Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Dear God,

How many suffering moments have I prayed for you to act, to change my situation, to miraculously wave a magic wand to create a particular outcome?  How many times, O Lord?

Through suffering you show me how vital it is to prepare one's self for change.  There is no substitute for preparation you tell me over and over again.  How am I to learn life lessons if I do not do my part?

I have been preparing for a retreat.  I have been preparing for a video on the life of Jesus.  I have been preparing to design and create a woodland garden complete with spiritual path, altar, statuary, benches and oh, so many plants.  I have been preparing.  You know the plan for each of these.  You know the outcome.  You know what you want.  You know the blessing that will come.

Make me willing
to always prepare
for your blessing.
Forgive me
when I
ask you
to accomplish
a task
I did not
prepare for.
Thank you
for the blessing
of preparation.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Dearest God,

How do you infuse an idea with your spirit making it into flesh?  How does that flesh create inspiration and meaning?

I've been asked to help bring to life the reality of Jesus through a series of images that reveals and unfolds his earthly life.  As I put ideas to paper, a former television producer said yes to serve as both photographer and  producer.  His first picture of an early morning sunrise is stunning, a true display of creation's best.

As we each one do our part along with those who are inviting characters to play parts and others who will bring together costumes, scenes, and props, I see how you are already gathering the pieces of the story to tell eternity's story.  I feel my own bones drawing inspiration.  I know you are at work.  What more will you do?

Living Lord,
thank you
for the
livingness of faith.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
when we
serve you.
Thank you
for each miracle
that unfolds.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 27, 2012

Dear God,

Who can know your mind, Gracious God?  Who can know your full will for humanity, your plan for every generation, your ultimate will for the cosmos?  Who can know, O God?

When I struggle for answers, when I seek your face, when I desire the next step in my faith journey, how can I know fully what you want from me?  How can I reach you and know I am where I need to be waiting for your lead?

How can I know, O Lord?  How can I know?

Show me
the way
to have
the mind
of Christ,
dear God.
Make me pliable,
willing, able,
and desirous
of your
full will.
Lead me, Lord,
lead me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Dearest God,

A morning in your house is like no other!  Every time I step inside your home, I remember your grace and its invitation to me to live in relationship to you and to my neighbor near and far.

There is a joy that overwhelms me as we sing out your praise. When we pray the Lord's Prayer, the Our Father, I am aware we are not the first to pray it.  Your very own disciples prayed with you and they taught others to pray with them.  Throughout the ages, generations of the faithful have prayed the same prayer.  I recognize what an honor it is to pray your prayer.

As I listen for your word to me, I realize how much love is involved.  It is not because I am perfect or any better Christian than another, it is just your nature to love children you have created.  I am incredibly blessed!

Teach me
to love
as much
as you,
O Lord.
Show me
the way
to love
my neighbor
as you
love them.
Let me
bless others
as you
have blessed me.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Dear God,

There is a sweetness that comes when we follow you.  Around us the sights and scenes allure us to draw closer to your living presence.  We see things we never imagine seeing.  We hear the sound of your grace-filled wind that blows gently upon us.  We feel its embrace.  We always know we are home there.

As I continue to work in the woods, I feel like your handmaiden.  I can pray, sing, and even dance.  In fact as I cut away the last nasty scrub rose stalk, I saw the open woods for the first time.  And you know what I did?  I stood back in the yard, raised my hands outward, looked toward heaven and yelled, "Yes!  Yes!  Yes!"  Although no human was nearby to celebrate with me, I suspect they heard my proclamation of praise.

Kind and Loving God,
thank you
for trusting me
to partner
with you
in creating
a sacred space.
Thank you
for faith
that helps
me see
the design.
Thank you
for strength
to do
your will.
Thank you
for joy
when it comes
in serving you.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, August 24, 2012

Dear God,

Early this morning the woods, the weeds, the maple seedlings, the dead limbs, the debris, the sticker bushes, and honeysuckle were all put on alert as you stepped inside.  It was like all nature was waiting for your call to do your bidding.  As I arrived with hat, gloves, and old clothes, it was as if all were ready to surrender to your will.  The dappled light revealed both your glory and your plan.

As I began to make the wide path, the maple seedlings were the first to let go.  I would clear an area of seemingly hundreds of them, then rake away the dead limbs and branches and suddenly the ground floor was empty and so beautiful.  I could tell it was doing its part to enliven the woods with inspiration, hope, courage, faith, and peace.

In no time the home of your spirit was made clean, free of debris and clutter.  It grew wider and wider.  Finally I cut my way through the 7' scrap roses, honeysuckle, and other noxious weeds that covered the entrance to the woods.  Yes, the stumps need digging up, all the piles of stuff need to be carried out, and the ground will be ready for planting spring trees, wildflowers, a rock garden, and more.  Yes, there's much more to do, more area to be cleared, but the way is clear.  I see it and am glad.

Gracious and Loving God,
only you
can lead us
to follow.
Only you
can give
a vision
of sacred beauty.
Only you
have the power
to inspire.
Only you know
the way
to open us
to true love
and faith.
Thank you,
Great Master of the Cosmos.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Dear God,

Yesterday when my new friend and I walked into our woods, we talked about ways in which your spirit might want to work in it.  Within hours I began to feel the path beneath my feet, something that had never happened before.  After years of pulling out huge roots, cutting down invasive trees, plucking thousands of tiny maple seedlings, digging out debris like glass, metal, pipes, rusty cans, nails, plastic and so much more, I finally could see my way.  I immediately knelt down close to the ground and began to clear the path.  How excited I was after nearly eight years to give shape to the spiritual path you intended.

One of the many lessons you have taught me is to listen for your voice, attend to your will, follow your plan, and then celebrate with you.  But I must confess it still boggles my mind that you trust me to help you fulfill your plan on earth.  When you want something done, you whisper gently.  You invite me in and show me a vision of your design.  Like a master planner, you provide a blueprint and tools to accomplish the task.  You then promise your continuing support and give your devoted love that reveals your trust in me.  Wow!

As I continued to work in the dirt, seeing in my mind's eye the beauty that will come and inspire others, a neighbor walked into our yard with a wheelbarrow of dead limbs to put on our burn pile.  He told me it was a waste of time to be clearing a path because more weeds would just come.  I told him there was a plan.  Later someone else came by and told me the same thing.  I felt drained, hurt, angry, and resentful and so like any bad child, I pouted all evening.

Merciful God,
remind me
to trust you
and not
be afraid.
Teach me
to be patient.
Help me realize
we do not
all have
the same vision.
Direct my heart
toward forgiveness
because what good
is it
if I follow
your dream
and resent those
who do not
carry the
same dream.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Dear God,

It could not have been a more beautiful day.  You breathed your breath upon us as we shared from the depths of our souls.

A member of our church and I met each other for the first time last summer.  We must get together we said to one another as soon as we realized we both loved St. Francis of Assisi.  Time moved swiftly by and we never made the time.  More than a year unfolded before we talked in church again.  Last Sunday we determined to meet at 7:30 a.m. this morning for perhaps coffee and a walk.

We spent little time surface talking as we each recognized a deep spiritual bond with your living spirit.  For hours on the way to see a sick friend in the hospital in another town, to wandering the fabric store, to purchasing flowers at Trader Joe's, to eating lunch in her newly renovated farmhouse, to driving to the next town over for fresh picked peaches, to drinking coffee in the hospital courtyard, and stepping into the woods behind our home and talking about the path I want to create, we shared one story after another, miracles really, visions, chance encounters,  spiritual insights, dreams, and hopes for the future.  All day long we felt the presence of a third person.

Gracious God,
thank you
for spiritual blessings.
Thank for
for an awareness
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for spiritual energy,
anticipation of
divine sightings,
and for love
that comes
when we
open ourselves
to you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Dear God,

Every good idea is your idea.  I believe the source of goodness is the well from which all good ideas come.

Wanting to dwell in your presence, to give others an opportunity to dwell there as well, and to reawaken our sensitivities toward faith, three of us got together to plan to make a video about Jesus.  As we shared our thoughts with one another, I could see how ideas take on flesh and begin to live.

I am astonished by the many ways you speak in human life.  You infuse us with joy that comes from a deep place.  You encircle us with friends whose own desire for faith is as keen or more so than our own.  Even in the darkest corners of life, you breathe your spirit into us giving us hope, courage, determination, and strength.  In the most joyous spaces you celebrate with us.

But you don't stop there.  You urge us, challenge us to move from our safe, contented, happy spots to share our faith with others.  You remind us just how deeply connected we are with one another.  You ask us to take a step in a new direction.  You invite us to invite others to join us in this human-divine pilgrimage.  You give ideas to assist us in human living with our neighbors at home and around the world.  You pour your love upon us so that love may spill from us onto others.

Good God,
thank you
for faith
and ideas
to share faith
with others.
Let the light
of your face
shine upon us
so we
may be ready
to see
what you have
for us.
Thank you
for ideas
and the gifts
they bring.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 20, 2012

Dearest God,

Visible reminders, you give us visible reminders of your presence, your living presence.  You reach out to us sharing your grace and love, teaching us to trust you, to put our hand in yours, and to joyfully walk the path of faith.

Seven years ago you challenged me to look out, away from myself, into the far distance and to my close surroundings to discover you afresh and anew.  You had so much work to do inside me.  You had to remove a lot of debris in order to clear my vision and enhance my ability to hear you.  After days of surrender, showing me the way to let go, and leading me to my journey's path, we began the pilgrimage of faith that channeled me into the wide expanse of sacred mystery, awesome beauty, and wondrous glory.  Ever since then I have had a hunger and thirst for your living presence.

Yesterday at church I knew your nearness even as we drove up into the back parking lot.  The smile of a little boy who ran up to my husband to give him a high five was just the beginning.  Love met us at the back door with hugs, squeezes, and even kisses on the cheek.  When the pianist, violinist, and organist began to play I sensed my spirit levitating toward the heavens and I knew it would be an extraordinary morning.

It was what happened toward the end of the service that spoke so boldly of your loving, merciful compassion.  I started getting hot so I began fanning myself, trying to cool down my body so I would not have to leave the service. Suddenly I felt your cool spirit breeze surrounding me.  When I turned to see where the wind had come from, I saw the beautiful face of Cheryl, her body leaning in toward me, with the paperback hymnal wide open fanning me up and down.  Even when I felt cooler from the front and had stopped fanning, she continued to fan right through to the benediction.

I hugged that generous friend following worship.  I realized then she wore the face of Jesus and kindly offered me the sweetness of his love and tender care.

Generous God,
who knows where
you will
show up next
to reveal yourself
to us.
You come
in the
most unexpected ways
just to say
I love you.
How grateful
I am.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Dearest God,

I write only to report what I see, hear, feel, and experience.  When I see faith at work, when I discover your spirit breathing upon me, I write, I share, I tell the story.  It's as simple as that!

This morning I heard the singing as we entered the church. I hummed along, uniting my spirit with all those celebrating faith.  The prelude, the hymn singing, the scripture, and the message caused me to soar, my spirit so happy, I wanted to sing and dance aloud.  When I saw the hymn title following the morning sermon, I smiled real big.  I was back in West Africa dancing with the African Christians in church.  My feet found the rhythm first, my shoulders followed suit, my breathing and singing too..ooh...so African, so celebratory.  Guide My Feet while I run this race.  Guide my feet while I run this race.  Guide my feet while I run this race.  For I don't want to run this race in vain."  The race of faith, the race of spirit, the race of your living presence walking, running, speeding up, slowing down, staying on the path, going uphill and down...always running with you.

I know your spirit when I see, hear, taste, touch, and smell it.  So beautiful, so awe-inspiring, so in-your-face wonderful!  My whole being swayed as we sang Guide My Feet.  I meant it and so did they.  We want your guidance, your Sweet-Jesus guidance.  Reveled, I reveled in your presence, you Holy Spirit God!

Guide my feet,
Precious Lord,
guide my feet
to eternity's door.
Guide the whole
of me
to your door,
Great God.
Let me in,
I cry,
let me in,
I pray.
Hallelujah!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Dear God,

When you slow life down and we are enabled to look closely at what is happening around us, you show us scene after scene of the ways you have helped us.  Like a movie reel you reveal each image and we see what we already saw but also what we had not been able to see.  You point out other characters and those who helped move the props and scenery.  You show us details we oftentimes miss.

Recently our pastor asked me to choreograph a short video for our children on Rally Sunday.  She wanted to depict the life of Jesus and use it to help our kids get excited about faith.  Although I was tired, not well, and reluctant, I said yes anyway.  So when she called me weeks later and I had only barely thought about it, I had to put some time in to see what I could come up with. I sketched out a couple of things but in my dreams I awakened with picture after picture of Jesus in differing locations such as the ocean, the harbor, upon the rocks, on a hill, on the church steps, and inside the church.  It began to flow from darkness to Jesus and the children laughing together.

The next day I met with our pastor and children's ministry leader.  Together we shared what the video might look like.  They got excited but one thought it couldn't be put together in a month.  I shared the simplicity of the video and that's when a member walked into the office.  Having just been with him and his wife the night before, I remembered his talents as a former television producer.  I asked him to help.  He laughed, told me no, and then said when he usually said no first, he would say yes later.  He agreed to be both photographer and producer of the video.

I share all this with you, Gracious God, not because you didn't know it but because I want to acknowledge your inner workings of faith.  I want to say aloud how plentiful your gifts are to your people.  I want to confess a belief in you and a trust in your will and your way.  I want to show others how you help us to accomplish a task given to us for your purpose.  I want to say thank you one more time.

Merciful God,
you truly are
the source
of all good
in the world.
You create ideas
and then
help us
give them flesh.
You show us
the way.
You inspire us
to trust more,
to walk
more closely
in faith,
and to
bless others more
with your love.
I am filled
with gratitude.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, August 17, 2012

Dear God,

You come to us disguised in many ways.  Thank you!

I worked and worked on a sewing project but I could not understand the next step.  Try as I may, I could not figure it out.  A few days later I went to the sewing shop in a nearby town where I had bought fabric.  A demonstration was taking place and no one was available to help me so I waited patiently until the presentation was over.  Within minutes the clerk took my fabric, folded it over, put a pin in it, and handed it back to me.  The problem was resolved in seconds.

What you have taught me is answers to our questions are waiting for us but we sometimes have to wait for them.  We have to be open to ask for help.  We have to be patient.  We have to make our attempt at answers for ourselves but when they are not readily available there are those who can help us, like you.

Loving God,
thank you
for answers
to life's
simple dilemmas.
Thank you
for assistance
when we cannot
help ourselves.
Thank you
for grace
and those
who offer grace
when we are
in need.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Dear God,

It just feels good to be together!  As we bid friends goodbye just before we say hello to our next visitors, we revel in just being by ourselves, appreciating the company of one another, and giving the love you gave us to share with each other.  What a gift!

It is such moments that I remember...I remember the miracle that brought us to you.  I remember the gift of transformation, hope, trust, love, and faith. It came in a vision, a revelation, insights that revealed what we were too blind and too deaf to see and hear. It was so glorious, so life-giving, so freeing, and so wonderful because it opened the door to a new hope, a new life, and a new relationship.  Each day I am aware of the blessing you gave us then and keep giving us even today.

Loving God,
you are
so full
of grace.
Thank you
for pouring
that grace
upon us.
We are filled
with gratitude,
peace, faith,
and joy.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Dearest Lord,

We bid one another goodbye and pledged to get together this winter.  Our friends from Michigan delighted us with a four-day stay.  We laughed and remembered when we worked together in the 60's and we laughed again.  So good for the soul!

How close was your friendship with the disciples?  Did you remember good times together and bad?  Did you share moments of learning, insight, and moments of joy that bonded you together?  Was friendship essential for the work you did together?

As we hugged our friends before they left, we hung on a little longer telling each other "I love you much."  With a combined age of more than 275 years, we know there are fewer times ahead to physically get together, to tease, and to celebrate prized times of friendship.  And so we savored the extra seconds to say thank you.

Great Friend,
thank you
for friendship,
the kind
that brings out
laughter and love,
gentle teasing
and fun-loving spirits.
Thank you
for bonding us together
with faith,
the best gift
of all.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Dearest God,

Periodically late at night I peer out an upstairs bedroom window just to look at the twinkling stars against the dark night skies.  I am always fascinated by what I see, not by viewing the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, and Orion but rather the way each one appears as separate lights.  As I watch with great interest, countless times I am drawn to you, to the majesty of your creation and the way so many things in the world point me to you.

Why is it a million sparkling lights can get me thinking about faith, my relationship to you as Creator, and my significant part in a far greater significant cosmos?  What is it about light that intrigues me so?  Perhaps it is the words of your son Jesus who said, "I am the Light of the World."  If the night lights can get my attention, imagine what the light of Jesus can do to me.

As I receive the challenge to be a light to others because His light has shined on me, I wonder how often I truly reflect that light into the world.  I have to ask myself questions.  Do I shine your light?  Do others see the light in me?  Do I radiate the love that comes from the light?

Tonight as I ponder the light that warms my heart, I think of the Source that warms my spirit.

You are
the Source
of great light,
Majestic God.
Thank you
for light,
so brilliant,
so bright,
and so beautiful.
Whether in
the skies overhead,
the nightlight
in the
bedroom hallway,
or the light
that radiates
in my soul,
I am filled
with gratitude.
Bless you,
my God,
for all
your many gifts.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 13, 2012

Dear God,

Where in the human soul is the trigger to laugh, to smile, and to break into joy?  What inspires the human spirit to break free from darkness, doubt, and despair?  I want to know so I can urge downtrodden people to touch the button, click on the key, or push down the lever!  I have discovered that joy can fill the soul when we are open to releasing ourselves into your hand.

By my own experience I have found a number of things in life that cause us to frown, to squint, to set our jaw on edge, to pick at our tear ducts, and pull at our face muscles to look sour, dour, mean, sad, and ugly.  Life in the trenches can be unfair, unjust, oppressive, and downright heartbreaking.  All the activities, conditions, or situations that cause us to snicker, giggle, and laugh at ourselves get lost and we lose the ability to become light-hearted and happy.  We forget to meet you in those intersections of time where we can let go and surrender the burdens of the day.

I've seen what a smile can do to a soul in pain.  I've witnessed what a sigh of relief can do to change a broken heart.  I've observed what surrender can do when we give you our sorrow or disappointment.  Release of those things that keep bearing down on us can open the door to joy, even a momentary happiness.  I believe those instances are intended to give us the opportunity to meet you face to face where you challenge us to give you our worries and anxieties.  When we trust you and ourselves enough to give them away, that place, deep down somewhere gets triggered releasing joy, faith, and peace.

Great God,
thank you
for offering
to us
the gift
of release.
Thank you
for the chance
to smile,
to breathe
a sigh
of relief,
and to laugh
cleaning out
the hurts
and disappointments.
Thank you
for grace
that gives us
the strength
and courage
to reach
for the trigger.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Dearest God,

I want to ride the wave of praise!  I want to rise into the highest heaven to meet you.  I want to sing my devotion to you, the wondrous God of my faith.

Every Sunday morning when I step inside the facility we call church in order to be the church with those who are the church, I smile.  I am warmed inside.  My heart steps up its beat.  My mind clears.  My body straightens.  My soul opens.  My whole being breaks into joy.

But isn't that supposed to happen when the church comes together?  Aren't we there to meet you and one another?  Aren't we there to unclutter the soul of needless debris?  Aren't we there to reclaim ourselves, our faith, our beliefs, our traditions, our moral compass?  Aren't we there to restore ourselves, renewing our spirits for sharing the good news of faith, joy, and peace?  Aren't we there to touch the holy and allow it to inspire us?  Aren't we?

Holy Father,
your spirit
works its miracles
every Sunday.
I love it
when I
feel praise
rising up
within me.
I love
opening my heart
to you,
letting you
get inside.
I love
honoring you
with all
of me.
Thank you
for the privilege!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Dear God,

My husband and I witnessed a miracle today!  We went to visit our very sick friend in the hospital, a patient with a number of health problems.  Plagued with ailments that could take her life, she not only made it through surgical removal of blood clots behind her heart, she is getting better each day.  Although she is on dialysis because she has no kidneys, she is on the road to recovery.

Our friend is a faith-filled woman.  She cares for others.  She smiles and sings in the church choir.  She knows when someone else is hurting.  She reaches out.  She is filled with love.

As I held her hand and prayed for her, I remembered your faithfulness to her, how your grace saved her from certain death. As I thanked you for her miracle, I whispered my own prayer of gratitude for the joy of seeing your hand at work.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for faith,
for miracles,
and for grace.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 10, 2012

Dear God,

How far can a person fall?  How low can one go before the end comes?

Recently I sat at table with a friend from long ago.  I listened as she shared her woes, ills, and ails.  I remembered back decades ago when we sat and talked, a different day, a different era really.  Although difficulties plagued her from time to time then, today every day is a challenge fraught with doubts and fears.  I wondered how deep a person would plunge before they could experience your arms rescuing them.

I realize life is filled with ups and downs.  I understand how we question you, pleading for answers to life's perplex situations.  I know troubles comes, knocking us off what we believe to be safe ground.  But what does it take before we can acknowledge your living presence speaking profoundly to us to make radical changes in our lives?

I believe faith can lead us to green pastures of fertile growth and to spectacular waterfalls where we can drink as long as we need to.  I believe faith can hold us while we flail in stormy waters.  I believe your grace can assist us in making sense of life issues.  So how do we aid someone who cannot yet see the truth that will set them free?

Show us
the way
to compassionate understanding,
O Lord.
Guide us
to paths
of hope,
courage, and strength.
Take our hand
and lead us
to renewal
and restoration,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 29, 2012

Dearest God,

What is the real cause of growth?  What makes a seed germinate and become a flower, tree, vegetable, or fruit?  I am sure it is easily explained by some scientific research but what causes the seed to want to change, to be transformed?

Sometimes I ponder the ways in which faith grows or does not grow.  When a seed of faith shows signs of change and growth, I wonder what caused it.  What made the human soul ready for change?  What inspired the soul to alter itself?

As I live my daily life, I want to be ready for those moments in time when you call for something different in me.  I want to be prepared, to be willing, to want to allow you to remake me.  I want to choose your will over my own.  I want to be able to weave myself into the lives of others making something far more beautiful than I may be on my own.  I want to be pliable, a happy seed in your hand.

Refashion me
in your hands,
Master Potter,
recreate me
in your image,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Dearest God,

To what extent will you go to connect with your people?  How far are you willing to go?

Seven years ago you invited me to commune with you in a new way.  You wanted to pique my interest in your living presence.  You urged me to anticipate sacred sightings where I would know you lived.  You wanted me to be intentional about living a daily life of faith.  You nudged me to grow, to move from a settled, weary, worn, and lifeless life to one of adventure, risk-taking, mountain climbing, jumping into the water, riding the life raft among the rapids, and going places I never dared dream.

In the first months of my leave taking you showed me the wonders of a spirit life.  You spoke to me of hallowed things.  You unlocked doors and challenged me to take steps inside.  Then you revealed untold mysteries, unraveling doubts, fears, and questions.  You whispered to me the truth that sets people free.

Every since that time you asked me to look closely, to await your coming, and to see for myself the absolute marvel of faith.  Sometimes those moments were high and lofty events; others were simple, small ways in which you revealed how trust, grace, and love can shape a life with purpose.  I've never been disappointed.

I must confess you outdid yourself this morning.  I could not believe it!  Still can't.  I was on my knees in the upstairs bathroom getting ready to mop the floor.  When I moved a wicker box I saw a small pile of something at the very back under the wall that had not been sealed.  At first I thought it was termite wood shavings.  Yuck! I thought.  Then I got a coat hanger, pushed it under the half inch gap, and started sliding forward bits and pieces of stuff.  There was a bunch of teeny wooden spirals (still not sure what that is) and then tiny pieces of wood and plaster but it was what I found in the midst of the pile that astounded me.  Four pieces of seaglass, one in the shape of a heart.  I sat there holding them in my hand reflecting upon just how great your grace is!

Loving God,
thank you
for all
the many gifts
you have
given me.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
with gratitude.
Thank you
for faith
that allows me
to see
the beauty
of a relationship
with you.
I am
deeply grateful!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Dearest God,

I listened for the sound of your voice.  When it came it was beautiful!

The retreatants, women seeking you, gathered together tonight for food, fellowship, and faith.  What a time we had as we chattered one with the other.  We had greeted one another with hugs, all 12 of us.  We were drawn by faith, the light shining in each one's eyes.  We saw your face as we looked at one another.

But it was following my small presentation that the word of your living presence began to fly.  With gleeful delight each one around the room shared moments of faith, learnings, new experiences, great delights, insights, joys received, hopeful answers to life's deepest questions, growth, and peaceful calm.  We smiled, you know that kind of smile that comes from an inner knowing.  Our hearts beat with enthusiasm as we celebrated each blessing offered.  We knew the source and the Source.

Speak and
we will listen,
Living Lord;
we long
to hear
your sweet voice.
Thank you
for sharing
heaven's joy
with us tonight.
Thank you
for being
with us,
for enlightenment,
happiness, wisdom,
and peace.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Dearest God,

How do we unravel the mysteries of the universe?  How do we get inside our own skin to learn more about ourselves and our faith?  How do we finally and ultimately connect with you where there is never another disconnect notice?

As I drove down the back roads to Sanford, I looked out upon the lovely landscape.  Fields, meadows, woods, herbs and flowers growing, with mountains in the background, I wondered how you fashioned each one.  I marveled at the exquisite beauty and felt honored to witness the sacred beauty you provided to planet earth.  Was it difficult, easy, what?

As I go about my daily life, I wonder sometimes if I will ever "get it just right".  I wonder if I will ever fully become the person you created from the folds of your love 65 years ago, nearly 66.  As I reflect, ponder, and think about matters of faith, I wonder if I will ever arrive at the right conclusions, the best attitudes, the greatest commitment, or the dedication I truly desire to come to in my relationship to you.

Show me
the way
to you,
Holy God.
Set my feet
upon the path
of trust
and growth.
Make my faith
an object
of your affection
so I
may increase
my love
and devotion,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 6, 2012

Dear God,

Bending the will, I am ever learning to bend my will.  This one issue is my life's greatest challenge.  Bending my will to yours or even to another when it is the right and good thing to do is sometimes very difficult.  And why?

Sometimes, O Lord, bending my will feels like a threatening act.  When I think I know something, when I think a certain way is preferred, or when I want something in my own mind, I have difficulties letting go, surrendering my own will.  At times when I am required to bend my will, I perceive I will become vulnerable, exposed in some way.  I feel afraid, unarmed, thoughtful of being at risk or harmed.  I imagine all kinds of things happening if I bend.

That is when you come to me.  You tarry a while showing me the benefits of a life lived in the light by faith.  Yes, you reveal the fact that I am exposed, the light does that, but trusting you to guide me to a new step, a new stage, a new challenge, a new direction, a new thought, a new hope means allowing that to happen because you have your hand upon me.  I do not have to give in to fear when the Master's hand holds me.  It is in such moments that heaven's door opens and I see eternity's glorious light.  When I recognize what your love and grace is willing to do for me, I fall to my knees, tears well in my eyes, and my whole being feels ashamed at my lack of trust.  But you don't leave me there in a pile of shame, rather your light warms me, you help me stand, and together we move forward.

Living God,
thank you
for the truth
that sets
me free.
Please forgive me
when I fail
to listen
or to follow.
Put steel
in my spine,
resolve in
my mind,
and faith
in my soul
so I
am ready
the moment
you call me
to bend.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 5, 2012

My dearest God,

This morning you came as a gentle cool breeze in a hot, dry, barren land.  You came as a mist from one of nature's gushing waterfalls.  You came as a bright and beautiful butterfly rising from its cocoon on its first solo flight.  You came to me in worship in the front room of our home, just you and I together.

I stared at the fresh bread on my homemade altar.  I wanted the bread.  I was hungry, spiritually and emotionally hungry for you.  I read the scripture of Jesus, "I am the bread of life."  Indeed you are the bread, the finest, the freshest bread available.

I read from Psalm 25, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul, in you I trust, O my God."  I breathed in the words of the psalmist allowing my heartfelt devotion to rise up to you in love and faith.  I waited silently, praying my own spirit would merge with yours so that we might commune one with the other.

As I read the foreword in Henri J. M. Nouwen's book, Sabbatical Journey, I realized I would be embarking upon a journey with one of the great spiritual writers of our time.  Three hundred sixty five days with Henri as he engaged in some of the deepest questions of his life in his final journey home.  Three weeks after penning his last entry, Henri died paving the way at last to spiritual freedom and restful joy.  I read with hopeful delight and comfort as the three of us, you, Henri, and I stepped onto the spiritual path together not knowing what lay ahead except the knowledge of our union together.

I listened to the music of Cece Winans, Alone in His Presence and then sang along Great is thy Faithfulness.  I love both these songs because I too confess my willingness to be alone with you in worship and to sing the greatness of your faithfulness.  I put my palms out and upward as I prayed the prayer of Jesus, "Our father who art in heaven..."  I drank in your living presence as I acknowledged my own sinfulness and received your grace.

I wondered like Henri.  Is hardship intended to help us recognize our weakness so that we might move toward you for strength?  Does suffering open doors to the depths of your spirit that lay in wait for our arrival?  Is life meant to be one long pilgrimage of faith to the glorious eternal doors of heaven?

As I finally took the bread of heaven in my hands and broke it, I reminded myself again of the gift of your loving mercy.  As I drank the cup of the covenant, I tasted the sweetness of your grace remembering that hope is not conjured up in the human brain but rather is a well of living water that never runs dry in the human soul.  I ate and drank and was satisfied.

I rest
in your arms,
Living God,
knowing there are
no arms
like yours.
You are the
one and only God,
the source
of heavenly food
and drink.
To you
I owe everything.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Dear God,

Some days weariness threatens to weaken my courage and strength. Faith and hope struggle to win the tug of war with pessimism and darkness.  Because I know in the whole of my being that faith and hope are always greater than any enemy that seeks to take me down, I hold fast trusting in you to help me.

As I continue my battle toward better health, I remember just how deep your compassionate mercy goes. If my suffering is on level three then your mercy rests at level four always ready to dig deeper if need be.  Such a thought buoys me when I acknowledge how any difficulty is only as big as your mercy will allow it.  When I imagine my suffering in a box surrounded by mercy, my perspective changes for the better for I know the truth that sets me free.

As I trust more and more in your tender care, I rise up in the light to give praise for you are always there waiting...for me.

Holy God,
giver of hope,
grace, and peace,
I place
my hand
in yours.
When you close
my hand
in yours,
I feel
the strength
of eternity.
I rest
and take comfort.
For you are God;
there is none
like you.
I celebrate
and give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 3, 2012

Dearest God,

If I count right today is my 2500th letter to you.  In September 2005 I could not have imagined writing you a daily letter for seven years.  Yet, it seems as natural to me as breathing.

As I consider our time together, my mind overflows with insight, life lessons, learnings, challenges, overcoming, surrender, transformation, hope, forgiveness, love, peace, joy, and above all, faith.  You have given me all these gifts.  I am overwhelmed with your generosity, goodness, and grace.

I can certainly say during that time I have been to high mountains, low valleys, dry deserts, lush pastures, and magnificent waterfalls.  I have hung on the precipice and walked on fiery coals.  I have looked fear in the face and have been washed in the fountain of living water.  I've been tried by fire and questioned on my loyalty. I have heard warning bells and the sounds of impending danger.  Sometimes I relented and followed you.  Other times I went my own way, falling for the temptation to make my way without you.  Every time, every day you invited me to trust you.  What a beautiful blessing!

Trust is the one word I think that best describes our journey together.  When I didn't know what to do, I trusted you.  When I wanted to do what I wanted to do, you waited until I decided to trust you.  When I was afraid, I trusted you.  When I wept through disappointment, loss, and mourning, I trusted you.  When I celebrated, I trusted you.  Whether in high moments or low you called me to trust you in every condition, situation, difficulty, and fear.  In doing so you reminded me I was never alone; you were always with me.  I can't begin to tell you how much joy that brought me.

As I recount your incalculable blessings, the time spent conversing in our writing, and the many nudges and pushes to grow, to listen, to change, to keep silent, to speak, to take first steps and many others, to conquer fear, to breathe in your spirit, and to anticipate daily sightings of your living presence, I have always known the privilege of calling you Lord.  I have reaped so many benefits from trusting you because you simply asked me to.

