Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Dearest God,

How is it that every day, no matter whether sunny and pleasant or gray and rainy, can move us closer to you? When I awaken in Maine, the open window just inches from my head, reveals a cool, refreshing breeze of your spirit. As I breathe in, I am warmed inside by the goodness of your love.

How is it that your creation has the power to draw us to your side? How can gently moving trees in a mild summer storm look like creative dancers? As I watch chipmunks playing together, squirrels running across the yard and up and down the trees, and sometimes families of skunks, possums, or wild turkeys moving by, I am filled with wonder as I reflect upon your plan of creation.

How is it, Lord, that you love us so much?

Move us,
your people,
to show you
our love,
O God.
Teach us
to open ourselves
to your majesty
and glory
in the world.
As our eyes
are opened
and our hearts
are filled,
allow gratitude
to rise up
within us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 27, 2011

Dear God,

In my heart I know you have put a creative spirit within each of us. Daily as we go about our lives, you urge us to allow the creative flow to have free expression. You want us to discover the hidden treasure, life's mysteries.

Today after hoeing the garden with my grandddaughter in the field next door we came back to the house to find my other granddaughter awake. In her pajamas she joined us outdoors. Before long we were listening to classical music and dancing on the driveway. With gentle leaps from Sophie who is in her third year of gymnastics, runs and hops from Gabrielle, and ballet from me in my dirty work shoes, we were quite a trio. As we laughed and played, I sensed your spirit bonding us together.

Later I asked them to write a story. I gave each of them three characters and a setting. They separated going to work on both computers. Following dinner they each stood to read them. Harold and I were amazed at the depth of their sharing. It was obvious their creative juices had been stirring all day.

As I reflect upon the many gifts you give us, I think a spirit of creativity is one of the best as it gives us opportunities to create our own experience. With new ideas and old, we are able to build something not yet created. When freely expressed, we are refreshed, uncluttered inside ourselves, and lifted up. Whatever troubles we may have been feeling are suddenly gone, vanished with the wind. In their place is evidence of your creative spirit, O Lord.

Come, come,
Master Artist,
blow upon us;
show us
your face
and your creation.
Allow us
to partner
with you
in the unveiling
of your
wondrous spirit.
Move us
to express ourselves
in your light,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Dear God,

"...glorify thy name in all the earth." At church we sang out our hearts so full of gratitude and praise. Sometimes a person just can't keep it in.

Our choir didn't sing this Sunday so I sat in the second pew with my husband and two granddaughters. As we slipped up our hands to select a favorite hymn, I asked to sing #377. It is Well with My Soul is a glorious song, my dearest God, because I am convinced you placed it in the heart of Horatio Spafford. How else could a broken hearted man who had lost all his children at sea write such a song if not for your powerful and loving grace filling him up? How could anyone sing it is well with my soul if not for a great measure of faith?

Every time I sing it, I close my eyes as if to blot out the world around me drawing me closer to you. For me the song is a song of trust, a song of faith. It is a song of commitment and confidence. In the midst of everything that breaks us down, that twirls us around and throws us down, if we can still sing the song, then we too stand with Horatio on the ship at the place where his daughters drowned. I believe we join all the angels and saints in singing out our belief in you who takes our sorrows to the cross and cries with us. There in that dark, lonely place, the sun shines through the pain and warms us with love that never ends. Strength and courage well up within us and we are enabled to breathe, to hold steady, and to move forward.

I will never ever forget the time in New Mexico when my blood pressure was well beyond the critical numbers. I had a blinding headache and with no cell phone service, I had to drive 30 minutes up a scary dirt road to a remote monastery to pick up church friends. It was their only means of transportation. In those fearful minutes you sang excerpts from the song to me, just those lines that speak of help in troubled times. You were my calm, my serenity, my savior. I will never forget your generosity in perhaps the most frightening time of my life.

Gracious and Loving God,
no one else
loves us
like you.
No one
gives greater care
than you.
Sing to us,
O Lord,
I pray,
so that
we can sing
right back.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Dearest God,

Every evening at bedtime Gabrielle, Sophie, and I read together from the new book, "Heaven is for Real." A true story about a three-year-old boy who visits heaven during a very critical surgery, we are learning about heaven from the perspective of a child. When I close the book and tell them goodnight, they beg me to read another chapter.

