Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Dear God,

He came downstairs and shared the phone conversation with me.  An old tape began playing inside my head and I was hurt, deeply hurt.  Then I was angry.  I said something negative but then a rush of spirit wind blew across me.  I stepped into the kitchen, put my arms securely around my husband who was just as upset, and I prayed for your will to be done.

There are some triggers that cause big reactions within us.  They bring up hurtful memories and cause us to live another story, an old story still unresolved.  Yet, when we look through another lens we can readily see the challenge before us, one that can shift our thinking, remake our insides, and give us opportunity to rise up to your will for our lives.

Although I felt the surge to react earlier, to defend and protect myself again, I realized your call was stronger yet and filled with loving compassion.  The chance to make a faith-filled witness is always an inspiring story, one that brings hope, wisdom, courage, and strength and it is always filled with you.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for gifts
beyond measure.
Thank you
for transforming moments
where you do
your best work.
Thank you
for faith
that gives us
power beyond
our pain.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 28, 2014

Dearest God,

Simple tasks can be simple reminders of faith.  Today I washed windows that haven't been cleaned in a very long time.  They were smudged, filmy, and dirty like my own glasses when I don't clean them.  A little water and a simple washing can clear up what we see.  Things look different with a little spiritual cleaning too.

Holy God,
you are gracious
to show us
true pictures
of faith.
When viewed
through the lens
of faith,
we are made
to see clearly.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Dear God,

I believe every time we walk into church, you whisper your good word to us:  Welcome home! What more could we want?

There is no place like church!  It is an imperfect, flawed human community but it is the community of people Jesus loved (loves) the most.  Church was your idea and given as a gift to your followers. You invite us weekly to get together with family.

As we gather together, something special happens when our hearts and souls are open to your living spirit.  Today was no different.  The word was made flesh through the music, message, scripture reading, and hospitality.  Harold and I were lavishly blessed by the community today; your sons and daughters touched us deeply.

Truly,
there is
no god
like you.
You know
our need
and you
fill it
as we participate
in your
community of faith.
Thank you,
dearest God,
for your
many gifts.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Dear God,

I lose my way when I fill my mind with prejudice, corruption, and hopelessness.  When I am full of this emotional and spiritual debris, I think and behave in a particular way.  But when I permit your spirit to do its work, the veil is lifted, I breathe in the fresh air of your living presence, and hope returns.

Clarity comes when I sit at your feet, when I am quiet and listen.  When I allow you to clear my mind, my soul suddenly has more space for you.

As I drive down the highway in the mountains toward home, my husband asleep in the seat beside me, I just attend to my breathing giving myself permission to dwell in you.  I drink in nature's beauty as she quivers still trying to decide whether winter will keep its grip or spring will burst forth.  I realize I am like that too.  I am having trouble letting go of the winter blues for springtime sunshine.

Glorious God,
help me prepare
for springtime
in my soul,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 25, 2014

My dearest God,

A day lived without sacred silence is a day missing its central core.  The quiet sitting at your feet is the best part of any day.

Although I pray off and on all day, if I fail to take time aside to completely focus on our life together, there is a space lost of its treasure, its warmth, and its beauty.  I forfeit all that when I choose to focus my attention elsewhere.

Why, O Lord, would I want to rob myself of spiritual intimacy?

Holy God,
you are worthy
of my
full attention.
You are worthy
of my love.
You are worthy
of my gratitude.
Please forgive me
when I fail
to keep up
my side
of the relationship.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 24, 2014

My dearest God,

We arrived at the Trapp Family Lodge after a very long day.  I was weary and worn, certainly not my best self.  Although I prayed, I was too exhausted to feel as if I was even close to heaven's door.  I picked up the story of the Von Trapp family and read a very important line by Baroness Maria Von Trapp.  "Find God's will and then just do it!" 

There is nothing more important to me than to do your will!  Yet, frequently I fail to do your will.  Sometimes I do not know your will although if I really give myself time and attention to silence, prayer, and meditation I can discover your will.  There are other times I resist and choose not to do it.

Today I learned another lesson.  When I am weary, I am more vulnerable to the temptation to do my own will.  When I feel weak and exhausted, I fall prey to giving in to something less than your will.  I feel unable to fight the forces that threaten.  These are times when I need to seek you out, when I need to care for my soul, when I need to ask for your help, and when I need to drink from your well.  If I follow your lead I will regain my spiritual, emotional, and physical equilibrium.

Show me
the way
to your
kingdom will,
O Lord.
Revive me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dearest God,

I believe I shall simply fail you in the end.  I think I am not fully able to accomplish your plan for my life, for I continue to fall prey to obstacles that call for obedience and faithfulness and I fail to do your full will.

The spiritual journey is the most important journey for my life.  When I awaken to the new day, I am called to live spiritual disciplines that keep me focused on what is most important.  In doing so I am enabled to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus.  When something happens to topple me, I am able to rise up and resist the temptation to react to situations that call for my obedience.  I live life in your light no matter what comes my way.  At the end of the day we, you and I, can celebrate together how faith has won the day.

I failed today.  I failed to rise above the fray.  I failed to follow you.  I can make excuses but what good are excuses but a delay to confession, repentance, and reconciliation.  Why would I spend one minute justifying my poor attitude and behavior when I could be humbling myself and finding sweet peace?

Loving Judge,
I have failed
to do
your will.
I have failed
to act
from faith.
I have failed
to be loving
and gracious.
I have
fallen victim
to old tapes
that are worthless
and destructive.
Pick me up
and deliver me
to the door
of your compassion,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Dear God,

Let faith awaken me first thing in the morning.  Let faith lead me through the day.  Let faith put me to bed each evening, I pray.

When I think of all the gifts and blessings of human life, faith is to me the finest gift of all.  It is the bridge, the relationship with you.  It is the divine connection that holds us to a high standard, one that puts love before everything else.  It is the power that can bring joy in the midst of sorrow, peace in the midst of chaos, and hope in the midst of impossibility.  Faith brings greater meaning and value to life.

Faith directs me to you early in the morning.  It keeps me in bed until I finish praying.  Faith takes me to you when I catch a peek at the new day.  Faith reminds me to give thanks before I eat my meals.  Faith reminds me to breathe and consider my situation when I am frustrated, angered, or pained.  Faith keeps me on my knees all day when I hear news of suffering.  Faith teaches me to dig deeper, surrender more, and live humbly and faithfully.  Faith draws me to you like nothing else can.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for the
lovely gift
of faith.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to walk
with you
not because
I am worthy
but because
your love
invites me in.
Thank you
for blessing me
with faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 21, 2014

Dear God,

Sometimes you shatter our beliefs because we think too small.  It is always in those moments when we have to take a step back and remember the great benefit of following you.

This week I learned justice does not always come.  We may never receive what we believe is fair, right, and truthful; however, you give us something else.  You give us the opportunity to respond to our plight any way we choose and if we choose your will, we receive the ability to overcome, to conquer the injustice and the sorrow and pain we experience as a result.  You help us rise above it and provide us a determination not to be held down by the burden.  In the midst we are enabled to experience hope, peace, and joy.

Your gifts
are greater
than gifts
anywhere else.
You bless us
with your
living presence
and your presence
provides everything else.
Thank you,
Merciful God,
for the wonders
of your love.

Always yours, Andrea

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Dear God,

I always imagined a hush fell over the land following Jesus' death.  Even the birds stopped singing.  Where was the joy?

Every Easter Sunday early in the morning I always pause to listen for the sound of joy.  When I am greeted only by darkness and silence, I wait again for the sound of Easter.  I am not afraid knowing Easter will resound once again and the whole world will be invited to the celebration not because we are Christian or because we are part of an exclusive club but because you choose to reveal your love to everyone.  On this day I celebrate our oneness as a human community, a human family loved by the Creator.

As I lifted the garage door and climbed into my car, I heard the birds begin to sing their sweet melody.  As I drove away I watched as the sun peeked its head over the horizon.  I smiled and gave thanks.  I was happy to drive into the parking lot, climb out my car, and head for the outdoor pavilion for the sunrise service.  As the pastor asked us to share memories of Easter, I remembered my baptism on this day 57 years ago.  I also recalled the sunrise service I lead in the very early morning beside the Sea of Galilee and how we literally burst into song the moment the light began to shine.  As we sang an Easter song in 2014 I recognized your living spirit one more time and my soul was full.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for the
great celebration
of Easter.
Oh, if only
our hearts
would live
each day
filled with joy
and praise
and thanksgiving
for the
glorious gift
you have given.
Blessed are you,
Lover of our souls.

Always and forever, Andrea

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Dear God,

I've decided I need a Saturday between Good Friday and Easter.  On Good Friday I look humbly upon the cross of One whose love was greater than any I could ever muster for the sake of the world's people.  I imagine my own unworthiness and the grace it takes to make my life meaningful.  I cannot speak the sacred beauty Jesus is but in looking at my own imperfections I discover once again your majesty and glory in giving the world so great a gift.

On Saturday I reflect upon what gift I can give back.  Surrender is not enough.  Confession is not enough.  I too need to sacrifice in order to better understand the prize of my own salvation.  I think, I pray, I listen.  As I come to grips with the reality of Christ and the cross, I know I can't meet the risen Christ until my own hearts beats in the rhythm of eternity.

And so, I wait.

I bow down
before you,
Great Wonder of the Cosmos;
I give thanks
for including me
in your grace.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 18, 2014

Dear God,

As we sang the songs of the cross, I didn't pick up my hymnal because I knew them by heart.  You placed them inside my soul so they would always be part of my faith.  My eyes went to the wooden cross and I felt myself meld into the crossbar.

What a privilege it is to join others for worship during Holy Week!  What is Easter without Holy Thursday and Good Friday?  Why would I ever want to skip these two moments of remembrance?  Why would I not want to focus my attention, time, energy, and love on Jesus and the church you love so much?

You are a blessing to me, dear God.  My life is rich with faith because of you.  You are my first love and always will be.

Thank you
for Holy Week
and all
the services
that remind us
of you.
Thank you
for the gift
of faith
and surrender
and hope.
May you
be blessed
by our faith,
dear Christ.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Dearest God,

There is so much suffering in our world.  A mudslide, a mysterious downed plane, an overturned ferry, war, conflict, and domestic violence are causing so much pain for so many.  I hear the news and my heart aches for all those affected.  All I know to do is pray.

As long as we love, we will suffer.  As long as we connect to humanity, we will feel pain.  As long as we experience others as part of our human family, we will be touched by the sorrows of others.  I am sure this is as it should be.

Loving God,
show us
the best way
to love others.
Give us
the capacity
to assist
those in pain.
Move us
to compassionate acts
for the sake
of humanity,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Dear God,

Your spirit drew me in even as I pulled out of the drive way.  I knew it was Wednesday, the day to tarry at the monastery for liturgy and spiritual direction.  As I gazed upon the sunrise I filled up and began to sing, "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father; there is no shadow of turning with thee; thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou has been, thou forever wilt be.  Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!  Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"  I sang the rest of the song aloud celebrating your faithfulness because it was a way to sing your praise.

For the next thirty minutes I prayed giving you thanks for the message of Christian hymns that speak powerfully to the human soul.  I realized how meaningful those have been in my life.  I heard and sang about your mercy, your grace and love, your challenge and correction, your kindness and compassion.  What blessing!

And then along the highway I saw a sign that simply asked the question:  Who is Jesus?  I smiled and allowed warms tears to stream down my face.  That was an easy answer.  Comforter, Friend, Teacher, Savior, and Kind Father.

By the time I drove up into the parking lot of the Sisters of St. Benedict, I was ready to enter the sanctuary to give you thanks and all the praise you deserve for faith.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for Wednesday blessings.
Thank you
for kindness
that occurs
every day.
Thank you
for reflection
that allows me
to pause
and give thanks.
Thank you
for faith,
a true deal maker.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Dear God,

What joy is ours when we share faith that moves mountains.  When we witness individuals who are truly inspired by what we have shared, together we experience your palpable, living presence.

We cannot hoard our faith experiences.  We cannot keep them in a treasure chest for us alone.  If we do, they will cease to exist because faith is for all of us, not just one of us.

I hadn't seen my friend for a very long time.  I was her pastor 25 years ago.  We came together as friends because we had faith in common.  Every time we got together, we shared the workings of your hand.

I cherish moments of faith, those times when our souls are stirred by something larger than ourselves.  I revel in common experiences of faith where together we discover your light, your hope, and your love.  The celebration that follows is a glorious one because we feel so blessed that all we want to do is give praise and say thanks.

There is
no God
like you,
Holy One.
Thank you
for unexpected blessings,
for priceless gifts,
and beautiful moments
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 14, 2014

Dear God,

How can we keep our hearts clean from judgement, resentment, and bitterness?  How can we best handle life's hurts, disappointments, and injustices without turning them into something larger that painstakingly robs us of good moral character, hope, and peace?

It is true that we suffer from loss in life.  We feel pain and sorrow.  We can even feel anger. These are normal emotions that arise when something happens that knocks us off our feet.  Sometimes these are great woundings caused not only by our own failures but also by selfishness of others.  How do we rise from our fall to exhibit faith at its best?

You are our only hope, dear God.  You are our only salvation.  You provide comfort, courage, wisdom, and strength.  You take our hand and walk with us.  You show us the great benefits of following you.  We do not have to deny what has shaken us but you offer us more than our discouragement, shame, and mourning. You take our deep misfortune and you reveal how grace can dramatically change our situation.  You reveal the ways in which you can turn our situation upside down revealing your power to restore and renew us. Sometimes you are the only one who can heal us and you are always ready to do so.

Help us remember
your many kindnesses
to us.
Teach us
to dig deep
in the soil
of forgiveness
so we
may discover
the resources
for our
own healing
and wholeness.
Direct us
to faith,
the lively sustenance
of heaven,
so we
may display
the fruits
of your spirit,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Dear God,

It has been painful and difficult leaving our church.  Because we didn't fit and didn't really have opportunities to contribute, we felt torn from your divine fabric. As we wandered trying to find a new place where we might bring fraying threads to your tapestry, we prayed for your leading.  This morning while worshiping in your church you brought me a new realization.  We have not been torn from the fabric, just moved.  We still have a place in your divine design.

Trusting in your guiding power means we have opportunity to grow and learn.  When we trust you to lead us, we know you will direct us toward your will.  When we open ourselves wide, we give you greater chance to teach us.  When we trust you to help us make a difficult change, you remold us more into your image. You color us so we might add new hues.  You reveal the underside of your divine fabric where all the knots, tangles, tears, and frays exist.  We discover the imperfections; yet, you focus us on the upside and with gentle hands show us how beautiful each thread is no matter its condition.

As we make our transition through tears and sadness, may we contribute something purposeful to your grand design.

O Lord,
make our threads
strong again.
Make them beautiful
so our offering
will add color
and texture
to your
sacred tapestry,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Dear God,

Your work on the human soul is never ending.  You dig up, clean up, sweep away, and open the doors and windows making room for your spirit to live.  You breathe your breath into us and empower us to live fruitful, meaningful lives.

The more I work in my garden the more I realize how much work you do on us.  Clearing away debris, digging up weeds, spraying really bad things like nasty thistles, pruning, loping, planting, feeding, and mulching are all necessary for the garden to grow.  All these you do inside us to prepare us for so much more.

What would a life look like without these essential tasks?  When we complain, please forgive us.  When we question, please help us understand.  When we resist, please help us trust.  When we recognize your work, please help us give praise and thanksgiving.

Thank you,
O Lord,
for your work
in our lives.
Thank you
for mercy
that cleans us up.
Thank you
for grace
that rids us
of the uglies.
Thank you
for love
that renews us.

Love right back, Andrea

Friday, April 11, 2014

Dear God,

The spiritual and emotional seasons of human living are much like the cycles of nature.  When our alliance with you is strong, when we turn to you and begin to grow, it is like the season of spring.  When we remain close to you drinking from your well of living water, we produce beautiful, colorful blossoms like summer. But if we forget to drink or we puff up with our beauty without acknowledging our source, we begin to wither and die, dropping our leaves like the season of fall.  If we don't learn from our condition, we can grow cold and bare like winter.  However, because your loving mercy never leaves us, the possibility for spring always exists.

I believe nature is one of your greatest gifts because it can teach us about ourselves.  It can be an indicator of where we are in life or where we need to be.  It can guide us to resources where metamorphosis can take place.  It can reveal to us the great benefits of transformation like when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.  All year long you speak through nature not only to keep us alive but spiritually and emotionally healthy, whole, and wise.  If we keep our eyes on you, anything is possible!

Gracious and Almighty God,
we sit
at your feet
to listen
and learn.
Thank you
for life lessons
that teach us
your way.
Guide us,
Holy One,
down the
sacred path
you have created
for each one
of us.
Grow us
to be beautiful
for you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Dear God,

There are but a few remnants of the old left in my friend.  Through painstaking counselling and faith she has trusted you and herself to make the final moves toward a new life.

Few people have the guts to make radical changes in their lives; yet, Susan has.  Once she realized you were a loving God who claimed her as your beloved child, she slowly moved into your arms trusting you to guide her to uncharted territory.  She began trying new things from food to a move to a new job but most of all to faith that has helped her move the gigantic mountains in her life.  In doing so she has blessed those around her especially her family whose own healing has begun.

Thank you
for courage
that comes
from faith.
Thank you
for wisdom
that comes
from trust.
Thank you
for compassion
that comes
from divine love.
There is
no God
like you,
Holy One!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Dear God,

Who can resist spring?  Who would not want to let go of the dead for new life to come forth?  Who would be reluctant to receive what spring alone can offer?

As the birds sing their sweet lullabies, the trees begin to bud, the bulbs peek through the winter soil, and the grass takes on new colors of green, who would say no to what is about to rise up?  Resurrection is sweet, a perfect complement to faith.

Holy God,
giver of life,
forgive us
when we fail
to let go.
Renew us;
we need resurrection.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Dear God,

Despair is ugly, dark, and deadly.  Recently I spent time with someone in utter despair.  All I could do was pray.

Somehow, O Lord, we lose hope when our lives are not what we want them to be.  When we are estranged, we feel lost, lonely, and alone.  We perceive our situation as hopeless.  When others do not come around to our way of thinking (as we often think they should) or they stay apart from us never budging, we assume life will always be that way.  We leave no room for possibility; thus, we become despairing.

So often losing hope is more about our own self and less about others.  When we make ourselves unchangeable, when we blame others for our predicament, when we point to others as the source of our distress, when we find every reason under the sun to be unhappy, we make no space for faith to work.  In fact our actions say we believe you do not exist.  You have no power.  You do not care.  You do not work in human lives.

On the other hand, when we believe and have faith, we are pliable, changeable, willing to be transformed. We know you do not do all the work for us.  You ask us to be willing partners in the metamorphosis that can take place not only in our own lives but also those around us.  You require us to listen, to consider new ideas, and to take steps in our own healing.  You call us to crawl out from under rocks where we hide in the darkness.  You challenge us to step into the light where we can be warmed by your mercy, where we can release beliefs that can maim and destroy us, and where we can see the truth and be enabled to shed our own failures, shortcomings, and sin.  Finally, you put us in a position where your love can penetrate the core of our being.  You make way for faith to work in our lives today, tomorrow, and all the rest of our days.

Thank you,
Heavenly Parent,
for working
in our lives.
Thank you
for your
tender care.
Forgive our resistance
and reluctance
to change.
Make way
for the transformation
to begin
then open
our lips
for praise.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Dear God,

I have always thought the worst thing that could happen in life is to be forgotten as if a person never existed. To walk among a people and never be noticed is to feel invisible.

It felt that way in our church.  Even efforts to do small things was rejected as if we had nothing to offer.  A sermon reinforced our unworthiness for the years we worked really hard for your kingdom.  We felt small and invisible and so after years of waiting to contribute we left but it really didn't matter to anyone.

Times of rejection can give us opportunity to assess our lives, to take a close look at who we are and what we are about, and to adjust ourselves in new ways.  It can be a time of growth where we take our own tiny seed and put it deeper into sacred soil.  There with the efforts of heaven we can be rained down on with living water.  We can find nutrients that feed our lonely souls.  We can reach for the warmth of the sun radiating down upon us.  Finally, we can stretch and grow taller and taller until we break free in a new kind of freedom and self understanding.  In the process we find our true identity and value in you.

Show us
your mercy,
O Lord,
that we
might grow
in grace
and make
a difference
in this world.
Help us
to glow
with the light
of your son
so we
may shine
your light
on someone else's darkness.
Help us
carry joy
to those
who have lost theirs.
Most of all,
lead us
to those
who are afraid
so we
may assist them
in the way
to faith,
hope, and peace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 7, 2014

Dear God,

Show us the way to silence, O Lord; lead us to the pool of calm.  When our lives are so busy, we fail to make daily treks to the place of solitude.  Only there when our hearts are truly quiet, where our minds are not distracted, and where our bodies are at rest can we fully enjoy our time together.

I used to think every minute needed to be full, every second filled with sound.  I used to think quiet moments could lead to scary things.  I used to think non activity meant a person was lazy.  But in compassion you came to me opening a new world to me, one in which still waters and green pastures spoke of a great, divine beauty.  You walked me through the sacred silence and in so doing opened up in me my very own quiet place.  You showed me the benefits of a contemplative life.  You led me to a monastery where I learned spiritual disciplines that more easily gave me spiritual tools to live a life of faith.

As I write even now my heart is empty so you may fill it with you.  My mind is uncluttered so you can fill it with you.  My soul is empty so you can fill it with you.  I am quiet so you can fill my quiet with you.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for extraordinary gifts.
Thank you
for blessing me.
Thank you
for your
sweet mercy.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Dear God,

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus and to take him at his word..." I heard the people singing as I entered the worship service.  Trust, where would we be without trust, O Lord?

As I considered the word "trust" and the fullness of its meaning, I realize trust is the one thing we must each have in order to survive in this world.  I turn on the water faucet trusting the people in charge who have made it clean for consumption.  I eat my breakfast food trusting the safety officials who make sure food is free from contamination.  I drive my car trusting other drivers to follow the rules of the road.  All day long I trust others.

The one I trust most is you.  Why?  Because I have discovered your love, grace, and mercy live deeper than anything else.  When I stumble upon failure in myself or others, I find you deeper yet.  When I lose faith in someone who has hurt me, I find you deeper still.  I trust you unlike anyone else because I know your promise to be with us rings true every time.  Although there may be times when I feel distant, I know it is not because you have moved away.  When I take an honest look at myself, I see the ways in which I have distanced myself with unreal expectations, false truths, and insincere faith.

When I sang along the final verse of the traditional hymn, "I'm so glad I learned to trust thee, precious Jesus, Savior, friend; and I know that thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end..." it was a testimony to my faith and trust in you.

Thank you
for opportunities
to trust
in you,
Savior, Comforter,
and Friend.
Thank you
for church,
imperfect though
she is,
for the chance
to gather,
to purposefully
rejoice together
in your worthiness
to be trusted.
Thank you,
Most Gracious God,
for every gift
from your hand.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 4, 2014

Dear God,

Each time I click on the Google button preparing myself to meet you, I feel as though I am walking down hallow halls.  There I know you and I will converse.  I always attempt to listen for your thoughts.

Each day is pregnant with possibilities with you.  As I pause, focus, and wait, you open me to revelations of your spirit.  If I am attentive and willing to listen, you will turn my head and my heart to you.  You will reveal truths hidden away in my soul.  You will direct me to lessons I need to learn, sometimes again and again. I am not always the best listener but I want to be.  You will do your part to reshape me for you alone know how much reshaping I need at times.

The wonderful thing is you care enough to offer me transformation.  As a puddle of human flesh, you have a plan for my life.  I can whittle that same life away or I can set my jaw in your direction like Jesus when he set his face to Jerusalem.  I can cause my whole being to stop, to await your word, and then write trusting I get the notes right.

You are worthy
of my attention,
O God;
for there is
no one
like you.
When I fail
to look
in your direction,
I miss
the real point,
the real highlight
of my day.
I miss
the connection
you offer daily.
Forgive me,
I pray,
when my
own self importance
gets in
the way
of what
is really important.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Dear God,

When we stand in your way, little changes in our lives.  In fact our situations can worsen.  However, when we stand aside and make way for your spirit to work, transformation is not only possible but probable.

When we get riled up by small injustices or large, we feel a rise in our need to defend ourselves.  We want to strike back in some way to bring balance.  We want to withdraw and pull back.  Yet, often you have a different plan.  Amazingly, your plan works every time.

Right now I am in a time of needing to stand down, step aside, and allow you to do your work your way. Where you took charge of me initially I lived your plan and then you asked me to permit you to do the rest.  I am beginning to see good signs of your good work and I am grateful.

Help me
see your light
every time,
O God,
and if
you need me
to remain
in darkness
until your light
can shine,
then let me
be willing
to stay there.
Remind me
of your
divine plan.
Make me patient
for its fulfillment,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Dear God,

While the person spoke, I made a decision to bolt, to withdraw from future situations, to protect myself, and to alleviate further suffering but then your voice told me it was not what I thought.  Instead it was about honoring another person's wishes.  As I opened my mouth to say what I had decided, other words came out. Because I realized I needed to honor someone rather than tear away, I recognized your living spirit at work. What could have further torn the family fabric became an opportunity to honor you, myself, my husband, and our family.

Being reactive in family situations never really feels good.  Rising up to hurt someone else as we have been hurt only establishes a pattern of conflict.  It never resolves anything; it only exacerbates the situation.  By taking the high road lined with faith you show us possibilities we could never imagine on our own.  You keep the soul clean from dark debris and your spirit moving without obstruction. You bless us by opening doors and windows into the sad places in our lives and you allow your spirit to touch those unhealed areas.  In doing so new ideas and chances for transformation for ourselves and our family come to the forefront of our mind.  Peace enters, comfort comes, and joy returns.

Most Merciful God,
thank you
for valuable lessons
in compassion.
Continue to
teach us
your ways.
Open our minds,
our hearts,
soul, and ears
so we
can fully attend
to your word
that comes
in difficult situations.
Bend us
in your direction,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Dear God,

I heard someone holler hello so I looked up from my gardening.  She stood in the street with a happy white poodle.  I laid down my tool, stood up, and walked over to the edge of the yard.  We began talking.  Within a minute I realized something was wrong with her because she had trouble saying her words.  Then she told me four years ago she had two brain tumors.  When they removed one tumor, it impaired her speech.  I told her to take her time forming her words.

For twenty or thirty minutes Anna and I talked.  She told me she had lived in a house around the corner for a number of years and she had always watched me prepare my garden for spring.  She had always wanted to meet me and talk. As a university professor with two degrees she no longer worked because of her speech impairment.  At some point she thanked me for being nice to her and she left.

As I went back to my work, I thought of how many times you call out to me and I never look up.  I keep on going about my business. I allow my feelings of self importance to override your voice to pause, look up, and pay attention.  I fail to meet the challenge of faith and I miss the blessing of your living presence in my life. Today Anna blessed me and taught me to listen, look up, and live a little on the faith side.

Forgiving God,
thank you
for lessons
of faith.
Thank you
for Anna.
Bless her
in her healing.
Teach me
to stop
what I
am doing
so I
won't miss
your visit,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 31, 2014

Dear God,

There was a lot of your love around Riley Children's Hospital today.  I rose early to be with a family whose daughter was having brain surgery.  Together for 14 hours we laughed, cried, teased, celebrated, prayed, hoped, and hugged.  We asked for a miracle and got one.

Although some would say the best news was the removal of 99% of her brain tumor, I would say the greater gift was the love that was passed around all day long.  Two other Riley kids, one with cancer in remission and the other with a brain tumor and their mothers were there, one all day long.  Family members of these kids sat with the family for hours.

Halfway into the surgery another mother whose child was in surgery came around the corner and introduced herself.  She handed the mother a red diamond, a clear crystal-looking gem.  She told us her 15-year-old son Joe believes love is like a red diamond.  In hospice care he wants to give away 100,000 of them before he dies.  She was at the hospital because a second son was having surgery on a fifth benign tumor on his spine.  The mothers hugged with tears in their eyes.

You give us the capacity to love one another, even strangers.  You give us mouthpieces to offer words of encouragement.  You give us arms to use for hugging.  You give us smiles to provide comfort.  You give us bellies to shake with laughter.  You give us words for praying.  You give us hope to give away to others. You give us eyes to express our concern.  You give us hearts for loving those who need it.  You give us the sound of joy when a room is filled with deep sadness.  You give us you to give to those who are hurting.

Thank you,
Good and Loving God,
for your
tender care
and gracious mercy.
Thank you
for contagious love
that spreads
when shared.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Dear God,

Late and a bit harried, walking down the center aisle trying to find a seat in church, we heard the opening bars of Be Still and Know that I am God.  As we scooted into the pew each of us quieted, tears welled, and we drank in the message of the living God.

As we walk the way of life, hectic, demanding, and at times sorrowful, you come in a tune, a breeze, a word and you speak a hushing word, a challenge to be still and rest with you.

Thank you,
O God,
for your word
of hope.
Thank you
for your mercy
that stills us
in our tracks
demanding our attention.
Thank you
for love
that bathes us
in peace
and joy.

Gratefully, Andrea