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

Focus

The dance of life distracts from what is most important. The slow movements of each day warrant attention before the chaos of many yesterdays crumble beneath our feet. Let's keep our focus on our Heavenly Father and nothing else!

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Weary, Wounded, and Broken

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NLT


Weary, wounded, and broken are many these days. Take courage and know GOD will go with you giving you rest through out your journey. HE doesn't promise us freedom from struggles, but HE does promise to be with us all the way through them.


"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
² When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
    I gave Ethiopia^[a] and Seba in your place." 
Isaiah 43: 1-3 NLT


By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Lesson, Be Real

Life is.....Just a final journey

Step by step
Mistakes
Mishaps

Stumble
Crawl
Even I fall

Some how
Some way
With pain
With Purpose

Strained insight revealed
Not at all glorious
Lesson,
"Be real"

My life
My journey
One day will close
Finality on this earth

Lesson
"Be real"

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

Update and URGENT Prayer Request for David Smith

Please "storm the heavens in prayer"for my brother in law, David Smith. David has Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia.This week, David began a new regimen of Chemo. Many of you have been praying for him for some time and our family deeply appreciates your time, love, encouragement, and prayers.

Also, please continue to pray for my sister, Courtney as she cares for him. Many of you know and understand how hard it is for the person closest to the patient.

Again, THANK YOU for your continued prayers!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Easter

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NLT


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

No Root Bed

In the past two weeks we have lost two large red oaks. Both fell through our fence. The first one was dead, but this one was alive. So why did it fall? On examination, Doug said, "There was basically "no" root bed and that is unusual for a red oak."

"No" root bed! What does this mean to me? I look fine from the outside, but what do my roots look like? If I fall over and leave this world what will my husband, children, and grandchildren see? Am I leaving a worthy legacy for them?

Lets seek to be all GOD created us to be. When we mess up, lets ask for forgiveness and begin again. Lets leave this world still building stronger roots and a heritage worth leaving behind.

For those feeling a bit like you don't have much to work with. That's okay, God loves showing off and making great treasures out of broken vessels. Join me and we will cling with all we have got to our precious Lord as HE works miracles in and through our hearts!

By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue