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

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

An Unexpected Journey

There are easy journey's and there are tough ones. Many times we are caught off guard as we travel life's road. Doug and I will begin 2012 with new adventures. They are not the ones we would have chosen, but we know GOD has a perfect plan for us. We pray as HE shows us the way, HE will give us the strength to continue in the race. In the coming weeks I will share more of the mountain we are facing. It is our prayer GOD will be glorified in and through it all. Unexpected journeys may be difficult, but with GOD all things are possible! At this time, please pray for complete healing and restoration, strength, and grace for each moment. We stand together united in Christ facing each tomorrow together!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

What Blessings Do You See?

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Often, there are blessings all around us, but we do not recognize them. The chaos of life distract us from what is most important. Today, let us focus on God's blessings, great and small.

A few blessings from The Perdue Zoo:

~Giggling, squealing grandson makes my heart smile:)
~Granddaughter telling Papa, "I love you mostest and that's all!"
~Families coming together in love with hearts full of grace and mercy!
~God's beautiful creation! Over the last few weeks we have had deer playing in and around our yard late in the evening.
~Friends with hearts full of love!
~Watching GOD bless those who have sacrificed much many years ago!

What blessings to do you see in your zoo/home?

Praying each of you have a Christmas full of unexpected blessings!

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

Where Is Your Focus?

^"2-3But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own." 1 John 3:2-3 The Message

Friends, it is time to consider what we are teaching those we love the most! Are we teaching them to look to the future with eager expectation? Or, are we teaching them to look back and wallow in the past? Where is your focus?

~Let us teach our children and grandchildren to keep their eyes focused on the Lord!

~Let us live our lives in a way that encourages others to run the race of this life eagerly toward their Heavenly Father!

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

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

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

"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"

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

Reunion Of Hearts

Not rain, not humidity, not even pesky mosquitoes thwarted the plans of Doug's classmates. Memories and love spilled forth as they shared their hearts with one another. Beautiful smiles and warm hearts radiated as laughter sprinkled with tears fell upon many. God's presence spoke loudly!

Time well spent, valued, and cherished. One never knows if tomorrow shall come. With reality held in hand, Doug approached these events with purpose, grace, and serenity. He purposed to listen carefully and hear the hearts of his classmates.

Privileged I am to have viewed this weekend through the heart of my best friend and husband, Doug. I praise God for his presence in my life and I pray he and I will share many other reunion of hearts with others along the way.

"Friends come and go. They seldom know, but they do change you."  Laurence Craig-Green

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Even The Chimps Bow In Prayer

Tuesday, Doug and I spent the day touring the Metro Richmond Zoo with our grandbabies, Savannah and Elijah. We took our time and watched the animals. My favorite animal in the zoo was the chimps.

I told Doug and the kids, "It looks like they are praying!" Even the Chimps bow in prayer before their LORD! Every moment with Savannah and Eli is a teaching moment. Don't forget the impact you have each and every moment of your life to reveal GOD's presence and share about HIM!

" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Blessings and prayers,
Andrea

My Interview

Today, you can read my interview with Kat at Art's Chili Pepper.

When Kat asked me to write for her, I almost instantly knew I was suppose to answer her questions. I pray GOD will use those answers about a very difficult time in my life for HIS good will and purpose.

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

Humbled and Tested

"He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good." Deuteronomy 8:15

Many seasons in life take us to places we may or may not want to be. GOD has a reason and a purpose. Help us, Lord to see our way through each season with humble hearts. Help us to be found faithful, obedient servants. Help us not to fail You, Lord!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

What It Means To Storm The Heavens In Prayer!

Storming The Heavens In Prayer

I cry
I scream
I beg
I plead
Sometimes, I even stomp around!

Sometimes physically..
Sometimes emotionally..

I have lived out my life speaking my mind and heart....the good, the bad, and the ugly to GOD.

You might say:

"That doesn't sound very respectful!"

My answer to you would be:

GOD already knows my heart. He wants me to give all those hurts, pains and even questions to HIM. HE is GOD and HE can handle anything and everything I throw at HIM! HE loves me deeply, this I know for sure! In my deepest time of need, hurt, or pain, HE has never abandoned me. HE has held me in HIS arms and soothed my broken heart when "no" human could.

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety." Psalm 18:2
My life lesson:

Never be afraid to share "all" of what's on your heart with GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

~This week I received an email asking me if there was a biblical reference for "storming the heavens in prayer." I used this term privately for many years. A couple of years ago, I began using it publicly, because it represents my actions in prayer. I realized my actions deserved an explanation. So, now you all know what "storming the heavens in prayer" means to me.

FOCUS

As you stand in the meadow of your life, look toward the heavens. His beauty and presence pierces even the thickest cloud cover. Do not allow what is happening in your meadow to blindfold or shadow your focus on your Heavenly Father!

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

Walk or Crawl?

Sometimes we walk. Sometimes we crawl. On those days when you can not walk, what is your attitude? Are you happy to move forward slowly on hands and knees?

Many times we want to run ahead. We are not patient. We find ourselves learning and re-learning how to crawl. Remember: GOD's timing is always perfect!

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