Friday, January 31, 2014

Dear God,

There is something so beautiful about silence!  Not silence in the sense of lack of noise but quiet that leaves space for you.  So often the sounds of daily living get in the way of conversations between us.  When the television is chatting away so often about nothing, our uncluttered space fills with words.  There seems to be no room for solitude, meditation, and open space for you to engage us.  On the other hand, when everything is silenced and we open ourselves to you, so much is possible.

I used to think I had to have noise around me.  Frankly, I was afraid of silence, afraid of the dark open spaces, afraid of being caught unprepared if you came to me.  I was fearful of what you might say or what I might learn about myself.

I don't remember when, where, or how you stripped me of my need to fill my life with stuff.  All I know is when I let silence have its reign, I met you in a way I did not think was possible.  My life has never been the same.

Thank you,
Gentle God,
for silence,
for mystical moments
of wonderment,
of quiet peace,
and of faith
that profoundly inspires,
quiets a restless soul,
and fills us
with the things
of heaven.

With deep gratitude, Andrea

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Dear God,

When we attend to our soul, spend time with you, and follow your gentle leading, our spirit is alive with your spirit.  We live in hope.  We drink from your well.  We experience joy in small things.  We find peace. 

When we neglect our inner place, when we ignore divine nudges, when we drink from unsafe wells, and when we fail to care for our spiritual center, we grow dry, empty, lifeless, and despairing.  We can lose our way, our beauty, and our radiance.  We can even die.

I have been down both paths.  I have lived in both worlds.  I have decayed and felt sure death.  But I have also soared, drank the purest water, bubbled over with joy, experienced great visions, and come to realize faith is the difference between the ordinary and extraordinary.

What brought me to this realization today is my Christmas tree.  Every day since the first of December, I have watered my tree.  I have told my tree how absolutely beautiful she is and I know I am not crazy, just simply appreciative. I have turned on her lights and sat back letting the lights take me to your light.  I have spent hours taking in her beauty, admiring her ornaments and the three different angels on the top of the tree.  In the quiet early morning hours I have sung Christmas carols and have prayed in thanksgiving. I have regarded my tree as a gift and blessing this year.

When I was away for nine days, her soft needles turned hard.  Her branches leaned downward. Some of her ornaments fell to the floor.  She died. 

Some would say it is just a Christmas tree and on one level it is.  However, all season long my tree has served as a metaphor for faith.  As I sat with just the lights of the tree, I was drawn to you.  I thought of the Christmas story over and over again.  I thought of the radiant star that touched the lives of shepherds, angels, wise ones, and me.  I thought of love that gives and receives gifts.  I thought of the beauty of nature and sang your praise.  I thought of faith and let it fill me with gratitude. 

Soon I will remove the angels, the lights, the beads, the icicles, and the ornaments.  I will clip back the branches and cut the bare center but not before I say thank you for yet another symbol of faith that taught me lessons all during Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and after.

Gracious, Loving God,
thank you
for simple gifts
that speak faith
to us.
Thank you
for lessons
that comes unexpectedly.
Thank you
for turning
the ordinary
into extraordinary
by faith.
Thank you
for the
supreme joy
of knowing you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Dear God,

Trust is the key to every day.  The last few days you showed me that when I had to get out in the severe weather leaving the comforts of my friend's warm home to drive to my daughter's house a state away.  With snow, blowing wind, and icy roads I had to start the trek.  I admit I was afraid in the early morning when I woke up and thought about it but then you reminded me to trust you and a peace came over me.

I don't know why I worry or get anxious.  Both emotions are so unnecessary when I trust you, when I lean on you, and when I follow your lead.  Life is easier when I pray, listen, and trust.

Everlasting God,
life with you
brings great joy
to me.
Thank you
for the relationship.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear God,

So often you teach me life lessons.  I grumble about the time it takes me to brush my teeth so I am always looking for something to do during that time.  So silly, so very silly.  Today when I was thinking about the time it takes you told me to use that time to pray.  So I did.  I prayed for people affected by the severe weather, people exposed by homelessness, people going to work, people who plow the streets and then I prayed for other people faced with all kinds of severe conditions.

I realize I need to pray more often.  Generally, I pray throughout the day for this, that, and the other.  If I hear about a tragedy, I pray.  When I hear a siren, I pray not only for the person who needs attention but also those who will assist them.  When I think of family members or friends or even strangers who have fallen on hard times, I pray.  I pray for my family and the world every morning and every night but I never thought of the time spent brushing my teeth.  What a excellent time to pray!

Thank you,
O Lord,
for teaching me
lessons of faith.
Thank you
for reminding me
to pray,
to think
of others
in need,
and to
show love
where I can.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 27, 2014

Dear God,

Some days it is valuable to return to memorable scenes in my life, occasions where you were powerfully present.  There have been so many beautiful moments where my excruciating reality was softened and made possible to bear.  I remember the time when you came to me bringing a host of people who aided my severely broken heart.

You know the circumstances of how the situation came to be.  I was put in an extremely difficult position where no matter which decision I would make, there would be loss.  I knew it and fell on my knees before you to make the better choice.  You came to my assistance and helped me.  I was already grieving for what I knew was to come and you visited me in a way I will never forget.

I was on my way to a meeting where the ax would soon fall, where my heart would tear, where I would not be given a way to say goodbye to those I loved with all my heart.  When I fell into a deep sleep while weeping in the back seat of my car, you brought several mothers, several biblical mothers to me. Isaiah's mother, Rebecca, the mother who was willing to give her child to another mother who claimed to be the real mother in order to save the baby when the judge said each could have half the child, Mary, your own mother and others.  Each comforted me with their beautiful stories.  The psalmist came offering words of hope and compassion.  An angelic choir sang to me.  All I know is in a two-hour period there were many, many persons who assisted me in my despair.  When I awakened the driver and my daughter asked me what had happened to me because I was glowing.  I was at peace.  I was filled with you.

It would be thirteen years before the healing would come and we would be reunited but the mystical vision, the visitation would hold me and I would recall your generous gift and again fall to my knees in thanksgiving and praise.

You are generous,
Loving God;
you come
to us.
Thank you
for all
your gifts
that touch
our souls.
Thank you
for love
that wraps
around us
and cradles us
in your arms.
Surely you are
my greatest gift.
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Sunday, January 26, 2014

My dearest God,

In the bitter cold, howling winds, and deep snow you did your miraculous work.  Your spirit moved warming our hearts, our minds, and our spirits.  You refreshed us, restored some, revitalized others, and transformed at least one.

When we truly open ourselves to your mystical living presence, the whole of our being opens to a world deeper than the one where we normally live.  We see what we could not see before; we hear what we could not hear; we sense what we were numb to; we taste the sweetness of grace; we touch heaven's cord.

This weekend our retreat unfolded as planned.  Oh, it was not our plan.  Because of severe weather we had to change the venue at the last minute.  We had to find caterers to prepare food.  We had to tweak the schedule.  We had to drive home both nights.  We had to make changes but as we followed you, we found your spirit present waiting to serve us in the most beautiful way.

Thank you
for your leading,
Holy Spirit God;
thank you
for your gifts
and blessings.
We are
always surprised
by the ways
you come
to us.
Your surprises
are always wonderful
and we
are always grateful.
Our hearts
spill over
with joy.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 25, 2014

My dearest God,

Although the wind howled and snow fell from the skies with double digit wind chill, your spirit kept us warm inside.  With candles aglow we shared words of faith with one another.

Our retreat weekend was so like many other times when miraculously your grace made itself visible. We discovered you in small groups, in coloring mandalas, in listening to scripture stories, in sharing our own musings, and in making creations that shared our own uniqueness.  We were joyous because we were filled with your kind of joy.

You came
to us,
Holy One;
you dwelled
among us.
You whispered
words of faith;
you sang
your song;
you invited us
to dance
the dance
of faith
and so
we did.
Thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 24, 2014

Dear God,

At the seminary I was putting my boxes of retreat supplies on a cart when I heard a familiar song. I began to hum along.  Knowing I had so much unpacking and preparation to do for the retreat I was to lead, I pushed the full cart along as I hummed.  In the hall a stranger smiled and greeted me.  I felt compelled to ask him if there was a chapel service this morning.  He told me it was just about to start.  I asked if anyone could attend and he said yes.  I turned my cart around and followed the man to the chapel.  I was so glad I did.

My spirits soared when I thought of you, when I realized how you had opened the door to worship. You knew I was hungry for church and singing with a body of believers.  You knew I needed Holy Communion.  You invited me to your table.  I could not keep from smiling through the scripture reading, message, songs, prayers, and communion.  My heart could not contain all my joy.

I realize more and more how you provide for us. Unexpected surprises come our way when faith leads us through unfamiliar doors.  You tarry with us singing eternity's song.  You lavish us with your mercy.

Heavenly Father,
like a
loving parent,
you give
good gifts
to your children.
Knowing what
you know
about me,
you put me
in the
right place
at the
right time
so I
could worship
with praise
and thanksgiving.
You filled
my soul
with the food
of heaven.
I am blessed,
so very blessed.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Dear God,

I watched for signs and wonders as I drove north to lead a retreat.  As the beautiful Christmas music played and I sang along, your spirit heightened my awareness preparing me to see your spirit.  It came as I witnessed a tall tree branch broken by snow and ice a few days before.  I knew at some point the branch would be severed and in time new growth would appear.  The moment I saw it you spoke to me of brokenness and healing.

When a part of the human spirit is ripped open and broken, you gently take hold of the broken part, remove the debris, and equip the body to begin the healing process.  With your help the healing begins and new life starts to emerge.

What mercy
you show us,
Gracious God.
When we
are broken,
we feel bereft,
lost and lonely.
We feel sure
our situation
is hopeless
but then
you come
to us
with good news.
Let me sing
our joy!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Dearest God,

When we are open to you, you open doors for us.  This was so true of today.

My friend and I awakened to news of an impending storm with lots of snow and 50-mile-an-hour winds.  It was to begin tomorrow afternoon when all we women retreatants would be driving an hour to a monastery. My friend and I talked about it concluding we needed to cancel the event at the monastery and see where else close to home in Michigan we might hold the weekend retreat. Within three hours a new location was secured at a local seminary in a beautiful room with tall windows overlooking a snow-laden landscape; two different caterers agreed to provide three meals; parking was handled; and we were invited to Sunday morning breakfast with addicts, the homeless, and seminary students right on campus.  Since our worship session is entitled Sharing Joy, it all seemed perfect.  By nightfall we had all the paper products, drinks, and other items the monastery would have provided.  Yes, just perfect!

When we attempt to control life events, we squeeze you out.  We leave very little room for faith to dance, to sing, and to make wonders known.  But when we open the door to faith, we find you standing there ready to teach us about miracles.

Holy and Wonderful God,
thank you
for life lessons
that teach us
about faith,
trust, hope,
peace, and joy.
Show us
your way,
O God;
teach us
to follow.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 20, 2014

Dear God,

This morning I stood over by the window and looked out upon the waning gibbous moon and the light shadows of the wintry landscape.  I breathed in a breath of peace because the quiet brought me a deep awareness of your spirit.  When I view scenes from the lens of heaven, everything takes on new hues.

How glorious life can be when viewed from eternity's eye.  How sad to think about life without it.  Oh, I am sure we can live happy lives without a sense of your spirit.  But I am not looking for a happy life!  I want a life of meaning and purpose.  I want to make a mark where I leave more joy than sadness, more peace than fear, more insight than ignorance, more faith than emptiness, more beauty than ugliness, more love than hatred, and more grace than judgement.  I want to contribute rather than take away.

The beauty of your pervasive spirit inspires me.  It lifts me up causing me to soar.  Sometimes I repeat myself again and again when I talk about inspiration.  When I am full up after a very meaningful worship experience, I feel compelled to give praise to it.  Although it is joyous for me to do so, I am sure I sometimes annoy those around me because I am excited, moved, touched, and inspired.  I feel overwhelmed by such love that constantly speaks in sacred waves.

Thank you,
Wondrous and Mighty God,
for the
amazing view
from faith.
Thank you
for scenes
that compel us
to look again,
to see deeper,
and to enjoy
that which begs
to become visible
to us.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Dear God,

I watch as the trees dance in the howling, snowy wind, bending their branches to and fro. They remind me of a dance, the dance of submission to one who blows the wind.

One of the many reasons I love the winter is I learn spiritual lessons during this time of year.  I know this is the time for roots to have their day digging deeper, searching for nutrients, and building a stronger core. Atop the ground they surrender their leaves (our pin oaks are still clinging to theirs), bare their limbs, and move with the wind.  In the early morning as I gaze outdoors I find great beauty, the dark limbs against a white night sky.  As they move back and forth, side to side, and back and forth again, I wish my own soul would be as nimble, flexible, and willing to move.

I am constantly reminded by visual aids of the need to be pliable to your spirit.  If I totally surrendered my whole self into your hands, my soul would dance every time your spirit wind blew.  I would be delighted to dance with you, to succumb to your desire for my life.  I would be awed by your love and grace that would even want to dance with me.  I would spend every day giving thanks, celebrating the wonders of the sacred-human connection, and bending, oh yes, bending to your will.

Loving Father,
teach me
to lean,
to twist,
and to turn
with your spirit.
Make the
sacred dance
the most
important dance
of my life,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Dearest God,

You are the answer to human loss.  You comfort us.  You guide us.  You make space for us to grieve while filling us with your compassion.  You hold us until we are able to walk steady once again.  These beautiful actions provide us with hope.

As I reflect back upon my own personal losses of beloved family members, my breasts after breast cancer, my churches as I left behind members I loved, friends when I moved, and more, I see your face at each juncture.  I recall to mind how I did not face loss alone; you were very present with me.  Your love permeated the whole of my being.  Your mercy enlivened me giving me opportunities to learn, to grow, to stretch, to adjust, and to transform myself.

When I consider your spiritual direction at difficult times in my life, I recognize my need to give praise...again.

Faithful God,
the constancy
of your
living presence
spiritually grounds
my soul.
One more time
I acknowledge life
at the
sacred center.
I confess
my need
for you
and my joy
in my dependence.
Thank you,
Wondrous God,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 18, 2014

My dearest God,

I do not understand why some people are blessed with so much and so many are seemingly blessed with so little.  As I spend time with my grandchildren laughing, playing, teasing, experiencing so much love, on occasion I will think of others whose children and grandchildren are estranged from them.  I think of people who desperately want children and grandchildren but have none.  I think of the injustices in this world and all I know to do is pray.

How do we balance the world with love, justice, grace, peace, hope, and joy?  How do we each participate in your plan for peace?  I guess I am so drawn to the Christmas message because the angels speak of peace for all.  I want that for all people.  I want each person to close their eyes at night, feel your sweet peace come over them, and then fall to sleep unafraid, without worry, and surrounded by love from you and others. I know this is what you want for all your children.  I want all people to awaken to a healthy hunger and know there is food close by for them.  Simple basics for each and all.

Show us
the way
to truly care
for one another,
Lord.
Aid us
in lifting up
the sorrowing,
the hungry,
the forgotten,
the neglected,
the lonely,
the abused,
and the sick
and the dying.
Give us hearts
like yours
so we
may feed
one another
from your cup
of joy.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 17, 2014

Dearest God,

Both our daughters were diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Her daughter died this week.  My daughter lived and subsequently gave birth to two beautiful daughters of her own.

Yesterday as I talked to my high school friend and former parishioner, I felt such pain.  I remember her daughter well because she was my first youth group member.  She was beautiful, bright, happy and had the most wonderful smile.

What brought me joy was the way your spirit was so close as we talked for an hour.  I felt you leading every word of hope and comfort.  I realized once again how your living presence makes such a difference in our lives.

Compassionate God,
thank you
for your
living presence
that heals,
helps, guides,
inspires and
comforts us.
Thank you
for the awareness
of your
living spirit
in our world.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 16, 2014

My dearest God,

Early yesterday morning as I listened to beautiful Christmas music while driving to the monastery, I felt like Mary after her visit with the angel Gabriel, like the shepherd after the angel spoke about the birth of a savior, and like the wise man who followed the star and knelt before a manger.  I was so full of your light that it spilled over.  In the monastery chapel we sang the psalms, prayed the prayers, and waited in silence for your word to inspire each heart.  I felt so much joy from the light that I was truly overwhelmed with the your glory.

Later with my covenant group when I shared my experience of your light in my life the last few weeks, I spilled over with gratitude, gratitude for so many blessings, so much insight,and so much grace.  Although there have been three instances of painful realizations that have significantly impacted my life the last several weeks, I discovered the power of faith to overcome, to trust, to learn, and to lead me.  Even though I am on a journey where I do not know my destination and I know I will be making changes, I realize once again who is leading me and the knowledge and experience of your living presence gives me so much joy.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for all
your gifts.
Thank you
for your
mighty power
that enables me
to follow,
to learn,
and to change.
Thank you
for faith
that gives me
everything I need.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Dearest God,

We carry your miracles inside us, don't we?  Even after long periods of time, we can bring them to mind and celebrate your mighty work in our lives.

