Home

"Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that is where I will be buried." Ruth 1:16-17 The Message

Lately, I have been thinking about family and home. Home is wherever my husband Doug and I are together. Whether a large home or a humble tent, I am content to be with him. The things of this world will pass away, but our love will last forever. I praise GOD for bringing him into my life.

Thanking HIM,

Andrea

*Tomorrow (Thursday), I will spending time with my eye doctor. I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed day! See you when my eyes recover from my doctor visit!

Words Are Powerful

Words are powerful. One word can change us for a lifetime!

Last night, I opened Arise 2 Write and began reading comments. As I neared the end, I read:

Paul H said...

"Dear Andrea and family. I am very touched from reading this article and about your trip to Schuyler. I am Earl Hamners brother Paul and I am sending this to him because I know he will love to read about your life and interest. God bless you and your family and happy holidays. Regards Paul Hamner Toms River NJ"

My eyes filled with tears as I read this comment. Earl Hamner's brother, Paul took time from his life to read my article and share from his heart.

Thank you, Paul Hamner! Your words touch me, deeply. I am once again, overwhelmed. I am currently floating around on a cloud over your beloved Virginia. Hopefully, someone will soon get me down before I fall and hurt myself.

Today, I must prepare for two trips. I leave Friday, around 6:00 AM for rural South Carolina. Last April, after my Grandmother Bowling's funeral, I was able to reconnect with one of my cousins, Jennifer. She and I formed and instant bond. Our lives were forever changed. We are adults and will not allow family bondage to further separate us.

Jennifer and her husband struggled to conceive. Doug and I began praying for them during our trip. A month or so after returning to Richmond, I received a phone call. Jennifer shared, "I am pregnant. I am telling our parents and you and Doug until we see the doctor and know everything is going to be okay."

Soon Jennifer shared the news with everyone. Our next celebration came with the news she will deliver a little girl the end of December or early January. I asked, what will her name be?

Jennifer replied, "Payden Hope."

I replied, "Hope is my middle name."

Jennifer replied, "That is why we chose it."

On several occasions, the thought of this precious new life sharing my name has brought me to tears. Payden's life symbolizes a new beginning for our family. One where generational bondage is being broken down and cast away.

I am excited to spend this weekend with my family in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of her baby shower and celebrate the life God is placing in their care.

Upon returning late Sunday evening or early Monday morning, I will again begin a new journey. My husband, Doug and Sitka, our Alaskan Malamute will be taking me on a mountain get a way.

Realizing Mom needs a mountain retreat, they planned a visit in Shenandoah National Park. There will be no phones, no television, and no internet. Our days will be spend enjoying GOD's beautiful creation.

I look forward to sharing my adventures with each of you, when I return.

Blessed beyond belief,

Andrea

Family

Lately, our lives have been filled with wedding plans. Our daughter is getting married September 19th. My husband, Doug and I have been very busy. Please pray for us as we continue to prepare for her special day.

Last night, we received a phone call from my husbands aunt letting us know his uncle is in RR ICU. He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer yesterday. They have told the family he has between 5 days-1 month to live. He is in a great deal of pain. Some of the medications make him hallucinate and react strangely.

Doug's uncle is a strong christian and has lived a good, long life. Doug and I went to the hospital last night and spent some time in ICU with him. It was very difficult for my husband to watch when he had an episode of violent pain along with some confusion. Please pray for the family and the doctors as they seek to control the pain.

Once again, I thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support.

In HIS grip,

Andrea

My Journey

Everyday is a new day in my journey. I begin with eager expectation of peace, happiness, and love. Somewhere along the way I become discouraged. Some days are easier than others. When I believe I have a good grip on this journey called life, I stumble.

I suppose I am too naive. I have this grand notion everyone will eventually "get it" and begin to love and respect one another. Deep in my being is a longing for peace and harmony.

My extended family could be the poster child for "Dysfunctional Families." No matter the circumstances or loss, each member believes they are living appropriately and there is no need to change. Well, this is my perspective.

Our family has endured separation, tragedy, and still there is little togetherness. Recently, at my grandmother's funeral I became hopeful change would occur. A new beginning. Yes, there has been change. My sister and I have a wonderful relationship with our cousin, J. GOD has truly blessed us.

Yet, there are multiple other members of our family who seem content to disown or alienate themselves from us. Several of these folks are in the ministry. Yes, you heard me. They are serving GOD in churches or retired from service.

My sister and I take full credit for not being normal. We live outside the box. We are crazy and love everyone. We know no socio-economic or racial bounds. We have friends from all walks of life and all belief systems. Neither of us fit into most churches. We find ourselves fighting an uphill battle there, as well.

Last time I checked, Jesus was out ministering to the prostitutes, thieves, and others like them. He defended those who could not defend themselves and poured out love to the unloved. He is suppose to be our example.

Here is where I stumble: Often, I allow the actions of my family to distract my focus. Last night, I was unable to sleep thinking about the craziness abounding in my family. What happened to love? What happened to respect?

Clarity often comes in the morning. I can not change them. I must leave it in my Heavenly Father's hands. I am merely responsible for change needed in my own heart and life. My focus must no longer waver.

God has blessed me with a wonderful support system. I have learned much from each person within this system. Family is not always biological. Thank GOD for all of those in my adopted family.

Clinging to my Heavenly Father,


Andrea

Mother's Day Blessings

Being a mother and grandmother are the greatest joys in my life. I love hearing the giggles and laughter when all the kids are together. I am truly blessed to have a blended family with two adopted children where love abounds. My husband and I often joke saying, "they may not like us, but they always love each other." Praise GOD for the blessings of our wonderful children: Robin (25), Lauren (22), Seth (22), Chase (20), Wil (16), and our precious grandbaby, Savannah Faith (23 months).

Mother's day represents happiness with my own children, yet a little sadness for myself. My mother was 15 years old when I was born, a child giving birth to a child. Primarily my grandparents raised me and are responsible for the person I am today. My grandmother died when I was 12 and my grandfather when I was 15.

My mother has always been in my life, but not in the role of a true mother. We appeared "normal" to the outside world, yet on the inside things were oddly displaced. My sister nor I blame our mother for her inability to be "motherly" to us. We love her and accept the situation in it's current state.

I have never written about my mother, until today. I pray GOD will grow her into the person He created her to be and fulfill the the longings of her heart.

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea