A Real Friend

Today, I've been thinking a lot about friendship. We all want and need friends. We need each other. Sure, we can exist without other humans, but we don't usually do it well. We are at our best when we have what I like to call "real friends" in our lives. God has graciously given me a many of them and I will be forever grateful. In the above picture is a beautiful friend who lives in Pennsylvania. God brought us together through the blogging world and over time we've become great friends. No, we don't talk every day, but when we need love and encouragement we are there for each other.

My definition of a real friend:

A real friend loves and respects you in both good and bad times. They are there for you "especially" when you mess up. They give love, forgiveness, and wise counsel, yet do not judge. A real friend is full of grace and mercy living out the example of Jesus Christ. 

Now, let's all get out there and be "real friends" to those around us.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Forty-Four And Counting

Forty-Four and Counting! Thank you, everyone for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Life has been chaotic at best around our house, lately. We are focusing on GOD and trusting HIM for our future. We are thankful for a wonderful family, both furry and human!

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Tilled and Watered

"For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God." Hebrews 6:7

Last Thursday, I was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The rain was a steady, soaking rain. As I sat watching the drops pelt the ground I began to think about the above passage.

God waters us like the "tilled soil." When we prepare our hearts....as they are tilled; God sends the rain to bless and grow us into the people HE created us to be.

Tilled: the soil (our heart) is prepared to receive the rain

Brings Forth Vegetation: spiritual growth

Those who are prepared for GOD to "rain" on them will grow spiritually. The rain of heaven pours forth on those hearts waiting to receive.

"Receive me" beckons our Heavenly Father...."allow me to water your tilled heart."

Growing in grace,

Andrea

*I did not take any pictures while I was away. I had my camera prepared, but was not able to stop and get the pictures. We traveled with another couple and I did NOT feel comfortable asking them to pull off the side of the road when I longed to take a picture. I am sorry.