"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