On occasion my two granddaughters and I discuss heaven and the afterlife. I talk about death and how we are still connected by faith. I once told them they could look up in the sky and see me dancing, sending love and faith their way. Sometimes they think I'm really crazy; yet, quietly they seem to accept that faith does not die but rather continues on a different level.

As I observe the tender roots of faith growing in these precious grandchildren, I marvel at the opportunities you give us grandparents to share with the next or next or next generation about faith. You open doors and windows to their fledgling spirits and then invite us to responsibly talk about a loving faith in God because of your love for us. Although I don't know exactly what all they are thinking, I am grateful they are pondering on thoughts about you.

Holy Father,
open us
to your
loving spirit.
Teach us
to trust you,
to consider
the benefits
of faith.
Help us grow
so that
we might add
more love
to the cosmos.
Show us
our responsibility
to offer
something good
to the world
around us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 24, 2011

Dear God,

Every morning is the same. I get up early and write. In the midst of my writing my granddaughter Sophie, 10, rises from her bed, descends the stairs, walks over to my desk, and then waits for me to stop, push back my chair, and allow her to sit on my lap while I rock her. When she is thoroughly awake, we talk about her night of rest and then anything that comes to mind.

This morning she asked me a very personal question. "Grandma, how did you and Grandpa come back together (following our separation and near divorce)? During the next 30 minutes I talked about you, Lord. I told her that you had planted a vision within me and gave me the power to share it with my husband who also believed and acted upon it. I continued, telling her how all the people who had prayed for us had participated in our miracle. Her eyes got real big as she hung on to every word I spoke. Finally she responded to my faith story. "Grandma, that's amazing!"

One thing I know for sure, you give us opportunity to tell our stories to others. You make room, stop time, and then invite us to open our hearts to someone else. Faith, I've learned, is the best story to tell. It has all the elements of mystery and surprise. It both amazes and challenges. It sometimes uproots old beliefs and begins to sprout new thoughts and ideas. It always, always includes love at its deepest level.

As I shared my story with Sophie, I could see that she was thinking and wondering about it all. Although she asked only one question, I could tell that other thoughts were forming as she listened. In her prayer before bedtime she prayed for her grandpa and me.

Almighty and Powerful God,
thank you
for moments
in time
that give
us chances
to share
our faith
in you.
Thank you
even more
for telling
your own story
and creating faith
in us.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Dearest God,

I returned to choir tonight after having been missing for three weeks. Later following our practice of Sunday's hymns we began singing music we will sing in the festival in August. Although we are a chatty bunch and on occasion we get scolded for talking too much, one song in particular drew us in and set us straight. "Sanctus, Sanctus" sounds like it originated from heaven itself.

I am mystified by the power of music to change us. I watch with great interest the way in which we settle in when music touches the deepest part of our selves. I feel it in my own soul.

I suspect there is something very deep seeded within each of us that takes our cue only from you. I believe there is something so far down that can only be reached by heaven's strong chords. Whatever it is, however it works, it can move me like nothing else. I am thankful and even my thankfulness starts with you.

Holy God,
Power of the Cosmos,
you can change
the position
of continents
but you still
work best
changing the
human soul.
Thank you
for allowing
eternity's sweet music
to inspire
my soul,
equipping my spirit
to sing
your praise.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Dear God,

Will anything grow under your care? Can you take the smallest, ordinary seed in the worst condition and make something of it?

Today I viewed my vegetable garden after having been gone a couple of weeks. I was amazed at the growth and color. My tomato plants are strong and healthy. The summer squash, peppers, lettuce, and radishes are growing right up. But it is the cucumbers that have surprised me. A young mother down the street told her preschooler children that they could plant a single seed. Her son got carried away. When the seeds sprouted there were too many for a styrofoam cup. I got one of the limp little plants that she just couldn't throw away. In poor soil, lots of rain, and cool days in Maine I can't distinquish which was healthy and the one that was not.

I truly believe you can take anything, infuse it with love, spread it with grace, sprinkle it with faith, and it will grow for you. I have watched individuals do the same thing. Your special touch upon the human heart can cause anyone to suddenly spurt up and grow.

You are an
amazing god
filled with
possibility and potential.
I look within
and all
around me
and I see
your fruit ripening.
And I am
so grateful.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Dear God,

Rising above the clouds, seeing the earth from above gives a unique perspective to what is happening below. When I stand and look into the skies, I cannot see life from that angle. But when I am above I see the wondrous beauty of the globe wherever I am traveling.

Through life experiences you have shown me that there is more to see than what I am able to see at a particular time. You stretch me to think and learn. You inspire me to look deeper, to reflect and give room for another opinion or for more information. When I am tempted to put my feet in concrete because I believe something is a certain way, you trip me up discipling me to be more trusting, more open, and more patient. You make me think more and longer about things. When I am able to expand my vision, you begin to reveal more to me. In those moments I am humbled and often ashamed that I did not trust more.

As we lifted off in the airplane on my trip back home to Maine, I saw life on the ground but when you lifted me up I could see what I was blind to before. In those moments I realized there is always more and the more is always you.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for more,
for you,
Great and Loving God.
Teach me
your ways.
How many times
have I
pleaded with you
to teach me
your ways?
Open my eyes,
expand my vision.
Open my ears,
clear my hearing.
Open my heart,
make room
for more.
Open my soul,
let your spirit in,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 20, 2011

Dear God,

At 5:00 p.m. my ten-year-old granddaughter said to me, "Grandma,can we just close our eyes now and fall asleep so we can wake up and it will be time to fly to Maine?" For a year Sophie, ten, and Gabrielle, 11, have been begging to return to Maine for a visit. We finally relented because it was technically time for other grandchildren to come but their parents thought they were still too young to leave home and travel 1,100 miles. So, the girls worked and asked for money for their birthdays so they could purchase their round trip airline ticket.

We got up at 4:00 a.m. and made our way to the airport, all the while Sophie asking me questions about what we would do when we arrived at our home in Kennebunk. As the airplane was picking up speed for lift off, I gazed at the favorite cousins as they imagined our time together.

The very fact that grandchildren would want to spend seventeen days with their grandparents is amazing to me. I know we are very fun people but to want to live with us, play with us, go places with us, help around the house, and live by different rules is unbelievable.

I have come to the conclusion that every day your gifts await us. You hold them out in front of us. You offer them and you give us opportunity to seize the moment, to take the gifts, to enjoy, to learn, to appreciate, and to be grateful. Some gifts are obvious like grandchildren wanting to spend time with us but sometimes it is something much more powerful like hope in the midst of bleak, dark hopelessness. What I know for sure is you are behind the gifts we receive, every gift that comes to us and because I know it is yet another gift. You give so many chances to be grateful and being grateful makes for a happy heart.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for your
many gifts.
Thank you
for surprises
and spontaneous moments
of joy.
Thank you
for your generosity
and great love.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, June 19, 2011

My dearest God,

I arose from my bed at 4:45 a.m. to return home from my daughter's house in Fort Wayne. After filling my car with many items I took to prepare a graduation open house for my granddaughter, I drove onto the highway, put on my "Be Still and Know" album, and had the experience of a lifetime.

During the three hour drive home accompanied by a major traffic jam and bad storm, you visited me through a live video. From the moment the first sound penetrated the quiet, you took me on a pilgrimage of faith. You unfolded for me several years of hardship, overcoming, healing miracles, and restoration. I watched in my mind's eye the separation and coming together of many family members. I observed the various births, illnesses and tragedies of my nine grandchildren and their healings. I saw a living faith revealing its benefits and rewards. I gazed upon your amazing grace and was filled with so much love that I wept nearly all the way home.

It was during my granddaughter's graduation that the emotional trek of gratitude began. First I sat by my daughter with whom I was estranged for 13 years. I looked upon my granddaughter as she received her diploma. It was about five years ago when she dove into a family swimming pool and broke her neck. Through fast action, a skilled surgeon, and many prayers, Hilary walked across the stage healthy and whole. At the open house several family members joined together in celebration.

As I viewed grandchildren at play with favorite cousins, I remembered Rylan's premature birth, his stay in the hospital and the nurse sharing with us that he was the sickest child in the NICU. He not only lived but is doing well. I thought of Gabrielle and her bouts with histoplasmosis and the healthy birth of Stella whose mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was just six weeks pregnant. On and on the video played as I peered into your miracle work in my family's lives.

The pictures and images of your work in human living galvanized my faith as I sang to the music in praise and thanksgiving. I lifted my hands in praise (one at a time) as I sang "You are worthy, you are worthy, you are worthy." Over and over again I whispered my thanks to you.

You are an amazing God,
my redeemer,
savior, helper,
and friend.
Your miracle work
reminds me
to give thanks
again and again
and again.
Who am I
to receive
so many gifts
and blessings?
No one special,
yet that
is how
your love is.
You give
and give
and give.
Thank you,
dear God,
for blessing me
with faith;
otherwise,
I would
have missed
the morning show
of agape love.

Forever yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Dearest God,

Those who wait and wait and wait upon the Lord will indeed find strength. This scripture rose up in front of my face this morning. For I attended my granddaughter's high school graduation. I sat by my daughter. Years of waiting, praying, pleading, waiting some more, trusting, working, trusting more, stepping forward, and giving thanks led me to this glorious day. Thirteen years in the making you brought healing to my family and today I reveled in your grace-filled mercy, love, and power.

During the long wait I fell and stumbled. I wept and cried hard. I felt hopeless, lost, anguishing. But each time you lifted me up, gave me your promise to be constantly with me, and you set me back on my path to wholeness. When I could not trust anymore, you expanded my ability to trust. You filled me with your love and reiterated your promise of love. You inspired me to faith showing me the benefits of trust, courage, risk, and surrender. You opened doors and windows. Sometimes you even opened heaven that I could gain a peek at eternity. You kept me keeping on until the fruit of your promise and my trust gained the joy of faithfulness.

Today I realized once again that faith is the one commodity that works in this world. I acknowledged your presence because you make the impossible possible in your time. I confess that sometimes I am impatient but you showed me the necessity of practicing patience because it leads to much greater things. I believe that trust leads to faith because faith can hardly exist without it. As you pushed me toward faith, as you invited me into a deeper relationship, you revealed miracles that changed my life and my family's life.

The scripture from Isaiah means more to me that I will ever be able to express to you. "...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." May I never forget your faithfulness to me.

Glorious and Living Lord,
take all
of me
and make me
entirely yours.
Show me
the way
of faithful discipleship
so that
I may
truly be
a witness
to your work
in this world.
I am grateful,
so deeply grateful
for today,
for your
many gifts.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Friday, June 17, 2011

Dear God,

Why do we long for people’s approval? Why do we need someone to tell us we have done a good job?

Have you built into every human the desire to be the best we can be, O Lord? Have you given us an opportunity to rise above our circumstances and adjust ourselves to your specifications?

I longed for my own mother’s approval and never felt I received it. I am not judging her wrongly; rather I think my need was greater. My own children sometimes give signs that they too need more from me.

Is our need for approval tied to the growth of our character, integrity, and moral compass? Do we constantly need to be more than we are?

Merciful God,
call us higher,
I pray.
Make us
useful citizens
of your kingdom.
Challenge us daily
to raise
our sights
toward heaven.
Make our longings
your longings.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Dear God,

Where does the power to change come from? How does it enter our soul enabling us to transform ourselves?

Today I spent time with my third daughter and her children. As I took the kids to the movies, dinner, and to the Holiday Inn to swim, I thought of the power that has changed our family life. Brokenness has indeed healed itself. We have been made whole.

For years we were weak, fragile, too vulnerable to take steps toward healing. However, during our broken period you were at work cajoling, whispering, nudging, guiding, challenging, and inviting us to something more. For years we were not willing to listen; we were reluctant to trust. Yet, your loving grace pushed us to love, forgive, and be merciful. Your spirit stirred within us, opening doors, creating new spaces in which to live. Finally, we found ourselves at new destinations where we could build bridges to live together.

As I spend my final few days of vacation with my third set of grandchildren, I marvel at your willingness to care, to urge us to be better than we were, and to knead within us a leaven that keeps us alive and in touch.

Holy God,
Transformer of Human Lives,
I revel
in your presence
giving thanks,
expressing my gratitude.
You will have
my love
forever.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Dear God,

When you pointed to little children, I believe you wanted the human race to pause and think like a child about the wonderment of life. I learned a long time ago that children could lead us to you.

This evening my daughter suggested we have a spa night. That meant we would each get to put our feet in a spa foot bath and someone would wash, lotion, and massage our feet. Jill turned down the lights, lit the candles, put on quiet music, and then we began our spa time.

When it came to my turn, my three, five, and eleven-year-old grandchildren started arguing over who would do my feet because each one wanted to take care of them. Finally, my daughter suggested all of them do it; one would apply the soap and wash, one would rinse and dry, and another would lotion and massage. Three-year-old Rylan and five-year-old Lucy did step one and step two. As Rylan rubbed soap onto my ankles, shins, calf and knee cap, he leaned over to me and said, “Grandma, you can pray about something.” When they were done, eleven-year-old Gabrielle massaged my feet, lovingly stroking them until my feet were soft and refreshed.

But it was what happened next that truly touched my heart. Lucy came in with a piece of bread on a plate and suggested we kneel around the coffee table and pray. She asked if she could get some juice for us. That led us to a time of holy communion. Matt, Jill, Gabrielle, Lucy, Rylan, and I knelt at the table. I blessed the communion elements, prayed, and then served each one ending in prayer.

What was meant to be a fun evening washing feet and getting our feet washed turned into a time of holy service one to the other. Our focus shifted from personal fun to a beautiful time with you led by two little ones, ages three and five.

Gracious and Holy God,
you bless us
in surprising ways.
You lead us
to you
down unsuspecting paths.
You give us
cause to pause,
to reflect
and ponder
the wonders
of the relationship
between the human
and the divine,
between you
and the
rest of us.
Thank you
for intuitive children
who listen
to you
and lead us
to the holy.

Love, Andrea (aka Grandma Andrea)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Dear God,

Thank you for creative ideas that help us overcome traditional ways of doing things!

Today I declared an Adopted Birthday for two of my grandchildren ages 3 and 5 who will celebrate their birthdays in August. I will not be with them on their birthdays so I decided to revel in today with them. I took Lucy and Rylan (and their sister and mom) to their favorite restaurant where we ate chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese and cake. While they wore birthday hats, we sang Happy Birthday. Later we picked out sleeping bags as gifts. What a fun happy birthday day!

Thank you,
O God,
for Rylan
and Lucy.
Thank you
for making them
special people.
Thank you
for filling them
with so much love.
Bless them,
I pray.

Love, Grandma Andrea

Monday, June 13, 2011

My dearest God,

How do you make the human heart stretch further and further? How do you make the heart a vessel holding so many loved people, people that we keep loving more and more? How do you do it?

Spending time with my children and grandchildren has considerably expanded my heart. As we laugh and play, hug and dance, sleep on the floor and picnic on the ground, I feel my heart growing. My love spills out because seemingly I can't hold it all in.

I am captured by the sweet smiles of my grandson and granddaughters. Their smiles tell me so much. They say I am happy and I love you and Let's play some more and Grandma, you are so silly. How can my heart not get bigger and bigger?

Thank you
for love
that makes
the human heart
grow more
and more.
Thank you
for family
that causes explosions
in the
human soul.
Thank you,
dear God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Dear God,

I love the story of Pentecost! I love to close my eyes and listen for the great rush of wind blowing upon a people not yet poised to receive the power of your spirit. I love drinking in the glorious grace you offer to your people.

I believe you are behind the power to heal, restore, renew, and reconstruct the human spirit. I believe you desire to fill us up with your spirit, a spirit so full of love that you could ignite a world with passionate fire. I believe your spirit can change and transform, beautifying the smallest, the most common and ordinary soul. I believe, O God, I believe!

To you,
Great and Wonderful God,
all glory
is due.
Your power
is like
none other.
I join
the angels
and saints
in singing your praise.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dear God,

I cannot look at the skies without thinking of you. I cannot witness radiant stars against a black night sky without pondering the divine.

Two of my daughters and five of my grandchildren joined me at the planetarium and observatory tonight. As we listened to the college student speak about the planet Saturn and then turn down the lights revealing the Milky Way, my heart was once again yours.

A few years ago I stepped out of a remote southwest mountain chapel into the very dark night when all of a sudden I was terrified by what I saw in the skies. Earlier when I had walked the uneven path to the chapel, there were just a few glowing lights but then the sky was covered. The stars appeared so close that I felt I could reach out and touch them. I was terrified thinking the sky was falling. A pilgrim to the chapel like myself whispered to me that it was the Milky Way. I stumbled several times on the way back because I couldn't stop looking up.

You have so many wonderful surprises awaiting us, O God, treasures yet to be revealed. Powerfully you speak of beauty, mystery, grace, and love. I cannot take it all in.

Why do you give us so much? Why do you offer so many blessings? Why is your love poured out upon a people who so rarely look up?

Master Creator and Lord of Life,
my heart
is full
of you.
I thank you
for your goodness,
your majesty,
and your glory.
You touch
and inspire me
again and again.
What can I say to you?
How can
I express
the fullness
of my gratitude
for such
unwarranted gifts?

