Prayer and Promise

Stumbling through this earthly life has prepared me to come here with a heart full of humility seeking prayer. Over the last few years, I've tried desperately to become "a better me!" Some days I've been successful and others I have not. Along the way, I've realized there are many facets to "becoming a better me." GOD has graciously given me a community to come along side in prayer, encouragement, and on many days to simply listen to the rambling words of a crazy lady. You, my friends are a very important part of my community and I love how GOD brought each of you into my life. You came here as readers, by the grace of GOD you stayed, and along the journey you became friends.

A few of the areas in my life that need renewal and recovery:

Spiritual: Abetter heart relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Physical: Health issues
Emotional: A need for total dependance on GOD every moment of every day.

Well, did I cover everything? Probably not!

Yesterday, I joined a group at New Life UMC. It's called, "Choose 2 Lose." I've made progress on my own, but after prayer I realized the accountability and encouragement of others could be a great asset.

Then the thoughts of  defeat and failure came:

"what if you fail"
"now you have to chart your progress or failure"
"you know you don't want to answer to other humans"
"you know you have health issues and they will not understand them"
"you know this is horrible timing"

You get the picture. The enemy just wants me to fall short of my goal.

NO WAY am I going to give in this easily. So, here I am today confessing to the entire world my desires as well as my fears. GOD knows my heart and HE has promised to be with me every step of the way. I may not be able to do this on my own, but I can do this and anything else my GOD calls me to do through HIS strength. 

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~An added prayer request for my best friend and husband, Doug. He will have a biopsy tomorrow.

Life Lessons from The Perdue Zoo

As we stumble through this life, we think we are training our dogs and children. Instead, GOD is molding and training us through them. Through every jerk of the leash and exuberant defiance of the child, we become more pliable. With each challenge comes opportunity to grow and learn. We rise to the occasion on most days, yet on other days we crumble falling head first into a heap of laundry or a large pile of dog poop. As we gather our last ounce of strength, we stand a little smelly, but taller, stronger, and even a bit wiser.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Beginning 2013 With Purpose

As we begin 2013, let us focus our lives on making a positive difference in the lives of others. Lets be found walking away from negativity and embracing the love of Christ. Most of the time it is just that simple. The hard part is often keeping our mouth shut when walking away. It may not be hard for all of you, but it is for me.

~Praying GOD will use the craziness of our lives to make a positive difference in the lives of others!

~Keep loving, keep writing, keep being all God created you to be!

~Keep your purpose focused on HIS purpose! 

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Diane Estrella Interviews Me

Today, I am visiting Diane Estrella's site, "That's What I'm Here For." A few months ago Diane asked to interview me. At first, I wasn't sure whether I should do it or not. After praying, I realized God could use my journey to help others find their voice or find the courage to tell their own stories. We all have a story. Join me as I put pen to paper and follow God's call.

Please click the above link and visit Diane's page. Let her know how much you appreciate the community of encouragement she has created.

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

Merry Christmas from The Perdue Zoo

"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."
Luke 2:16 NIV

Lets remember the real meaning of Christmas as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

The Perdue Zoo wishes everyone a blessed Christmas with hearts full of love!

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

Looking Through The Lens Of Life

As we look through the lens of life, let's remember:

God does not expect more of us than we are capable of giving.  After all, He created us.

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

Join The Club

Do you ever feel like you are climbing a slippery slope when trying desperately to help the people you love the most?

Do you feel as though the harder you try, the more desperate the situation?

Do you ever feel......."If only I could say the one right thing to get through to them?"

Well, prayer warriors and friends, JOIN THE CLUB! I am here today to share wise words from a human I dearly love and respect. After watching me anguish over a situation, my husband, Doug said, "You realize you can NOT fix this....only GOD can!"

My response: "My head knows, my heart is trying to catch up!"

Has the situation changed? NO!

Have I changed? YES!

I am in a moment by moment surrender mode! Yes, "moment by moment!" That's all I can manage. So, today when you struggle with similar situations, know there is another human out there taking deep breaths each moment as she fully surrenders her concerns to the Lord.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

GOD Speaks!

God speaks to us through HIS word, through prayer, through creation, and through the hearts of other believers. Once again, I am reminded of HIS call on my life. HE wants me to use the gifts HE has given me.

This morning, several friends said:

"Your job is to respond and obey immediately. It is NOT your job to try and figure everything out!"

"When GOD speaks, respond with reckless abandonment!"

"I love your pictures, why don't you publish a book?"

"What are you waiting on? Get with it!"

It seems GOD is once again trying to get my attention! Please pray with me as I "try" to be obedient and not question the steps along the journey! As much as I get excited thinking about what HE has placed in my heart, I am equally scared.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

The Ultimate Gardener

Last Friday, Doug and I experienced a beautiful day with a great friend at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. This is just one of the magnificent flowers we saw. As I gaze at each bloom in all their glory I am reminded of the process which births such beauty. Every flower in the garden began either as a seed or a bulb in a mound of dirt. I realize I may be simplifying the process too much, but stick with me.

I started out in much the same way, a misshaped bulb in "The Ultimate Gardener's" hand. Over time, "The Ultimate Gardener" shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. The storms of life came and went. The rains poured and the floods gushed by. Many times the force of the winds blew me over. I've been stepped on, crushed, and nearly killed by those who thought I was useless and stupid. Yet, "The Ultimate Gardener" would not let me die.

Today, I continue to put one foot in front of the other toward the place God is calling me. While embracing where I have been I have a renewed strength and courage to move forward. My God, "The Ultimate Gardener has a plan for both me and you. He loves me and He loves you, too!

Don't be discouraged if you feel battered, bruised, or wilted. Whether your feet are soggy or you are experiencing a deep drought. Cling to "The Ultimate Gardener." He will complete what He began in your heart in the very beginning of time!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Learning To Jump

When learning to jump from new heights it's always easier with someone you love. Recently, our granddaughter, Savannah taught our grandson, Elijah to jump from the top step of the mounting box. Soon, they were jumping together. 

Many times in life, GOD asks us to jump or take a step in a direction we have not considered. It may not be a big step, yet it seems scarey. Often, the support is there yet we try to go it alone. Let's look for encouragement from those in our path and embrace the love and support graciously offered.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

I Write To....

I write to remember...
Not to forget!

I write for healing...
Not to forget!

I write to draw closer to my Lord...
Not to forget!

By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue

Grace, Love, and Mercy

During our earthly lives Doug and I have made many mistakes. Through the years, GOD has worked mightily in and through both of our lives. As we have stumbled and crawled through many valleys, we have both learned much. With the crest of each mountain we rejoice. Our precious LORD has extended much grace, love, and mercy along the way. Neither of us deserve GOD's grace, love, or mercy, yet HE continues to pour it out in and through our lives. 

Today, as you go about your journey consider extending grace, love, and mercy to those who don't deserve it. Allow GOD to use you in unlikely places to transform the lives of those who are broken and unlovable. You never know what a difference you will make until you try! 

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Football, Faith, and Family

The approach of fall brings cooler temperatures, a majestic transformation of God's majesty as we are visually stimulated by the beautiful colors of the leaves, and for many it brings a new season of "football!" Over the years, football has been serious business in my (Bowling) family! This past week, God began to speak to me as I thought about football and my family! Here's what HE had to say:

Where there is competition there will always be one winner and one loser, unless all parties carry the "love of JESUS" in their hearts. With JESUS, "everyone wins" no matter who wins the "football" game! Most importantly, "JESUS WINS" another victory for the "ULTIMATE HOME TEAM!"

So, as you go forward with passion pulling for your favorite football team, remember to NEVER allow satan to use the sport you enjoy to cause problems with family and friends! It seems silly when we think about it, but it happens!

Look for ways to use your passion for football to share your passion for JESUS! Shouldn't football, faith, and family co-mingle happily?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

It's Our Turn

It's Our Turn

To Look.
To Observe.

What might we learn?

Our privilege.
Our favor.

It's our turn.

A worn pathway leads to the crest of each mountain.

It broadens.
It narrows.

God shaped and ready.

Each inhabitant gazing upon the beauty within its reach.

Life harsh to our forefathers, glorious to our grandchildren.

Blessings surrounded by the thorns and thistles of an earthly life.

Andrea Bowling Perdue


^"28 And we know that God causes everything to work together^[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ²⁹ For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn^[b] among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory." Romans 8: 28-31 NLT

~The poem above was written as a gift for my cousin Mark Bowling and all other bowling cousins, young and old! May GOD bless each generation!

The "Selfish Me" is Whittled Away!

With each passing day, I have a greater understanding of who God wants me to be. Slowly, the "selfish me" is whittled away. My reactions should reflect the heart of Christ whether they make sense to others or not. As I continue to stumble my way through this earthly life I will surely experience times of failure, as well as accomplishment. Both provide an opportunity to grow and learn. I pray my eyes and heart will not be blind to "God's" revelations in each experience.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Journal Notes: Our Journey

Notes from my journal during our recent vacation. Doug asked me to share them.

