Monday, October 31, 2011

What's Important To You?



















As we gaze at GOD's creation, let's remember what is really important!

"27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
 30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
 34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." 
Matthew 6:27-34 The Message 

~What is important to you?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea






Monday, October 24, 2011

Freedom



















Freedom means different things to each person. For me it means:

Freedom to go where I want to go.
Freedom to sing the songs of my heart.
But, most of all, freedom to worship my LORD!

Yet, their is a deeper freedom when one has a relationship with Christ! This freedom will not allow the pain of the past to keep rearing its ugly head or others to control our happiness. Most of all, this freedom allows each of us to enjoy the blessings GOD intends for us without allowing fear to control our present and future. I am learning this freedom, now! Visiting South Carolina, the place that represents much pain for me has once again been used by GOD to give me perspective!

I am convinced satan uses the pain of the past and fear of future pain and heart ache to control us!

We must NOT allow satan to steal our joy any longer! The pain that grips your chest or the nausea that grips your stomach is satan. Join me in allowing GOD full control of that area of your life. HE is fully capable of handling it. Enjoy the blessings, gifts, and freedoms HE has prepared for you and I pledge to do the same!

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17


"I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare." Isaiah 49:9

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Sunday, October 9, 2011

"Keep Movin Nana"



























Hikers use trail names. My trail name would be "Keep Movin Nana" affectionately given by my granddaughter, Savannah. "Keep Movin Nana" is a great metaphor for this life I am living.  The race may be long and difficult, but I must "keep movin" toward the prize.

"Keep Movin Nana" reminds me to continue faithfully on my journey with GOD. I may stumble and fall, but I can begin anew whether crawling or walking. Sometimes my journey will be made in baby steps and sometimes I will run with the wind of the Holy Spirit.

Each new day holds an adventure. Some adventures easy and some difficult; that's GODS surprise. Let's  embrace the surprises of each day with a deepened faith and growing prayer life.

~Are you moving toward the goal?
~Are you continuing to shake the dust of this life off and begin anew?
~Are you praying your way through this life?


"All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." 1 Corinthians 9:25 NLT

"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 3:14 NLT

"And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8 NLT

"He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." James 1:18 NLT

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea
"Keep Movin Nana"

Monday, October 3, 2011

Beautiful, Yet Deadly



























Gazing upon these beautiful mushrooms, one forgets, if eaten they can be deadly. Isn't that the way with other things in this world? Temptations are not usually ugly. If they were we would not be tempted by them.

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Mark 14:38

May we stand strong in the face of temptation, keeping our eyes fully focused on GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea