Looks Are Deceiving

I posted this picture on my facebook page. Several of my friends thought they were sharks. They are dolphins. Being present and viewing with our own eyes, we knew the truth. However, from a distance and in a picture one might think otherwise. Looks can be deceiving.

A few years ago, my husband, Doug was approached by the chairman of deacons regarding a situation he was involved in. He said to Doug, "That just doesn't look right." Doug said, "What is more important? What is right or what looks right? Where would JESUS be and what would HE do in this situation?" The chairman of deacons was speechless.

My challenge for all of us, today is:

Look with the eyes of JESUS! Do not be quick to judge, your view may not be as clear as you think! When we look through the eyes of JESUS: "we will know the truth and the truth will set us free." John 8:32 NLT

In HIS grip,

Andrea

Updated Prayer Request for David

Thank you for continuing to storm the heavens in prayer for so many. The needs seem to multiply all around. Many of you have David's prayer button on your blogs. I wanted to let you know how he is progressing. If you are new to my blog, David was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. David's white blood cell count is up. He is seeing the doctor bi-weekly, now. Please continue to pray for both David and my sister, Courtney.

Courtney is a bit overwhelmed. She is very concerned about both David and Amden. David did not go to South Carolina with her when Amden was born, because he had a doctor appointment in Pensacola, Florida (where they live).

Storming the heavens in prayer,

Andrea

Upate on Amden-Digestive Issues

Amden failed the digestive part of the prenatal test. He is NOT digesting proteins properly. The jaundice is much better. They are doing further tests. Thank you for your continued prayers!

Continuing to storm the heavens in prayer,

Andrea

Update on Amden

Amden is jaundice and also undergoing further testing. He will be staying another night in the hospital. I will update further as I hear. Messages orginate in SC....then they go through Florida....and back to me and I am currently vacationing on Hatteras Island.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers!

Continuing to storm the heavens,

Andrea

Urgent Update on Amden

Seconds ago, I received a call from my sister, Courtney (Amden's grammy). Amden has been admitted to the hospital. His parents took him in for a routine doctor visit pre-scheduled with one of the many doctors he needs to see. He failed his prenatal test. He was then admitted. Jordan, Amden's Dad asked to talk with a doctor over 7 hours ago. Still no answers. As you can imagine these young parents are "very" concerned.

Storming the heavens in prayer,

Andrea

Seasons of Life

"A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NAS)

Life is full of battlefields and rescue stations. During those difficult stormy seasons, know there will be seasons of refreshment and renewal to come. Enjoy the times of peace and beauty.

Finding refreshment,

Andrea

*If any of you wanted to listen to the radio interview, there is a link on the sidebar.

Beach and Blog Radio

Greetings, hugs, love, and prayers from The Perdue Zoo. We are enjoying a week at God's beautiful Frisco Beach, Hatteras Island, North Carolina. The first 2 days have been unbelievably wonderful and we look forward to the beauty of each day through out the week.

Tomorrow, Monday, February 22, 2010, I will be interviewed at She Speaks To Inspire Blog Radio, by Laurie Zieber (talk show host). She is doing a series on God's call to ministry. I will be discussing our call into Dog Therapy. If you would like to listen, it will air at 5 pm Central Time/6pm Eastern Time. The link is: www.blogtalkradio.com/rlrn

I thank you ahead of time for your prayers!

Enjoying HIS presence,

Andrea

PS: Thanks to each of you for your continued prayers for Amden (and his parents) and for my DIL, Jennifer. Your prayers are felt and very much appreciated.

Update on Amden

Amden is home from the hospital. He is doing well. Amber is breast-feeding Amden. Both mommie and daddy are blessed by Amden's presence. My sister, Courtney (Amden's grandmother) is with them. She was going to email me pictures, but she does not have internet where they are living. I hope to have more to share with you, later.

Thank you for your prayers, love, encouragement and support. I am confident Amden will teach all of us a lot about "real" love. We are truly blessed to have him as a member of our family.

Blessed to be loved,

Andrea

PS: Thank you, Edie for making Amden a beautiful prayer button. You are awesome!

Urgent Prayer Request For Amden

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<a href="http://arise2write.blogspot.com/"><center><img border="0" alt="Pray for Amden" title="Pray for Amden" src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/ed77ie/my%20graphics/prayer%20buttons/pray_button30_amden.png" /></center></a>

I come to you with a full heart, asking for prayer. My great nephew, Amden Alecole Horne was born on Monday, February 15th, 2010. He is a beautifully handsome little man, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long. He was born to young parents who love him very much, Jordan and Amber.

Today, Amden was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. They will run more tests tomorrow to verify or rule out this diagnosis. This is a devastating diagnosis! Please pray for Amden and his parents.

My family has come to understand that I look at things differently. What one person sees as devastating, I see as a part of GOD's divine plan. I see the good in strange or difficult things. Don't get me wrong, my heart breaks for my nephew Jordan and Amber. I know they must be scared and overwhelmed.

As I prayed this afternoon, GOD spoke clearly to me! This is what I heard:

"I will use this precious life to teach your family and many others what real love is...when you look into Amden's eyes you will see the love of Christ. He will be a blessing in your families life."

With love and prayers,

Andrea

PS: I am sorry I have not been able to visit with any of you, today. As I finished typing this, the phone rang. My daughter in law's estranged father was tragically killed in another state. This is another difficult situation. He has not been a part of her life. He was in and out of jail and lived homeless for some time. Please also pray for Jennifer. She has some tough decisions to make regarding his body, her siblings, etc. She is only 23 years old. Her mother abandoned her as a small child and she has buried her grandparents who raised her. She belongs to Doug and I, now. We promised her grandmother on her death bed that we would always be here for her. I thank each of you for faithfully praying for my family, extended family, and all those I love!

Equipped

Above, you will see where Mr. Beaver severed wood with his teeth to build his new home/neighborhood. GOD gives the beaver the tools to build his home and his damn/neighborhood. God gives us the tools to build HIS kingdom. God always equips us!

"Through the word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." 2 Timothy 3:117 The Message

Embrace your calling and know GOD will give you all you need to be all HE created you to be.

Equipped,

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

Children

Savannah playing in O'Papa's tub.

































"Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warriors fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!" Psalm 127:3-5a The Message

Savannah is our first grandchild. Our heart skips a beat when she says, "Nana....O'Papa." We adore her. God has truly blessed us by bringing her into our lives. We praise HIM and thank HIM for the opportunity and privilege to share life with Savannah. We enjoy seeing all of God's creation through her eyes.

Whether you have children or grandchildren you can still make an impact on a child's life. Children need to see the unconditional love of Christ. Please consider the opportunities GOD has for you.

Enjoying the journey,

Andrea

Sheltered

My husbands Christmas Cactus!















Doug's Christmas cactus is still blooming with wonderful vibrant blooms. Beyond the doors of our Florida room is lots of snow and ice. However, the cactus has found shelter in our home. God shelters each of us, just as Doug and I have sheltered this cactus.

My husband received this cactus 40 years ago from his first wife's aunt. At the time he received the cactus it was over 30 years old. The beautiful cactus has aged well. She is over 70 years old.

My husband loves this plant. He eagerly awaits her blooms each year. He protects her. He watches out for her best interest. Just as Doug protects this plant, our Heavenly Father protects each of us. Abba Father lovingly watches each of us bloom and protects us from harm as we grow.

"Let me take refuge in the shelter of Thy wings." Psalms 61:4b NAS

In the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Out On A Limb

"You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but GOD took me in." Psalm 27:9-10 The Message

Do you feel out on a limb and alone?

Do you feel abandoned?

There have been times in my life when I have felt abandoned. During those times, GOD took me in. He was always there for me. He never turned HIS back on me. I am here today, because HE loved me when it felt as though no one else did.

A heart forever changed,

Andrea

God's More Than Enough

"When I call, you give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;Now, I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me! You rabble-how long do I put up with your scorn? How long will you lust after lies? How long will you live crazed by illusion? Look at this: Look Who got picked by God! He listens the split second I call to him. Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict. Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep. For you, God, have put my life back together." Psalm 4: 1-8 The Message

God is always there for us. He listens when we call. All we need is found in Him. Through all the circumstances of life, we find peace when we realize "God's more-than-enough."

Seeking His peace,

Andrea

Finding Comfort

"God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during hard times." Psalm 9:9 The Message



"Pile your troubles on God's shoulders- He'll carry your load, he'll help you out." Psalm 55:22 The Message

Today, I am remembering many times in my life when I felt beaten down beyond rescue. I am here today, to say: GOD is faithful! I piled my burdens upon HIS shoulders and indeed HE carried my load. The journey was found to be most difficult, however, HE saw me through. I am here today, because I received strength, comfort, love, and guidance from my Heavenly Father.

Have you piled your burdens on GODS shoulders?

Continuing to find comfort,

Andrea

In HIS Refuge

"You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right-he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you-under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing-not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day. Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path." Psalm 91:1-13 The Message

Walk with God! Do "not" give in to fear!

Remember: The battle belongs to the Lord! He has prepared a way for each of us. He sends His angels to guard us. I wonder how many times I have been rescued from harm and did not realize it? Let us keep our eyes wide open and firmly focused on our Heavenly Father!

In HIS refuge,

Andrea

Finding Contentment In Christ

"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before GOD; HE is most careful with you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 The Message

The beautiful cardinal rests comfortably on the rail of my deck. He trusts his maker for his very existence. He appears carefree, enjoying the winter wonderland before him.

How many times do I miss GOD's blessings and the beauty of what HE has placed before me because I am consumed with my circumstances?

How many times have I worried about tomorrow instead of enjoying today?

Finding Contentment in Christ,

Andrea

Andrea