Resting In HIS Arms

As I sip my morning coffee, I gather my thoughts. Weary and tired, I face a new day. The beauty of GODS creation renews my senses and reminds me of GODS comfort and peace. HE is faithful to prepare the way before me. HE loves me and most certainly HE loves each of you.

Take comfort as the storms of life toss you about. Climb into HIS arms and rest!

"And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Luke 12:7 NLT


Resting In HIS arms,

Andrea

A Beatiful Christmas Snow!

December 2010


A beautiful Christmas snow! The snowflakes continue to fall here in Richmond, Virginia. I pray each of you who are experiencing snow (winter weather) will be warm and safe while enjoying a peaceful day!

Blessed to have vision to see,

Andrea

Merry Christmas!

Savannah and Elijah, our greatest blessings!





















May each of you have a Merry Christmas filled with happiness and sweet peace! May your hearts be healed of any pain and heartache. May you be filled with the love of Christ!

Blessings, hugs, and prayers,

Doug and Andrea Perdue
and The Perdue Zoo

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Each of you who left a comment on my last post touched my heart. I, too share both of those scenario's. I "love" church, yet there have been times when I have been terribly wounded there. Recently, God placed many in my path who have shared their pain. After praying about my own situations and many of theirs, I felt led to simply post the question, "What is church to you?" I had no idea what GOD was doing, but I knew I had to obey and post. Thankful is not a strong enough word! I know your comments moved mountains in many lives. Your honesty, love, and sincerity are sprinkled through each comment. Truly, the heart of GOD shined brightly! GOD BLESS each of you and thank you for taking the time to answer.

For anyone visiting who is not familiar with the last post, please go back and read it, taking time to soak and absorb each comment. You will be blessed by the many living vessels who allowed GOD to speak through them.

Blessed to be HIS,

Andrea

What Is Church For You?

Today, I would like to ask a few questions. What is church for you? Is it a safe haven? a place of refuge? or a place where you were battered, bruised, or hurt?

Growing in faith with HIM,

Andrea

And The Truth Is:

And, the truth is: Anything good or worthy coming from my actions is clearly GOD and HE alone! On my own, I bumble and stumble my way through life. Try as I may, my sinful nature rears its ugly head more times than I would like to admit.

" ⁴ So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. ⁵ When we were controlled by our old nature,^[a] sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. ⁶ But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit." Romans 7:4-6 NLT

Growing together in Christ,

Andrea

Be Refreshed and Renewed

Today, as life's challenges bombard you, allow the fresh water of the Holy Spirit to wash over you. Be refreshed and renewed. Cling to HIS peace and unconditional love!

Resting in the arms of my Savior,

Andrea

Stepping Beyond

This picture was taken a few weeks ago at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. A close friend and I walked, chatted, and snapped some pictures as we enjoyed the beauty surrounding us. Much of the time, life is what we make of it. Our attitude is key to whether amidst life's storms we are able to enjoy life or not.

"If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." Philippians 2:1-2 NAS

Today, I am thankful to step beyond life circumstances and enjoy the beauty and blessings around me. I am thankful GOD has brought me to this place in life. I pray each of you will step beyond your circumstances and enjoy all GOD has for you, today!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

~Prayer request: Please pray for a close friend who has breast cancer. Also pray for me as I join her visiting doctors and surgeons. THANK YOU!

New Beginnings!

As I sit here today reflecting on "new beginnings" and "start overs" my heart smiles. My life has been full of ups and downs, some my fault and some the result of others actions. With GODS grace and love, each time I have began anew continuing to put one foot in front of the other!

Last weekend, I journeyed to South Carolina for my aunts funeral. My cousin Jennifer and her husband, Travis graciously allowed me to stay with them. The second and third night my sister, Courtney joined us. Each night I ran out of steam before Courtney and Jen and went to bed. I laid awake and listened to them giggle and laugh. It reminded me of listening to Courtney and our younger sister Dayna giggle and laugh. Dayna was tragically killed in a car accident in 1989 and each of us miss her very much. I do not weep for her, because I know she is in a place with no earthly sorrow. However, there are days when I weep for "me!" I miss her giggles and her great big smile!

I am much older than Jennifer even though we are first cousins. Recently, I realized GOD has given me the blessing of being the "Big Sister" again. Occasionally, I get a call or text that says something like, "What do you think about this? or that?" and I am honored to take each of those calls. My heart smiles as I see GOD giving me a chance to be a significant part of Jennifer's life. I love her dearly, as I do all of my cousins. I am blessed beyond words can express to be a part of Jennifer's life! Thank you, Jenn for loving this "old" cousin and thank you for being you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

GOD Never Fails

With each sunset my heart finds peace. I reflect upon the day and look to the future with eager expectation. I am filled with HIS presence and I cling tightly to the hem of HIS garment. With GOD all things are possible and I am living proof! When storms come, look to HIM who loves you most! GOD never fails!

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43:1b-3a NIV

 By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

My Interview at Robin's Nest

Today, you will find me over at Robin's Nest being interviewed by Robin! I am always amazed at GOD's timing. He knew what I needed to experience to answer Robin's questions and paved every step of the way. Please hope over and check out my interview.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Happy Thanksgiving!

May each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Andrea Bowling Perdue

In Memory of Carolyn Bowling

Please remember the Bowling family as we celebrate the life of Aunt Carolyn!

CAROLYN D. BOWLING
JULY 16, 1940 – NOVEMBER 17, 2010

ANDERSON, SC – Carolyn Burke Davis Bowling, age 70, of 515 Richland Creek Road, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at Willow Creek Living Center in Iva, SC.

Born in Anderson, SC, on July 16, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Samuel A. Davis and Carrie Burke Davis. Mrs. Bowling was a graduate of Dixie High School and attended Erskine College. She was a retired Executive Secretary on the collegiate level – namely Furman University and Clemson University. She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband of nearly fifty-two years, The Reverend Dr. Ralph T. Bowling, Jr., of the home; and their sons: The Reverend Ralph T. Bowling III and wife, Karen of Hodges, SC, and Mark A. Bowling and wife, Elena of Duncan, SC; four beloved grandchildren: Lauren B. Hutto and husband, Jason of Columbus, GA, Meghan N. Greer and husband, Curtis of Seneca, Jared R. Bowling of Atlanta, GA, and Taylor A. Bowling of Travelers Rest, SC; and one great granddaughter, Alexa Elizabeth-Marie Hutto of Columbus, GA.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Samuel A. Davis, Jr.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at Starr United Methodist Church conducted by The Reverend Dr. Robert E. Stilwell, The Reverend John M. Williams, Jr., and The Reverend Susan Leonard-Ray. The burial and committal service will follow in Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Members of Starr United Methodist Church and Hebron United Methodist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family is at the home and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home from 6pm until 8:30pm on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be made to Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205.

PRAISE! PRAISE! PRAISE!

After six chemo treatments my brother in law, David is in "remission!" We praise GOD for answer in the prayers of many. Indeed, HE is faithful! Our family thanks each of your for your prayers, love, encouragement, and support! Not one of them was taken for granted. We praise GOD for giving us loving family and friends!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Thirsting For Him

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

As I journey through this life, I realize how dependent I am on God. I am unable to do any good without Him. The flesh is frail and can get me into trouble, but the spirit within me, His Spirit, renews and replenishes my soul. He is faithful to pick me up, dust me off, and set me back on the straight and narrow. My thirst for Him and all He has for me grows stronger with each breath I take!

Thirsting for more of HIM,

Andrea

Blessings and Prayers

As we share the beauty of Autumn with our grandchildren we have chosen to take them back to a simpler time. There are many celebrations during this season. Please join us as we pray for GOD's protection of each child and for HIS abundant blessing on each of their lives!

Blessed to share in GOD's abundant grace,

Andrea

Two Hearts Full of Love

Wise words spoken
From a heart full of love...

Grandfather
Granddaughter
Both hearts full of love...


Some words spoken
Some unsaid
Two hearts united by GOD's loving thread!


By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

THANK YOU and PRAYER REQUEST!

I continue to press forward. I am gaining strength and the pain is getting better. An added gain is the few pounds I have also lost during the last few weeks of persistently walking and making my health a priority. I thank GOD for each of you and your prayers. The encouragement I gain from your comments and visits is a tremendous blessing. THANK YOU is simply not good enough. I praise GOD for each of you and what your friendships mean to me. GOD has truly blessed me through the blog world far beyond my wildest dreams.

PRAYER REQUEST: My husband, Doug's aunt died yesterday (Saturday) morning. She gracefully stepped into heaven from this life. She completed an 88 year and 10 month run in this world. This week will be filled with memories, fellowship, tears, and celebration as we mourn our loss and celebrate her entrance into heaven. She had twin sons, one a pastor. Her son, Donnie (pastor) will perform the funeral on Wednesday. Please pray extra grace and strength for him.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Contining To Run The Race

Yes, my dear friends, I continue to arise each morning and run the race before me. I am determined to stay the course. Each day, I see several elderly ladies walking pushing their walkers and two handicapped gentlemen on my walk. Each time I meet them on my lap, I am inspired. They too are staying the course.

God calls us to run the race no matter what our condition. We must continue to place one foot in front of the other, keeping our focus on HIM who loves us most! He is faithful and HE will see us through.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea

~The black and white paint in the above picture is Keyo (our daughters horse) and the brown and white paint is Azul (our daughter's friends horse).

Pushing Past The Pain

Each morning I awake to intense pain. Arthritis seems to be claiming my bones, joints, and even affecting my muscles. Daily, I make the choice to push past the pain. Recently, I began walking. I must strengthen my body and fight the battle. I can not surrender to this ugly disease.

Many of you face difficult health dilemmas each day. We will join together in prayer and encouragement as we continue placing one foot in front of the other. We will endure and run this race with grace! God will continue to give us the strength for each day!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

~I am sorry I have not been visiting as much lately. I miss each of you!

Change

Change is inevitable. Sometimes, we long for change and other times we dread it. As each season brings change, look for beauty. Look for opportunities to allow HIS beauty to shine through you. Rise to the occasion and flutter about from one flower to another with a positive attitude and love in your heart!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Standing On The Solid Rock

This picture reminds me of standing on CHRIST, the solid rock! As we stand on the faith we so cherish we also live as an example to our children and grandchildren. It takes courage to stand on "CHRIST, the solid rock!" Often, life takes us close to the edge. We must not allow fear to overtake us or interfere with our faith. When life gets a little to close to the edge for you, take a big breath and enjoy the view, knowing GOD will hold you firmly to HIS solid rock~ Christ!

Standing on the solid rock and living life close to the edge,

Andrea

Purpose

God takes us places to rekindle our spirit and renew our sense of who we are in HIM. For several years, my husband has taken me, time and time again to the gorgeous Virginia mountains. Each time, we pass this home on route 33. My eyes and heart have always been captivated by it. On our last trip, Doug slowed the SUV and I quickly took a picture.

This old home remains virtually the same, but the wash is different each time we pass. I have thought many times of the person or persons who may live in this home. What their lives may be like and what each day unfolds for them. They are beautifully nestled in the base of the mountains. There home has withstood many years of storms. It's strength evident in this picture!

The beauty found within each worn plank captivates my eye. Living life, working hard, and filling each day with purpose shows on the vessel. This vessels serves a great purpose, to protect its people! Our vessels serve a great purpose, too!

Praying each of us are found faithful as we live out our lives no matter how battered or torn our vessels may be.

Seeking HIM,

Andrea

Getting Real

Getting real and staying real is difficult, sometimes! Today, I am moving as slowly as this beautiful caterpillar. Some days are more difficult than others. I over do it and then I pay for it. We had a "big" day yesterday. I would not change one minute of it. We had our beautiful grandson and then in the evening I took pictures of our beautiful grand-horse and his horse friend. It was a blessed day.

I have much to do, today. However, I must move slower and rest in between those tasks. I am having to set boundaries. I can not do all the things I once could.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea

A Call To Prayer

"Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1 NLT

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2 NLT



First, I would like to share a PRAISE:

~My great nephew, Amden is once again amazing the doctors and everyone else who sees him. He is "sitting up" and we praise GOD for his progress. At seven months, his Heavenly Father is already using him in glorious ways. Don't you just love it when GOD shows us "nothing is impossible with HIM?"

Prayer Requests and Thoughts from my heart:

~Please continue to remember my brother in law, David. He endured three days of Chemo last week and is doing quite well. He had some nausea and fatigue, but was "caught" mowing his yard on the day after his 3rd Chemo treatment. We are thankful he felt well enough, but a little cranky with him for not allowing someone else to do it for him. It is still "pretty hot" in Pensacola, Florida....where he lives.

~Unspoken concerns: I can not tell you how many of my friends are in the midst of tremendous battles, right now. Not one battle, not two, but numerous battles in "each" of their lives. Each of these friends have grown stronger in their faith through this time and I praise GOD for how He is working in each of their lives. I am asking for as many of you as can and are willing to commit to pray for these people. I know you don't know them and I am not giving you many details, but trust me....they need an army to storm the heavens on their behalf and I knew just where to find that army. GOD will reign victorious. HE is faithful! I thank each of you ahead of time for your willingness to "storm the heavens" with me and I praise GOD for each of you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Thoughts

Oh, that Thou dost speak to my heart
My deepest thought
Always caught...

I and my Maker
I and my Friend
Always together
Today til the end!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea

Soaking In His Presence

The clouds of heaven beautifully decorate the eastern sky. As storms roll, God, Himself softens my fall. He envelopes me with His presence. As I sit upon the shores of life, I soak in His presence. I feel Him and His love.

Always loved
Never forgotten
Never forsaken
Never alone
Always His
Always have been
Always will be
 

Soaking in HIS presence,

Andrea

Created With Love

Love comes in all shapes and sizes. Without a doubt, Savannah and Elijah are two of the greatest blessings GOD has placed in my life. My most precious darlings make Nana's heart smile.


"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. You watched me 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." Psalm 139: 13-17 NLT

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

"Longing"

"I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living GOD." Psalm 84:2 NLT

I don't know about any of you, but there are days I long to get away from life's struggles and simply sit at the feet of my Savior! I am longing for another of those days...just me and GOD. I need to soak in HIS presence in the quiet and peacefulness of HIS creation. Though life is crazy, I know HE will be faithful to supply a place and meet this need. HE never abandons me. HE always gives me just what I need!

By HIS mercy and in the very grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Survived by Love and Grace

Sunday morning, August 22nd, 2010, GOD spoke loudly to me:

~The beauty of GOD's presence sweeps over me as I watch the waves tumble to the shore. I am enveloped in HIS presence. The white caps remind me of HIS cleansing power. He will "not" allow me to be overtaken or overpowered by life's storms.

~Hold your head high! Know to whom you belong!

~Tremble not in fear! I have set you apart, made you different. I will not allow you to be killed, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.

~HE promised "survival!"

~I survived being a Bowling!

~I made it to the other side.....

~I am stronger and wiser!

~I am very simply, me!

~I like the person God created me to be. I like me!

~I am a "survivor!"


"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1b-3a NLT

Survived by love and grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

God Bless Mark and Eleana

Tomorrow, I will begin a journey to South Carolina arm in arm with my faithful friend and husband Doug. Celebration of love will be the theme, as my cousin Mark marries his beautiful fiance Eleana! It is our prayer GOD will bless them in every way.

Life takes many twists and turns. Mark and Eleana's wedding will occur near the beach, yet clearly a mountaintop experience.  As we celebrate their union, GOD's power and strength will be at the forefront of our minds. Evidence of HIS transforming power, abundant mercy, and unending grace will be heard as the waves tumble to the shore line, a short distance away. Beauty abounds in each breath taken by all present. Human frailty, life's difficulties, and disease often cause our attention to deviate from the most essential moments of life. May GOD speak loudly to each person present as we celebrate this union. May this time be a time of healing and restoration for all!

Privileged to share in HIS presence,

Andrea

~Thank you for your prayers as we travel and share in this union. I will limited or NO access to the internet while I am away. GOD BLESS each of you!

Surprised To Be Loved!

Psalm 18:16-19 The Message

16-19 But me he caught—reached all the way
from sky to sea; he pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
the void in which I was drowning.
They hit me when I was down,
but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved! 

No words could be truer for me than those written in Psalm 18. God rescued me from the captivity of family strongholds and set me on a course leading to happiness and healing. Each day I wake to the loving touch of my Heavenly Father, "surprised to be loved!" 


By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,


Andrea

Lauren's Love Story

Four Generations:
Lauren's Grandmother with Eli, Lauren, and Lauren's Aunt


Twenty Three years ago, God blessed my husband and his first wife, Roberta with their second daughter. Their journey to parenthood began with difficulty and ended with two beautiful blessings. Lauren, their second blessing was born to young teenage parents. Their love enabled them to trust Doug and Roberta (Lauren's adoptive parents) with her care. At age 14, Lauren's adoptive mother died and Dad continued his journey raising both girls. In 2005, Doug and I (Andrea) married, blending families. Our greatest blessing came instantly as our children grew close with hearts full of love for one another.

I, as step-mom gave birth to Lauren as a teenager. I carefully and sometimes painfully tried to be step-mom, yet not "mom." Her Dad and I share the desire for her adoptive mother, who raised her from birth to 14 to be present in spirit. Roberta's love brought Lauren home from the hospital and raised her under the divine guidance of her Heavenly Father. Daily, I seek to keep those values at the forefront with each of our children. On July 27th, I was privileged to stand in her mother's place as she gave birth to our beautiful grandson, Eli. Lauren will never be able to give me a greater gift.

On Monday, Doug and I met Lauren's Grandmother (adoptive mother/Roberta's mother) and her Aunt (adoptive mother's sister) and led them to Lauren's home to meet Eli. Once again, Doug and I were blessed to watch as GOD poured HIMSELF out through each of them. GOD's love is evident in each of their eyes and beautiful smiles in the photo above.

Lauren is loved by many! Biology does not make a family, God's love does! For those of you struggling with blended families or adopted children, where God's love abounds a beautiful end is in sight. Look to His light and He will lead you through the difficult and painful moments filling you with His peace that passes all understanding.

Blessed to be step-mom,

Andrea

A New Prayer Button For Amden

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Update On Amden

As you can see, my gorgeous great-nephew Amden is riding in style! He is growing into a handsome little man, defying all odds and shocking his doctors. He is on target with his peers in ever area accept strength in his neck muscles. He is attempting to crawl and explore the world.

My family and I thank each of you for your prayers. Clearly, GOD is listening and continues to answer daily. We can not express our gratitude adequately  for your love, prayers, encouragement, and support. The outpouring of love on Amden's behalf  has been beyond belief or comprehension.

We are truly blessed and we count it as a blessing, the greatest blessing to have Amden as "our" baby! He is a precious gift shared with each of us by our Heavenly Father.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Getting Prepared

Savannah is preparing for a boat ride with Papa. Required apparel is her life vest and she proudly wears it while waiting for Papa to finish getting the boat ready.

Many times we face life without the required apparel. Our days begin with speed and lack of vision. When things do not go well, we wonder why? Today, lets take a lesson from our sweet "Savannah Faith." Let us slow down and prepare our heart, body, and mind for each day. Let us begin with prayer and time with our Heavenly Father! Wear GODS apparel with a heart of victory and preparedness. Begin each day ready for all HE has for you and enjoy the ride.


Learning to live,

Andrea

Dancing Through This Life

Dancing through the this life with my best friend. I am truly blessed to have been given the chance to celebrate life with someone who loves me, flaws and all!

Dancing,
Andrea

Welcome, Elijah William

Elijah William, born July 27th, 2010, 12:00 pm, after 3 hours and 57 minutes of labor. GOD truly answered our prayers for a wonderful and safe delivery. Elijah weighted 8 pounds, 3 ounces and is 21 1/4 inches long. He has already stolen Nana and Papa's heart.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for our little guy! GOD bless each of you!

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

Blurry, Yet Strong

Life has  been a little topsy-tervy the last several months. Just as the above picture is a little blurry, so have been some of life's events in my life. I miss visiting with each of your regularly and hope to be back reading all my favorite blogs, soon.  Through this season, GOD continues to draw me closer to HIM. HIS strength abounds as I continue putting one foot in front of the other.

Though some life events remain blurry others are clear. Tomorrow, I will coach out daughter Lauren as she is induced for Eli's delivery. Doug and I traveled back from the Outer Banks of N. C. to share in the birth of our second grandchild. We did not have to come back, we wanted to come back. We would not miss it for the world. We have teased and laughed thinking of how our new little guy will be starting his life, just as our kids have done. He is keeping Nana and Papa on their toes and reminding us what is truly important. Our children have always kept our life eventful, exciting, and a little scary, sometimes! We are also reminded, GODS time, not ours!

We continue to miss our precious Macy (cocker spaniel). It has only been a few days since our youngest son bravely took her to the vet for the last time. Doug and I could not be more proud of Wil. He is growing into a phenomenal young man. Indeed, we are truly blessed!

Many of you have watched our precious Savannah (our 3year old granddaughter) blossom on this blog. She is struggling with asthma. We ask for your prayers on her behalf. Nana's heart still skips a beat when she says, "I'm Nana's girl!"

My precious friends, as life continues to bat you around, look for the beauty amongst the thorns. Know there are others who have walked similar paths. May GOD bless each of you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Macy Trades Her Earthly Paws For Heavenly Wings!

Yesterday, Macy traded her earthly paws for heavenly wings! She was a faithful and much loved furry child. She will be missed tremendously. To read the full article about Macy, her life and death, go to Sitka's blog: All God's Creatures. For those of you who do not know, Sitka is my/our Alaskan Malamute and Macy's younger furry brother.

Thank you to each of you who prayed for Macy and for each of us. Our family is blessed to be loved by so many!

Missing Macy,

Andrea, Doug, Human Kids and Grandkids,  and The Perdue Zoo

Transformed In Life's Storms

As the power of the waves churn against the ocean bed, each shell is tossed about. With each toss and tumble through the sea every shell, stone, and piece of glass is polished with tremendous refining power. Slowly and vigorously a transformation takes place.

Walking the beach after a storm reminds me of GODS refining in my own life. I often feel battered and beaten by life's storms. Sometimes, I feel as though I have been spit onto a desolate beach by the storms furry. Yet as I stand alone on the beach I realize the beauty within this process.

Never alone, always safe despite the furious storm, I find myself better for the wear. A renewed and transformed spirit embodies the old self. Changed for HIS glory, I praise HIM for the once dreaded storm.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Be Real

On Saturday, Doug visited our local farmers market. Among his purchased treasures were "real" tomatoes. I refer to tomatoes in two different categories, real and fake or wannabe tomatoes! Both real and fake tomatoes look beautiful on the outside, but when you bite into them there is a vast difference. The real tomato is not only beautiful, but has a flavor unlike anything else in the vegetable world. It simply dances across ones palate, enhancing every other food in its presence.

Let us strive to "be real" and enhance the flavor of every situation in life. Let us  not only look beautiful, but "be beautiful!"

Trying to "be real,"


Andrea

Eagerly Waiting!

We are waiting with eager expectation for our second grandchild. His name will  be Eli! Please pray with us for a safe and healthy delivery for both mom and baby.

Please visit Sitka at All GODS Creatures to find out his/our definition of family!

Praising GOD for the opportunity to be a Nana, again!

Blessed beyond comprehension,

Andrea

Heat Wave

Here on the east coast, we are having record breaking highs. Today, it is expected to be between 105-110 degrees. I have lived on the east coast all my life and I don't remember ever experiencing this type of heat. Heat of this magnitude affects the elderly, little children, and those already impaired by illness the hardest.

Please pray for all those affected by the heat. If you are in a position to help others, check on those affected. Offer fans, air conditioners, and water or a safe cool place to rest. Each of us must put action to our prayers, if God has given us the ability.

Storming the heavens in prayer,

Andrea

Happy Independence Day!

I pray each of you are enjoying "Independence Day" and reflecting on all it means for each of us. The brilliant red in these azaleas reminded me of the blood shed by our military through out the years. Since the birth of our nation we have enjoyed privileges many other people never know. After the hamburgers, hot dogs, and fireworks are over, please remember to pray for each member of the military and their families. Soon, my son will leave for an undisclosed location to serve our country for six months. He is a marine and loves his country. Many years ago, during WWII,  my husband's father, James Bolling Perdue died serving our country. My husband was about 14 months old and only has pictures of he and his dad together. He has a very tender heart for the children left behind. So, in memory of his dad, we ask you pray specifically for all the children whose parents serve faithfully.

Praising GOD for freedom and praying for all those responsible for my freedom,
Andrea

Dancing In The Rain

This picture was taken near James River State Park. There was a storm coming over the mountain. These are cows, but it is the best picture I have to share, today! 

Yesterday, my friend Jessica posted a facebook status that spoke to my heart. She lives in upstate South Carolina. Her status read something like this, "My horses are dancing in the rain. I have never seen anything like this!"

As I pondered her words I could see the horses enjoying the rain. It seems these magnificent creatures appreciated the rain in a profound way. "They danced!" Do we dance when the rain comes?

Today, I am making a new commitment to "dance" when the rain comes in my life! I will never look at the rainy seasons of life in the same way!

Dancing in the rain,

Andrea

Happy 3rd Birthday Savannah Faith!

"Papa says I am the next Picasso!"



Happy Birthday Savannah Faith! June 29th, 2007 forever changed Nana and Papa's life. You have brought beauty and sunshine into our lives each day since. We love you and cherish every moment we have with you. GOD has big things ahead for you. It is our prayer GOD will mold you into the person HE created you to be.

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

Standing Firm Upon The ROCK

The world as I knew it...
Spins Haphazardly...

Chaos..
Unclear direction...

Yet, peace abounds...
Constant and True...

My Heavenly Father's touch...
Always fresh and new...

I am happy, at peace, and content, yet the world as I knew has become chaotic, at best. My Heavenly Father remains faithful through every event in my life. From birth to adulthood, selfish decisions of others have given turmoil to lives beyond those intended. The ricocheting affect of those decisions forever change the dynamics of my family.

I learned early in life to depend solely upon my Heavenly Father. When alone, HE is there! When unsure, HE is there! Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, I will once again reach for the steady hand of my Heavenly Father. I covet your prayers, as I follow HIS lead.

I wish I could share the dynamics of this situation with each of you. At this time, I am unable. Know my immediate family (husband and children) are fine, happy, and healthy. We boldly stand upon the ROCK of our salvation!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

At Peace, At Last!

A glimpse into the future...
A look upon the past...
Forever I am changed...
At peace, At last!

Soaking in HIS presence,
Andrea

A Friends Heart

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Broken pieces
Questions untold

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Untold stories
One day told

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

A heart of gold
Forever unfolds.

A little child steps boldly into adulthood placing the words, scattered fragments, and symbols into eloquently written poems, essays, journals, and stories penned by professor, writer, and best of all, friend!

I wrote this poem after visiting my friend, MaryGrace. We began sharing how our desire to write came very early in our lives. The unexplainable desire was placed in our hearts before our ability to read or form sentences.

Our time together was therapeutic for both of us. She is recovering well. The stroke has left her to more
dependent on GOD. Her speech and gait have have returned to normal, however, her vision is still impaired. Of all abilities, her vision is likely the most precious to her. As a prolific reader and writer she needs her vision. She is also learning to pace herself and "not" overdo it.  Please continue to pray for GOD's healing in her body, her sensitiveness to GOD's lead, and provision in all areas of her life.

Blessed to have beautiful friends,

Andrea

*Thank you to all of you who prayed for Macy. She is doing much  better. I am amazed how GOD is working through each of you in my life. Thank you for hanging in here with me. I am totally amazed that each of you come back to visit and read my blogs. I am truly blessed!