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Worship through Art… {a manger mosaic}

12.01.2011

Soooo…she’s 6! She woke up to LOTS of balloons hanging from the ceiling…

…Krispy Creme for breakfast (her favorite…creme filled with chocolate on top! And oh my–mommy didn’t even cheat with her new gluten free restrictions!)

…Chick-fil-a for lunch and her Slopes bar-b-cue for dinner! All her favorites…complete with a pink cupcake from Gigi’s bakery!

FUNNY STORY OF THE DAY: Sooooo…at preschool today–Frank and Isaac got to go to a live nativity. They were so excited and both of them could NOT stop talking about when we picked them up at noon. We went to Chick-fil-a where a precious African American lady who worked there came to deliver some extra juice boxes we were waiting on. She walked up in the middle of the children blessing the food and when we looked up she was standing there with tears in her eyes. She was taken back by the sweetness of their prayer–and choked up she told me what a beautiful, sweet family we had. (Thankful!) I told her how the Lord had blessed us–and she said it was beautiful to see Jesus in our family. Isaac shouted, “JESUS!! I saw Jesus today!”…

The lady’s eyes got HUGE and she said, “REALLY? Oh my…ma’am you know children–I believe they can do that. Oh please tell me…what does he look like??” (She didn’t give me time to explain they were at the live nativity today before Isaac was answering her!)

Isaac said, “He was a baby! He was crying. And Mary give him a bottle!”

“OH!” she said. “That is so interesting.” THEN…Frank chimed in…

“YEAH! YEAH! And Mrs–I…I see angels!”

“OH!!! Please tell me what she looked like!” the lady said.

“Angel NOT a she. Angel is a HE. Angel is a boy. And he’s VERY BIG! And VERY tall.” At this point–the lady puts her hand over here heart and takes a deep breathe…and I’m laughing under my breath and have to stop my babies. “They went to a live nativity today!!!!!! So funny:).

And speaking of nativities…

Loo-bear LOVES art—so we had some extended art today in honor of her birthday!!! We started a manger mosaic using just torn scrapbook paper and Modge Podge…that’s IT! I always keep 16×20 canvases on hand as you never know when a budding artist will have a splurge of creativity (I get them on sale for $2.50 each and stock up).

The GREAT thing about this art–is it is fun for EVERYONE. The babies could tear the paper in bitty sizes for us. Parker and Laney could piece them back together again. And truly–it was WORSHIPFUL. We sang Christmas hymns while we painted…and we talked about how some times the messier things get–the more beautiful they can be. We talked about Jesus–and how He makes all things beautiful…even things that are torn and seem useless…

You can’t mess this up…so it’s a great confidence builder too for those who might not feel like an accomplished artist;). I used scrapbook paper that I already had (just make sure all the paper you use for your picture will at least coordinate so it’s pleasing to the eye:)…If you are color family challenged–then I recommend visiting Michael’s or Hobby Lobby and buying a booklet of scrapbook paper in a theme packet that has already been coordinated for you.

Parker and Loo-bear just working away on the night sky…(it can be whatever color you want it to be!)

Some of the scrapbook papers in this themed packet had words, polkadots and other things on different papers. We tore carefully around the word LOVE–as that is an attribute of who God is to us. We used the polkadots for stars–and we found some other things on the paper to use to…like the fun scroll we could paint on later.

We looked through some manger pictures to give us some inspiration for details…I love Joseph worshipping here…

And one of my favorite things about baby Jesus is…the green scrapbook paper I used had a crown in the background. So the swaddling clothes have a crown…a KING is born!

We’ll be adding a few more things tomorrow…Mary…another shepherd…and maybe a sheep or two. We’ll post our finished piece when we are done! I love that each child has been a part of this piece of art–another treasured keepsake that I’ll find joy in displaying every holiday.

And I’ll never want to forget it. Because as we were talking…for hours as we tore paper and pasted–Laney Loo told me she was pretty sure she had asked Jesus in her heart. We talked more and more…and she told me she wanted to pray with me. I told her if she had already asked him on her own–I was so happy and His grace covers her. She told me she would love to pray with me still…so we prayed together–and this is one of the SWEETEST birthdays and one I’ll never forget!!! This piece of art just went up in SERIOUS value for the memories it holds!!!

Oh my this Christmas season…could it get any better??!!! I told my sister today that finding out I have Lyme and some health things to get figured out has been SUCH a blessing. We live for the eternal and NOT for this world. I’m seeing ways I have failed to take care of myself–and some times even my family…by people pleasing and trying to do more than I should do. What matters MORE than anything–ALL THAT MATTERS–is how we teach, minister to and love those we have been entrusted with TO RUN THE RACE WITH PERSEVERANCE TO THE FINISH LINE OF JESUS CHRIST…running to Him. I’m not running a marathon–I’m running a relay…and my goal is to pass this baton to my children and hope they run ON THEIR OWN to Christ. A good education, a nice home, a Beaver Cleaver neighborhood, experience in sports…are all meaningless…rubble that will pass away. But OH…if they have JESUS…if they believe…if they have been loved on with the love of Jesus and their hearts overflow with passion for His will to be done in their lives…THAT–THAT is all the matters!! AMEN!? I trust Him! His ways are higher than my ways…and I hope and pray that each of my little ones…will see Him…will know Him…and will run in this life for His sake.

As the season goes by…remember in the crazy, busy…to slow down–and share Jesus every day with your children…may He fill your heart so it overflows into the lives of others. Make this Christmas about Him…in every way possible…

Blessings to you!

XOXO,

Andrea

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Kim - December 1, 2011 - 11:52 pm

What a day. Simply beautiful.
Thank you for sharing all God is teaching you in this new season.
Love & Blessings,
Kim

Cheri Rogers - December 2, 2011 - 2:09 am

Hey Andrea,

I pray over my kids that my ceiling would be their floor. I want them to be launched into Kingdom stuff!

Deborah - December 2, 2011 - 7:24 am

Probably one of the most beautiful managers I’ve ever seen.

Elle J - December 2, 2011 - 9:44 am

What a blessing – rejoicing with you. I know the beaming of your heart; the absolute best day when my kiddos accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and were Baptized – tears of joy and thankfulness. =) Happy Birthday to Laney!

Staci - December 2, 2011 - 9:53 pm

Especially loved this post, for many reasons. Praise God for Laney’s love for Jesus and desire to trust God with all her heart! What a day of rejoicing for your family! I hope she enjoyed a very special birthday, too. Thanks for sharing Jesus with all of us…

Lisa Henderson - December 10, 2011 - 5:18 pm

I LOVE this project, just need a little more info….How did you do Mary and Joseph and the manger? Did you do it? Did you tear them from something else? Need me some details here, so we can get started!

Blessings to you!

Lisa H.
Mama to 7 Blessings
3 Homegrown
3 from India
1 Ethiopian beauty!

My girl…

11.30.2011

Today…is the LAST day…

that she’ll ever be 5.

Oh my heart.

I’ll wake up in the morning…and she’ll be 6!

I had to get the camera out before bed-time and document the last few moments of her being 5. Grieving this a bit over here;)…how I love my baby girl!

And she’s upstairs…asleep right now…in momma’s bed:). I’m holding on tightly to the last few moments of her being 5 if you can’t tell:) And so is he…

My precious Lou…one day you will read this. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the heart you have. It’s BEAUTIFUL!! You insisted on inviting your friends over this weekend for a PRAISE GOD party! You asked that you and Jesus be on the cake dancing together in the middle…with your 10 best friends dancing all around worshiping God with you. I love that you want your special day to be about HIM–your heavenly Father. You have been writing worship songs to share with your friends. My favorite one is: “I will worship you Lord! I will worship you! I will worship you Lord with all of my heart! And all of my good!” When I asked you what that meant–you said, “Mommy, that means I will worship the Lord with everything I have–and everything good inside of me!” Could a mommy be any prouder of her 5 year old…soon to be 6 year old little girl???

Indeed, our Father has done a great work in you princess. You are STILL refusing to sleep in your princess room waiting to share it with a little one that needs a family. Every morning you help me get Isaac out of his bed and you are the first to fix your little brothers breakfast! They ask you for cereal bars–and you put them on a little plate for them EVERY morning! I love to watch you teach them to share–and you talk to them just like your momma does…with a squeaky voice and you smother them with hugs…you are going to be an amazing mommy one day!!! You desire to do what is right. You think of others. And your tender heart…oh my! You and Parker just got birds last week. When Parker’s bird “Wing” pecked your bird “Lily”, your eyes filled with tears and you asked if she was hurt. I walked away and heard you consoling her. And when we talked this through at night–you cried…concerning about Lily’s well being and future:). You are precious! When I asked you the other day what you wanted to be when you grow up–you said, “A princess of course!” Well, lemme tell you this. You, my daughter, you already are a princess. Your heart, your actions and your spirit reveal the fruits of the Spirit…indeed, you are the daughter of the King of kings!!! I couldn’t be more proud to be your mommy! Happy birthday my precious angel!

And here are the GIRLS this morning! My dear friend Laura McB and I took our princesses to the Nutcracker this morning! We tried for a girls picture before taking off…but those babies popped right in! (Can you find Frankie baby??)

The old Hannah’s Hope crib mates had to ham it up before we left…they have had a special bond since before they came home!

And THE GIRLS…

Tomorrow is a big day in our house! I just can’t believe my little girl is going to be 6 when I wake up. I better go to sleep now…so I can stare at her and then drift on with thankfulness! I was made to be a mommy–and I am so blessed that I get to be hers!!! Happy birthday to Lou-bear!

Hope y’all have a wonderful FIRST day of DECEMBER!!!

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Lara - November 30, 2011 - 11:08 pm

There really is nothing like a daughter, is there? They especially stand out in the midst of a gaggle of brothers, don’t they? My little Ellie has me wrapped around her finger. I pray God gives me another girl someday!

Joy Portis - November 30, 2011 - 11:48 pm

Beautiful, just beautiful! You are both so precious! Happy Birthday Princess!

Kim - November 30, 2011 - 11:51 pm

Happy Birthday Laney!
The twins turn six in a few weeks … I know all too well that ache of babies growing up too fast! Love & Blessings, Kim

Amy - December 1, 2011 - 12:11 am

I understand the holding on… My kids look forward to their birthday because momma rocks them, sings songs to them and reads “their” special story. Even my 11 year old son looked forward to his turn a few weeks ago. No matter how big they get, we will continue as long as they let me….
amy

Melissa - December 1, 2011 - 8:17 am

Oh my goodness, you have got me CRYING this morning! My sweet girl is turning 6 in 14 days and I just can’t believe it. I sent her back to school today after being off for Thanksgiving and then 3 sick days and this makes me want to just go snatch her up and bring her back home to me! 😉

Alison - December 1, 2011 - 9:17 am

Oh, that made my cry! Happy Birthday to your precious PRINCESS!!!

Candy - December 1, 2011 - 10:44 am

Oh, that we would always have the heart of a child towards God!

Rory - December 1, 2011 - 5:58 pm

Oh my heart. Do they have to grow up? Happy Birthday sweet Lou-bear.

Wiphan Cookbooks {& a funny story}

11.29.2011

The Wiphan Cookbooks were a HIT last year…soooo…THEY’RE BACK! And JUST in time for Christmas!!! One review we hear OVER and OVER and OVER from those who have purchased it is that THIS cookbook is their “go to cookbook” for just about everything! It’s chalked full of delish recipes as well as stories of orphans and widows gracing the pages throughout. It’s just $25, and you can buy one in the Wiphan store: http://www.wiphan.org/store

AND you can tell the recipient that 100% of the proceeds go to help orphans and widows through Wiphan Care Ministries in Zambia, Africa! Their gift…will literally help change the lives across the world!!!

And now…TO MAKE YOU LAUGH…

I usually don’t tell stories to embarrass myself–but this one is too good. I thought of it tonight while thinking of the Wiphan cookbook. One day last year, I had chosen a recipe that required rotisserie chicken. I had never made a recipe or anything that required rotisserie chicken, so I didn’t have a clue where they stored it at the grocery. Honestly, I didn’t know if it was a brand of chicken OR a way they cooked it…but I was sure I could find it.

I went to the store, and I had EVERYTHING checked off my list except for that stinkin’ rotisserie chicken. I searched in the frozen chicken section–I didn’t see that brand. I searched in the fresh butcher area…didn’t see that label. One of the grocery workers could tell I was perplexed—and had I KNOWN how to PRONOUNCE rotisserie chicken CORRECTLY it would have made it easier!

Grocery Man: “Ma’am, can I help you with something?”

Me: “YES! I need some Rot-Iss-Erie chicken sir and I can’t find it ANY WHERE.”

Grocery Man: “Rot what?”

Me: “ROT. ISS. ERIE. CHICKEN!”

Grocery Man: “Oh ma’am–I’ve never heard of that type of chicken. Are you sure that is what you are looking for? Is it a brand?”

Me: “That’s what I’m screaming. I haven’t a clue. I just know this recipe called for it.”

Grocery Man: “I’m sorry ma’am. I don’t think we have it–lemme see how they spell it..on your list.”

Me: “Oh alright–here you go.”

Grocery Man: (laughing) “OHHH! It’s ROTISSERIE chicken! And we keep rotisserie chicken right over there in the heated area…”

How embarrassing. I think Rico Suave has had more fun with that conversation in the last year than I bet the grocery man did. I often hear him reciting it under his breath on nights we’re cooking with rotisserie chicken:-). I can’t help but laugh.

And YES–I’m homeschooling my children.

Be afraid people…be very afraid;).

For the record–I like phonics and think they should spell it how it sounds;)

Y’all have a good day!

Andrea

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Cara from PA - November 30, 2011 - 1:47 pm

I loved the story! I am a speech therapist and I am constantly thinking about how words are spelled and how they sound. I also homeschooled my daughter last year and taught her how to read and I agree with you that we should spell words how they sound! Thanks for sharing your embarrassing story…it made me smile. 🙂

Shelly - November 30, 2011 - 8:59 pm

For the record, I like phonics too :-). And trust me, you don’t scare me. I mean, I can barely handle Madeline’s second grade math… Somehow they’ll turn out ok. 🙂

Angie - November 30, 2011 - 8:59 pm

I once spent at least 20 minutes looking for “moroccan” beans, which i could not find anywhere when i finally realized that my recipe said “one more can of beans”. haha! so i know the feeling:)

How Does She??? {& Bama Fans?!}

11.29.2011

Have you ever visiting that “How Does She” site? Well, it’s full of incredible ideas–that I surely couldn’t dream up–followed by step-by-step instructions on how to do it all. My best friend Kelly is a frequenter of that site–and every time she whips up something fantabulous–I ask her where she got the idea…without fail she says, “Girl, it’s fromHow Does She, that site I always tell you about.”

So…if you are ever looking for fun craft ideas–you must visit there.

Now–I don’t know how THEY pull it all off…but lately–that is one question I seem to get. Homeschooling. Cooking. Crafts. Laundry. Cleaning. Planning a retreat. Ministry. 4 kids. And now of course an added dimension of doctors appointments and health related things. You wanna know my secret to how I get it ALL done??

Well, here it is…and it’s to make those of you struggling to get it all done well…feel better:). Here it goes…

I don’t.

I don’t and can’t do it ALL.

I have figured out what I can and can’t do–and where my priorities and my time is best spent–and that is what *I* do.

Everything else–either doesn’t get done (one day my house will be organized) OR I ask for help (something I typically stink at.)

So…this is what I do focus on…

I homeschool. I (some times) cook (50% is shared with Rico Suave). I do crafts with the kids. I read, play and spend quality time with the kids. I take care of myself and make sure I get rest.

And everything else…I know I need help with…so I ask. Especially right now–I can’t do it all! (There is a time for everything…and the season I am in right now, requires help and then some more help:). We don’t have family that is over or able to help us even once a week–so we pinch here and there where we can–and we outsource where we can.

For ministry help–I have a sister (April) and a precious friend (Christy) who help me plan C4C retreat details when they are able…and about 20 AMAZING friends who have taken on jobs to help make the rest happen. So thankful. It couldn’t happen without them.

For cooking help–Rico Suave shares cooking duty with me…and we go out to eat 1x a week…I love the night we eat out:) And by the way–have you seen Outback’s gluten-free menu??? They rock!

For cleaning help and toddler help (so I can focus on school age kids learning…this is a HUGE privilege I know–and one I do not take for granted! But this year…it’s really a need!)–I have a precious girl (Karissa) come help me 2x a week on Monday and Wednesday. She has a degree in elementary education–so if the toddlers need me…she can take over the science lesson. And when the toddlers go down for naps at noon…she takes over laundry, vacuuming and helping me pick up. SHE IS AN ANGEL-and she blesses my soul! I also have another precious lady (Harriett) who comes over every Wednesday afternoon to do crafts with Parker and Laney so I can run errands and go to doctor appointments. Her daughter joins her–and they have so much fun playing together (and mommy doesn’t feel guilty while running errands because I know how loved they are and how much fun they are having!)

SOOO…THAT my friends is how I’m getting it all done:). I’m not superwoman that is for sure! I’m so thankful for the help that has been provided–especially right now!!!

Last year–I did it all by myself…but this year we knew I’d need more help…and the Lord provided two amazing Christian ladies to stand in the gap and help me thrive this year. Richard really felt it was important–and I wasn’t so sure. I love how the Lord leads our husbands–because the Lord KNEW what this year held for me…and that there would be no way to get it all done well without help. NOW–we actually pay less for help than we did for the kids when they were in school last year…and I am getting to spend more time with the kids during a time we just need to hunker down and be together and enjoy each other. Don’t you just love how the Lord knows the details–and how He provides even BEFORE you know your needs?? There have been days that I had to schedule appointments on Mondays and I was able to do them without having to play catch up with school as the sweet girl we found EVEN had a elementary teaching degree so she was able to help me keep right on going!!! I AM THANKFUL!!!

Soooo…before you think my house is effortlessly clean in pictures…or wonder when I have time for laundry…(trust me–I really wish I had my old energy back to do all these myself!!)…before you wonder HOW DOES SHE???…NOW YOU KNOW THAT I DON’T!!!

And don’t you feel better knowing that I *DO* know my limitations…and that I am taking care of myself instead of trying to do it ALL myself:)

After Karissa left today–and after the babies woke up–I decided it was time to make some Christmas cookies before daddy came home! What a sweet, fun memory!!!

SOME body is sooo happy to be making cookies!

And SOME body isn’t decorating as many as he’s sneaking…

Nothing is so sweet…than stepping back and watching your children make memories together…

And last but not least–THIS is for my dad…who is a HUGE Alabama fan…and despite his awareness that Rico Suave is a Georgia fan and momma is an Auburn girl…he sneaks his influence in. And I’m afraid he’s quite successful. Thought you’d love this dad:) [If you are reading this online and not in google reader or in your email–then scroll on down to the bottom and turn the blog music off so you get the full effect;)]

And yes–for the record…it’s permissible to dance on the table at our house;). Mom does it…so they can too:)

Hope ya’ll have a great week!!

Andrea

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Wynne - November 29, 2011 - 12:27 am

andrea! yeah! I’m so excited to get the opportunity to come to created for care! can’t wait to meet you – I’ve heard wonderful things. following your blog now 🙂

Jenni - November 29, 2011 - 6:55 am

Once again, thank you for your honesty, Andrea. So many times the pictures on the blogs can paint an unrealistic picture of women and how we can do it all perfectly. I know this isn’t intentional but it happens. It’s good to pause and thank all those people that are part of “our village” every once in a while. God Bless!!

Lara - November 29, 2011 - 8:46 am

Way to keep it real, sweet friend. I have reached my limit many times lately and sometimes feel like all I do is clean up one mess after another and what about actually enjoying these little people while I have them?? I definitely could use some help!

Elle J - November 29, 2011 - 9:15 am

The video was the BEST way to open my day!! I just might have to watch that again!! =) And yes, I’ve wondered where you find the Superwoman strength to do all that you do – but more important than that, what stands out for me about you, is that you are a Do’er. You don’t make excuses, you just DO. You are so fantastic and such a great example.

Rachel Campbell - November 29, 2011 - 11:42 am

Frank’s got moves!!! watch out ladies.

Alison - November 29, 2011 - 4:51 pm

Good to know there is another mom out there who can’t do it all too! I finally had to let go of my unrealistic expectations on myself, and (like you said) just do the most important things! And I’ve had to learn to say no (and then not let myself feel guilty about it!)! 🙂

Dawn Wright - November 29, 2011 - 9:11 pm

You are sooo FUN!!! It’s true- no one can do it all, but PRAISE GOD HE allows us to do what we can and takes over the rest!

LOVE YOUR KIDS!!!! 🙂

Gretchen - November 30, 2011 - 12:21 am

Those moves of Frank’s are too funny! My 4 year old has some good ones but I haven’t captured them on video. He gets reserved if the camera comes out or if anyone is “watching” him! Loved it!

bobi bobbitt - November 30, 2011 - 8:55 pm

Thank you for sharing, Andrea! I will be the first to admit, I have always thought,”How in the world does she do it all?”..it really helps those of us who can’t do it all feel a bit better knowing that you also need help to juggle all the MANY tasks of being a Mommy! We all “wear so many hats” that it can be way overwhelming if we don’t ask for help. Love your honesty as always! (:

Enduring Faith…

11.27.2011

Ephesians 2:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

“Too many want to jump from one mountain top of joy to the next…FAITH…faith is richer than that.” -Crawford Loritts

Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Today’s message at church was on faith. ENDURING FAITH. Faith that holds strong…even when what we believe were God’s promises to us here on Earth–might not be fulfilled here on Earth. My pastor asked THIS question:

What if God told you that you were going to go through excruciating suffering and not experience God’s healing in this lifetime?? Would you still believe in Him? Would your faith still stand?

Because the truth is this…

…not all God’s people experience deliverance.

…not all God’s people reach their promised lands.

…destitution will not stop those who have true faith in Jesus…they will keep going.

…FAITH is NOT about experiencing healing. It’s about God’s glory.

Can I pray, “Lord, if you will receive more glory by not healing me…then your will be done?”

Will I believe Jesus in spite of the outcome???

I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t struggle with fear. I get online and start researching about Lyme disease…which I’m convinced is one of the most unknown, undiscovered, uncertain diseases out there. One doctor will tell you it’s impossible to have in the South. Another will tell you he sees it EVERY day, and it’s all over the place. I’ve tested that I have this for 2 different doctors–and according to tests I’ve had it for over a year so it’s considered chronic. Some will say it’s treatable with iv antibiotics for 6 months – 1 year. BUT most still have it after and they go the naturopath route–which is where I’m starting…which also have my medical doctors a bit jaw dropped that year long iv antibiotics is backup to natural meds. I’m anxious for my checkup on December 7th to see if it’s going away–and then I get to grace the infectious disease doctors on December 8th for more tests. (I certainly do NOT want to bore you with my health detour…so for those of you who are friends and want to keep up…don’t want to be an old folk always talking about their ailments…SO I’ll be posting my timeline/updates for things under Our Journey and then under Our Detour). I hear stories of people who were quickly and incredibly healed from Lyme–and then I hear stories of people who didn’t get the treatment they needed when they did–and they…well, they don’t do so well. And I was sitting there…with all of this on my mind…as I listened to this message…wanting…well, wanting everything to be okay and good and to jump to the next mountaintop of joy and quickly. I have 4 children…I have this…I need to be well for that…BUT–really…it’s NOT about ME.

I scribbled on my notes…
“TURN THIS INTO YOUR GLORY.”

Whatever that means. Be glorified…whatever you want to do. Be glorified.

Do you know how hard that is for ME to write?

“It takes more faith to endure rather than escape. Faith enables us to turn from the world and to walk toward God.” -Crawford Loritts

and then.

then.

The pastor asked this…

Are you willing to glorify God if He never changes your situation??

Yes.

Yes, I am.

And I want to take my children with me on this journey…so they will see…see Him be glorified.

I have to take them with me…so they will know Him more with me.

And I can’t just teach them to trust and believe Him when everything works out. They are watching…they are listening. If I am JUST trusting God to heal me, then what am I teaching and passing on to my children if He doesn’t?? This is a race. And not just a marathon…but a relay. I will run toward Jesus. And I want to pass them the baton–no matter how He answers this phase of the game–and I want them to run too.

What a tragedy it would be if we ran hard and fast–to only pass the baton to the next runner behind us…our children…and to have them sit down and rest…or leave the race all together. My words can’t just be, “Let’s trust God to heal and wait to see Him do it!” Sure–I want to trust God and pray for His healing…but I want my words to also be, “Let’s pray that no matter what happens–that God is glorified…that others see God in a new, real way…that the hard things He places in our race–will allow others to be comforted…and even begin to run with us! We ask for a God story! We place this in your hands, and we want in expectation for all you will do to shine your glory to the world!”

So they will be strengthened…built up…encouraged…and children of ENDURING FAITH.

I will not worry about tomorrow–for tomorrow has enough troubles of it’s own. (Matthew 6:34) And for now…my focus will remain one of the greatest eternal investments the Lord has set before me–preparing my children to grab the baton and run themselves. The Lord has shaped my sweet children with hearts that love Him and desire to bring Him glory. And speaking of…this momma has some finishing touches for a little girl who’s turning 6 this weekend…who insisted on a “Praise God Party”. I can’t think of a better time in our lives to celebrate…and can’t wait to share her birthday full of praise with you all…

Blessings,

Andrea

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april - November 27, 2011 - 11:38 pm

Thanks for writing this. I remember the night before I delivered in Annabelle and we were in the hospital, we prayed that whatever situation would play out in the morning (morning would tell us if we had to deliver annabelle or not) that we just wanted the situation to be what would glorify Him most. To this day, I will tell you I have suffered more than with any other thing i’ve gone through since losing Annabelle, just today even I had a VERY hard day BUT I cling to the fact that God chose what gave Him most glory and that was bringing Annabelle home. So I hurt and ache and miss her and wonder all the things I will miss in her life because she is no longer here BUT I also pray and hope for to see how God uses her short little life for His glory and to one day realize all that was done for His glory because of her and I will get to see her again because of the beautiful hope I have in Him!

michelle - November 27, 2011 - 11:52 pm

Hi there! I saw your blog, from a friend if mine’s. I just wanted to let you know, I’ll be praying for you!! I really appreciate this blog post!

Michelle

Lauren - November 28, 2011 - 12:02 am

You have no idea how MUCH I needed to read this today. Our message this morning was quite similar. It was about being thankful – even in suffering. Our pastor read the song in Chronicles that the army sang before going out to meet the enemy… “Give thanks to the Lord for his mercies endure forever.” Then the pastor said, “we can ALWAYS say that. Even if we suffer – God’s mercies endure. If we’re asked to sacrifice for Jesus – his mercies endure.” It was just what my heart needed. I will email you more details soon. But just know that I can relate to this more than you can imagine right now! love you friend!!!

Melissa Barnett - November 28, 2011 - 11:14 am

Hi Andrea,
I stumbled upon your Blog sometime ago as we are awaiting our 2 little boys from Ethiopia to come home anytime.I read your post about Lyme and i want you to know my 15 yr old Daughter has had Lyme w/ co infections since July she is very sick and is being home tutored. It is a long hard road but you can get well again!Find a Lyme literate Dr.Many Dr.s are illerate to Lyme .Google Under our skin and watch this documentary.also http://www.ilads.org http://www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org/ http://www.LYMEandTICK-BORNEDISEASES.org/ Igenex lab in California for through testing if you ever want to contact me my email is jusb777@hotmail.com my name is Melissa .I will be Praying for you !Your blog is inspirational and i love to read it 🙂

Rachelle - November 28, 2011 - 8:43 pm

Hey…I hesitate to comment yet again on your blog…I know you are a popular and busy lady with lots going on…but I just want you to know you encourage me. Today I don’t know how to do the waiting well…yesterday I did…today…I am weak. So thanks for the reminder to keep the faith. It seems I need Faith like an IV drip one day and the next I could hand it out to someone else who needs it.

Lately I just keep hoping that everyone/anyone who is affected by our wait in any way will give glory and praise to the Lord because I so badly want that above anything else, even, yes, even having my son and daughter home with me. May He be SO glorified in your illness and in our wait. Amen?

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - November 29, 2011 - 7:16 pm

Wow, that is very humbling to read. May the Lord continue to bless you and yes, I pray for healing too! To God be the glory in ALL things!

Mindy - December 1, 2011 - 7:43 pm

Andrea, this post was SO good for me to read! It related so well to my life right now. Thank you for sharing and challenging us! I plan to re-read this again tonight to let the truths sink in. 🙂