Love, A Living Legacy!

Pictured above are two of my three grandchildren, Savannah and Elijah. Baby Charley, our newest edition is too little to come out in the snow. If you asked me what legacy I would like to leave them it would be to:

“........You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind......."
Matthew 22:36-40 NLT

I know it's not easy, but I pray each of them will learn to embrace this greatest commandment with all their heart, soul, and mind!

My thoughts on how to "LOVE!"

Love God...
Love others...
Love self...

It really is a matter of the heart. The only time in scripture where Jesus became extremely angry...to the point of throwing tables is with the money changers in the temple. God recently brought this passage to my mind. As I pondered Jesus actions and anger, I thought of tables flipping over and money flying everywhere. WOW! What a scene that must have been. Again, I pondered his anger and the actions of all those present. Certainly, many had sinned and done it in the presence of Jesus, but this time He became furious.

Why was Jesus so angry?

His anger was not so much what they were doing and where they were doing it, but WHY they were doing it! It really was a matter of the heart.

Their motives: All selfish.
They put money before God.
They "loved" money more than they "loved" God.
Their hearts were filled with greed.

Any thing, person, or possession we place above God puts us in the same position. It's a matter of the heart. Do we truly love GOD more than anything and do we show it in our actions towards others. Loving GOD with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourself truly is the greatest commandment.

We are selfish by nature. It's probably why we are to put ourselves third. Now, before you go out and abuse your body trying to take care of everything on your own, hear me out.

Self-care is very important. Our bodies house "the Holy God!" So, we must treat them as the gift and treasure they are. In doing so, we are healthy enough to be "present" in the moment and participate as God's living vessels.

As simple as it is; it's pretty complicated. Well, we make it that way.

I pray my grandchildren will be healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically and will run an awesome race here on planet earth. And for each of you, my friends....I pray this same prayer.

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

A Real Friend

Today, I've been thinking a lot about friendship. We all want and need friends. We need each other. Sure, we can exist without other humans, but we don't usually do it well. We are at our best when we have what I like to call "real friends" in our lives. God has graciously given me a many of them and I will be forever grateful. In the above picture is a beautiful friend who lives in Pennsylvania. God brought us together through the blogging world and over time we've become great friends. No, we don't talk every day, but when we need love and encouragement we are there for each other.

My definition of a real friend:

A real friend loves and respects you in both good and bad times. They are there for you "especially" when you mess up. They give love, forgiveness, and wise counsel, yet do not judge. A real friend is full of grace and mercy living out the example of Jesus Christ. 

Now, let's all get out there and be "real friends" to those around us.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Have you ever felt like a nobody?

Have you ever felt you were a nobody and wondered how your life could possibly fit into God's story? Well, I have. I remember the day I stumbled upon Psalm 113. I felt pretty low and wondered how things could ever be different. 

Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
    Praise the name of the Lord!
² Blessed be the name of the Lord
    now and forever.
³ Everywhere—from east to west—
    praise the name of the Lord.
⁴ For the Lord is high above the nations;
    his glory is higher than the heavens.

⁵ Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
    who is enthroned on high?
⁶ He stoops to look down
    on heaven and on earth.
⁷ He lifts the poor from the dust
    and the needy from the garbage dump.
⁸ He sets them among princes,
    even the princes of his own people!
⁹ He gives the childless woman a family,
    making her a happy mother.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113 NLT

As you read through Psalm 113, I hope verses 6-8 spoke to your heart as much as they did mine about 20 years ago. By worldly standards I felt like a nobody, but in God's eyes I am deemed special. He chose me and He will lift me out of any pit I find myself in. He will even use me/my life to help others when I am obedient to share my story. 

I don't pretend to understand many of life's circumstances. I never have and probably  never will this side of heaven. Through the years, What I have come to understand is no matter what anyone else thinks, I am valuable in God's eyes. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel pretty darn good.

So, today if you are feeling low...like garbage or a nobody, know with certainty that GOD LOVES YOU and YOU ARE SPECIAL! After pondering this fact for a little while it will become less and less important what others think and more important to you what GOD thinks!

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

So, Now What?

As the sun begins to set on 2013, I have a few confessions to make. While the beginning of 2013 started out well, during the last few months I've found myself in a pit of sorts. I began soaring atop a beautiful mountain focused on God. In August, I faced challenges I was not prepared to deal with. I thought I could stay the course and continue to persevere. Instead, I fell and I fell hard. My addiction is food. When stress comes my way, I eat and I eat constantly. It does not have to taste good, nor do I need to be hungry.

I knew it was happening and it was as if I could not stop myself. I was fully aware of my actions and what I needed to do differently, but I could NOT gather the strength to get up and move forward. The greatest problem with my pattern are all the "I's." You see, I will NEVER be able to do this on my own. Somewhere along the way I began feeding my pain with food and not God and His word.

Over the last few weeks, my health has declined all due to weight gain and chemicals from processed and unhealthy foods. Christmas day I found myself flat of my back in pain. I was forced to stay home while Doug enjoyed visiting both grand-babies for several hours each. While he played with their new toys and loved on each of them, I lay in the bed with two fur babies praying.

As I prayed I was reminded of several important facts:

~God loves me just as much when I am in the pit as He does when I am faithfully running the race of life accomplishing what He sets before me.
~I absolutely can NOT do this alone! No Way! No How!
~I must trust God when things are going well, but most importantly I must trust Him when things fall apart.

Okay, so what now? 

~I've began again! I began by repenting!
~I've committed to trust God for each moment of each day!

First BIG test:

Last night I was feeling pretty good about making it through two days successfully. I made wise choices while clinging to my Lord for TWO DAYS. TWO DAYS is a long time for someone who can barely make it from one moment to the next without going back to old habits. I am one breath away from a relapse and I realize it.

While sitting in bed with both dogs, Sitka and Trouble reading my Bible, and writing in my journal I faced fear of relapse. My handsome husband brought a big bag of Cheetos and sat beside me. He opened the bag and begins eating.

There were so many things going through my mind:

~For real, Cheetos???
~What are you thinking?
~Are you trying to sabotage me?
~Doug doesn't bring food to bed, why? especially now? why?

Then I realized, I had asked God to forgive me and begged Him to help me. I acknowledged I could not do this alone and HE was my only hope to succeed. I proclaimed to my Lord that I was all in, fully committed. I admit it was pretty easy to confess and proclaim my trust until temptation came in the form of a bag of Cheetos to my bed of all places and escorted by a handsome old man. Temptations come when we are least expecting them. Many times they are carried by an unknowing messenger who has no desire to test our faith or commitment. It's not about the person holding the temptation. It's about me and my relationship with God.

Back to the NOW WHAT:

Just when I was ready to reach for the Cheetos, I began to think about my commitment to trust God when things were going well and when things were not going so well. Instead of going for the Cheetos, I grabbed my pen and began writing a prayer in my journal. I poured out my heart to God. I begged Him to help me. The more I unloaded my feelings the more I realized I did NOT want those nasty Cheetos. I want more of GOD. I want to be a usable vessel. I want to be healthy in every way, but most especially spiritually and I promised to allow Him to use my weakness to help others.

Recognizing my spiritual health is vital to my physical and emotional health is a huge step. So, here I am sharing an article full of run on sentences and jumbled thoughts, praying my journey will help someone else who is struggling.

Verse of HOPE:

^"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13 NIV

By His mercy and in the grip of His grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Beyond THANKFUL

As Doug and I look back over the past year, we are beyond thankful. Our path has been filled with both obstacles and blessings. Actually, we count those obstacles on the path of life as blessings. Why?, you may ask? Well, it's because through each one we grew closer to our Lord. Time and time again, we've learned to trust God and cling to His sustaining grace.

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

Beautiful Messes and Daily Struggles

Lately, our lives have been crazy. I've come to realize most peoples lives are no different than ours. Sure our struggles are not the same, but many of us are struggling with something. If you are not struggling, I praise GOD for your season of peace. For those of you who are struggling, I pray GOD will pour His peace, love, and comfort out to you as you grow closer to Him. Every season and every lesson is different, but all have the potential to grow us closer to our Heavenly Father and mold us into the person He created us to be.

Many times our seasons of difficulties are where we are suppose to be. Doug and I often refer to them as "beautiful messes!" Beautiful because we are right where God wants us to be, but not always easy. Life is often messy, especially when we are in the center of His will.

Today, Sitka (our fur baby) shares some of my weaknesses on his blog, All God's Creatures. If you choose to visit his blog and read about my struggles, I pray you will find encouragement knowing there are others out there who do not always have it all together and I am one of them.

I take comfort in knowing my Heavenly Father loves me even though I do not get it right every day.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Life Happens A lot

Sometimes life happens and sometimes life happens a lot. The road of this earthly life often beautiful, yet its ditches littered with difficulties, pain, and disaster. Beautiful at a glance while muddy and treacherous when one takes a step or two off the paved road.

Stay on the path you might say. Great advice, but not always the way of my life. I stumble and the next thing I know I land in one of those holes carefully hidden amongst the beauty. I find myself face up toward the heavens after rolling through the muck and looking toward the light. You see I don't always instinctively look straight toward my Heavenly Father. It takes a little rolling around in the muck before I realize I'm not making any progress. It's then I find myself focusing on the only hope, my Heavenly Father!

If your life is like mine and it's been a little difficult or a lot difficult lately, let's re-focus on our Heavenly Father and get out of the muck one step at a time.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Use Your Words

Lately, I keep hearing the phrase "Use Your Words." I have a deep appreciation for words and I quite enjoy using them. "Use Your Words" is a powerful phrase. Expression of emotion is good for the soul. Our hearts need to purge both the pain and the happiness.

Now, for the tricky part. I need to "use my words" and not injure others in the process. My grandmother Bowling longed for each of her children, grandchildren, and all future generations to be educated and intelligent human beings. This was her desire above all else and at all costs. Because of a challenging childhood and difficulties in relationships she often expressed herself in less than loving ways. Her intent great, yet somehow it became diminished or shadowed by the execution process.

Recently, I stumbled upon the truth or at least a nugget of truth about grandmother and how she felt. Grandmother wrote: "My boys are the best thing that's ever happened in my life." My uncles and others in my family may be less than happy I've chosen to write about this or share grandmothers words. I, however find it healing. Healing not in the warm and gushy kind of way, but healing through knowledge of the love that lived deep inside of her injured and hardened heart. She loved her sons and she loved the rest of us.

For me, it's time to examine and re-examine how I "use my words." Sometimes, I use them wisely and in  a loving way and other times like grandmother I injure those along the path of this life. I must forgive grandmother for those times when her words hurt and I pray others will forgive me when I do not choose my words wisely.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Questioning???

Questioning???

Questioning? That's me! I always want to understand why something happened? What good can come from it? How can God use it to make me a better person? Will He use it in and through my life? And how can/will God use it to help others?

Some say, "What difference does it make? Stop all that 'thinking' and just move on!"

That's just not the way God made me. I have a deep need to know imbedded in the depths of my being. While some life events never make sense; my questions eventually lead me to a place of peace. Peace with God comes when I start looking at how God may choose to use my pain or mess instead of looking at the pain and mess.

Peace....Sweet Peace, my friends!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Sacrifice

Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it's still the right thing. I am forever thankful for all those who have sacrificed their lives in order for me to live freely in America. Our freedom comes at a high costs to many!

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

Mount Washington and Trust

On June 5th, 2013 I defeated the enemy. I, with GOD's strength did not allow fear to rob me of an amazing adventure. We drove or shall I say Doug drove while I prayed the EIGHT mile journey to the summit of Mount Washington. The summit is over 6200 feet in elevation and you make the drive on a very small road that carries you along the edge of the mountain all the way up. In many places it is you, the mountain, and the breath of GOD along side you. Did I mention there are NO guardrails? and we had to pull the mirrors in on Doug's truck? So, when they say there is enough room to meet a car they mean "just enough" room to meet a car.

Amazingly, I was only mildly anxious going up and even less anxious coming down. Over the years, Doug has taught me a lot about trust. In learning to trust my husband I have learned many lessons about trusting my Heavenly Father. Just as Doug loves to share beautiful blessings with me, God loves to share even greater blessings. God often wants to share extravagant, breath-taking, life-changing experiences with me and too many times I've refused. Thankfully, June 5th was not one of those times.

I am reminded of the words of Priscilla Shirer, "Just go with it. Follow Him, impossible as it may seem."

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~The picture above was one of many I took while standing atop Mt. Washington. They call it a "presidential view."

Looking Back, Looking Forward!

In a few weeks I will be 47 years old. That's almost half a century. As I reflect upon where I have been and where I am headed I have many questions.

~Am I living out my life being who God created me to be?
~Am I living out God's love to the world around me?
~Now what?

Notice, my questions do not reflect regrets, but rather where God may be leading. I can not undo the past, but I can try to do better in the future. I can choose to step outside of "my comfortable" and move into the messiness of this earthly life confidently.

Looking back toward past mistakes breeds insecurity in my heart. Looking forward into the messiness of earthly life, but staying securely in my comfort zone also holds me back. I desperately need balance. I am doing my best to stay focused on God rather than the mistakes or mess ups of the past and the sometimes scary adventures of my future.

Please join me as I embrace the messiness of the path before me with confidence and trust. God will continue to lead us and give us grace for each moment of the journey He has called us to. He is constant and true and the only One we can fully trust. So, let's keep running......

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

The Journey Continues

Life is full of "fun" adventures as well as "not so fun" (complicated) adventures. We learn and grow through each of them. Recently, I embraced a 12 week journey to become a better me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. During this journey I lost 7 pounds and several inches. My most profitable gain has been recognizing triggers leading to emotional eating and beginning to address them.

On April 13th, I completed my first 10k. I power-walked the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k in 1:42:25. I can honestly say, "It felt good and I want to do it again!" Completing the 10k was not about setting a record or beating someone else's time. It was about me and my relationship with God.

While participating in a 10k may not seem to fall under the "spiritual" category in other folks world, it does in mine. I prayed God would change my heart toward exercise and He did it.

The journey continues....

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Run With Purpose

Each of us are at different places in our walks with the Lord. We continue to put one foot in front of the other as we climb the mountains and dip into the valleys of this life. Sometimes we crawl...sometimes we walk...and occasionally we run.

On those days when the journey seems overwhelming or the terrain seems to treacherous remember you are "not" alone. God is with you. Look for Him along the way.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3 NLT

"So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." 1 Corinthians 9:26

Let's be found "running with purpose!"

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Inside or Outside

I love old barns. For me, each broken and tattered structure embodies strength and character. I am also reminded of the old saying, "you can't judge a book by it's cover." Often, we judge others by what we see. This is not a good plan. God created each of us with a purpose. Let's be found faithfully looking past the ruff and broken exterior of others lives. Instead, lets look into the hearts of those along the path of  this difficult and challenging life.

Jesus loved Judas even though He knew he would betray Him. WOW! As we celebrate this Easter season with our family and friends, lets embrace Jesus unfathomable love and rejoice in the love and acceptance only He can provide.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Message from our 5 year old!

Message from our 5 year old!

Savannah: "Papa can we go to the book store and get a new book? I want a book I can read."

Papa: "Did you bring your money?"

Savannah: "No, my money has to be used as an offering for people who need food, shelter, and water!"

Papa: "Don't you need shelter?"

Savannah: "Papa, I already have shelter!"

Papa: "Point taken!"

And we were off to find a book for Savannah to read. Minutes later our precious little 5 year old pulled a second grade book of the shelf and began reading it to Papa and I. 

Savannah's heart speaks loudly without needed interpretation from Nana. I pray you will let her words touch your heart today allowing GOD to use them for HIS glory. 

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for my friend Dianne's sister, Sheriann. She has Stage II Breast Cancer and was admitted to the hospital last night (3/10/2013) with multiple blood clots. Sheriann needs a miracle and her family has requested prayer on her behalf. Please add this request to any prayer group you are a part of. THANK YOU!

Soul Training Plan

Soul Training Plan
(Unedited Journal Notes)

I will make a conscious effort daily to allow God to make a difference in my life, so I can make a difference in the lives of others. By beginning each day with an intentional purpose of seeking God's presence and fellowship, I will better cope with my own day and become better equipped to share God's peace, love, and comfort with others through my actions as well as my written and spoken words.

As I begin each day "trying to become a better me," I'm embracing new beginnings with joy only God can give and I'm trusting in areas I have not been able to trust.

My plan may sound simple on paper, but deep within the plan embodies much work--work only attainable by a heart ready and willing to accept the love, peace, and healing Christ is patiently waiting to administer. As I am ready, He will heal....and with the healing of each wound I will reach out to those around me being sensitive to their wounds.

Hopefully, others will realize God has a better plan for them....a place of living life above the rubble. So, you will find me off and running--running my way out of the rubble and into the Light, God's Light!

"My race" is the race God has chosen for me....a race only I can run, a unique race.

I was asked yesterday not to refer to myself as "crazy." As I prayed about this request, God gave me a new word, "Unique." So, I will run the race before me realizing God will use "my unique self" for His purpose and I'm thankful my race will weave in and out of the lives of treasured and faithful friends.
  
^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Are things really the way we see them?

Are things really the way we see them? 

Are the numbers real? How important are they? What do they really mean?

For the third week in a row, I gained a pound. Yes, again, I gained!

Last week, I had a mini melt down. This week, I said, "oh well!"

What's the difference in the attitude?

The difference is realizing I am healthier. I am becoming more physically fit. I am now able to power walk a little over six miles without thinking I'm going to die along the way. During our weekly boot camp with a personal trainer, he said, "You are doing a lot better this week! How are you feeling?" I was able to say, "Good!" and mean it!

So, Are things really the way we see them?

Yes and No. Yes, the number reflects my weight at this current moment. No, things are "not" the same. I have gained a lot of muscle and lost many inches. I am becoming a healthier me no matter what number is on the scales. I must continue to persevere! 

^"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

ONE POUND

Often we do not view ourselves correctly. Most importantly we do not see ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God. It is easy to get discouraged and frustrated.

As I weighed in this week and received the news of "gaining" another pound I had a meltdown moment.

"Another pound".....WHAT?

Gaining distracted me from all the progress I made. I allowed ONE POUND to over shadow the facts of my progress.

Progress:

~Excercised every day!

~Two days in a row, I power-walked just under SEVEN miles. I even jogged "a little" of it! This alone is HUGE for me.

~My clothes are lose.

Refocusing and remembering a very important Bible verse:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

Ups and Downs

There are ups and downs in every journey. Last week, I "gained" a pound.

Do you know how much a pound is? It is four sticks of butter.

Do you know how hard it is to get that pound and others back off? Well, I'm sure you do, but I needed to scream at someone other than myself. Now would be the time to metaphorically duck!

On top of gaining a pound this week my joints have continuously screamed at me. If you are thinking, "she is not a happy camper." Well, my wonderful husband would say, "you are absolutely correct."

Each week we have a weekly challenge. I don't think it co-incidence my challenge is to memorize James 1:2-4.

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face troubles of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV

As I consider my memory verse, I am reminded we all face "trials of many kinds" on a daily basis whether they have anything to do with weight loss or not. Each of us must persevere! I must keep working on becoming a better me until I step into heaven at the end of my earthly life.

Let's remember, God completes us as we allow Him to work in and through our lives. We can NOT do this on our own, but we can do this by embracing our Heavenly Father in each moment and in each step on the path to health and freedom. God promises to be with me/us!

In one way or another we are all on the same journey....a journey of faith, healing, and happiness. Yes, we can be happy in our circumstances, happy knowing "we're a work in progress" and we are all in this together!

So, do NOT allow the "Ups and Downs" of this life to get you down. Grab hold of the hand of your Heavenly Father and cling tightly as you continue putting one foot in front of the other on your journey.

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea Bowling Perdue

~Answered Prayer: Doug and I received the results from his last biopsy and there is NO cancer growth over this past year! Yes, you heard me right...NO cancer growth. We are praising GOD for all HE continues to do in and through our lives. We thank each of you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. You will never know what you mean to us.