Saturday, January 29, 2011

What Does This Picture and Passage Say To You?

















" 1 “At this my heart pounds
   and leaps from its place.
2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
   to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
   and sends it to the ends of the earth.
4 After that comes the sound of his roar;
   he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
   he holds nothing back.
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
   he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
   and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
7 So that everyone he has made may know his work,
   he stops all people from their labor.[a]

8 The animals take cover;
   they remain in their dens.
9 The tempest comes out from its chamber,
   the cold from the driving winds.
10 The breath of God produces ice,
   and the broad waters become frozen.
11 He loads the clouds with moisture;
   he scatters his lightning through them.
12 At his direction they swirl around
   over the face of the whole earth
   to do whatever he commands them.
13 He brings the clouds to punish people,
   or to water his earth and show his love.

 14 “Listen to this, Job;
   stop and consider God’s wonders.
15 Do you know how God controls the clouds
   and makes his lightning flash?
16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
   those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?
17 You who swelter in your clothes
   when the land lies hushed under the south wind,
18 can you join him in spreading out the skies,
   hard as a mirror of cast bronze?

 19 “Tell us what we should say to him;
   we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.
20 Should he be told that I want to speak?
   Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?
21 Now no one can look at the sun,
   bright as it is in the skies
   after the wind has swept them clean.
22 Out of the north he comes in golden splendor;
   God comes in awesome majesty.
23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;
   in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.
24 Therefore, people revere him,
   for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?[b]”"

Job 37 NIV

What does this picture and passage say to you? How is GOD speaking to you, today?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Happy Birthday Wil!



























It is hard to believe my baby boy, Wil is 18 years old. It all began a little stormy for he and I. He was due the end of March, but my body did not want to cooperate. I endured soaring blood pressures and other issues ultimately leading to hospitalization, seizures, other complications, and the early arrival of my  precious baby. He weighed in at a whopping 5 pounds with a head full of black hair. He looked like a giant beside the other preemies, but looks were deceiving. He lost down to 4 pounds taking him a little while to begin developing normally. At his "one" year check up he weighed 16 pounds. As you see in the picture above, he caught up. He has become an exceptional young man. He is full of compassion and always "tries" to do the right thing. He loves the Lord and is a great friend to "everyone." What more could this mommie ask for? Not a thing!

Blessed to be a mom,

Andrea

Monday, January 24, 2011

Choices

















"Each day, each life, is a series of choices, and as we use the lens of writing to view our lives, we see our choices." Julia Cameron

Father GOD, please use our choices for greater good in our lives and the lives of others. Help us to capture the view in a healthy and productive manner and move forward to become the people you so delicately and intricately created us to be!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Be Still, Wait, and Watch



























"It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter." Psalm 74:17 NIV

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape — the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show."
Andrew Wyeth American painter, 20th century

Winter brought sickness to our home. After three plus weeks of illness, we are scouring our home. We hope to enjoy the rest of Winter disease free. While in a long term recumbent position I was able to reflect, pray, and see winter a little differently. Many times we dread winter, but there is much beauty to be seen, even through the sickness we may endure. Sometimes, we simply need be still, wait, and watch!

Are you being still?
Are you waiting patiently?
If so, what are you seeing through fresh eyes?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Monday, January 17, 2011

Resting, Listening, Waiting




























This Sitka Spruce stands tall. It's strength and endurance amaze me. Lately, I have not felt tall, strong, or anything close. I ushered in the New Year with sickness and as I began to heal, I became ill again. This past weekend was difficult to say the least. I was threatened with being admitted to the hospital and receiving IV's. I am determined to continue forward, resting in HIS arms. I am learning I can NOT run ahead of GOD. I must rest, listen, and wait.

I praise GOD for each of your prayers, love, sweet comments, and encouragement. GOD has used each of you to touch my heart deeply.

Resting, listening, and waiting,

Andrea

Monday, January 10, 2011

One Step Forward, Three Steps Backwards

















One step forward, three steps backwards. With each breath, I hope to be well. As days turn into weeks and I continue to battle lingering respiratory issues. I am exhausted! I realize how lacking I am in the area of patience and tolerance. I find it difficult to see the good in this, however, I am determined to praise GOD in all circumstances!


"........I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Friday, January 7, 2011

Resting In His Arms

























With each day, I am feeling a little better. I continue to rest in my Heavenly Father's arms soaking in HIS presence. Patience is "not" something I do well! I continue to learn to appreciate and value God's timing.


"...the joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Beautiful Blessings


















Christmas brought a beautiful blessing for both Sitka and I. Snow graced our central Virginia home. Being the mom of Nordic breeds, I share their love for snow. I love to watch them romp and play in it. On this day, Sitka and I were enjoying my new Bible. It is "waterproof!" It is made of synthetic material. I can underline in it and use dry highlighters and it does NOT smear or ruin when it gets wet. The water just "rolls" off. I love snow and I love reading my Bible. What a beautiful combination! I am known to drag my Bible "everywhere." This one is perfect. I am thankful Sitka and I now have a sturdy Bible for our adventures!

Thank you for your prayers, love, encouragement, and support. Both Doug and I are feeling better. We are continuing to treat this respiratory flu with hot tea, musinex, and lots of rest. GOD bless each of you for your prayers!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year


















Doug and I ushered in the New Year with a respiratory virus. We continue to be plagued with its effects. As we sleep, drink hot tea, and allow this bug to run its course, we pray each of you are well and beginning the New Year triumphantly. It is our prayer each of you will experience a year full of unexpected blessings and new beginnings.

Soaking in HIS presence,
Andrea