In The Eye of Deception-update

Please visit Mary at Divinely Designed. Mary's Author interview is awesome. "The Eye of Deception" is the true story of our blog friend, Sarah/Nikki. I urge each of you to read the interview and consider buying Sarah's book to give to someone GOD puts in your path.

For those of you who tried to access Divinely Designed from last night until 11:30 eastern time, I am sorry. The link was NOT working. It is NOW RESTORED, PLEASE VISIT and read Sarah's interview. I would like to explain the gravity of this error. It is unbelievable the lengths the enemy has went to in trying to keep this interview from being posted. There have been numerous problems. I am MORE DETERMINED than ever to get the word out. GOD will be victorious and the enemy will NO LONGER win. Sarah's/Nikki's words are powerful and are VERY needed.

Amazed by HIS mercy and Grace,

Andrea

Happy Birthday Wil

Wil always makes silly faces when we grab the camera!
































On January 26th, 1993, Wilson Lee Thompson entered the world 2 months early. He was not ready to arrive, however my body could no longer cope with pregnancy. I experienced extreme blood pressure and other health problems. On the morning of the 26th, I began experiencing seizures. I was stabilized and taken to surgery for an emergency C-Section.

Wil weighed 5 pounds, but his organs were not fully developed. "Little Wil" grew slowly. He encountered a few obstacles, but GOD was faithful to see him through each of them.

Wil is my youngest child. He is an awesome young man with a tender heart. I am blessed to call him, son! Today, I thank GOD for bringing him into my life and growing him into the young man HE created him to be.

I love you, Wil. I am "very" proud of the person you are becoming! Happy 17th Birthday!

Hugs and love,

Mom

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

A New Look

Edie at Rich Gifts designed a "new look" for Arise 2 Write. Once again, she has outdone herself! I am amazed as she captured my love of God's Creation, Writing, and rolled it all into a beautiful new look. GOD BLESS YOU, Edie!

To my followers:

Thank you for your faithfulness. I appreciate your love, prayers, and encouragement more than you could possibly know!

Hugs and prayers,

Andrea

Answered Prayer

Andrea and Payden Hope




































Jen and Payden Hope


















Over a year ago, Doug and I began to pray for my cousin Jennifer and her husband Travis. They desperately wanted a baby. Shortly after being asked to pray our prayers were answered. After a long time of trying "everything" to conceive, GOD answered.

We continued to pray for Payden as she grew and developed inside mommies tummy. On December 26th, GOD revealed this beautiful package of love to us. Payden Hope entered the world healthy and happy!

Last week, I was able to meet Payden face to face. Instantly, I fell in love. My heart rejoiced as I held her, knowing GOD has big plans for this little girl. I will eagerly watch as my new "little" cousin, Payden becomes all GOD created her to be.

Praising GOD,

Andrea

Focus

"People become attached to their burdens sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them." George Bernard Shaw
Irish playwright, 20th century

Today, I am reminded to focus on the eternal, not the external. It's easy for me to fall into the trap of focusing on the circumstances around me. God spoke clearly on this beautiful Richmond, Virginia morning through this quote. He then confirmed it through and email from a precious friend who is struggling with her health.

Today, join my friend and I on a quest to keep our eyes on the LORD and not life's circumstances!

Focusing on my LORD,

Andrea

Past The Rapids

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you are in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you are between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end-
Because, I am GOD, your personal GOD, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you."
Isaiah 43:3-6 The Message


My life's journey has taken many twists and turns. There were times I thought I would perish as the waters turbulently rose around me. Thankfully, I am past the rapids and enjoying the smooth trickling waters of a gentle creek.

With each new day there comes new adventures and struggles. The GOD of my past remains the faithful GOD of my present and future. I cling tightly to HIM.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Resting In HIS Arms (Aunt Mary)

This morning, Aunt Mary, known by family as Aunt Mel left the pains of this world and stepped gracefully into eternity. She lived a full 99 3/4 years. She taught school in Spartanburg County for "many" years with phenomenal impact on those who crossed her path. After years of hard work, great times with family and friends, sickness and loss of her husband, parents, and siblings, Aunt Mel rests peacefully in her Heavenly Father's arms. She joins a reunion unlike any earthly reunion and celebrates the greatest victory in life.

Please continue to pray for the family.

Pondering the past and looking to the future,

Andrea

Update on Aunt Mary

Aunt Mary (Mel) will be moved to hospice, today. Thank you for your continued prayers!

In HIS grip,
Andrea

Just Be Frugal

No, I have not stolen the title to my dear friend Mary's new blog. I simply wanted to grab your attention. I pray each of you will visit Just Be Frugal and follow Mary. Mary astounds me with her advice on frugality. I do not know anyone who does not want or need advice in this area of their lives. Mary is a gentle, kind, and loving woman of the Lord! I praise GOD for bringing her into my life. She continually blesses me beyond explanation. Join me in receiving the blessings of GOD through the heart of Mary.

Blessed by Godly friendships,

Andrea

Heaven Awaits

Dreaming of a land far away.....
Heaven awaits....


"I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea. I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband. I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! Their His people, He is their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good-tears gone, crying gone, pain gone-all the first order of things gone." Revelations 21:1-5a The Message


One day we will meet on the other side,

Andrea

"Words"

One day a door opened

A wall torn down

One day a door opened

A deep love was found

Written words

Opened the door

Deep recesses explored

A perfect love she thought

Written words once brought

One day the door slammed closed

A wall arose

The heart once open

Now is closed

"What words," He said

As her heart bled

No longer important

No longer read

The sun once bright

Now a fading light

The door he once opened

Now closed tight

A day to remember

A day to believe

A perfect love she perceived

That day now ends

What she thought important

Was only pretend

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Update On Aunt Mary

Aunt Mary's vitals are good. She was moved out of ICU. She is not resting well. She seems to talk continuously. We praise GOD she is less confused and is not having to endure restraints, anymore.

Thank you, prayer warriors for continuing to storm the heavens on her behalf and on behalf of those caring for her, specifically her daughter Aurelia.

Continuing to pray,

Andrea

Nana's Love

Challenge
Is often needed for love
For courage to love
For courage to speak up when you love!

The above poem was written in the heart of a young, thirteen year old girl known to most as Andee. She found herself growing up in a world without the security she once knew. Her grandmother, Marie Coates died September 27, 1979 after an extremely painful journey with Cancer.

God is faithful to heal and restore the hearts of all who are willing. The little girl known as Andee is now grown and sharing a special relationship with her own granddaughter. I am that little girl!!

As I gaze into the eyes of my precious granddaughter I think of my Nana and realize the gift God has given me. My Nana taught me how to be a Nana, giving me courage to love and speak up when I love.

In the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request

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My great Aunt Mary was hospitalized with pneumonia. She will be 100 years old in March. She is a wonderful lady who spent many years of her life educating children in South Carolina.

Please also pray for her daughter, Aurelia. She is Aunt Mary's caregiver.

I praise GOD for each of you who faithfully storm the heavens with me. I am blessed to partner with each of you.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Home

"Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that is where I will be buried." Ruth 1:16-17 The Message

Lately, I have been thinking about family and home. Home is wherever my husband Doug and I are together. Whether a large home or a humble tent, I am content to be with him. The things of this world will pass away, but our love will last forever. I praise GOD for bringing him into my life.

Thanking HIM,

Andrea

*Tomorrow (Thursday), I will spending time with my eye doctor. I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed day! See you when my eyes recover from my doctor visit!

Help's Coming

"That clinches it--helps coming, an answer is on the way, everything's going to work out." Psalm 20:6 The Message

I pray the darkened days of winter will be over shadowed by the light of our Lord!

Depending on the Lord,

Andrea

Lifted From The Garbage Heap

"He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash, Seats them among the honored guests, a place of honor among the brightest and best. He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children. Hallelujah!" Psalm 113:7-9 The Message

Most of us have felt battered, bruised and a bit like garbage, at times. For many years now, these verses have served as a beautiful reminder of the love of GOD. He "lifts me from the garbage heap" and "sits me among the brightest and best." Indeed, GOD redeems and pours HIS love into our lives, filling the emptiest places!

Be encouraged! You too can find freedom and hope in HIS word! Do not listen to the comments of those who tell you "you are no good....you are worthless." Know: Your value is beyond measure. Each of you have a special place in this world. Allow your Heavenly Father to "pull you from the heap" of despair and heal your heart!

