Friday, March 30, 2012

Dearest God,

As I was driving down the highway, up ahead on the other side of the road I saw a car pulled over to the side, the flashers going on and off. When I drove by, I saw the driver sitting in front of a makeshift memorial to someone who had died on that spot. With his head in his hands, I wanted to stop and comfort the mourner but I realized there are some things you have to do alone.  I drove on by, instead, giving him his privacy and offering a prayer.

I was sad for the man, for the tragedy that occurred some time back, for all those who grieved. I realized that some losses hurt for a very long time.  Some pain just won't go away until fully used up.  Sometimes we have to keep crying until our tears dry up naturally.  But all the while, you offer solace helping us know we are not alone in our trek down the lonely road.  You whisper in the ear of others to reach out and to show love, offering the tender care only you can provide. I hope the man knew the people whisking by him on the road were praying for him.

Gracious God,
full of love
and grace,
thank you
for whispering
in my ear.
Thank you
for drawing
my attention
to a
wounded son,
or father,
or friend.
May the prayers
I offered
reach him
down deep
where he hurts.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Dear God,

"You will know the truth," you said, "and the truth will set you free."  But it will hurt first, I learned.  Piercing the flesh that holds the truth at bay is often very painful.  Yet, the subtle pains of living a lie every day always hurts more because it causes pain, grief, and sorrow down deep in the soul.

You have told me looking into our past can be an interesting trip down memory lane.  It can be filled with wonderful memories but eventually we have to tackle the unseen things, the dark corners, and the hidden places.  What lurks in the human soul can destroy little by little if the light is not shone there.

Through the course of many sad events, someone I know is finally taking the journey backward.  I really believe he will find the truth that will finally set him free, relieving his soul.  I believe he will discover new ways to let your light heal him.. I believe he will be made new.

Guide your child,
Lord,
take his hand,
I pray.
Lead him
to the truth
that can
liberate him.
Thank you
for love
that is greater
than any wound.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Dearest God,

Meditation keeps my faith fresh as I focus upon your spirit's work in the world and in my life.  Frequently, I turn to music to stir my heart, awakening my faith.

In preparation for your spiritual direction in our covenant group this morning, I turned on It's a Wonderful World by Willie Nelson.  The song describes a wonderful world with "trees of green, skies of blue, red roses, bright blessed days, and dark sacred nights".  I always look at the sky, trees, and flowers and think to my own self what a wonderful world it is and I give thanks.

However, today was different.  When I sang along the line "dark sacred nights" in my mind's eye I saw frightened children.  Images of poverty, war, and abuse became vivid in my mind.  I could see mothers who weren't able to feed her starving children.  Suddenly, I realized that the world is not wonderful for every person. I wept. The scenes of horror replaced my beautiful picture of the world.

I began to pray for all those I had seen in my mind, unknown women, men, and children who face harsh conditions every day.  I prayed for little ones who are preyed upon at night, who don't want to sleep so they can be on guard for lurking predators.  I prayed for a world where every person is safe, loved, and cared for.

Gracious God,
remind me
to see
the world
the way
all your people
see it,
some beautiful
and inviting,
others frightening
and deadly.
Keep my
heart soft
and tender;
cause me
to pray
for all
your children.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 27. 2012

Dearest God,

Who could make a world better than you?  Who could create something as majestic as you?

Tonight I stood on my patio looking up at the star-studded sky.  It was a cool, crisp evening and I heard on television that the night skies would hold a magnificent display.  I didn't want to miss it.  As I stood under that phenomenal canopy, I could not help but think of you.

Everything beautiful tells me a story of you.  Down to intricate details, your hand print is on each thing.  As I watched intently as each star twinkled, especially planet Venus, I thought of what a wonderful gift the night skies are.  Whether they are azure blue with puffy white clouds or dark with radiant lights glowing, they speak of the creator whose love is revealed one more time.

As I allowed myself to be taken in by the wondrous beauty, I whispered my devotion, yet another prayer of thanksgiving for your many blessings.

Thank you
for inspiring
human lives
with divine touches.
Thank you
for speaking beauty
into the world.
Thank you
for love
at work.
Thank you
for making moments
for praise.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 26, 2012

Dear God,

How can faith break the chains of depression and despair?  How can it replace the things we must surrender in order to live happy, healthy lives?

Yesterday I called a woman that I had not spoken with for a few weeks.  When I inquired how she was doing, she told me she needed to have surgery to remove four bulging discs in her neck.  Her love of sewing, quilting, and making things for others has to been surrendered because metal will take the place of the discs and she will no longer be able to bend her neck allowing her to continue her favorite hobby, a talent she uses every day.  She is devastated.

