Friday, May 30, 2014

Dear God,

You continue to reveal the spiritual path.  You continue to open the way.  You continue to provide the source of inspiration.

The more I work in your sacred garden, the more I see your leading.  When the path suddenly opens up, I feel a sense of your living presence.  What amazes me is the fact that I do not feel possessive.  I don't do what I do to make it my own or even for my family some day.  Rather I just feel like a handmaid doing your work, unfolding your plan, doing your will.  It matters not who will come someday.

How blessed I feel to be a gardener for you.  How humbled I am to kneel down in the dirt, to put my hands in the soil, and to plant flowers that will rise up year after year.  But more importantly, how joyful I am to kneel beside you as together we toil in faith.

Holy God,
thank you
for allowing me
the privilege
of creating
with you.
You are God;
there truly
is none
like you.
Be blessed,
my Lord.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Dear God,

Make us a beautiful symphony of faith, O Lord.  Let our song be yours.  Inspire our melodies and harmonies to join together to make a sound that inspires lonely hearts, worn minds and bodies, and fragile souls.

When our church choir sings together every Thursday evening and Sunday morning, we find joy being together.  We love singing, harmonizing, and blending our voices together but more than that, we love singing your song.  We love partnering with you.  We love being a source of hope, peace, and joy to others.  We love doing your will.

Thank you
for entrusting us
with your song,
Loving God.
Thank you
for allowing us
to sing.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Dear God,

Who can reject your efforts at transformation?  As you take human lives giving insight, hope, and courage positive things can and do happen.

On Sunday I witnessed the transforming power of your spirit.  I watched as a aging fireman raised the flag at church on Memorial Day.  Having fought three different forms of cancer including the stage four he has right now, I reflected upon his faith to be an active participant in your community of faith. Earlier I observed one of our nation's presidents singing heartily in his wheel chair.  Although he cannot stand alone due to progressive Parkinson's disease, he lives in faith and continues to worship every Sunday.  A pastor's wife who lost her husband and just recently lost her son reached out to visitors and members as they gathered for the Sunday morning service.  All these are compelling examples of faith and transformation at work.

As I scanned the sanctuary on Sunday, I saw person after person whose trust in you led to transformation.

Holy and Magnificent God,
you want
to create
and recreate
our lives
when we face
great struggles.
You want
to take
our pain
and grief
and turn it
into something divine.
You help us
while we suffer.
You give us hope.
You give us light.
You give us comfort.
You give us strength.
You give us peace.
Finally, you give us joy.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 26, 2014

Dear God,

How wonderful it is to be included, to be drawn in, to be accepted as part of a community!  When your loving spirit is at work, everyone feels like a special child of God.

Our church is a rare community of faith.  When we sit elbow to elbow, it feels like we are experiencing a great big group hug.  When one smiles, it sets off a chain reaction.  I have never been in any church that exhibits more joy!

I am convinced you want every person to feel your divine welcome.  No matter our background, our ethnicity, or our current situation, you welcome us all.  What a great gift we have and how beautiful it is to unwrap the package and know who the giver is.

Thank you
for your church,
dear God,
and for all
her gifts
and blessings.
When we participate
in worship,
we have
the opportunity
to be
full up
with your grace.

Full of blessing, Andrea

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Dear God,

I want to die singing your song!  As we sang our favorite hymns in worship this morning, my heart soared as I felt a powerful sense of your living spirit.  I wanted to shout, cry out, and pay homage to you for all your mighty deeds.  I feel the closest to you when I sing your song.

I am positive music is one of your greatest gifts!  Songs of faith not only make us ponder your wonders; they call us to deeper levels of love, mercy, and prayer.  They offer us ways to release our troubles and celebrate our triumphs.  They inspire us to smile, to breathe in your presence, and to make a witness to your great spirit at work in human lives.  They motivate us to love our neighbor whether we like them or not.  They move us to rethink our beliefs and to allow you to become larger than ourselves.  Songs of faith help us remove the clutter and debris we store up in our souls, that stuff that keep us from really living.

When my health has been in real peril, you sent angels to sing to me.  When my days on earth are nearly over, please give me the ability to sing one last song to you.

Loving God,
thank you
for music
that transforms.
Thank you
for the sound
of people singing
your song.
Thank you
for the joy
songs of faith give.
Thank you
for being
the song
we sing.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Dear God,

As I stepped outside I caught the scent of lilac blossoms.  I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.  Can there be anything more sweet?

When my senses take in extravagant visions, scents, sounds, touches, and tastes, I experience a bit of paradise.  I tell myself heaven is like this.  I always feel close to you because you are the creator of it all.

Each day presents an image, a sound, a touch, taste, or scent of you.  When I smelled those lilacs and then opened my eyes to see them and then touch them, I thought of you.  I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving.

Often we perceive your absence.  When we do not feel close, we assume you have left us failing to answer our call.  Yet, all we need do is look around to find a glimpse of the sacred.

Be present always,
Gracious God;
help us witness
your majesty.
Thank you
for divine sightings
that remind us
of you.
Keep up close
so we
may not wander off.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 23, 2014

Dear God,

What is hope if not trust in you for faith?  Some people say we are cripples who need religion just to live. Yet, it seems faith is so much more than that.  Faith is a deep appreciation of the finer things in life.  By finer I mean things that come from deep wells like joy, peace, hope, and wisdom.  Faith comes from you because you are the creator of deep wells.

As we drink from your deep well, faith grows stronger and stronger.  It becomes sweeter and sweeter.  Our eyes open to truth and remedies for life's challenges.  Hope is born because we see beyond the challenge.

Today I see evidence of hope in one who was resurrected through faith and I give you thanks and praise.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You birth faith
in us
when we look
in your direction.
Thank you
for hope
that comes
through faith!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Dearest God,

I am positive you want your people to sing with one voice.  As many voices become one, they can sing your song more beautifully.  Soloists voices can radiate with strength, sound, and soul. Yet, when more than one gathers to sing one song, how much more magnificent it is with harmonies and melodies not possible when just one person sings.

Our little church choir numbers swell in the summertime.  All those of us who vacation or live here in the summer are permitted to join the choral group.  As different ones return and the numbers increase by one or two, then three or four, it is such a joy to welcome their personality, musical talents, and unique offerings.

As we sang in rehearsal this evening I listened for the sound of one voice and I imagined what it would be like if all people sang together the same song of love and peace.

Teach us
your song
once again,
O Lord;
show us
the way
to blend
our voices together.
May your song
become our song
and so
bring peace
and joy
to the world.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Dear God,

What a privilege it is to uncover treasure!  What a greater thrill it is to work with you in the revelation!

Daily I work on the spiritual path.  I pull weeds, rake leaves, dig out roots, pluck up unwanted grass, prune trees and shrubs, and plant and transplant bulbs, plants, and flowers.  As I labor I discover more and more what this land has to offer, this nearly two-acre plot we bought that includes a river, woods, and yard.  As I clean and clear, I sense your leading as I simply open her up to the light of your spirit.  It may be odd to many but to me it is rewarding joining you in the spiritual adventure.

The greatest joy of my life is walking and working with you.  As something more comes to light, I realize your call to faith because faith can reveal spiritual mountains and valleys.  As I work in the garden, opening up the spiritual path, I see your handiwork and I am so glad to be working at your side.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for unexpected gifts,
for spiritual journeys,
and for hope
that arises
from a relationship
with you.
Thank you
for the blessing
of working together.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Dear God,

My heart sank when I couldn't find the old, worn yard fork I used to lift weeds.  I looked everywhere more than once.  Yet, I suspected it was lost among the piles of leaves I had raked the day before.  I finally sat down and allowed the tears to trickle down my cheek.

The fork was my dad's who used it for decades ridding his well-manicured lawn of nasty weeds.  As you know, Lord, Daddy mowed his grass one way and then went back over it another way so not a blade of grass would stand beyond the cut line.  Although he didn't have the credentials, he was a master gardener. His yard was always beautiful, his garden a delight.

As I sat on the ground in a puddle of my own tears, I started singing, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.  It is well, (it is well) with my soul, (with my soul); it is well, it is well with my soul." As I looked toward heaven, the sunlight shining on my face, I smiled feeling the assurance of peace knowing that nothing is lost to you.  As I looked backed down and turned my head to the left, I saw the fork propped up next to the trunk of the tree where I had placed it 24 hours earlier to shelter it from the rain.  With hundreds of trees and thousands of leaves to be raked, I was sitting just a few feet away.  What once was lost was now found!

Gracious and Loving God,
your ways
are so
much better
than our own.
When we
are ready
to give up,
you remind us
to try again.
Thank you
for your kindness.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 19, 2014

Dearest God,

Your spirit was palpable as the pastor preached the morning message!  The air was filled with your living presence as he gave his all to you, trusting you to fill in the gaps, cracks, and holes.  Not completely sure of himself earlier, not confident since it had been a long while since he had given a sermon, he breathed a prayer and believed you would be present in him.  And so you were!

You do not keep your spirit from us.  You do not hide from us; you do not play hide and seek.  You come when and where you are welcome to offer us your living word.

The preacher was my husband.  I too had prayed for him trusting you to lift him up.  I know the ins and outs of this man who dedicated his life to your ministry.  Yet, I knew his fears and insecurities.  I also knew there would be two at the pulpit, one human and one divine.

Let your
Holy Spirit
stir us,
O Lord.
Show us
what you can
and want
to do
in us.
Show us
your power.
Speak to us;
inspire us
to your service,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Dear God,

I opened my mouth to sing your praise.  My smile spread from ear to ear.  My heart beat faster and I knew I was home.

Your church at Cape Porpoise is the epitome of hospitality.  Everyone is made to feel welcome, to be part of your beloved community.  I was asked right away to be the song leader.  How happy they made me to lead us all in singing your praise.  I could not stop smiling.

Your spirit is mighty and powerful.  Your spirit is loving and kind.  Your spirit is encouraging and helpful. There is no place on earth like your church.  Your spirit bubbles over, encircles, and draws in every one of your children.  How grateful I am to witness your spirit at work.

Holy God,
thank you
for your
loving spirit.
There is
no spirit
like yours.
Thank you
for drawing us in
and making us
your own.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Dear God,

There are simply colossal holes in our souls where we have experienced major losses.  They give evidence of  raw hearts, spent emotions, and painful memories.  They are times when we believed we would not recover.

The loss of Jaden, a 15-year-old boy with Asperger Disease who drowned, reminded me of other sorrows faced by many who lose loved ones.  How do you face the death of your child?  How do you deal with the despair that follows?

It seems, O Lord, that we have to remember others who faced great loss and lived.  We have to recall to mind other events that caused loss and despair; yet through faith, people overcame the overwhelming challenge to live again.

I believe if we look very closely we will also find evidence of something more arising out of the gargantuan holes in our souls.  We will find where healing took place, where strength arose out of weakness, where courage came out of nothingness, where light emerged out of darkness.  In fact I am sure we would find a picture of your face.

Holy One,
great handler of tender souls,
mend our
broken hearts,
heal our wounds,
and help us
regain our strength
in times
of great trial
and tragedy.
Keep us close
to you
so we
may live
each day
in the crook
of your arm,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 16, 2014

Dear God,

Your kindness is everlasting!  Your mercy is never ending!  Your love is circular, no beginning or ending!

This morning for the first time I sat on my spiritual path plucking up noxious weeds that had sprouted up. Some came up easy by simply pulling them up with my hand.  Some were more difficult requiring a tool to get at the root.  Some were tough because while the top broke off, the root remained hidden.  As I cleared an area, I scooted along the ground to another patch requiring my care.  As I looked ahead, I saw all kinds of nasty suckers.

Although the day was lovely, the sun shining overhead, white puffy clouds slowly moving across a robin egg blue sky and a gentle breeze blowing, my eyes were fixed on creeping greenery that threatened to take over my beautiful path.  I realized then how spiritual, emotional, and physical "weeds" can and do menace our own spiritual well being.

Out of your great compassion you have given us tools to rid ourselves of unwanted squatters.  You have shown us how to remove small, medium, large, and really big threats from our souls.  You have given us faith to sustain us while we do the work of clearing, cleaning, plucking up, and destroying all those things that get in the way of our survival and growth.  As we take an honest look at ourselves, we need not fear; for you have given us everything we need for the job of clearing the path as we make our way home to you.

You are full
of grace,
Loving God.
Thank you
for gentle reminders
of our need
to keep
our own paths
clean and clear.
Thank you
for tools
that aid us
in our
spiritual pursuit.
Thank you
most of all
for love
at work 24/7.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Dear God,

"So much to sing about; all I have seen and heard, your glory in my talents' use my best reward; that others see what I have seen and sing with me:  It is the Lord."  We practiced our anthem and I was stirred, inspired by all I have seen and heard.  Faith that is real will present itself again and again revealing your handiwork in human lives.

I haven't sung in a church choir since last November.  My husband and I could not stay in our church any longer so we left.  Making our temporary move to Maine has helped in our healing as we arrived in our beloved Church on the Cape.  When I blended my second-soprano voice with all the others, I knew I was home...at last.

Holy Father,
Lover of all your Children,
thank you
for your
living presence
that lifts us
to heaven.
Thank you
for mercy
that feeds
our souls
and welcomes us home.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

My dearest God,

Today was a very painful day!  I felt hit front on and sideways.  I felt vulnerable and distressed.  Events of recent weeks nearly did me in.

Although I am a woman with a strong faith, at times I feel isolated and alone.  I put up my defenses trying to protect myself from further hurt.  I surround my heart and soul with your living promises.  I remember past graces.  I intentionally breathe in your living presence allowing it to enter my pores and if possible my DNA. I pray linking myself more strongly with you.  I listen more closely knowing my need for you is deep.  I place myself in heaven's reach.

By nightfall I felt I trusted you more and peace came.

Holy God,
giver of all
good gifts,
thank you
for living hope
that arises
from trust
in you.
Thank you
for peace
that comes
from trust.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Dear God,

As I sat at my kitchen table writing you a letter, a movement caught my eye.  Out the window in a very tall maple tree, a squirrel ran along a long, narrow branch.  I watched as it made its way to the far end.  The branch swayed as the bushy rodent stood and reached for the branch above.  Finally satisfied it turned, retraced its steps, and ran down the trunk to play in the yard.

As many things have the power to teach, I learned a lesson in trust.  Sometimes you have to walk the tightrope, stand tall, and reach for what we want trusting your arm is strong enough to hold us.

I have to admit there are times I don't trust your arm to hold me.  I am too scared to get on the high tightrope and walk, let alone lift my arms to heaven while the line below me sways in the wind.  Yet, like the squirrel I need to take the risk knowing I am safe with you.

Teach me lessons
of faith,
dear God;
show me
the way
to courage
and strength.
Thank you
for squirrels,
branches, and
gentle breezes.
For in such
I learn
to trust again.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 12, 2014

Dear God,

Yesterday the sights and sounds of your living presence were evident as always at Church on the Cape.  My heart was warmed as I sat in the inner circle of your love.  But nowhere more than in the lounge where 50 of us stood with an aunt whose 15-year-old nephew with Asperger Disease is missing.  We held hands tight and prayed together.

As we listen and open our hearts in the community of faith, your presence will always be revealed.  Perhaps it will be the message or the music or the scripture.  Or maybe it will come to us through the prayers, communion, or hospitality.  But always it comes through faith.

I believe your greatest gift to us is your living presence.  You show us yourself in so many ways when we are open to you.  The more open we are, the more you are made plain.  When our hearts are weary or troubled, your living presence gives us the blessing of hope.  When our hearts are confused and conflicted, your living presence gives us the blessing of peace and blessing.  When our hearts are rejoicing because life is good, your living presence celebrates with us giving us the blessing of gratitude.

All your gifts
are good,
dear Lord.
Thank you
for the
community of faith
who aspires
to be
like you.
Although we
are human,
flawed, and
not always receptive
to your
living presence,
forgive us,
stir our hearts
once more,
and show us
the way home.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Dear God,

Your living word gives hope.  When all else fails, your word can be our salvation.