Today I am full of gratitude because I am positive I could not be where I am without your guidance, mercy, grace, and love.  Thank you, my Lord, thank you!

Merciful God,
what a
rich life
you give
to those
who trust.
Forgive us
when we fail
to follow.
Thank you
for grace
when you call
and we
come back.
All praise
and glory
is due you,
God Most High.

Forever yours, Andrea

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Dear God,

As a light fog rolled in, I thought of you.  What I love about the fog is the way in which it covers up everything I can see giving me an opportunity to see only you.  I think of you stepping out of the fog and into my life where I can praise you throughout eternity.

This morning I count my blessings and they are so many.  I realize once again how many gifts you give, not the kind you can buy at the store, but the kind that have so great a value that you cannot purchase them.  I think of your loving forgiveness, of mercy and compassion, of grace and hope, and of sweet peace.  How many times have you immersed me in heaven's divine gifts, never because I earned them, but because they are free from your hand?

As my thoughts are of you this morning, I give thanks.  In my mind's eye I accept the invitation you offer to dance the dance of thanksgiving in the cosmos, you and I swirling and twirling, laughing and weeping among the stars.  What joy fills me!

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for touching
the earth
this morning.
Thank you
for walking across
the bridge
from heaven
to earth.
Thank you
for meeting me
in joy.
I love you, Lord,
I love you.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Dear God,

How does music get so deep into my soul?  It seems it starts from a deep place and goes deeper inside me.  As I rested from a continuing weariness, I put on the CD entitled, At the Water's Edge by Tim Janis.  As I closed my eyes and listened, I felt your love stir within me.  There you played eternity's song of peace and solitude.  My eyes welled with joy and gratitude.

If only we knew the extent of your love for humanity.  If only we could accept the love you send out from the center of the cosmos.  If only we believed you are greater than we.  If only we would surrender ourselves into your hands and live eternity's dream for us.  If only we could set aside our worries and burdens, our addictive ways, our need to constantly fill ourselves with the world's goods, and our narrow vision of a self-centered life.  If only we could let love lead us.  If only we were willing to grab hold of your grace.  If only...we would see and hear you.

Lead us
to you,
Loving Lord;
lead us
to eternity's home
where grace abounds
and the opportunity
to live
in your light
is ever present.
Show us
how to
live in
the depths
every moment
of every day.
Then release
heaven's praise
within us
so we
may give thanks
over and over again,
all day long.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Dear God,

Hesitation, reluctance, resistance, and obstinacy can ruin opportunities for growth and transformation.  I know I have done everyone of them, I am sorry to say.

Today you showed me what can happen when daily I allow you to remove those negative characteristics from my life.  I realize the opposite of each one is trust.  As you nudge me to trust you and I accept your challenge, I observe the beautiful things you do.

A few years ago when I wanted to stop praying for a family who had hurt me, you insisted that I continue praying.  At first, I was angry.  I spoke their names in anger and resentment.  But surprisingly across the months and then years as I trusted you, my attitude in prayer changed.  I felt only love.  While I prayed specifically for each person by name a strange thing happened.  You changed me.  Lord, you know I needed changing.  That opened the door for possibilities.  Today the fruit of those prayers and your loving grace revealed the beautiful gift you had intended to give and it was wonderful!

Thank you,
Almighty God,
for your
divine work
in human lives.
Thank you
for nudges,
pushes, and challenges
that give us
new opportunities
for growth
and transformation.
Thank you too
for joy
that comes
when we
trust you
and follow
your will.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 30, 2012

Dearest God,

You are a mysterious God; your wonders are beyond the ability of the human mind to fully comprehend your power and strength.  What I do know for certain is you use that power and strength to show your love and grace.

I have come to the conclusion there are some things too broken for the human hand to repair on our own.  Try as we may, we need your divine power to restore, reconcile, and renew.  Just as your word says, "Nothing is impossible for you."

I had jumped to conclusions.  I thought I knew the reasons for the separation.  I assumed a lot.  I was wrong.  I was really wrong.  I felt helpless and hopeless and out of respect for those who chose to separate for so long, I prayed but did nothing else.  Perhaps I was wrong or maybe time and space had to avail itself before something could change.  Today it did.

When I watch
your hand
at work,
I marvel
at your ability
to transform
human lives,
mine included.
I am inspired,
wowed, if
you will,
by the ways
in which
you direct us
toward healing
and wholeness.
You want us
to love
one another,
don't you?
You want
to show us
the way
to eradicate
resentment and bitterness.
You want
to change
the human heart,
mind, and soul.
You want
to give
us grace.
You want
to humble us
so we will
look up,
surrender, and trust.
Thank you!

Love, Andrea