The Journey Continues

Life is full of "fun" adventures as well as "not so fun" (complicated) adventures. We learn and grow through each of them. Recently, I embraced a 12 week journey to become a better me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. During this journey I lost 7 pounds and several inches. My most profitable gain has been recognizing triggers leading to emotional eating and beginning to address them.

On April 13th, I completed my first 10k. I power-walked the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k in 1:42:25. I can honestly say, "It felt good and I want to do it again!" Completing the 10k was not about setting a record or beating someone else's time. It was about me and my relationship with God.

While participating in a 10k may not seem to fall under the "spiritual" category in other folks world, it does in mine. I prayed God would change my heart toward exercise and He did it.

The journey continues....

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Run With Purpose

Each of us are at different places in our walks with the Lord. We continue to put one foot in front of the other as we climb the mountains and dip into the valleys of this life. Sometimes we crawl...sometimes we walk...and occasionally we run.

On those days when the journey seems overwhelming or the terrain seems to treacherous remember you are "not" alone. God is with you. Look for Him along the way.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3 NLT

"So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." 1 Corinthians 9:26

Let's be found "running with purpose!"

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Inside or Outside

I love old barns. For me, each broken and tattered structure embodies strength and character. I am also reminded of the old saying, "you can't judge a book by it's cover." Often, we judge others by what we see. This is not a good plan. God created each of us with a purpose. Let's be found faithfully looking past the ruff and broken exterior of others lives. Instead, lets look into the hearts of those along the path of  this difficult and challenging life.

Jesus loved Judas even though He knew he would betray Him. WOW! As we celebrate this Easter season with our family and friends, lets embrace Jesus unfathomable love and rejoice in the love and acceptance only He can provide.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Message from our 5 year old!

Message from our 5 year old!

Savannah: "Papa can we go to the book store and get a new book? I want a book I can read."

Papa: "Did you bring your money?"

Savannah: "No, my money has to be used as an offering for people who need food, shelter, and water!"

Papa: "Don't you need shelter?"

Savannah: "Papa, I already have shelter!"

Papa: "Point taken!"

And we were off to find a book for Savannah to read. Minutes later our precious little 5 year old pulled a second grade book of the shelf and began reading it to Papa and I. 

Savannah's heart speaks loudly without needed interpretation from Nana. I pray you will let her words touch your heart today allowing GOD to use them for HIS glory. 

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for my friend Dianne's sister, Sheriann. She has Stage II Breast Cancer and was admitted to the hospital last night (3/10/2013) with multiple blood clots. Sheriann needs a miracle and her family has requested prayer on her behalf. Please add this request to any prayer group you are a part of. THANK YOU!

Soul Training Plan

Soul Training Plan
(Unedited Journal Notes)

I will make a conscious effort daily to allow God to make a difference in my life, so I can make a difference in the lives of others. By beginning each day with an intentional purpose of seeking God's presence and fellowship, I will better cope with my own day and become better equipped to share God's peace, love, and comfort with others through my actions as well as my written and spoken words.

As I begin each day "trying to become a better me," I'm embracing new beginnings with joy only God can give and I'm trusting in areas I have not been able to trust.

My plan may sound simple on paper, but deep within the plan embodies much work--work only attainable by a heart ready and willing to accept the love, peace, and healing Christ is patiently waiting to administer. As I am ready, He will heal....and with the healing of each wound I will reach out to those around me being sensitive to their wounds.

Hopefully, others will realize God has a better plan for them....a place of living life above the rubble. So, you will find me off and running--running my way out of the rubble and into the Light, God's Light!

"My race" is the race God has chosen for me....a race only I can run, a unique race.

I was asked yesterday not to refer to myself as "crazy." As I prayed about this request, God gave me a new word, "Unique." So, I will run the race before me realizing God will use "my unique self" for His purpose and I'm thankful my race will weave in and out of the lives of treasured and faithful friends.
  
^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Are things really the way we see them?

Are things really the way we see them? 

Are the numbers real? How important are they? What do they really mean?

For the third week in a row, I gained a pound. Yes, again, I gained!

Last week, I had a mini melt down. This week, I said, "oh well!"

What's the difference in the attitude?

The difference is realizing I am healthier. I am becoming more physically fit. I am now able to power walk a little over six miles without thinking I'm going to die along the way. During our weekly boot camp with a personal trainer, he said, "You are doing a lot better this week! How are you feeling?" I was able to say, "Good!" and mean it!

So, Are things really the way we see them?

Yes and No. Yes, the number reflects my weight at this current moment. No, things are "not" the same. I have gained a lot of muscle and lost many inches. I am becoming a healthier me no matter what number is on the scales. I must continue to persevere! 

^"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

ONE POUND

Often we do not view ourselves correctly. Most importantly we do not see ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God. It is easy to get discouraged and frustrated.

As I weighed in this week and received the news of "gaining" another pound I had a meltdown moment.

"Another pound".....WHAT?

Gaining distracted me from all the progress I made. I allowed ONE POUND to over shadow the facts of my progress.

Progress:

~Excercised every day!

~Two days in a row, I power-walked just under SEVEN miles. I even jogged "a little" of it! This alone is HUGE for me.

~My clothes are lose.

Refocusing and remembering a very important Bible verse:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Ups and Downs

There are ups and downs in every journey. Last week, I "gained" a pound.

Do you know how much a pound is? It is four sticks of butter.

Do you know how hard it is to get that pound and others back off? Well, I'm sure you do, but I needed to scream at someone other than myself. Now would be the time to metaphorically duck!

On top of gaining a pound this week my joints have continuously screamed at me. If you are thinking, "she is not a happy camper." Well, my wonderful husband would say, "you are absolutely correct."

Each week we have a weekly challenge. I don't think it co-incidence my challenge is to memorize James 1:2-4.

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face troubles of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV

As I consider my memory verse, I am reminded we all face "trials of many kinds" on a daily basis whether they have anything to do with weight loss or not. Each of us must persevere! I must keep working on becoming a better me until I step into heaven at the end of my earthly life.

Let's remember, God completes us as we allow Him to work in and through our lives. We can NOT do this on our own, but we can do this by embracing our Heavenly Father in each moment and in each step on the path to health and freedom. God promises to be with me/us!

In one way or another we are all on the same journey....a journey of faith, healing, and happiness. Yes, we can be happy in our circumstances, happy knowing "we're a work in progress" and we are all in this together!

So, do NOT allow the "Ups and Downs" of this life to get you down. Grab hold of the hand of your Heavenly Father and cling tightly as you continue putting one foot in front of the other on your journey.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~Answered Prayer: Doug and I received the results from his last biopsy and there is NO cancer growth over this past year! Yes, you heard me right...NO cancer growth. We are praising GOD for all HE continues to do in and through our lives. We thank each of you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. You will never know what you mean to us.

Go BIG or NOT at All!

"Go BIG or NOT at All" seems to be a way of thinking common in our world and one we often get hung up on. We all like to see "BIG" results when we work on a project. So, imagine the project remodel is your body.....your heart! At first, the prospect of a remodel may not seem overwhelming, but the more closets you clean out and the more mess and excess baggage you uncover reveals a huge task.One you are not sure you are ready or want to take on.

Next, you sign up for an accountability group at church. What in the world were you thinking? Each week you weigh in. The first week you lose 4.4 pounds. The next week you lose 1 pound. For real, all that hard work and you barely lose a pound the second week. Sadly, you realize the real work of heart reform isn't going to show up on the scales. The heaviest weight is not going to count in monetary form.

Yes, it's Me! Lifestyle change can be difficult. The greatest reform is going on in my heart. I realized I was using food to self medicate whether happy or sad. They say the first step is acknowledging it. For me, that was the easy step and the first brick of a heavy load I tossed. The real work is a daily battle. I am learning to fill my heart with God, His love, and His word rather than food or other unhealthy choices.

Now, back to the numbers, because I'm sure I'm not the only one who loses focus on the real goal of heart reform and gets caught up in the numbers. I'm very thankful for the five pounds and four ounces I lost. So thankful, I'm including the four ounces. After all, four ounces is a quarter of a pound of fat and in my world it's worth not forgetting.

What I've recognized is there are at least two ways of looking at these numbers:

1) Five point four pounds...that's all I lost in two weeks. This is too hard. I quit!

2) WOW, GOD helped me peel away five point four pounds of physical weight from my body and even more from my heart and soul. Some days this is very hard, but it feels good! With God's help, I can do it! And on the days when the work of heart reform and obedience is too hard I will lean heavily upon my Heavenly Father and trust Him with the journey.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Praise

The word "Praise" is not near a big enough word! We can not express our thankfulness adequately to our Heavenly Father for answering our prayers.

Yesterday, as we sat in the doctors office waiting for test results there was a peaceful quiet. Both Doug and I sat in silent prayer as other patients came and went. The commotion of nurses, doctors, and staff hummed as they proceeded with daily tasks; Time moving forward as it most certainly does and will continue to do until the end of all time.

Dr. Morgan bounced into our room with a HUGE smile on his face and said,

"It's great news! This is what we always want to see! NO growth in cancer in a year!"

What sweet relief and excitement we both felt. Victory unlike I have ever known or felt. Today, we continue to praise GOD and thank HIM for what HE is doing in and through Doug's body.

We also thank GOD for each of you, for your love, encouragement, and prayers. We are truly blessed to have so many lifting us up in prayer. May GOD bless each of you.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

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