THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Each of you who left a comment on my last post touched my heart. I, too share both of those scenario's. I "love" church, yet there have been times when I have been terribly wounded there. Recently, God placed many in my path who have shared their pain. After praying about my own situations and many of theirs, I felt led to simply post the question, "What is church to you?" I had no idea what GOD was doing, but I knew I had to obey and post. Thankful is not a strong enough word! I know your comments moved mountains in many lives. Your honesty, love, and sincerity are sprinkled through each comment. Truly, the heart of GOD shined brightly! GOD BLESS each of you and thank you for taking the time to answer.

For anyone visiting who is not familiar with the last post, please go back and read it, taking time to soak and absorb each comment. You will be blessed by the many living vessels who allowed GOD to speak through them.

Blessed to be HIS,

Andrea

Prolific Blogger Award

I received this award from Cathy at Word Vessel. I am honored you chose me! Thank you, precious friend. For those of you who do not follow Cathy, please hop over and check out her blog.


A Prolific Blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.

1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!

2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to This Post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.

4. Every Prolific Blogger must visit this post and add his/her name in the Mr. Linky, so that we all can get to know the other winners. (Click here for the Mr. Linky page.)

Now I'm passing this on to the following 7 bloggers:

Mary @ Divinely Designed
Loren @ MaGoo's News
Rosel @ Off The Beaten Trek
Kat @ Heart 2 Heart
Christie @ Life Of An American Wife and Mom

Lorie @ Deeper With Jesus in Rhode Island
Mid @ Mid's Point


Amazed By HIS grace,

Andrea

Thank You, Forever Friends

As evening rolls into morning, I reflect on the treasure I have before me. I stand amazed as I ponder the friends I have made via blogging. God has used each of you more than you will ever know to greatly impact my life for HIS greater good.

From darkness to light, GOD has abundantly blessed me with love, prayers and encouragement. I cherish each of you. I pray GOD will bless you beyond that which you could ask or imagine.

Forever Friends,

Andrea

Thank You

I am adding this beautiful button from Edie at Rich Gifts to my blog. Thank you, Edie!


Having a son who is a Unites States Marine, preparing to serve in Afghanistan beginning in January, I am ever conscious of the sacrifice many families make for our freedom.

Today, I would like to thank each person serving in our Armed Forces for the freedom I enjoy each day. I, too am remembering all those who sacrificed their lives in order for me to enjoy freedom.

Sacrifice is never easy. My husband grew up without a father, because his father gave his life in WWII.

May GOD bless each of you who serve or have lost a love one serving our country.

Thanking GOD for each of you,

Andrea

Thank You & Prayer Request

Thank you for all your prayers. We had a wonderful trip to Pennsylvania. We took the scenic route and absorbed the wonder of GOD's creation as we traveled. Friday was rainy and cold. Saturday was warm and beautiful.

I had planned to take pictures, but I did not take any while we were away. I am trying to recover from the long road trip. I hope to get back into the swing of blogging tomorrow.

I have a few prayer requests to share with you.

1)Frances Collins: Colton's grammy. She has stage 2 Lymphoma and is undergoing treatments at this time.

2)Colton: Pray for guidance as his family makes educational plans for next year.

3)My extended family (Bowling's): We could be the "poster child" for dysfunctional families. One of the significant problems is the lack of recognition that we have a problem. Being disjointed and having "no" relationship with one another is "normal" to many in my family. The choice to change must be in the heart of each individual. Those of us desiring a healthy family can not make the others comply. Only GOD can work to change. That being said....this is why I am beckoning prayers from around the world for my family.

As children and young adults we were not allowed to talk about it. We all were required to pretend our family was perfect. I am an adult now and no longer must live by those requirements. Please storm the heavens with me on behalf of my family.

May GOD bless each of you.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea