Monday, December 31, 2012

My dearest God,

How sweet was worship this morning, sweet in the sense of mercy flowing like a river.  As we sang favorite hymns reflecting upon the wondrous gift of Christmas, one voice rose up out of the crowd, a tenor voice singing his praise.  I thought how you take beautiful ordinary moments and make them extraordinary and then show us what it means when one person sings praise from his soul.  Others notice and are drawn to you.

And then a beautiful miracle unfolded, one that took years and yet in some ways was fulfilled in the worship. A child was brought forth for baptism.  I knew this family well, their family struggles, their fights with darkness, and their battle to overcome.  I knew their determination, their courage, and their strength but most of all, their faith.  When the father brought his wife and child forward, I knew the light was shining in the whole family, parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and cousins.  I looked along the front row and smiled just remembering your goodness, your faithfulness, your power, and your grace.  My, how you worked miraculously in that family.  I could not keep my eyes off the shining light.

As I write today, I think to myself, "If people, if we could only grasp the miracle work you do every single day, none of us would turn away.  The line would always face the front, never needing to look back, not one moment.  We would delight in following, in singing praise, in living victoriously, in trusting your strength, your love, and your compassionate care.  We would function in peace offering charitable hospitality to all around us.  We would seek your face and live our thanksgiving reaching out to others.  We would fashion a new world honoring every person, lifting them up, encouraging them, celebrating their victories, praying for their sorrows, and making heaven on earth for generations who will follow.  We would live for you and our lives
would spread joy throughout all of creation."

Wondrous God,
all glory
is yours
now and forever.
Any who
has ever
been touched
by your grace
knows your
great love
and gracious companionship.
Together
help us
bring forth
the potential
for a
new year
in your
loving service.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Dear God,

As I typed in the date, I realized this year was at an end.  As I swiftly moved backward to reflect upon the year at a glance, one thing was crystal clear. All year long your living presence has been as close as my breath.  You have been faithful to me.  You have allowed me to walk the pilgrim journey with you.  You have blessed me, given me healing and good health, laughter and joy, and peace and hope.  In those instances where I resisted your care and your challenge, you still remained the great God that you are.  Your love was always there.

When I did a quick inventory on myself, I must confess that I was not totally faithful to my commitment to stay close to you, to follow your will, to love always, to forgive, and to be charitable.  At times I failed to do as asked.  I forfeited opportunities to grow my faith, to serve others, to reach out, and to love unconditionally.  I did not always observe the principles of Christian living.  I am sorry.

Yet, if I have learned anything, it is you are the God of second chances.  Your love scoops us up, receives our repentance, and sets before us a vision of what we can be, what we can do to fulfill our purpose on this earth, and what ways we can celebrate your many gifts to us.  How grateful I am to be included in your family!

Majesty,
I bow low
before you
in thanksgiving
and praise.
I give thanks
for the
extraordinary love
you give
to all
your children.
You have
my devotion,
my love,
and my gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 29, 2012

My dear God,

The magnificent artistry of the snowy morning led me directly to you.  As I quieted myself and sat in silence in my writing room looking out my wrap-around windows, I was filled with wonder, so thankful for your creation, its seasons, and the unique beauty of each one.  Winter is my favorite, snow my great delight.  I am like a child caught up in the wonder of both magic and mystery.

What a blessing it is to be drawn to you by creation!  This morning's scene teaches me to appreciate the gifts I possess, my sight, my appreciation, my faith, my imagination, and my love.  All these circle me 'round to you every time.

As I look at the way the limbs and branches hold last night's pure white snow I find myself just wanting to say to you, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you..."

Wondrous God,
thank you
for the
infinite number
of gifts
you give
to us.
You teach us
to anticipate
sights and sounds
of your coming.
Faith opens
the door
to our wonderment
and admiration.
I am
so full
of gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 28, 2012

Dearest God,

You have taught me that faith gives us a spiritual awareness to the truth when it is revealed.  That surely must have been what Jesus wanted when he said "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Faith shows us the way to healing, liberation, and freedom.

In a Christmas gathering that went awry, insights emerged leading to a light challenging those who want to be healed, to be set free, to find unconditional love, and to rebuild a strong and caring family.  Amazing how you made faith to be the eyes of the soul.  There is a new hope for those who want to take a new path, perhaps unfamiliar and scary, yet full of opportunities for the future.

As I made my annual Advent and Christmas pilgrimage, you showed me how faith is a gift to be celebrated at Christmas.  Yes, a most important event occurred 2,000 years ago but what influence does it have on the world if we do not take it to heart and allow it to soak into our souls renewing our spirits for a new life?  Once permanently inside us, then we have to live out of that living spiritual center that daily makes you alive in the world.

It may be that this insight is just the best gift this family received this year.

Holy God,
full of wonder
and grace,
thank you
for faith
that opens
the door
to beautiful gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for the ways
your spirit moves
to reveal
your love
for us.
Lead us
to the truth,
to wholeness,
to peace,
to joy,
and most
of all,
to praise.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Dear God,

How do we stay in your will at all times?  How do we follow obediently knowing the great benefits you provide?

Some ways are easy in the spiritual life.  It is easy to worship and praise you.  It is easy to say thank you.  It is easy to be thankful for your living presence.  It is easy to love you.  It is not easy to follow when life hits a snag.

When I fight for what I believe is just, it is difficult when others do not see justice in the same way.  It is difficult to maintain civility when a conversation crumbles over the idea of what seems so clearly right.  It is painful to lose our way together.

And so when I awaken in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep, I know what I need to do.  "A bent will, O Lord, bend my will to yours."  I pray quietly as a mantra.  Returning to the place of trust brings peace and hope.

Loving God,
show us
the way
to your
perfect will.
Bend our wills
to yours.
Make us
of one mind
with you.
Lead us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

My dearest God,

In a single room you can create hope for one, healing for another, grace for someone else, and faith for yet one more.  You do this to bring salve to your people.

I believe anything can happen during Christmas.  You have taught me to anticipate the quiet movement of your Holy Spirit.  By faith you have shown me how trust in you can lead to revelation, new perspectives, and miracles.  What seems impossible with no apparent solution can become not only possible but done in an instant at Christmas.

A long time ago you began a hard work in me.  You took my doubt, my resistance, my fledgling faith, and my hope and you created a fertile environment for a spectacular life with you.  You unfolded mysteries and gave me a thirst for eternity's goods.  You revealed how a bent will toward heaven could lead to newness of life, inside looks at hope, an ability to see your light in the darkness, an incredible living faith, and a keen awareness of your spirit's lively movement in every day living.  Although I was painfully mindful of my own unworthiness, you reminded me how I was your child like any other and I too could receive grace to open the doors of heaven.

By night's end on Christmas day I could only whisper my prayers of thanksgiving as I had witnessed more gifts than those under the tree.

Miracle God,
thank you
for the
deep awareness
of spirit life
in every day living.
Thank you
for the liveliness
of faith.
Thank you
for eternity's
unexpected gifts.
Thank you
for allowing us
to join you
in the
pilgrim walk.
Thank you
for love
that is
unlike any other.

Yours forever, Andrea

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Dearest God,

Last night you came giving me my Christmas miracle.  So beautiful, so wonderful are you, Gracious God.

I have generally found Christmas Eve worship to be such a mystical experience and last night was no different.  It seems the full mystery of Christmas and Easter and faith are revealed.  On a Christmas Eve long ago you invited me to open my heart, my mind, and my spirit and to anticipate your special coming. I did and you came unlocking some of the wondrous secrets of faith.

It happened again last night as my husband and I stood in front of the altar offering holy communion to the people as all sang Christmas carols.  As each person stepped in front of me, I held out the bread and said, "Jesus Christ, the gift of Christmas".  I realized what a privilege it was to offer you to others hungry for an experience of you on a holy night. I looked into their eyes and spoke the world's greatest truth.  I felt honored to hold you in my hands and to give you to your very own people.

Then later as I stood in a darkening sanctuary to sing "Silent Night, Holy Night" with the choir, Jenny, a soprano next to me, took her lighted candle, stretched across me as I held music in my hands, and lighted Becky's candle.  At that moment your gift was made plain as you spoke, "During your lifetime how many people have lighted your life, your path, and your faith?"  Faces and names started coming to me as we started to sing.  Warm tears formed and spilled from my eyes as my grandmother came to the forefront of my mind along with Freida, my eighth grade Sunday School teacher, Rev. Cline who was pastor of the church where I experienced my call to ministry, and my own Harold who played such an important role in helping me imagine my response to God's call.  Others came including my junior high youth group that I led in Elwood.  All during the song I witnessed your miracle of love bringing beloved people to me.  And I sang with millions of others in testimony to that night two thousand years ago.

Glory to you,
Great God,
Loving Father,
Wonderful Counselor,
thank you
for the mystery
of faith,
for its
living power,
and its
grace-filled love.
I am full up
with you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, December 24, 2012

Dear God,

This morning even before the sun peeked over the horizon you came to me...twice.  First, after I put all my  sacks full of groceries into the car, I started to pull out of the parking lot when the song O Holy Night began to play on the car CD player.  "O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; it is the night of the dear savior's birth..."  Warm tears filled my eyes as aloud I whispered, "It is, isn't it, Lord.  It's true; it's really true."  I felt a deep sense of gratitude for your coming so early this morning.

