"Leaves of Life"

Often we are knee deep in the "leaves of life". The "leaves of life" continue to fall on our heads. During these times we have a choice to make.

Are you continuing to smile as the leaves keep falling in your life?
Are you looking for GOD's beauty amongst the knee deep pile of leaves?
Are you learning and growing from your experience?


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

It is all about our attitude. It's our choice. Today, lets embrace the "leaves of life" as times to learn more about ourselves and our GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

A Thankful Heart

My THANKFUL List:

~My Savior and Lord! He has seen me through many battles!
~My husband, Doug. He is regaining strength and beginning to heal after 23 days of sickness.
~Our children. May they continue to grow into the people GOD created them to be.
~Our grandchildren. Hearing each of them say, "Nana" still makes my heart skip a beat!
~Our fur babies. The ability to share them with others as Therapy Dogs.
~Living in a country where I can worship my Lord openly.
~The US Military. The freedom we each enjoy, daily!
~Many wonderful friends who love me no matter how crazy I act.
~Having a roof over my head, food in my belly, and clothes on my back.
~The ability/freedom to write from my heart.
~New Beginnings!

What are you thankful for?

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

Waiting On The Edge

~Do you ever feel like you are standing on the edge of a pole all alone?

~Are you afraid of what may be ahead of you? or in the water below you?

 "He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world." Acts 1:7

If you are like me, you want understanding, clarity, and direction instantly. Fortunately for me, it doesn't usually happen that way. More frequently than not, I am standing on the edge of a pole waiting like this beautiful little bird. I don't like to wait and I don't like heights, yet GOD stretches me by letting me sit there a little while longer.

Did I say "fortunately?" Yes, I did. Usually, I am not ready for what GOD has for me. As HE continues to work in my heart, I realize the "perfectness" of HIS plan.

Waiting on the edge,

Andrea

Looks Are Deceiving

After returning from a trip to South Carolina, I became ill. For six days I have been plagued with a vicious illness. It does not wish to let go. This morning as I prayed for healing, God reveal greater needs within my body. It's easy to admit we are sick physically, but not always easy to admit we have other issues in need of divine intervention.

 From the outside all appears great. Suddenly, my mouth opens and out spews vile, harsh, crackling, germs. I thought I could contain them. How did they purge their way up and out of my body?

Just as harmful virus' and bacteria invade our bodies and escape without permission into others lives, so do harmful thoughts, patterns, and behaviors. We think we have them carefully hidden, yet out of our hearts they leap injuring those in their path. Looks are certainly deceiving!

It's time for a clean up, a healing of heart, body, and soul.

"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance." 1 Corinthians 12:25 The Message

"I'm hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air." Psalm 69:29 The Message

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this." Proverbs 3:5 The Message

Recognizing our health affects the health of others, lets attempt a clean up. Join me as I:

~Develop a more passionate prayer time!
~Dig deeper in HIS word!
~Purge the unhealthy!
~Embrace GODS presence!
~Seek to become all HE created you to be!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea