Soul Training Plan

Soul Training Plan
(Unedited Journal Notes)

I will make a conscious effort daily to allow God to make a difference in my life, so I can make a difference in the lives of others. By beginning each day with an intentional purpose of seeking God's presence and fellowship, I will better cope with my own day and become better equipped to share God's peace, love, and comfort with others through my actions as well as my written and spoken words.

As I begin each day "trying to become a better me," I'm embracing new beginnings with joy only God can give and I'm trusting in areas I have not been able to trust.

My plan may sound simple on paper, but deep within the plan embodies much work--work only attainable by a heart ready and willing to accept the love, peace, and healing Christ is patiently waiting to administer. As I am ready, He will heal....and with the healing of each wound I will reach out to those around me being sensitive to their wounds.

Hopefully, others will realize God has a better plan for them....a place of living life above the rubble. So, you will find me off and running--running my way out of the rubble and into the Light, God's Light!

"My race" is the race God has chosen for me....a race only I can run, a unique race.

I was asked yesterday not to refer to myself as "crazy." As I prayed about this request, God gave me a new word, "Unique." So, I will run the race before me realizing God will use "my unique self" for His purpose and I'm thankful my race will weave in and out of the lives of treasured and faithful friends.
  
^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Getting Prepared

Savannah is preparing for a boat ride with Papa. Required apparel is her life vest and she proudly wears it while waiting for Papa to finish getting the boat ready.

Many times we face life without the required apparel. Our days begin with speed and lack of vision. When things do not go well, we wonder why? Today, lets take a lesson from our sweet "Savannah Faith." Let us slow down and prepare our heart, body, and mind for each day. Let us begin with prayer and time with our Heavenly Father! Wear GODS apparel with a heart of victory and preparedness. Begin each day ready for all HE has for you and enjoy the ride.


Learning to live,

Andrea

Walk By Faith

Wil and Nanuq walking on Hatteras Island!












"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2Corinthians 5:7 NAS

On those windy, sandy, days we must continue to walk in faith. Hold tightly to what we know to be true. Our faith will carry us through this life into eternal life.


Clinging tightly,

Andrea

*Please pray for the Johnson Family. They will be burying their mother/grandmother/great grandmother, today. Please pray specifically that the rain subsides before the graveside service at 3pm. Doug and I will be attending the graveside service. We thank each of you for your prayers for this family.

Staying With Christ

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when HE appears, ready to receive HIM with open arms, with no cause for red faced guilt or lame excuses when HE arrives." 1 John 2:28

Staying with Christ,

Andrea

Waiting And Hoping

"Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the GOD who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalm 25:5

I continually put my hope in the Lord. As I pray, I hope for answers to life's difficulties, immediately. I do not like to wait. I like to get things done and move on.

As I meditate on this verse I am reminded to place my trust in the Lord "all day long." All day long indicates waiting. Sometimes our waits are more than a day.

GOD is continuing to teach me about HIS timing. He knows what is best. Any answer from our Heavenly Father is certainly worth the wait.

Waiting and hoping,

Andrea

Never Alone

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3b

These verses have been near and dear to my heart for many years. Each time I read them, I am reminded, I am not alone. God never leaves or abandons me in any crisis. He is a Faithful Father.

I pray GOD will lift your burdens and comfort each of you.

Walking with Him,

Andrea

My Crazy Life

Sitka..April 2007 snow.


First, I would like to apologize for not posting or visiting your blogs the last couple of days. We call our home, "The Perdue Zoo" and there is good reason for this title. Most humans hear this title and think we use it because we have lots of animals. "The Perdue Zoo" title holds a much deeper meaning.

Our life tends to be a bit crazy. People coming and going, teenagers and animals needing our attention, and the surprise happenings of each day lend us to feel as though we are a part of a zoo.

Yesterday, was no different. We began our day as normal. While brushing my teeth, my lower bridge flew out. I rescued it from the sink and placed it in a Ziploc bag. Next, I called my dentist! I was told to bring my bridge in at 11:00 am. We journeyed across town with my appendage in hand. I received this bridge and an upper bridge in January 2009 and we have grown quite fond of one another.

Upon arriving at the dentist office, I was told I would have to leave my little friend (bridge) and it would be sent back to the lab before they could put it back in my mouth. I will reunite with my bridge on Monday, July 13TH.

Leaving the dentist, I realized I needed my B-12 shot. My journey led me back across town to the doctors office. After a short wait, I received my shot and journeyed on.

My hubby stopped at the Bridal Shop to be measured for our daughter's wedding to find they did not have the information on file. He left two voice mail messages on our daughter and her her fiance' voice mail.

Arriving home, I found a sweet note on my face book page from one of my younger sister's childhood friends. My youngest sister died tragically at age 17. Her friend lives in Gaffney, South Carolina where a serial killer recently took the lives of several people, including one teenager. Her note stated:

She had been able to share her experience with some of the teens at Gaffney High School. She shared how she and others coped through faith and knowing they would one day see Dayna again.

(I will post more later about my experience, losing my sister). Today, I share this as a praise. GOD is still working 20 years after her death to bring about good.

Exhausted, but determined to carry on we prepared to take Nanuq, our Samoyed to Dog Therapy at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. We enjoyed a wonderful visit with patients.

Upon leaving the hospital, I realized I had a voice mail from home. I checked my message and called home to find my beloved Alaskan Malamute, Sitka was not using his right rear leg and in horrible pain. Sitka is 4 years old and endured 3 knee surgeries during his lifetime. He is my baby.

We hurried home and found Sitka to be in great pain. Our son had already given him pain medications and was trying to console him. My husband and I spent the next few hours trying to comfort him.

Finally around 11:00 PM he began to rest. This morning, I prepared for work and my hubby journeyed to the vet with Sitka. After his examination, our vet prescribed more pain medications and an anti-biotic. He could feel inflammation around the knee.

Please pray for Sitka and for us as we make decisions for him. I will try to get around to all of you and post more as soon as I am able.

A day in the life of "The Perdue Zoo."

Andrea

To Worry or Not To Worry

"And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They do not worry or make their clothing. Yet Solomon and all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30

Many times we worry about things that never come to pass. We waste valuable time allowing our minds to be distracted with worry. Many years ago, I wrote in the front of my Bible, "If you are going to worry...don't pray, if you are going to pray...don't worry!"

I can not tell you how many times GOD has taken me back to the front of my Bible reminding me of this simple truth. Over and over again, I slip back into the old habit of worrying.

With many gentle reminders from my Lord, I have become better at leaving my problems or perceived problems at HIS feet. Over the years, I have inched along in my spiritual growth.

Matthew reminds us of the love GOD has for us. He does not want us to waste our time worrying about worldly possessions or the potential stormy times in life. He longs for us to focus on HIM and leave our welfare in HIS hands.

This year, the lilies in my yard have been more beautiful than ever. Daily, I have witnessed the unveiling of the words in this passage. One Lily dies and another blooms, giving me hope for tomorrow and faith for eternity.

Resting in HIS arms,

Andrea

Memories...

Whistling Grandfather
Walks in the evening sun...
Hand in hand they go
Together each day
Days unending
No care by either
Consumed in their own world
Sweet little sight...
Protected
Sheltered
Complete with love
Tempered by grace
Symbols of faith
Awesome streaming hope
Playfully guiding
Memories past down
Cherished to this day
Time on earth
Ending early
Time in the heart
Without end

In Loving memory of my grandfather, Charles Aaron Coates.

Andrea