Oh, That I Would Listen!

God speaks loudly through His creation:

Thunder burst forth...
Yet some do not hear.

God remains faithful...

Holding...
Strengthening...
Moving...

Oh that I would listen...

Lord, help me to hear Your still small voice in the midst of each storm!

Last weekend, Doug and I attended a family members wedding. During the vows a long rumble of thunder rolled through the beautiful sanctuary. GOD spoke clearly to my heart through the words above! No matter what I experience in this world, HE is my strength and shield. HE is forever faithful! Sometimes, my mind becomes so cluttered it takes a large rumble of thunder in the midst of profound silence to get my attention.

As I giggled, my much more dignified cousin punched and shushed me. I promptly got myself together and thought, "Yes, my precious LORD, I hear You!" God has a great since of humor. Hearing thunder during a January wedding in South Carolina is quite unusual.

Later, Doug told me he felt God's hand brush his shoulder during the thunder. You might say, "how did he know it was God?" Good question. There was "no one" sitting on the pew behind him. My eyes widened and my heart smiled as I recognized God's presence in each detail of our lives.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~Thank you to each of you who have been praying for Doug and I. Thank you for your continued prayers as we embrace each day seeking HIS complete healing in every area of our lives, especially Doug's body.

Update on Doug: Small amount (5%) of cancer (slow growing) in one strand of the twelve biopsy's. He will be monitored by the Urologist on a regular basis! THANKS for your continued prayers! We greatly appreciate them.

 By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Please storm the heavens in prayer for my husband, Doug. Recently, his PSA levels jumped from .8 to 7.4. After repeated blood-work, the levels maintained an elevated status. We met with our urologist in late December. After examination, he scheduled a biopsy. Today, Dr. Morgan did 12 biopsy's. We meet with Dr. Morgan on January 25th to discuss the results and treatment options, if necessary.

Up until today, Doug did NOT want to discuss his medical situation. The children and I respected his request. We only shared it with some family and a few close friends. After Doug's biopsy, he asked me to write about his medical situation.

Doug loves the Lord and knows the power of prayer. He and I both appreciate your love, encouragement, and prayers more than you will ever know.

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

Just Do It!

As we continue to surrender our burdens, our greatest fears, and our deepest needs let us cling to HIS presence, HIS peace, HIS comfort, and HIS strength!

Enough said.....Just do it!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Mountain Climbing

As you stand atop the mountain in your life, continue to keep your focus on your Heavenly Father. Just as HE gave you enough energy to reach the top HE will carefully help you down the other side. Mountain climbing doesn't end at the top.

Everyone loves the view, but the most important part of mountain climbing is steady endurance. When climbing life's mountains we must prepare ourselves.

~Are you prepared?
~Are you ready?
~Do you have the right gear?
~Are you running ahead of GOD?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Looking Up With A Smile

Life gets difficult and many times we find ourselves on our knees crawling. This past weekend, I noticed when our grandson Elijah fell down he would instantly "look up and smile." My heart smiled back! I began thinking about my own attitude when I fall down. Most times, when I look up at my Heavenly Father from my knees I do not have a smile on my face. God loves me know matter what my attitude just as I love Elijah, but when I respond negatively I am losing joy and wasting precious time.

~Why not smile when I am on my knees?
~Why not enjoy each moment, no matter what the circumstances?

I don't know about you guys, but I do not want to waste any more of my time with negative attitudes. From now on, let's look at our circumstances through the heart of GOD and not our own. Let's embrace each moment and enjoy the lives GOD has given us!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea