Friday, August 30, 2013

Dearest God,

You are the source of our joy!  As we trust you, take your hand, and follow, our hearts are put at rest.  That alone is cause for celebration.

Today we learned answers regarding secondary health problems for my husband, those that had prohibited him from having major surgery.  Although they will be ongoing problems, with a great doctor, tests results, and a treatment plan, we were told we can move forward toward much needed surgery.

Feeling joyful l as I watched the news at the end of the day in my heart I wondered just how much we could celebrate when children are dying in the world.  Pictures of children dead of chemical weapons dashed the fullness of our joy.  I paused and prayed.  Children are children and worthy of love. All the world's children should be covered in joy.

O God,
thank you
for the fountain
of joy
and for
a sensitive awareness
to brothers
and sisters
around the world.
Keep us all
on our knees
in prayer
for each other,
for every nation
and every leader.
Teach us
the ways
of peace
so we
may all
celebrate joy together.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Dear God,

The sun rises and the sun sets, just as it is designed to do.  There is something comforting in the rhythm of daily life.  We can count on there being a tomorrow whether we are living on earth or in eternity.

When life gets chaotic or uncertain I turn to the certainty of your living presence, Loving God.  When ocean waves build under stormy skies and crash onto shore, I can be sure your living presence is right there.  We can celebrate together when the storm passes and peace comes.

As we wait for answers to unfold, we know whose arms hold us.

Teach us
your valuable lessons,
O God,
as we live
in waiting time.

Yours forever, Andrea

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Dear God,

Your compassion shows! Your mercy spills out when one person exhibits kindness. Today we were aware of your living presence.

How do you know God is real?  Some will ask.  How do you know if God is with you?  When kindness comes your way, when beauty shines, when love is given, when grace is extended, when peace comes, when an answer bubbles up out of the darkness, when hope arises...that's how I know you.

The doctor's tenderness was your voice today when he called us by phone.  His way, his words, his understanding hollered the love of God, yours.

Merciful God,
so full
of love
for all
your children,
we bow down
before you
in thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Dearest God,

Trust is being willing to surrender all to you.  Riding on the wave of trust keeps us heart healthy as we open the doors to your love that rushes in to feed every part of the human soul.  I am constantly reminded of this gesture of faith.

My husband and I were not ready today for the sudden twist that appeared on our horizon when the doctor cancelled his surgery because of another developing problem.  The wind went out of our sails and our balloons sunk quickly to the ground.

Yet, through it all, you have revealed a vivid picture to me, one of a tall, full glass and one tall, empty glass. The full glass contains much good news like excellent doctors, overall good health except for a couple of problems, love and prayers from many people, faith, and the constant presence of each other.  It continues to fill when we recognize your hand.  The empty glass is one where we have our concerns, the nagging resistance to waiting, and our fears.  The one uplifts us; the other drags us down.  The one is a powerful symbol of your living presence; the other a true lack of faith and ability to see more than what meets the eye. I am choosing to focus on the full glass, a full glass of mercy, compassion, and grace.  What better way is there to manage life's dilemmas?

Gracious God,
let me be
a witness
to your
living presence
in the world.
Keep me
looking up
so I
am empowered
to lift
the chin
of my husband.
We both
give you thanks.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 26, 2013

Dear God,

A simple voice can bring your living presence to us.  Although many miles away a voice can bring words of encouragement, hope, mercy, peace, and joy.  That happened today as we listened to a voice mail from our pastor.

I continue to be amazed at the ways you show yourself to us.  You want us to know you are alive and near to us.  You desire to raise us up, challenge us, and make your will known.  Faith makes this all possible; an intentional journey of faith brings us close to you allowing us to feel the gentle breeze of your spirit.  Who would not want it?

Loving God,
thank you
for quiet revelations
of your
amazing spirit.
We are blessed
to know you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Dear God,

Preparing for surgery and the long waiting hours means we keep ourselves away from large crowds and any sickness around us.  We want to be healthy, strong, and in tip top shape.  However, that means we cannot gather with the community of faith for worship.  So we slip to the patio with bible and hymnbook in hand.

Calling your name to receive our prayers of thanksgiving, we breathe in the air of your spirit.  We know no matter where we are, what we are feeling, or how we are dressed, you receive our praise and petition.  As the sun's rays penetrate the rag-tag garden where I forgot to put down weed eradicator, we feel the gentle breeze and watch the trees dance before us.  "Our father who art in heaven," we pray, "hallowed be thy name."

As my sick husband reads the scripture, I prepare the bread and wine of heaven, the Eucharist. Although all I have is orange juice and a sliced piece of bread, it serves us well because it moves us to eternity's thoughts and beliefs.  "Jesus took the bread and broke it and gave it..."  After all these years your food is still fresh for the offering.

We sang together the promise of faith, "O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end.  Be thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend.  I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side, nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide."

Receive our devotion,
O Lord,
as we
worship you.
Be our guide forever,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Dear God,

Living in the light while walking through the darkness reminds me of the cherished benefits of faith! Walking with you hand in hand so I do not stumble keeps me buoyed on top of the water rather than sinking below the surface.

Faith is not a crutch for me but a reality check of your divine presence.  While in the darkness I take stock of what is around me.  I hear your voice.  I feel the warmth of your love.  I sense strength, hope, and peace.

Worry and anxiety?  They taunt me suggesting all is not well but your living presence breathes joy into me.  What do I have to fear when I walk with you?

Loving God,
thank you
for your kindness,
your steadiness,
and your compassion.
Thank you
for prayer
that lifts us up.
Thank you
for faith
that truly
makes a difference,
a radical difference.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 23, 2013

Dearest God,

How do we truly prepare to meet you?  How do we ready ourselves for those great meetings? I don't mean the meetings of heaven but rather the earthly gatherings, the ones where we are awake and intentional in coming before you.

This morning I opened my eyes thinking about various meetings with you. The meetings where we come in the darkness and in the light, those when we come in fear and in faith, the times we stumble in because we are confused and disoriented by our circumstances.  It seems there are differences in our conversations with you.  When we come in the light we are happy, maybe even ecstatic, but when we come in darkness our heads are down, despairing, and afraid.

Although I may be asking many questions, one thing I do know you meet us where we are. We do not have to change ourselves, be on our best behavior, or know all the answers to our dilemmas. When we are troubled sometimes we feel incapable of preparing ourselves properly to meet you. We want to come in full readiness to give praise and thanksgiving. Why would we ever want to meet you any other way but our hearts may feel downtrodden, our minds may be full of clutter, and our energy may be depleted.

When I do an inventory of our various meetings together, I just remember being met with love and so much mercy.  I may be acting like a recalcitrant child but still you remember me.  You speak to me making yourself known.  I do not have to wait around taking a number first.

As my husband and I prepare for our upcoming meetings with you, we just want to say thank you right now for your kindness and care.  You have ministered to us so many times in the past.  You have taught us great lessons.  You have challenged our attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs.  You have asked us to change and then you transformed us.  You have offered us grace as we bent low in sin. You have celebrated our victories in faith.  You have rocked us until we fell asleep in your arms. You have poured out your peace in our chaotic situations.  You have spoken firmly to us when you told us to rise up from our deathbeds.  You have been our God and you allowed us to be cherished children and for that our hearts are full of gratitude.

Calming God,
thank you
for faith
that gives
an extra dimension
to life.
Thank you
for your spirit
that helps us
see beyond
the simple,
the visible,
and the apparent.
Thank you
for the ability
to see
and hear
below the surface
so we
might travel
to greater depths
and heights
with you.
Thank you
for the privilege
of knowing you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Dear God,

Waiting...waiting is difficult particularly when we know what is ahead.  Yet, waiting provides gifts and blessings.  Waiting gives time to think and prepare.  Waiting gives us opportunity to talk, to say what we need to say.  Waiting gives time to make changes in relationships, attitudes, behaviors, hopes, and dreams.  Waiting provides the chance to do something we have failed to do.  Waiting allows us to draw close to you and those we love.  Waiting can open the door to reconciliation, restoration, and renewal.  Waiting can give us second and third chances.  Waiting can transform our lives.

As Harold and I wait, we are holding hands more, doing some important things, and spending more time sitting beside one another.  We are practicing our faith and making ready.  We are staying near you.

Holy God,
Great Physician,
Teacher and Friend,
thank you
for unexpected gifts
and blessings.
Thank you
for love,
mercy, grace,
compassion,
and time.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Dearest God,

In times of uncertainty, there is the certainly of your living presence.  Although things seem out of our hands, there is a surety, there are hands holding us.  When rocking on the stormy, angry waves, there is One who calms the boat, steadying the soul.

Throughout the years I have experienced just such things.  I confess I was afraid, lonely, judgmental, and worried.  Yet, you came as a personal visitor, one bearing gifts, a lovely presence in the midst of darkness.  You brought light and hope.  You guided my way to peaceful waters. My situation did not change but my reaction to my circumstances did.

I know the only decision during testing times is one in which I turn to you.

Gracious and Merciful God,
how thankful
I am
to be
in your company.
Thank you
for not only
taking care
of me
but holding
my husband
as he waits
for surgery.
Thank you
for holding us all.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Dearest God,

These last few days I have come to realize once again what it means to lean backward into your arms.  Surrendering myself to you in order to do what I need to do to prepare for my husband's open heart surgery just makes good sense.

Regularly a scene pops into my head when I consider the act of surrender.  It is me lying in a hammock, the sun to my side, a gentle breeze blowing.  The hammock swings back and forth with no effort of my own.  Peace reigns.

Trusting you in all things gives me a sense of wellness even though troubles brew.  When I trust you completely I gain a sense of strength.  But then you know that.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for your
sweet compassion.
Thank you
for faith
that enables
me to see
the spirit world.
Thank you
for grace
to endure
troubled waters.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 19, 2013

Dear God,

Love comes in many packages but I believe it always originates with you.  As I consider the gifts of food, calls, visitation, and prayers, I realize more and more the depths of your compassionate mercy.

We have been recipients of your love, my husband and I.  Much more accustomed to giving rather than receiving, sometimes we are uncomfortable; yet, I realize that part of grace is to be a loving receiver.  What if I do not willingly receive gifts that come our way?  What does that say about me?  What does it reveal about my relationship to you and others?

Humility is learned as we bow down before you, as we allow you to touch our lives through those around us. Humility is not something to be disregarded but something to be exchanged for our need to control our own situations.  As we give away, surrender our will to control, we receive not only the gift but the blessing of humility and what is humility but sitting at your feet saying thank you.

O Lord,
giver of life,
thank you
for life lessons,
for unexpected gifts,
for gracious love.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Dearest God,

The arms of the Lord extend wide and deep; your arms reach out and come to us from above and below, to the right and the left.  I learned this yesterday as I arrived at church.  Love met me at the door and kept greeting me all during and following the service.  I couldn't even get out of the choir loft for the people that came up to fill me with love and the promise of prayers and support.  I was overwhelmed with your goodness and mercy.

At the offertory time, it was my time to give back.  Filled up with love from on high is not a blessing intended to "build bigger barns" to hold it all but rather an opportunity to spill over, to release, to share with others. As I stood with the choir to sing one of my most favorite songs, a song to be sung at my own memorial service some day, I lifted my head and my burdened heart and I began to sing, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."  With the strength of Solomon I sang the high soprano notes.  My volume was high and my resolve complete.  I smiled in the knowledge that indeed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Holy God,
giver of joy
and peace,
you deserve
all my praise.
I give thanks
to you
and my heart
for it belongs
to you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dearest God,

Pushing against your will renders hopelessness and helplessness.  But riding on the wave of trust can open new scenes of your glory.

I felt so frustrated with spotty cell phone service and an inability to get off the island to get to my sick husband more than a thousand miles away.  Trapped in place for 24 hours helped me better understand the magnitude of your grace.  Family and friends stepped up to provide loving comfort for my hubby while my covenant group member who came to the island for a vacation helped to steady me by packing 15 boxes and bags of linens, groceries, and retreat whatnot.  She prayed with me and let her presence give me assurance of your coming.

It was during that time I realized the gifts you gave me over the course of the last week.  You gave me a virtual paradise with which to awaken each morning.  The pristine beauty of sailboats rocking on the water, the sunrises and sunsets, the dirt trails leading to glorious wonders, and the sacred rhythm of the island a half mile wide by a mile and a half long had oozed serenity into my DNA cells.  The massage I had the day before quite literally took away the tendinitis pain I had carried for months.  I drank living water and ate the manna of heaven all before I learned of my husband's very serious health condition.  You had prepared me for what lay ahead.

Oh God,
father, comforter, and friend,
thank you
for gifts
that grow
in value.
Thank you
for grace
that spills deeply
into the
human soul.
Thank you
for taking care
of everything.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 16, 2013

Dearest God,

TRUST, I have learned trust is the great gift of faith.  When we trust, fear turns to faith, weakness turns to strength, and chaos turns to peace.  I know this to be true as I have experienced it many times over the course of my decades on this planet.

Today my husband was diagnosed with blockages in all the arteries in his heart and maybe all his blood vessels.  All this was while I am on an island nearly 1300 miles from home.  With spotty cell phone service and no evening ferry, I could not get to him.  Feeling the distance and the loneliness of being separate from one another, I got a call from the hospital connecting us to one another.  As we talked I reminded him of the song he loves so I started singing it and with a shaky voice he joined in.  "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face and the things on earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."  I offered a prayer and we took turns sharing our love for one another.

I have learned so much of life is out of our control.  We cannot make many things happen the way we want them but we can turn to Jesus.

Compassionate God,
it is
such good news
to know
you are present
in human life
every moment
of every day.
You extend
your loving hand
showing us
your mercy.
Wherever we are,
whatever situation
we are in,
you let us know
you are
a breath away.
How grateful
I am
for trust
and faith.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Dear God,

Your wonders never cease to unfold!  In the midst of deep despair a spiritual hiccup can bring hope. Surrounded in rare beauty one cannot help but recognize the creator's hand.  Whatever our situation or condition most anything can reveal your spirit.

It seems as though every day is a chance for spiritual learning.  Opening our eyes and hearts to the creator can make new doorways to the deep places that exist.  Those entrances have invitations to each one ready to take the adventure.

Here on Monhegan Island I have discovered a sweet serenity, a spiritual calm that allows for introspection. As I look around me and listen to the people, the seagulls, and nature itself I realize there are more treasures waiting to be found.  The view on the deck to the open sea invites me in.  I am ready.

Holy God,
how wondrous
is your creation.
Thank you
for spiritual openings
that give opportunity
for reshaping,
refining, and restoring.
I am so grateful!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Dearest God,

This morning I told the retreatants I planned to wash all the dishes standing at the little window looking out on the rolling hill beside our cottage.  I thought of Brother Lawrence who practiced the presence of the living God and I wanted to do as he did when he thought of you while doing ordinary tasks like washing dishes. And so as I cleared, washed, and dried the dishes, I sang hymns giving praise to you and filling my own spirit with your love.  I continued as I showered even as I brushed my teeth.  I just was full of thanksgiving that I had to wash the dishes so I could give thanks.

I am always astounded by your grace that opens opportunity for living moments with you.  Every moment can be a holy moment as we open ourselves to the present moment allowing your presence to dwell with us.
This morning was a glorious moment perhaps my best while on the island.

God,
I am
so full
of love
for you.
I am
so full
of gratitude
and thanksgiving.
The more
I praise you,
the more glory
fills my
inner soul,
giving me more
with which
to praise.
I am full
to overflowing!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Dearest God,

One thing I know for sure!  You are the god of surprises!  Today on the island we came across a teeny farmer's market on the tiny church green.  Bouquets of flowers, summer squash, peppers, lettuce, eggplant, carrots, and onions lay on makeshift tables.  Residents and visitors alike spoke with gardeners while a young violinist played heavenly music.  People hugged and laughed, welcoming one another.  It was if we were all old family friends.

While I was paying for my purchases, a permanent visitor took my money and talked with me about the community event to take place tonight.  Sharing our love for the island and the community, he invited our small group to join them at the church.  After an early dinner we walked down the rocky hill to get a seat. By the time the jamboree started, the very small church was completely full, twenty or so children were sitting on the floor in the front of the first pew, and people stood in the aisles on both sides and the back.

The next two and a half hours were an amazing display of spirit, talent, camaraderie, hospitality, love, and joy! Lighted by gas lanterns, the space quickly heated up to the point of being stifling; however, neither the performers nor the audience grumbled.  It was a community event and highly regarded.  People just wiped the sweat but never stopped smiling.  We listened to piano concertos, banjo singing, poetry reading, child's game song, numerous violins, guitars, recorders, auto harp, even a 72-year-old male opera singer plus some community singing.  I can't begin to name all the players and their extraordinary gifts, residents and visitors of the island who simply wanted to gift the rest of us.  And the reception of those gifts amazed as they wildly cheered for every performer.

As we made our way home late without a flashlight in the misty fog, we celebrated the countless blessings you have given us on the island, another example of unexpected mystical wonder!

Who can question
the gifts
of your spirit?
Who can deny
the gift
of your grace
around each turn
in life?
You come
again and again
surprising us
not because
we have
done anything
to deserve it
but rather
just to surprise.
As we shared
in the
picturesque living room
of our cottage,
our hearts
and spirits
were full...
...once again.
Thank you,
Wondrous God.

Sending much love and thanks your way, Andrea

Monday, August 12, 2013

Dear God,

When we open ourselves to you, when we anticipate your living presence, and when we open our eyes, we will see you.  This retreat on Monhegan Island has taught me how much you want to be seen, experienced, and enjoyed. The wonders of your love, your goodness, and your beauty are beyond compare!

The island is a rare beauty.  As we sit atop a hill looking down at the ocean and the tiny village, I think of how you could have created everything to look the same.  You could have used a hand full of colors and textures but you did not.  You gave us the whole treasure trove.  You said, "Here it is, yours to enjoy.  Share with one another."

When we share, the whole community smiles, enjoying equally.  There is harmony and peace, a mutual appreciation of your blessings.  There is a sweetness of spirit.  In that sweetness there is compassion for one another, especially for the hurting.  Our love grows for one another.

As I sit here writing on the table on the deck looking out and feeling the salty breeze gently upon my brow, I am mindful that all of life is a gift.  Who could say otherwise?

You are God,
creator and lover
of all.
Truly there is
none like you.
As I breathe
your air
and feel
your love,
I am without
enough words.
I love you.
I am grateful
for faith
because it
helps me
see you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Dearest God,

This morning I will fill myself up with you.  I will sing your praise at church.  I will revel in your living presence.  I will live my faith.

Following church I will climb aboard the ferry boat to face my fear.  I will trust you.  I will lift my eyes to heaven for you are the source of my hope, my courage, and my strength.  I will look forward and not backward.

On the island I will celebrate your continual love and support.  I will sing for you!  I will enjoy your wondrous beauty.  I will praise for you are my God!

Loving God,
I come
to you
as an
act of faith
for I love
to tell
of your goodness,
mercy,
and faithfulness.
I trust
in you
for always.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Dear God,

Today while picking blueberries in a farm field, you spoke directly to my fear.  You said to me, "What is faith if you hold on to the mainland while traveling to the island?"  I realized I had to face my fear of riding in a boat in the open ocean.  For some this is no fear at all.  For me it is real.

What I know most about me is I want a genuine faith that is continually tried and refined in order to be polished for you.  I want to follow you.  I want to make real what I believe.  I want to trust you more than anything in my life.

Thank you for the whispering on a cool, sunny Maine morning!

Teach me
to trust you
in all things,
O Lord.
Show me
the way
to an
authentic faith.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Friday, August 9, 2013

Dear God,

Music calms the angry beast and leads the weary to peace.  Tonight we sat in the Episcopal Cathedral listening to a string quartet, soloists, pianists, and organists as they played our way to heaven.  Joy came over us.

I am always drawn into you when I listen to sacred music.  There is something about the sound that leads me to the depths of great love.  As I close my eyes allowing myself to fully hear the notes, the rhythms, the lyrics, and more, I smile with the great composers who first saw and heard the music before it was written.  I marvel again and again as I reflect upon eternity's kind of grace that would create music that could transform the human soul.

As the theme of wonder unfolded for our retreat, I thought of how you lead us to wonder every day.  How glorious life is when viewed from the perspective of paradise.

God of glory and grace,
thank you
for blessing us
with gifts
from heaven.
Teach us
to look out
and up
so we
can witness life
from the heights.
You are
always good.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Dear God,

I fought demons in the night, not devils and monsters but rather fears.  As I prepare to hit the open waters of the ocean on a ferry boat, I find myself fearing the journey from point A to point B.  Choppy waters, they tell me, no view of land, just a dingy of sorts scooting toward an island where I will stay for a week.

I woke up heavy.  I could feel the water around my shoulders.  I never experienced drowning just high waves and the tilt of the ferry boat.  Twice I woke up.  Each time I had to quiet myself in order to get back to sleep.

It was early this morning when I realized this will be my challenge with you.  I always tell you I want to grow in my faith.  I ask you to guide me, help me become all I can be.  But I know I have to accept the challenges as they come.  If I want to increase my faith and love for you, then I need to surrender myself, my whole self into your arms.

Teach me
to follow you,
to steady myself
when I think
of you.
Guide me
to truth
and joy,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Dear God,

Did I forget to say "thank you?"  Did I fail to express my gratitude to you for the good news in my family?

How often have I fervently prayed asking for help for my family, victims of injustice, nations at war, friends and strangers facing tragedies, and even myself?  How many times have I pleaded with you to change a situation?  So many times, so very many times.

Have I spent more time asking and less time thanking?  Forgive me, I pray.

There is
no god
like you,
Almighty and Compassionate God.
You do
so much.
You give
so much.
You love
so much.
How can
I forget
to tell you
my most
heartfelt thanks?

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Dear God,

Beauty wants to emerge, to rise up, to appear.  It waits...sometimes found, sometimes not.

The oriental lilies were just bulbs.  All summer long they were hidden from our eyes.  Then one day, just last week they stood like trumpets, open, ready to play, to sing out, to praise, to celebrate.  I didn't really see them until I walked out my upstairs bedroom window and started down the stairs but I stopped.  Did I hear them playing and I turned to look out the window?  Or did I catch a glimpse and paused, noticing them for the first time?  What I know is I stopped and leaned on the window sill, gazing upon the rare beauties.

I wonder what other beauties I missed because I didn't stop to look.  What wanted to sing out a song of thanksgiving that I could not join in because I was too busy?  What was waiting for me to experience but I could not, did not for whatever reason?

I have worked countless hours in that flower garden but once the weeds were pulled, the flowers deadheaded, and the mulch was put in place, I nearly forgot it until that precipitous moment when the spirit wind blew my way.  I'm so glad it did!

Thank you,
Majestic God,
for sacred beauty,
glimmers of paradise,
and spectacular images
of you.
Thank you
for the
constant reminders
of spirit beauty.
Stop me
in my place;
turn my head
your way;
give me
to look,
to appreciate,
and to
say thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 5, 2013

Dearest God,

Miracles come in small packages and big ones!  As we wait on you, as we pray, as we do what we know to do, as we trust in you, as we anticipate your nearness, we create an environment of readiness to meet you, to listen for your voice, and to hear your sweet mercy. Tonight I learned this all over again.

My daughter has been suffering with pain.  Tears in her neck and back have depleted her of energy, have left her in great pain, and has diminished her ability to rise up in the challenges presented to her.  All summer she has tried to keep going caring for her children, husband, and home.  But these last few weeks she has fallen prey to frustration, fear, and hopelessness.  A woman of great faith, she entered a black hole and has tried desperately to climb out with faith.  Tonight she reached the top and climbed out with victory on her lips.

She turned to the bible and found a great word of encouragement from Ezekiel. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" causing her to rethink the battle she has been facing.  Faith emerged breaking through the darkness that held her captive.  She called and shared with me her triumph just as I was falling to sleep.  Is there any better way to slip into sleep than a victory of faith???  I prayed with her on speaker phone so my teenage granddaughter could be included.  What a priceless moment of joy and witness!  How beautiful to be included in your great work, dear, dear God!

Great is
your name,
O Lord;
great is
your power!
Thank you
for touching
my child,
for opening
her heart
and mind,
for ministering
to her,
for giving her
insights and determination,
for courage,
strength, and hope.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors...
W I D E!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Dearest God,

We come hungry, hungry for your loving grace.  We come anticipating your living presence.  We come acknowledging you as God above all gods.

Church is that way.  Every Sunday morning I feel your stirring to gather as the church, albeit imperfect and flawed, I look forward to being the church.  I long to take my faith to church, to share it with others, and to experience their faith as well.  Some times it is fledgling, some times soaring, but always visible by our presence.

This morning I sensed that faith, strong, courageous, and joy-filled.  I drank it in until I was full to overflowing.  As I hugged those more elderly than me, I passed it on knowing there is great joy in offering your love to others.

During our hymn sing, I asked you to sing to my daughter who is hurting a thousand miles away.  I asked you to sing joy to her, healing, and mercy.  I sang louder sensing you were with her.  I wanted her to hear my voice too and those all around me.  Faith gave me the opportunity to let faith travel the many miles sharing it with those I love.  My prayer was and is that it also touched others as it winged its way to her.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
I am grateful
for the church
and all
she stands for.
We gather
because we want
to honor you,
give you thanks,
and sing
your praise.
Thank you
for the church,
your body.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Dear God,

Joy comes to us when we follow your lead.  When you ask us to trust you and we do, joy bubbles up like a geyser.  When we do not, we lose our air like a balloon that slowly falls to the ground.

Every day we decide whether to trust you or not.  And the trust is not always about you but rather how much trust we will put in ourselves over you.  I don't mean we don't trust you at all; we just trust ourselves more.  As a woman I once believed I was not important enough to trust my self.  It took decades to strengthen my will and affirm my person in order to believe I had the ability to will my future.  Once I was able to overcome my own insecurities I realized what a powerful team you and I are. I no longer diminish myself.  At the same time I realize trusting you is my highest will.

As I consider life and all its issues, I acknowledge how wonderful life is even in the midst of great difficulties.  It is always a time for evaluation and growth as I tackle one issue and another counting my own intuition as valuable and yours as the greatest gift we are given daily.

Teach us
to trust you
more and more.
Show us
the way
to build confidence
in your spirit
so we have
a greater capacity
to trust ourselves.
Thank you,
dear God.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 2, 2013

Dear God,

At night time the window fan cools the room and my warm body.  I feel refreshed as I am wooed to sleep.

So it is with your wonderful spirit.  When your spirit comes upon me and I feel anxious, worried for my children who are hurting, I remember the gift of your sweet compassion.  I sense the breeze of your spirit calming my soul.

Faith is like that.  It comes as we begin to lose our footing, when we slip and start to fall, you speak your word of hope and suddenly we become aware of you who waits to help us.  We are lifted up.  The light shines in our darkness.  We are renewed by trusting.

Every time, yes, every time something happens there is the temptation to lack trust, to let go of grace, to grasp what we can physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  But then we have nothing but our self, our own devices.  We are left devoid of your living presence.  Living on our own is not easy.  We lack courage, hope, and strength.  But when we rise up to grab hold of eternity's cord, we feel the surge of spiritual energy that fills us with everything we need not only to get by but also to build up our faith.

As I look at the fan just now and feel the cool breeze, I say to myself, "Even now your spirit breeze blows upon me, Lord; I do not need to fear.  Your spirit is at work within me and those I love."

Holy Spirit,
giver of life,
lead me
to you
every time.
Teach me
to trust you
always.
Bless those
I love
that they too
will be strengthened
and healed,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Dearest God,

In choir practice as we sang together It is Well with My Soul, I realized I was doing more than singing a simple song.  I was drinking in the wonders of faith.

I don't remember when I sang this song the very first time.  I just know it was an invitation to visit a place of joy, hope, love, and peace.  When I sing it, I fill up with memories of healings, help, guidance, and mercy.  I feel your spirit around and in me.  I have the sense of being deeply loved.

The composer wrote the song at the site where all his children perished at sea.  No one could write such an extraordinary song with that kind of grief and sadness without a wide vision of faith.  Every time I sing this song, one of my all-time favorites, I feel both his loss and his spectacular trust in you. He writes as he believes.  In so doing he fills his listeners with great hope and deep faith.

Some day my family will sing this song at my own memorial service because I want them to know what hope, joy, and peace we have in you.

Wondrous God,
filler of grace,
compassion, and mercy,
thank you
for gifts
that give us
a vision
of you.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors
to deep things
of your spirit.
Thank you
for faith
that unlocks
the door.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Dear God,

Fear, worry, and anxiety do not allow us to practice our faith when we are encircled by our troubles. Negative responses to life's issues drag us down limiting our ability to rise up, grow, and increase our faith.  When we sulk believing life is hopeless, faith weakens and we feel helpless.  However, allowing ourselves to step in the center of God can strengthen us for the days ahead.

I have an issue about which I am concerned.  I am tempted to let it consume me because it is concerns a family member, someone I love much.  Yet, faith whispers to me giving me an opportunity to trust, to let go of the need, and to just be present, continuing to love and support, knowing you are big enough to not only care for the person but also to help, guide, and teach.

Life issues always give us a chance to learn life lessons.  May it be so!

Teach me
to trust you,
O God.
Show me
the way
to release
my concern
into your hand.
You are
the great teacher,
the wonderful comforter,
and a wondrous caregiver.
I lift up
my loved one
to you
knowing you
can do
what I cannot.
Help me
trust you,
Merciful God.

Love, Andrea