Blessings

A house
A dwelling
Beautiful
Glorious

Yet, built only from sticks, nails, and a few stones.

Without a doubt this beautiful home sits in all it's glory waiting to bless it's next guest with a wondrous experience. The house on it's own can not fulfill the hearts of those within. Only God can heal their pain and restore their hearts.

Over the last few years, Doug and I have been blessed to share in the experience of visiting this home in Pine Island, N.C.  Our friends have invited us year after year to partake of the blessings they inherited through a hard working, God-honoring father and husband. None of us take our experience here for granted and while each of us would be just as happy in a tent with an air mattress we recognize the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to provide such amenities. We praise GOD for preparing the way before each of us and helping us to remember our happiness is found in HIM and not the material possessions around us. We are thankful for the deer who graze on the dunes around this home and the butterflies that light all around us. Each sunrise and sunset beseech us to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and listen intently to HIS voice.

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

God Paints a Beautiful Picture

God paints a beautiful picture each and every day. Sometimes, it is hard to see HIS hand at work because our hearts are full of pain. Yesterday, Doug and I were able to watch GOD paint a beautiful picture in the hearts of a beautiful family. Their sacrifice many years ago, became our blessing!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Our hearts are full of joy and thankfulness. GOD faithfully calmed our fears and revealed HIMSELF in a powerful way to everyone present. As GOD allows I will share more of our blessing and the sacrifice of this family. For now, know if you are facing a difficult choice:

~HE is faithful!
~HE will see you through to the end!
~HE will bless your obedience and faithfulness!
~HE will answer your prayers!

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

Waiting On The Lord

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up on wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:31

For years this passage has been a favorite of mine. Each time I read it I pause at "wait for the Lord." Waiting is likely the most difficult part of God's plan for me. Patience has never been my strength.

Today, as I read this passage God spoke a different word to me. I realized when I run ahead I am NOT enjoying the life He has given me. Sadly, I regret the many times I missed blessings and endured unnecessary heartache because of my lack of patience.

When our Lord says, "wait" He means it. Today is a new day in our journey. Peacefully, I reside to enjoying the life God has given me. I am striving to no longer run ahead, instead be still, listen, and enjoy the blessings of each moment. In God's time, the new adventures of our lives will unfold.

Blessings, prayers, and love from the coast of Virginia,

Andrea