Friend Blog Awards

I recieved the loyal friend award from:

Squelly @ Dreamers Day

Mocha Mom @ Life Be In It

Kat @ Art's Chili Pepper





Loren from Magoos News blessed me with this friendship award.


I am truly blessed to have awesome blogging friends. I am honored to receive these awards. Each award was meant to be passed to a select number of people. However, after praying about them, I am going to change it a little. A loyal friend is someone who encourages and prays for the other person. I cherish those prayers. So, if you pray for me these blog awards now belong to you. Pick them up and post them on your blogs proudly and know that I am thankful for all your prayers.

Blessings, hugs, and prayers,

Andrea

Staying With Christ

"And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when HE appears, ready to receive HIM with open arms, with no cause for red faced guilt or lame excuses when HE arrives." 1 John 2:28

Staying with Christ,

Andrea

For This Child I Prayed

"For this child, I prayed." 1 Samuel 1:27

My husband and his first wife could not have children on their own. After many medical procedures and tests, they sought adoption. GOD gave them two daughters, Robin and Lauren. They prayed, and GOD answered their prayers in a beautiful way.

The pictures today are of Lauren and her Dad. Clearly, you will see the love of an adoptive Dad for his chosen child. Biology is NOT important to my husband.

Doug has shared many times how he came to accept adoption over biology. He said, "As I studied GOD's word, I realized Jesus had an adoptive Daddy. His adoptive Dad was Joseph and if it was good enough for GOD's own son to have an adoptive earthly father it is good enough for me."

I share my husband's story of adoption in hope it will help someone who may be struggling with adoption. God clearly answered his prayer.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request

Friends,

I planned to post a long list of awards, however, GOD has a different plan. I received a request for prayer from a dear friend, this evening. She lives in New Jersey and I in Virginia. I am very concerned about her well being, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She has hit a very low point. I must trust GOD with her care.

As I place my worry and concern at the feet of Jesus, I ask each of you to visit her blog (Sea Glass Reflections), pray for her, and leave a comment of encouragement. Together, our prayers and encouragement can and will make a difference.

I apologize to all of you who have faithfully and beautifully given me awards that I have yet to post. I will get each of them up, in GOD's time.

I thank each of you for standing with me in prayer! I am truly amazed as I continue my journey in word and deed. God astounds me time and time again. HE is awesome!

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

The Love of Christ

God works in mysterious ways. From the beginning of Lauren's wedding plans she asked her Dad and I if she could have Savannah (her neice) and Nathaniel (her first cousin's son) in the wedding. We explained to Lauren they may not cooperate, because they would only be 2 years old at the time of the wedding. We told her she needed to be okay with whatever happened, if she asked them. She immediately said she did not care what they did or did not do. She wanted them to be in her wedding.

To give a little back ground: Most of you know we have a blended family. My husband's first wife died, after a battle with cancer, leaving him with two teenage daughters. Savannah is my oldest son, Seth's daughter. Nathaniel's grandmother is my husband's first wife's sister. Hopefully, this helps and does not confuse you further.

With blended families there can be stress. Doug and I have tried desperately to facilitate a healthy relationship with his first wife's family and the girls. Thankfully, blending our children was the easy part. My three sons and Doug's two daughters are very close. We are forever thankful GOD blended our children with a strong bond of love.

Savannah and Nathaniel had never met. Savannah lives in Richmond, Virginia and Nathaniel lives in Vermont.

Savannah and Nathaniel had an "instant" bond with one another. We were amazed as they hugged and kissed each other. They sat and talked to one another like old friends who had not seen each other in a long while.

When the time came for our precious little ones to journey down the isle of the church, they took each others hands and off they went. Half way down the isle Nathaniel got a couple of steps ahead of Savannah and she tripped on her dress falling face forward onto her belly. She did not let go of Nathaniel's hand and he fell, too. They giggled, got back up, clasped hands and finished their journey down the isle. As they reached the front, Nathaniel said, "Do you want to sit?" and Savannah replied, "Yes." They each climbed onto the front pew and sat down. There were several other precious moments shared between Savannah and Nathaniel before each came to sit with their grandparents in different pews.

Savannah and Nathaniel were examples of the love of Christ to each and every person in their presence. They shared an unconditional love with each other. I am confident the heavens rejoiced as they witnessed our precious little ones reveal Christ to all who were in their midst.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Surprise and New Blog Design

My wonderful friend, Edie at Rich Gifts resigned Sitka's blog, "All GOD's Creatures" upon my request. She captured Sitka's heart in her blog design. Sitka and I love it. She also made Sitka a scripture tag in the shape of a dog bone.

The surprise came when I came to Arise 2 Write, this morning. Edie, with the help of Mary at Divinely Designed had conspired to use one of my own snapshots to give this blog a new look. Edie also made me a wonderful scripture tag. She once again captured my heart in her design.

Please visit both Edie and Mary and tell them what you think about both designs. They are treasured friends and I thank GOD daily for bringing each of them into my life.

Please also storm the heaven's on behalf of Mary's mother in law. She had a stroke over the weekend.

Blessed to be among friends,

Andrea

Wedding

Lauren and Joe with Pastor Joe as he reads from Ruth.
















Savannah and Nathaniel (ring barrior and flower girl). They are instant friends!











The wedding was quite a success. GOD was at work at every turn. He is in complete control. He has once again filled our lives with many miracles and we praise HIM on this Lord's day.

Doug and I thank you for your prayers and support. We are greatful to have "God" family who will storm the heavens with us.

"....every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28 The Message

Blessing and a heart full of love,

Andrea, Doug and The Perdue Zoo

*I will share more of GODs love through our wedding journey in the coming days and weeks. Please be patient with me. I will be busy cleaning the facility where the reception was held the next few days and spending time with out of town family and friends. I love you all and can hardly wait to share the beauty of GOD's gift to us with each of you.

Not Forgotten

I am dropping in to let you know I have not forgotten about you. I am up to my eyeballs in wedding alligators. It has been an eventful week thus far. I love you all and I miss traveling by and reading each of your blogs. I am ever grateful for your prayers, love and support. What a wonderful world of friends GOD has given me.

Many of you have commented on my choice of pictures for my posts. I love to play with the camera. Most of the time I use my own pictures when posting. Thank you for the positive feedback.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

In His Strength

"God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need Him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea-storm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us." Psalm 46:1-3 The Message

"Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:13 The Message

The battle of each day belongs to our Heavenly Father. I choose this day to continue to lay it all at HIS feet. I will journey forward through HIS strength. He is all I need!

In His strength,

Andrea

My Story In God's Psalm

[I give all the credit, God-you got me out of that mess, you didn't let my foes gloat. God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank Him to His face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter. When things were going great I crowed, "I've got it made. I'm God's favorite. He made me king of the mountain." Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces. I called out to you, God; I laid my case before you: "Can you sell me for a profit when I am dead? auction me off at a cemetery yard sale? When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs and stories of you want sell. So listen! and be kind! Help me out of this!" You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can't thank you enough.] Psalm 30:1-12 The Message

There are no other words adequate to describe the feelings in my heart. My journey has been long and often difficult, yet my Heavenly Father has always put the pieces back together again. I can not thank Him enough. I continually stand amazed as He valiantly stands against my earthly foes, some of whom profess to be Christians.

Today, He poured out rivers of love in a barren pathway. He paved my path with peace and strength. My day was long, my body weak, my soul complete!

Soaking in HIS presence,

Andrea

Forever Changed

"Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you are a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving GOD, not breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere GOD. Respect the government." 1 Peter 2:12-17 (The Message)

Today, I pause to remember the families who were affected by the tragedy of 9/11 and are forever changed. May GOD continue to heal and restore the hearts of those who lost love ones. May HE continue to heal and restore our nation.

Forever Changed,

Andrea

*The graphic art I used was designed by Edie @ Rich Gifts. Thank you, Edie.

Sticking With GOD

"I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. I remember it all-oh, how well I remember-the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope. God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great Your faithfulness! I'm sticking with GOD (I say it over and over again). He's all I've got left." Lamentations 3:19-24 The Message

I do not know about you, but I have hit rock bottom during my life. I have felt despair and total loss and in those times my Heavenly Father has been the only thing I had left. He never abandoned me. He stuck with me through it all. I thank HIM for patiently and lovingly scooping me up, dusting me off, and helping me to begin anew.

Sticking with GOD,

Andrea

Danger

"Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly." Proverbs 17:12


A mother bear whose cubs have been taken is very dangerous. She will do anything to protect them and get them back.

In this verse, meeting a fool is worse than meeting a mother bear whose cubs have been taken. We meet people like this ever day, but I am not sure we take their actions seriously. Do we recognize the danger around us?

Pondering,

Andrea

In Memory Of Dayna

This picture was taken at our Grandmother and Pop Bowling's. Dayna is the baby in this picture.





Today, would have been my sister, Dayna's 38th birthday. She was tragically killed at age 17 (April 14, 1989). My post today is a tribute to an awesome baby sister.

When Dayna was born, I was five years old. I was extremely upset to get another sister. I already had one and my parents and God knew I wanted a brother. I remember crying and being upset with my parents.

In the years that followed, Dayna became quite close to both Courtney and I. I am the oldest and Courtney is the middle sister. Dayna soon became the glue that held Courtney and I together. She was always positive and looked for the good in everyone. Courtney and I on the other hand fought terribly through the years. Dayna always tried to keep peace between us.

When Dayna died, both Courtney and I made a commitment to each other: NOTHING or NO ONE would ever come between us. We also committed to use Dayna's death to help others. Over the years, we have used every opportunity to share with others the affects of "one bad choice." Dayna allowed someone to drive her car. That person made a wrong choice and it cost Dayna's life and the lives of two others.

Dayna has given Courtney and I a gift that many others do not have in their lives. We share a bond united in the heart of our Heavenly Father. We long for day when we are united with our Heavenly Father and reunited with our precious Dayna.

In Dayna's memory, I ask each of you to pray about the relationship you have with your siblings. You may not have a chance tomorrow to make the changes you need to make. In a fleeting second, your world, as you know it could be in a tailspin. Share your heart with those important to you. Express how much you love them and put the past in the past. The past can not be changed. The present is yours. The future may not look as you know it, today. Begin anew!

Never more than a thought away,

Andrea

Surrender

"Remember that my life is but breath, My eye will not again see good." Job 7:7

Job attempted to reconcile in his own mind what was happening to him.


"I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." Job 7:11

Job totally surrendered his pains and struggles to his Heavenly Father.

Often, we complain to others or stomp around in our own disgust accomplishing absolutely nothing. How do I know this?

Last night my computer crashed after a few other related complications earlier in the week.

As many of you know, my daughter (step-daughter) is getting married. I am expected to do it "all" and there have been comments that make me feel as though she would rather me not be present. She tells me what she wants and leaves. So far, I have done everything with the help of some of my best friends.

Do not misunderstand, I do not mind the labor or getting everything done. I did not mind writing and mailing all the invitations, meeting with caterers, or spending my evening making bouquets from silk flowers. Because of her attitude, I am hurt. Now I have said it!

I love this child and my hearts desire is for GOD to grow her into the person HE created her to be. I came to these scriptures after a day of grumbling. I have been an unhappy camper all day.

God understands my unhappiness and hurt. He wants to hear my anguish. I must surrender "everything" and leave it at HIS feet.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Survival

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord Your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
Isaiah 43:1b-3a


Today, I share one of the most important verses GOD has used in my life. Simply, GOD promises me "survival." No matter how bad it gets, HE will see me through to the other side. I am HIS and HE will never abandon me.

If you are struggling today, I pray you will find comfort in these verses. There was a season in my life when I slept with GOD's word. Yes, I held my big study Bible in my arms at night. My pain during that time was deep and yet, I survived. I am here today as a witness of GOD's love and protection.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Seek Peace and Pursue It

"Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

We live in difficult times. My weekend challenge for each of us is to: "Seek peace and pursue it." With the dynamics in some of our families this may be quite the challenge. Let us make the commitment and leave the problems and excuses at the feet of Jesus.

Seeking peace in all situations,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request for Hannah

This week GOD led me on a journey in blogland. While traveling about, I stumbled and fell into my Heavenly Father's arms as I read Hannah's mother's blog. My heart was captured as I read about precious Hannah and her sister, Sarah. Hannah is 9 years old and has a multitude of medical issues. Please visit Hannah's moms blog and storm the heavens on her behalf!

Storming the heavens with each of you,

Andrea

*The beautiful prayer button is made by Edie at Rich Gifts. Thank you, Edie for blessing us through your talents.

Allergic Reaction

Life is becoming more and more of an adventure. Most of you know we are planning our daughter's wedding. Last evening, we met with the wedding coordinator at the site where the Reception will be held. It is a rustic facility on two lakes. My husband is one of the owners and we visit there from time to time. It holds a special place in each of our hearts.

Here is my problem: The last two visits I have made to this facility I have become ill. I am apparently VERY allergic to something that grows around the lakes or possibly something in the building. I need prayers for healing and protection during this time. I must continue to prepare for the reception at this facility and I also have to make it through the reception.

It may sound crazy, but I laid in the bed this morning and laughed. At every turn things have not gone quite as planned and somehow it seemed humorous that I am allergic to the event area for the reception.

"the joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10

I am determined not to allow satan to steal my joy. I must admit I have been a bit cranky. Not breathing well does that to me. I am taking allergy medicine and holistic treatments.

I am amazed at the number of you who have chosen to call me friend. I thank you for your support, love, and prayers.

Amazed by His grace,

Andrea

Inspirational Blog Award

A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with this beautiful award. The Inspirational Blogger award was made by Dear Craisin. She is a beautiful young lady who is growing gracefully into the person GOD created her to be. I am amazed as I read her blog, following her journey through High School and the challenges of teenage life.

Today, I would like to pass this award onto each person who follows my blog. Each of you inspire me daily. I can not express how much I appreciate your love, encouragement and support.

"But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work, also." 2 Corinthians 8:7

Let us journey together as we live out the life GOD created for each of us to live.
May GOD bless each of you.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory Of Layton Johnson, Sr.
















Today, we will attend the Celebration service for my husbands uncle, Layton Johnson, Sr. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I chose today's picture because Uncle Layton loved the water and in earlier years owned a vacation home on the bay.

I will try to catch up with each of you. Please forgive me for not visiting regularly the past few days. I miss each of you and the encouragement you provide. I do feel the prayers and I praise GOD for the strength, comfort, and peace they provide.

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Children Of Light

"For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

God has a plan to use each of us to light the world. Let's all do our part as "children of light."

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea

Uncle Layon's Journey Home

Doug and I come to you prayerfully thanking each of you for your prayers on behalf of his Uncle Layton. At 10:15 A.M., our precious Heavenly Father rescued Uncle Layton from his bed of pain and whisked him away to his new heavenly home. Uncle Layton gracefully took his Heavenly Father's hand and began a glorious journey with no pain, heartache, or tears.

As the family prepares to celebrate Uncle Layton's life, please continue to pray for each of them.

In HIS grip,

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

Thank You, Forever Friends

As evening rolls into morning, I reflect on the treasure I have before me. I stand amazed as I ponder the friends I have made via blogging. God has used each of you more than you will ever know to greatly impact my life for HIS greater good.

From darkness to light, GOD has abundantly blessed me with love, prayers and encouragement. I cherish each of you. I pray GOD will bless you beyond that which you could ask or imagine.

Forever Friends,

Andrea

Prayer Request For Sharon.

"Each new day does bring about the possibilities to take whatever didn't work out right yesterday and we can start over fresh today and begin to walk a completely different path." Kat @ Heart 2 Heart

When Kat left the above comment on my blog she did not know I would be posting a prayer request for a friend who is struggling emotionally. Kat's words are perfect.

Sharon is an intelligent young woman and a writer with a wonderful gift. Sharon was recently diagnosed as Bipolar. Please pray Sharon receives the proper counseling and treatment and if it is GOD's will, complete healing!

Once again, Edie @ Rich Gifts graciously made a prayer button. You can pick up this button at Divinely Designed. Mary asked Edie to make a button for Sharon. Sharon lives in Texas and became friends with Mary and I through facebook during the last year. Please storm the heavens with prayers for Sharon.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Celebrating Sunday

Celebrating a beautiful Sunday reflecting upon the beauty of God's creation. Each new day brings a new adventure in our walk with our Heavenly Father. May GOD bless each of you on your journey.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Resting

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

I have been quite busy the last couple of days. After completing today's tasks, I was exhausted. It was time to rest in my Heavenly Father's arms. I am acknowledging my need for rest. I will be blog visiting as soon as I can gather strength.

The picture I chose to post is from a recent trip to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. The flowers and butterflies were captivating.

Resting,

Andrea

Update On Ellen

Ellen's doctor visit went well. The news is not as bad as she had feared. The hole has closed, but it will take the bubble they placed behind it approximately another month-6 weeks to dissipate. She is up! No more hanging her head and laying 23 out of 24 hours per day!

She is continuing to heal and still needs prayers. Please continue to storm the heavens on her behalf. She is still overwhelmed by your prayers and support. I thank you and the family thanks you.

Ellen's niece, Donna has begun a blog, SeaGlass Reflections. Donna is a dear friend of mine. I directed a few of you to her blog initially, but I would like for you to drop by and let her know you are still praying for her aunt and also check out her blog.

GOD BLESS each of you for your love, encouragement, and prayers!

Andrea

Neno's Award

Recently, I was awarded the Neno's award by Silver @ Reflections and yesterday, I was awarded the Neno's award again by Christy Rose @ The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. Each of these two ladies are very special. They are encouragers and write from the depths of their hearts. Thank you, Silver and Christy Rose.

I am in awe and amazed by the love and encouragement shared in the blogging world. I thank each of you for your prayers, support, and gentleness. You share openly and honestly with all of us.

Neno's award is given to those who love blogging, love to encourage friendships through blogging, and who help others seek the reasons why we all love blogging. I have met so many wonderful people through blogging and I am so excited to pass this along. I want to pass it on to:

Mary @ Divinely Designed
Loren @ The Magoos News
Lora @ By The Lamplight
Sandi @ My Yellow Door
Yolanda @ Higher Grounds
Sarah @ Writing
Rosel @ Off The Beaten Trek
Kat @ Heart 2 Heart
Linda @ Being Woven
Lidj @ Crown of Beauty
Steve @ Gotta Have Faith
Debra @ Clothed With Scarlet
Two Finches @ Girl In A Glass House
Sally @ Smiling Sally
Mary @ Piles Of Smiles
Erica @ Scottsville
Audry @ Country Mom
Lelia @ Write From The Heart
Leslie @ Writing From The Lord
Edie @ Rich Gifts
Alleliabelle @ Humble As I Go
Ina @ Ina In Alaska
Just Be Real


There are so many more. If you do not find your name on this list, Please pick this award up. Each person who visits my blog is an encouragement and is valued. GOD BLESS you "all."

In HIS grip,

Andrea

Confession And Award

A couple of weeks ago, I received this award. We were getting ready to leave on vacation. I saved the picture as an image and I "thought" I wrote down the information about the award. After returning home, I realized I did not have the information and I could not remember who gave it to me or what to do with it.

You may say, "No big deal." For me it is a big deal. First and foremost, I am ashamed I can not remember the precious bloggy friend who gave it to me. Each of you are "very" special to me and I do not take your friendship, support, and prayers lightly. I am overwhelmed and honored by each readers comment, love, and support.

True Confession time:

Most of you do not know I struggle with short term memory loss. As I travel from one blog to another, I usually make notes about prayer requests and anything else I need to know later. It takes some time before my brain links your name with your blog name. I must keep going back to verify who you are and the correct blog you belong to. It is not that I do not know who you are, but the names do not instantly make a connection.

As I pray about this award and what to do about it, God said clearly, "BE HONEST, tell them the truth."

If you struggle with this same problem, know that GOD will use it to grow you stronger in your faith and closer to HIM. I pray more and I listen more now than I ever have in my life. Before this was a problem, I could remember "everything" and I do mean every detail. Now, I must rely fully on my Heavenly Father.

GOD BLESS each of you for understanding and to the very special person who gave me this award, I am truly sorry. I love you and I pray you are not offended in anyway. You can know GOD used your support to bring this confession forward. Had this not happened, I may not have ever shared this struggle with you. I do not believe in coincidences. I know GOD has a greater plan.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Hope

"My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation. My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

As I sit in the quiet of the morning, I soak in the presence of my Heavenly Father. He is the rock that holds me steady when all else fells. He is the strength that embodies my being. Through the difficulties of this life, I have leaned heavily on Him and He has never left me. He is my hope. He is the only hope. I cling to Him from the core of my being.

Praying God's peace, comfort, and healing touch on all who long for it,

Andrea

Bloggy Prayer Request

Today, I am burdened for a new blogging friend. I began my morning reading all the beautiful comments left during the night. Nearing the end of the comments, I found a new friend, Reese. Reese asked me to pray for her and to share her prayer request with other christians.

I traveled to Reese's blog and read her entry. As I began to pray, I realized GOD wanted me to share a link to her page on mine allowing each of you to storm the heavens with prayer on her behalf.

Please visit Reese @ Family, Food, and Starbucks. Please let Reese know you will be praying for her family.

Storming the heavens with my wonderful friends,

Andrea

What I Love About Summer!

The Beach! Being able to walk with my feet in the waters edge refreshes me. The ocean and all of it's treasures are one of my most favorite things about summer. Also, being able to share those treasures with family and friends!











Our two precious little ones learning to share! Savannah (left) and Keagan (right) have a beautiful bond!













I love spending time with my furry kids outside. Sitka is my baby!














Savannah sharing fresh "corn" with O'Papa!













The warm sunshine on a beautiful day and the innocence of our precious little Savannah!












Doug, Seth, Savannah, and Trouble enjoying a day of fishing!













WHEEEE...I can fly!

















Our flowers....















Family...
Courtney (My sis), Jennifer (My Cousin), and I
(From left to right). This picture was taken in the spring after my Grandmother Bowling's funeral in SC.
















Keli (My Cousin), Courtney (My Sis), and I
(From left to right). After a wonderful lunch while visiting in SC.









I was tagged by Kat at Chili-Pepper. Now it is my turn. Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures. Summer is a great time to share!

Now I will tag:

Leslie @ Writing For The Lord

Edie @ Rich Gifts

Rosel @ Off The Beaten Trek

Mary @ Piles Of Smiles

Charlene @ Bring On The Rain

If I have not tagged you, please feel free to participate. Thank you, Kat! This was fun.

Enjoying Summer,

Andrea

Anchored

This anchor sat just off shore beyond the home we stayed in during our vacation in the Outer Banks. We were told it was washed inland during a hurricane. Each day we watched the tide come in and out, but the anchor never moved.

The anchor is steady and strong. I thought of my anchor, Jesus Christ. He moved into my being during one of life's hurricanes and has remained steady and strong ever since. He is my strength and my hope.

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20

Certainly, it was no coincidence I awoke and went to sleep seeing the anchor each day. On several evenings I was blessed to see a rainbow over the anchor. I was reminded of new beginnings with a solid foundation.

Anchored with love,

Andrea

Blog Friend Surprise

Leslie is on the left and I (Andrea) am on the right!

"A friend loves at all times.." Proverbs 17:17

At the beginning of my vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I realized Leslie from Writing For The Lord was also vacationing a few miles away. She lives in Pennsylvania and I live in Virginia.

We met at a coffee shop on Saturday morning and it was as if we had known each other all our lives. We were excited to physically connect. GOD is truly awesome! There are no accidents!

Leslie has a sweet spirit. I pray each of you will drop by her blog. She is a gentle soul with a strong voice. God is using her to bless and minister to many. She teaches preschool and is active in her church. She has a passion for the children of this world.

Blessed to be a friend,

Andrea

*Thank you, Leslie for meeting me during your vacation!

A Time To Renew

Our vacation is coming to a close. We have enjoyed many beautiful moments. I will be sharing some of them with you in the coming days. Our hearts are refreshed and there is simply one problem...we do NOT want to leave.

Tomorrow, we will travel from the Outer Banks back to our home in Chester, Virginia. We miss our family and furry kids.

Blessings and prayers,

Andrea