Friday, July 30, 2010

My dearest God,

What a homecoming I experienced when two grandchildren and their little friend bolted out of the car, ran to me and threw their arms around various levels of my body when I arrived at the airport. Squeals of "Grandma, Grandma!" made their way straight to my heart. I grabbed hold of three kids at once in one big giant hug and there I gave kisses to the top of all their sweet heads.

I feel so blessed each time I am in the company of my loved ones. When love is expressed to me, the whole of me rejoices. And where does that rejoicing lead me? To you, of course. I am convinced and confident that you alone are the author of love. Otherwise, where would it come from? How would it develop? And when would it find its way into my life, our lives?

You are
the great lover
of my soul,
all our souls,
dear God;
to you
I want
to give
my all.
I thank you
for wondrous happenings
in my life
and our lives
where you appear
in the midst
of love given
and received.
My heart
is full of love
for you.

As always, Andrea

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Dearest God,

Laughter, the gift of heaven. Is there anything more wonderful than laughter? When my whole person shakes with laughter, so many things begin to happen. First, my whole insides open up allowing the light to shine wherever darkness glares. Second, whatever my soul is hanging onto, a grudge, discontent, or resentment, it experiences a shake up. Third, if I am sorrowing about something, laughter goes right to the wound smoothing it out to start the healing process. Fourth, joy has a chance to enter my bloodstream thereby carrying the wondrous gem to all other parts of my body. Fifth, laughter leads me straight to you. Whether I am hurting, doubting or questioning, laughter pushes me to the door of transformation. You give me the opportunity to reevaluate, surrender or embrace change. Sixth, hilarity in the spirit inspires me to move to gratitude. I realize that heaven has invaded my soul and I just naturally want to give thanks.

When I reflect, considering my life's journey, I am enabled to witness those times when laughter was present. My earliest memories take me back to a tiny town of 500 on a farm in central Indiana. There I observe my father and his twin teasing my loving, devout grandmother or obviously cheating in our family's favorite card game, saying funny things to each other. I can hear laughter erupting in pockets all over the house. I can see even sad or mad faces giving way to smiles and laughter. All throughout my life, laughter has been a force for good. There has been a lot of cackling, giggling, chortling, merrymaking, cracking up, guffawing, teheeing, and har-de-haring in healthy, life-giving ways and when I really think about it, every time you were present leading the way to wholeness, inclusion, health, hope, peace and celebration.

You, O God,
are life's
greatest gift.
You weave yourself
into every part
of our lives.
You provide us
with infinite occasions
where we
can experience change.
When an
angry face
turns to laughter,
I know
its gracious source
and I turn
to find you.
Thank you,
Blessed Savior.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

My dearest God,

Does every day produce a miracle in one's life? When hope rises out of hopelessness, is this not a miracle? What about forgiveness following a dastardly deed of pain? Is it possible that the breaking free of old beliefs that keep the human soul in chains a miracle? And what about new life that suddenly breaks forth out of death?

It seems to me that transformation is the work of the miraculous. How does one so bent on paralyzing behaviors change so dramatically if not for a miracle? And what is a miracle but the work of angels, saints and the Almighty?

Each day as I come to you in our early morning prayer time, I sit with you, listening, watching, anticipating the revelation of yet more of your work in the world. Small remembrances of divine movements appear and I realize the greatness of faith in human living. What privilege and blessing it is to write down on paper the work of heaven.

Your joy
fills my heart
each time
we are together,
God So Full of Grace.
How grateful
I am
to be
in your company.
Let my life count
for your purpose,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Dear God,

A drive at evening time revealed the magnificence of your creation! I was already in my pjs after working several hours on the stairwell but my husband wanted to go for a ride so I said yes. After a brief stop at Dairy Queen, we started out on the winding road leading to the ocean. The quiet pink skies at sunset was the perfect backdrop for the gentle crashing waves. As we drove along Ocean Avenue taking in the sights and sounds of dusk, we gazed upon the rocky coast of Maine with beautiful New England landscapes of centuries old houses flocked with gorgeous summer flowers.

As the cool Maine breezes blew, I looked upon a scene every bit as beautiful. There we were, my husband and I, so much in love, so delighted to be together, so at peace with one another. At that moment I realized how you paint tranquility into our world. Although the cosmos at times appears in chaos, there are those prized moments when chaos is changed to quiet harmony and those with hopeful eyes see it, step inside and dwell.

Your hands
have created
an awe-inspiring world,
Great Master of the Universe.
As we
live and breathe,
signs of heaven appear
and we know
your glowing presence.
How can
we ever find
the words
to express
our deep appreciation?

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 26, 2010

Dearest God,

What is possible in this world? Can one person stand in for another who is in great pain? Can the power of music in one location heal the pain of someone else far away? Does the desire of one have the dynamism to create an environment of change for another? What authority and energy does prayer have to disrupt suffering?

Such questions came to me this morning as I put on my CD The Healing Flute. As I listened to the sound of Native American flutes and pondered the intent of the composer and musician, I wondered the extent of love made manifest through music. I was thinking of a friend whose pain in her hips seems to be intolerable coupled with a daughter and grandson who are struggling with undiagnosed pain although they have come half way around the world to meet with some of the world's most notable physicians. In my spiritual imagination I ushered my friend into the sounds of hope and peace praying that some way or another in ways I cannot conceive she would find her pain lessened.

When I pray for those persons for whom no one prays, I ponder the benefits of my single prayer for those forgotten in the world. Oh, make no mistake, my dear God, I know I do not have sacred powers to heal, transform or make new. I am simply another child on the earth reaching out, wanting to make a difference where I am able. If you bring to mind your need for me to pray for a hurting individual, then I believe I have the responsibility to do so. However the prayer is harvested by your hand is beyond the scope of my abilities. I just wholly trust.

You reign
from on high,
Most Holy and Loving God.
You connect us
to others
in ways
beyond our comprehension;
you heal,
love, and
give hope.
Make me yours
for always
that I
may do
your will.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 25, 2010

My dearest God,

I sat in my car at the ocean shore, the windows rolled up, the air conditioner on. It was too hot and sunny for me to participate in the outdoor worship service. So I drove down Ocean Avenue to the first little inlet, pulled in and watched the religious ritual from afar. At the same time I viewed a woman on the beach searching for little treasures. And then I was struck. The people sitting in the open air sanctuary were searching too for the gems of heaven.

I wonder, Lord, if every person is born with an innate desire to seek the finest things in life, oh not the fineries of wealth, possession, and status but rather the intangibles of hope, beauty, goodness, compassion, faith and love. I am curious about the conditions in life that compel us to take a new look, dig deeper as if there is something more than meets the eye. Is it true? Do we spend our whole life searching for the holy sacred, the sacred holy?

God of Veiled Mystery,
just as
the ancients
looked to
the skies
for the keys
to unlock
life's great mysteries,
so do we
seek you.
We may not
know your name
or your ways
but still
you imbue us
with an itch
for more.
Reveal yourself,
Majestic God,
tell us
the stories
of things unseen;
give us
the chance
to wow
and praise!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Dear God,

You lead, direct, and produce transformation. How can a person change their life without divine guidance?

The last few weeks I have been working on the stairway, the handrail, banister, spindles and posts. What a story they have to tell of years of neglect and abuse, of slapped on paint and built up varnish. But you have given me a desire to be gentle and kind as I chipped away the build up, sanded down the lumps and bumps, dug out the old and began the work of renewal. Each section is beginning to show off its "old" new beauty of nearly 200 years.

I know the joy of restoration, renovation and renewal. The 3 R's have been lived out in my own life thanks to you. What might I have been if I remained with my build up, lumps, bumps and old yuck? From the beginning you have been at work on my life, inside my soul. I remember the dark days where the sunlight had nowhere to shine. But today like the stairwell taking on new life, the light radiates in gladness and gratitude to you, the Creator who never stops creating.

God So Full of Grace,
you never
stop working
on your creation.
You know
how much
we are
in need
of your handiwork.
You approach us
with a
merciful, tender hand
and with
a little bit
of nothing
you begin
the labor
of reshaping,
remoulding
and renewing
your original work.
How can
we ever
say thank you?

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 23, 2010

Dearest God,

In my dreams I longed for a lasting, loving relationship built on trust and faith. For years the dream eluded me, like trying to capture air in my hand. But this evening as my husband and I were intertwined on the couch watching a movie, we moved into a conversation that gave me clues to the past and keys to the future. As we listened intently to one another, I realized my dream had been fulfilled.

I have come to understand that life is a series of prayers and promises. You have shown me that as I shift more and more toward you, bending toward your will, my life will indeed change to the point of transformation. My dreams will be altered as well as I seek your desire for my life. When I literally give over my need to dominate our relationship, yours and mine, things begin to happen. When yours is the voice I listen to through prayer, I am enabled and empowered to experience your promises to do the impossible because you not only gently guide me, you give me strength and courage to step beyond fear to possibility. And this process always leads me to heaven's great gift of joy.

You are
the source
of my joy,
dear God.
You lead me
to heaven's door
when I
find myself
in the dark wandering.
Teach me
more and more
about trust,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 22, 2010

My dearest God,

Our music filled the space, even the tiniest cracks. We were preparing for the festival in a couple of weeks. Although we were fewer in number, it felt as though angels had taken up residence in the seats left vacant.

What is it about music that lifts the soul? How is it that lyrics, melodies and harmonies can open a closed heart or mind filling it with hope, joy and peace?

What I know is this: You come to us singing the song of heaven. You demonstrate your love to us through music designed to lift souls. And what about souls whose lives are already rejoicing? Praise! Praise! Praise!

My heart
is full
of love
for you,
Almighty and Gentle God;
your care
touches us deeply.
We are
so grateful.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

My dearest God,

I made a mistake and embarrassed myself. I sat in a group of five couples I had just met earlier in the evening. We had dined together in a magnificent home, the loveliest I had ever seen. When asked a nonsensical question, I gave a silly, flippant answer. No quite sure of my response, the host asked me again and sadly I repeated it. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I realized my mistake. The rest of the evening the interaction mulled over again and again in my head. I couldn't let it go.

Yours was the voice I heard, O God, the voice of honesty, openness and challenge. You made me aware, conscious of my words. You wanted my heart pricked as a reminder to think before I speak, to choose my words more carefully, to speak the words of faith even when I am being silly.

You are
my Guide,
Great and Loving God;
you do not
leave me alone
not even
for a moment.
You whisper encouragement,
love and support
but you also
correct me
when and where
I need it.
Your word
to me
is the word
I value most
even when
it is
a word
of discipline.
I am grateful.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

My dearest God,

O Lord, as you look over your creation, do you still call it good? Do you ever think it was a mistake to give the earth to humankind? Are you disappointed in us as caregivers?

As I drive down the road viewing the trash, rubble and debris left by careless individuals, I wonder what this planet will look like in 50 years, even 10 years. As I consider the way we lack a real desire to keep it clean, allowing its natural beauty to glow, I wonder just how much damage we will do in the years to come. Like the oil spill in the Gulf.

Teach us
to love
what you love,
O God.
Instill in us
the desire
to care
for your
many gifts
to us.
Remind us
that our ability
to destroy
could one day
be greater
than our ability
to rejuvenate.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 19, 2010

Dear God,

This morning I danced at the water's edge. Did you see me as I whirled and twirled in devotion to you?

Five years ago I began writing my daily letter to you. Each day I opened my eyes and ears in search for signs of the divine, of your sacred presence. Today as I moved with your spirit at the ocean, my eyes fell on heartstones at my feet. Natural gems washed again and again by the powerful waters reminded me of the countless ways you reveal yourself in the world. I noticed and smiled.

Loving God,
who else
offers so much?
Who else
loves as deeply
as you love?
Who else
cares with
as great
a compassion?
None but you,
my God;
none but you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 18, 2010

My dearest God,

I drank in gallons of living water today. Thirsty for spiritual refreshment, I easily found your well at church this morning. Weekly I carry my bucket with me.

How I love your Church on the Cape. How I enjoy her people, packed pews and pull-out-the-stops singing. I am blessed by the pastor's message that leads to the music and vice versa. I am titillated by Penny the penguin puppet who lives in daily dilemma with her mom and the world. I am inspired by people who find it desirous to share their faith in conversations regarding any level of life condition. I like the smiles and hugs, handshakes, greetings and fellowship. There is no doubt that you are there.

On Sunday mornings
I cherish
our time together.
My longings
for waterfalls
of faith
are fulfilled
each time
we walk
into the door.
I thrive
in shoulder-to-shoulder worship.
May my
gratitude fill
to overflowing
for you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Dear God,

Sweltering heat spread across the northeast like 70% of US states. Without an air conditioner I did all I could to make our house cool. I left the windows open all night. I put fans in two windows, sucking the cool air inside. In the early morning I shut the windows and shades. With temperatures rising in the mid 90's by afternoon, it was 83 degrees in the front room. I was tired so I just laid on the couch conserving my energy. By 5:30 p.m. I reopened the windows allowing in a bit of breeze. At night it was reasonably cool so we could sleep.

I tell you all this, dearest God, so I can reflect upon your faithfulness. A year ago I might have perished with weather like this and no real protection from the heat. The days following way above average temperatures would have left me limp, weak, without energy, and unable to do the smallest task. But this year it was all different.

What has changed? Through counselling, thousands of prayers, a vision, redirection, mercy, compassion and deep trust, you have altered me. Although my health diagnosis remains the same, the rest of me has shifted allowing your masterful work to heal me. As I find myself in a climate out of control, I slip into your arms and remain until the danger passes. What I discover is a world of trust, an environment of hope, and a loving home in which to dwell.

You give
so much
to your family,
Gracious God.
I believe
it is
your desire
to help
us all
when we realize
the difficulties
we face.
You sweep us up,
whispering words
of comfort
and encouragement.
Even though
we are human
and will
one day
leave these
decaying bodies behind,
in the meantime,
you offer
cool refreshment
for stifling conditions.
With a
grateful heart,
I thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 16, 2010

Dear God,

We burned today. We got our burn permit, drug all our brush to the middle of our backyard and I lit a match. It burned for about three hours as we added more and more to the fire. We were so tired by the end that all we could do was sit on the bench and watch it until the downpour came.

The fire was really hot. Every time we had to get close to throw on more debris, we would get so hot and weary. But in the end everything was cleaned up and burned completely down. I stood looking at the ashes and thought about what I had seen.

As I reflect back, I think of how it is you burn unwanted "stuff" in our lives. Sometimes the fire gets really hot as you rid our souls of useless debris. We may not like it but in the end we realize the power of refinement. As you eliminate those things that keep us from a joy-filled life, we are indeed refined. Whenever I start getting "hot", I know you have stepped closer into my life, interceding on my behalf, purifying me for our relationship.

Thank you,
my dear God,
for your many
loving acts.
Each day
I see you
at work.
I hear
your voice,
and feel
your presence.
I am blessed.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dear God,

I am immersed in song when I go to choir practice. From the moment we step inside the choir room, we start singing. No talking, just singing. We sing so many songs, going from one to the next to the next. By the time I drive home, my voice is worn out, raspy and tired. But that hour and a half is full. My soul feels like it has been on a journey, an adventure seeing new things for the first time and beloved old things again.

I look forward to Thursday nights. It is a little bit like going an a mini vacation doing something I really love. While I am there, I take in all the sights and sounds, opening my insides to something wonderful.

Music does that for me. It gives me a time to release whatever has been stored up all week. Maybe it is frustration or irritation or worry. As I surrender the unnecessary elements that have taken hold of me, I find myself embraced by beautiful sounds and images that drive me to heaven.

I ride
on angel wings
each week
knowing I
will find you.
I anticipate
the joy
I will experience.
It is
your gift,
a blessing
from on high.

Always yours, Andrea

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Dear God,

A gentle, misting rain fell all day upon the dry, dusty, thirsty ground. We'd gone weeks without any substantial rain. Sometime in the night the heavens broke loose and the rain fell. By the time I got up and saw the gray rainy day, I thought I would work on the stairway but then something else caught my eye. I grabbed my cutters and went to the fence row between the neighbor's and our houses. And I began to cut, and cut and cut some more. By the time I had finished, I had one huge pile of limbs and three others. As the quiet rain fell cooling my warm body, I sat down on the bench and looked over what I had done. Hidden under the tree limbs and debris was a patch of Lily of the Valley flowers. Trimming the huge Norway Maple and some kind of tall pine opened a beautiful view into the woods. Cutting back a very tall, invasive scrappy rose "tree" revealed an area where a small bench could be placed, an intimate space for meditation and prayer. I reveled in prayer with you.

Throughout our years together you have disclosed many surprises to me. On any ordinary day, I may find some tiny extraordinary something wanting to tell its story, sing its song. And always I am mystified by the wonder of it all.

Make my soul
a perpetual opening
for you.
Every day
allow me
to anticipate
your wondrous appearance.
Then give me
a dance
to dance,
a song
to sing,
a story
to tell
of your glory.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My dear God,

We sat in a four and a half hour town hall meeting. A neighbor had asked us to attend about a matter regarding our downtown. All during the meeting several of us felt agitated over the way the meeting was being conducted. One person after another stood at the microphone to say pretty much the same thing. We spent an inordinate amount of time talking about two things: parking (perpendicular or parallel) and bumpouts. How much time does it take to talk about such small concerns?

When Harold and I got back home, we were slap happy, poking fun at the leaders. As we lay in bed we laughed and laughed. But just before we went to sleep, I took his hand and began to pray our nightly prayer. That was when it hit me what we had just done. Mockery of community leaders is not one of the good qualities of a Christian. I confessed to you and gave thanks for those who lead our villages, towns and cities. Few people want to give themselves to service to others. Even if they need more training or are not as professional as we think they should be, we have no right to condemn someone who cares about our communities. We were wrong.

That was a lesson for me. I realize it is very easy to criticize and judge others when I am setting back doing nothing much for the community to which I belong. Why would anyone want to be a community leader if they have to be endure such treatment?

O Lord,
bless our
community leaders,
those who
give themselves
to the
good cause
of taking care
of their neighbors.
Teach me
to be humble,
to pray,
to listen
and learn.
Reduce my need
to judge others.
Lead me
in your way,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 12, 2010

Dear God,

At high tide I stood at the ocean's edge observing the waves crashing into shore. I watched as they grabbed hold of the sandy shore retrieving treasures left behind. I felt the ground reverberate as they pounded the land again and again.

I saw nature's power at work. I know how the waters can rise up in a storm taking down anything in its way. Yet, I have observed the waters gently tickle the toes of children playing in the sand. Gentle or threatening, your power challenges me to think about you.

I remember a time at high tide on an island close to Martha's Vineyard. I stood ankle deep in the ocean and I felt a tremendous tug pulling me out. It was both eerie and frightening. After nearly being dragged out to sea, I paused to reflect upon just how powerful you are.

I have felt that same powerful move in my own life. You have advanced me by drawing me close to you. When I was far away, the waves of your love came looking for me, washed over me and set me straight on your path. When I turned away, I looked down and saw signs of your presence like those the waves leave behind following a heavy storm. You have the power to wreak havoc in my status quo life but you also have the power to rain down peace.

What can
I say
to such power?
You are God;
there is
no other.
I love you
for many reasons,
dear God,
but today
I offer you
my devotion
because your power
at work
in my life
is yet
another indication
of our
living relationship.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, July 11, 2010

My dearest God,

Something happens to me when we sing particular songs in church. While we sing It is Well with My Soul, I literally stand on the ship with Horatio Spafford, a grieving father of four, whose daughters perished in a great storm. As faith welled within him in his grief, he composed the words to this grace-filled song. What solace he must have felt as you poured the words into him. As he placed them on paper, he must have seen the light break through the dark, threatening clouds. He must have felt the angels' touch on both sides holding him up. He must have sailed away in peace having seen your face.

I am deeply moved by heaven's songs, songs that contain your message from on high. I let the words collect in my soul giving my own heart an oomphh when I need them. I open my insides to the angelic tunes that waft in my inner being reminding me of your glorious presence. On Sunday mornings and sometimes throughout the rest of the week those same songs will sing to me filling me with joy.

I am confident that you engage your people every day. I am certain that you whisper to us and allow us to cling to you when disappointment, loss or hurt take hold of us. I am positive that you offer us life-giving grace when we have screwed up our lives or the lives of others. When shame, embarrassment or guilt comes over us, I believe you rustle our mind to make things right, to ease the suffering of those we have hurt and then you come to us with forgiveness. I know your compassion is present when our hearts and spirits are broken. I am sure your love draws us to you when we are in pain.

Speak, O Lord,
and I
will listen.
Sing and
I will hear.
Move and
I will move
with you.
Teach and
I will learn.
Love and
I will
love back.
Make your
ways mine,
dearest God,
that I
will resemble you
as light
in the darkness.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 10, 2010

My dearest God,

When we bought our home in Maine, I liked saying we lived on Pleasant Street. Pleasant is not a word I use often so residing on Pleasant Street seemed more a gift. Tonight I learned more about this second oldest street in Kennebunk.

We attended a party next door. Current and former residents gathered together for a meal and storytelling. I listened as they shared stories of their lives as kids on this short street on the river next to the heart of town. Their eyes twinkled as they talked about playing in the street, making up the game Claw, and running in the woods and fields behind the houses. Relationships were forged by parents who espoused a particular way of life for their children.

I wondered what stories will be told fifty years from now. Would they be pleasant stories like we heard on the porch tonight? Would there be stories of people who cared for each other, giving support and love when needed? Will persons talk about pleasant people on Pleasant Street? I realize that we have a name to live up to. I hope I can contribute to our past reputation as a loving community.

O God,
teach us
to reflect
upon who
we are
as a community.
Show us
the way
of love,
acceptance,
support
and generosity.
May we become
our name.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 9, 2010

My dearest God,

Daily blessings reach me from heaven. This morning my special granddaughter Lucy, my four year old granddaughter, called me from the hospital. "Grandma, this is Lucy. Please call me. I am in the hospital." Lucy had fallen ill again and had to be hospitalized. Always before I would drive to the hospital, crawl in beside her frail little body and we would color pictures, watch movies or I would tell her a story. This time I was too far away so we talked by phone. "How is my sweet darlin' little Lucy?" I asked her. We shared for about five minutes before her mom took the phone to update me.

Lucy is one of your blessings. She is something else! She is a high-energy child who can think up things to do, even things to get into trouble. She is expressive and can configure her face in so many ways that she is always entertaining. She is loving, always providing hugs and kisses and telling others how much she loves them. She is intuitive. When I went through a very long "down" period, Lucy offered words of comfort and hope. She is witty, always coming up with something to make us laugh. And she has faith in you. Her prayers are thoughtful and sometimes we can't help but chuckle when she goes on and on.

As I listened to Lucy talk, I thought of the blessing that she is to me, to her family, friends and school chums. You have made her a little ray of sunshine, dripping with heaven's joy.

Thank you
for Lucy,
dear God,
for the blessing
of life
that she is.
May she continue
to bless you
and others
as she
lives out
her special
little life.

Love, Grandma Andrea

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Dear God,

The raspberries are producing on the vines at the edge of the woods, plump, delectable, black raspberries. I've been picking them about every day and making jam. Today I made a pie with brown sugar, the best I have ever tasted.

Two years ago the vines were in shambles after not being touched for decades. I got online and read about pruning. That's when I took the clippers to the bushes; I cut them down to about 12". Last year when new vines began to grow, not much fruit was produced. But this year, the berries are plentiful.

I wear my sun bonnet every time I go out early in the morning. Made by my talented sister, it is made of purple and yellow pansies. I think of my grandmother each time I go to the patch. I remember her sunflower bonnet and putting it on when I was a child ready to work in her garden. I also remember taking a short hike to the back woods to find wild black raspberries. I remember her holding out her apron and filling it with berries, carrying them back to the century-old farmhouse and making the best pies ever.

I wrote all this today because the berry patch is yet another gift from you. When we bought this two century-old house, we didn't even know we had a raspberry patch so it was a surprise. Secondly, I love maintaining the garden, keeping it a healthy berry-producing patch with no chemical sprays to pollute the environment. Thirdly, I love putting up the berries for good winter eating. I enjoy giving jars of jam to family and friends. Fourthly, I love picking the berries because I am able to relive some of my childhood memories with my beloved grandmother. Fifthly, I am able to enjoy the quiet time with you in that little rectangle piece of land. Often I lift up names for prayer. And finally, I feel close to you when I am tending your little area of earth on Pleasant Street.

You have taught me that all of life is a gift, even the hard parts. You have filled my life with surprises, given me opportunities to visit pleasant old memories and blessed me with joy as I participate with you in caring for your creation. You reveal new ideas every day that give me a chance to create, to give you credit and to give back. How grateful I am.

I love walking
the earth
with you,
my gracious,
loving God.
You provide
and give daily
to me.
Each day
is like
Christmas morning,
providing an array
of goodness.
As I
draw close
in gratitude,
I discover
more and more
your loving presence.
My ability
to be
grateful grows
every day
as I
offer my thanks
to you.
You are God;
there is
no one
like you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Dear God,

The heat was blistering outside, 100 degrees. With no air conditioning but a small unit for one room, I made the most of closing the windows, drawing the shades and turning the fan on high to circulate the warm air getting warmer. We kept the house steady at 85 degrees. I perspired and got tired but had no symptoms associated with my compromised endocrine system. I was then and am now very, very grateful.

Learning to live within the possible and trusting you for the air between the possible and impossible has made me a more trusting person. When I fail to fear and rest my mind and soul on your shoulder, I find myself more willing to follow your leading wherever you take me.

At the end of the day when I drew up the shades and raised the windows allowing the very warm cooler air in, I marveled at the gift you gave me. Just a year ago I would have been in deep trouble, making my way to the hospital for fluids that would balance my system replenishing my vital organs with life-giving juice. But not yesterday, I just kept hydrating myself, taking in sodium when I felt the need. Such a grace!