How do we bend to you, dear Lord, realizing that we need to strengthen our souls for difficult times?  How do we prepare ourselves for sometimes unimaginable losses?  How do we turn to you for affirmation, help, encouragement, love, and hope knowing you are able to fill in every crack, give us courage, and renew life within us?

You are
a mighty
and powerful God.
Your love
is more
than the size
of creation.
Teach us
to step
toward you,
to offer
our prayers.
Open our eyes
to new opportunities,
new avenues
of living
so we might
revitalize ourselves.
Take our fears
and reshape them
with faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Dear God,

The preacher asked, "What do you think of when you look at the cross?"  From where I was sitting in the choir loft, I had to stretch my neck backward in order to see the cross suspended from the ceiling.  The cross...I think of love, faith, hope, courage, strength, and horror.

I think of the things we do to punish one another when we don't act as someone else wants us to act.  We not only try to humiliate and discard people; sometimes we go so far as to kill them.  Murders are in the news every day.

But the cross also brings to my mind One whose love so embraced the world that he was willing to take the punishment, the humiliation, and the murderous death.  One who wanted to give all, not just some, but all.  One who was a radical model of agape love.  One who revealed a way to give one's self for another.  One who "can make the foulest clean", the song says.  The cross, the One, Jesus.

I am constantly reminded to live a life of compassion.  I don't always do it but I hear the voice challenging me to be more than I am.  Use your heart instead of your anger, you might say.  Let your own grace lead you.  After all, what is the power of grace if it is received but not given?   These words of faith, spoken by the One, never let me forget what I have been offered and what I need to offer others.  Compassion, at its finest.

Set the cross
before me,
Almighty God;
teach me
the ways
of faith.
Keep love
ever before me
so that
I might
never forget
your many gifts
to me
and the challenge
you give
to me
to give gifts
to others.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Dear God,

How do you create insights in the human mind that can make such a difference in the human soul?  What can we do to prepare ourselves to meet you in the intersections of doubt and wonderment?

A woman called me today.  Asking if I had a minute to talk, for over an hour she poured out her heart to me how she had found the missing piece in her life.  For as long as she could remember, there had been a hole, a giant question, that she could not answer.  Tormented at times, behaving in seemingly bizarre ways, she could not understand herself or her ways.

But yesterday it all came to her at the pottery shop.  What was to be a simple evening choosing a pottery piece and painting it with her husband turned into a time of confusion, fear, and sorrow.  She had become so undone that she felt somehow she had lost herself.  She had not seen you enter the shop earlier.

Late, late into the night as she and her husband talked, you gave the answer.  You explained it all.  You did it in such a way that an unusual bonding occurred between her and her husband.  Faith, she said, had revealed the truth to her and for the first time in her life, she felt free.

Transforming God,
I am confident
that you desire
to work
in the minds,
hearts, and spirits
of all
your people.
I believe
you want
to settle,
resolve the issues
in all
our lives.
Help us
to anticipate
your living presence,
to live
in hope,
and to
make ready
for your grace
to warm
our hearts,
stir our minds,
and minister
in our souls.
Then make us
a celebratory people
who want only
to praise you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 23, 2012

Dear God,

How can a diagnosed mental illness bend to your power?  How can it transform itself by your loving grace?  How can it find healing?

I know a young woman who is desperately struggling to live normally each day, to let faith lead her, and to awaken to the newness of life.  Some days it is difficult to get out of bed, to tend to her children, and to put one foot in front of the other.  She longs to walk the line of faith, to find images of you, and to give her self to the joys of your spirit.  Although she is in counseling to understand herself and her disease better, she still wants to travel with you through the course of each day trusting your power is sufficient to guide her toward health and wholeness.  Is it possible?

As we look at the seeming impossibilities of life, how do we trust more, reworking the fears that at times rob us of faith?

Let our fears
push us
toward you,
Gracious God,
as we
ask questions
and seek answers.
Help us
be patient
as we listen
for your
calming word
and helpful encouragement.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Dear God,

Every day you teach me something new or remind me of something forgotten.  The lessons of life are always before me.  All I have to do is pay attention.

Nature is a powerful voice for you.  I watch everything come up in your time.  As you bring warm weather, the trees, plants, and flowers take the cue.  Before long they are changed.  In the fall they will change again.  In winter too.

Today as I edged the garden, I cut into the grass and then took the cutting and shook the dirt off the roots.  I thought of how firmly the grass is rooted into the soil.  The more firmly the beautiful green is rooted, the more difficult it is to cut and lift it.

I realize that when we wait for your time and then do whatever is called for, we too can be a beautiful display of your affection.  When our roots are deeply embedded into sacred ground, it will always be difficult to have someone or something uproot them.

Thank you
for today's lessons.
Keep me alert
to new lessons.
Daily remind me
to stay attuned
so that
I too
will follow
your leading
and grow
my roots deeper
in you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Dearest God,

Today by phone my daughter and I shared miracles, the kind where the impossible becomes possible and where the possible becomes reality.  As we spoke about human lives being touched by your hand, we acknowledged how your love changes our lives.

One of the miracles happened today, in fact two of them.  But another miracle, the one I talked about is one still being lived out some four years later.  How is it possible?  How can a miracle continue after four years?

There are so many things that seem impossible in this world.  And by human standards, they are.  We cannot manipulate conditions enough to dramatically change some things.  Yet, by some small measure you move to alter situations or people.  You set things in motion whereby a miracle begins to take place. What happens after that is anyone's guess.  Miraculously things change, people change, conditions change.  Doors and windows open.  Anything is possible.

As I drove home, I called a friend who shared one more.  Is there anything you will not do to show us your love?

You are
a miracle god.
Your love
showed through
again today.
What can
I say
to give
true thanks?

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Dear God,

You do care about the desires of our heart, don't you?  When we wish for something that is close to your heart,   you work to give it to us.

If it is true that we need to seek you first and all else comes following, then when we align ourselves with you, our desires naturally become your desires.  Because a relationship with you is uppermost in our minds, our leanings will always be toward you.

Each morning as I awaken gratitude fills my mind.  I feel grateful for blessings all around me, a good night's rest, my husband lying beside me, my comfortable bed, my relationships, springtime in Indiana, a song in my heart.  I recognize that even the breath I breathe is a gift and I want to give thanks.

As I learn to give more and more of myself to you, the more love I find, the more my faith makes a difference, the more courage I build, the more appreciation for gifts I have, and the more compassion I have for those around me.  Although I have many desires in my heart, when I draw closer to you, the more I desire to want what you want.  And I am grateful.

Loving God,
help me
surrender my will
to yours.
Shape my desires
to yours
for if
I want
what you want,
then we
will be
one together.
Keep gratitude
on my lips.
Let me
never forget
to say
thank you
again and again
and again.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 19, 2012

Dear God,

You are a mighty and powerful God!  Nothing is too hard for you!

A few years ago you moved a mountain, a mountain of resentment, bitterness, and ill will.  You not only moved it, you tore it down stone by stone.  You did this because you know mountains erected with such hatred are always an obstacle, barriers to real peace and joy.

Several years ago it would have been impossible for three generations of my family to be together.  Each of us had our own personal mountain and night and day we guarded them.  But while we acted like selfish little gods, you came to us and shifted the ground beneath our feet.  You turned our darkness into light revealing the truth that eventually set us free.

Tonight my daughter, granddaughter, and I ate dinner together all the while laughing, teasing, and playing together.  Mountains torn down!

All Powerful God,
forgive us
when we forget
we are
not you.
Set us free
when we
begin building fences
that keep us
apart from
one another.
Teach us
to trust you
to lead us
to green pastures
and living water.

Always thankful, Andrea

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Dear God,

On my way up north the budding trees spoke to me of change.  If they had chosen not to develop, to wither and die instead, they would not be able to display their glorious colors.  But they did grow and my eyes feasted on their spring-time beauty.

The two-hour drive reminded me about the need to change, to be transformed, to move from one condition to another.  You have shown me how important change is.  You have called me to change many times.  Often I was resistant, stubborn, and downright ugly about it.  I whined, cried, and pleaded to remain the same, wanting others to change instead.  But you were firm, knowing the future better than I.  You knew what it would mean for me to let go and be created anew.

As I consider my present situation, I realize I am more joy-filled than ever before.  I have never been happier or more content.  Every day I awaken with gratitude on my lips, my voice singing your praise.  And why is my life this way?  You know so well I had to change or die.  Pretty radical, I know, but I could not remain in the space I resided.  My life, my health, and my well being were all in jeopardy.  I was desperate.

Like the trees I was convinced to change, to allow your powerful, loving spirit to change me.  I let you take charge, listening carefully to your words, feeling your gentle guidance, and sensing your wondrous affirmation as I took one step after another into my new world.  Every day I felt more at peace, more at one with you and those around me.  As I let go of certain beliefs and attitudes and allowed you to rearrange my thinking, to go more deeply into my own spirit, and to try new ways of being, I found my own will aligning itself with yours.  I liked that, no, I loved that.  I began to crave the newness of life, feeling like I was in the springtime of my life rather than in the winter.  I saw what I could not see before.  I heard what I could not hear before.  I really did become a new person.

As I listened to the voice of spring, I realized I was really listening to you.

Generous God,
how grateful
I am
to hear
your voice,
to learn
of your will,
and to
know your kindness.
I love
the fluidity
of life,
being able
to bend
and move
with your spirit.
No longer
do I
hold onto
resentment and bitterness.
They died
like those
who choose
not to live.
May I live
every day
giving thanks
to you
for your
new creation
in me.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Dearest God,

A sunrise can bring you to me.  A bird singing, a grandchild smiling, my husband's whisper, church bells ringing, a song playing, psalms being read, and holy silence all can bring you to me.

Today it was worms.  Worms brought you to me this afternoon.  Stella, my seven-year-old granddaughter was here for an overnight.  When I asked her what she wanted to do after we started with ice cream, she said she wanted to dig so  I gave her a small shovel and she began digging for worms.  At the same time I started edging my contemplative garden.  As my edging tool cut into the ground and I lifted up the loose sod, I realized I had unearthed the  worms Stella was looking for.  I called her over and she picked them up and piled them into her hand until she had about a dozen.  Then she carried them to another part of the garden so all the worms could be together as a family, new friends included, she told me.

While Stella's generous activity caused me to celebrate love at its finest, it was worms working in the garden that reminded me that all created things have their role to play in this world.  The soil is richer because of the worms in my garden.  They do their job because you created them to do soil work.  You created the sun to warm the ground and the rain to feed the plants.  You created me to tend the garden.  All things working together for good brought you to me this afternoon.

Loving God,
how wonderful
it is
to be
a participant
in this
great cosmos.
I am honored
to share
in your
glorious work.
Today I
am grateful
for Stella,
for rich soil,
for worms,
and most
of all,
your love.

Always, Andrea














Each morning as I sit down to write, my mind wanders often to one of the more recent sightings of your living presence in the world.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Dear God,

In our covenant group your spirit directed us as we talked about the beliefs we hold, how they form attitudes, and then lead us to certain actions.  As I shared about a particular action in my own life, my colleague returned me to a childhood belief.  When he commented on my belief, he simply made the observation that my head seemed to be leading me to you but my heart was taking me away from you.  That stopped me dead in my tracks.  Your gentle guidance had challenged me, given me insight, and revealed how my old belief was holding me back from living fully in your will.

I realize when you reveal new truths to us and we accept them as our own, you hold us responsible for our attitudes and actions.  Because I want to live a full life with you, living and breathing your spirit, I need to change myself making my beliefs, attitudes, and actions all part of a devoted life of faith, hope, courage, and witness.

Right there in the spiritual direction room at the Benedictine Monastery, I altered my belief, took on a revived attitude, and made a commitment to an action that will help bring a level of healing to my mind and body.  When I came home, I moved forward and completed the action I promised you.  I repeated it yesterday.

On Wednesday I learned a valuable lesson.  If I want a whole, happy, and healthy life, then on occasion I need to make a mental inventory of my beliefs and how they lead me to a meaningful life or a less than meaningful one.  I need to assess my attitudes and actions to check on their value in my life.  If a belief keeps me from doing what I need to do in order to be healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically, then I need to  make changes that enable me to live as I desire in your light and by your grace.

Thank you
for the movement
of your spirit
revealing the truth
that sets us free.
Thank you
for your challenge,
patience, and nudge.
Thank you
for the joy
I experience
when I
move swiftly
to do
your will.
I realize
it can
be painless
when I
trust you
to lead me
to wholeness,
your perfect will
for my life.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Dear God,

On my hands and knees, I plucked weeds from my flower garden when a beautiful monarch butterfly landed on the nasturtium right in front of me.  I stopped what I was doing and watched as the flower and butterfly danced in the gentle breeze.  In God's time, I thought, in your time.

Nature just knows when it is time to transform itself.  It knows when to be silent, quiet, feeding itself essential nutrients.  One day it begins to stir and then all of a sudden it moves, pushing upward, not allowing the weight of the soil to crush it. Finally, it breaks through the obstacles, making its way to the light.  Then it stretches and becomes everything beautiful it was intended.

I thought of how it is that way in human life.  There are seasons in human living.  At times we need the quiet feeding, drinking in your living presence.  We need to rest in your care, filling ourselves up with hope, peace, faith, and joy.  When the season of growth comes in whatever form, we too must start moving however reluctantly until we meet the resistance.  We have to allow your light to motivate us, inviting us up and out.  We have to let faith intentionally move us with determination and courage so that we will move beyond the obstacles to your glorious radiance. In those moments our beauty is revealed.

None of this is possible without you, Generous God.  The flower, the butterfly, and we humans cannot budge from our dark places without the promise of your light inspiring us, nudging us, guiding and leading us.  In your time, Lord, in your time.

Forgive us
when we fail
to follow
the cues
of your spirit.
Forgive us
when we stay
in the dark
resisting the light
that will
move us
from where
we are
to where
we need
to be.
Forgive us
when we
give up
or remain
stale, stagnant,
and lifeless.
Forgive us
when we
forget to trust.
Revive us
with faith
to make
the journey
of life
with you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Dearest God,

"Remember," the scripture said, "remember".  I sat listening in the Benedictine Monastery as the liturgy was being read.  Remember.

Once when the Hebrews were in exile they remembered your kindness to them.  Those memories held them for a long, long time until change came and they found their way home to you.

The idea of remembrance as a means of faith resonates with me.  Especially when I experience a low time, I remember what you have done in the past.  I remember hope emerging out of hopelessness because you came to me.  I remember a moment when I was so afraid and suddenly a gentle breeze of your spirit blew in my direction taking my fear with it.  I remember my sorrow finding peace and even joy as I realized you were the author of my tranquility.  I remember love sweeping me up into its arms when I felt unloved and unlovable.

Such remembrances keep me hopeful, grateful, and strong.  They remind me that you are always with me, not off in some far country out of my reach.  When I think of those moments of holy visitation, I acknowledge that in the future when I am hit with an unexpected difficulty and pain, I will not face it alone because you will be with me.  You have promised to be with all your children.

Help me be a carrier of wondrous memories, O God, so that I will conduct myself in faith-filled ways.  Let me be a witness to your living presence in the world.  Teach me every day to live a life of faith and a devoted love for you.  Help me serve others by living in faith that counts and blesses.  Let me live my every day praising you and giving thanks.

Gracious Loving God,
thank you
for the ability
to remember.
Remind me
that I decide
what to remember.
If I choose
to be cynical
and negative,
I can remember
all those things
that hurt
and disappointed me,
all of
life's injustices.
Or I
can focus
on all
the ways
you came
to turn
my cynicism
into faith
and my negativity
into positive blessing.
Open me
to your power
that enables me
to grow in hope,
increase in faith,
and initiate joy.
Let me
do so
in gratitude,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Dear God,

As we stood to sing on Sunday morning, I saw the light of his face.  My husband and I looked at each other and smiled.

More and more I realize you have the power to revive human lives.  You have the ability to renew, reconcile, and restore fragile, broken relationships.  You can take the leftover remnants of two people and transform them into healthy, strong, and joyous elements that can come together and make something beautiful.  That is certainly what you did for us two years ago this month.

Sometimes I forget how powerful you are.  I forget with your power I can participate in miracles.  I can reconstruct a new life, walk a different path, find hope and courage, and discover a well of joy within me.  I can do old things a new way and feel like a different person.  I can become the woman, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, pastor, leader, and human being you intend and so can others around me.  It is true that all things are possible with you.

Make us
your own,
dear God,
so our joy
can become
your joy.
Let the light
of your love
penetrate the
dark corners
in our souls
so the impossible
can become possible.
Let your will
be done,
then release us
for praise,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 12, 2012

Dear God,

Each day I determine what it is I believe about you.  I decide whether or not to believe you are real, if you are directly related to each human in the cosmos, and if prayer connects people more closely to you.  I make the choice whether or not to believe in hope, in miracles, and in the practicality of faith.  Then I go about my day looking for evidence.  Interesting, I never thought about a life with you just exactly this way before.

Yesterday morning as I processed down the aisle with the church choir during the first hymn in the worship service, the thought came to me that you are the great filler.  The great filler?  Yes, you fill in the cracks in people's lives. 

Since I served this particular community of faith for ten years and my husband served it for eighteen years, I know the stories of many lives.  I remember how you filled a number of parishoners with love and many more with grace.  Several you filled with hope and a great number with forgiveness and the ability to move forward in their lives.  There were a good deal of people who call Calvary home that you filled with courage, strength, and purpose.  Into each one you poured faith.

As the music ended and I stood in my place in the choir loft, I looked out over the congregation and realized that you had filled each person with something.  You had not forgotten even one.  I smiled and you smiled back.

Holy God,
Giver of All Good Gifts,
I come
to you
bearing the gift
of gratitude.
Every day
you give
so much
to us.
Let me
never fail
to be grateful.
Let me carry
the spirit
of thanksgiving
every day,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Dear God,

I love to sing.  I absolutely love to sing Christian music, the old hymns, the newer ones, and the contemporary variety.  Over the years I have sung so many songs that I have committed them to memory.  I don't know how many songs I have tucked inside me but I love knowing they are there. Yesterday at a memorial service a beautiful thought came to me as I sang with our church choir.  When the time comes for me to leave this earth and make my way into the heavenlies, I will carry all my songs with me.  I will have so many to sing praises to you.

The thought of having a gift for you upon my own entrance into heaven, whatever that is like, gives me great joy.  If the body and spirit have to separate at death, I love knowing my songs will accompany my spirit.  I will have something to offer you.  Not that you need my songs or me for that matter, it is just that I will bring a blessing with me.

As I consider eternal life, I envision music playing a central part.  And why not?  If music is so beautiful here on earth, why would it not be even more glorious in heaven?

Gracious God,
creator of all
that is beautiful,
thank you
for music
that gives praise
to you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Dear God,

"Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart", we sang in church last Sunday.  Indeed, be thou my vision.  Every time we sing this old hymn I pray the hymn while I sing it.  I pray you will be my vision because I want to see what you want me to see, to envision the beauty of faith, and to be prepared to live out the vision in your grace.

Who can shine light like you?  Who can paint a picture lovelier that you?  Who can create a vision better than you?  No one.  No one.

As I bind myself more closely to you, I see more, hear more, taste and touch more.  I can smell the sweet scent of faith as I am enlivened by the relationship we share.  More and more I realize that there is another dimension to life when I surrender my will into your hands.  It does not mean I become a limp puppet but rather I walk confidently in faith knowing whose mission it is to love, to forgive, and to transform.

As I walk through these next 24 hours of Lent, may you truly be the vision before me.  May I anticipate your living presence being revealed and may I be willing to do what you ask.

Holy God,
what a privilege
it is
to walk
with you,
to be
tended to
by you,
and to
be enabled
to live
a life
of faith
in you.
What better gift
is there
than to see
through the eyes
of faith?

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 9, 2012

Dear God,

You blessed my life forty three years ago today when I gave birth to my first child.  As soon as she slipped from my body into the hands of my doctor, I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving.  I knew she was a gift.  I felt your love entrusting me with a daughter.

Now she is a middle school secretary and substitute nurse. She cares about the kids in her care.  She affirms, supports, challenges, and generally loves every one of them.  She is your hands and feet at her school.

I've come to realize we are your hands and feet here on earth.  As we take seriously our faith and our life's calling, we just naturally care for others.  When we understand the awesome responsibility we have, we do our caring through the eyes of faith.  When we see need in another person and we work to provide for that need, we are the embodiment of your loving grace.  We are hope to the hopeless and faith to the fearful.

As I count up my blessings this morning, I count you more than once.

You are
the source
of every
good gift.
As I consider
all I have
like faith,
hope, love,
joy, and peace,
I know who
to thank.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Dearest God,

When I reflect backwards even to my earliest memories, I cannot remember a time without you.  I always had a sense of your divine presence.  I may not have had the language to declare it but I always had the feeling you were nearby.

When I think about my own faith journey, I recall to mind many people who carried faith for me.  Sometimes I reminisce thinking about those who reinforced faith within me.  Family members, teachers, friends, pastors, churches, monastic communities, and even strangers who appeared out of nowhere to give me a word from you.

As I consider the way my faith has developed, I marvel at the many gifts I have been given.  Along my life pilgrimage, you have sent people to me sometimes with a message of encouragement, hope, affirmation, challenge, or guidance.  There were those moments when I just needed an expression of your love or grace and you provided it.

There have also been those places, locations, or landmarks that spoke powerfully to me.  The Garden of Gethsemane, the Russian Orthodox Church, the cave where John the Revelator wrote Revelations, the Sea of Galilee, the streets of Assisi where St. Francis walked, the grotto where St. Bernadette had her first great vision of Mary, the Abbey of Gethsemane, Christ in the Desert Monastery, the town of Ankaase, Ghana, the hilltop monastery where St. Francis configured the first nativity scene, Taize, Liseux, the home of St. Terese, the Carmelite Monastery, the Atlanta Methodist Church, Grandma Hughes' farmhouse.  I could go on and on as sights and scenes of special holy sites come to me.

But then there have been objects that pointed me to you.  The pieta in St. Peter's Church in Rome, the four captives of Michelangelo, the grave of Susannah Wesley, a shell bowl, the historical novel, The Agony and the Ecstasy, the video of me dancing at the altar at Bethel United Methodist Church, wooden crosses from Bethlehem, the albums of my renewal leave, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of St. Croce.  Again there are too many to name.

I think of simple things that nature has offered me.  A snowfall, a mountain stream, the first buds of spring, birds singing and making nests, the ocean, a gentle breeze, a misty rain, mountain ranges, New Mexico, fall colors, a blue sky with billowy white clouds, sunrises and sunsets, a starry night, and beautiful faces of my children and grandchildren.

I have been blessed to see you again and again.

Holy God,
Giver of all good things,
I thank you
for my
spiritual traveling time
this morning.
I am thankful
for the journey
we took
this last hour
as you
led me
to spiritual
holy sites
that still
speak their love
to me,
Only you,
dear God,
only you
can provide
such a
beautiful time
with great meaning.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dear God,

This afternoon I returned to my old friend, a man of vision, spirit, and wisdom.  A free thinker, bright, and global, I remembered back to a special Lent many years ago. I was a pastor and he was a musician, an organist.  We had decided we wanted to do something dramatically different for those days leading up to the remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection.

Working for the church we brainstormed ideas.  We prayed.  We considered the setting and how we could convey a living spirit during the dark days.  We decided to create an evening of improv.  I would write words, phrases to be used for a musical improvisation.  He would play the organ.  We would turn down the lights, creating an ominous setting.  We would dress in black.  The first part of the evening, I would speak from an outer room and he would play the organ in the sanctuary.  Then I would appear and speak again.  There would be periods of reading, silence, and music.

It was a phenomenal evening of spiritual opening.  As I read words that had come to me during meditation and prayer, I was so moved by Cleve's music, by his courage to let go, to surrender himself to the words so carefully written.  I sensed a depth of spirit that gave way to a greater trust in faith in you.  I felt my own self walk a dark road that night with a bare hint of light.  Yet, I felt a presence with me on that Lenten road.  I had the feeling those in the congregation sensed the same thing.  Although nearly 20 years ago, I still remember and give thanks.

Thank you
for my friend,
his perspective,
his ability
to break out
of small boxes,
and his
creative spirit.
Bless him,
O God,
during this time
of transition
where once again
he trusts you
to lead him
down dark valleys
toward the light.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Dear God,

This morning I listened to birds flying overhead.  I should have stood outside and welcomed them home.  I marveled at their instincts that alert them when it is time to fly away to a warmer climate and when to return north in the spring.  A true homing device.

I think you have planted that same ability in us.  I believe you have implanted yourself inside us.  I believe you are the voice that calls us to come home.

There have been many times when I have heard you calling me home, times when I had slipped away or took off running for one reason or another.  Yet, that still small voice called out to me triggering a response.  I always knew it was you.  Sometimes I came; other times I confess I did not.  Yet, the wonder to me is that you kept calling anyway.  When I finally tired out, too weary to go any further, I was glad it was your voice that called.  Always.

Every day
you show
your love
to me,
Gracious God.
You speak
urging me
to listen,
to walk
with you,
and have
a good life.
Whether that
life is wonderful
or troubling,
you invite me
to remain close.
You call
to me
wherever I am
so that
we can
travel together.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 5, 2012

Dearest God,

Through disasters you give us pause to reflect upon our own life, our relationships, and our mortality.  You give us opportunity to consider our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.  You prod us to move closer to you and to those around us.  You show us the value of our blessings.  You nudge us to make slight alterations where we need change and then you challenge us to live charitable lives.

I've seen all this in action in the last few days.  I've watched the news reports on the devastation in tornado-torn areas and I've listened to story after story of those who counted their blessings and then went out to assist the victims with food, help, and gifts.  It was especially meaningful to see youth at work although they had lost their school and some their own homes.

As I observe gratitude and charity, I realize again the ways your living presence comes to us giving unimaginable gifts and I am grateful for the opportunity to give myself.

Most Gracious and Loving God,
let no disaster
pass us by
without learning
life lessons.
Teach us
to be thankful,
to live
as caring neighbors,
and to
reach out
where there
is need.
Remind us
to carry
your banner
of love
so others
may know
its benefits.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Dear God,

How deep does faith reside in the human soul?  How is it able to rise to the top when the body and mind are weak, fragile, and nearly gone?

Today I joined our church choir at a local nursing home.  We had agreed to provide a worship service for the residents.  And they came, most in wheel chairs.  Some I spoke to could not tell me their names.  One woman told me she had eleven boys and one was a baby doll she held in her arms.  "Her name is Nancy," she told me. 

Yet, when we began singing hymns, these same people sang along with no sheet music.  The words were down deep in a place protected from the winds of time, loss, disease, and helplessness.  I could only believe that your living presence was sustaining them, giving them the opportunity to sing faith's song and as they did, I marveled at the beauty I saw. 

Keep faith safe,
O God,
let it bloom
and blossom
in your time.
Remind us
to replenish
our trust
in you
so that
faith will
take root
and grow.
And then,
Generous Redeemer,
let it rise
like the sun
on an
early summer's morning,
giving us
the chance
to sing
your song
one more time,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Dear God,

Please tell me about the seasons of life, how they work, what they are supposed to do, and when we are to prepare ourselves for a particularly difficult season.  Show me life as it should be lived, I pray.

This week a teenager randomly murdered other teenagers at school.  Tornadoes destroyed homes and killed moms, dads, and kids.  In Syria innocent people were gunned down.  In Africa children died of starvation .  In many unstable places neighbors rose up against neighbors.  And all over the world men, women, and children were taken down through domestic violence and war.

How do we survive during these horrific seasons of life?  How do we trust more, practice our faith, and live with hope?  How do we welcome your love into our lives, bringing us back to life?  How do we thrive on courage in the face of danger?

I weep when I see the suffering and pain some people have to endure.  It's not that I wonder why because the why question never has a reasonable answer.  It's that I wonder how long or how to help or what to do to learn lessons as life unfolds.  I wonder how to reach for the next season when a painful season seems to hang on forever.  I wonder how we remember we are never alone in any season of life.

How do we live in faith every day no matter what happens around us?  How do we grab hold of your hand and never let it go?  How do we rise from our graves to live another day knowing we can indeed live it?

Great and Powerful God,
teach us
the ways
of faith,
hope, grace,
forgiveness, mercy,
and love.
Guide us
to courage,
strength and joy.
Make us yours
as we walk
through the valleys
of the shadow
of death,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 2, 2012

Dear God,

When our hearts are open to you, we give way for miracles to happen. Sometimes the only way change can come is through a miraculous intervention.  I know because I can at times have a stubborn heart, one that does not trust easily; therefore, if transformation is to occur, it seems it will only happen when you open the door to my heart from the outside.

Tonight at a sectional ballgame, I realized this truth once again.  Suffering from a hardened heart many years ago, I felt as if I had to be on guard all the time to protect myself from more hurt.  With several locks to assure my safety, I locked my heart's door from the inside.  Yet, a gentle breeze blew and my door opened as my heart was softened, the locks falling away.  You came in, shined your light, and let your love flow.  That was the beginning of the miracle.

As relationships have been reestablished in a much healthier, more meaningful, and loving way, I have reaped numerous benefits as I allowed your miracle work to change me.  Although I was not the only one to be transformed, it started with me.  Perhaps I had the most need for alteration. 

As I reflect back upon my life, I see the ways you have opened my heart to a newness of life and I am so very grateful.

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for reminding me
of your
generous and
loving handiwork.
I thank you
for faith
that is pliable,
willing to grow,
and be strengthened.
Thank you
for grace
that forgives,
renews, and reconciles.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Dear God,

A statue of St. Francis stands at the opening edge of my contemplative garden.  A silent partner in faith, St. Francis is for me a universal symbol of Christian love.  He brings me peace, a sense of calm, a commitment to walk through this world in fellowship with my neighbor, and a need to remember to care for others.  As I look out and see him, I feel joy in my soul.

St. Francis came to me as a vision more than forty years ago although I had no idea who he was until the name John came to me.  I saw him as a monk in a heavy robe.  At the time I was not even familiar with saints, let alone St. Francis.  He spoke to me not in the usual manner but rather through a silent witness.  While I never heard his voice, I knew what he wanted to say to me, like through osmosis.  It was in 2005 that I learned St. Francis was first named John at his birth by his mother.  When his father returned, he renamed him Francis.  Interesting that for decades he was John for me until my renewal leave at which time it was revealed that he was Francis.  Perhaps it was meant to be a spiritually transforming time for me even in the way in which he was part of my life.

I realize that St. Francis of Assisi is meant to be a significant figure in my own faith development.  I don't understand it for it truly is a mystery.  Yet, why should I question?  Your spirit brings mystery all the time.  If I spend all my minutes trying to figure out the ins and outs of faith, then I shall miss the movement of your gentle spirit who just wants me to experience the wondrous beauty of a life together.

O God,
how blessed
I am
to be
in your company.
How good
it is
that you
allow me
to walk
with you.
Thank you
for the gift
of St. Francis,
for his
extraordinary love
and unending faith.
As I
sit here today
reflecting upon
my own faith,
I give thanks
because I
acknowledge once again
the magnificence
of your
living presence
in the world.
Praise to you
and glory
be to
your name.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Dearest God,

Have I told you lately how powerfully music inspires me?  Have I said how my heart is warmed, my spirit is consoled, my mind is cleared, and my walk is altered when I allow sacred music to enter more deeply?

Tonight after church choir practice a couple told me that I prayed beautiful prayers each Wednesday night and Sunday morning.  As I thanked them for their kindness, I told them music was my inspiration.  If I prayed before choir, I would not pray the same.  After rehearsal is different.  Music leads me to holy ground where in your living presence all things are open to change.  All things seem possible by your grace.

I realize more and more the correlation between trust, faith, and inspiration.  The more open I am to be inspired by your mighty power, the greater the chance my trust will grow, and my faith will deepen.  As I trust you more, I am able to more easily be inspired by your spirit, and inspiration will cause a movement in my faith.

Let your power,
your Holy Spirit power,
move me
to your side,
Great God.
Let all
of me
praise all
of you.
Motivate me
to be
an inspiration
in this world,
I pray,
for your sake.

Love, Andrea