Recently, I went back about five years and read some of my letters to you.  I walked down memory lane counting my blessings along the way.  Some of those pilgrim walks were difficult but walking with you eased my way.  Some were rare sights of your living presence particularly as I went on my prized Journey with God journey as part of my clergy renewal grant.  Ah, my, what beautiful things you did on that pilgrimage. Some were true, wondrous miracles where unexpectedly you came to me revealing truths that knocked me off my feet.  You brought healing, help, and guidance but also correction, grace, and new opportunities to begin again.  Reading my letters to you reminded me of your goodness to me and gave me the chance to pray and give thanks.

You are kind
and gracious,
Loving God.
There is
no end
to your compassion.
You reach out
to us
and give us
an awareness
of your
living spirit
at work
in our midst.
You invite us
to tarry
a while,
to talk
and listen,
and to engage
in spirit work
with you.
What a
mighty God
you are,
so generous,
so good.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

My dearest God,

You came to me this morning in prayer.  You told me procrastination is the killer of dreams and the good life. Procrastination leads to worry, unsettledness, frustration, hopelessness, self doubt, and despair.  It pushes faith aside.  It robs us of opportunities for courage, change, discovering new paths, and dancing with joy.  It steals away a day filled with excitement, adventure, freedom, insight, and learning.  Procrastination can kill the future.

Up close I've seen the effects of procrastination on the heart, mind, and soul.  I have felt it because I have procrastinated in the past.  I have failed to step forward thinking something was too hard, too scary, or too much to handle.  I have failed to say yes to your guidance, your help, and your resources.  I have failed to believe in myself or my efforts at transformation.  I have failed to live fully in your light that always shines the way to the future.

The greatest detriment to procrastination is faith.  Faith gives us wings to soar, courage to take steps forward, belief in our ability to make good decisions and even if we make a bad one, we can learn from it. Faith gives us strength, hope, and above all peace.  Faith can help us build new lives or at least pick up the old one.  Faith can fight the evils of procrastination reminding us the cloak of darkness dissolves in the light of God.  Faith can put energy into us; it can revitalize us to face every situation that comes.  It can fill us with joy unspeakable!

Mighty God,
giver of
all good things,
thank you
for your
morning message.
Thank you
for lifting
the veil
and shining
your light
on the truth
that sets us free.
Thank you
for love
that bubbles up
with every message
of hope.
Thank you
for your
spirit air
that you breathe
into us
resurrecting us
from sure death.
Thank you,
Good Lord,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, January 13, 2014

My dearest God,

With a gentle voice, you spoke to me before I rose from my bed this morning. In our intimate morning time of sharing, we spoke to one another.  My words, so small and practically insignificant compared to yours, lifted up to the heavens as I prayed for the world and all its inhabitants.  Your words, on the other hand, were powerful leading me to a truth, a revelation of a broken place within me, the place where sin finds its home.  You shone light in my darkness.  You whispered a challenge as we breathed our amen.

Later as my husband walked into the kitchen to take his morning medicine, I looked carefully at him. This, the man I love most in all the world, was my morning challenge.  I prayed quietly and waited for your time. Nearly an hour later I made my way to the bedroom where he was straightening the room.  I stopped him and shared our conversation, yours and mine.  I apologized and offered to him my learnings in prayer. Together we made a commitment to one another to make a change.  We smiled; he stepped into the bathroom and I went about my work in the kitchen.  As he walked out the door for a coffee meeting with a friend, I hugged him and felt a spirit warmth that I had taken your challenge, followed through, and then enjoyed the glow of renewal.

Thank you
for early morning moments.
Thank you
for prayer,
the thin line
that extends
from heaven
to earth
and right back.
Thank you
for gentle biddings
and for
mid-course corrections.
Thank you
for love
always present,
always extending,
always beautiful.

Love right back, Andrea

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Dearest God,

Thank you, O God, for setting apart one day a week for worship.  Thank you for the opportunity to pause and remember your compassion and mercy.  Thank you for time and space to be thankful, to praise and adore, to sing the song of faith, to pray and be silent.  Thank you for your holy church that stands as a beacon of light as a body.  Filled with flawed humans, your spirit is present reminding us through your word we have a purpose, we are to love one another, and we are to live worthy lives of carrying your name.

I missed church today because I was a little under the weather but in our morning prayer at the breakfast table I thanked you for blessed Sundays.

Stretch and grow
your people,
O Lord.
Show us
the way
to peace,
to hope,
to love,
to grace,
to praise,
and to goodness,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Dear God,

Recently you reminded me of the miracle, the goodness, and the beauty of forgiveness.  When we harbor ill will, warranted or not, we fill the pockets of our soul with resentment, bitterness, and blackness.  We carry it with us everywhere we go.  When we wake up, it is with us.  When we eat our meals, we hold it near. When we hug our beloved ones, we have it inside us.  When we go to bed, it lives and never rests. When we pray and skirt the issue, it darkens our ability to believe, to have faith, and to trust you.

On the other hand, when we confess our unnecessary willingness to carry toxic thoughts and attitudes not to mention behaviors and we ask for forgiveness and receive it or we offer forgiveness to others, we clear the way for a sunny day.  We sweep out the cobwebs in our souls.  We rid ourselves of nagging ugliness.  We make way for learning and gaining insights and new perspectives. We are liberated from our own self and our bent toward holding on to a lesser life.  We are freed up to see the light and the beautiful colors you have given us.  You put resources in our hands and give the charge for us to move forward to a new day.

Good Lord,
thank you
for forgiveness
and the ability
to surrender all
that holds us back
from the life
you intend
for us.
Thank you
for love
that continually flows.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 10, 2014

Dear God,

Joy comes when we follow your lead.  When we listen, trust, and take part in your will, joy follows.  It may be a hard thing to do.  It may cost us something.  We may lose something we love.  However, eventually, we will come to see the value of following you and that alone will bring joy.

Recently you asked me to do a hard thing.  You asked me to trust and go.  In doing so I had to surrender my fear and trust your way would bring comfort, help, insight, peace, and joy.  It did turn out to be a hard thing but all those feelings came to me including joy because in following you, there were other benefits I could not have imagined before doing that which you asked me to do.  Trusting you brings joy.

I know the sorrow that comes when I fail to follow.  When I do what I want to do and take no care in listening to you, I pay a great price.  I feel sadness and disgust in myself for being selfish, thoughtless, and uncaring.  Couple that with my loss of joy and I feel pretty bad.  Things don't turn out as well when I follow what I want without taking into account the resources of heaven.

Lead me, Lord;
lead me
to your will.
Let your plan
take precedence
over my own.
Open my eyes
to the truth
and the path
you want me
to take.
Show me
the way.
Guide me
into the future
so I
may bless you
and others
because following you
always inspires blessing.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Dear God,

After a whopping winter storm and sub zero temperatures, I looked out my window and discovered several paw prints.  Animals had brushed away a couple of areas and taken shelter in my flower garden.  I am pretty sure a cat, a rabbit, and a bird made a temporary home with us.

Every day you tell your story and sing your song alerting us to your presence.  You reveal yourself in ways that guide us to your light, your peace, and your joy. You give us shelter from the storms of life and allow us to tarry a while as we consider and reflect upon our life situations. You warm our hearts, clear our minds, and unclutter our souls.  You show us your love and offer us opportunity to take a walk with you or just to talk. When the time is right, you nudge us forward making the way plain for us to stretch and grow or sometimes to leap, to soar into new places set up just for us.

Your wonders are all around us.  All we have to do is look, trust, and take a step into the wondrous scene before us.  As we pause to think about you, we are blessed yet again by your compassionate hand.

You are generous,
O God;
you show us
signs and scenes
of your
great love.
You use
such moments
to heal us,
to help us,
and to
guide us
into places
of safety.
Then you
move us on
so we
may live victoriously
in your
living presence.
Thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Dear God,

"Paint the light," the mentor said to the art student.  Paint the light, I repeated to myself, paint the light.  More and more I know it is your light that charms the world, that heals and helps, guides and blesses, transforms and makes new.  Your light forces the darkness to give way.  Your light reveals and reconstructs.  Your light reconciles, reforms, and recreates.  Your light is the gift to the cosmos.

As I watched the Christmas movie I was drawn to the line, "paint the light."  I let it roll around in my head and gave it opportunity to take root inside me.  How do I paint the light in my family, in my ministry, in the world around me?  I asked.

I confess I do not always paint the light.  In fact in my darkest moments I paint darkness.  I push the light away.  I give in to darkness that robs my inner self of warmth, love, grace, joy, faith, and peace. I allow myself to be darkness.  But...you come as light anyway.  You come as a tiny ray invisible to the naked eye but powerful all the same.  You warm my insides letting me know your presence is within me.  You stir, making yourself known.  You tackle the darkness, claiming me as your own. You steal me away from the darkness proclaiming me as a daughter of faith. Your light wins me back and I fall to my knees in surrender. I remember whose I am and I let the light have its way.

As the movie rolled its credits I repeated the words one more time and I told you I wanted to spend my life painting the light through my attitude and actions, my ministry, my relationships, and my faith.  May it be so, Gracious and Loving God, may it be so.

Lead me
to your
great light,
dear God;
lead me
to your light.
Let your light
shine in
and through me.
Let it radiate
to others
so your
lights shines
more and more.
Restore in me
your light
so all darkness
will know
your light
has come.
Thank you,
thank you,
Loving God.

Always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear God,

Your surprises are a wonder to me.  When we live life paying attention to your spirit in our midst, we are enabled to claim your surprises as gifts and blessings.

The Polar Vortex, that arctic cold air described as a dangerous weather condition, opened the door for one of your many surprises.  Our friends from Maine who came to visit for just two days had to extend their time with us because of airline cancellations.  So we played games, watched movies, ate good food, and laughed like hyenas.  We had a most wonderful time together.

My favorite time came in the early morning when I stepped out of the bathroom and found my friend sitting on the couch gazing upon our lighted Christmas tree.  In the quiet I sat down and in whispers so as not to awaken our husbands we talked about the wonders of your love.  I asked if we could pray together and she told me she would be thrilled to do so.  We took hold of a hand and we prayed giving thanks for our time together, the beautiful snow, the lighted tree, our families, the church, and faith. As we breathed our amen, we recognized your living presence and rejoiced.

Holy God,
giver of many surprises,
thank you
for the gift
of Beryl
and Jerry.
Thank you
for their
beautiful faith.
Thank you
for the
many ways
they live out
their lives
as a testimony
to your goodness
in the world.
Thank you
for their friendship.
Thank you
for your light
that shines
making us aware
of your
living spirit.

Always, Andrea

Monday, January 6, 2014

Dear God,

Epiphany, the traditional day of remembering the gift of a savior, a most blessed day indeed. Although we celebrated the day in worship yesterday, in my own quiet remembrances today when no one is up but me in the early morning, I give thanks for faith, that wondrous, beautiful awareness of God in human living.  I think of you and confess the relationship as my most favorite blessing in life.

As I sit with the olive wood nativity before me, I can close my eyes and imagine the star, hungry wise persons looking into the dark night sky, the strong desire to follow the star, the anxious journey, and the startling discovery of a holy baby.  As I breathe in the air of animals, I feel compelled to bend down, to kneel, to join the family in rejoicing having just watched the glowing shepherds take their leave singing the angel song.  I can hear the soft murmurs of prayer from a grateful mother and father and I want to pray too in thanksgiving. As the baby stirs the reality of faith is borne again and I drink in the sound knowing when I return I will need faith every day as a reminder of the world's greatest blessing.
'
Thank you
for symbols
of faith.
Thank you
for the one
who carved
our nativity scene,
for his
careful attention
to each piece.
Thank you
for light
that shines upon
the scene.
Thank you
for blessings
I do not deserve
but receive
in deep gratitude.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Dear God,

Today your living spirit met us at the "altar" in the living room.  With blowing snow and frigid weather conditions our visiting Maine friends, my husband and I shared in worship at home because the roads were full of snow and it was too dangerous to go outside.  It was so much fun gathering songs, putting together Holy Communion, selecting scripture readings, and giving thought to questions for our common meditation. When I lighted the votive candle atop the olive wood nativity scene, our hearts quieted as we ushered ourselves into your loving presence.

I heard your voice as Jerry read Psalm 84.  A true man of faith, I listened for your message as he read.  And then Beryl when she read the Epiphany story contained in Matthew...King Herod, the wise men, the star, the journey, and the discovery of the savior, how beautiful to hear the voice of one so committed to you.  But it was in our offering of those who shared the gift of Jesus with us during our lifetime when I realized again what gifts those people are who bear the Son of God and give you to us.

As we held hands and prayed the Lord's prayer we heard one simple voice, the one voice we all wanted to hear.  We offered up the cup and the bread and gave it to one another and then listened to Psalm 111 and prayed once more.  We each and all sensed the gift of your Holy Spirit blessing us.  Our worship lasted a good long time because our hearts were intertwined with heaven's own.

