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