Urgent Prayer Request and Praise

As the water trickles from this fountain, one drop after another, prayers trickle from my heart to the heart of GOD. My heart is broken for so many. Please join me storming the heavens on the behalf of many!

*Please pray for Kat's family at Heart 2 Heart. Kat's husband lost his job, today!

*Please pray for Mary's family at Piles of Smiles. They are forging through turbulent times.

*Please continue to pray for my good friend, MaryGrace. She suffered a stroke over a week ago. She is progressing, but is still struggling with her vision.

*Please continue praying for Lisa at Glad Chatter as she continues her battle with cancer. 

*PRAISE: Many of you have asked about my great nephew, Amden. He was born with Down Syndrome. He has progressed with his peers and continues to defy all the odds and astound the doctors. We are very proud of his young Mom and Dad who are working with him constantly.

*PRAISE: Our family prays you will have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Doug and I will spend tomorrow getting crowns at Dr. Jessup's Dental office. On Saturday and Sunday we will join in celebrating our friends baby dedication. Baby  Caleb is very special to us. Each of their children are adopted and we prayed for them. This will be Caleb's first birthday and his infant dedication service. His parents have chosen open adoption. We are privileged to celebrate the joy with both his biological and adoptive parents, as well as extended family. GOD is truly amazing.

I would have been remiss to omit both praises! They are the affects of prayer! I praise GOD for each of you who join the "Storm the Heavens" team! It is a honor to serve GOD with you.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

With Love and Prayers

Many are facing difficult times and need our prayers. Join me in praying GODS peace, comfort, and love will pour over each of those in need.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

*Please to continue to pray for MaryGrace. She is progressing each day! Thank you, prayer warriors!

*Please visit Kat at Heart 2 Heart. She has an urgent prayer request for a friend of hers, there! 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR MARYGRACE

Please pray for my awesome friend, MaryGrace! She had a stroke, last week. She has regained her speech and balance. Her vision remains impaired. She returned home and will begin physical therapy this week. Please pray for complete healing, comfort, peace, strength, and divine guidance as the doctors develop a continued plan of care.

MaryGrace is a special lady. God brought her into my life during one of the most turbulent and difficult times I have faced. She accepted me unconditionally, loved and encouraged me, and has become a treasured friend. She is a brilliant lady. I am amazed at her many talents. She is an English Professor, Journal Editor, writer, poet, and much, much more.

I praise GOD for having HIS hand on her, from the beginning. All circumstances were in place for this episode. Her husband was home, the EMS responded in a timely manner, she received treatment quickly, and is making strides in her recovery. I pray GOD will continue to prepare the way before MaryGrace!

Love always wants the best for others. I pray GOD's best for MaryGrace! Please join me storming the heavens on her behalf.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Life

Life's messes sprinkle through all that we know...
However, we do not have to succumb to them...
Our minds eye may record happiness...
A wealth of spiritual and emotional growth, as well.

Farewell to bitterness and disbelief...
You were never my friend...

Strength, grace, and honor...
I have found.
Peace in my journey...
Glorious presence...
Most profound!

Soaking in HIS presence,

Andrea

Living Life

Sadness and sorrow will invade my path...
Greater still...
Opportunities taken...
From life's tragedies...
Begin anew.
A fresh start each day, given...

Precious are the memories held
From a life well-lived...
Examples of strength, grace, and character.

Precious are the moments...
Woven in time...
filled with flavor and excitement...

Life is not boring...
It's what we make of it...
Each season...
Filled with opportunities...

Sadness and sorrow give birth to joy and fellowship...
Happy is the heart that finds home!

Living Life,
Andrea

Waiting and Watching

Waiting

Watching

The why and when

Known to the Maker

As beginning and end.

Seeking HIM,

Andrea

Not Alone In My Pasture

Today began with a squirrel committing suicide in our kiddy pool. I am NOT kidding. Many would have crawled back in bed at that point and don't think I did not consider that as an option. Next, came the sickness of my precious little cocker spaniel. She is 16 years old with re-occurring cancer. She and I have been through a lot together (good and bad). I called our vet who agreed to see her (Macy) at 4pm. During the day I fretted and worried. Actually, I sobbed. I thought I would be faced with putting her to sleep. Worry would be putting it mildly. I am not normally found in this state of mind. My family will tell you, I am the strong one and I pride myself in this roll. God had many lessons to teach me, today.

I could not contain the tears. My vet and the staff have never seen me this way and they have seen me a lot over the years. I cried through Macy's entire visit. Dr. Jordan said, "She is going home with you. She has an intestinal inflammation. We can treat this....I am giving her nausea medicine (shot) and antibiotics." No matter what he said, I cried!  They hugged me, I paid the bill, and left.

Upon leaving, I thought about my day. I worried about Macy's death and lack of presence in my life. I worried about telling Wil, who has grown up with her. I worried about so many things.....I was NOT sure I could live life without her. For now, she will live and cuddle with me. I wasted hours in tears and distress. I asked for prayer and boy am I glad, b/c our Heavenly Father answered in a big way. He answered in more ways than giving Macy more days with us. He reminded me of all the people who care for me....each of you, my facebook friends, and many others. You all rallied to pray for me and my dog. Not just anyone would pray for a dog. I know this to be true. You guys are the best. Family comes in all shapes and sizes. I feel a bit like the cow in the picture. I was in a pasture..feeling alone, today....but I could not see the lucious grass or any of the blessings my Heavenly Father had for me. It was after feeling alone and distraught, I recognized HIS blessings and the gift He has given me through blogging and writing.  I am never alone in my pasture. He is always with me and He has given me many others to journey along side, whether I can see them or not.

Thank you, prayer warriors and friends. I will never be able to tell you how much you mean to me. You come here, time and time again and read the words I have posted. You leave beautiful comments of love and encouragement. Each of you are the LOVE OF CHRIST daily in my life. I praise GOD for you. Thank you all for faithfully being the people HE created you to be. Thank you, most of all for your loving prayers!

With much love, thankfulness of heart, and prayers,

Andrea

A Life

A life...
A plan...
A view...
Something lost,
now new...

The day filled with beauty...
Seeped into my pew...
Spoken words...
Spilled courageously into view...
Clamor not
With dusty stew...
Spoken word...
Must all be true...

Case and Cause...
The why of it all...
It's time, my friend...
For the final call...

A life...
A plan...
A view...
Something lost...
Something new...

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea

*I am still having technical issues. If you are a new follower or visitor, please leave me a comment.

Laughter Amidst Blog Issues

"Laughter is carbonated holiness." Anne Lamott


Today, I am trying to laugh rather than cry. Blogger has been quite the challenge the last week or so. I am currently working on resolving the technical issues. I should say, I have friends who are kind enough to try and help me resolve them. If you are a new follower, please leave me a comment. I would like to visit your blog.

As for laughter, it is great medicine for our soul. How we handle small problems, such as this one or big ones greatly affects the outcome. No, the problem may not go away, but our spirit is affected by how we look at the problem. Stress is proven to cause medical issues. So, today I ask you to look at your problems (great or small) through the eyes of your Heavenly Father. Surrender them to HIM! Learn to laugh in the midst of it all.



"He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21 NLT

"We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy.And the other nations said,“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Psalm 126:2 NLT

Praying each of you have a blessed weekend,

Andrea

Paper and Pen

Long ago, a little child loved paper and pen...
She knew not what to do...
One day, pen danced gracefully upon paper...
Giving child a heavenly view...
From Blue Ridge Mountains heavenly pew!

A clearer view...
Came bursting through...
Pen and paper...
New best friends...
Life became renewed, again!

Neither sadness nor despair...
Could rip a hole in this divine pair...
Paper and pen's love affair!

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

A Gentle Touch

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh," He whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.
"I just wanted to make sure of you."
A. A. Milne

Often, our needs are simple. We want to know there is someone near. There is much comfort in knowing a dear friend is close. Over the last couple of years, I have come to realize the affects of a relationship liken to Piglet and Pooh's. When my heart is uneasy, I will often say to Doug, "will you touch me?" He will lay his arm against my back or touch my arm and shortly, I will relax and fall asleep.

The gentle touch of a friend is a treasure. Even greater is the presence of our Heavenly Father. He is there to reassure and strengthen us. Often, we do not take advantage of HIS gentle touch. He is never more than a whisper away. Those days of my life when I have felt alone and scared, HE has responded to my cry. I am doubly blessed to have a best friend and my Heavenly Father, both only a whisper away.

If you need a gentle touch, whisper your hearts desire and HE who loves you most will faithfully respond to your cry.

Whispering in prayer,

Andrea

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, Savannah 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


* I pray each of you who travel by are doing well. I will be away from the computer and with a dear friend whose husband died, today. Thank you for your prayers, love and encouragement as I share GOD'S love with others!

Upon Loss

Upon Loss


How shall I feel?
Where shall I go?
Where shall my heart be found?

The doors and windows open
Emptiness echoes
Silence despaired

This barn I call home
This shell once filled with warmth
Now Forever changed

Hope I find, eternal only
Moments, hours, days to pass
Earth resides lonely

One day, my best friend
I, too will regain your hand
Together we will dance
In our eternal promise land.

This poem is written for my dear friend, Susan Herring. On Saturday morning, Susan's husband, Billy left his earthly dwelling and climbed into the arms of his Heavenly Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He wore the love of Christ proudly and shared it through his actions with all whom graced his path.

With a heart full of love and prayers,

Andrea

Azalea Garden At Bryan Park

Last week, Doug and I spent the afternoon with Savannah at Bryan Park, Richmond, Virginia. We wandered through the azalea gardens. Each color unique. I wondered how many times we run past the beauty of GODS creation? How many times do we take it for granted?

Let's slow down and enjoy all that HE has given us. Let's savor the sweet smell of HIS presence in our lives!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Update on Amden

As many of you know, Amden was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth. He faced a few complications with his digestive system in the first week of his life, but since is thriving and doing well. Amden began rolling over far ahead of his peers. With each test the doctors perform they are astounded. Amden is "AHEAD" of his peers. As the doctors shake their heads, we will praise our Heavenly Father who created this precious little one. We are confident GOD has big plans for Amden!

Praising GOD,

Andrea

Watching, Waiting, Trusting

"But for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the GOD of my salvation. My GOD will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me." Micah 7:7 NAS

"But me, I'm not giving up, I'm sticking around to see what GOD will do. I'm waiting for GOD to make things right. I'm counting on GOD to listen to me." Micah 7:7 The Message

No matter the storm, watch eagerly for your LORD!

Watching, waiting, and trusting,

Andrea

Choosing Happiness

"Day and night I will stick with GOD; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go. I'm happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed. " Psalm 16:8-9 The Message

"I have set the Lord continually before me; Because HE is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh will also dwell securely." Psalm 16:8-9 NAS The Message

Today, I choose happiness. I choose to rejoice in the life GOD has chosen for me! What about you?

Choosing happiness,

Andrea

*I will be away from the computer for a few days. I pray each of you will have a beautifully blessed weekend!

Choices

Daily, we are faced with choices. Twenty one years ago (April 14th, 1989), my sister Dayna made a choice, ultimately costing her life. She allowed a teenage friend to drive her car. He in turn made a series of horrific choices. Less than ten minutes and five miles from home her life came to a tragic end.

Every choice in our life has the capability of forever altering our lives and the lives of many others. We must do our best to make wise decisions.

Begin each day with prayer, asking for the ability to make wise decisions. We must listen closely to our Heavenly Father and do what we know in our hearts to be correct.

Not all choices are easy and there will be times when we stumble and fall. We must pick ourselves up and begin again, finding solace in learning from our mistakes and the mistakes of others.

Embrace each day with a positive attitude, looking with eager expectations for it's blessings. Time on this earth, as we know it is fleeting. Live life to it's fullest as you continue to grow into the person GOD created you to be.

Continuing to learn,

Andrea

Embracing Peace

"Embrace peace-don't let it get away." Psalm 34:14b The Message

Some days in our lives are more difficult than others. Often, we are faced with tremendous decisions. These life decisions try our patience and challenge our sanity. We can become caught up in the process or we can choose to embrace peace! The choice is ours. God allows us the freedom to live out our lives as we choose. However, HE desires the best for us. HE offers peace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Each are ours, if we ask!

Today, amidst the trials and difficulties of this life, I choose peace.....perfect peace....HIS peace!
What about you? Will you leave your burdens at HIS feet?

Embracing HIS peace,

Andrea

Answered Prayer

Even our smallest needs and things others do not deem critical are important to GOD. Many of you know, my Samoyed Nanuq is extremely afraid of thunderstorms. We have tried everything and he is better, but each storm is still a traumatic experience.

Yesterday, I posted on facebook about a storm headed our way. This storm was producing 1 inch size hail, tornado's, 60 mph winds, and lots of rain. Upon reading my post, many offered prayers. This is how our evening went:


The storm approached with a vengeance. Everyone in its path receiving what had been predicted until it came close to our home. As the storm crossed chesterfield county the thunder and lightening diminished. We heard only one small rumble. We received lots of rain and wind, but NO SOUNDS! Nanuq slept through the entire storm! PRAISE GOD!

If anyone asks you today about the power of prayer and it's significance, tell them GOD cares about his animals enough to calm the storms in Chester, Virginia. He tells us to come to HIM with the desires of our heart. If HE cares about me and my dog, then HE most certainly cares about the details in your life, too!

Continuing to storm the heavens,

Andrea