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 10, 2011

Dearest God,

What makes our heart sad? What causes us to miss someone in their absence? What is the longing that exists within us when we are missing from each other's lives?

Emotional and physical distance seems to disrupt the natural flow of life when someone is not with us. Oh, not that we can't function because we can but rather because we miss them. We feel the loss inside ourselves.

I have only been away from my husband for a few days but I miss him. I miss his smile, his embrace, his natural curiosity, and hunger for knowledge. I miss him because you placed within me a love for this man to whom I have been married for more than 25 years.

I'm not sure what love consists of that makes the heart lonely when we are missing from each other. Is it just raw emotion, a shift in body chemicals, or something more?

Good God,
thank you
for putting love
in our lives,
for giving us
the opportunity
to share
with special persons
around us.
Thank you
for love
when it
is missing
and when
it comes
back together.
Thank you,
O God,
for all the
many gifts
that come
with love.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, June 9, 2011

My dearest God,

What is it about the human condition that stifles us? Why is it sometimes hard to adapt to situations? What is the key to being flexible and going with the flow?

I have felt trapped inside by the heat. My trip back home has been wonderful with family but suffocating otherwise. I am sure it is difficult for most people but my health is dramatically affected by it and I feel stuck inside. When I do go out for just a minute, I feel immediately tired and if I'm not careful my body starts shutting down. We keep all the curtains and shades closed to keep the house as cool as possible. That's exactly what I do but this time I just feel closed in, hindered, trapped.

I do believe, dear God, that you provide opportunities for us to seize life in new ways. I believe you want us to adapt, to change, to trust, and to go forward in life. I believe situations are change makers or at least potential ones. I believe I need to pause, reflect, trust, and have faith in order to have the most meaningful life possible. If I resist, whine, cry out, complain, and act stubbornly, I will not be able to take advantage of the chances you give for growth and celebration. I will miss the gifts waiting for me.

O God,
teach me
to be patient,
to trust,
and to
be faithful.
Teach me
your ways
so I
can learn
to leave
my own way behind.
Forgive me
when I fail
to trust.
I give thanks
to you,
Great Teacher.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Dearest God,

How wonderful is play, especially with grandchildren. I have often thought that you made grandchildren so we could remedy mistakes with our children.

You made me a hard worker, a person who could start work early and end late. I have worked all my life whether in my vocation or the many projects I do. When I was a single mother with three young children, I went to college and then to seminary. I worked as a nanny housekeeper and a house cleaner. I labored long on studies so I could do well. Those years are a blur. I missed spending time with my children.

My trip back home to Indiana is intended to be a play time with children and grandchildren. Today we played 'Go Fish'. I mean how many times in a row can you play 'Go Fish'? We played consecutive times asking for stingrays, angelfish, crab, and hammerhead sharks. I actually won a couple of rounds. We had so much fun.

I hold my grandchildren. I tickle them. I tease them and make up songs. I dance and do funny things in the store. They laugh, beg me to stop, and ask me to do it again. Every moment is spent playing.

I've come to the conclusion that play is the balance to work. If I work too long and fail to play, I get grouchy, irritable, and unfun. I never have to worry about failing to work but I do have to be aware of myself when I go days without playing.

I know you are the author of play. I know you are the source of joy that comes from play. I know you are the energy of fun that blends into the soul opening doors and windows to the light. I know you are the guide to recreation that unclutters, rids debris, and generally lightens the soul. I know you are in the middle of all good stuff!

O God,
Creator of All That is Good,
how I marvel
at your work.
You are
pure joy,
pure love,
and pure grace.
For all
these reasons,
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dearest God,

Love met me at the jetway. A daughter and two granddaughters met me at the airport and I could feel their love even before I saw them. It felt so good!

I went through a period where love could not find its way to my heart because it was too broken, too scattered, too vulnerable. I felt empty, lost, and lonely. It was a horrible feeling.

When you loved me back to health, you repaired my wounded heart. You opened new pathways to healing and wholeness. One day you opened the windows and doors to my mended heart and the light of love entered. I remember it so well. I cried and cried for joy because only you have the power, the love, and the grace to accomplish such a divine work.

Since then love has flowed through me. Not only has it come from heaven, I feel it from others, especially family, whose love fills me up to overflowing. Because I am full, you give me opportunities to fill others. I guess that's what an overflowing fountain of love does. It's such a wonder to me, giving love away because I've been blessed with so much.

As I reflect upon the dry times, I remember those who poured their love on me to sustain me. I recall with great affection little hugs and "I love you" from grandchildren. Oh, how wonderful it was being buoyed up, held with my head up out of water while the stormy winds blew. When the rough seas calmed, I could count the many gifts of love that saved me. How good you were and are to provide gems of love.

Everlasting God,
so full
of grace
and agape love,
thank you,
thank you
for love
that changes us.
Thank you
for eternal hope
that rises up
out of love.
You are worthy
of our praise,
Almighty God.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 6, 2011

Dear God,

I love the daily rhythms of life. In the early morning hours as the sun begins to raise its head above the horizon, my inner clock tells me it’s time to awaken. As I begin to stir, I sense your divine presence alive inside me. I break out into prayer even without opening my eyes. My center cries out in praise and thanksgiving.

As the day wears on, my senses come to life. Gentle nudges heighten my awareness that I am hungry and thirsty. As I feed my hunger and am satisfied, I feel the need to go to the bathroom to allow my body to empty itself of toxins. All day long I hear the rhythmic calls to live in an intentional, methodical manner.

As the minutes tick away, I sense your gifts revealed: hope, peace, love, faith, truth, joy, grace, and beauty. As I feel each one unfold, I listen to my inner urgings to pray again, to express my gratitude. I become so aware of your deliberate movements that all I can do is live in thankfulness.

As the sun sets bringing the day to its natural conclusion, my body feels its own weariness and I know it is time to rest my body and my mind. As I listen to the call, I am led once again to pray as I consider the many benefits of the day and am grateful.

O Lord,
you are God
of the cosmos.
Your power
has touched
my life today
and caused me
to live
in your rhythm.
Let my praise
always be
in tune
with your
sacred rhythm.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Dear God,

How I love erupting in song at church! I don’t mean some soft, monotone singing; I mean some serious, use-all-the-air-you-have-in-your-lungs and full voice praise! “This is the day that the Lord has made…” We didn’t even let the organist play her postlude alone; we joined her by remaining in our seats and singing words we already knew.

Sitting in the choir loft looking out over the congregation, I could see pure joy on the faces of the people, young people, old people, children and teens, all singing with full voice. There’s something that happens to the human soul when we let out our faith in music and I could see it happening right before my eyes. How sweet it was; how sweet it is!

I believe part of the reason we gather with the community of faith is to sing. Artists, musicians, composers all know that music has a spirit to it that stirs the soul. They write music, play it, arrange it, and do all kinds of things with it just to titillate the human inner self. When I see joy spread across faces that looked tentative as they walked in, I know heaven has entered through the doorways.

I know for a fact that we are changed as we leave for home. I feel it in my own soul. I see it in my husband’s face and voice. I hear it from friends and strangers who talk about their experience. They are genuinely happy. Their spirits are lifted. Their wills are resolved. Peace has come and harmony restored. Whatever plagued the human heart as they entered no longer has the same power to burden and despair. Faith moves us up and out as we leave with a new will to live life lively!

O God,
Redeemer and Savior,
we sing
your praise
not because
we must
but because
we feel
the call
to sing.
Open the doors
to heaven
so we
can sing
with all
the angels
and saints,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Dear God,

Six wonderful people joined us for dinner tonight. I cooked and cleaned all day making ready for our friends to join us for the evening.

As each arrived we took them through our home and outside for a look at our work on our nearly 200 year old home. As we made our way inside and ate dinner around the table in the dining room, we laughed, enjoyed, teased, and prayed together. What a beautiful time we shared.

We met our friends at church. Sharing a common faith we bonded together by singing in the choir. Their spirits are infectious and have touched my husband and me. Their stories and their life journeys have helped quicken our own sense of your presence in human lives. Together in our dining room your real presence filled us.

Loving God,
your grace
brings people together
in ways
we could
not do otherwise.
We are thankful,
grateful for
your tender care
and gracious ways.
Thank you
for our
spiritual friends.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, June 3, 2011

Dearest God,

The smallest thing can speak to me of you. Is that the way it's supposed to work?

In the last many hours I have washed 32 windows, six doors, and two french doors. Although my arms are nearly ready to fall off, to wash away a year's dirt is giving me new vision. I have literally washed four sides of each window twice and I have scrubbed the inside sill of each window. What was once dirty is now clean.

Before I started the cleaning process, all I could see were dirty windows. Now the clean windows open a pathway to the outside. I see one neighbor's purple rhododendron across the street, another neighbor's dark purple lilac tree to the east, and my neighbor's pink and blue hydrangea to the west. The woods, river, and long back yard have all come into view.

Does a good washing of the human soul provide the same results? Do I look different when I'm cleaned up? Are others prohibited from seeing the beauty within me when I'm smudged and smeared?

One of my favorite scriptures comes to mind from the psalms. "Search me and know me, O God; examine me and see if there is any sin hidden within me. Cleanse me..." If dirty windows can cause me to look within myself for "dirt", then the work of washing them can lead me to clean up my inner self so those things of you that are inside me can shine.

Wash me,
O God;
cleanse me
from within.
Let the seeds
of my faith
be revealed
as I
grant you permission
to wipe away
my dirty surfaces.
Do a
deep cleaning
inside me
so that
I may be
a light
to the nations,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Dearest God,

My dad would have been 87 years old today. I talked with his twin brother to wish him a happy birthday. He is the last of four sons born to my grandparents. How I adored them all.

It seems time has sweetened the memories. I've decided the human mind determines what to remember and what to surrender particularly as we age. I want to be able to bring to mind the joys of family get togethers, the hugs, the celebrations, and sharing together our life journeys.

I've been particularly blessed with joy in my life. So many times you have swept over me bringing me heaven's gifts. Each one had your name on it.

As I look at each day as a gift, you give me the opportunity to pause, to reflect, to give thanks, and sing your praise.

To you
I give
my heartfelt thanksgiving.
You alone
are worthy
of praise.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Dearest God,

When I listen to you and follow your leading, so many opportunities open to me. For the most part, I like making my own decisions; however, I am limited by ideas, resources, talents, skills, and gifts. But when I open myself to your voice, new doors and windows open.

My neighbor and I joined a partnership to create beautiful gardens with your help. With land that has been forgotten, neglected, and abandoned for decades, we want to restore it to its original beauty. We want to help it come to life in a way that would inspire people to enjoy the wonders of nature. We believe your spirit can come to life lifting people's spirits, challenging them to grow, and causing them to celebrate all your good blessings.

Last summer we dug out our first area. Today we dug out some ancient roses and put in five arborvitae. With this first step we are on our way to new life. It already looks different. We hope to resume our work this weekend while we each work on other areas.

I have to confess I love partnering with you in resurrection work. You offer the ideas and the power. I get to do the hands-on work. When we each do our part, something wonderful usually emerges.

Thank you,
Good God,
for your
transformative power.
Thank you
for allowing me
to join you
in creative endeavors.
Thank you
for your
wonderful work
in the world.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Dearest God,

I love being in the middle of something not quite yet able to see what is in front of me. For being in the middle has its own view and opportunity.

I have been deep in the woods for nearly three weeks clearing, cleaning, dragging, and designing. In the beginning I could only imagine how something would look at a particular time. But along the way after a dead tree fell or a bush was lifted out or leaves were raked away, an image would come to me like the first twinkling star on a dark, dark night. At that moment I shifted and began to make the vision a reality.

The gifts you give out of heaven bring me such joy. What might seem to others to be some small, insignificant thing is a real treasure to me. I know where each one comes from. You are the giver, O God, the giver of every good gift.

Let treasure fall
from heaven,
Most Gracious God,
so that
I may fall
on my knees
in praise
and thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 30, 2011

Dear God,

The bluebirds have returned to our neighbor's birdhouse. Delight showed on Fran's face as she carried her vegetables to be planted in the community garden. At that moment the bird lifted her song.

I used to think that what was lost was lost forever. Sometimes it is. However, recently I have watched the lost be found, the forgotten remembered, and those gone returned. Each time I have been pleasantly surprised and hopelessly happy.

I have come to the realization that sometimes my expectations and anticipation are too low. But joy is the surprise that comes when I discover something beyond my expectation. Like the bluebird's return that brought happiness to my friend, when hope comes back after a long stint of being gone, joy erupts within me because I remember once again that you are the source of the return. I too get the privilege of singing your song.

Giver of Many Gifts,
I offer you
my gratitude
for the found
and the lost.
In each case
you invite me
to return
in praise
and thanksgiving,
for help
and comfort,
for trust
and hope.
My love
will always
be yours.

Love, Andrea