You alone
are the answer
to all
my questions,
my every dilemma.
I can
trust you
in every situation
knowing you
will take care
of me.
Today I
just want
to extend
my love
and gratitude
to you,
my redeemer
and savior.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

My dearest God,

At 5:30 a.m. I headed for the woods at the edge of our backyard. Filled with decades of weeds, fallen debris, concrete blocks, old pipes, glass, leaves, a fox, and a family of six skunks, I was ready to tackle the task of creating an opening to the beautiful wooded acreage along the river. For more than an hour I pulled weeds higher than my head. What my work revealed was a very narrow swath to a beautiful forest of hardwood trees, sun and shadow dancing together and rich, fertile soil. Although I was filthy and tired, I was elated to find the treasure I knew was waiting there.

My neighbor and I plan to be on the local garden tour in three years. What that means is we have a lot of clearing, cleaning, decluttering, burning, designing and planting a sanctuary in our combined forests. We want the woods to be a place to center and cleanse, to surrender and receive and to be welcomed, embraced and blessed. We believe you are already present; we just need to partner with you to make space for you to dwell with us and others who will come.

When I consider what is possible in our sacred land, I ponder on human life as a forest needing to be prepared for its own homecoming. How often have you rid my soul of debris and clutter? How many times have you dug deep, clearing the roots that have kept me grounded to old beliefs about myself? How many moments have you reached from heaven to pluck weeds allowing my soul to thrive and grow? More than I can count, thank God!

As I labor in the next days, weeks and months to help our space become wholly what you desire, I want to use my time to pray for others who need the same kind of experience in their own lives. So much do we need to open our lives to your living spirit that desires to make us new, to help us reclaim our value and purpose, and to draw in the breath of your loving presence.

Glorious God,
you are everything
that is good
and beautiful
and sacred.
The more
I work
with you,
the more
I know
your love,
your will,
and your plan
for life.
Keep working
on me,
dear God,
so I
can keep working
for you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 5, 2010

My dearest God,

I have not met you in the early morning for our dance at the ocean. Why? I have written and worked each morning. Part of the reason is heat and sun but the other part is that I have been engaging in the sacred dance with my husband. When the "music" in our dance stopped a few years ago, I longed to dance with you. I needed a partner who understood my need to connect, to move with your spirit. When I came to Maine, I got up about 5:00 a.m., put on my liturgical white gown, drove to the beach, walked to the water's edge and then danced. What joy I felt as I danced in and out of the water with you at my side.

While my greatest joy comes from dancing eternity's dance, I have resumed the dance with my husband. I thought we would never dance again, having lost the moves that link two hearts, souls and bodies together. I mourned the loss. But as I danced closer to you in my grief, I suddenly found the way back to my husband. And he found his way back to me. We have been "dancing" ever since. And oddly enough as we are moving together, we find ourselves dancing to the tune of heaven. What more could we possibly want?

You amaze me,
O God;
you fill me
with awe
and wonder
as I witness
your spirit daily.
As I
listen more
and follow closely,
the more easily
I am able
to discern
your will.
Throughout each day
I witness
your glorious presence
and I
give thanks.

To you all glory is due, Andrea

Sunday, July 4, 2010

My dearest God,

At sunset we sat on the concrete birm on the rocky coast of Maine waiting for the fireworks to begin. How beautiful the scene in front of us: pink skies radiating as the sun set for the night, a cool breeze blowing, lifting the waves into gentle whitecaps, children playing with sparklers, small boats with their lights aglow floating on the ocean water and families gathered laughing and enjoying one another. Just before the nighttime display a trolley pulled up just a few yards away and applause began to spread as a bride in white and her groom stepped down and walked barefoot in the sand to the water's edge. In a warm embrace, a photographer snapped shots of the couple as the fireworks exploded in the skies.

What I know is to anticipate the unexpected. When I limit myself to what is happening at the moment, I miss the joy of special gifts that can occur in an instant. When I accept the reality of random happenings, I am ready to receive whatever comes. It may be spectacular, an extraordinary event that may last seconds or hours. Or it may be the slightest movement revealing the wonder of the cosmos. In either case I have the privilege of receiving the gift of life. And even if a great tragedy unfolds, I know that you still hold the creation and I have the opportunity of drawing close in a time of uncertainty.

My, how
each day
brings offerings
of wonder
and awe.
I bask
in the glory
of revelations
of your spirit.
Gratitude fills
my heart
as once again
I ooh
and aah
the joy
of it all.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 3, 2010

My dearest God,

What is faith but a supreme trust in you. I awaken in faith because I trust you. I dare to go to sleep, leaving behind the day just lived, hoping for the new day to come because I have a deep trust in you. I make decisions about the future trusting there will be one. I entrust my children, grandchildren and friends to your care because I trust your care for them is greater than my own. My faith in you is all about trusting the very one who has created not only the cosmos but also me.

When I watch the news or hear others tell all the bad news in the world, I hearken back to faith, to trust in the one who knows more that commentators, journalists and the man and woman on the street. When I fall ill, lose my way or feel my teeny world crumbling, I instantly move toward you, a move of trust. Even bad news is not altogether bad when I shift toward you reclaiming the good news that you are.

In some small way every day I discover myself drawing in a breath of earth air because I believe that trust ushers me a little closer to you. I know without a shadow of doubt that you are present ensuring eternity's press on today. I rest easy and happily when I trust in you.

All glory
is due you,
Gracious God;
there is
not enough praise
to say
thank you.
Know in
the depths
of my heart
my love
and gratitude.

As always, Andrea

Friday, July 2, 2010

My dearest God,

How lovely it is to slip inside my husband's arms. How wonderful to be caught in his embrace. While I have always known that each day is a gift, I also know my relationship with my partner is also cause for celebration.

Today we worked together. I painted the porch doorframe, finished painting the wooden boxes in the bathroom and fixed lunch. He watered the areas where we are trying to grow grass, did some work for a neighbor who is away and carried painting supplies to the basement.

But the best part of the day was when we crawled onto the couch and cuddled while we watched a movie. When the movie concluded we took a drive to one of our favorite take out's, bought sandwiches and drove to the beach to gaze upon the blue skies and deep blue ocean. How content we felt to be together, to enjoy a wondrous scene and talk about a little bit of nothing. When we got home, we went back to our couch and watched another movie. A simple day of profound love and thanksgiving.

You, O God,
are the
god of restoration
and reconciliation.
Only you
can fill
the cracks
and holes
in the
human heart.
Only you
can mend
our brokenness.
Only you
can reveal love
once again.
Oh how
I thank you,
my dearest
and loving God.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Dear God,

I love the way voices come together to make the sound of just one voice. As I sat in choir practice, I was aware of how you draw every voice to you, how you create beautiful sound, and how you instill peace in the soul while we sing. Rich, warm harmonies make me want to close my eyes and crawl inside.

Music does something to my soul. It can lift me off my feet causing me to soar in the heavenlies or it can drop me low. I enjoy singing alone but oh, how much sweeter it is when other voices join in. Sometimes the melody sounds of angel singing. When singing to glorify your existence in creation, do the angels and saints join in? Are they moved to sing your praise?

I remember being unable to sing and my soul was so sad. I remember the doctor saying I might never sing again and I just could not imagine it. One day five years ago I was so upset that I screamed and I think did damage to my vocal chords because there are times when I hit a certain chord that sounds gravelly. I regret my impatience. But you returned my singing ability and the joy I felt in singing was multiplied a hundredfold.

I sing
to sing
your praise.
I sing
to make music
that touches
and inspires
human souls.
I sing
to move
my own soul
when I
am down
and despairing
but I
also sing
when celebration
is in
the air.
Fill me
with gratitude
for songs
that bless you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

My dear God,

Do you like taking something broken, ruined, forgotten or neglected and turning it into an object of beauty?

Today I worked on a patch of ground by the side of the house. I imagine that small area has not been tended to for decades. The land is spotty, without much grass, and weedy. It is just plain ugly. So, I pulled the weeds from the sandy soil, roughed it up a bit with a rake, spread top soil, poured out patch lawn repair and watered it. At the same time my husband sanded the steps leading up to the porch. I had already planted Lily of the Valley and diminutive purple flowers beside the house and made a 5 inch row of small marble stones for the roof run off. At the end of the day we both stood back and admired our work. It already looks better.

Do you go to all that trouble with us? Do you see the areas neglected in our own lives? Do you know all the broken places, the ruined parts, and all those spots within our bodies, minds and souls that we have turned away from, pretending they don't exist? I am confident that nothing is hidden from you. Throughout our lifetime I am positive that much work needs to be done on all of us.

As I worked on the yard, I was aware of your presence. I know that I can labor long and hard but I cannot make the grass and flowers grow. I cannot will those teeny seeds to sprout up. I have a job to do but the end result is not entirely my own. Without you, nothing will happen. I will have labored in vain. But with you I know that beauty will come.

Thank you
for the privilege
of tending
to your garden.
Every blade
of grass,
every grain
of sand,
every flower petal
comes from you.
You are
the source
of power
that wills
each thing
to grow,
to blossom,
to become beautiful.
I am simply
your handmaid
and I
like that.

Love, Andrea