Our Journey

Our days at 251 Longfellow Cove are narrowing....coming to a close. Fourteen days fly by. Time together priceless. From our first visit several years ago until now, Doug and I have changed. Our relationship has grown. Our lives have taken many twists and turns. With each storm, we've taken one step closer to each other and to our Lord. We've danced a beautiful dance along the way. Our lives beautifully intertwined by the hand of Almighty God. Sweet fellowship and tender touch is easy and natural. Spoken words easy and gentle with nothing held back. Honesty and truth intensify and build our love. We are stronger together as one.

Gracefully, we stumble together taking one step at a time into the future God has for us. We come to this place embracing the work God set us to. Sometimes difficult and painful, yet easier hand in hand. We will continue forward. When one of us is tired the other will wait. When the road becomes to difficult for both of us, we will share a shelter in the hand of God. We will in the end find rest together as God renews and strengthens our hearts and souls.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Life Is Fragile

Life is fragile. At any moment our lives could be altered and forever changed. Many times, I internalize my feelings or allow situations to eat at me. In doing so, I am wasting valuable time. Life here on earth can be difficult, but we should not allow those difficulties to hinder or true call. Every situation I face has the potential to shine God's glory and love through me. Let's shine brightly today!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Wolfie's Secret Place

Last week, Sitka (my alaskan malamute) wrote about his friend Wolfie on his blog, All God's Creatures. After much thought, I realized Sitka's article should be shared on my blog, too. Hope each of you enjoy Sitka's wise words!

Meet my friend Wolfie. Wolfie has experienced two lives. In his previous life he suffered greatly. He doesn't share the details of his torment, but we know it was horrific. For the last few years, he has experienced only love, gourmet meals prepared by Chef Mom, trips to waffle house with Dad and his furry sister Timber, and lots of other special treats. Their home is nestled amongst the trees in a suburban community near Richmond, Va.

With all this love and attention you might ask what my furry friend could possibly want? Well, everybody needs a get away; one of those places no one else knows about. A place to lay in the sun and gaze at the water. Above is a picture of Wolfie at his private get away. Doesn't he look content and at peace? It's rumored there are times when his parents are ready to return to their home in the trees and he refuses. Sometimes, he just needs a few more days to lay on the hill and gaze at the water.

God has blessed Wolfie with the life he deserved from the beginning. Just like with many humans, Wolfie needed a peaceful place to listen and talk to God. Don't be jealous of Wolfie. If you look around you will find a place to retreat. It may be in a park or in the woods by a creek, but if you look hard enough God will lead you to that place. Focus on the good and leave the pain of the past in the past. Life is too short to fret and frown. 

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

 ~The last few weeks have been crazy in The Perdue Zoo. Please keep us in your prayers as we stumble, crawl, and curl up in the arms of our Heavenly Father!

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

Listen Carefully

As I sit here this morning, I long to sit on the river bank dangling my toes in the creek. There is something about being nestled alongside a mountain with no viable communication with the outside world. The only communication available is with GOD or possibly the human you may share the surrounding beauty with. 

God speaks loudly through His creation when we slow down and listen. It's amazing how loud the water sounds as it rumbles over the rocks and around the bends and curves of the river bed. 

If you are like me, you are far from this beautiful river or your special quiet place with God. As we make our way through the chaos of today, lets try to listen carefully for the beautiful sounds of our Heavenly Father.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~PRAYER REQUEST: Please continue to pray for my brother in law, David Smith. He has Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. He is undergoing Chemo, again.

Walking In The Clouds

Yesterday, Doug and I spent the day in Shenandoah National Park. It was a day filled with many new experiences for each of us. One experience we were given by God was walking amongst the clouds. There were moments where the cloud formation around us was so dense we could not see more than a step or two in any direction. Then we would watch the cloud float past us and in minutes we would be standing in the direct sun light. In the picture above we were standing in the meadow near Big Meadow lodge. These trees would disappear completely and then become clearer as the clouds gently moved past us.

There are many times in our lives when the clouds are so thick we don't know where to turn. There are other times we know exactly where to go and what to do. Doug and I were reminded of GOD's peace and comfort during each season of our lives. It is important to draw close to Him in both seasons, not just the more difficult times. We were also reminded of the beauty in each season. We must take the time to look a little harder when the clouds of life become very dense.

Today, join us as we rejoice in the place GOD has us, whether cloudy or sunny!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue