Happy Independence Day!

I pray each of you are enjoying "Independence Day" and reflecting on all it means for each of us. The brilliant red in these azaleas reminded me of the blood shed by our military through out the years. Since the birth of our nation we have enjoyed privileges many other people never know. After the hamburgers, hot dogs, and fireworks are over, please remember to pray for each member of the military and their families. Soon, my son will leave for an undisclosed location to serve our country for six months. He is a marine and loves his country. Many years ago, during WWII,  my husband's father, James Bolling Perdue died serving our country. My husband was about 14 months old and only has pictures of he and his dad together. He has a very tender heart for the children left behind. So, in memory of his dad, we ask you pray specifically for all the children whose parents serve faithfully.

Praising GOD for freedom and praying for all those responsible for my freedom,
Andrea

Dancing In The Rain

This picture was taken near James River State Park. There was a storm coming over the mountain. These are cows, but it is the best picture I have to share, today! 

Yesterday, my friend Jessica posted a facebook status that spoke to my heart. She lives in upstate South Carolina. Her status read something like this, "My horses are dancing in the rain. I have never seen anything like this!"

As I pondered her words I could see the horses enjoying the rain. It seems these magnificent creatures appreciated the rain in a profound way. "They danced!" Do we dance when the rain comes?

Today, I am making a new commitment to "dance" when the rain comes in my life! I will never look at the rainy seasons of life in the same way!

Dancing in the rain,

Andrea

Happy 3rd Birthday Savannah Faith!

"Papa says I am the next Picasso!"



Happy Birthday Savannah Faith! June 29th, 2007 forever changed Nana and Papa's life. You have brought beauty and sunshine into our lives each day since. We love you and cherish every moment we have with you. GOD has big things ahead for you. It is our prayer GOD will mold you into the person HE created you to be.

Blessed to be Nana,

Andrea

Standing Firm Upon The ROCK

The world as I knew it...
Spins Haphazardly...

Chaos..
Unclear direction...

Yet, peace abounds...
Constant and True...

My Heavenly Father's touch...
Always fresh and new...

I am happy, at peace, and content, yet the world as I knew has become chaotic, at best. My Heavenly Father remains faithful through every event in my life. From birth to adulthood, selfish decisions of others have given turmoil to lives beyond those intended. The ricocheting affect of those decisions forever change the dynamics of my family.

I learned early in life to depend solely upon my Heavenly Father. When alone, HE is there! When unsure, HE is there! Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, I will once again reach for the steady hand of my Heavenly Father. I covet your prayers, as I follow HIS lead.

I wish I could share the dynamics of this situation with each of you. At this time, I am unable. Know my immediate family (husband and children) are fine, happy, and healthy. We boldly stand upon the ROCK of our salvation!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

At Peace, At Last!

A glimpse into the future...
A look upon the past...
Forever I am changed...
At peace, At last!

Soaking in HIS presence,
Andrea

A Friends Heart

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Broken pieces
Questions untold

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

Untold stories
One day told

Words
Scattered fragments
Symbols

A heart of gold
Forever unfolds.

A little child steps boldly into adulthood placing the words, scattered fragments, and symbols into eloquently written poems, essays, journals, and stories penned by professor, writer, and best of all, friend!

I wrote this poem after visiting my friend, MaryGrace. We began sharing how our desire to write came very early in our lives. The unexplainable desire was placed in our hearts before our ability to read or form sentences.

Our time together was therapeutic for both of us. She is recovering well. The stroke has left her to more
dependent on GOD. Her speech and gait have have returned to normal, however, her vision is still impaired. Of all abilities, her vision is likely the most precious to her. As a prolific reader and writer she needs her vision. She is also learning to pace herself and "not" overdo it.  Please continue to pray for GOD's healing in her body, her sensitiveness to GOD's lead, and provision in all areas of her life.

Blessed to have beautiful friends,

Andrea

*Thank you to all of you who prayed for Macy. She is doing much  better. I am amazed how GOD is working through each of you in my life. Thank you for hanging in here with me. I am totally amazed that each of you come back to visit and read my blogs. I am truly blessed!

Praying for Macy!

No, I have not fallen off into the dark abyss! I am clinging tightly to my Heavenly Father. My mind and heart are both full, right now. As I continue to spend time with GOD, please pray for Macy, my elderly, deaf, Cocker Spaniel. She collapsed in Doug's arms, this morning around 6:45am. We took her to our veterinarian as soon as they opened. Her heart murmur is worse and she has fluid on her lungs. He has put her on two heart medications and an antibiotic. In his words, "I don't want to give up on her yet!" He wants to give this treatment a few days and see how she responds. We picked her up this afternoon. She is laying beside me, now. Until she is stronger, I will be carrying her in and out to potty and keeping her calm.

Macy has lived her life with grace, dignity, and poise. She has given us so much love! I am thankful for each day GOD has given us with her and I pray HE chooses to give us more.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Forty-Four And Counting

Forty-Four and Counting! Thank you, everyone for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Life has been chaotic at best around our house, lately. We are focusing on GOD and trusting HIM for our future. We are thankful for a wonderful family, both furry and human!

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

The Plan

Tragedy breeds desire...
With each labored breath beyond your life's despair you boldly find beauty within the ashes....

No longer will gloom and doom fall upon your lips...
There is light far ahead...
With astounding, unbelievable trust....
You will follow.

The path opens....
Each step into the next...

The plan...
God's plan...
Unfolds with each new breath!

Continuing to cling,
Andrea

*Thank you for your continued prayers. I hope to be back regularly to the blogging world, soon. I miss all of you and I continue to pray for each of you, daily. I am amazed at the outpouring of love and support you have given me during this time. This blog and each of your friendship is proof of GODS amazing grace!

God's Provision

This bowl carved out of rock is known to be Pocahontas's water basin. It is located in a park in Petersburg, Virginia. As I stood by this basin, I pondered GODS provision and the beauty of it. He always supplies our needs and HE meets us in the depths of our despair. Lately, I am facing serious battles in my life. Yet, at the end of the day, I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I am "not" alone. HE has a perfect plan. I share this with each of you, today, apologizing for not posting and for not visiting with you. I miss each of you, but I trust you understand and will storm the heavens on my behalf. I am blessed to have each of you in my life, as I am blessed to have prayer warrior friends locally, as well. Thank you for your prayers!

Clinging tightly to my Heavenly Father,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request and Praise

As the water trickles from this fountain, one drop after another, prayers trickle from my heart to the heart of GOD. My heart is broken for so many. Please join me storming the heavens on the behalf of many!

*Please pray for Kat's family at Heart 2 Heart. Kat's husband lost his job, today!

*Please pray for Mary's family at Piles of Smiles. They are forging through turbulent times.

*Please continue to pray for my good friend, MaryGrace. She suffered a stroke over a week ago. She is progressing, but is still struggling with her vision.

*Please continue praying for Lisa at Glad Chatter as she continues her battle with cancer. 

*PRAISE: Many of you have asked about my great nephew, Amden. He was born with Down Syndrome. He has progressed with his peers and continues to defy all the odds and astound the doctors. We are very proud of his young Mom and Dad who are working with him constantly.

*PRAISE: Our family prays you will have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Doug and I will spend tomorrow getting crowns at Dr. Jessup's Dental office. On Saturday and Sunday we will join in celebrating our friends baby dedication. Baby  Caleb is very special to us. Each of their children are adopted and we prayed for them. This will be Caleb's first birthday and his infant dedication service. His parents have chosen open adoption. We are privileged to celebrate the joy with both his biological and adoptive parents, as well as extended family. GOD is truly amazing.

I would have been remiss to omit both praises! They are the affects of prayer! I praise GOD for each of you who join the "Storm the Heavens" team! It is a honor to serve GOD with you.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

With Love and Prayers

Many are facing difficult times and need our prayers. Join me in praying GODS peace, comfort, and love will pour over each of those in need.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

*Please to continue to pray for MaryGrace. She is progressing each day! Thank you, prayer warriors!

*Please visit Kat at Heart 2 Heart. She has an urgent prayer request for a friend of hers, there! 

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR MARYGRACE

Please pray for my awesome friend, MaryGrace! She had a stroke, last week. She has regained her speech and balance. Her vision remains impaired. She returned home and will begin physical therapy this week. Please pray for complete healing, comfort, peace, strength, and divine guidance as the doctors develop a continued plan of care.

MaryGrace is a special lady. God brought her into my life during one of the most turbulent and difficult times I have faced. She accepted me unconditionally, loved and encouraged me, and has become a treasured friend. She is a brilliant lady. I am amazed at her many talents. She is an English Professor, Journal Editor, writer, poet, and much, much more.

I praise GOD for having HIS hand on her, from the beginning. All circumstances were in place for this episode. Her husband was home, the EMS responded in a timely manner, she received treatment quickly, and is making strides in her recovery. I pray GOD will continue to prepare the way before MaryGrace!

Love always wants the best for others. I pray GOD's best for MaryGrace! Please join me storming the heavens on her behalf.

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Life

Life's messes sprinkle through all that we know...
However, we do not have to succumb to them...
Our minds eye may record happiness...
A wealth of spiritual and emotional growth, as well.

Farewell to bitterness and disbelief...
You were never my friend...

Strength, grace, and honor...
I have found.
Peace in my journey...
Glorious presence...
Most profound!

Soaking in HIS presence,

Andrea

Living Life

Sadness and sorrow will invade my path...
Greater still...
Opportunities taken...
From life's tragedies...
Begin anew.
A fresh start each day, given...

Precious are the memories held
From a life well-lived...
Examples of strength, grace, and character.

Precious are the moments...
Woven in time...
filled with flavor and excitement...

Life is not boring...
It's what we make of it...
Each season...
Filled with opportunities...

Sadness and sorrow give birth to joy and fellowship...
Happy is the heart that finds home!

Living Life,
Andrea

Waiting and Watching

Waiting

Watching

The why and when

Known to the Maker

As beginning and end.

Seeking HIM,

Andrea

Not Alone In My Pasture

Today began with a squirrel committing suicide in our kiddy pool. I am NOT kidding. Many would have crawled back in bed at that point and don't think I did not consider that as an option. Next, came the sickness of my precious little cocker spaniel. She is 16 years old with re-occurring cancer. She and I have been through a lot together (good and bad). I called our vet who agreed to see her (Macy) at 4pm. During the day I fretted and worried. Actually, I sobbed. I thought I would be faced with putting her to sleep. Worry would be putting it mildly. I am not normally found in this state of mind. My family will tell you, I am the strong one and I pride myself in this roll. God had many lessons to teach me, today.

I could not contain the tears. My vet and the staff have never seen me this way and they have seen me a lot over the years. I cried through Macy's entire visit. Dr. Jordan said, "She is going home with you. She has an intestinal inflammation. We can treat this....I am giving her nausea medicine (shot) and antibiotics." No matter what he said, I cried!  They hugged me, I paid the bill, and left.

Upon leaving, I thought about my day. I worried about Macy's death and lack of presence in my life. I worried about telling Wil, who has grown up with her. I worried about so many things.....I was NOT sure I could live life without her. For now, she will live and cuddle with me. I wasted hours in tears and distress. I asked for prayer and boy am I glad, b/c our Heavenly Father answered in a big way. He answered in more ways than giving Macy more days with us. He reminded me of all the people who care for me....each of you, my facebook friends, and many others. You all rallied to pray for me and my dog. Not just anyone would pray for a dog. I know this to be true. You guys are the best. Family comes in all shapes and sizes. I feel a bit like the cow in the picture. I was in a pasture..feeling alone, today....but I could not see the lucious grass or any of the blessings my Heavenly Father had for me. It was after feeling alone and distraught, I recognized HIS blessings and the gift He has given me through blogging and writing.  I am never alone in my pasture. He is always with me and He has given me many others to journey along side, whether I can see them or not.

Thank you, prayer warriors and friends. I will never be able to tell you how much you mean to me. You come here, time and time again and read the words I have posted. You leave beautiful comments of love and encouragement. Each of you are the LOVE OF CHRIST daily in my life. I praise GOD for you. Thank you all for faithfully being the people HE created you to be. Thank you, most of all for your loving prayers!

With much love, thankfulness of heart, and prayers,

Andrea

A Life

A life...
A plan...
A view...
Something lost,
now new...

The day filled with beauty...
Seeped into my pew...
Spoken words...
Spilled courageously into view...
Clamor not
With dusty stew...
Spoken word...
Must all be true...

Case and Cause...
The why of it all...
It's time, my friend...
For the final call...

A life...
A plan...
A view...
Something lost...
Something new...

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea

*I am still having technical issues. If you are a new follower or visitor, please leave me a comment.

Laughter Amidst Blog Issues

"Laughter is carbonated holiness." Anne Lamott


Today, I am trying to laugh rather than cry. Blogger has been quite the challenge the last week or so. I am currently working on resolving the technical issues. I should say, I have friends who are kind enough to try and help me resolve them. If you are a new follower, please leave me a comment. I would like to visit your blog.

As for laughter, it is great medicine for our soul. How we handle small problems, such as this one or big ones greatly affects the outcome. No, the problem may not go away, but our spirit is affected by how we look at the problem. Stress is proven to cause medical issues. So, today I ask you to look at your problems (great or small) through the eyes of your Heavenly Father. Surrender them to HIM! Learn to laugh in the midst of it all.



"He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21 NLT

"We were filled with laughter,and we sang for joy.And the other nations said,“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Psalm 126:2 NLT

Praying each of you have a blessed weekend,

Andrea

Paper and Pen

Long ago, a little child loved paper and pen...
She knew not what to do...
One day, pen danced gracefully upon paper...
Giving child a heavenly view...
From Blue Ridge Mountains heavenly pew!

A clearer view...
Came bursting through...
Pen and paper...
New best friends...
Life became renewed, again!

Neither sadness nor despair...
Could rip a hole in this divine pair...
Paper and pen's love affair!

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

A Gentle Touch

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh," He whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.
"I just wanted to make sure of you."
A. A. Milne

Often, our needs are simple. We want to know there is someone near. There is much comfort in knowing a dear friend is close. Over the last couple of years, I have come to realize the affects of a relationship liken to Piglet and Pooh's. When my heart is uneasy, I will often say to Doug, "will you touch me?" He will lay his arm against my back or touch my arm and shortly, I will relax and fall asleep.

The gentle touch of a friend is a treasure. Even greater is the presence of our Heavenly Father. He is there to reassure and strengthen us. Often, we do not take advantage of HIS gentle touch. He is never more than a whisper away. Those days of my life when I have felt alone and scared, HE has responded to my cry. I am doubly blessed to have a best friend and my Heavenly Father, both only a whisper away.

If you need a gentle touch, whisper your hearts desire and HE who loves you most will faithfully respond to your cry.

Whispering in prayer,

Andrea

Love

Challenge
Is often needed for love
For courage to love
For courage to speak up when you love!

The above poem was written in the heart of a young, thirteen year old girl known to most as Andee. She found herself growing up in a world without the security she once knew. Her grandmother, Marie Coates died September 27, 1979 after an extremely painful journey with Cancer.

God is faithful to heal and restore the hearts of all who are willing. The little girl known as Andee is now grown and sharing a special relationship with her own granddaughter. I am that little girl!!

As I gaze into the eyes of my precious granddaughter, Savannah I think of my Nana and realize the gift God has given me. My Nana taught me how to be a Nana, giving me courage to love and speak up when I love.

In the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea


* I pray each of you who travel by are doing well. I will be away from the computer and with a dear friend whose husband died, today. Thank you for your prayers, love and encouragement as I share GOD'S love with others!

Upon Loss

Upon Loss


How shall I feel?
Where shall I go?
Where shall my heart be found?

The doors and windows open
Emptiness echoes
Silence despaired

This barn I call home
This shell once filled with warmth
Now Forever changed

Hope I find, eternal only
Moments, hours, days to pass
Earth resides lonely

One day, my best friend
I, too will regain your hand
Together we will dance
In our eternal promise land.

This poem is written for my dear friend, Susan Herring. On Saturday morning, Susan's husband, Billy left his earthly dwelling and climbed into the arms of his Heavenly Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He wore the love of Christ proudly and shared it through his actions with all whom graced his path.

With a heart full of love and prayers,

Andrea

Azalea Garden At Bryan Park

Last week, Doug and I spent the afternoon with Savannah at Bryan Park, Richmond, Virginia. We wandered through the azalea gardens. Each color unique. I wondered how many times we run past the beauty of GODS creation? How many times do we take it for granted?

Let's slow down and enjoy all that HE has given us. Let's savor the sweet smell of HIS presence in our lives!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Update on Amden

As many of you know, Amden was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth. He faced a few complications with his digestive system in the first week of his life, but since is thriving and doing well. Amden began rolling over far ahead of his peers. With each test the doctors perform they are astounded. Amden is "AHEAD" of his peers. As the doctors shake their heads, we will praise our Heavenly Father who created this precious little one. We are confident GOD has big plans for Amden!

Praising GOD,

Andrea

Watching, Waiting, Trusting

"But for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the GOD of my salvation. My GOD will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me." Micah 7:7 NAS

"But me, I'm not giving up, I'm sticking around to see what GOD will do. I'm waiting for GOD to make things right. I'm counting on GOD to listen to me." Micah 7:7 The Message

No matter the storm, watch eagerly for your LORD!

Watching, waiting, and trusting,

Andrea

Choosing Happiness

"Day and night I will stick with GOD; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go. I'm happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed. " Psalm 16:8-9 The Message

"I have set the Lord continually before me; Because HE is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh will also dwell securely." Psalm 16:8-9 NAS The Message

Today, I choose happiness. I choose to rejoice in the life GOD has chosen for me! What about you?

Choosing happiness,

Andrea

*I will be away from the computer for a few days. I pray each of you will have a beautifully blessed weekend!

Choices

Daily, we are faced with choices. Twenty one years ago (April 14th, 1989), my sister Dayna made a choice, ultimately costing her life. She allowed a teenage friend to drive her car. He in turn made a series of horrific choices. Less than ten minutes and five miles from home her life came to a tragic end.

Every choice in our life has the capability of forever altering our lives and the lives of many others. We must do our best to make wise decisions.

Begin each day with prayer, asking for the ability to make wise decisions. We must listen closely to our Heavenly Father and do what we know in our hearts to be correct.

Not all choices are easy and there will be times when we stumble and fall. We must pick ourselves up and begin again, finding solace in learning from our mistakes and the mistakes of others.

Embrace each day with a positive attitude, looking with eager expectations for it's blessings. Time on this earth, as we know it is fleeting. Live life to it's fullest as you continue to grow into the person GOD created you to be.

Continuing to learn,

Andrea

Embracing Peace

"Embrace peace-don't let it get away." Psalm 34:14b The Message

Some days in our lives are more difficult than others. Often, we are faced with tremendous decisions. These life decisions try our patience and challenge our sanity. We can become caught up in the process or we can choose to embrace peace! The choice is ours. God allows us the freedom to live out our lives as we choose. However, HE desires the best for us. HE offers peace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Each are ours, if we ask!

Today, amidst the trials and difficulties of this life, I choose peace.....perfect peace....HIS peace!
What about you? Will you leave your burdens at HIS feet?

Embracing HIS peace,

Andrea

Answered Prayer

Even our smallest needs and things others do not deem critical are important to GOD. Many of you know, my Samoyed Nanuq is extremely afraid of thunderstorms. We have tried everything and he is better, but each storm is still a traumatic experience.

Yesterday, I posted on facebook about a storm headed our way. This storm was producing 1 inch size hail, tornado's, 60 mph winds, and lots of rain. Upon reading my post, many offered prayers. This is how our evening went:


The storm approached with a vengeance. Everyone in its path receiving what had been predicted until it came close to our home. As the storm crossed chesterfield county the thunder and lightening diminished. We heard only one small rumble. We received lots of rain and wind, but NO SOUNDS! Nanuq slept through the entire storm! PRAISE GOD!

If anyone asks you today about the power of prayer and it's significance, tell them GOD cares about his animals enough to calm the storms in Chester, Virginia. He tells us to come to HIM with the desires of our heart. If HE cares about me and my dog, then HE most certainly cares about the details in your life, too!

Continuing to storm the heavens,

Andrea

Prayer For Friends!

"Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16 NAS

Let us not forget the best gift we can give our friends is prayer!

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Share HIS Beauty and Love

These azaleas are beautiful, just as GOD created them to be! We all have beauty inside us. I wonder as I gaze at this photo (taken last spring in my yard) if the beauty inside of me is spilling out? or am I hoarding it for myself?

Let's share God's beauty and blessings from within with all those around us! Let us love one another with the love only GOD can give!

"Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.......Love others as well as you love yourself." Matthew 22:37-40 The Message

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

Happy Easter!

May GOD touch each of you in a special way this Easter! May HE fill you with HIS presence like never before!

Amazed by HIS grace,

Andrea

*I will be with family and away from the computer until Monday.

Each New Season

As the sun sets, so shall it rise again! With the end of each day and each season, another begins. Take hold of each moment....embrace it....cherish it and live life enjoying the beauty of each season!

Embracing God in this season,

Andrea

How Bright Are You?

Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Island, North Carolina
(The largest lighthouse in North America.)

















~Are you shining brightly for God, today?

~How far does your light shine?

"Do everything readily and cheerfully-no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living GOD. Carry a light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing." Philippians 2:14-16 The Message

Let's shine brightly together, today! Join me in a pursuit to share GOD through loving actions and attitude from this day forward.

Seeking HIM,

Andrea

Update on Lisa's Prayer Request

GOD indeed answers prayers! When a door is closed a window is opened! Click on Lisa's picture and visit her blog to read about how GOD is providing financially at this time. I thank each of you for continuing to storm the heavens on Lisa's behalf and behalf of her family. Now, our focus in prayer can be on the complete restoration of her health!

Continuing to storm the heavens,

Andrea

Urgent Prayer Request for Lisa

For those of you who do not know Lisa, she is an beautiful lady, inside and out. I came to know Lisa through the blog world. Recently, Lisa began a battle for her earthly life (an aggressive cancer). Her battle became more difficult as her insurance company (Scott and White) have decided not to pay for her recent surgery or further treatment at MD Anderson (Leading specialist/hospital for this type of cancer). Her appeal was Friday. Today, they were denied!

I am outraged! I know GOD Is greater than this obstacle, but I come to you with a broken heart for Lisa and her family. I can not imagine how they must feel. Lisa has 4 young children and a wonderful husband. She needs our prayers and support! Please storm the heavens in prayer with me!

Storming the heavens,

Andrea

Please Support Vermont Church Plant

Brian, Allison, Nathanael, and Katie Conyers.












Allison is Doug (my husband's) niece. He and I are quite proud of Allison and her husband Brian. They have chosen to follow GOD'S call to Waterbury, Vermont. Many of you have seen Nathanael's sweet face on my blog before. He was in our daughter Lauren's wedding and I quoted him a few days ago. He is quite the charmer and I know GOD will use this little man to draw folks to the Lord, too. Katie is a precious 2 month old with big bright eyes and will surely assist her parents in spreading GOD'S LOVE!

Words from the heart of GOD through Brian and Allison:


"In April of this year, we will begin planting a new Southern Baptist Church in the town of Waterbury.

Our first task there is to build relationships by living among the people and working in the town. We will also meet people through various outreach ministries. These relationships will be the starting point for Bible studies in the town. Once we develop a core group, we will begin worship services in Waterbury."


How can you help?


PRAY

~Pray that Brian would be able to find a job in Waterbury in order to make ministry contacts.
~Pray that the Conyers would be able to build relationships with people in order to discover ministry opportunities.
~Pray that the Conyers would be successful in starting Bible studies as quickly as possible.
~Pray that the Conyers would be able to develop a core leadership group to assist them in growing the ministry.
~Pray that Brian and Allison would be able to find affordable housing in the town of Waterbury.

GIVE

~Go to Waterbury Mission to see specific needs that you can meet with a one-time gift.
~Make a monthly pledge to provide a meeting place for the new church.
~Consider a one-time or monthly gift to help support the Conyers family.

GO

~Volunteers are needed to prayer walk, to lead children's outreach ministries, and to assist in community service projects.
~Consider moving to Waterbury to become a part of the church planting team.
~If you are vacationing in Vermont, give one day to learn what GOD is doing in Waterbury.

Other contacts for the Conyers Family:

P.O. Box 272
Waterbury, Vermont, 05676

VTPLANT@GMAIL.COM
WWW.WATERBURYMISSION.ORG

I thank each of you ahead of time for your prayers and support. Please pass this information along to your church families, prayer groups, and friends. Together, GOD can use all of us in Vermont as HIS word is sewn, watered, and nourished.

Serving GOD with each of you,

Andrea

A Safe Landing

"God's name is a place of protection-good people can run there and be safe." Proverbs 18:10 The Message

"For Thou has been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless is like a rainstorm against a wall." Isaiah 25:4 NAS

Are you feeling a bit tossed about? Are you drifting?

Know GOD has a safe place for you to land. Like this piece of driftwood, sitting at the top of a sand dune, HE has a perfect place with an awesome view for you. Not only does HE have a landing place, HE will give you a birds eye view of eternity from HIS heart to yours.

Enjoying the view,

Andrea

Walk By Faith

Wil and Nanuq walking on Hatteras Island!












"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2Corinthians 5:7 NAS

On those windy, sandy, days we must continue to walk in faith. Hold tightly to what we know to be true. Our faith will carry us through this life into eternal life.


Clinging tightly,

Andrea

*Please pray for the Johnson Family. They will be burying their mother/grandmother/great grandmother, today. Please pray specifically that the rain subsides before the graveside service at 3pm. Doug and I will be attending the graveside service. We thank each of you for your prayers for this family.

