Monday, January 30, 2012

Dear God,

This morning I attended worship in my writing room at home in my jammies.  I had received an email from Church on the Cape United Methodist Church in Cape Porpoise, Maine, our church home while in Maine.  I listened to the message, the prelude and postlude, and the offertory anthem and I was left feeling uplifted, challenged, joyous, and warmed to my bones.  Truly, I was ushered into your living presence where the joy of heaven bubbled over.

I realized once again how important worship is to the human soul.  Somewhere in the 45 to 60 minutes you are bound to touch and inspire the human heart and mind whether through the music, the message, the communion, the scripture, the prayers or the fellowship.  You do live in every church and our openness to your movement can aid us in our ability to connect in some way during the service.  Even being 1,100 miles away did not prevent me from having a deep experience with you.

As I consider the beauty of worship, that high and holy moment intended to lift the human spirit into the heavenlies, I realize there is no substitute for worship, the time when the house of God is open to pilgrims seeking and searching for the divine.  Nothing else can rattle the human soul like a worship experience intended to lift your name, to glorify your goodness, and to teach us how to love more deeply because worship lets us know just how much your grace has invited us in.

As I allowed my own spirit to be moved even before I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I recognized my need to remain close to you if I want to live a valuable, meaningful, and productive life.  Nothing else can give me what you give, what you want to give to every living soul.  Nothing else is available no matter how "valuable" it may be.  This morning I lived in your presence giving thanks, singing, humming along, nodding my head, clapping my hands and holding my hands, palms up, to you in thanksgiving.

Glorious and Living God,
all glory
belongs to you.
You are
the source
of living water
to the
thirsty soul
and living love
to the empty
and lonely heart.
Your power
can transform,
renew, and restore
every human soul.
Let it be,
O God,
let it be.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Dear God,

Why does it take so long to find what we have hidden from ourselves?  Why do we close the door on the source of our living joy?

I am stymied at times by our inability to get to the well of living water that will nourish us at the cellular level.  It seems we are paralyzed by circumstances that block our knowledge of what is true about faith inside us.  I know because I have faced this same quandry myself.

Yet, what is amazing and so beautiful is the moment we suddenly discover what we know to be true that the well of living water (faith in liquid form) truly flows freely 24/7.  In the stunning finding, our eyes begin to sparkle, a smile spreads across our face, our body releases itself from its tight hold, and joy, your kind of joy begins to bubble up and overflow.

During our retreat this weekend, I saw many faces of joy, including my own, for we experienced the amazing hope you have placed inside all of us.  Although we know happiness, that temporary cloud that rises and fizzles quickly, we reveled in the pool of heaven's joy. 

Mighty, Powerful, and Loving God,
thank you
for grace
that leads us
to your truth.
Thank you
for your
living joy
that sustains us,
quenching our thirst
like nothing else.
You are God;
there is
no one
like you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Dear God,


Weary hearts can become revived, broken hearts can be put back together, and sad hearts can be restored when your living joy wells up within us and we decide to take a drink.

I have witness your work so many times when women journey on retreat together, women who know your path is always open to them. Sometimes I watch them rise up from their sorrow, drink from your well, and then breathe in your renewing air. I observe them take bold steps toward healing and wholeness because they know your living water can refresh like nothing else. I see your joy bubble up and overflow when women take hold of the ladle themselves to drink freely and often.

Tonight I witnessed living joy at St. Joseph Retreat Center and as I lay my head on my pillow in sleep, I whispered my prayers of thanksgiving.

You are the god of joy,
the author of hope,
and the presenter of peace.
You are God;
there is no other.
Thank you
for loving power
that restores
like new.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 27, 2012

Dear God,

It's all about trust, isn't it?  Trust can give me help, guidance, challenge, insight, hope, faith, wisdom, discernment, grace, and even love.  The more I trust, the more I am able to live a meaningful, valuable, productive life.  Trusting you changes everything.

When I reflect upon my 65 years of life, I can see times when I failed to trust.  I pushed you aside for a fist full of fool's gold.  I turned foolish to be sure as I followed my own desires.  I hurt and disappointed myself.  I gave up so much time and energy by following illusions rather than asking you for visions that lead somewhere.

But my memories also gave me joy as I remembered moments when I trusted utterly in you.  I did not count the cost nor the impossibilities that appeared, I just listened and followed.  The jewels that awaited me were intangible but oh, how they satisfied my longing soul.  So many blessings were mine because I trusted you to lead me.  So many blessings are mine as I trust each day to you.

The richest blessings
in life
come from you,
Great and Wondrous God.
No amount
of worldly riches
can compare
to your
loving offerings.
Remind daily
to trust
and follow.
At day's end
let me
praise you
for your goodness.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Dear God,

I am so grateful for monastic communities who open their doors to hungry pilgrims.  I am grateful for the ways in which they dedicate their space to the movement of your spirit, to the increase of faith, to prayer, and to the betterment of the whole world.  I am grateful to approach them, even while not on their premise yet drawn into their living presence.

As I live and breathe, I realize I have many to thank for my own faith and spiritual life.  I have not come to your side as an act of my own rather I have been drawn by the friendly nature of your glorious presence who woos me to love, grow, repent, laugh, pray, surrender, and worship.  My own spirit soars as I allow myself to dance with all those on the spiritual path.

Tomorrow I travel to St. Joseph Retreat Center.  I will be welcomed by your hospitality and intention.  I will step inside your loving grace and find plenty of room in which to roam as I wander listening, learning, and loving.  I will be joyous as I am even now to be in your company.  I will pray for your leading as I lead retreatants on yet a further stretch of your holy road and I will be grateful to be in the company of the sisters of the committed to Christ. 

As I ready myself for yet another journey, I pray with thanksgiving.

Holy God,
the work
of transformation
is yours alone.
You are
the power
of love
and grace
and mercy.
Thank you
for holy ground
in which
to travel.
How happy
I am
to be
with you
and those
who regularly
travel the road
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dear God,

As I listen to stories of very sick children with cancer, chrones disease, and other dreaded illnesses, read newspapers about parents who abuse and kill their own children, and hear news of an increase in the incidence of human trafficking, I wonder how faith can made a difference.  Can more prayer change things?  Can social activism retard the growth of evil in the world?  Can love reshape hatred?

I believe some days the answer to these questions is a resounding YES; other days, I wonder if anything can change the course of our world. 

Help us
reload our barrels
with mercy
and compassion
rather than
with bullets
and bitterness.
Teach us
your way,
O God;
show us
the way
to forge
a new path
that will
lead to peace
for all people.

Love., Andrea

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Dear God,

Is there anything you are not willing to do?  You come to us sometimes with help, other times with direction.  There are times when you come with healing and hope.  Sometimes with gentle persuasion and challenge.  But always you come to us with grace.

I find myself overwhelmed most of the time when I consider the countless times and ways you appear in my own life.  I don't get wrapped up in worthiness issues; I know I do not deserve so much attention.  All is grace for me, pure unadulterated grace.

As I work on the retreat I am to lead this weekend, you bring me ideas, the turn of a phrase, a song, a thought or inspiration.  I have the feeling that we are writing together, you with all the good ideas and me as the typist.  My heart desires to create a setting for your joy to bubble over, to lead us to deep water, and to drench us in hope and holiness.  Who can do that without divine instruction?

As I listen, ponder, and pray, you give me cause once again for thanksgiving and praise.

All Powerful and Ever Loving God,
every ounce
of my joy
comes from you.
My heart
is full
of gratitude,
Wondrous and Kind God.

Forever yours, Andrea

Monday, January 23, 2012

Dear God,

Ordinary days can be extraordinary days when spent with you.  Today I had planned to participate in church, attend a gymnastics competition, and work on a retreat.  But today did not work out that way.  All dressed for church I started the car, pulled it out of the driveway, and returned to the kitchen to get my full cup of coffee.  As I turned from the sink my shoes slipped on the wet linoleum and I twisted and fell.  Lying in my puddle of coffee for three or four minutes, I assessed my situation, realized I had no broken bones, and finally slowly got up.  It took about 30 minutes before all my aches and pains began to be revealed.  Wow, I had no idea I could hurt in so many places and be so thoroughly exhausted from the experience.

Alone I spent most of the day in bed resting.  Although my agenda was changed, I realized that some days need to be days just trusting you.  Essentially I followed you all day long.  I let you care for my needs and gave thanks.

This morning I rose less achy and grateful for your living presence.  I call that extraordinary.

Loving God,
thank you
for your mercy
and compassionate care.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Dear God,

I heard the sound of a bird hitting the window.  I left my writing room and walked into the living room. Sure enough there was a bird lying in an awkward position among the branches of a flowering bush.  I began praying aloud.  And then I spoke, "Little bird, little bird, don't be afraid."  I started singing His Eye is on the Sparrow.  I continued to pray and then went back to writing when I saw that the bird was breathing very fast and I didn't want to frighten it.  Off and on I went back watching and praying.  Suddenly I noticed it flip around to get in a more comfortable position.  Little by little the bird caught its spirit breath and finally flew away.

I do believe you care about every living creature.  The small bird was loved no less than me.  I knew I needed to pray, to sing, and to care about the "least of these."  I felt privileged to participate in your loving grace.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for bringing together
a bird
and a woman.
Thank you
for reminding me
that you
are always
with us.
We are
never alone.
Thank you
for your care.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Dearest God,

I looked in the mirror after I got off the scale.  I had lost four and a half pounds.  Feeling good about myself with a concerted effort of diet and exercise plus one small piece of my peanut butter fudge a day, I looked again.  I realized I looked different in my own eyes.  It wasn't altogether different because I had dropped weight but because I saw faith in the mirror.

It is hard for me to get on the treadmill.  I don't like walking all that much.  I walk on a safe surface with handlebars because basically I am a klutz.  Outdoors I could trip and fall down.  Goodness knows crazier things have happened like having a heavy cross fall on me and walking into a sharp pencil that got lodged in my toe and slipping on a lone grape in a grocery store and running into Lake Michigan and stepping onto a broken soda bottle bottom.  I've experienced all these. 

The point of my rambling is that I trusted in you to help me optimize my health.  You revealed to me that you were doing your part to help me.  My doctor was doing his part.  It was time to do mine.  Exercise will bring up my very low HDL, continue to stabilize my blood pressure, and give me a healthy heart.  Diet will help bring my triglycerides down and my weight in the normal range. 

I look different when I am trusting you.  I like how I look when I know I am walking with you.  When I fail to do so, I often pick at myself acknowledging that I am not my best self.  I liked what I saw in the mirror today because I like seeing you in myself.

Loving God,
thank you
for your encouragement,
compassionate understanding,
and kindly ways.
Thank you
for challenges
that change me.
Thank you
for loving me
when I
am obstinate,
resistant, or unreasonable.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 20, 2012

Dear God,

Early this morning when I looked out my kitchen window, I noticed deer prints in the snow.  How beautiful it was to witness signs of life in the cold, wintry air.

I wondered if my life had left a print.  I reflected upon my own faith and thought about the ways I could make a mark.  But then I realized that a witness is only made through your help.  You guide us through valleys where you whisper encouragement and hope to us and it is there in our dilemmas where marks are made as we listen and follow you.

These last two years have been a wonder to me.  When I think about where I was three years ago, it all seems a blur.  However, I remember some of our daily chats when you reminded me of the compassionate mercy and power you give to us while we are in the valleys of life.  While blinded by pain and sorrow, I could only take your hand and step inside your footprints.  But today joy seems to be all around me.  It is not hard for me to find you for each day offers signs and wonders.

Your joy
is mine
as I
open my eyes
to see
signs of
your presence.
I revel
when I
realize your closeness.
I am grateful
and filled
with thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Dearest God,

Today a trip backward to memories of six plus years ago gave me cause for celebration.  My heart was warmed.  My faith was enriched.  My mind got caught up in miracle movement as I considered your incredible goodness. 

As I watched a DVD made of my clergy renewal Journey with God, I was once again overwhelmed with gratitude.  Every day was a gift.  Every moment was an open door to faith.  Every movement was an intentional leading of your spirit to new sights, sounds, and revelation.  How can I have begun to imagine what you would choose to do with me for three and a half months!

An intentional journey to yesterday's faith experience reminded me of just how much you direct my life.  I don't always go where you lead me but when I do, astounding moments of faith, love, grace, and wondrous surprise always await me.  An exploration of the past from a spiritual point of view caused me to consider how important it is to remember, to call up past experience of your work in my life.  What I discovered is that yesterday's faith experience brought enormous joy to my today.

Heavenly Father,
Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for my
spiritual pilgrimage yesterday
that took me
to places
I visited
with you.
Remind me
to double check
my spiritual pulse
so I
can return
to the gifts
in the past
always remembering
you are
my guide
to my past,
present and future.
Lead me,
Holy One,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Dearest God,

Your lessons warm my heart and deepen my faith.  I have learned that when I trust in you wholeheartedly I can face whatever comes my way.  When life's temptations like fear threaten, I can turn to you and fear will dissipate because faith is greater.

What heavenly power is ours when we walk with you!  What glory is shown as you reveal yourself to us.  Knowing that I have successfully trusted you to handle my fears means that my life in you is growing and so is my devotion.

Thank you
for your
daily invitation
to turn
to you
and to trust
in you.
Remind me
that eternity's choices
to trust
and obey,
to listen
and follow,
and to love
and rejoice
are always mine.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dearest God,

When I woke up this morning to stormy weather, I went into our writing room to write my letter to you but nothing worked.  The outlets were dead.  Although I tried to rejuvenate the electrical sockets by flipping the switch box in the utility room, nothing worked.  So I unplugged the computer and printer and carried them into the kitchen where I plugged them in to a live socket and everything came on.

It was yet another lesson in faith.  When I am plugged into the source of my faith, I have power and energy.  When I do not, I am dead, lifeless.

How often have I failed to plug into eternity's power?  How many times have I complained because I couldn't get going?  How frequently have I blamed others around me for my own lack of spiritual "get up and go?"

This morning was a good reminder for me.  I must begin each day by an intentional act of aligning myself with you through obedience, prayer, surrender, and will.  I need to acknowledge that my human life is of little real value if I am not connected to you.  But when I do link myself to you, nearly anything is possible!

Great Eternal Power Source,
you are God;
there is none
like you.
Remind me
to be diligent,
to plug in
and stay
plugged in
to your
mighty power
and wondrous love,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 16, 2012

Dearest God,

How beautiful it is to walk the hallowed halls of prayer together.  To enter the sacred chambers of eternity with a loved one is simply awesome.  To meet you on the journey cannot be described in earthly terms.

Tonight as my husband and I lay in one another's arms I prayed.  I prayed for family relationships, for those for whom no one prays, my covenant group, our sick friends, and for the weary, the lost, and the fearful.  I gave thanks for the gifts, the amazing gifts of your compassion, mercy, and love.  I prayed in thanksgiving for us, for our transformation and our love.  I prayed for faith to live life meaningfully every day.

As he commented on my prayer, I had the sense that you were with us, not only separately, but as a couple.  I felt as if we were on holy ground, the three of us in an intimate chat.  What peace was ours as we slipped into sleep with heaven so close by.

Speak, O Lord,
and help us
to listen
and learn.
Teach us
more and more
to speak less
and listen more.
Thank you
for the
incredible journey
we take
every time
we enter
into prayer together
with you.
Thank you
for your
living presence.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Dear God,

If faith is a power for good in the world, then how does one connect themself to the source and live a dynamic faith-filled life?    How is a loving faith transmitted into the world that motivates and inspires change and transformation?  How does a single person make a difference?

I want my life to make a difference.  I want to leave a mark on the lives of those around me.  I want to assist others to discover the wonder of faith in God, in Christ, in a power to live life spiritually, meaningfully, and joyfully.  I do not want to bring glory to my name or to myself but rather I want to point others to you as the source of my own faith and joy.

I am 65 years old.  I do not have another 65 years in this body; therefore, how do I offer myself as a member of your loving family to the world around me?  How do I love others in order to serve you well?  How can I draw people to your side?

Make me
an instrument
of your love
in the world,
O God;
make me
a witness
of faith.
Let me
live life intentionally,
purposefully giving myself
to you
as I
offer myself
to others
in peace,
hope, and joy,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Dear God,

Tonight who could deny the movement of your living presence in the living room of my home?  After grazing on luscious snack foods at my epiphany party, with Christmas tree and mantle lights glowing, a fire burning in the fireplace, Christmas music playing, and candles giving off their mistletoe scent, seventeen women sat together as we shared what inspired us to keep seeking Christ in our lives.  Nature, hope, a new baby, and gratitude for answered prayer and faith alive at work and in friendships lead us to share even more deeply the meaning of returning daily to the manger of our faith in God.  We leaned toward one another as we listened carefully to the meaningful gifts we received during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.  And what joy we felt as we offered to share the gift we wanted to carry to the manger all year long.

Such moments remind me how precious the journey of faith is and how gifted we are when we share it in common pilgrimage together.  As I reflect upon the blessing of past retreats with these women, I celebrate the glory of your love, grace, and work in our lives.  I believe you have reshaped us, refashioned us, and redesigned us for your work in the world.  As we give ourselves more and more to you, the more beautiful is the road we walk, the scent of forgiveness always in the air, and love multiplies exponentially.

Good and Gracious God,
you are joy
bubbling up
and over.
Your goodness
is constantly
being revealed
and we
give thanks
today and always.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 13, 2012

Dearest God,

You have beautiful ways of bringing people together.  Although we may be strangers to one another, you know how to draw people together with you and make them one.

A few days ago I stumbled into my blog stats not really knowing what they were.  One click and another lead me to "audience" where I learned that I have readers from Russia.  Suddenly, it was 1988 and I was back in the Soviet Union and Ukraine for the 1,000 year celebration of Christianity.  For 17 glorious days I spent time with Christian believers in that vast land.  Daily I sensed your wondrous spirit.  I was lifted up by faith forged out of persecution.  I watched the celebration of the return of the relics of St. Andrew on Pentecost.  I saw joy, deep down joy coming from the well of your living water.  I was moved and inspired by their devotion.  My life was changed there and my faith was reshaped.

Often I find myself in spiritual places where you have taken me.  I relive sacred moments of great joy where you have spoken and challenged me.  I dwell there for a while remembering your awesome grace and incomprehensible compassion.  I realize once again the depth of your love and the strength of your power.  Out of humble gratitude I give thanks again and again because I know from the depths of my own inner being that you have fashioned my faith greatly through experience with strangers in foreign lands.  You have shown me how alike we are when we are both devoted to you or at least are making a pilgrimage of faith through the course of a lifetime. 

As I consider your marvelous workings in this world, I sing my song of praise to you.  For you alone, O God, are the very breath I breathe.

Most Gracious and Loving God,
I turn
to you
in the
early morning hours
to sing out
your praise,
to give thanks,
and to
renew my devotion.
I celebrate
your many gifts
and pray
that I
will live up
to your expectations.
Lead me,
Living God,
to the well
to drink
so that
I may
lead others,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Dearest God,

You really do know what is best for us, don't you?  While we stare down at a single angle, you know all the angles.  When you promote our healing, you know what it will mean in the long run.  You know what it will take to make the healing process begin.  You give us a vision and tools.  If we are open to your leading, you will even give us the desire to be transformed.

So many times we have watched this very process take place in our covenant group.  One of us will share an ongoing struggle, something perhaps we have wrestled with again and again.  With a stubborn refusal or at the least a resistance, we keep circling in our own puddles, not realizing there is another way out, another way home, or another way to return joy to our lives.  And then you nudge us, gently shaking us until suddenly we are enabled to see from a different perspective.  Even a small shift can dramatically change our picture.

This morning as I sit here writing, I am remembering times when you altered my vision.  For no reason other than love, you have moved me, shaken me loose from my firm grip on fear, and challenged my belligerent ways to soften a place at the edge of my soul.  There you spoke to me, like a loving parent to a recalcitrant child, and in the process opened me to the first step of healing change. 

I haven't always appreciated your intent to heal me.  Nor have I always embraced your idea of conversion.  Yet, as I trusted you more and more, I have learned that your way is always the right way, the better way, and even the good way.

With all
the power
to destroy us
because of our
poor attitudes
and bad behavior,
your grace
still wins out
and your love
is meted out
to your
wayward children.
As one
of those children,
I give you thanks.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Dear God,

When your spirit sweeps over us, life changes.  What we were blind to before is no longer hidden from our eyes.  What we could not hear before rings in our ears.  Your powerful spirit opens us more deeply and we are enabled to experience life in ways we could not imagine earlier.

Truths crystalize when your living presence is with us.  The human spirit is equipped with a kind of radar that makes us conscious of attitudes and behaviors that do not align with your desire for our lives.  You empower us with the ability to change ourselves recognizing when we begin to go astray.  But the sweetest part of all is when you give us a desire to follow you, to want what you want, to do your will and to please you.

Recently I became aware of something in my own life because your spirit made me aware.  You put a signal within me so I would become cognizant when I acted negatively, when I let go of positive living and took hold of something much less than yourself.  A little bell went off as my breathing altered giving way to impatience.  Suddenly I felt your presence urging me to rise higher and I responded with thankfulness deciding to take the high road.

Yours is
the power
of loving grace,
Heavenly Father;
you reveal
our faults
not to judge
as much
as to
call us
to higher places.
Your mercy
meets us
where we are
and because
we want
to please you,
we are enabled
to shift,
to surrender,
to let go,
and to
take hold
of you
and your ways.
Thank you
for the gift
of your
amazing grace.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Dearest God,

I love when nothing exists and then something comes to life.  I am astounded when there is only hopelessness and suddenly hope rises up seemingly out of nowhere.  I love when there is silence and then music fills the air or a blank canvas becomes a painting.  I love it when darkness soon becomes light.

In your grand design nothing always becomes something.  By your grace and love, with your power at work even evil can turn good.  You give us the potential for great things.  You give us a well filled with you where at any time we can go to drink, to take in, to pull out, and to embrace gifts to use for your purpose.

Every day I am amazed when my empty computer screen becomes a conversation between you and me.  I write when something of value comes, noticing that you are present in my room.  How else could I write of holy happenings?

One of the most beautiful things in life, I believe, is when emptiness becomes full of you.  How is this possible without you?  When our nothing meets up with your something, everything changes. 

Good and Gracious God,
how grateful
I am
that you are
a creative God.
How beautifully
you make something
out of nothing.
You lace love
into everything
you touch.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 9, 2012

Dear God,

It all started yesterday when we pulled into the parking lot...so many cars, four parking assistants, and crowds of very happy people pouring out of the church.  "Wow", I kept saying to my daughter, "wow!"  As we parked and walked toward the building I asked, "How was worship?"  "Great!", they told me.  But then we walked inside and the large gathering area was filled with people, maybe a hundred sipping coffee, talking, laughing, and having a good time.  As we mingled, I observed people of varying colors and ages sharing with one another. Ten minutes later a big bus pulled up and at least 50 teenagers rushed through the doors.  All I could do was smile, tears moistening my eyes, as I remembered a junior high retreat at Camp Barbee.

It was a snowy weekend in January, 1982.  As the youth minister I had taken about 15 youth to the denominational camp in northern Indiana.  There we played, shared, silenced ourselves, studied, and worshipped together.  When I offered an opportunity to make a first time commitment to Christ, Robbie scooted into the middle of our circle since we were all sitting on the floor.  I prayed for him and the others.  A couple hours later we packed up and I made the count.  Robbie was missing.  I went through the big house calling his name but there was no answer.  Finally, I walked upstairs to his dorm room and there he was on his bed staring at the ceiling.  "Robbie?"  I said.  Looking dazed he told me something dramatic had happened to him in the worship service. He knew you wanted him to do something.  I assured him that in the weeks and months to come you would reveal what you had in mind for him.  And you did.

And there I was in his church of joyous people.  As I stood in the congregation singing contemporary Christian songs and then listened as Rob preached a very meaningful sermon, I realized once again how your loving spirit works to call and equip your people.  My heart was full and blessed.

God of Many Wonders,
what joy
I feel
as I
remember events
long ago
and just yesterday.
Thank you,
Mighty God,
for your
incredible work
and magnificent spirit.
You are everything
to me.

Love, Andrea

 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Dearest God,

The blessings came rolling out of me as I lay in bed praying.  In the darkness as I thought of you, the blessings of recent weeks came forth like shotgun fire.  A bulleted page of beautiful gifts, I was warmed to think of just how many presents you had given me.

In the stillness I both spoke and listened as you directed me to the joy room of my heart.  There you showed me your wondrous display of grace.  You reminded me of the countless new beginnings and connections you had provided.  You recalled to my mind the smiles on people's faces in my own home over the course of the last month.  I heard eternity's song of joy blessing and filling me.  Again you showed me how faith opens doors to wondrous opportunities of heaven's best.

As I lay there giving thanks, I thought how beautiful it is to have you so deeply in my life.

Let me
give you
loving praise,
O God;
let me share
my blessings back
with you.
Let my joy
bless you too,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Dear God,

What is inside the human DNA that wants to cause suffering for others?  What link is there to emotional meanness?  As I hear more and more about human suffering at the hands of other humans, I am totally perplexed at the causes in the human soul.  What leads people to harm others?

Whether hearing about a male babysitter killing a nine year old girl with a brick and then dismembering her or in laws beating their 15 year old daughter in law because she refused to prostitute herself for money or rebels who rape women or even someone who would lock a sickly dog in a stall with no food or water, why is this even possible?  What is locked inside that gets triggered to destroy?

Cleanse us
from within,
Compassionate God;
clear away
emotional debris
that leads
to destructive behavior.
Purify us
with your
loving spirit.
Make a way
for all
your children
to find wholeness
and holiness.
Lead us
to love,
hope, grace,
and faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 6, 2012

Dear God,

Epiphany, one of my favorite days of the year!  I was overjoyed when 24 people said yes to attend my epiphany dinner party.  I had my tables beautifully set in the dining room, living room, and writing room.  I had candles burning all over the house and my Christmas tree and mantle lights were all aglow.  A roaring fire and Susan Boyle singing Christmas songs had my heart already stirring before the first person arrived.

As each guest stepped across the threshold, I invited them to take a number to determine who they would join for dinner.  Eventually as we all stood around visiting, I asked everyone to take the hand of someone else in the room for an evening prayer.  During the course of the next three hours we enjoyed a five-course meal. We shared Christmas memories from a "meal. conversation starter" sheet I had drafted.  It was wonderful watching new and old friends get better acquainted with one another. 

It was 10:00 p.m. when we filled the area around my makeshift altar that held my olive wood creche and figures.  I passed out sheets with an epiphany quiz and promised a prize.  And then I read the epiphany story from Matthew 2.  How beautiful that wise men wanted to know the location of the infant messiah so they could go and pay homage.  When I posed my question about what inspires us to find Jesus and what gift we would carry to you all year long, I was pleased to hear some of the answers.  People were nodding as they reflected upon their own faith.

But it was when we all stood to sing that a beautiful thing happened.  Our voices seemed richer and fuller like others had joined us in our singing.  Several of us had lumps in our throat as we noticed the quality of the four-part singing.  "We three kings of orient are bearing gifts we traversed afar..."  As we continued to sing, tears glistened in many eyes as together we all felt the awesomeness of your living presence in our midst.  We were overwhelmed by the majesty of a savior standing with us.  Although our choir director later queried us about the possibility of our cathedral ceiling making the sound of our singing so beautiful, the rest of us smiled knowing full well that your own son was with us.

Living God,
full of grace
and wondrous love,
thank you
for your appearance
in our home tonight.
Thank you
for joy
that filled
every heart.
Thank you too
for the sounds
of angels
singing with us.
Thank you,
O God,
for every gift
you gave
to every one
of us.
Blessings upon you,
Holy God.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Dear God,

O Lord, as I close my eyes to remove the images of life around me, I move into darkness where your light comes to shine.  As I purposefully shut out the pictures where I am in order to find you, I meet you.  It is there I cherish the silence and listen for your voice.  Sometimes you bring a different scene to me.  Sometimes words will rise and take shape in my mind.  Always I sense your living presence.

Moments like these continually refashion my faith beliefs, attitudes, and practices.  As I give way to your light and insights, I am inwardly changed and every time filled with joy even if you bring correction and challenge to me.  It is this dynamic movement in our relationship that enjoins me to you and a life of faith.

You are
my all in all,
dearest God;
you are
the reason
for my joy.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Dear God,

As I walked on the treadmill, I gazed at a picture of friends taken on a mountain near Assisi, Italy.  Suddenly my eyes went behind the scene where I traveled for the next 20 minutes.  I could see myself walking down the cobblestone streets of the tiny town.  I remembered sitting on the floor and praying in the Assisi East West Center, a place of quiet meditation.  I recalled riding the bus up the mountain near Rieti where an important insight came to me.  I thought of the monastery on the mountain where the first living nativity took place.  I could hear the sounds of the donkey braying and the cow mooing.  I saw my husband kneeling before an altar where St. Francis had prayed.  For a few prized moments I journeyed through wondrous spiritual adventures.

I realize how marvelous memory is and how it can take me back to places where I walked closely with you.  As I closed my eyes and allowed myself to pilgrim through the halls of sacred memory, once again I cherished the many gifts, blessings you have given me and I gave thanks.

Holy God,
Giver of Many Gifts,
thank you
for your generosity.
Thank you
for the
countless many
beautiful pictures
that hang
in the halls
of my
sacred memory.
Thank you
for each revelation,
adventure and pilgrimage,
and for every
sacred offering.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Dear God,

Do the lines of prayer connect us all together?  If we had the ability to see the invisble lines of prayer around the planet, what would we see?  Would there be so many lines that we could hardly see the globe or very few?  Does prayer connect us together?

Early this morning my prayer began with the earth's suffering people.  As I prayed, I wondered how the prayer would connect us to one another.  I thought about prayer's power to link people together.  I felt responsible to pray for those whose living is a challenge.  I thought about your nudge to pray, your guidance to be specific in who I prayed for.

What is the real value of prayer? 

Lead me
to pray,
Living Lord;
lead me
to pray.
Keep me praying
for all those
in need.
Remind me
that each
and every one
is family.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 2, 2012

Dear God,

Is there anything more beautiful than silence?  Not the absence of sound but rather the vast still space where you dwell, where the air is sweet and grace lives to give.  Space where tranquility and harmony live together, always ready to infuse those who gather there.  The home of your sacred presence, the voice of eternity, living faith, eternal hope, and wondrous love.  Silence, the gift of heaven.

And to think for so long I feared silence.  I was afraid of what it had to tell me.  I imagined scary things living there, like maybe too much truth.  I filled my space with sound, words, music, busyness, attitudes, and beliefs that I thought would safeguard me from one day finding myself there.  But with all my best efforts, I still stumbled into silence on a mountain far away in a remote area waiting to meet me.

I do believe that was one of the best days of my life.  That which I had run from actually greeted me gently and lovingly.  It embraced me with hope and enveloped me with peace.  It invited me in, served me, and  gave me gifts I could never have considered receiving.  Silence opened me to a colossal, awe-inspiring environment where at any time I could wander. 

One of the great lessons I learned through silence is that often I wanted something less than what I needed, what you wanted to give me.  I would reach out for substitutes rather than the real thing.  Now, I know you wait for me to come where a time together will offer me what you deem good for me.  Instead of changing those things that trouble me, you fill me with yourself.  And then amazingly, you give me a vision, a glorious vision really, that shows me the way, the direction of my next steps.

What can
I say
to you,
Living God;
what words
can I use
to describe
my humble gratitude?
You have
seen fit
to bless me
again and again
with your revelation.
You have
inspired me
to journey
more and more
toward you.
Like as
of old,
you have
anointed me
with the
oil of gladness;
my cup overflows.

Forever yours, Andrea

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Dear God,

How can I learn to trust you more?  How can we as a world learn to accept you as God of the cosmos and trust you to lead us?  How can we do it, Lord?

As I read through history, I see grave mistakes we made as a people.  We warred over land, treasure, water, control, and power.  What we have wanted, we have stopped at nothing to get.  We have killed, robbed, maimed, and threatened.  Our mindset is to take what we want by any means we can get it.

What will this year look like if we function in this way? Who will we hurt?  What will be left behind?  How far from your divine plan will we go?

As I begin my life in this new year, help me steer away from anything that is not of you.  Help me listen more and react less.  Help me to let faith lead me to love more.  Help me live a life of forgiveness where mercy and compassion are always at my fingertips.  Help me walk in grace both receiving it and giving it, knowing you as its power source.  Help me create a space within me where you live and move and direct me.  Help me fulfill your will for my life.  Help me become an instrument of peace who constantly carries an olive branch with me.  Help me become a witness to your living presence in the world.

Great God,
throughout this
new year
guide me
to the source
of living water.
Help me
bow down
to drink.
Make me
drink often
and deeply
so that
I may become
more conscious
of daily living
with you.
Make my ways
like yours
so that
I may
have the mind
of your
beloved Christ,
I pray.

Love, Andrea