Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Blessings!

It is Thanksgiving day and I am overwhelmed with God's many blessings! How about you?

I am thankful for my loving Savior who willingly died in my place. Even though my mind fully comprehends the actions Jesus took, I am not sure my heart will ever be able to understand the pain Jesus bore when He took God's wrath for my sin. Today, all I know to say is "Thank you, Lord!"

I am thankful for my family. Jay, Jake, and Andrew are a blessing to me. Jay is a rock in my life and my boys keep me real. I am also thankful for my parents and siblings. Mom, Dad, Jason, and Shannon have put up with me for 34 years. I love them more every day. I have wonderful in-laws who are so very supportive of me and True Vine Ministry. (in fact, I am posting this blog from their house!) Thank you Joe and Cindy!

I am thankful for my friends. Wow! I am blessed in this area of my life. Life would not be the same without my circle of friends. This circle includes friends that I have known for many years as well as friends I have met in recent years. Life is richer with all of my friends in it! I love you all!!

I am thankful for my church family. As I think back over the last year, I am amazed at God's hand of direction. The Lord has walked us through so much and I am thankful for my church family who has remained steadfast in their hearts for God. I can't imagine walking through life without this important group of people in my life.

I am thankful for my community. I love Conway! I hope the Lord allows us to live in Conway for many years. I love writing for Women's Inc. To me, this is one way I can give back to a community who has given so much to me and my family.

I hope as you read this entry, you are reminded of the many blessings in your life. Feel free to share your thoughts of thanks!

Blessings to you and yours!

Love!
Andrea

Friday, November 19, 2010

Shopping and Friends!

Hello from Branson, Mo. I am on a shopping trip with a few girlfriends from my Small Group. We are ready to take Branson by storm. As I spend time with my friends, I am reminded about the importance of friends. Friends are there for you in good times and bad. The Bible teaches that we should have at least three types of friendships in our lives. First, we should have Close Friends who hold us accountable to God's Word. This type of friendship was demonstrated in the life of David and Jonathan. Next, we should have Caring Friends who are fun to spend time with and encourage us in our faith. This type of friendship was demonstrated in the Early Church. Finally, we should have Casual Friends that we are willing to invest our lives in so we can share the love of Jesus Christ. This type of friendship was seen in the life and ministry of Jesus who looked for ways to invest in the lives of those around Him as He walked on this earth.

Tonight, before I go to bed, I want to ask you a question. "What kind of friend are you?" I hope you can say that you are the type of friend who points others towards Jesus. If so, you can know that God is being honored in your friendships. If not, take a hard look at your friendships and ask the Lord to help you be the kind of friend that brings honor to Him!

Good night, my sweet friend!

Andrea

P.S. I will let you know what kind of deals I find in Branson! I am excited :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Busy Days!

WOW! Life is busy but good! I do not know about you, but I cannot believe it is the middle of November. I will confess, my Christmas tree is up and I am ready to spend time with my sweet family.

Last week I wrapped up TVM's speaking schedule for 2010. What a great year! As I reflect on the year, I am so thankful for all the opportunities to share God's Word as well as meet so many new friends.

This week, I finished up the first group study of Reflecting His Glory at my home church. What a blessing! The feedback has been wonderful. I am thankful for all the ladies that took part in the study. Speaking of Reflecting His Glory, it along with our family, will be featured in the December issue of Women's Inc. I can't wait to see the magazine. I will share the link with you when it comes out.

Now that things have slowed down at TVM, I am working on finishing up Free To Thrive! I hope to finish the manuscript this week and send it off to the editor by the end of the month. I am so excited about this resource. As I write, I see the great potential for a devotion type study focusing on our freedom in Christ. The great thing about this devotion is the fact that it is designed for women who are bound up in the craziness of life. Can you relate? It is my hope that this tool will help women get free from the trappings of this world and long to have a balanced, meaningful life in Christ.

Jay and I are doing a little remodel work in our home. When we bought our home eight years ago, we made a list of things we hoped to improve. We had no idea it would take 8 years to get to many of the things on our list but it did! RIght now we are tackling the kitchen. We have painted the ceiling, changed out the appliances, and put up new light fixtures. Next we are putting in a new sink and new countertops. After that we will install a tile backsplash and tile flooring. It will look like a new kitchen when we are done. We are so excited to see it all come together. The kitchen remodel will also be featured in an upcoming Women's Inc. So stay tuned for pictures.

So, I am trying to make this blog more interactive so I have a question for you--- "Have you ever remodeled a room in your home? What advice do you have for me and Jay?

Love!
Andrea