Lifted from the heap,

Andrea

Merry Christmas

"I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with GOD! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with GOD." Psalm 27:13-14 The Message

Merry Christmas,

Andrea

Bowser's Forever Home

A week ago, I was asked to pray for this handsome black lab, named Bowser. He desperately needed a new home. As our family joined in prayer, Sitka was led to post an article on his blog about him. As a result, Bowser found a new home.

I was initially a little nervous, because I did not personally know the family who wanted to adopt him and was not sure how he would fit. However, GOD had a perfect plan. He truly outdid HIMSELF on this one.

Doug and I drove from Richmond, Virginia to Spartanburg, South Carolina with Bowser and introduced him to his new parents. I am thankful for GOD's lead and also for a husband who so graciously joined in my efforts to place this dog.

I hope you will jump over to Sitka's blog: All God's Creatures and read about Bowser's new home.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

A Testimony of Praise and Healing

PRAISE AND ANSWERED PRAYER!

Today, I share a praise. Many of you are struggling with some form of cancer. I introduce, Frances. She lives in my home town, Landrum, South Carolina. I and many others have prayed for her for many months. She is now in "remission." She wrote this poem and read it to her Sunday School Class. Her daughter shared it with me and I asked permission to share it with all of you. It is so easy to get discouraged and Frances faced those days, too. Her battle was a difficult one with many obstacles, but she is here today to praise GOD for the "victory" HE gave her. The battle was HIS all along!

Blessed to share Frances testimony,
Andrea




" A Special Rainbow "

Today I saw a Rainbow, just above the ground,
Underneath an Oak Tree; where usually there not found.

God is always faithful ~ if we let him lead the way,
When we give our heart to Jesus and trust him day by day.

Satan wants to blind us and see us go astray,
Yet, God will not allow this if we sincerely pray.

The Rainbow is a promise, from whom we can depend;
God will never leave us ~ Oh, What A Glorious End!

Written By: Frances Collins

July 23, 2009
This was the week after my 3rd chemo, the roughest days of my treatment cycle. I forced myself to go outside and water the azaleas under an oak tree by our drive. The sun came through the leaves creating a beautiful rainbow each time I moved the hose. It was much smaller but had all the perfect colors of a rainbow.

Pastor Mullinax drove up a few minutes later and I told him about this very real experience. He smiled and said, "Frances, I have been praying for God to send you a rainbow."

Think about it!!!!! Is God Real?

My family and I want to think all of you for your support, cards etc. Most of all, for your faithful prayers which Our Lord chose to answer.
God Bless Each Of You,
Frances Collins

Sarah's Book Giveaway

Sarah at In The Eye Of Deception will be having a drawing for one of her books. Please jump over and leave her a comment. I know you will be blessed!

Sarah has lived through tremendous pain. She is now able to live victoriously serving her Heavenly Father. I praise GOD for all HE is doing in and through her life.

"...the joy of the Lord is her/our strength." Nehemiah 8:10

In HIS grip,

Andrea

In The Eye Of Deception

Today, I introduce Sarah. She has become an awesome friend. Over the past year, GOD gave myself and others the privilege of encouraging Sarah as she wrote her personal journey with GOD out of abuse and pain. Please check out Sarah's book and website. She has an amazing ministry. GOD is using Sarah in magnificent ways to help woman all over the world.
















There is no darkness so black, no valley so deep, God cannot redeem it for His glory. In the Eye of Deception details one woman's struggle to break free from the damaging effects of child abuse, rape and addictions. It is a story filled with hope, faith, and the realization that God can be trusted to bring about complete healing and recovery.
Nothing else had worked. Nothing had been able to break the chains that kept me living on the edge. Nothing…except the gentleness of His touch.
The power of His gentleness...
In the Eye of Deception: This is my story.

Sarah can be contacted by email: blueheron12345@yahoo.ca
or through her blog: www.cultofdeception.blogspot.com
or her website: http://www.gentlerecovery.webs.com.

Holding Onto GOD

"You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right-he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you-under them you are perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing-not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, not disease that travels through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because GOD is your refuge, the High God your very own home. Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they will catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed amongst lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from your path. "If you'll hold onto me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you will only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" Psalm 91 The Message

Psalm 91 brings comfort to my heart as I face the serpents and lions of each day. My GOD is not going to allow them to harm me. He is indeed my refuge and He is yours, too. Take comfort in knowing there is nothing in your life to difficult for God to handle.

Holding onto HIM,

Andrea

My Little Lamb

"Jesus said, Feed my lambs." John 21:15b

Patty at Attic Clutter sent me this precious lamb. He reminds me of the reason for the season. Jesus gave us the ultimate gift of eternal life. He asks us to take gentle care of HIS lambs (to feed them).

What does this verse mean to you?

Loving "The LAMB,"

Andrea

*Thank you Patty for my precious new ornament. He will always have a special place on my tree.

A Spa Day, Wednesday

On Mother's Day, my family gave me a gift card for a spa day! Months have gone by and I have not used it. On Wednesday, I am taking the time to use it. Hopefully, I will be beautifully transformed like the butterfly in the picture above. I pray each of you will find renewal and restoration in the midst of your day. May each of you have a beautifully blessed day!

"...the joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea

Squeezing Lemons

Both these lovely ladies gave me the lemonade award:


Being Me
Audrinna

I hope you will jump over and visit each of them.

Each follower on this blog is special and loved. As I pondered the lemonade award. I thought of how each of us have or are experiencing lemons in our lives. That makes us understand each other. We are all in some way kindred spirits.

What do we do with all the lemons? Do we allow them to rot in our midst or do we make lemonade and share it with others. As I pass this lemonade award to each of you, I pray you will make lemonade and share it with the less fortunate around you.
Let's not allow a single lemon to rot and stink up our lives! Get to squeezing, dear friends. Take all the "yucky stuff" in your life and make lemonade!

Squeezing lemons,

Andrea

Thank You, Mary Moss

Today, I would like to thank Mary Moss. Many of you may not know Mary and indeed you should. She is a wonderful lady, a prayer warrior, encourager, and friend. I met Mary about a year and half ago.

We became close friends, quickly. We are most definitely kindred spirits. Mary is a published author, speaker, and blogger. Shortly after our friendship began, she encouraged me to blog. I had NO desire, but GOD had a different plan and HE sent Mary to encourage (push and shove) this stubborn, willful being. She had her work cut out, but she did NOT sway from GOD's call and she has NEVER given up on me.

All of the wonderful gadgets on my blog are placed there by Mary. She even surprised me with blog makeovers by Edie at Rich Gifts. On Arise 2 Write, Mary "stole" a photo I had taken and had it designed as my background! What a friend! Mary puts true meaning to the verse:

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

Mary has 3 blogs. I hope each of you will take the time to visit her blogs and get to know her. I also encourage you to order her devotional book, "Woman At The Well." You will not be disappointed.

Mary's blogs:

Divinely Designed
Crayon Chronicles
Godly Graffiti

Thankful for GOD's blessings of friendship,

Andrea

Circle Of Friends

Deborah passed this award to her readers. What a blessing! I hope each of you will check out her blog.

I am suppose to tell 5 things I love to do:

1) Walk on the beach!
2) Hike in the mountains!
3) Write and read!
4) Follow my furry kids on adventures of Dog Therapy. I am merely the human at the end of the leash!
5) Crash into my Heavenly Father's arms and rest!

I am passing this award to each of you, because indeed you have become a Great Circle Of Friends!

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

Blessed to be a friend,

Andrea

Shelter

A month ago, I was hiking in the mountains of Virginia. I came across this natural bird condo. I was drawn to this birdhouse condo of sorts. Look at all the holes in this tree where the birds live.

I watched the birds come back and forth and I thought about the bird houses my husband has put up near our home. The provision of shelter is often taken for granted. My own home is more than I could have ever dreamed, asked, or imagined and I am forever thankful.

There are those who proudly live in grass huts, small apartments, and homes of all shapes and sizes all over our world. Then there are those who do not have shelter at all. They are exposed to all the elements. Some choose to live a life of homelessness, but in our current economy there are many who have found themselves homeless and did not choose this path.

Today, I pray for each person affected by homelessness and/or hunger. This is a day to consider giving beyond your normal gift to your local food banks and shelters. If you have never given before, now may be a day when you can start. The smallest donation goes a long way. Recently, I learned the food bank can stretch a $1 donation and multiply it by 12, because of their buying ability. If you do not have any spare assets, because of your own situation you can continue to pray. Prayer does change things. It moves mountains. Do not think prayer is a "small" contribution, because it is NOT.

