Sunday, October 28, 2012

Dearest God,

The campsite is quiet now except for the wild and playful brisk wind that has blown through the area since last Wednesday.  As I look around campsites 157 and 158 I see seven grandchildren and three sons-in-law running around the tents, throwing the football, creating chalk drawings on the short road next to us, standing around the roaring campfire, eating at the picnic table under the blue dining fly, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, gymnastics in the tents, putting up Halloween decorations, peeking inside their colorful handmade spooky bags filled with goodies hanging from the clothesline strung between two trees, playing Hide and Go Seek at night, walking to the Nature Center as three competitive teams to learn about the woods with answers about fungi, decomposition, gray squirrels, bird flyways, woodpeckers, snakes, turtles, animal species in Indiana, bees, and so much more, having our pictures taken as we each one sported our alphabet black ball caps and orange shirts with a roster of happy campers, doing group hugs, and standing in a circle during worship sharing what each was thankful for in our special Halloween campout together in Brown County State Park.

As I sit quietly eating the leavings of the weekend of cold baked beans, a banana, chips with sea salt and cracked pepper, and a diet coke, tears form in my eyes as I give thanks.

Gracious and Loving Father,
you are
the greatest gift
of all.
You bless
and then
you bless again.
As I reflect
upon your blessings,
I am
wholly grateful.
My heart
is full
of love
for you.

Always, Andrea

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dear God,

Thirty five degrees, this morning we awaken in our tents in the campground to thirty-five-degree weather.  As I breathe in the fresh, cold, and breezy air I realize we have all slept more than nine hours, nine glorious hours in sleeping bags with fleece blankets.  How much better does it get than that?

As I listen to the dying leaves falling upon my tent, I recognize once again the value of each season's work.  I give thanks while experiencing creation at its best in Indiana.  As I dress inside my sleeping bag, preparing for the day with five top layers of clothing, I look over to my left, lean near to little Lucy and Stella, and pull up the covers to keep them warm.  As I step outside the tent, I am whipped about by the brisk autumn wind.  I step over to the campfire pit, tightly wad up paper, make a little tent with twigs, and strike a match catching the paper afire.  As I blow upon the tiny spark, the wood catches and I feel the first warmth of the morning, and ooh, ooh, aah, how good it feels.

As I look around the area, I spill over with love for Josh, BJ, and Matt, my three sons-in-law who dislike the cold, camping, and sleeping on the ground, yet joined me on this adventurous expedition weekend with seven of their total children.  How happy I am to remember their playfulness with the kids and their willingness to help build fires, cook, and clean up.

I am elated to be with seven of my grandkids:  Gabrielle, Jack, Stella, Rylan, Lucy, Grace, and Sophie.  What fun they are to be with, to hug and tease, to squeeze them, to call them funny names, to tuck them into their bedrolls, and to listen to them say to me, "I love you, Grandma."

But most of all, dear God, I am filled with gratitude to be in your company in the beautiful fall with ten of the people I love most in the world.  I believe you have given me the gift of your living presence through them and I bubble with joy!

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for special moments
in time.
Thank you
for love
that is
always growing.
Thank you
for gifts
beyond measure.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 26, 2012

Dearest God,

The sweet love of a grandchild is so much like the love of the heavenly father.  When little five-year-old Rylan came up to me, squeezed my leg real tight, and said, "Grandma, you are my most favorite, favorite grandma in the world", I thought I heard the voice of the divine speaking, not because I am more special than any other but because I believe each one of your children is your favorite.

When I have been lonely and despairing, you have whispered your encouraging words of love to me.  When I have been high as the tallest mountain, you have celebrated with me.  When I have been longing, you have come to me as a dear friend.  When I have been afraid, you came as strength as mighty as a rock.  When I have doubted and lost my self confidence, you have boosted me, lifting me up so I could see the light above the darkness.

Who else but a favorite would receive such loving attention?

Generous God,
so full
of compassion
and mercy,
thank you
for love
that reveals itself
to us
in so
many ways.
Thank you
for Rylan
who taught me
a lesson today.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Dear God,

We needed pumpkins, eleven of them, so my friend and I drove the hilly road to the teeny country town of Gnawbone I had seen the day before.  As we picked out pumpkins on a nearby farm, I saw the elderly, white-haired man slowly walk out of the farmhouse, get in his big gray truck, and drive it a few yards to where we were.  As he gingerly stepped down from the truck, he greeted us in great southern Indiana style.  From the moment he said hello, he began to share with us what was on his mind like his children and grandchildren.  He told us every name, where they lived and what they were doing, where they went to school and what their futures looked like.  He talked about his farm and how many pumpkins he had sold this year and how bad the season was last year.  He told us about his health and all his surgeries.  Then he talked about his Lutheran church, where it was located, and the times of worship.  He invited us to come some time.  Although he rarely used a period between sentences, preferring commas instead, he smiled broadly and I could tell he was the real thing, a genuine article of southern hospitality, a friendly, caring neighbor, and Christian brother.  As he gave us the price of a dozen pumpkins and we put them in the car, he gave us his best grandfatherly smile and told us he loved us and to drive carefully.  As I crawled into my van, he waved.  When I pulled out onto the side road and turned around, made the curve to the side of his farm and drove out onto the highway, he hollered once again, "Now you know I love ya, you drive careful, and have a really good weekend."

On the way back to the campground I realized the elderly man had shared with us a lesson about you.  Every day you tell us you love us.  You tell us to have a good day and be careful.  You don't wait for us to say much to you, if anything, you just say those few valuable words, "I love ya, you know.  Have a really great day."

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for the people
you put
into our lives.
Thank you
for blessings
every day
that remind us
just how much
you care.
Who could
not love you
right back?

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Dear God,

Anticipation, the longing of the heart for something good!  I believe this gift warms the heart making the soul ready for a movement of your living spirit.

As I drove down to Brown County, my car filled to the brim with eighteen sleeping bags, twelve blankets, six pillows, eleven towels, thirteen wash clothes, four full coolers, four tents and ground covers, one fold-up table, and an assortment of food items, pots and pans, Halloween paper products, bottles and bottles of fruit drinks, water, and soda, and so much more, my insides felt like they would pop.  I had worked two weeks preparing for a special time with seven grandchildren and three sons-in-law.  I had made eleven Halloween cloth bags to fill with surprises all weekend long like favorite candy, a pillowcase to match the bag, Halloween socks, ball caps with plastic alphabet names, bright orange shirts with a camp scene and a roster of eleven names, and assorted little treasures.  My friend had her truck filled with Halloween decorations and more stuff I simply could not stuff in my own van.  I was ready to see the bright, smiling faces of seven of my grandchildren and my three sons-in-law.  In fact I could hardly wait.

As I made my way up hills and down on a gorgeous autumn day, I whispered your name giving thanks for the opportunity to spend time with some of my beloved.

Gracious God,
thank you
for love
that stretches
and grows
every day.
Thank you
for anticipation
that drives us
toward one another.
Thank you
for binding me
to seven
of the
greatest kids
in the world
and their dads.
Thank you
for your
living spirit
that enlightens me
to the fact
that you
are the gift
behind the gifts.

Always yours, Andrea

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Dear God,

I want to be a bible story for you.  I want to be a testimony to faith for you.  I want to be a source of divine love for you.

As I sat in the monastery chapel waiting for worship to begin, the thought came to me about being a bible story for you.  What is my life worth if not a testimony, a witness to faith?  Otherwise, I would simply be a consumer of religion without any evidence of living faith.

What would it mean for me to become a bible story?  How would I live differently?  How would I share my faith in tangible ways?  How would my story be written for others in a way that makes a difference in the world?

Show me
the way
to become
a compelling
bible story
for you,
O Lord.
Make my life
a living testimony
of faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 22, 2012

Dearest God,

Do I love you because of your many gifts to me or do I love you out of a deep desire to have a relationship with the God of creation, the God of salvation?  That question came to me in the early hours of the morning before I climbed out of bed.

When I rattle off your many blessings to me, I thank you for family, friends, rest, our home, and my comfort. When I declare my love to you, is it because I have so much, that I live out of a kind of abundance?  Is that why I love you?  What if I had none of it?  What if my health failed and I had no one to care?  What if my relationships fizzled and I was left alone?  Would I still offer up my praises to you?  What if I lived a life where I never knew when my next meal would be served?  Would I still love you?

What is at the root of my love for you, Lord?  As I live in comfort with shelter, medicine, clean water, and plenty of food, is my love for you connected with these gifts?  What if I had none, would I love you as wholly as I do now?

As you look upon me as one of your children, Heavenly Father, what do you see in me?  I cannot see you apart from where I live, what I have, and what I receive.  How can I know if my love is or is not connected with these.  I want to have a pure love for you apart from all I have.

Show me
the extent
of my love
for you,
O God,
so that
I may
love you more.
Detach me
from all
I have
so that
I may
love you fully
with all
of me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Dearest God,

Some days I confess I don't choose you first.  I choose other things like starting the laundry, picking up the house, sewing special projects, or a vast range of other things.  I opt to do something else instead of praying, writing, or praising you.  I am sorry.

What I know is this:  When I choose something before you, my time with you is not the quality time it can be.    When I allow my mind to be filled with other things, it is hard to focus on my love for you.  When I wait until later in the day to write you, I am not as inspired, challenged, or directed.  I do not always feel your spirit deep within me whispering words of faith to my soul.  I always know when I am distant from you.  I do not like it at all.

When I choose you first, when I begin to pray even before rising in the dark morning, when I set my mind on you rather than a myriad of other things, I sense my faith growing.  I sense a closeness, a deepening relationship.  So much comes to me and I know you are speaking to me.  Those are glorious days, better than any other.

Disciple my mind,
O Lord,
my body,
and soul too.
Remind me
of the benefits
of an
abiding relationship
with you.
Teach me
to prioritize
and to elect
to meet
with you first,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Dear God,

How beautiful is your creation!  How wonderful it is to gaze upon the color of every leaf upon the trees, each leaf exquisitely painted by your hand.

What wonderful gifts you provide.  Each season offers its best and blesses us.  As I look out the window at all that you have given, I marvel at the grace behind the gifts.  I have done nothing to deserve the blessings I view.  I have done nothing to create them.  I do prune, clean, and mulch but that is nothing compared to your work.

Today I paused and gave thanks.

Thank you,
Great Creator,
for every gift
of each season
but more
than that,
thank you
for the grace
of your
unconditional love.

Always, Andrea

Friday, October 19, 2012

Dearest God,

The call to come home is one of the most beautiful sounds in all of life!  As I drove up into the circle drive at the monastery, my heart at once knew I had arrived.  My soul warmed as I imagined walking through the doors for worship after several months.

As I bowed to you at the altar before finding my seat, I heard the bells begin to ring that sound of home.  I smiled and sat, breathing in your spirit, finding respite, experiencing joy.

The chanted psalms reminded me of my purpose in life:  "I will sing my song for God all the days of my life."  I will sing for you Lord, I will sing all my days, I thought.  Throughout the liturgy, I heard your voice speaking to me.  The scripture freshened my spirit although it was already high.  I felt a strange sensation like the dust being shaken off me so all of me was fully prepared to meet you.  I breathed in deep, the sound of my lungs taking in the air of your spirit a delight to my soul.

As we prayed the Lord's Prayer together, we were just one voice, the sound of heaven.  Yes, I was home.

God of Grace and Glory,
thank you
for the
prized moments
of worship.
Thank you
for your
living spirit
that breathes
so much life
into me.
Thank you
for faith
that heightens
my awareness
readying me
for the
high and
holy meeting
of love.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Dearest God,

Is my life a bible story?  A story of failure and success, a story of rebellion and surrender, and a story of groundedness and relentless flight?  As I read the devotion I plan to share in covenant group, the question came to me.  Am I a bible story?  Does my life tell your story?

The story of my life is not an exciting, thrilling story; yet, when I consider the many divine encounters with you, I marvel.  My soul warms as I reflect upon your action in my life, your gifts, your challenges, your inspiring touches, nudges, and pushes into faith.  When I really think about what you have done inside me, my life does indeed say something about you.

As I journey through this day, may I act according to your desire.  May I speak a good word.  May I be a blessing story not about a recalcitrant child but rather one who loves and honors you.

Make me
a story
of you,
O Lord;
help me reflect
your grace,
your love,
and your mercy.
Show me
the way
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Dearest God,

How do you give us a tender heart for someone who is hurting?  How do we automatically feel the pain of someone else?  Is that part of our self a part of you?

Sometimes when I pray in thanksgiving for the gifts, graces, and blessings you have given me, an image of a sad brokenhearted refugee mother comes to me.  When I gaze at her in my mind's eye, I see a starving mother with her starving children in a disheveled tent.  Sometimes I see a victim of human trafficking.  I stop my prayer to reflect and think and then my prayer changes, praying for those I see and for ways for me to bless others with gifts too.

When the bible says we are made in your image is that to say you are part of each human?  Is that part of you that is within me the inspiration for my immediate care and prayer for someone else?  Is that the way you work?

Reveal your mysteries
to me,
O Lord,
that I
might be effective
for your purpose.
Show me
the way.
Teach me
to care
for all those
you bring
to me.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 15, 2012

Dear God,

Why, O Lord, does darkness have so much power?  Why are we drawn to darkness when we know in the deepest part of our souls that the light is always better?  Or do many not know about the benefits of the light?  I heard disturbing news today and this question appeared before me once again.  Why are we so drawn to the darkness?

When I am really honest, I have to think about my own journeys into darkness.  Ever lurking it is so easy to get there. All we have to do is step from the light into the piercing blackness and just that quick we can be lost.  I've taken the trek myself many times.  When I have acted as a recalcitrant child, I have ignored you, rejected your will, and taken off, finding myself in a place that ultimately I did not want to be.

Even as I ponder the question of darkness and our human decision to go there, the thought comes to me that your light travels with us.  We never enter darkness alone. We may feel alone but the feeling is not the whole truth.  The rest of the truth is you never let us out of your sight.  The darkness is not darkness to you but rather a place where the light shines dimly.

Make our way bright,
Ever-Radiant God;
shine your light
upon us.
Keep us
ever near
even when
we bolt
from your side.
Reveal the path
to you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Dear God,

A day in your house is like no other day!  When the psalmist spoke of how lovely it is to dwell in your house, he knew what he was talking about.  As I sat in worship with four of my grandchildren, three of which are not regularly involved in church, I too dwelled in joy.  It didn't even matter that it was not my church home.  I was in your home dwelling in faith with four of the people I love most in the world.

How good it is to have homes of faith in which to dwell with the faithful, to hear of your mighty actions, to smile, sing, worship, love, and fellowship together.  To think of the millions of homes of God speaking different languages yet the same language brings such joy to my soul.  Although I had never worshiped in the home I worshiped in today made no difference to me.  I was simply at home with you, with grandchildren, and others who loved the same God.  How beautiful to dwell in your living presence!

Gracious God,
thank you
for the practices,
traditions, beliefs,
and ways
of honoring you.
Thank you
for your presence
wherever we choose
to worship.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for the call to remember, to look back, to reflect upon your mighty movement, to celebrate, and give thankful praise.  If I did not frequently remember, perhaps I would forget what you have done.  I would not live on the constant edge of gratitude.  I would become cynical, afraid, irritable, less forgiving, and faithless.

Remembering keeps me fresh in faith.  It keeps me spiritually alive, awake to your merciful goodness, and incredible power.  It helps me anticipate today's gifts and blessings and gives me resources for life's challenges.  It reminds me of old habits and new ways.  It points me to the greatness and joy of faith.  It inspires me to live more fully in your light.

Today as I sat at the dinner table with my daughter and her family, I remembered your faithfulness.  I recalled the sacred cord that held us together when we were apart for so many years.  I thought of fresh doses of tender care when my insides were raw with weeping.  I called to mind the countless number of people who lovingly prayed for our reunion.  I breathed in joy when through miracle after miracle you circled us together on a cold, crisp, sunny Thanksgiving Day.  Wow!  I didn't put that together.  What day could be more beautiful to see your hand at work than Thanksgiving.

You have taught me to remember you not for just what you have done in my own lifetime but the lifetime of so many across the centuries. And I am grateful, so very grateful!

Generous God,
thank you
for sacred memories
that continue
to feed
my soul.
Thank you
for touching
my life
again and again.
Thank you
for the well
of gratitude
that lives daily
within me.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 12, 2012

Dear God,

How can we learn patience without having to become impatient and wait?

Because of road construction I chose another way to drive north to my daughter's house.  I didn't know there was construction going on there too.  A two-hour trip became four.  I had to wait and allow other traffic in as the lanes converged in rush-hour traffic.

How do I settle my impatient heart, O Lord?  How do I settle back knowing your time is always right?  How do I trust you to show me the way to patience?

Help me
to learn
how to patient,
O God.
Make me
an example
to others
as I wait
upon you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Dearest God,

You make time roll by.  One day unfolds and then another.  Before long a week is gone and then a month.

Tonight my 12-year-old granddaughter Gabrielle sang in a choir concert at school.  She had straightened her hair, put on makeup, and stood among the other choir members.  When I waved she turned her head too embarrassed to run wildly into my arms like she did when she was younger.  She is changing from a little girl to an adolescent.

As I watch my grandchildren grow up, I wonder how they will develop in faith.  I wonder how they will answer your call, listen for your word, and follow your plan for their lives.  I wonder how they will handle the difficult decisions that will surely need to be made.  I wonder who they will become.

And so, O Lord, I pray for them.  I pray they will feel the gentle breeze of your spirit.  I pray they will be attentive to matters of the spirit.  I pray they will answer your holy call.

Gracious Loving God,
thank you
for the attention
you give
to every one
of your children.
Thank you
for my grandchildren
in particular.
Bless them
with faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Dear God,

I love waking up in the early morning darkness.  It seems the morning is a mystical reminder of the light breaking through the darkness, a powerful image of faith.

Each dark morning I love to watch the first light come.  I love to see the first glimmer of white beyond the dark branches of the trees.  I love to see the skies become brighter and brighter, a sign that the light is indeed coming.  I love it when the skies light up and I know all is as it is designed to be.  I know one of your purposes is being fulfilled in the world and I am thrilled, humbled to see it, to participate as a grateful observer.

As just one of the many children on this earth noticing, I thank you.

Living God,
let your
darkness come
and then
let your
light appear.
Thank you
for both
the darkness
and the light.
Thank you
for the reminder,
the image
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Dear God,

How powerful nature's voice is!  As she changes her seasons yet again, I hear her crying out, "How great is our God!"  As a recipient of that message, I too am inspired to sing your praise.

I can't help but get caught up in autumn's beauty.  As I sit still and watch the leaves change from green to every hue of orange, red, and gold, my insides feel the warmth of your love.  If you did not wish to make a statement, every leaf would be living green and then dead brown but not you, Living God, you wanted us to take notice, to look, to listen, and to respond to your call to beauty and goodness.

As I breathe in your many gifts, my heart fills up with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for blessing us
one more time.
Thank you
for the beauty
all around.
Thank you
for pricking
my insides
to pay attention,
to be aware
of your handiwork.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 8, 2012

Dearest God,

How do you measure love?  Is it high or low?  Is it a little or a lot?  How do you measure love?

When I am captured by your love, I feel awash in it.  I feel surrounded by a heavenly warmth.  Every pore of my being feels full, at peace, and content.

How can I love like that?  How can I sustain that kind of love?  How can I love others with that same kind of love?  How can everyone be caught in the web of your love?

Teach us
the way
of love,
Gracious God;
show us
how to love
and be loved.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Dear God,

The news of a miracle in our midst brought joy to my soul.  Overnight you wrought a newsworthy event to touch our family and the family who was hurting due to a horrible accident.   Praise moved to my lips.

Of course, the miracle was for the six-year-old boy, struck in the head by a golf club causing a depressed skull fracture and brain bleed, whose family now has been told he will fully recover.  But the rest of the miracle was for all those who were inspired to pray, strangers at their best praying for a little boy who was critically injured, people who banded together to do their part to help, to assist you in your ministry of care, and to show love's finest.  What miracles, what grace, what love!

There is something miraculous about the human soul that feels the instant desire to pray for someone they do not know.  How often I have felt that call myself when I hear that tragedy has hit.  I want to pray.  I want to do my part.  I want to help.  I want to partner with you to bring healing and hope.  And when I follow through and actually pray, I feel a sense of belonging, a partnership with you and those who suffer, and a humility that reminds me how wondrous it is that you invite us to participate in your work by faith.  How beautiful it is when a community forms to love and pray!

Generous God,
thank you
for the miracle
and all
the other miracles
that come
our way
when we participate
in your ministry
of love
and care.
Thank you
for reaching out
and allowing us
to help
and to show
our own love.
Thank you
for your kindness
in healing Luca.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Dearest God,

When I picked up the phone all I could hear was sobbing.  As fear shot through me, I tuned myself to my daughter's voice trying to pick up pieces of what she was trying to say through her tears.  What I could make out very well was, "Pray, Mom, pray."

My grandson decided to play golf in the pile of Autumn leaves by the curb in front of their house.  What he didn't know was his six-year-old friend had crawled in the huge pile to hide.  When Jack took a big swing with the golf club he hit the boy in the head.  He thought he saw some wood in the pile and thought that was what he had hit so he leaned in the pile to take it out of the leaves only to find his bloody friend.  Jack screamed and his family came running.

In the ensuing hours I emailed everyone in my contact list.  I called family members to ask for prayer.  Within minutes I realized how powerful love is to inspire strangers to pray.  From Arizona to Illinois, from Indiana to Maine, they prayed for the two boys and their families.  We all did.

Merciful and Compassionate God,
you are
the source
of our love.
You inspire us
to love
by praying.
You show us
the way.
You give us love
for perfect strangers
and then
the desire
to pray.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 5, 2012

Dear God,

Tonight love and laughter filled our home.  Five grandchildren came for a sleepover.  What blessing there is when family gets together.

Each child, O Lord, is such a blessing to me.  Each one lives in hope and offers so much love.  They have deep wells within them, a gift from you.  They offer up their own joy and that joy fills every corner of my home when we share our lives together.

As we read, ate, watched a movie, shared, and played together, I felt our love grow.  I sensed your spirit among us giving us the capacity to grow more love for one another.  I felt the eternal thread, the divine connection that comes directly from you.  As I closed my eyes to sleep, I smiled in thanksgiving.

Gracious and Kind God,
thank you
for love
that begins
in eternity
and winds
around us.
Thank you
for the ability
to share love
with one another.
Thank you
for allowing me
to see you
in my grandchildren.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Dear God,

You didn't just make magnificent, tall, sturdy green trees, you placed exceptional color in each leaf on the tree.  At the right time they release their beauty.  In the spring tiny new buds appear blessing us.  In the summer we watch birds fly into the trees and then begin singing their bird songs, blessing us again.  Now in the fall the changing colors capture us and bless us yet again.  What can we say to such blessing?

Although daily you reveal new reasons to believe in you, the seasonal blessings still marvel speaking to the great Creator.  As I look out even in my own backyard, I see green, yellow, orange, brown, red, and colors in between and I know who painted them.

God of Great Blessing,
thank you
for your desire
to bless us.
Thank you
for grace
that is
poured out
not because
we deserve it
but because
you want to.
Fill us
with praise
to bless you
right back.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Dearest God,

I could feel your arms around me.  I now know what it feels like to be enveloped in divine love!  I was literally surrounded, snug and comfy in my grandchildren's arms when I surprised them and came home early.    They ran outside when they saw me and squealed, "Grandma!  Grandma!" as I ran to them and squealed right back, "Kids!  Kids!"  Wow, it was wonderful!

An hour later it was the same at a second home filled with granddaughters.  The minute they saw me, they bolted through the door and wrapped their arms all the way around me.  And, of course, I did the same hugging and kissing those little heads so close to my heart.

I can only imagine heaven being like that. Warm welcomes, soft but firm squeezes, laughter, smiles, hugs and kisses, wide eyes and cheeks lifted clear to the eyelids, all in the form of love!

Kind and Loving God,
thank you
for love
that can stretch
from heaven
to earth
and right back!
Thank you
for love
that holds us
even when
we are
not able
to be
with each other.
Thank you
for love
that grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
some more.
Thank you
for love
that never
gives up
and always
waits to
capture us
in the
most beautiful ways!
Thank you, Lord,
for love,
the richest gift
of eternity!

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Dearest God,

When it is time to return home, you let us know.  You call.  Your voice reaches us.  We come.

I used to think getting from point A to point B was a short journey.  You just move from here to there.  But then you showed me that the journey itself is never to be overlooked or missed.  What happens during the journey can be almost better than getting where you are going.

When I thought of a trip back home, nearly 1100 miles, I felt weary and tired.  I just wanted to get home.  But my husband started driving and I started looking around.  Wow!  If I had simply flown, taken an airplane , I would have missed all that I saw today.  The hills, valleys, and mountains, the streams, lakes, and rivers, the changing of the colors, and spending time in the car with my husband of 27 years...I would have forfeited the sights and scenes all around me.  I am sorry for wishing to get home quickly!

So often I am a slow learner.  There have been times when I wanted to escape my present reality for another.  I wanted you to fix my problem, to transport me to another time and space.  I have prayed for you to use a magic wand to change my situation.  But then you showed me another way by offering your hand.  Together we climbed the hills and mountains.  We descended into the valleys.  We took the twists and turns together.  We went places I could never have visited alone.  Always the journey gave me extra benefits along the way like eyes to see below and above the surface of my life, the ability to pause and take in the beauty and goodness in the moment, and learning how courage is formed through trust, just to name three.

As I took my turn driving I gave thanks for the blessing of being a passenger and then driving the distance myself.  You are so good, Lord, to teach us life lessons.  Thanks for the call!

Glorious God,
thank you
for the call
of faith.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to travel
with you
through life.
Thank you
for the
scenery developing
all around me.
Thank you
for your
living presence
always at work
touching and
inspiring me
to faith!

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 1, 2012

Dearest God,

Ecclesiastes says there is a time and season for all things under heaven.  For me this is the season of reflection and gratitude.

Transitions have always been about looking back, considering the ways you have blessed my life, surrendering myself into your hands for the next move, and then stepping into the next chapter with you.  I do not want to forget your faithfulness, kindness, help, direction, and encouragement.  I want to pause, to give thanks, and to marvel in all that you are in human life.

We are readying to leave home in one place and return home in another.  Each time we move and resettle, I count my blessings.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for your gifts,
your many blessings.
I am
most grateful
to be counted
among your children.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Dear God,

What causes us to be blind?  How is it we cannot see when in actually we can see?

This morning as I sat in the choir loft singing the morning hymn, I looked from my far left to my far right, sweeping across the congregation.  Suddenly I was filled with emotion.  Faces glistened and in their eyes I saw wondrous amounts of faith.  I saw their stories, their life's transformation, their surrender to you, and their love.  I saw women retreatants whose growth and trust leaped into faith just a few months ago.  I saw prayers prayed for me as I sought help for an ailing health condition.  I was overcome by what I saw and felt and I wondered how I did not see that more fully before.

I have been blind and then you took the scales from my eyes.  I have worked with others in counselling who suffered from emotional and spiritual blindness.  I have observed people who stumbled in the darkness because they could not see.  Yet, I have not only experienced a release from blindness myself, I have seen others move toward the light seeing something for the first time.  It is a wonder, a grace.

The gift of sight is a marvel; the ability to see in the depths is a beautiful experience. I know the ability to see in this way is one of heaven's blessings.  We discern life in a different way because you reveal more to us, giving us the ability to see more and from varying perspectives.  You show us what eternity is like; you give us a glimpse of the divine.  You allow us into yourself showing us what you see and we are blessed, so very blessed.

Gracious God,
giver of light,
thank you
for the gift
of sight.
Thank you
for removing obstacles
that may
inhibit our ability
to see.
Thank you
for sacred beauty
always waiting
to be revealed.
Thank you
for your
loving kindness
and grace
that allows us
to see
more of you.

Love, Andrea