Then minutes later I got in line at Starbucks for a cup of coffee.  As I handed my gift card to the clerk, I asked if the person behind me had already ordered their coffee and she told me yes.  I told her I wanted to pay for it.  She smiled and so did I.  "Anything you want me to tell them?"  She asked me.  "Yes, tell them to have a blessed Christmas."  Now I don't tell you this because I did something for someone else but rather because you gave me the opportunity.  You prompted me to reach out, to share love, to make a difference, to give as I have received.  You showed me how faith is only living if I live out of it, if I act on it, if I touch others out of a loving response to your many gifts.  I was blessed to receive the idea and blessed again because I acted upon it.  Because the person was probably blessed by the unexpected gift, I am blessed to know they probably felt blessed.

So many blessings so early because you came into the world...again.

Wondrous God,
full of
loving surprises,
thank you
for special moments,
for tender moments
when you come
bringing so
many gifts.
Let my life
bless you,
my Lord,
today and always.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Dear God,

In times of uncertainty you are a certain God.  In times of overwhelming disappointment you do not disappoint.  In times of puzzlement you give guidance and direction.  You tell us again and again faith is the answer to our human dilemmas.

As I look around me, I see pain, shock, hurt, helplessness, and hopelessness.  When I am at a loss for words to help uplift, I turn to you remembering how your presence is a balm to the weary soul.  I sit at your feet waiting for a word, just the right word that aids.  I pray asking for your help knowing you will provide one way or another.

Thank you for the constancy of your promises to love, to be present, and to help us.  Thank you for faith that causes us to turn to you.

Gracious God,
thank you
for all
you are.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Dearest God,

You are the only one who can help us make sense of no sense at all.  You come to us in times of uncertainty.     You tell us there is no sense in what we are doing.  You remind us that perfect clarity comes from you.  You tell us to draw near you where hope comes from a very deep well.  You challenge us to recall your promise to be with us always.  You provide comfort, refuge, and solace when we live in the midst of difficult, sometimes tragic times.  You teach us to draw in the breath of your spirit where strength and courage reside.  You offer us yourself.

These are trying times for so many reasons.  Right now our world makes no sense at all.  Our leaders make no sense.  People killing other people makes no sense.  Human trafficking makes no sense.  Corruption makes no sense.  Abuse makes no sense.  Moral disorder makes no sense.  Running away from you makes no sense.

Only you can help us make sense of no sense at all.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Draw us
to you
like a magnet.
Remind us
that Christmas occurs
every day
because there
is always
the opportunity
for new birth.
Prepare us
for your coming
in our spirits.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, December 21, 2012

Dear God,

My mind was busy with tasks still needing to be done as my sewing machine whirred with activity.  I was just half listening to a B rated children's Christmas show when I suddenly heard children singing, "Open your heart to peace..."  Warm tears filled my eyes as I paused letting the sound of the words speak to my own heart.

It is that easy, isn't it?  All we have to do is open ourselves to you and peace comes.  Sometimes it comes in waves or just fills the soul to the top.  Sometimes it just eases the mind or gives a sense of relief.  Sometimes it comes as an unexpected giggle or an increase in faith.  But it comes.

As I went back to my Christmas work, I was aware how many times you have brought peace to me and to others I know.  Every time your peace worked.  It altered the soul's perspective on its own well being.  Your peace invades and makes life better.  Your peace is heaven's gift of faith.

Loving God
so full
of wondrous surprises,
thank you
for thinking
of us.
Thank you
for making
peace possible.
Thank you
for the
sweetness of faith
that gets us there.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dearest God,

The words of forgiveness still ring out.  A father whose young daughter was murdered in a heinous crime spoke publicly about praying for all the victims and the shooter's family.  Just hours after her death his heart was softened to pray for the family whose son snuffed out his daughter's life.  I recognized the voice as yours.

We don't really have to look far to find you in our midst.  Your words are comforting but also challenging lest our hearts grow hard.  You come as anointing oil for the severely wounded and you remind us your love is always wide and deep enough to include everyone.  No one is outside your circle, no one.

Thank you,
O Lord,
for gentle reminders
that forgiveness
and mercy
are always
good ideas.
Keep our
hearts soft
so we
will feel
the surge
of love
you give
to us.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Dearest God,

Why are we stubborn, resistant to your transforming power? Why do we choose to remain in our ways when a slight shift of faith can alter everything?  Why do we reject your creative solutions to our difficult situations?  Why, O Lord?

I anguish when I watch others suffer.  I want to walk them up eternity's mountain.  I want to usher them to pools of living refreshment. I want to wipe away their tears and open their eyes to faith.  I want to give them new life; yet, I do not have the power to give what only you can give.  Only you, O Lord, can change a human life and spirit, only you.

Help us walk beside family and friends who are suffering.  Help us reach out to the lonely stranger and the neighbor near and far away.  Show us what we can do for our brother or sister who you have made family. Reveal to us the ways we can be your hands and feet, your heart and your compassion.  Help us help those who suffer.

Gracious and Loving God,
thank you
for your
transforming power
that can
make us new.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to be transformed.
Thank you
for giving us
the resources
we need
to lead
transformed lives.
Thank you,
O Lord,
for your
compassionate love
that is
the power behind
all you do.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 18. 2012

Dear God,

Truly you are the hope of the world!  You come as light, as fresh water, and as a safety net.  You show us the way home.  You nourish us.  You hold us fast.

How many times have you shined your light?  How many times have you brightened our path so we could move from the dead-ends to the promised opportunities?  How many times have you shown us what before we had failed to see?  How many times have you kept us from stumbling by shining your radiant light upon us?  How many times have you appeared as light to reveal your beauty and compassion?  How many times, O Lord?

How many times have you brought clean, fresh water to our dry, weary souls?  How many times have you restored our bodies, minds, and spirits by your fresh living spirit?  How many times have you renewed us giving us new air to breathe, new sights to see, and new perspectives on life?  How many times have you awakened us, giving a jolt to our lifeless forms?  How many times, O Lord?

How many times have you provided a safety net when we needed it?  How many times have you caught us in your arms when we were falling?  How many times have you held us close when our hearts were broken, our spirits crushed?  How many times have you rocked us like babies singing heaven's song to us?  How many times have you whispered grace's merciful love to us?  How many times, O Lord?

Thank you
for your
daily gifts.
Forgive us
when we
want more.
Remind us
what we
already have
so our hearts
can swell
with gratitude.
Teach us
how to
be thankful.
Help us
learn life lessons
each time
our lives
seem to
be falling apart.
Draw us
back in
then open
our eyes,
our ears,
our hearts,
our minds,
and our souls
to your
life-giving peace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 17, 2012

Dearest God,

Only you can lift a truly heavy heart.  Only you can help us from falling deeper into pits of despair.  Only you can bring peace like a river.  I have seen it.

Our nation is hurting, feeling the pain of the senseless death of school children and their educators.  We are all mourning.  Yet I am very aware of countries where the death of children from starvation, war, and unclean water occur daily.  Every day there is pain and suffering in our world.

In such times I go hunting for sights and sounds of your living presence.  "Where are you, Lord," I ask.  Today as I went about my daily chores, I heard you in the lyrics and melodies of Christmas carols, hymns that speak words of peace, hope, and faith.  I saw it in the faces of children singing Silent Night, Holy Night.  Interesting how children can lead us to the light.  I saw it in gestures of people who were more generous than usual toward one another in the grocery store and the mall.  I heard about it in the stories of love coming out of Newtown.  I saw it in a young mother smiling, kissing, and hugging her toddler.  I saw it in the face of a loving mother whose troubled preteen daughter is acting out, yet the mother shows constant love.  I saw it in the call to change from professionals who have the ability to start the conversation about the ways we behave as a people in conflict and their commitment to action.  I saw it in a dying man at the hospital, who initially couldn't stand me as his pastor because I was a woman, hold and squeeze my hand because we became friends by your spirit and power.  I saw it in my own daughter who shared insights from her own life, hurts, mistakes, and disappointments as a way to help an eleven year old find her way.  And just minutes before falling into bed exhausted from concerns about so many I heard the lyrics sung by Andrea Borcelli, Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come..." and I realized  today your kingdom came on earth as it is in heaven.

Help us see
what is always
around us,
O God;
reveal your
living presence.
Let your
light glow
in our
many darknesses.
Give us hope
to keep on
so we
may see
the miracle
of your love
unfold before us.
Thank you
for all
the gifts
you gave today.
Gratitude fills
my heart.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Dear God,

Come Lord Jesus, bring your people hope and peace.  We are hungry for you.  Fill the empty spaces in our hearts, minds, and souls.  We have forgotten we were created by you, that we were knit together in our mother's womb and that early on you poured your love into us.  We have walked without you.  We have failed to be the loving community you created us to be.  Forgive us, we pray.

Every time our words and actions hurt another, we know we have lost our way.  Each time we have not honored who and what you created, we have acted as arrogant, lowly gods.  Oh Lord, redeem us as only you can.  Set our feet on holy ground.  Speak to us once again of eternity's grace.  Remind us of the price of our salvation.

Heal the wounded hearts in our world, around our globe, we pray.  Mend broken relationships.  Renew your spirit within us.  Show us the way home where faith awaits us.  Give us opportunity to witness to your loving grace, your spiritual power, and your merciful peace.

Compassionate God,
stamp your name
upon our hearts.
Restore our sight
so we
may see
the light
and shine
your light
upon others.
Move our hands
to help,
to love,
and to
join together.
In the name
of Jesus,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Dearest God,

You came to us in the midst of our family Christmas gathering.  You came bringing love most of all.  When we circled round sharing our celebrations and prayer concerns faith emerged again and again.  We spoke of you because you were speaking to us.

Twenty years, it had been twenty years since our cousin had come home for Christmas.  I decided it was time to bring the family back together.  After praying in a large circle in our kitchen, we ate delectable farm foods like we used to eat down on the farm at Grandma's house.  And then we moved into the living room where we took out paper and pencils and played two very fun games that my cousin and I had created.  Jim sang the first line in Christmas songs and we had to write the next line.  And then I lead the game of the Hughes Christmas Eve Gathering trivia where they had to answer questions about the time we spent together with our grandparents when we were growing up.  We laughed, argued in good fun (who recalls things the same way?) and remembered cherished moments with family.

But the best part was when we each shared what we were celebrating and something or someone we wanted to lift up in prayer.  There were tears of joy and sadness but most of all we sensed your living presence among us. Again and again your name came up along with our grandmother who we all acknowledge as the one who led us to you.  There was such a sweet spirit as we took hands and prayed.  Not only were we full of familiar family foods, we were full of you.

Gracious God,
what gifts
you provide
when we lean
in your direction.
Thank you
for getting us together
and loving us
so much.
Thank you
for precious memories
that still
warm our hearts
fifty and
sixty years later.
What blessings
you give.
What joy
is ours.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 14, 2012

Dearest God,

Under the right circumstances are we, each one, capable of doing evil?  Does evil have a set place in the human soul?  If so, how does it get there?  And why is it there?  Or does evil lurk around the corner waiting to grab hold of the next person?

Who kills children and why?  Anywhere in the world, who kills children and why?  Where does it say it is okay to kill children?

What has happened to us a people?  All around the world children are starving, being used for profit, and killed at the mercy of adult whims.  Why?  Are we really just monsters in adult clothing?

Cleanse us,
O God,
from every temptation
to hurt another.
Show us
the way
to goodness,
compassion, and mercy.
Bless those
who are wounded
by evil.
Revive in us
the desire
to treat
the other
as brother
and sister.
Heal us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Dearest God,

Starting a fresh new day with you is like waking up in the morning to a freshly fallen snow, the ground pure white, glistening, and beautiful.  Such an idyllic scene directs me back to you in praise and thanksgiving.  It holds me to my own promise to live life with you, to recognize and acknowledge your living presence, and to do my part to help others see the wonder of creation and the One who has wonderfully created.

I can choose my attitude, actions, and behavior today.  I can rise up, trust, and walk the line of faith or I can fall to lower levels where it is hard to see out.  I can spend the day in prayer and praise or I can whine, complain, and moan the fact things are not the way I want them, particularly for others.  I can either be grateful or ask for more.  One leads to joy, the other to disappointment.  I can answer no to the question:  "Want to take a walk with me today?" or I can say yes.  A no will take me on a journey toward discontentment, sadness, and pain.  But a yes can propel me forward toward hope, peace, faith, and even joy.

Wondrous God,
shine your light
so I
may move forward
toward you.
Remind me
the light shines
even when
I cannot
see it.
Take my hand
and lead me.
Open my eyes
to faith
that sees life
through your eyes.
Thank you
for the privilege
of walking
with you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Dear God,

This morning as I was feeling the sadness of many around me, I decided to run a couple of errands.  In the car I turned on the radio and the song was already playing.  "Fall on your knees!  O hear the angel voices!  O night divine, O night that Christ was born.  O night, O holy night, O night divine. O night divine."

How often you speak through music reminding me of your living presence. As I went through my day, I tried to listen for your voice because I wanted to find a respite from the sadness.  I wanted to rely on you, trusting you to give me more power to pray, to release those I love so much but can do little for, and to count my blessings that are so many.

By the end of the day I heard you speak again.  "Stand up and feel the Holy Spirit.  Find the power of your faith."  Andrea Borcelli sang.  I realized that the power of your spirit is enough to help me and to help all those who struggle in life.  What a gift to trust in your power to help us overcome.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for loving grace
that lifts,
holds and embraces.
Thank you
for teaching me
to lean
on you,
to surrender problems
I cannot solve.
Show me
the way
to peace
as I
walk the
frightening path
with loved ones.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Dear God,

You are the light that leads us to the light. When we feel a sudden movement of faith, it is because your light has shined.  I say that today because I am remembering the countless times your light shined in my darkness.

My heart is weary because I have a troubled grandchild, a dear friend whose son is missing, my doctor who is dying with cancer, and some family members who are estranged from one another. I am close to some others who are struggling with some very difficult situations.  It feels like I am standing in the darkness and to some extent I am; however, I know the light still shines.

It is at such a time like this that I hearken back to the time of the Hebrews  when they too felt as if they were in darkness.  They thought you had abandoned them but they did not give up faith.  They intentionally recalled times of great spiritual movement when the light shined bright.  I too pause to bring to mind those times in my own life and there have been many.

And so as I walk the Advent path preparing my own heart to meet you once again, I remember the light and give thanks.

Holy Father,
thank you
for opportunities
to remember
your faithfulness.
Thank you
for time
to recall
your power
and its
healing work.
Thank you
for the chance
to bow low
and bring
to mind
your eternal love.

Always, Andrea

Monday, December 10, 2012

My dearest God,

You opened the door to joy when I heard an unexpected voice from the past. Normally I don't answer the phone to numbers I do not know but for some reason I picked up.  On the other line was my sister friend Toni, one of my great links to the monastic community.  For several minutes we reminisced about our yellow bus trip to the USSR in 1988, her participation in my ordination, and the work that is taking place among the poorest of the poor in Africa.  We laughed like we did twenty four years ago on some of our great adventures in Russia.  We celebrated your work, the many stories of faith, and the joys of living close to you.  Like a great waterfall in the middle of a dry, dusty desert, you came to me with a ladle.

You never cease to amaze me.  You bring life out of death.  You bring living water to the thirsty.  You bring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  You bring joy to our sadness and love in the face of loss.  You come...every time.

Loving God,
full of grace
and compassion,
thank you
for the ways
in which
you minister
to us.
You come
lavishing us
with gifts
from heaven.
You remind us
not to
lose hope
but to
trust you
in all things.
You teach us
to rise up
out of
our beds
to see
the light
of day.
How grateful
I am
to be
so richly blessed
by you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Dear God,

Today I received a crushing blow, one that I did not expect.  I simply did not see it coming.  Yet, it came to me unannounced.  I was so pained.  At times I felt I could not breathe because the sobs took so much space.

But you came to me as you always do.  You came in a whisper, an embrace, and good news from another part of the country.  You reminded me of the valleys that are next to the mountains.  We can't stay on the mountains forever, you said.  The drop was a long one.  Yet cradled in your arms I found peace.

Gracious God,
your love
is eternal.
No matter
what happens
in this life,
you are
the one constant.
Thank you
for your presence
that always cushions
our pain.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 8, 2012

My dearest God,

Our arms were filled to the brim with packages for our friends at Wheeler Mission.  Time to give back, seven of my grandchildren and I placed our many gifts on tables awaiting the men's arrival for lunch.  As they came through the doorway we sang Christmas songs.  The men smiled and many joined in the singing.  Some were so joyous that I did the do-si-do square dance move with them.  We all laughed, smiling with love from heaven.

But it was what happened on their way out that deeply touched my heart.  As one middle-aged man was beginning to leave, I put out my hand to shake his thanking him for singing with us.  I hadn't really seen him sing.  I just wanted to acknowledge him wishing him well for his day out in the cold.  He looked at me very seriously and said, "I think I could sing", as if he hadn't ever tried.  Suddenly I burst into song, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound..."  All at once he fixed his eyes on me and began to sing..."that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now I am found.  Was blind but now I see."  Voices around us joined in the next verse.  When we were through, he said to me, "We're all children of God, aren't we?"  "We sure are!"  I replied.

In those prized moments my grandchildren were silent perhaps seeing something they had never seen before. Perhaps they had a small vision of  heaven or maybe just a glimpse of divine gold  Whatever it was, there were blessings all around.