Thank you,
Great God,
for the gift
of worship,
for friends
of faith,
and for sharing
that turns hearts
in your direction.
I am grateful,
so very grateful.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Dear God,

I love the early morning silence, the only light coming from the Christmas tree next to me. The snow covering the ground just outside the window brings great delight to my soul.  Ah, my favorite season!

You have given me a true zest for life.  As each day unfolds, I look for signs of your spirit.  I am never disappointed.  It may be found in music, in a conversation, a picture, a scripture, an unexpected gesture of love or mercy, someone making a difference, or just an inner quiet where I hear your sweet voice of hope, comfort, encouragement, or joy.  No matter, the fact I know you are near is living faith and for that I am so, so grateful.

On this fourth day of the new year, I am still celebrating the wonders of your love.

Magnificent God,
how beautiful
is your spirit!
Thank you
for bringing
your many gifts
to your children,
to me.
Thank you
for faith
that makes
me aware
and then rejoices!
You are good,
dear God;
you are
so very good.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 3, 2014

Dear God,

How often have I expected you to let me in on the cusp of the future?  Not wanting to be blind sighted by events that would leave me feeling vulnerable, I just wanted to be ready so I did not make a foolish move, embarrass myself, or make visible my fears and weaknesses. I wanted to rely on my own abilities rather than trust you to take me where I needed to go and provide what I needed along the way.  No room for faith there.  I am sorry.

In this new year I sense you want to work on me to trust you more, to let go, to float where the spirit breeze moves me, and to carry a light load anticipating your spirit tools to arrive when I need them.  Already as I look forward to planned events I thought would work out one way, they are changing and requiring me to trust you more as I lift my hands from them in order to let you do your miracle work.  Talk about lightening the load and letting faith build.  It is good, so very good.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for spirit nudges
that reveal
your living presence
at work
in human life.
Thank you
for your patience,
for teaching me
the same lessons
over and
over again
so I
might trust more
and live
a full life
of faith
with you.
It is
my life's
greatest desire.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Dear God,

What causes one person to hate another?  How much hurt does there have to be in order to despise a person?

I recently encountered someone whose hatred was very apparent.  She made it known to everyone at the table, all twelve of us.  After she moved from her original chair where she did not speak, she exaggerated her feelings of joy at the other end.  I wondered what it would take to break the cycle of pain.

Although I was saddened by the incident, you revealed an insight to me.  While there was an attempt to pull back the scab from the past creating more hurt and pain, you showed me instead the healed spot.  In the past what would have torn a space creating a gushing blood flow, a special suffering, now there is a place of healing revealing where your hand had touched.  No longer a victim I was made aware of just how deep your grace can go into the human soul.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for healing.
Thank you
for eternity's love
that is endless.
Thank you
for reminders
of your handiwork.
Thank you
for faith
and inspiration,
for courage
and trust,
and for mercy
that holds us
like a
newborn babe
in mother's arms.
You are God;
there truly is
none like you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Dear God,

Faith, may it be central to all I am in this brand new year.  May I listen more and talk less. May I offer more grace than judgement.  May I love unconditionally and not withhold mercy for any reason.  May I search more for your living presence and live in your light. May I give testimony to that light in the world and may I radiate it in dark places.  May I make for peace in every situation regardless what comes my way.

Sometimes I forget whose I am.  I act as if faith does not exist.  I want my own way.  I am impatient and forgetful of all the blessings you have given me.  But then a new day comes, a new year and you give me another opportunity to recharge my batteries and renew my life. You simply say, "Let's start over."  I breathe in the air of your spirit and replenish my own spirit supply replacing the old, stale air of defeat, sin, pride, resentment, and bitterness.  In your world the air is clean and pure, your spirit is the fragrance of perfume, and your grace is powerful enough to dissolve the worst offense.  "Meet me at the corner of grace," you offer when I make yet another mistake.

In this new year may I look to you for direction and guidance, may I listen for your voice, may I follow your will, and may I bless you.

Holy God,
thank you
for all
the lessons
you taught me
in 2013.
Forgive me
when I fail
to learn
from them
and you have
to teach them
to me again.
You are
my richest blessing,
the hope
of my life,
and the
greatest joy
I have
ever known.
I pray
I will
be a blessing
to you
in this
new year.

Love always, Andrea