"Leaves of Life"

Often we are knee deep in the "leaves of life". The "leaves of life" continue to fall on our heads. During these times we have a choice to make.

Are you continuing to smile as the leaves keep falling in your life?
Are you looking for GOD's beauty amongst the knee deep pile of leaves?
Are you learning and growing from your experience?


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

It is all about our attitude. It's our choice. Today, lets embrace the "leaves of life" as times to learn more about ourselves and our GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

A Thankful Heart

My THANKFUL List:

~My Savior and Lord! He has seen me through many battles!
~My husband, Doug. He is regaining strength and beginning to heal after 23 days of sickness.
~Our children. May they continue to grow into the people GOD created them to be.
~Our grandchildren. Hearing each of them say, "Nana" still makes my heart skip a beat!
~Our fur babies. The ability to share them with others as Therapy Dogs.
~Living in a country where I can worship my Lord openly.
~The US Military. The freedom we each enjoy, daily!
~Many wonderful friends who love me no matter how crazy I act.
~Having a roof over my head, food in my belly, and clothes on my back.
~The ability/freedom to write from my heart.
~New Beginnings!

What are you thankful for?

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

Waiting On The Edge

~Do you ever feel like you are standing on the edge of a pole all alone?

~Are you afraid of what may be ahead of you? or in the water below you?

 "He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world." Acts 1:7

If you are like me, you want understanding, clarity, and direction instantly. Fortunately for me, it doesn't usually happen that way. More frequently than not, I am standing on the edge of a pole waiting like this beautiful little bird. I don't like to wait and I don't like heights, yet GOD stretches me by letting me sit there a little while longer.

Did I say "fortunately?" Yes, I did. Usually, I am not ready for what GOD has for me. As HE continues to work in my heart, I realize the "perfectness" of HIS plan.

Waiting on the edge,

Andrea

Looks Are Deceiving

After returning from a trip to South Carolina, I became ill. For six days I have been plagued with a vicious illness. It does not wish to let go. This morning as I prayed for healing, God reveal greater needs within my body. It's easy to admit we are sick physically, but not always easy to admit we have other issues in need of divine intervention.

 From the outside all appears great. Suddenly, my mouth opens and out spews vile, harsh, crackling, germs. I thought I could contain them. How did they purge their way up and out of my body?

Just as harmful virus' and bacteria invade our bodies and escape without permission into others lives, so do harmful thoughts, patterns, and behaviors. We think we have them carefully hidden, yet out of our hearts they leap injuring those in their path. Looks are certainly deceiving!

It's time for a clean up, a healing of heart, body, and soul.

"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance." 1 Corinthians 12:25 The Message

"I'm hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air." Psalm 69:29 The Message

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this." Proverbs 3:5 The Message

Recognizing our health affects the health of others, lets attempt a clean up. Join me as I:

~Develop a more passionate prayer time!
~Dig deeper in HIS word!
~Purge the unhealthy!
~Embrace GODS presence!
~Seek to become all HE created you to be!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

What's Important To You?

As we gaze at GOD's creation, let's remember what is really important!

^"27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
 ^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
 ³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." 
Matthew 6:27-34 The Message 

~What is important to you?

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Freedom

Freedom means different things to each person. For me it means:

Freedom to go where I want to go.
Freedom to sing the songs of my heart.
But, most of all, freedom to worship my LORD!

Yet, their is a deeper freedom when one has a relationship with Christ! This freedom will not allow the pain of the past to keep rearing its ugly head or others to control our happiness. Most of all, this freedom allows each of us to enjoy the blessings GOD intends for us without allowing fear to control our present and future. I am learning this freedom, now! Visiting South Carolina, the place that represents much pain for me has once again been used by GOD to give me perspective!

I am convinced satan uses the pain of the past and fear of future pain and heart ache to control us!

We must NOT allow satan to steal our joy any longer! The pain that grips your chest or the nausea that grips your stomach is satan. Join me in allowing GOD full control of that area of your life. HE is fully capable of handling it. Enjoy the blessings, gifts, and freedoms HE has prepared for you and I pledge to do the same!

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17


"I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare." Isaiah 49:9

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

"Keep Movin Nana"

Hikers use trail names. My trail name would be "Keep Movin Nana" affectionately given by my granddaughter, Savannah. "Keep Movin Nana" is a great metaphor for this life I am living.  The race may be long and difficult, but I must "keep movin" toward the prize.

"Keep Movin Nana" reminds me to continue faithfully on my journey with GOD. I may stumble and fall, but I can begin anew whether crawling or walking. Sometimes my journey will be made in baby steps and sometimes I will run with the wind of the Holy Spirit.

Each new day holds an adventure. Some adventures easy and some difficult; that's GODS surprise. Let's  embrace the surprises of each day with a deepened faith and growing prayer life.

~Are you moving toward the goal?
~Are you continuing to shake the dust of this life off and begin anew?
~Are you praying your way through this life?


"All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." 1 Corinthians 9:25 NLT

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14 NLT

"And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8 NLT

"He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." James 1:18 NLT

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea
"Keep Movin Nana"

Beautiful, Yet Deadly

Gazing upon these beautiful mushrooms, one forgets, if eaten they can be deadly. Isn't that the way with other things in this world? Temptations are not usually ugly. If they were we would not be tempted by them.

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Mark 14:38

May we stand strong in the face of temptation, keeping our eyes fully focused on GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Reunion Of Hearts

Not rain, not humidity, not even pesky mosquitoes thwarted the plans of Doug's classmates. Memories and love spilled forth as they shared their hearts with one another. Beautiful smiles and warm hearts radiated as laughter sprinkled with tears fell upon many. God's presence spoke loudly!

Time well spent, valued, and cherished. One never knows if tomorrow shall come. With reality held in hand, Doug approached these events with purpose, grace, and serenity. He purposed to listen carefully and hear the hearts of his classmates.

Privileged I am to have viewed this weekend through the heart of my best friend and husband, Doug. I praise God for his presence in my life and I pray he and I will share many other reunion of hearts with others along the way.

"Friends come and go. They seldom know, but they do change you."  Laurence Craig-Green

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Even The Chimps Bow In Prayer

Tuesday, Doug and I spent the day touring the Metro Richmond Zoo with our grandbabies, Savannah and Elijah. We took our time and watched the animals. My favorite animal in the zoo was the chimps.

I told Doug and the kids, "It looks like they are praying!" Even the Chimps bow in prayer before their LORD! Every moment with Savannah and Eli is a teaching moment. Don't forget the impact you have each and every moment of your life to reveal GOD's presence and share about HIM!

" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Blessings and prayers,
Andrea

My Interview

Today, you can read my interview with Kat at Art's Chili Pepper.

When Kat asked me to write for her, I almost instantly knew I was suppose to answer her questions. I pray GOD will use those answers about a very difficult time in my life for HIS good will and purpose.

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

Humbled and Tested

"He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good." Deuteronomy 8:15

Many seasons in life take us to places we may or may not want to be. GOD has a reason and a purpose. Help us, Lord to see our way through each season with humble hearts. Help us to be found faithful, obedient servants. Help us not to fail You, Lord!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

What It Means To Storm The Heavens In Prayer!

Storming The Heavens In Prayer

I cry
I scream
I beg
I plead
Sometimes, I even stomp around!

Sometimes physically..
Sometimes emotionally..

I have lived out my life speaking my mind and heart....the good, the bad, and the ugly to GOD.

You might say:

"That doesn't sound very respectful!"

My answer to you would be:

GOD already knows my heart. He wants me to give all those hurts, pains and even questions to HIM. HE is GOD and HE can handle anything and everything I throw at HIM! HE loves me deeply, this I know for sure! In my deepest time of need, hurt, or pain, HE has never abandoned me. HE has held me in HIS arms and soothed my broken heart when "no" human could.

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety." Psalm 18:2
My life lesson:

Never be afraid to share "all" of what's on your heart with GOD!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

~This week I received an email asking me if there was a biblical reference for "storming the heavens in prayer." I used this term privately for many years. A couple of years ago, I began using it publicly, because it represents my actions in prayer. I realized my actions deserved an explanation. So, now you all know what "storming the heavens in prayer" means to me.

FOCUS

As you stand in the meadow of your life, look toward the heavens. His beauty and presence pierces even the thickest cloud cover. Do not allow what is happening in your meadow to blindfold or shadow your focus on your Heavenly Father!

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

Walk or Crawl?

Sometimes we walk. Sometimes we crawl. On those days when you can not walk, what is your attitude? Are you happy to move forward slowly on hands and knees?

Many times we want to run ahead. We are not patient. We find ourselves learning and re-learning how to crawl. Remember: GOD's timing is always perfect!

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

Falling Into HIS Arms

For some time, I have been reviewing my life. With pen in hand, I continue giving voice to emotions and reality. Reliving and processing reality is not easy. However, GOD continues to reveal HIMSELF to me in ways beyond my comprehension. I would love to say, I'm done or almost done. The truth is, I have only begun tapping a deep well!

With each new revelation comes an opportunity to learn and grow. There are days of forging ahead wide open and there are days I can not move. Today, I am resting with my feet in this beautiful pool of water at the base of the water fall. No, I am not there literally. However, I am there in spirit with my LORD.

As the waters of reality and emotion rush over the falls they find rest at the bottom in a calm pool. So, as I forge ahead, I am assured of GOD's rest a long the way. Isaiah 43 reminds me, "He will not let the waters overtake me."

Continuing to fall into HIS arms,
Andrea

Lessons from "Irene"

~No matter how strong we think we are or how deep our roots go there is only ONE who can save us and HIS name is JESUS!

~Work together and the cleanup is less stressful!

~Be thankful for health and happiness, no matter what lies around your feet!

~Rest in HIS arms as you face the storms of this life!

~Keep positive and focused on your HEAVENLY FATHER! There is always someone suffering far more loss than you/me!

Thank you to all who have prayed for us during the storm. We had minimal damage and were without power for only 5 days. We continue the clean up and repair process with thankful and grateful hearts.

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

HIS Strength, Not Mine!

My life's path has been treacherous at times. More times than not it has taken many twists and turns toward the unknown. There have been numerous painful places. I have forged ahead, sometimes crawling out of despair on my hands and knees.

So many times, my friends and family have said, "you are the strong one!"

Last night, I cried out to GOD, "I do NOT want to always be the strong one....why can't I be the child?"

HE said, "you are the child...MY child...I am all you need!"

From as early as four years old, I remember crying out to GOD in prayer! My strength comes from HIM! I am never alone. HE is always with me. HE has called me to a difficult journey. A journey I am not sure I want to face, yet I know I must.

"See, God has come to save me.I will trust in him and not be afraid.The Lord God is my strength and my song;he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.They will soar high on wings like eagles.They will run and not grow weary.They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

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

Healing and Protection

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
      will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 ² This I declare about the Lord:
   He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
      he is my God, and I trust him.
 ³ For he will rescue you from every trap
      and protect you from deadly disease.
 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
      He will shelter you with his wings.
      His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
 ⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
      nor the arrow that flies in the day.
 ⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
      nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
 ⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
      though ten thousand are dying around you,
      these evils will not touch you.
 ⁸ Just open your eyes,
      and see how the wicked are punished. ⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
      if you make the Most High your shelter,
 ¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
      no plague will come near your home.
 ¹¹ For he will order his angels
      to protect you wherever you go.
 ¹² They will hold you up with their hands
      so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
 ¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
      you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
 ¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
      I will protect those who trust in my name.
 ¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
      I will be with them in trouble.
      I will rescue and honor them.
 ¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
      and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 91 NLT

Over the last 45 years GOD has never allowed more pain in my life than I could endure. HE has never allowed me to be consumed by the enemy. Though the enemy has come close, my GOD has remained faithful to protect me.

There have been times where I have stumbled and crawled into HIS arms battered and bruised. Each time, HE lovingly healed my heart. HE used the broken and cracked pieces of my heart to mold me into the person I am today.

Our HEAVENLY FATHER is greater than any obstacle in our lives. Do NOT allow family drama, dysfunction, judgement, or other circumstances to sway your focus from HIM who loves you most. When your earthly parents fail you step into the arms of your ABBA FATHER. HE will "never" fail you!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

Embrace The Journey

Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts.  It's what you do with what you have left.  ~Hubert Humphrey


Often, we dwell on what is missing in our lives instead of the blessings. Today, I am reminded of all GOD has done in and through my life. I count it a joy to look backwards knowing I grew through the journey. I am who I am today, because of where I have been.


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

What are you doing with what GOD gave you?
Are you embracing the journey with eager expectations?


By His mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea