Monday, August 30, 2010

Dearest God,

When I awaken on Sunday morning and prepare to go to your house, happiness fills my soul. To be invited into the holy of holies, what greater joy can there be? The house of my Lord, your house, O God, where I, a sinner, less than perfect, ridden at times with doubts and/or fears am invited to dine with you, to worship and adore, to sing praise and pray, to rejoice, surrender and be fed the things of eternity. I breathe the same air as the psalmist who said, "I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord."

Do we forget that your house is more than a building with folk gathering? Do we forfeit the awesomeness of your presence to have a good time with our friends? Do we surrender the sacred reality of your son whose love for us was borne out in a cross and in a new reality called the church? If we only realized and acknowledged whose house it is we enter, we your children would fall to our knees in humility and thanksgiving. To be given a place to rest our weary hearts, to confess our failures and shortcomings, to receive compassionate mercy and love from on high, what is this holy space we call church?

To be in your holy presence, O God, is life's greatest gift. To be rendered in faith a child of the living God, is there anything more beautiful? In your loving presence, dearest Father, I am allowed to visit my erring ways and see your eyes upon me. You whisper my name and I know whose I am and whose I always want to be. My sin is before me not to remain locked inside but made ready for surrender, a gentle and pure cleansing by your own spirit. My blots, my dark blots are made clean once again and I feel the purity of love that heals and holds filling me with the glorious joy of heaven.

I am
most at home
in your house,
dearest God;
where am I
more welcome?
As I
take my place
in your house,
as I begin
to sing
the song
of eternity,
I join
the angels
and saints
in singing
your praise.
Abba Father,
I give you
my greatest devotion,
for you alone
are worthy.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Yours always, Andrea

Sunday, August 29, 2010

My dearest God,

Every Sunday you fill my bucket to full and overflowing. As I gather with your people on Sunday morning, I feel your spirit readying itself for a celebration. And who does not like a celebration?

As I watched my husband preach, I couldn't help but smile. More open and authentic than in any other sermon I have ever heard him preach, I had the sense that you smiled too. And how could our choir do anything but move with power into glory and sing out a witness of our faith. We belted out Our God is Faithful because each of us has found you faithful in our personal struggles. I smiled through the song because my own deep well of blessing was being revealed in my mind as we sang.

May I
in some way
fill the earth
with blessing
as I
live out
my own faith,
dear God.
I so want
to bless you
for the
countless blessings
you have
given me.
Your church
is one
of my
deepest blessings
not because
she is perfect
or has
all the answers
but rather
because she knows
she is
not perfect
or full
of wisdom,
yet seeks
to meet you
every week
in worship.
May I
never forget
the source
of all blessing.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Dear God,

The trapped miners have a story to tell of faith, trust, hope, courage, and love. Sheltered two miles below the surface in a small space sharing the barest essentials to stay alive, they are already demonstrating what life is at the bottom and what it means to rise in faith. Every time I think about them, I feel claustrophobic. Yet, what I read about them challenges me to rethink my own small spaces and how you enlarge the resilence of the human soul to meet the demands of difficult situations.

What WE know is that their own business owners have abandoned them, they will remain in their coffin for at least two more months, and they will not be paid during the time of their entombment. What THEY know is that they need you and each other, help is on the way and working together will keep them alive until they are rescued.

I remember seeing a blackened picture of Jesus in a food line with other hungry souls. I recall reading the story about three men in a hot furnace and a fourth walking around. I have heard countless stories of angel appearances at accident scenes and visions of the holy in extreme situations. Who is to discount the 34th person in the bowels of the earth bringing peace and calm to men unable to dig their way out to freedom?

Teach us
to trust you,
O God;
remind us
to turn
to you
in every situation.
Help us
to see
what others
cannot see.
Challenge us
to move beyond
the visible
to the invisible
where faith
awaits us.
Show us
the way
not out
of our dilemmas
but into
the deep
where you appear
to guide us.
Make your
way plain
so that
we may be
a witness
to the
waiting world.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 27, 2010

My dearest God,

She appeared out of nowhere at the end of the wedding rehearsal. The director of music knew her and called out to her. She walked over to the organ and told us that her dog had died. She had to go somewhere to talk to someone and she decided to come to the church. She loved her black lab very much and was feeling very sad. I told her I was certain you had a special place for family members like MoMo. And then we prayed.

Lord, I am more and more aware of the ministry of your church. We are a care center. With invisible neon lights, our shingle invites people in and there we send people home with encouragement, affirmation, love, guidance, friendship, support, and more of what they need. Although I was just the substitute pastor doing a favor for our pastor who was out of town, I loved going to the closet filled with food for the soul. I was delighted to fill the bag of this needy woman. I was privileged to take her to you for comfort in her loss. I was certain that you would have enough mercy for this grieving woman until healing comes.

You alone
cure our ills,
Compassionate God;
you hear
our stories
and act
to help us
out of
our distress.
Who else
can provide
so much
with such
loving care?
Thank you
for meeting us
at the organ today.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 26, 2010

My dearest God,

As we drove home from choir practice, I was suddenly struck by the many blessings you have given us in Maine. The stunning landscape. The nearly perfect weather. Blue skies, grey skies, white puffy, cloudy skies and starry skies. A soaking rain. A beautiful woods and river. A lovely town in which to live. A warm, inviting home. A friendly, spirited church. Singing in the choir. New friends and great neighbors. Fresh seafood. A great butcher. Newly preserved raspberry jam, blueberry jam, blueberry lime jam, and spiced blueberry jam. Just two television channels. Dozens of heartstones. Being together, laughing, teasing, hoping, and loving.

As gratitude washed over me, I imagined carrying all those blessings around, like a little dutch girl carrying a yoke with two overflowing buckets, stopping along the way to fill the buckets of others only to discover the buckets still full.

I am full,
full of you,
Gracious God,
full of
your blessings,
full of
your wondrous grace
and gracious love.
Even if
my well
dried up today,
I would be
more blessed
than I
ever deserved.

To you all glory and honor, Andrea

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Dear God,

Your power can do anything. Your love can upend any hurting experience. Your mercy can invade a wounded soul. Your compassion can comfort the greatest suffering. Your healing can mend any brokenness. Your peace can settle into any chaotic life. Your joy can capture any heart. Your power can do anything.

At dusk as my husband drove down the road along the rich, lush, green New England countryside, I gazed at his profile and smiled; for your power, love, mercy, compassion, healing, peace and joy have changed us, transforming our marriage, restoring our hope, renewing our courage, rebuilding our strength, revitalizing our relationship and filling our well to overflowing.

You, O God,
have saved us.
You have
enjoined us,
taking leftover pieces
and gluing them
back together.
You have
set your seal
upon us
and claimed us
as your own.
You poured
your own love
into us
making us
a vessel
of joy.
How can we
ever adequately express
our gratitude?

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

My dearest God,

We sat watching The Great Debaters and we were so moved at times tears welled up. A debate coach and three young blacks in the 1930's literally changing the world around them. People bending history, breaking down barriers, altering the course of society. A female and three males charting a new way in America. How many lives did they influence for good? Tens, hundreds, thousands, millions?

I am moved, challenged, and inspired by people who seek to make a difference in humanity. My own insides want to cry out thanks. I know for positive sure that you have a hand in transforming lives. I believe you put something in every human life making each one capable of doing good, contributing to those around them, and giving hope, faith, trust and creative imagination.

What is this seed, dear God? How do we find our God potential? Where, when and how do we release it serving the common good? And what is the inspiration to give rather than to simply take? Is it just the turn of a key in some part of the human soul?

Turn us
inside out,
Lord;
make us
into the persons
you have created
us to be.
Show us how
to be
significant contributors
to your creation.
Set us
on paths
that cross
with others
needing our gifts,
talents and resources.
Make us
a people
who love first
and then use
our God-given gifts
to help
your world.
Teach us
your ways,
O God.
Help us remember
that we
were yours
before we
were ours.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 23, 2010

My dearest God,

Does suffering change our place with you? Are we driven into your arms by suffering? Do we have greater access to you in times of great distress? What happens in suffering?

Today I think of 20 million Pakistanis suffering in their worst flooding. I think of 33 Chilean men stuck 2000 feet below ground, victims of a mining accident. Suffering, they are suffering, Lord.

What does suffering do to us? What is your design for suffering? What do you want to have happen as we suffer?

Is suffering a device intended to connect us to you? Is the plan for us to drop to our knees and beg for help? Does suffering push us to our limits and then beyond? In the wild, chaotic march of fear that spreads in suffering, where are you? What are you doing? Are doors opened more easily to your spirit? What part does unaffected people play in the suffering of others?

I can't help but think that we are partners in a compassionate plan to assist our suffering neighbors. When others suffer, it seems the rest of us are designed to do something and vice versa, when we suffer, others are to reach out to us. But where are you in the midst of all this? At the end of each suffering day, what is to have changed?

In our suffering
teach us
to come running
to you,
Almighty God.
Open us
to cry out
for help.
Show us
clear paths
to your compassion,
comfort and love.
Reveal to us,
dear God,
how to
trust you,
how to
find hope
in every condition
and situation,
how to
grow faith
to sustain us,
and how
to build courage
to act.
Then as
we ease
our way
toward wholeness,
however long
and whatever shape
it takes,
teach us
the way
of gratitude
through acts
of kindness,
service and love.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 22, 2010

My dearest God,

This morning during our hymnfest time just before worship began, like with a wide angle lens, I scanned the congregation as we sang our favorite hymns, Victory in Jesus, Here I Am, Lord, How Great Thou Art, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, and Savior, Pilot Me. I saw L who battled breast cancer and discovered her own faith. I witnessed the couple who've been married more than 60 years and always come to church 45 minutes early just to hear our choir rehearse. Then there was S whose pleading prayers experienced a miracle in an infant grandchild. And M whose son-in-law has been seriously ill with a stroke, yet she sings with gusto. And smiling R, whose loving mother died two days ago, standing and singing, "O blest communion, fellowship divine, we feebly struggle, they in glory shine..." I gazed upon Salvi, with a long scar on his head, an earthquake survivor from Haiti who lay in rubble for a couple of days when an angel from our congregation heard his voice and held his hand in the midst of twisted steel until he was rescued two days later. And N whose first husband died a tragic death and she nearly died herself as she played a magnificent organ/piano postlude of Great is thy Faithfulness. And H singing in the choir with no kidneys and on dialysis three times a week. And M whose own father has belittled him all 60 plus years of his life but finds refuge in singing with a gracious heavenly father. And even H, whose marriage nearly ended, singing away. And then there was me full of racing memories of blessing upon blessing upon blessing upon blessing.

We didn't just sing, we SANG! We sang like a people of deep faith, persons who have found themselves in scary places because we were brokenhearted, lost, sick, troubled, addicted or stressed, individuals who have battled the enemies present in daily life. Yet, we sang robustly because we believed what we are singing and our faith was/is deeper than our sorrow, loss or pain. When our choir sang the introit, Come! Come! Everybody Worship!, we all had reason to celebrate, to rejoice and give thanks and that's when our true worship began.

O God to be Praised and Adored,
we give you
our utmost devotion
and love.
You have
not only
given us faith
but have also
grown it
with deep roots
and lovely blossoms.
We sing
because we
cannot stop.
May our trust
in you
inspire us
to do
great things
for you,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 21, 2010

My dearest God,

Yesterday my neighbor and I spent time figuring and configuring our common flower garden we plan to create between our yards. We played with hoses laying out possible designs. When we were done we decided to make our area 8' wide at the front to 14' wide at the back and 38' long. We want to work together beginning a possible three year journey to build a sanctuary, a spiritual garden which will include a field, woods, two different tree lines along old fence rows and expansive yard space possibly measuring three or four acres.

We want to give shape to an oasis of hope and peace. We would love to place two very small spiritual houses, just big enough for one in the woods, one that would face the river and the other the field for a grand view of nightly sunsets. Persons seeking refuge from life's storms would be allowed to come and retreat for a night, two or three, living in silence. The furnishings would include a day bed with handmade quilts, a small stand with a pitcher and bowl, a modest chair and table with a lantern. We would daily carry out simple meals and water.

I believe our vision of heaven on earth would give such a lift to our community and to our lives. It is just a dream, an image of possibility as we give shape, not life since it is already present, to our common areas.

To spiritually imagine
with a friend
is a
beautiful gift.
What grace
it is
to live by
a neighbor
who seeks
the things
of heaven
in her
family home
of more
than 60 years.
It is you,
O God,
who gives direction
to our lives.
I give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 20, 2010

My dearest God,

My friend had wanted to go to the ocean this morning but she was just not up to it so I went alone. I carried my camera allowing the small viewer to tell me the story of heaven. As I walked along the shoreline at high tide, I looked for signs and I was not disappointed.

I clicked one picture and then another finding in my small view heart stones, rock, driftwood and seaweed bunched up like a heart. I gazed into the skies and smiled as I realized one does not have to look far to know your closeness.

As I collected the subjects of my pictures and placed them in my pockets, my sweatpants started slipping downward. I must have picked up 40 samples and they were steadily growing heavier. I had to keep hiking up my pants to keep them from falling. And then I thought: Isn't that just like God daily pouring so much love into my pockets!

How playful
you are,
dear God,
filling my pockets
with eternity.
I always feel
the love
heaven has
to offer.
You are glorious
and wonderful
and so responsive
to every need.
Keep my
eyes open
so I
won't miss
all that heaven
has to give.

With gratitude, Andrea

Thursday, August 19, 2010

My dear God,

Night had fallen by the time I left choir practice. When I started the car, classical music was playing, JS Bach in particular. I rolled down the windows on the very dark street and pulled out onto the road. With the breeze blowing in, a gibbous moon high in the sky peeking through the shadows and memories of a lovely day playing out in my mind, I imagined myself in a sheer light green gown dancing before you.

When joy overcomes my soul, it can only overflow and spill out. What brings me joy is knowing you are present in every day life in small things and big. My inner being carries within me a radar that keeps you on my screen reminding me that life is best when your spirit is my constant companion.

Whether awakening in the early morning, going throughout my day or closing my eyes and feeling the cool Maine breezes coming through my bedroom window, I realize that your sacred presence makes all things more beautiful and spectacular. A gorgeous day is not simply a gorgeous day; it is a manifestation of your glorious presence. You paint the green leaves and the yellow, pink and purple flowers. You color the smile of a child and make music of two elderly people on a walk holding hands. As the ocean tide rises high to kiss the shore, I see the wonderment of nature titillating the human soul.

In my dance of gratitude, I simply whispered my prayers of thanksgiving.

Loving God,
you sweep in
like gentle
ocean breezes.
You lead me
to puddles
of cool
clean water
that nourishes
my soul.
You sing
creation's song
and I feel
remade, reshaped
all over again.

With deepest appreciation and love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

My dearest God,

We shared our stories, stories that shaped who we have become, who we are. We were strangers just weeks ago; now with shared stories, we are friends.

In this first real summer following my retirement, you have brought blessings, baskets full. You have brought beautiful New England days and nights. You have brought a happy home not only with new renovations to the house and yard, but to our weary souls. You have brought music, your song sung in many languages. You have brought renewed health and strength with which to share with new friends. You have brought joy, the kind that springs up from eternity.

As I wandered through my new friend's old cabin transformed into a magnificent architectural lake home and listened to her story, I found the link between us. Faith has a way of making friends.

Faith,
that wondrous,
rich heritage
of life
with you,
how wonderful,
dearest God.
Our pilgrimage together
has brought
new life,
new faith,
new friends,
new love,
new joy
to my existence
and today
I am singing
your praise.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Dear God,

Did you know this is our 1800th letter to each other? When we began our communion in 2005 I was embarking on a venture to find fresh signs of your presence. It was all your idea and I simply followed along. As I journeyed to New Mexico and then to France, Italy, Ghana, England and Maine, I found imprints, footprints, and handprints all along the way. I never carried a smile so long and so far. I remember at several points saying, "Lord, I am overwhelmed with so much goodness!"

I am intrigued by the journey of faith. It seems that daily I find new buds and blossoms of faith. I do not have to search under rocks to find evidence of your presence although I have lifted heavy weights and discovered you waiting there for me. Why would I want to miss a day in my search?

The intimate bond we made in my earliest days on earth has never been broken and oh my, how I celebrate your sweet gift of grace. That does not mean I have been perfect or that I did not need disciplining correction along the way. You and I both know the truth about me; yet, just as a mother provides milk for her baby, so have you fed me.

As I write you today, I am full of gratitude, love, devotion and appreciation. I cannot imagine my existence without you.

Holy, Holy, Holy
is your name,
God Above All Gods.
May all glory
be yours
now and forever.
Let all
the earth
sing out
your praise!
Let the
stars, moon
and sun
brilliantly shine forth
in thanksgiving!
Let every child
of the
Heavenly Parent
cry out
with rejoicing,
"You are God;
there is none
like you.
We offer you
our love
and devotion,
Master Creator,
Lord of Life!"

Love always, Andrea

Monday, August 16, 2010

My dearest God,

As the rain gently slipped from the heavens, we decided to drive to the beach with our books, lunch and cameras. By the time we arrived the skies had dried up and we sat in our beach chairs, offered prayer and ate our lunch. As Harold put away our lunch leavings I grabbed the camera to walk the short beach. Just as I predicted, the signs of your presence were everywhere. As I leaned down and in closer, I snapped one shot after another capturing heartstones in the sand.

From the time I was a little girl, I have been on the lookout for signs of God. When I was very young I was captured by the radiant glow and mystery of the night skies. Every time a star twinkled, I was certain I had seen you.

This morning as I lollygagged along the shore, I breathed in prayers of wonderment, devotion and joy.

Glorious God,
to you
I owe everything.
Even my joy
comes from you.
I lift up
my praise
to the heavens.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Dearest God,

The colors of faith are many. At the last minute a local church was left without a preacher and I was asked to cover. As I drove into the gravel driveway of the little white clapboard church, a smile emerged from the bottom of my feet.

Jack was the first color to greet me with sparkling eyes and a wide smile. Beverly called from the side door with the same spirit adding color to my morning. In the kitchen Pat and Barbara colored the hands of Jesus as they made coffee and cut fruit for the fellowship hour. As we talked I saw the color of music wafting from the small wooden sanctuary just around the corner. I hummed the familiar tune rounding out the color already begun in my soul. That's when Ann introduced me to Megan, her blue-eyed, dark brown hair granddaughter whose sweetness added the color of sunshine.

After setting down my purse in the closet-sized pastor's study, I donned my white robe and stole and then with a partially colored canvas, I stepped inside the sanctuary where young boys Morgan, Miles, Bronson and Matthew added the colors of the rainbow. Within minutes every person in the congregation had applied color to the wondrous design.

As we sang together and I prayed, read the scripture and preached, I watched with amazement as the finishing touches were made. After greeting people following the service and making my way to my car to get to church to sing in the choir, I looked at the handiwork of faith, a magnificent tapestry of color, song, love, and joy.

O, Master Creator,
whose beautiful hands
create the color
of faith,
I marvel
with great delight
in your
exquisite design.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 14, 2010

My dearest God,

Why is it that small, sometimes teeny things inspire me to search for trails leading to you? Why do I daily lean toward the sacred dimensions of life? If it is true that I can spiritualize a toothpick (someone once said this about me) then what does it mean that I do so?

Is life made up of daily sacred happenings? Is it truly possible that everything that happens can be an occasion for divine learning? Ever since you invited me to write you a daily letter, each day I have been on the hunt for "God events." Whether concrete moments of joy erupting out of difficulty or finding hope in deep sorrow, it seems to me you appear every day.

What I have personally discovered over the course of these five years while I have been on my search is that you want an abiding relationship with every child in the universe. Through a variety of experiences, I have learned that you want to turn painful occasions into times of grasping for deeper occurrences of your spirit. Such moments can be like finding a vein of gold in the dark recesses of earth.

Although I find daily life exhilarating and full of infinite possibilities, I have also come to the realization that there is more beneath the surface. What I may see outside my front room window is a lovely tree but I know what is rooted below the ground is an unfathomable system of nourishment, growth, and beauty. In the dead of winter I will frequently gaze upon a bare tree and smile thinking about what it happening beneath the frozen ground.

Life events
cause me
to pause
and think
about you,
dear God.
I do not know
your grand design;
I only catch
a mere glimmer
but oh,
how sweet.

Giving thanks, Andrea

Friday, August 13, 2010

My dear God,

We sat at the ocean in the early morning at low tide. With a card table and chairs, a lace tablecloth, linen napkins, bubble plates and cups, and silverware, we held hands and gave thanks for nature, friendship and love. We ate freshly prepared fruit salad and blueberry breakfast rolls and drank hot International coffee. As ocean breezes blew upon us, we looked out upon the majestic and magnificent world you have created and we marveled at your many gifts.

As we each left the table following breakfast for a solo walk on the beach, I searched for heart stones, those rocks forged, carved and shaped by your own hands because I am always amazed at what I find as signs and symbols of your loving presence. With full pockets, I walked down the beach rose-lined path whispering my many thanksgivings.

To you,
Great God,
I offer up
my devotion
and love.
What am
I to say
to so
wondrous a God?
You bless
and then
bless again.
Let me
sing out
my praise!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 12, 2010

My dearest God,

There was just something about singing the doxology before we ate the gourmet meal. There were eight of us around the table, three United Methodist pastors and spouses and one Episcopal priest and spouse. As I asked them to sing in thanksgiving for our time together, the food and our fellowship, the roof lifted as we sang out the words: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen"

There was a common knowing in the circle. How many times had we knelt at your feet to pray for our congregations? How often had we come with the name of a needy soul? On how many occasions had we pleaded for help, guidance, wisdom, faith, strength and courage? And more importantly, how full did you fill our buckets with grace, agape love, mercy, compassion and power? With more than 100 combined years of ministry and service to your church, we knew about which we sang!

Praise you,
Almighty and Gentle God!
Your faithfulness
to us
has been
your greatest gift
to us.
You have
blessed us
again and again
and we
just want
to sing out
your praise!

With great thanksgiving, Andrea

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Dear God,

You have shown me that earth and heaven meet every day. When I least expect it, I feel the smile of eternity.

Today I cooked all day: Raspberry cream pie, Romaine lettuce with lime and avocado viniagrette, carrots with fresh ginger and coriander seeds, asparagus with dill sauce, parrano cheese thyme rolls, pepper-crusted filet mignon with horseradish cream sauce, Polish mistakes, retreat pickles, Gorgonzola dip with pears, apples and crackers with spiced ice tea. As I cooked I remembered learning to cook with my grandmother. What a great farm cook she was. Her food always made with love was the best I ever tasted. Although gone now for nearly 20 years, I was at her side. I reflected upon her smile, her generous ways and her love of Christ.

When I prepare a meal for others, I follow in the footsteps of Grandma Hughes. Out of her grace-filled life, she offered gifts of blessing to those around her not because she was obliged but because she loved. Her cooking was her gift to those around her.

Throughout the day as I labored in the kitchen, the same line from Sunday's music festival kept coming to me: "Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed..." Somehow, someway your love connected food and song. I smiled and sang recalling once again your divine blessing.

Gracious God,
Father and Mother of All,
my heart
is full
of gratitude
and joy.
Your love stretches
around the world
even into
my kitchen
and I find myself
singing your praise.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

My dear God,

I can't help but wonder what is happening to the globe that we all call home. It seems as though more and more natural disasters are disrupting human lives. With earthquakes in Haiti and other parts of the world, now flooding, dangerous heat and tornados, I feel a greater need to pray for those affected.

What is it that you want to happen to those of us who at the moment are living calm lives? Are we to celebrate that our circumstances have not changed? Or are we to respond to our suffering neighbors?

O Lord,

keep me

ever mindful

of suffering

in our world.

Remind me

of my responsibility

to my

brothers and sisters.

Teach me

the value

of prayer

and social action,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 9, 2010

My dearest God,

Yesterday I was lifted and rode on spirit clouds. After a journey at such high altitudes, where is there to go but slowly downward?

During the festival I became very hot, red faced and weak. I told my body it simply could not collapse during our singing; yet, my legs felt shaky. Wet cloths, a quick ride home and a trip to bed helped although today I felt really washed out. So I stayed in bed longer this morning and just took it real easy. The memories of last evening quietly pulsed through my veins as I reflected upon the sweetness of your grace.

How often have you returned me to memory lane, that wondrous path of glory events, to share with me the goodness of your love and amazing faithfulness? When I have been down or ill, or upset or disappointed, you invited me to join you on a trip to yesteryear to view the impossible made possible, the hopelessness turned hopeful, the sorrow transformed to joy, or the broken changed into miracles. So many times we traveled together to take in the sights of faith alive and so beautiful.

Today on our tranquil journey heavenward, my heart was full of rejoicing.

I acknowledge
your glorious work,
All-Powerful and Loving God.
You can turn
any occasion
into an activity
of celebration
and praise.
To you
I give
all honor
and praise.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 8, 2010

My dearest God,

Together we soared into the heavenlies, a band of happy travelers. We had rehearsed for the festival for weeks. Several churches, Episcopal, Baptist, Congregational, Presbyterian and United Methodist blended their voices together to sing just one song, your song. And what a song it was that inspired us to climb aboard your Spirit plane.

For more than one hour we sang with full hearts, our souls bursting with joy to connect to the Divine. Although the room grew warmer and warmer with so many squeezed into the pews, in chairs in the back hall, the tiny narthex and outside, we lifted our voices until 50 voices became heaven's angelic choir. Our conductor, a man of deep faith and spirit, moved us in ways I had never experienced before. In him I saw the eyes of Jesus leading us to relay the gospel message of hope, love and joy.

I felt my own spirit ascend as we sang first one song and then another. When the violinist joined the organist and pianist we stepped up higher. As the soloists sang Shepherd Me, O God and Precious Lord, Take My Hand, I must confess that gratitude welled up within me and spilled over. How could God love us so much, I wondered to myself.

The blessing of your presence was powerful and inviting. I watched with a profound sense of your grace as I observed a little girl, maybe four years of age, walk up the steps to the front of the church and gaze upon the choir as we sang during the afternoon rehearsal. Three times she and her daddy walked by, the doors open for both the breeze coming in and the spirit going out. The child stood quietly only walking away when urged by her father. How I wished they would have taken one step further and stayed. In her eyes I witnessed a longing like the deer that pants for water.

I have discovered that one day with you is better than a thousand without you. I have found heaven's door always open, the spirit breeze blowing both ways kissing earth and heaven at the same time. And I have seen revealed the glory of a Savior's love all embracing for every man, woman and child. Today the melodies of heaven drew us in, filled us up, and sent us home rejoicing!

To you,
O Great God of All Creation,
we give you
all our praise!
Our hearts
are full
with rejoicing
and thanksgiving.
We acknowledge
your song,
your power,
your love,
and your grace.
We thank you
for a song
to sing
and voices
instruments
with which
to express
our heart's devotion.

All my love now and forever, Andrea

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Dearest God,

As I concluded my time with family in Indiana, I climbed aboard the plane to go home to my husband in Maine. As I pondered my many blessings, I wondered why I had found such favor with you. Or is it that I was just more aware of your abiding presence in my life?

I realize more and more that blessing is always searching me out. If I am blinded by jealousy, resentment, unwarranted anger or bitterness, I am unable to see what is before me. If I am ruling my own life without regard to your will, I am lost to my own resources and fail to discern the gift at my feet. If I forget to pause, to give thanks, to open communication with you, I miss the joy of your company and the opportunity to share in the wonders of your grace-filled love.

But tonight when I saw the radiant glow on my husband's face, I knew the hour of your visitation.

God, you are
so full
of love
for us.
Daily you
pour out
your blessings
upon us.
Teach me
to begin
and end
each day
with affectionate devotion
for you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 6, 2010

Dear God,

After leaving my daughter's home and driving down the highway, you brought to my mind the many miracles that have happened in our family. Estrangements dissolved, conflict erased, brokenness healed, hope returned, relationships restored, faith renewed, love and joy revitalized. Who but you, O Lord, has the power to return life to the dead?

As I continued my journey home, I smiled as I watched the leaves gently moving with the breeze. I realized even more what it means to trust you with our lives. The more I trust you, the more we trust you, the better able I am, we are to shift with you. When we are no longer immobilized by fear and mistrust, we are empowered to move with the wind of your spirit. How wonderful that can be when liberation from life's tragedies no longer hold sway over us.

Such a revelation inspired me to sing your praise and so I did.

God of All That is Great,
I bow down
in praise
to thank you.
I lift up
my voice
in song.
My feet begin
to move
as I want
to dance
the dance
of thanksgiving.
Thank you
for the abundance
of joy
I feel.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Dearest God,

Years of separation narrowed in a split second seemingly by a sudden change of mind nearly three years ago. As I entered my daughter’s home today, I was aware of the miracle I was living. Was it all my pleading and begging for 13 years or was it the prayers of many who asked for your help on my behalf? What inspired the change?

As we laughed and teased so easily in the family room while watching a silly show, I gazed at the scene unfolding. Two dogs playing beside me on the couch, licking me like crazy, tangling my yarn as I knitted. Jack, my ten-year-old grandson, playing on the computer making comments about the funny movie we were watching. My daughter and husband on the other couch laughing, making fun of the way I took my medicine. “Mom, I’m going to get you a neck brace for the whiplash you get every time you take your pills.” (Laughter) My seven-year-old granddaughter occasionally sitting beside me patting my arm.

You have shown me that miracles change things. I witnessed it tonight as I found myself center stage of the one miracle I prayed for the longest.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Your grace
and love-filled power
are constantly
at work
renewing, restoring,
and regenerating
our lives.
In my daughter's
family room
I breeeeathed
prayers of praise.
To you
my dearest God,
I owe
all my love
and devotion.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

My dearest God,

Music is surely heaven sent. Today was a day of music. Gabrielle, Lucy and I formed an orchestra at the kitchen table. The extraordinary instruments consisted of plastic and glass cups, upside down and right side up, bowls of cereal with milk, and long teaspoons. In our jammies we sat in our straight back chairs and played and sang some favorite songs. Our most favorite was The Bible played to the tune of Bingo.

In the middle of the afternoon with jammies intact we invited my daughter Jill and two year old Rylan to dance with us. We danced in lines, in couples and separately to Latin tunes, jazz, 60's revolution, 70's music, retro disco, country tunes tavern, and contemporary songs. We danced loosely, did I say loosely, really loosely the cha cha cha, salsa, waltz, twist, rock n roll, pony, hip hop, bunny hop, slow dance and well, I didn't really recognize the rest of what we did. The music blaring, the inhabitants going crazy and the house rocking, we had so much fun.

I have come to realize more and more the gift of music especially when it gets in our bones, down deep in the marrow. Things seem to smooth out, celebrations begin, hurts are lifted, disappointments dissolve, anger dissipates, joy is heightened, hope is strengthened and peace declares a truce to what ails us. Music rallies us round with family and friends and when we are alone with saints and angels. Today I sang and danced with all of them.

You are
the wondrous source
of my joy,
dearest God.
As I
gaze upon
my family
singing and dancing,
I breathe prayers
of thanksgiving
and praise.
To you
I give
all my ability
to praise you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Dear God,

How do you decide which characteristics, talents, skills and abilities to place in each human life? Does it just randomly happen, do you take into account the DNA present or do you give each person special attention? As I reflect upon my grandchildren and their particular gifts, I marvel and give thanks knowing that their ability to shine like first morning light comes from you.

Today I watched Rylan, my two year old grandson, get under the sink, pull out a trash bag, shake it a few times and then place it in the trash can giving special care to getting it around the edge. When he had the last of it to cover, he instructed me to help. I gladly assisted him in his task.

Rylan loves to help in the kitchen. He likes to stir, pick up things from the floor, set the table, carry food from the pantry, fold clothes, carry baskets and more. He does so cheerfully. He is full of life after being so near death at his birth and many days following. Each time he smiles, I see your smile. When we were told that he had finally "turned the corner" we joined heaven in singing your praise.

O God,
Giver of Many Gifts,
I revel
in your
thoughtful ways.
I celebrate
with you
all your
wondrous mysteries.
Thank you today
especially for
my grandchildren
in whom
I see you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 2, 2010

Dearest God,

I sat in a theatre watching a movie with my granddaughters, Gabrielle and Lucy. It was the same movie I had just seen two days ago with Sophie and Stella. On Friday I will watch it yet a third time with Jack and Grace. Ramona and Beezus is a great family show; however, watching smiles, laughter and joy form on my grandchildren's faces is an even better show.

How many times have I witnessed gladness on my loved ones' faces? How often have I seen happiness erupt inside them? What pleasure I receive when I observe what happens to those I love. I am convinced that the ability to smile, to laugh and to feel joy comes from you. I believe the euphoria present is heaven sent.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for gifts
that last
even more than
a lifetime.
Thank you
for making
our lives
full of
heaven's best.
Thank you
for love
that is
to be shared.
Thank you
for our relationship,
yours and mine.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, August 1, 2010

My dear God,

In church this morning I was swept up into the arms of two elderly friends who had waited to talk with me as my granddaughter and I talked with others. Hal and Edith are hovering close to 90 years old. Just a few months ago their son in law died unexpectedly and their daughter suffers with an ongoing illness; however, you would never know it because whenever I see them, they beam from ear to ear. They are loving, kind, encouraging and supportive.

As I drove away I thought about them and I realized they epitomize an encounter with you. Their mannerisms, genuineness, and expressions of love capture my attention every time. I feel your embrace when I am with them.

Do angels exist, Lord? Do two carry the names of Hal and Edith? Do they exist to bless others? Do they carry that rare kind of love that originates in heaven? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then I was touched by heaven today.

Lord of All Creation,
how blessed
I am
by your
own people.
What love
I feel
in their
kindly presence.
Refine and
polish me,
O God,
that I
may serve
as one
of your ambassadors.
May I too
carry your grace
to unsuspecting others.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 31, 2010

My dearest God,

Riding high in the sky still battling a remnant fear of flying, I draw close in reflection. I recount the wondrous adventure you have led me on especially the last couple of years. With a thankful heart I remember the process of shedding the old skin that no longer fit my existence. I recall the days when I came to the realization that the skin I was wearing was getting tighter and tighter. Becoming more and more uncomfortable, I watched as the skin wore thinner and thinner, seemingly dying in some places. I remember parts of it flaking off, no longer providing me with the protection I thought I needed. Afraid, I looked to you to help guide me as I entered the no-going-back zone. The "chamber" was at the same time both familiar and unfamiliar. In the ever-growing new path I trusted you to push and pull me forward. When I emerged I said goodbye to my former home only after I had uttered hello to my new.

While I have found the process of change sometimes lengthy, scary and overwhelming, each time I have been aware that I was never alone. I was able to look around finding you suddenly and surely with me. With a tight hold, perhaps even a death grip on my part, you dislodged me from former locations knowing that my future was bright with promise if I could but trust you to move me along the road of faith. That trust has led me on a metamorphic wild ride resulting in something beautiful, miraculous and full of joy.

Magnificent and Amazing God,
there are moments
in time
when I pause
to consider
your greatness,
your compassion
and mercy.
I never fail
to gaze upon
your glory
knowing you are
the power,
the force behind
the grand journey
of transformation.
And what
do I do
but sing you
a song
of thanksgiving
and praise;
for you are God
and there is
none like you.

Love always, Andrea