Glorious God,
thank you
for taking us
to places
where we
would not
normally go
so you
could give us
a picture
of heaven.
Teach us
to follow you always
so we
do not miss
glimpses of
the divine.
Help us seek
your face
in the face
of our brother
and sister
on the street,
in the shelter,
and under
the bridge.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 7, 2012

Dearest God,

Is it really true that little children will lead us to you?  In their bad times as well as in their good?

What I expected to be another joy of a lifetime turned into a disaster, one that hurt and disappointed so much. I could not imagine that a simple time of getting together could turn into something else but it did.  I hurt in ways I could not imagine from my grandchildren.  Usually they bless and when they do, I am turned to you in celebration.  Today I learned their disappointing behaviors could lead me to you as well.

Thank you.

Merciful God,
thank you
for reminding me
to turn
to you
in every situation.
Keep me
close to you
so I
may exhibit
faith and trust.
Make me
an example
of love
and forgiveness.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Dearest God,

You urge us to remember your faithfulness.  You challenge us to reflect upon past mercies.  You invite us to visit the past where holy moments occurred bringing us closer to you.

As I journey backwards, I am filled with joy and gratitude.  I remember the night stars twinkling at my grandmother's house on Christmas Eve. I remember the snowy drive to church.  I remember my cousin and I singing Silent Night, Holy Night.  I remember the blinding light that came over the people. I remember you.

Throughout the years you have come in mysterious ways during the Advent season, the preparation for Christmas.  You have shined your light in service, in love, in compassion, in silence, at home, on the street, in church, at the shelter, even on the news. You have spoken to us through every available medium.

As I lived blessed by the sweet memories, I pray for the whole world to find the beautiful peace you offer.  May we then offer peace to one another.  Let it happen, I pray for everyone, dear God.

You are
the peace
that comes
in chaos,
in darkness,
and in fear.
You come
reminding us
to be unafraid.
Teach us
to make peace
where we are
so we
make places
of peace
for every man,
woman and child
in the world.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Dear God,

Heaven's angels began the singing at the start of the day and they concluded at the end of the day.  My whole day was filled with music, music that invited me in to tarry with you and all the faithful. I had traveled first to the monastery for a morning of faithful sharing and lastly to church for choir rehearsal.  In both cases the music transcended earth for a bit of heaven.

How is it that such transformations are possible?  How does the earth give up its pull for heaven's drawing power?  I can't possibly guess how it happens; I just know it does.

The Advent season with you is such a special, beautiful time because I am expectant.  I anticipate the sights and sounds of eternity.  I am hopeful knowing your promises are true.  You knock on the doors that are open to you.  How grateful to you I am for visiting me early in my life.

Let me sing your praise!

Glorious God,
thank you
for treasured moments
that profoundly speak
of heaven's joy.
Thank you
for your
living presence
that continually
reminds us
you are
with us.
Direct us
to heaven's doors
so we
may enter
and be transformed
by love's
divine power,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Dear God,

Every day I search for you, my Lord.  Early each morning I ready my antennae so I may discover you in my daily living.  Sometimes I do it in earnest, aware and intentional.  Other days I wander through the day doing my chores and suddenly I will find you in unexpected ways and places.

My heightened awareness comes from you.  Because my life's greatest goal is to be faithful to my part of the covenant with you, I want to live as a faith-filled human being.  When you piqued my awareness as a child, you made it possible for me to anticipate prized moments with you every day.  It may be in a moment in the rising of the sun.  It may be in the smile of a grandchild.  It may be in worship or through music.  It may be on a retreat when my heart is especially warm toward you.  Or it just may be in silence as you quiet my heart and my mind.

You do walk with us every day.  You call our name. You invite us in.  You offer creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems.  You sing to us when we are troubled. You challenge us when we get off track.  You love us in the midst of our distractions and cluttered lives.  You bring us grace and compassion.

When I look for you, I am never disappointed.

Loving God,
your tender mercies
are ever present.
You want us
to make
the journey
with you.
You want us
to live
in partnership
with you.
Thank you
for sights
and sounds
that lead us
to you.

Always, Andrea

Monday, December 3, 2012

Dearest God,

Throughout the ages you have taught your people the value of waiting.  When the blessing comes immediately we miss life lessons you want to teach us and the gifts that follow.

We prayed for the young couple to conceive their first child.  As a Sunday School class we held hands and prayed.  Within weeks she was pregnant with three babies.  Tragically eight months later I was with them when each baby died.  Their anguish and sorrow was deep.

It was a few years later when they discovered she was pregnant again.  They sang your praise and remembered each of their babies.  When she had her first labor pain, they called me so we could be together to celebrate.  The baby girl was delivered just minutes before I arrived.  When I walked in the room, the nurse put the baby in my arms.  We all wept and prayed thanking you for patience, mercy, compassion, love, and faith.

Now twenty years later she is still celebrating your goodness as she became a child advocate through the court system.  She is now reaching out to other children knowing each child needs someone to love them and to care for their needs.  Kim's waiting time is over as she helps one child after another offering to other children the tender care you gave her.  Along with being a minister to children, she is passing along the good news of your kindness, teaching others the value of trusting you in every situation in life.

O God,
Giver of All Good Things,
we marvel
at the
life lessons
you teach us.
Thank you
for times
of waiting
that lead us
to trust you,
to walk
with you,
and to learn
the lessons
you want
to provide.
Thank you
for love
that never
needs waiting.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Dearest God,

Sometimes I fail to listen to you.  I want my own way.  I want to do what I want to do.  I act as though I am who I am not.  But you come anyway.

Recently my husband and I shared about our life a few years ago.  I talked about my own failures and inability to listen and follow you.  When I focused on justice for myself, I could not, would not listen to what you had to say.  But you came anyway.  Instead of giving me justice you gave me grace and that grace was better than my limited view of justice.

Your coming to me at times when I am like a recalcitrant child is always a gift.  You come not as a judge but as a loving parent to ease my anxiety by offering me another way through my difficulties and/or pain.  You show your love and compassion and in the midst of so great a grace, I relent, letting go of my need for my own way.  In every case I learned your way was always better than my own.

As I live my life today, I realize I want your way more than my own.  That is not to say I am perfect.  Goodness sake no rather I am imperfect, flawed; however, you have revealed yourself to me so many times and when I trusted you rather than demanded something else, I found your way appealing because it always lead me to you.

Come anytime,
Loving God,
come anytime.
Be my guide,
my perfecter,
and friend.
Show me
the way
to hope,
trust, peace,
and joy.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Dearest God,

When I awakened from a night's sleep I thought of a dying friend.  Does he wake up to darkness, Lord?  Does fear bring darkness?  When earthly life is nearing an end, does fear of the unknown bring darkness?

During some periods of my own life when I was facing a difficult situation, I would wake up and immediately be hit by fear and darkness.  My whole body would shudder thinking of the perceived unfolding of the day that would bring only darkness to me.  But then faith would come alive like a sentry who stands up guarding the door from intruders.  Although I could not completely make the leap from fear to faith, it was enough to warrant my trust in getting up, putting one foot in front of the other, and taking the first steps of the new day.

I have come to realize how much difference faith makes in any situation.  A simple trust in you lets life-giving air flow.  You offer it to us along with the light and before long hope follows, not necessarily hope in a changed outcome but hope in a life with you that reminds us that we are not alone.  We do have built-in resources that help us come alive when we are crushed and downtrodden no matter the condition we are facing.

When I suffer from lack of faith, I give up opportunities that stand waiting at my door.  I forfeit the chance to breathe in your mercy and experience your tender care.  I am blinded by fear that blocks the way to sight so I can envision your light shining.  I give up or give in to fear that keeps me paralyzed.

But even then, O Lord, you do not leave me or any of us alone.  You come like a gentle mother whose light is bright and ever-pervasive.  You sing to us, coddling us close while your arms hold us steady.  You stay until we are ready to crawl down and walk into the next minute with you.

Gracious God,
Eternal Light of the World,
remain ever
so close
so we may
find you
in our darkness.
Help us
to grab hold
of faith
rather than fear.
Teach us
the ability
to grab
for faith
before ever
considering fear.
Remind us
what a
life with you
means for us
and those
around us.
Lead us,
O God Eternal,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 30, 2012

Dearest God,

Heaven starts here on earth, doesn't it, Lord?  It rings the bells of joy, eliciting a joyous response in us.  When we are captured by heaven's rays, we want to sing and dance and shout praise!

Every time a new insight comes or peace washes over me or a door opens, I sense heaven's presence.  I feel  your divine embrace and I know that I know that I know you are with me.  But I also experience it when I see it happen in someone else.

As I reflect back even to the last few days when the bells of heaven tolled, I watched my friends' reaction.  I saw their hearts warm, their spirits soar, and their faith increase.  I observed the ways in which they wanted to express their deepest appreciation and affection but they were without adequate words to convey the depths of joy.  As you created each of us anew as heaven visited we quietly prayed offering back our gifts of love.

Great God of Heaven,
thank you
for blessings
that lift us up
and turn us around.
Thank you
for gratitude
that wells
within us.
Thank you
for your spirit
that does it all.

Love, Andrea