Challenged to do more,

Andrea

Paths of life

Some paths are easy.
Some paths are not.
Some paths bring joy.
Some paths forgot.


"By your words I can see where I am going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order." Psalm 119:105-106 The Message

What path are you on?
Who is your guide?

Following the leader (my Heavenly Father),

Andrea

He is my GOD!

"A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I'm thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, "Will I ever make it~ arrive and drink in God's presence!" I'm on a diet of tears~ tears for breakfast, tears for supper. All day long people knock at my door, Petering, "Where is this God of yours?" These are the things I go over and over, emptying out the pockets of my life. I was always at the head of the worshiping crowd, right out in front, Leading them all, eager to arrive and worship, shouting praises, singing thanksgiving~ celebrating, all of us, God's feast! Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God~ soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you, From Jordan depths to Hermon heights, including Mount Mizar. Chaos calls to chaos, to the tune of whitewater rapids. Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers crash and crush me. Then God promises to love me all day, sing songs all through the night! My life is God's prayer. Sometimes I ask God, my rock-solid God, "why did you let me down? why am I walking around in tears, harassed by enemies?" They're out for the kill, these tormentors with their obscenities, Taunting day after day, "where is this God of yours?" Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on GOD~ soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God." Psalm 42 The Message

Today, this psalm says it all. No matter what happens in life, "HE IS MY GOD."

Blessed to be HIS,

Andrea

Storming The Heavens

Today, I look to the heavens in search of answers. As the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Clemson Tigers my joy is tempered by the knowledge of family members who take this game so seriously they use it as an excuse not to speak. You notice I say, excuse! Obviously, there is a deeper and greater problem than a rival ball game.

Through the years our family has used excuses to cover a multitude of problems. Sadly, "The Bowling Family" is broken and only GOD can fix it. Today, I ask you to join me in prayer on behalf of my family.

One day, I would love to see each family member together, agreeing to leave their disagreements at the door and simply love one another! It is a big prayer request, but I know GOD is greater than the sin of dysfunction in our family.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Happy First Blogoversary Sitka

Yesterday, November 26th, 2009 was Sitka's first Blogoversary at All God's Creatures. Last year, GOD gave me a vision to allow each of you to follow Sitka's journey in the lives of others through Dog Therapy.

Please visit Sitka and join to follow as he loves and encourages humans who struggle in this world. Sitka visits hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities as GOD leads and opens the doors for him. Sitka also takes Nanuq (Samoyed) and Trouble (Toy Poodle) on many of his adventures. Each of them are certified therapy dogs.

Blessed to be the human at the end of the leash,

Andrea

Happy Thanksgiving

It is my prayer that each of you will enjoy the most beautifully blessed Thanksgiving, ever!

Blessed to be a part of this life,

Andrea

You Are Not Alone

Standing on the edge of one mountain looking onto valleys and other mountains, the beautiful pine tree caught my eye. He looks lonely with his beautiful green coat. He is clearly not alone. All the other trees have shed their foliage, but they are close by.

I wonder how many souls fill alone in a sea of people? I am here today to remind each of you:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

"I will not fail you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5b

"The Lord will not abandon HIS people." Psalm 94:14a

Standing with HIM,

Andrea

From Me To You

I received this award from Sarah @ Gentle Recovery and Writing. Thank-you, Sarah for this award. Sarah has become a very special friend. Please visit her blogs and support her in her continued journey to help those who have been abused.

Now to follow the rules here are 7 things you guys don't know about me.

1)I can eat and write at the same time, fork in one hand and pen in the other.

2)I trained my cat to walk on a leash. You probably did not even know we had a cat. We actually have 2.

3)I have 5 children (2 adopted and 3 biological).

4)I learned to drive in my best friend's Dad's Lincoln Continental in the pasture in front of their home (rural SC....those were the days).

5)I like really loud music, especially if I am upset.

6)I was christened as a baby and baptized when I was 19, but saved at age 9.

7)I have a Bible addiction! Yes, I used those two words together. I love to check out new translations and new study notes and there is a strong chance I convince myself I need a copy.

I know I am suppose to only pass this award to 7 people, but it is simply not possible. I follow many awesome blogs and I have many awesome followers. For all those who follow and pray for me, this award is yours. Know I need and value your prayers. I also value your comments more than you know.

Blessings and hugs,

Andrea

PS: I will be away from the computer for the next couple of days. I will be working outside the home, helping a friend. I will catch up with all of you next week.

Baggage

Most of us have baggage and it is very heavy. We often trick ourselves into believing we have "checked it" at the feet of Jesus. However, quite often we quickly grab it back and continue to trek the mountains of life with it on our back. The load of unnecessary baggage is in our way. When we carry unnecessary baggage it prevents us from being healthy, productive vessels.

Today is a new day. Let's shed the unnecessary baggage of our past by "leaving it" with Jesus and step toward the light of the future.

"Cast your anxiety upon HIM, because HE cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Leaving the burdens behind,

Andrea

Sacrifice

This picture was taken a few weeks ago looking down on the Luray farming valley from the room we stayed in at Skyland Lodge. Each night, we would sit and look at the lights.

As we prayed for those living in this little community, I wondered if there were those who lights had been snuffed out by loss of job or other means. I could not help but pray more for those I could not see.

Yesterday, Doug and I were able to assist a young couple in donating $500 worth of food to the Virginia Food Bank. They had saved all year in order to participate in the food drive. This couple truly sacrificed to make this donation. Doug and I were privileged to witness their effort and be a small part of helping make their sacrifice happen.

Please consider donating food to your local food bank and remember to pray for all those you are unable to see.

Praying for those in need,

Andrea

Swimming Up Stream

Do you ever feel as though you are swimming up stream? Remember, you are NEVER alone!

Swimming with my Heavenly Father,

Andrea

The Smell of Manure

It is a rainy day in Richmond. We are projected to get a total of eight inches of rain with lots of wind. There have been many accidents on our roadways and there is a growing concern regarding flooding. I have spent the last hour or so praying for the growing needs of our nation and community, as well as many individual needs I am aware of. I know GOD is fully capable and HE has it all under control. Despite my knowledge of GODS strength, power, and capabilities I felt sad.

I began to scroll through some pictures on my computer. This one made me laugh. I will have to explain.

Cow manure does not stink to me. It smells sweet. My children hold their nose's when we travel through areas where there are cow pastures. They laugh hysterically at the thought of Mom thinking it smells sweet.

Our home has been filled with much laughter and many discussions regarding how Mom could possibly think cow manure smells sweet. So far, all we can conclude is:

Shortly after my birth, I lived in a small farm house on my Grandfather Bowling's dairy farm in rural South Carolina. Because, I spent the first year or so of my life living there, apparently I was sensitized to the aroma a cow leaves behind.

If your day started on a less than fragrant note, you can laugh with me! Fragrance comes in all sorts of packages! The next time you are overcome by the smell of cow manure, you will see a bit of humor in it.

Enjoying the fragrance of life,

Andrea

Freedom

As I enjoy the beauty surrounding me, I think of those who are serving our country. I eat when I want to, read the books I chose, and speak the words upon my heart freely each day.

While visiting Skyland Lodge last week, a gentleman came to our table. we did not know him. He simply came up and began to talk to us. The lodge was full and there were many lovely people around, but he chose to speak with my husband and I.

As he chatted about hiking trails, bears, and other wildlife, our conversation turned. He asked about our children. He smiled as we briefly shared a little about them. Soon our conversation took another twist. He thanked us for our son's service to out country. Seth, our oldest son is a U.S. Marine.

As it turns out the older gentleman was a WWII veteran and a Marine! We were shocked. He had an altered gait and some frailties, but looked young for his age. In fact, despite the deformities in his leg and hand he hikes and enjoys other adventures in his beloved America.

I was touched deeply by the compassion this gentleman had for our soldiers and all Americans. My son always says, "Once a marine, always a marine."

Our discussion ended on the note, "Freedom is never free."

I leave you with the same thought: "Freedom is never free."

Blessed to be an American,

Andrea

Rest, My Child

As day rolls into evening and night into dawn, I listen!
My plans tempered.

Silent walks unveil masked beauty.
Time silently moving.

Rest, My child!


Andrea