Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Dear God,

You do know the longing of our hearts, don't you?  You do know how to unite, to bring together faith and hope to bring joy and peace.  I know this to be true.

Weeks ago I said goodbye to the St. Joseph Retreat Center as it closed its doors after many decades of ministry.  I had wandered through the building, walking the floors, remembering your goodness and grace, your healing and hope, and your miracles and faith.  I wept and gave thanks.  I prayed and reflected upon the countless number of blessings that had come from the soil and air of the blessed sacred site.  I hugged two sisters, offered my continued prayers, and then drove away.  My tears blended with my thankfulness.

I missed the sisters.  I missed their hospitality, their joy, their faith, and their peace.  I longed for another touch, another encounter, another moment of prayer.  But how?  Most had dispersed to other centers, assisted living, and retirement homes.

Yet, when I drove to Michigan to lead a retreat at the Congregation of St. Joseph I learned that eight sisters had made the congregation their new home.  Within hours of my arrival two sisters knocked at the door to my guestroom.  To see their faces lighted up my soul.  We hugged and shared.  Each was happy to see the other marveling at yet another miraculous encounter, something we could never have orchestrated on our own.  It was my first time there.  As a United Methodist retreat leader and a friend of one of the retreatants, I had been asked to lead a Presbyterian Women's Retreat in a Catholic retreat center.  You brought us all together to answer the longing in our hearts.  I was to them a bit of home and they were home to me.

Seal us
with your love,
Almighty and Compassionate God.
Never cease
to remind us
to trust you.
Forgive us
when we attempt
to limit
your power.
Keep gratitude
on our lips
and praise
in our hearts,
I pray.

Love, Andrea
 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Dearest God,

During the morning liturgy I looked out among the worshipers and found them gray like myself.  I wondered about the future in ten years and then realized even in five years so many could be gone.  That took me to a conversation in the walkway following the service where I gave voice to my concern.  "Perhaps our work is done."  The sister said.  "But God is always creating anew."  As we parted, I turned, walked down the hall,  then finally stopped and looked out at the courtyard allowing time and space for my tears to finally fall.

As I stood quietly you spoke to me.  "Living and dying, dying and living come together."  You said.  "Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies..."  All day long I thought about your words.  I realized that hope remains alive through it all no matter what happens.  New birth takes different shapes and forms, sometimes it does not even speak the old language but whatever it is, it is fresh and new because your hand fashions it.

Lord, I confess I often hold too tightly to those who live in the winter of their life or their activity or their love or their ministry or their way of doing something or the way things have always been.  When I sense an alteration taking place, I squeeze harder.  What you showed me today is that we must hold loosely to one another always leaving room for you to move us, to shift our position, to release us, or to take us home.

Why must I
want my
own way,
dear God?
Why must I
hold too tightly
to that which
I love?
Show me
once again
the way
of trust
so your light
can shine brighter
on the future.
Deepen my well
so my love
for you
will have opportunity
to deepen
as well.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 28, 2013

Dearest God,

In the chapel this morning one of the sisters told this story.

"When Leonardo Da Vinci was painting his masterpiece, "The Last Supper" he looked a long time for a model of his Christ.  At last he located a chorister in one of the churches of Rome who was lovely in life and features, a young man named Pietro Bandinelli.

Years passed and still the painting was not finished.  All the disciples had been painted except for one - Judas Iscariot.  And so he began his difficult search.  Finally he took to the streets of Rome where he came upon a beggar with a face so full of evil that merely gazing upon him made Da Vinci shudder.  He then hired the man and had him sit for him as a model of Judas.  When the painting was completed, he paid the man and then remembered he had never asked him his name.  'Who are you?'  He asked.  'Don't you recognize me?'  He responded.  ' I sat for you as the model for your Christ. My name is Pietro Bandinelli.'"

As the sister ended her morning message, she simply asked, "On your last day as you reflect upon your life, what will be your final image as you stand before God?"

The challenge made me think about all the images I have worn.  I suppose to some whom I have given compassionate care they may have seen the face of Jesus; however, I am sure some have seen in me a resemblance of Peter who denied Christ and to be sure of Judas who sold his beloved for a handful of something else.  The question still lingers as I ponder my own life.

Will in me
the desire
to carry
your image,
O Lord.
Refashion me,
rid me
of all evil,
malice, and
ill will.
Cleanse me
from within
that I
may become
the face
of love,
I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Dear God,

With snow falling upon my shoulders and crunching beneath my feet, I lift my eyes heavenward to gaze upon St. Joseph, revered saint of the Congregation of St. Joseph.  The statue atop the four story monastery, St. Joseph seems to know my gratefulness as I quietly cry out, "How is it that I am so blessed?  How did I get to the place where so many blessings would fall upon me?  How does so much love find its way to me?"

I know so well my limitations, my flaws and imperfections, my failings and even my belligerence; yet, you  bless me with so many gifts.  Through really no merit of my own, you come to me time and again to bless me.  Perhaps it is the longing of my heart to draw nearer to you, my desire to live moment by moment in your living presence, or my passion to live a life of gratitude recognizing all of life as gift or maybe, just maybe it is living grace that presents itself to all of us. I am sure it is the latter.

Some days are so alive with you.  Sometimes it seems I walk in another dimension of life.  I feel your spirit so deeply.  At such times gratitude wells us within me, so much so that my fountain spills over in joy.

Today is one of those days.  Deciding to stay on at the monastery for a couple more days where I walk the halls with contemplative sisters, I sense a very sweet peace.  I know some of the work you do here.  I observed it this weekend as I led a retreat on Heartstones:  Signs and Symbols of God's Living Presence.  I watched as women opened themselves afresh to your spirit.  I heard the sound of your voice as they sang their heartsongs and celebrated eternity's joy.

My heart is full; my fountain overflows.

Wondrous God,
what mystical union occurs
when our hearts
are completely open
to you.
Thank you
for making us aware
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for unexpected gifts
and the
beautiful turns
and twists
in our
spiritual journeys.
Thank you
for sacred sites
and spiritual souls
who make
it possible
for simple pilgrims
to find you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 26, 2013

My dearest God,

Thank you for the formidable opportunity to devise a worship experience for the women on retreat.  You brought me the idea of requesting use of the cathedral-like chapel for a candlelight worship experience.  Then I took more than a thousand heartstones and a hundred candles and made a pathway leading to the altar area where we would sit in a circle at the feet of the holy family.  The chapel was already breath-taking in its design. Your spirit was profoundly present.

Shedding their shoes for a walk on holy ground, the women filed in one at a time to the sacred music.  With the lights all aglow and the musical notes rising higher and higher, we sat and listened for the sound of your voice.  Earlier having been anxious and feeling somewhat inadequate to penning a song of the heart for you, at last one by one they shared their heartfelt writings as the circle responded with singing.  It seemed we could hear the sound of angels and saints applauding as hearts were open and spirits were drawn closer to you and one another.

Thank you.

You are
a wondrous God
full of grace
and compassion.
You poured
your love
upon us
as we sought
to lift up
our thoughts,
our devotion,
and our love.
You blessed us
and I pray
we blessed you
with our offerings.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 25, 2013

Dearest God,

In the spacious snowy monastery courtyard a single shiny red Christmas ball hangs from the snow-laden tree branch, a spot of red among the white and black.  I was taken aback as I stood looking out the window from the art gallery hallway.  I wondered if someone had forgotten to take all the baubles down after Christmas or whether it was intended to remain until the first blush of spring.

As I remained at the window taking in the awesome beauty and majesty of the monastery grounds, I thought how alike you are to the red ball.  You surprise us by providing something unexpected among the ordinary in life.  You draw our attention and we are titillated by what we see.  We gaze upon you while filling up with love, joy, faith, and peace.  Just like the scene of the red ball, I want to stay enjoying the gift and blessing of the surprise knowing who gave it.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for all
the gifts
you give us.
None are
far away.
All are
as close
as our
next breath.
Remind us
to watch,
to wait,
and to anticipate
your blessing.
Then fill us
with praise
for you,
our God.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Dear God,

I finally reached my destination, Transformation Spirituality Center at the Congregation of St. Joseph.  As I stood just inside the building waiting for the director, I looked down a long, long hallway and noticed the open entrance to the chapel.  So I began walking toward it.  The closer I moved toward to the door, the more I wanted to break into a run, to step inside, to kneel and pray, to stand and sing, even to dance in humble thanksgiving.

What beauty awaited me as I quietly made my way inside your sacred chamber.  The windows and statues, the altar and the candles, the silence and the sound of angels singing.  I wanted to linger, to stay, to listen but I was here for a tour before I return tomorrow to lead a retreat.  I felt at home.

Your home
is better
than any home
anywhere.
When I
am home,
my soul
drinks from
your well
of living water.
My thirst
is quenched.
My spirit
is calmed.
My joy
is made full.
Thank you,
Giving God.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Dear God,

Just around the corner, I found you just around the corner.  On this cold wintry day I drove a distance with virtually no snow on the road.  Everything was clear until I literally merged right onto another highway and instantly snow was wildly blowing from the north.  Snow was everywhere.  I could hardly believe it!

That started me thinking how life can look one way and then just around the corner it can be different.  As I move toward you, my perspective changes, my worldview alters, my ideas about life halts because everything looks different.  When my foundation begins to shake a little, I call out to you and the call begins to change me.

Because I love snow and lots of it, this morning's surprise was a true delight.  Unanticipated I began to pray giving thanks for the blanket of white, for uniquely-fashioned snowflakes, and for heavy gray skies with plenty more snow in them.  You drew me to you and filled me with joy.

Loving God,
full of surprises
and grace,
thank you
for the joy
of knowing you,
of anticipating
your presence
in beautiful ways.
Thank you
for your kindness,
your love,
and your goodness.
Thank you
for wondrous adventures
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dearest God,

I had the most amazing morning!  I left home very early for a funeral two hours north.  As I stepped outside, the air was cold, crisp, fresh, and life-giving.  Since winter is my favorite season, I breathed in that 5 degree air and smiled.  Then I looked up and saw the amazing dark sky with two stars twinkling.  I just stood out under the canopy of beauty and took it all in.  Once I climbed into my car and began to drive I watched as the darkness rolled back allowing the light to appear.  To add to my wonderment I put on a favorite Christmas CD and sang along.  One spiritual insight after another came to me.  My response...tears, tears of joy.

You have taught me many spiritual lessons.  One is to daily anticipate your living presence.  Wait for the surprise that will come.  Celebrate the gift.  Enjoy and give thanks.  And today...I did!

Gracious God,
you fill me
with wonder,
amazement,
joy,
and thanksgiving.
Common, ordinary events
are never
really ordinary
when seen
through the
eyes of faith.
You have
shown me
a hidden world
full of
lovely surprises.
Today
I am
so grateful.
(Can you
see my
wide smile?)

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 21, 2013

My dearest God,

I can't help but smile when I sing.  Most songs remind me of you, sacred or secular.  Melodies, harmonies, lyrics, and rhythms make me realize what a gift music is.  Move the notes around, up or down, add flats or sharps, it makes no difference.  Most music leads me home to you.

I love the music of Les Miserable but the sound that draws me most is the sound of the nuns singing in the monastery.  When faith and music blend, I feel myself moving heavenward.  Something happens to me when I sing in the monastery on Wednesdays.  I confess I feel closer to you in the monastic community than anywhere else on earth.  The silence and then the music that emerges from faith touches me so deeply.

Everything is more beautiful with you, O Lord.  The scene of a morning sunrise or a winter sunset painted on the sky always makes me want to sing   A children's choir singing "Silent Night" can always drop me to my knees.  The sound of a violin lets me know heaven is nearby.

As I reflect upon your infinite number of gifts, I give thanks for music that gives us opportunity to sit with you for a time.

Wondrous God,
let me
sing your praise.
Let me tell
of your glory.
Allow me
to sing
your song
one more time.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Dear God,

What is it in the human soul that bears courage in some and despair in others?  What triggers the spirit to grab hold of faith as the tool of strength to move forward?  I can't help but wonder how some people are full of courage to do a task no others would do.  How can we all be courageous, O Lord?

I believe faith always makes the difference.  When any of us stands with you, courage can be borne.  I have witnessed people tackle their past where evil had lurked for so long.  I have seen people put themselves in harm's way to protect someone else.  I have watched people rise up as leaders to move their people.  When faith is at the forefront of life, anything is possible.

So what holds us back?  What makes us shrink from faith, from hope, from courage, from you?

Unlock the secrets
of faith,
O Lord.
Refashion us
into courageous people.
Renew our strength
for the work ahead.
Show us
the ways
to heal ourselves,
our families,
and our world.
Make us courageous,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Dear God,

When I walked into the dark writing room where tall, narrow windows surround two walls, I noticed how much of the outside I could view but when I turned on the light inside all I could see was a reflection of myself.  Right then I realized how much of you I cannot see when I am focused on my own picture.

How easy it is, O Lord, to focus on myself, my dreams, my thoughts, my needs, my fears, and my desires.  I am, after all, queen of my own life.  But when I step back and really take a look, all I truly see is me.  How small, how dull, how blinded I am when the world is all about me.  But when I shift the view finder just the slightest bit, I am able to witness so much more.  I can catch a glimpse of you and others.  I can discern life beyond me, life that is abundant, beautiful, full of promise, challenging, and a real piece of art.  I can lay eyes on the sacred which is at the center of all good things.  I can engage in the divine mystery that gives breath to new beginnings, wisdom to bewilderment, and a peek at the invisible work of your spirit.  I can scan the surface and sometimes peer beneath the surface where surprise, insight, hope, and joy live.

Although I need the light to see in order to write, how much more I need your light in order to see you.

Thank you
for all
the surprises
that await us
when we
pause to turn
toward you.
Forgive us
when we fail
to move
beyond ourselves.
Nudge us
in your direction,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 18, 2013

Dear God,

Your drawing power can shift any situation or condition.  You have the power to break through any darkness, despair, or difficulty.  You can meet us in challenging moments and turn our heads to the light. Or you can simply say hello in the early morning hour.

After praying, taking my medicine, and folding some napkins before sunrise, I walked into the darkened living room, plugged in the Christmas tree lights, and sat down on the couch to write.  But I kept looking up to gaze upon the tree that has blessed us this season of joy.

I am always reluctant and resistant to taking down the tree after epiphany because it too is a symbol of your living presence for me.  I love the tiny white lights.  They speak to me of your glorious light that warms the soul, heals the heart, and fills us with peace.  I love the aging golden angel whose wings had broken even before I placed it on top of the tree.  Her outstretched arms seem to embrace the whole household.  I love the red beads that shine and sparkle bringing a smile to my face.  I love all the glass and wooden frosty ornaments that I have made to give away, my tree now more bare because they found new homes with my children and grandchildren.  I love the pine scent that wafts its way through our home giving the illusion that we live in a pine forest. I love it all because it draws me to you.

Thank you
for lovely gifts
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for using
what we have
to remind us
of your spirit.
Thank you
for pointing us
to you
so we
may pause
to celebrate,
to express
our gratitude,
to pray,
to enjoy,
and to praise.
Thank you
for constantly
recalling to
our minds
your reality
in the world.
Thank you
for our
beautiful time together
this morning.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Dear God,

Yesterday on my usual early morning drive to the monastery, you brought two thoughts to me.  One, how you unearth unexpected things within us and others.  Two, how often we take the slow lane in faith because we choose not to take the risks to move into the fast lane.

The first thought came as I was praying about the beautiful thing you did a few years ago with a British woman on a talent show.  As she walked to the middle of the stage people snickered and made fun.  They expected nothing from the woman.  But when she opened her mouth and sang the first notes, wide surprises spread across their faces.  People began clapping, some weeping, more standing.  They witnessed the unearthing of lovely music that touched and inspired the hearts of the entire audience.  Just by singing she reminded us how resplendent gifts can be unearthed within us at any time surprising us to tears.

The second thought came as I moved off one interstate highway to another.  I moved into the far right lane because the rush hour traffic was flying right by me.  As I remained in the slow lane, your thought came to me how safe the slow lane feels at times.  It may get us where we are going but not very fast.  I remembered times when I gripped the far lane in my life because I was afraid.  Fear was my driver and I didn't really move.  But when I decided to change lanes, I had the opportunity to soar, to move along, to see things I couldn't see in the slow lane, and to experience a kind of freedom moving with you on the journey of a lifetime.

I have discovered as I follow the spiritual discipline of faith, you do remarkable things in my life.  When I fail by saying no or by just being lazy, not much happens, sometimes nothing at all.  Why would I ever choose the latter?

Mysterious God,
thank you
for insights
that come
reminding us
how you work
in human life.
Thank you
for blessing us
with exquisite gifts
of your spirit.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

My dearest God,

I am confounded and amazed by the way you can take any situation and turn it into a holy moment.  What may appear to be an ordinary moment can suddenly become suggestive of an extraordinary event.

It seems, O Lord, that despair can put us right at your feet.  A sudden burst of hope can call for celebration with you. Doubt has a way of leading us to prayer establishing a connection.  An insight can take us to wonderment.  Grace can infuse us with thanksgiving.  Fear can push us to call out your name.  Any one of these human emotions can point us to you thus turning the situation from ordinary to extraordinary.

A divine touch at any time can change us giving us power to transform our own thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.  That alone is extraordinary.

Almighty God,
move us
toward you.
Show us how
and when
we may
alter our condition.
Make us mindful
of your
slightest gesture
so we
may respond
in gratitude
and joy.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Dearest God,

This morning I told my friend I wanted to spend more of my life talking about what matters most.  I want to talk about faith, service, compassion, love, mercy, hope, beauty, goodness, peace, giving, and relationship to you, to family, to friends, and to the world.  Maybe the reason for this shift is that I am growing older.  Or maybe it is the direction where you are leading me in the last quarter of my life.  Although I have known you since the earliest years of my life, these last 25 years I have had the greatest desire to love and serve you.

I remember being about five years old when I saw you the first time.  I stood in the front room of the old log home on the family farm where my father and his brothers were all born.  I saw you in my grandmother's eyes.  Even though at the time I did not possess the language to describe what I saw, I do know there was a sweetness of faith, an extraordinary beauty, a love for others, and a radical kindness.  In a little child's language Grandma Hughes told me what I saw was Jesus.

What better gift can I give to others than the look and love of Jesus?

Thank you
for blessing me
through the years
with eyes
of faith
to see you
through the eyes
of my grandmother,
my eighth grade
Sunday School teacher,
my high school
typing teacher,
my pastor,
my faith-filled friends,
many monastic communities,
and even through
mystical beings
who appeared
to bless,
challenge,
comfort,
love,
and assist me.
Thank you
for all
those pictures
of faith.
Make me
like them,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 14, 2013

Dear God,

What is better than light?  What else can warm the soul, tend to the needs of the heart, and reveal life's many wonderful paths to the future?  What is better than the light?

As I live with a daily awareness of your living presence, I notice things I did not really see before in the same way.  Yesterday in an A-frame cabin in the woods, I started a fire in the black pot-bellied stove in the middle of the room.  It took a long time before it finally took off.  My friend and I had to keep feeding the fire in order for it to get hot enough to really burn.  Once burning it glowed in colors of yellow, orange, pink, and blue.  Soon the room warmed up and it was cozy just watching it.

This morning as I rose early and came downstairs, the first thing I did was light a candle to illuminate the room.  As I sat down to write I noticed the reflection of the light in the window.  Although the room was cold because I needed to start a fire, I was warmed thinking about the light in my life, your light to be sure.

Like the wood in the pot-bellied stove, it took me decades before I was finally caught by your flame.  I too had false starts and fizzled out.  I would begin to burn with your love but because I didn't feed myself with the light I would soon become a short-lived teeny burning ember.  But then I began to be fed by others whose light shone brightly, those who cast part of their light upon me.  I started leaning toward things that could regularly keep the light before me like prayer, silence, sacred music, nature, worship, and reading scripture and other materials that kept and keep the light on.  Even though I do not have a full supply of resources to keep the light constantly burning I know where to go and how to get what I need.  I also know how to help light the fire in other persons' lives.

Nothing has the power of your light...nothing!

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for the light
of your presence.
Thank you
for love
that sustains life.
Thank you
for hope
that keeps possibilities
before us.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 13, 2013

My dearest God,

We returned to your star and how easy it was.  For your light shines brighter than all the rest.  After a while of following other lights, we watch as they fizzle and fade.  But your light continues to shine

I had provided a gourmet meal with the help of a few other cooks, designed and orchestrated an Epiphany Trivia Quiz, handed out prizes to the winners, and then shared about the star that shone over Bethlehem.  After providing a "star" moment of my own, I invited others to share theirs.  My, how your radiance glowed in our home as one after the other offered beautiful insights.

After reading the story of your light shining in the darkness, the one the magi followed to the manger, we sang epiphany songs a cappella.  What a sweet, beautiful, awe-inspiring moment we experienced together.  We sensed your glorious presence as we sang and smiled at one another, giving that look that we knew, that we knew, that we knew you were with us.

The more we look up, the more we trust the brightest star, the more we surrender to you, the more  we walk by faith, the more we realize what a blessed gift you are, the best gift ever given.

Holy God,
thank you
for those
phenomenal moments
when heaven
touches earth.
Thank you
for radically
making yourself apparent
to us.
Thank you
for embracing us
with your
sacred divine.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Dear God,

I write daily letters to you because I walk in a world where your living presence is very real.  I write because I frequently see what you do.  I write because I want to keep a record of your doings.  I write because faith is so important to me.  I write because I love you.

Each morning as I climb out of bed, my thoughts are already of you, what I will say to you but more importantly what you will say to me.  I long to sit with you, to declare your movement in human life, to tell your story from my teeny weeny vantage point, and to celebrate the wonders of faith in action.  I want to be silent, to listen, to hear your voice speaking.

I am blessed.

Gentle God,
thank you
for quiet moments
and lovely renderings
of our
time together.
Thank you
for love
that invites us in
and gives
us reason
to pause,
to reflect,
and to extol
the beauty
of your grace.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 11, 2013

Dear God,

Are we all born with compassion in our hearts?  Do we have the natural ability to care for others?  Or do we have to learn compassionate behaviors?

It seems my husband and I have moved somewhat in more circles of compassionate friends.   One physician we know is doing incredible things with HIV Aids patients in Kenya, not just education and treatment but also job training, food safety and security, microfinancing loans, and more.  Another physician does medical missions every year to remote and far places on the earth.  Another physician is working to purchase a retreat center and group home for adults with special needs.  He also does foreign medical missions.  Another couple is giving large sums of money to three universities, one to work toward eradicating global poverty, another for programs for at-risk youth, and yet another for scholarships for talented inner city kids.  Another person is doing her part to help local homeless people have a better life.

How can we all become compassionate people?  How do we move beyond our own needs, wants, and desires to see our neighbor as our self?  As you walked the earth you showed us your compassion.  Help us be like you.

Compassionate God,
teach us
the way
of compassion,
love, and service.
Lead us
to your people
in need.
Enlarge our hearts,
give us
a greater capacity
to love,
and make us
into people
who care deeply.
Show us
the way
to build
a world-wide community
of peace.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Dear God,

Even before I rose from my bed early this morning you had taken me through the cycle of forgiveness.  As a negative thought came into my mind, I found myself upset.  Justifying myself I suddenly found you with me.  During the next 15 minutes you took me full circle from negative to positive, from speaking to listening, from my way to your way, and from resentment to compassion.  Climbing out of bed, I was singing your praise.

How do you do it, Lord?  How do you take a hard heart and make it soft?  How do you take brokenness and heal the pieces?  How do you replace anger with quiet understanding?  How do you do it?

One thing I know.  You are a compassionate God.  You take us where we are and then take us to where you are.  You restore our peace and give us a new perspective.  You invite us out of our wallowing to hope and joy.  You show us the way to a tranquil existence because that is where trust always takes us.  As we trust you, we find our way home.

Thank you,
Wonderful God,
for not
leaving us
in our
sometimes muddy mire.
Thank you
for lifting
us up
and showing us
a better way.
We are blessed
when we choose
to follow you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Dear God,

You mend broken hearts and crushed spirits.  You breathe your living presence into our lifeless forms.  You pour out your grace like a sudden refreshing spring shower.  You strengthen our weary souls.  You lead us to wells of living water.  You move us along the path of life once again.

Who has not been been hurt, disappointed, or despairing?  Have we not all experienced the pain of rejection, loss, or fear?  Lord, is there even one among us who has not been touched by these painful emotional experiences?

I have looked into the faces of some who have been touched by your tender loving care.  I have witnessed your compassion, your comfort, and your challenge at work.  I have seen what you are capable of doing in lives willing to trust in you.  I have gazed upon your transforming power in struggling human lives.  I have seen what you do to rid people of nasty habits, formidable foes, unhealthy thought patterns, and destructive ways.  I have seen you raise people up, giving them new life.

As I begin this day, I reflect upon your goodness, your mercy, and your wisdom and I remember why I live out of faith.

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for memory
that pulls
us back
enabling us
to recall
your hand
upon our lives.
Thank you
for caring
so much.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Dear God,

Your love works in mysterious ways, Gracious God; you tend to us by inspiring others to pray for us.  When we are down and out, sick, lost, hopeless and helpless, you call someone else to help.  It may be a stranger far, far away.  It may be a loved one.  But you do not leave us in our fear or even in the mire of our own making.  You stir another soul to care.

How do I know this?  Frequently you visit my own soul inviting me to pray for the world's people particularly the poor and the children.  Sometimes it will be someone I know.  Sometimes not.  There are moments when I pray with an anguished heart like for a teenage girl  who had been shot because she believed in education for girls.  Or for children who were murdered in a school.  Or even for those sold into human trafficking.  I pray desperate pleas for your comfort on their behalf.

But I have also benefited from prayers for me.  How many times during my lifetime have people prayed for my needs or those of my family?  I have had perfect strangers tell me they were praying for me because someone asked them.  Each time I am touched by love, theirs and yours.

Wondrous God,
full of mercy
and compassion,
thank you
for connecting us together
through prayer.
Thank you
for caring,
for touching
our lives,
for making
a difference,
for loving
so radically.

Always, Andrea

Monday, January 7, 2013

My dearest God,

Darkness draws me to you, O Lord.  Silence draws me to you.  The night skies draw me to you.  Do you make us with some sort of internal device that directly points us to you?

There is something so awe-inspiring about the early morning.  When all is quiet and dark, you draw me.  I breathe in the air of your spirit and find your living presence within me.  I know I am not capable of finding you on my own.  I believe you draw me, you draw all of us to you.

I am not sure when I first began loving the darkness so I could find your light.  It seems as though this has always been a special time with you but I know it was not always this way.  Something shifted, something changed me.  I can only believe your loving power altered something in my life, opening a wide door to you.  Once I slipped inside, I realized how beautiful a life with you could be.

Thank you
for all
the ways
you draw us
to you.
Thank you
for the
wondrous gift
of faith
that is
the door
to you.
Thank you
for the
luminous light
that shines brightly
always revealing
the way home.
Thank you
for divine love
that makes
it all possible.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Dear God,

Awaken us from our sleep!  Open us to the reality of faith, that life-sustaining marvel that enriches our lives and all of creation.  Show us the power of belief and practice.  Remind us how love and grace can transform the ways we see things enabling us to change the world for good.

Today is Epiphany, one of my favorite days.  A time when wise men were drawn to faith by a star.  In order to get where they wanted to go, they had to rely on you, constantly looking up for direction.  They had to keep checking, making sure they were on course.  Had they missed the mark, what would we know about giving our gifts in response to eternity's most wondrous gift?

I ask you to wake us up to the wonders of faith because that is where real life is lived.  It is where the power to love and be loved resides.  It is where forgiveness makes sense and grace redeems.  It is where goodness and beauty come from.  It is where peace and joy bubble over.  It is where living water flows and spirit-rich air permeates the cosmos.

How will we ever live fulfilled lives without the belief, experience, practice, and commitment to faith?  What good is life without it?  Truly.  When we practice what we believe, when we trust in you, the creator of all there is, when we take steps beyond what we think we are capable, when we breathe in your life-giving air, when we drink from your well, when we begin to love our neighbor and care for the stranger and create a world of peace and justice and love and grace and mercy for all, we will not be able to give enough gifts to satisfy our soul.  We will be so grateful and grateful people can change the world!

Shake us up,
O God,
bring to
our minds
why faith
is the answer
to a
lackluster life.
Show us
the way
to move beyond
temporary things
that titillate
for a moment
then fade
never really changing
our insides.
Remake us,
remold us,
restore us,
renew us
so we
will not
only experience
the joy
of a
faith-filled life
but also
partner with you
to spread joy
to the
whole earth.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 5, 2013

My dearest God,

You teach us that one transformed life can change the lives of many others.  One person in a family can bring about a new day for those open to your spirit voice.  Even a stranger can make a marked difference.

Today as I watched a Christmas movie set in the old west in 1888, I saw how an embittered old man was changed by a man he hated.  It was not a true story, yet I am confident there are many stories of transformation like that one.  One new light can illuminate many dim lights.

Even as I sit here writing in bed as I recover from a brief illness, I am reflecting upon names and faces of many whose transformed lives changed the course of history in those closest to them, at work, in their church, and even in strange places around the world.  When we are reshaped by your magical hands, anything is possible.

Today as I ponder my own life, I see a number of gentle faces whose lives changed mine and we would all celebrate together your mystical power to lovingly change us.

Gracious and Generous God,
thank you
for your
spilling-over love.
Thank you
for grace
that rearranges
our understanding
of life.
Thank you
for your
transforming power
that lifts
not only
our hearts
and our eyes
but also
our souls.
To you
we owe everything.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 4, 2013

Dearest God,

You teach us to watch and pray believing that a sign will come, a sign of your living presence.  As we open our eyes and ears, you heighten our senses allowing us to experience holy moments when earth and heaven touch, the human and the divine.

Such a moment occurred early Wednesday morning as I traveled to the monastery for worship and spiritual direction.  As I drove down the highway, I looked up in the dusky sky.  One star shone brightly.  As I kept looking up it would sparkle, twinkle.  I gazed upon the star and then turned to see if there were any others.  But no, there was only one.  I wondered if I was seeing the same star the shepherds and wise men saw as they made their way to worship so long ago.  For forty minutes I watched the star until the sky lightened and I could no longer see it.  But I was excited, humbled, and joyous for the moments you gave to remember an extraordinary event that still changes human lives today.

At the same time I was listening to a CD by Susan Boyle.  The words to one song went like this:  "I heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord.  Well, it goes like this the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift.  The baffled king composing hallelujah.  Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah."  When we live from faith allowing it to lead us in our daily living, do we too create hallelujahs?  Can we please you as well by our choices of faith?  If so, when I looked into the early morning sky, saw the star, and thought of you, was I seeing and hearing a hallelujah?

Almighty God,
creator of all that is good,
my soul
wells up
with joy
as I experience
mystical moments
with you.
A star
and a song
both directed me
to you.
I felt hallelujahs
rise up
within me
and I
sang them out
in praise.
Is this
the way
of faith
to bring
such peace,
joy, and contentment?

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 3, 2013

My dearest God,

An alarming spike in my blood pressure accompanied by other symptoms brought me low.  As I waited a while for medicine at a pharmacy already overloaded with prescriptions, I did what you taught me several years ago.  I sang.  I sang songs of faith.  Although shaky and barely above a whisper, I listened to the words and felt the strength of faith to lower anxiety, bring comfort and peace, and give assurance of your loving tender care.  When I finally took the medicine, I received some relief.

What gifts you provide when we are not well in body, mind, or soul.  You invite us into your holy sanctum where angels sing, joy is experienced, and peace reigns.  You speak words of encouragement.  You remind us to be unafraid in your living presence.  You offer your compassionate love.  You give us yourself. What more do we need, O Lord, when you supply the gifts of your spirit?

We are
never alone,
are we, Lord.
You care about
every moment
of our lives.
You teach us
to go
to you
when we
are needy,
helpless, confused,
or troubled
in any way.
We are
never disappointed
because your presence
speaks to us.
Thank you,
Gracious God,
for every
loving gift.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Dearest God,

The hope of a new year awaits us as we trust in you to lead our lives afresh.

Yesterday afternoon we talked together about our goals as individuals and as a couple.  We discussed our goals for our finances, our relationships, and our desires for travel in the new year.  We decided to hold weekly meetings after church to see how we are doing.  All this is possible because of you.

I was awash with new faith as I went back over the old year recounting your grace-filled work in our lives.  As you revealed the countless many ways your spirit moved in us, I witnessed how we had grown in our trust in you.  I saw the benefits of following you, of taking your hand and going where you wanted.  Some of this occurred out of loss and sorrow.  Some came from new insights that brought new perspectives.  Some came as surprises.  Some came from hard work, compromise, and surrender.  But it all came from you.

As we make our way forward, we will be mindful of what you have done and are doing within us.  There was a day not so long ago when there was little to no hope for us but your spirit moved shifting us to a brand new place.  Since that day hope and faith have grown giving us new opportunities for the future, all because of you.

Wondrous God,
we thank you
for your
generous spirit.
We thank you
for the
living quality
of faith.
We thank you
for hope
borne out
of trust.
We thank you
for a
new year
filled with possibilities.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Dearest God,

Last night's prayer was perhaps one of the most meaningful prayers I have ever prayed with my husband.  As I sorted through the year lifting up your many mercies, miracles, and meaningful encounters, I felt such gratitude as scene after scene presented itself to me.  You revealed your work in our lives and the lives of many around us. What a privilege it was to walk with you in 2012, to experience your life-saving care, and to both receive and give away your love.

I realized once again how valuable it is to do a spiritual inventory, to take a look at your steady inspiration, to   assess the ways you have touched our lives, and to consider what it is you want from us in the future.  Recounting your blessings helped us be aware of just how often you come into our lives bringing every resource you have.  Because you blessed us so much, I sensed our need to draw closer in this new year, to walk the line of faith every time not just when it is convenient, and to give more to others.

Generous God,
you are
a most
wondrous God;
you fill us
with light
and love
and faith.
Your gifts
are so many.
They are like
the grains
of sand.
In this
brand new year
help us
more meaningfully
live out
your purpose
in our lives.
Daily remind us
to tend
to your
spirit's movement.
Show us
the way home
when we
are lost
so we
can quickly
reverse our direction.
Then give us
a desire
to love
and serve
you more.

Gratefully, Andrea