Tired?

Sitka sound asleep on the sofa in the rental beach house, Hatteras Island!











When I try to do things in my own strength, I look like Sitka. I am not near as cute as Sitka, but you get the picture. I am learning to do only those things GOD calls me to do. I am learning to wait on HIM, patiently. "Learning" would certainly be the key word. I am clearly a work in progress.

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

Finding strength in HIM,

Andrea

You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

Sitka hiding from Mommie!













"God, you know every sin I've committed; My life's a wide-open book before you." Psalm 69:5 The Message

"We are not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open." Mark 4:22 The Message

You can run, but you can not hide. Allow GOD to use your sin and mistakes to fulfill HIS purpose. He sees whether we acknowledge HIM or not. Live in the light and move forward!

Living in the light,

Andrea

Patience

Nathaniel and Savannah















Today, Doug, Savannah, and I had the privilege of eating lunch with Nathaniel. Nathaniel lives in Vermont, however, he brought his Mommie, Daddy, and baby sister, Katie to Virginia to speak about their new church plant(I will be sharing more about their ministry in a later post). Doug, Savannah, and I attended Iron Bridge Baptist Church with Nathaniel and his parents. After the service, we all went to lunch.

Nathaniel and Savannah had not seen each other since September. They were overcome with excitement to be together again. Nathaniel is our great nephew and Savannah is our granddaughter. They are each 2 1/2 years old (only 2 weeks apart in age).

During lunch, I told Savannah and Nathaniel to be patient! Nathaniel's Mommy asked him to share with me the "meaning" of patience and I would like to share Nathaniel's "very" profound definition of patience with each of you.

Patience: NO whining and NO complaining!

I don't know about each of you, but I was quite convicted! How many times does my Heavenly Father ask me to "be patient" and what do I do? WHINE AND COMPLAIN!

Learning from the little ones,

Andrea

Tidal Treasures

While away, GOD spoke a new thought into my being. While pondering the storms of life and the broken pieces left behind, HE said, " Tidal treasures grow and change us as the storms of life move in and out. Each storm brings new beginnings and new treasures!"

Immediately, I knew I was to:

~seek and find the new treasure
~embrace each new treasure
~cherish the treasures
~see the beauty found in the broken pieces
~share the treasure

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be, also." Matthew 6:21 NAS

Embracing the storms and the treasures,

Andrea

*Thank you for your prayers. I am still struggling with allergies. I suffer year round, sometimes it becomes worse and this is one of those times. I am clinging to the LORD and hope this season of difficult breathing will soon pass.

Battling Allergies and Asthma

Battling allergies/asthma, today! Praying each of you enjoy a day full of sunshine and blessings!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Created To Cling

"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails." Proverbs 19:21 The Message

We are the happiest as we cling tightly to our Heavenly Father, accepting HIS purpose in our lives, and finding contentment in HIS plan. Join me, today as I seek to cling tightly to HIM!

Finding contentment in HIS purpose and plan,

Andrea

*Amden is home and doing well. David continues to have a high white blood cell count. Please continue to pray for each of them as well as Amden's parents (Jordan and Amber) and my sister, Courtney. THANK YOU!!

Fully Surrender

"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about." Psalm 3:6

Look into the little snowbird's eyes. He is at peace with his maker. I watched this bird and several others during a recent snow storm. Each of them were calm and unbothered by the change in weather, yet a storm threatened their food supply.

This little bird is reminds me the battle has been fought and won by my Heavenly Father. Both the battle and the victory belong to HIM. I must trust HIM through the storms of life and the battlefields I must traverse through. Confidently, I must cling tightly to my Heavenly Father completely surrendering any fear or discouragement and allowing HIS peace to pour over me.

Join me today, leave your burdens where they belong: At the feet of Jesus!

Fully Surrendering,

Andrea

Thankful For Creation

Palliated Woodpecker flying in our backyard during the last snow storm.
















"And GOD created the great sea monsters, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after it's kind: And GOD saw that it was good." Genesis 1:21 NAS

Today, I celebrate the beauty in GOD's creation. Bara (create) means God created the universe out of nothing (V 21,27). From "nothing" GOD created immensely detailed and rich creatures. I stand amazed and I praise HIM daily, as I look upon HIS creation.

Enjoying HIS beauty,

Andrea