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