Welcome, Elijah William

Elijah William, born July 27th, 2010, 12:00 pm, after 3 hours and 57 minutes of labor. GOD truly answered our prayers for a wonderful and safe delivery. Elijah weighted 8 pounds, 3 ounces and is 21 1/4 inches long. He has already stolen Nana and Papa's heart.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for our little guy! GOD bless each of you!

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

Blurry, Yet Strong

Life has  been a little topsy-tervy the last several months. Just as the above picture is a little blurry, so have been some of life's events in my life. I miss visiting with each of your regularly and hope to be back reading all my favorite blogs, soon.  Through this season, GOD continues to draw me closer to HIM. HIS strength abounds as I continue putting one foot in front of the other.

Though some life events remain blurry others are clear. Tomorrow, I will coach out daughter Lauren as she is induced for Eli's delivery. Doug and I traveled back from the Outer Banks of N. C. to share in the birth of our second grandchild. We did not have to come back, we wanted to come back. We would not miss it for the world. We have teased and laughed thinking of how our new little guy will be starting his life, just as our kids have done. He is keeping Nana and Papa on their toes and reminding us what is truly important. Our children have always kept our life eventful, exciting, and a little scary, sometimes! We are also reminded, GODS time, not ours!

We continue to miss our precious Macy (cocker spaniel). It has only been a few days since our youngest son bravely took her to the vet for the last time. Doug and I could not be more proud of Wil. He is growing into a phenomenal young man. Indeed, we are truly blessed!

Many of you have watched our precious Savannah (our 3year old granddaughter) blossom on this blog. She is struggling with asthma. We ask for your prayers on her behalf. Nana's heart still skips a beat when she says, "I'm Nana's girl!"

My precious friends, as life continues to bat you around, look for the beauty amongst the thorns. Know there are others who have walked similar paths. May GOD bless each of you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Macy Trades Her Earthly Paws For Heavenly Wings!

Yesterday, Macy traded her earthly paws for heavenly wings! She was a faithful and much loved furry child. She will be missed tremendously. To read the full article about Macy, her life and death, go to Sitka's blog: All God's Creatures. For those of you who do not know, Sitka is my/our Alaskan Malamute and Macy's younger furry brother.

Thank you to each of you who prayed for Macy and for each of us. Our family is blessed to be loved by so many!

Missing Macy,

Andrea, Doug, Human Kids and Grandkids,  and The Perdue Zoo

Transformed In Life's Storms

As the power of the waves churn against the ocean bed, each shell is tossed about. With each toss and tumble through the sea every shell, stone, and piece of glass is polished with tremendous refining power. Slowly and vigorously a transformation takes place.

Walking the beach after a storm reminds me of GODS refining in my own life. I often feel battered and beaten by life's storms. Sometimes, I feel as though I have been spit onto a desolate beach by the storms furry. Yet as I stand alone on the beach I realize the beauty within this process.

Never alone, always safe despite the furious storm, I find myself better for the wear. A renewed and transformed spirit embodies the old self. Changed for HIS glory, I praise HIM for the once dreaded storm.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Be Real

On Saturday, Doug visited our local farmers market. Among his purchased treasures were "real" tomatoes. I refer to tomatoes in two different categories, real and fake or wannabe tomatoes! Both real and fake tomatoes look beautiful on the outside, but when you bite into them there is a vast difference. The real tomato is not only beautiful, but has a flavor unlike anything else in the vegetable world. It simply dances across ones palate, enhancing every other food in its presence.

Let us strive to "be real" and enhance the flavor of every situation in life. Let us  not only look beautiful, but "be beautiful!"

Trying to "be real,"


Andrea

Eagerly Waiting!

We are waiting with eager expectation for our second grandchild. His name will  be Eli! Please pray with us for a safe and healthy delivery for both mom and baby.

Please visit Sitka at All GODS Creatures to find out his/our definition of family!

Praising GOD for the opportunity to be a Nana, again!

Blessed beyond comprehension,

Andrea

Heat Wave

Here on the east coast, we are having record breaking highs. Today, it is expected to be between 105-110 degrees. I have lived on the east coast all my life and I don't remember ever experiencing this type of heat. Heat of this magnitude affects the elderly, little children, and those already impaired by illness the hardest.

Please pray for all those affected by the heat. If you are in a position to help others, check on those affected. Offer fans, air conditioners, and water or a safe cool place to rest. Each of us must put action to our prayers, if God has given us the ability.

Storming the heavens in prayer,

Andrea

Happy Independence Day!

I pray each of you are enjoying "Independence Day" and reflecting on all it means for each of us. The brilliant red in these azaleas reminded me of the blood shed by our military through out the years. Since the birth of our nation we have enjoyed privileges many other people never know. After the hamburgers, hot dogs, and fireworks are over, please remember to pray for each member of the military and their families. Soon, my son will leave for an undisclosed location to serve our country for six months. He is a marine and loves his country. Many years ago, during WWII,  my husband's father, James Bolling Perdue died serving our country. My husband was about 14 months old and only has pictures of he and his dad together. He has a very tender heart for the children left behind. So, in memory of his dad, we ask you pray specifically for all the children whose parents serve faithfully.

Praising GOD for freedom and praying for all those responsible for my freedom,
Andrea

Dancing In The Rain

This picture was taken near James River State Park. There was a storm coming over the mountain. These are cows, but it is the best picture I have to share, today! 

Yesterday, my friend Jessica posted a facebook status that spoke to my heart. She lives in upstate South Carolina. Her status read something like this, "My horses are dancing in the rain. I have never seen anything like this!"

As I pondered her words I could see the horses enjoying the rain. It seems these magnificent creatures appreciated the rain in a profound way. "They danced!" Do we dance when the rain comes?

Today, I am making a new commitment to "dance" when the rain comes in my life! I will never look at the rainy seasons of life in the same way!

Dancing in the rain,

Andrea

Happy 3rd Birthday Savannah Faith!

"Papa says I am the next Picasso!"



Happy Birthday Savannah Faith! June 29th, 2007 forever changed Nana and Papa's life. You have brought beauty and sunshine into our lives each day since. We love you and cherish every moment we have with you. GOD has big things ahead for you. It is our prayer GOD will mold you into the person HE created you to be.

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

Standing Firm Upon The ROCK

The world as I knew it...
Spins Haphazardly...

Chaos..
Unclear direction...

Yet, peace abounds...
Constant and True...

My Heavenly Father's touch...
Always fresh and new...

I am happy, at peace, and content, yet the world as I knew has become chaotic, at best. My Heavenly Father remains faithful through every event in my life. From birth to adulthood, selfish decisions of others have given turmoil to lives beyond those intended. The ricocheting affect of those decisions forever change the dynamics of my family.

I learned early in life to depend solely upon my Heavenly Father. When alone, HE is there! When unsure, HE is there! Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, I will once again reach for the steady hand of my Heavenly Father. I covet your prayers, as I follow HIS lead.

I wish I could share the dynamics of this situation with each of you. At this time, I am unable. Know my immediate family (husband and children) are fine, happy, and healthy. We boldly stand upon the ROCK of our salvation!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

At Peace, At Last!

A glimpse into the future...
A look upon the past...
Forever I am changed...
At peace, At last!

Soaking in HIS presence,
Andrea

A Friends Heart

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Broken pieces
Questions untold

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Untold stories
One day told

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

A heart of gold
Forever unfolds.

A little child steps boldly into adulthood placing the words, scattered fragments, and symbols into eloquently written poems, essays, journals, and stories penned by professor, writer, and best of all, friend!

I wrote this poem after visiting my friend, MaryGrace. We began sharing how our desire to write came very early in our lives. The unexplainable desire was placed in our hearts before our ability to read or form sentences.

Our time together was therapeutic for both of us. She is recovering well. The stroke has left her to more
dependent on GOD. Her speech and gait have have returned to normal, however, her vision is still impaired. Of all abilities, her vision is likely the most precious to her. As a prolific reader and writer she needs her vision. She is also learning to pace herself and "not" overdo it.  Please continue to pray for GOD's healing in her body, her sensitiveness to GOD's lead, and provision in all areas of her life.

Blessed to have beautiful friends,

Andrea

*Thank you to all of you who prayed for Macy. She is doing much  better. I am amazed how GOD is working through each of you in my life. Thank you for hanging in here with me. I am totally amazed that each of you come back to visit and read my blogs. I am truly blessed!

Praying for Macy!

No, I have not fallen off into the dark abyss! I am clinging tightly to my Heavenly Father. My mind and heart are both full, right now. As I continue to spend time with GOD, please pray for Macy, my elderly, deaf, Cocker Spaniel. She collapsed in Doug's arms, this morning around 6:45am. We took her to our veterinarian as soon as they opened. Her heart murmur is worse and she has fluid on her lungs. He has put her on two heart medications and an antibiotic. In his words, "I don't want to give up on her yet!" He wants to give this treatment a few days and see how she responds. We picked her up this afternoon. She is laying beside me, now. Until she is stronger, I will be carrying her in and out to potty and keeping her calm.

Macy has lived her life with grace, dignity, and poise. She has given us so much love! I am thankful for each day GOD has given us with her and I pray HE chooses to give us more.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

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

The Plan

Tragedy breeds desire...
With each labored breath beyond your life's despair you boldly find beauty within the ashes....

No longer will gloom and doom fall upon your lips...
There is light far ahead...
With astounding, unbelievable trust....
You will follow.

The path opens....
Each step into the next...

The plan...
God's plan...
Unfolds with each new breath!

Continuing to cling,
Andrea

*Thank you for your continued prayers. I hope to be back regularly to the blogging world, soon. I miss all of you and I continue to pray for each of you, daily. I am amazed at the outpouring of love and support you have given me during this time. This blog and each of your friendship is proof of GODS amazing grace!

God's Provision

This bowl carved out of rock is known to be Pocahontas's water basin. It is located in a park in Petersburg, Virginia. As I stood by this basin, I pondered GODS provision and the beauty of it. He always supplies our needs and HE meets us in the depths of our despair. Lately, I am facing serious battles in my life. Yet, at the end of the day, I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I am "not" alone. HE has a perfect plan. I share this with each of you, today, apologizing for not posting and for not visiting with you. I miss each of you, but I trust you understand and will storm the heavens on my behalf. I am blessed to have each of you in my life, as I am blessed to have prayer warrior friends locally, as well. Thank you for your prayers!

Clinging tightly to my Heavenly Father,

Andrea

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