College is still going well, but I see the great need to spend time in quiet communion with God. I thank the Lord for good friends at college who stand by you and can understand the so called “silly” things we struggle with. I have come to realize (<—I find my self using this statement more and MORE!) that the world, the flesh, and the devil lure me most when I have just come to make a decision toward godliness! Suddenly it’s harder to get up in the morning, suddenly i want things i don’t need, and sin seems so much more appealing. But why should that suprise me, the Bible is full of “mountain top” experiences followed by trials/ tests. Life just is that way….. I am so undeserved of all I have.. I am SO thankful for the wonderful loving family God has given me. What a blessing and priviledge! I am overwhelmed by the sweet heartfelt comments that those of my family share with me. They mean so much to me, and I am glad to have the relationship with each one of them that I do. I am, who I am in great debt to my family. Their encouragement and needed rebuke at times, helps me grow to be more like my Savior. I am so thankful to be able to say that my family is a godly one, and full of love. True love, not selfish love, the kind of love that can rejoice with one another, sorrow when the time comes, and rebuke and exhort during those needed times as well. I feel that words can not say what my heart feels after reading the beautiful comments left by my loved ones. THANK YOU ALL PERSONALLY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT YOU’VE BEEN TO ME ALL ALONG. I could not have made it through the three, coming four years of college with out you all. God truly used and uses you in my life. I guess that is something God has been showing me lately, especially with the thought of getting married and leaving home, that my family means SO much to me. I can stand alone with my husband-to-be because of the base laid in my life by my family. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I love you all. Oh, sweet memories, I can’t wait to go through all the pictures for my and Andy’s (lol mom) video at the reception. What fun memories to relive. Most people don’t have this sweet relationship with their family, and for that I am truly grateful! Wow I miss you all!! However, I get to see you in THREE weeks!!! Yayy!!!!! Well, that’s all for now!
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October 2, 2006 at 1:11 pm
ruth
Andge, thanks for your post. One of the things I appreciate about you is how transparent you are with others in your walk with God. Remember, the grace of God is your strength, and He gives it liberally.
Last night was Tim’s ordination service–wish you could have been there. The preaching was especially convicting to me. I’ll have to call you and tell you about it–I’m too full, to write about it here. :p
Love you! See you soon.
October 2, 2006 at 7:40 pm
valireflections
Andrea,
We certainly love you too! You have been a wonderful blessing and example to me in regard to your tender heart to the Lord and desire to serve Him with all that you are.
In contemplating marriage, it is amazing how many thoughts come rushing back. I remember in the months leading up to marrying Sarah, so many wonderful famliy times flooded my mind as I thought of how things would be so different after our wedding. Although things are certainly different, as I look back over the past three years+ of marriage, I now have so many wonderful memories with my Sarah. Marriage truly is the most wonderful relationship two people can ever share. We are looking forward to adding Andy as a part of our family.
We love you and trust that you will have a safe trip back to us in a couple of weeks.
Tim
October 2, 2006 at 8:48 pm
John
Hey little sister,
Even when you are married and full grown woman, you will always be my little sister. I truly value our friendship that has developed over the years. God is truly a gracious God, and the more families I meet, just make me appreciate how close our family actually is. We can’t wait for you to come home for your break
I hope you are doing well at college. Work hard, and it will pay off. Trust the Lord, and keep your walk with Him first in your life. The ordination service for Tim…I mean Pastor Valiante was really awesome. The preaching from Pastor Witmer, Pastor Love, and Pastor Wilks was a rebuke to me. Pastor Wilks preached on being content as a Christian, and it hit home. I have been blessed with so much more than I need, and I have to remember that God gives true contentment. I love you, and will see you soon!
October 3, 2006 at 3:41 am
Jennie Valiante
Andrea,
Thank you so much for you continued faith in the Lord and the testimony of your life. You make me so proud to be your mother. You say that you have gotten so much from your family. Well, let me tell I have learned so much from you. I’ve learned to trust the Lord more, and how sweet it is to simply trust in Him. You give me the encouragement I need to be a better Christian. I wish you could have been with us at Tim’s ordination yesterday, it was such a blessing. But you will be home soon and we will all get together then. Until then take care and always remember how much I love you.
Love,
Mom