young couple in donating $500 worth of food to the Virginia Food Bank. They had saved all year in order to participate in the food drive. This couple truly sacrificed to make this donation. Doug and I were privileged to witness their effort and be a small part of helping make their sacrifice happen.

Please consider donating food to your local food bank and remember to pray for all those you are unable to see.

Praying for those in need,

Andrea

Swimming Up Stream

Do you ever feel as though you are swimming up stream? Remember, you are NEVER alone!

Swimming with my Heavenly Father,

Andrea

The Smell of Manure

It is a rainy day in Richmond. We are projected to get a total of eight inches of rain with lots of wind. There have been many accidents on our roadways and there is a growing concern regarding flooding. I have spent the last hour or so praying for the growing needs of our nation and community, as well as many individual needs I am aware of. I know GOD is fully capable and HE has it all under control. Despite my knowledge of GODS strength, power, and capabilities I felt sad.

I began to scroll through some pictures on my computer. This one made me laugh. I will have to explain.

Cow manure does not stink to me. It smells sweet. My children hold their nose's when we travel through areas where there are cow pastures. They laugh hysterically at the thought of Mom thinking it smells sweet.

Our home has been filled with much laughter and many discussions regarding how Mom could possibly think cow manure smells sweet. So far, all we can conclude is:

Shortly after my birth, I lived in a small farm house on my Grandfather Bowling's dairy farm in rural South Carolina. Because, I spent the first year or so of my life living there, apparently I was sensitized to the aroma a cow leaves behind.

If your day started on a less than fragrant note, you can laugh with me! Fragrance comes in all sorts of packages! The next time you are overcome by the smell of cow manure, you will see a bit of humor in it.

Enjoying the fragrance of life,

Andrea

Freedom

As I enjoy the beauty surrounding me, I think of those who are serving our country. I eat when I want to, read the books I chose, and speak the words upon my heart freely each day.

While visiting Skyland Lodge last week, a gentleman came to our table. we did not know him. He simply came up and began to talk to us. The lodge was full and there were many lovely people around, but he chose to speak with my husband and I.

As he chatted about hiking trails, bears, and other wildlife, our conversation turned. He asked about our children. He smiled as we briefly shared a little about them. Soon our conversation took another twist. He thanked us for our son's service to out country. Seth, our oldest son is a U.S. Marine.

As it turns out the older gentleman was a WWII veteran and a Marine! We were shocked. He had an altered gait and some frailties, but looked young for his age. In fact, despite the deformities in his leg and hand he hikes and enjoys other adventures in his beloved America.

I was touched deeply by the compassion this gentleman had for our soldiers and all Americans. My son always says, "Once a marine, always a marine."

Our discussion ended on the note, "Freedom is never free."

I leave you with the same thought: "Freedom is never free."

Blessed to be an American,

Andrea

Rest, My Child

As day rolls into evening and night into dawn, I listen!
My plans tempered.

Silent walks unveil masked beauty.
Time silently moving.

Rest, My child!


Andrea