Recently I picked up the Bible and began reading daily meditations.  The first one was about living hope. Hope that does not live or breathe is not really hope at all.  If I live a dry, lifeless hope, I will not find what I need.  But when I breathe in heaven's hope, eternity's hope, divine love's hope, I can move forward, I can take risks, I can heal.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for your word
that gives life.
Remind us
to turn
to you
when we
are weak,
struggling, or resistant.
Show us
the way
to resurrection,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Dear God,

Nicks, scrapes, missed places, and bad paint all describe the downstairs bathroom.  Today I began the process of renovating a botched bathroom.

Redoing the bathroom is calling me to redo parts of my life.  I have some of the same ailments as my bathroom.  Although it is fairly easy to remodel my bathroom, it is not as simple to renovate my life.

Several years ago in the spiritual exercise of a lifetime, you told me change was simple.  Through a series of visions you took me to a grocery store and told me I could pick out anything I wanted for a new life.  As I pushed my cart and looked on the shelves, I found such things as grace, faith, hope, and beauty.  You also said I could put anything on the shelves that I had carried with me into the store like judgment, arrogance, and self righteousness.  As I moved from one aisle to another and stood in the check out lane, I looked at all my items and realized I liked what I had left behind and what I was taking home.  When we stepped outside into the parking lot, you shared with me that change is uncomplicated when by faith we surrender one thing for something better.

Teach me again
how to become
a changeable person,
Compassionate God.
I want
to become
more like you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 9, 2014

Dear God,

It looked dead.  The leaves were dry and brown.  I wondered about digging it up and throwing it away.  But then a tiny bit of green poked through the earth.  The plant lived through the winter and promises to survive and provide large pink blossoms.

Sometimes I make the mistake of believing something is dead and gone, impossible to live again.  I discount it and diminish possibilities barring the way for hope.  I leave no room for faith.  Often because of my attitude I miss the wondrous gift of grace.

Relationships bewilder me at times. If a relationship is not what I think it should be, when I am tired, distracted, or busy, I sometimes step back from it.  I distance myself from those who I may not really understand.  I may not give leeway for growth.  When I do so, I give permission for the relationship to grow dry and lifeless.  In time without change it could die.

Your amazing spirit coddles me when I am irascible encouraging me to change, to take another look, to allow for other considerations, and to reach for your hand to do the work a relationship requires.  When you turn me around letting me know you are truly present in my life, you give me opportunity to witness grace at work.  There are moments when I am so moved by your loving spirit that I rethink and make a decision to give it another go.

Loving God,
your ability
to transform
hearts, minds,
and spirits
is always
at work
reaching out
to us.
Although often
we do
not deserve
your attention,
you give it anyway.
You can raise
the dead
in so
many ways.
Thank you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Dear God,

There is a dramatic difference between a cluttered field and a clear one.  That's why, I suppose, one is called a clearing.

As I continue to work in my sacred garden neglected for at least a century, I watch for signs that tell your divine story on earth.  I have worked in clutter and debris for nearly a decade.  Removing junk like broken glass, rusted pipes, plastic bags, rope, barbed wire, marbles, silver spoons, vinyl soldiers, broken metal of all kinds, and much, much more, I realize how easily we burden ourselves with debris that hides the way to our soul.  The spiritual and emotional junk weighs us down so much that we can become paralyzed.  Our vision is marred and our ability to move is impaired.  Yet, as always even a paralyzed soul can be liberated by your compassionate and almighty power.

Two days ago at the end of the day, my gardener friend and I finally made a large clearing in the sacred garden.  As we stood back and looked over our work, we could envision the beauty that waits to spring forth.

Good God,
keep speaking
to us.
Tell us
your divine story;
for we
need to
hear it.
Teach us how
to clear
and clean
so we
may be
freed up
from all
that binds us.
Allow us
to sit
at your feet
to ponder
your magnificent message
for humanity.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dear God,

Early this morning as we worked in the sacred garden, we listened to the songbirds sing their melodic songs. How beautiful and typical of a day in this simple plot of land you set aside for devotion, meditation, and peace.

In the process of quieting my own mind and soul, I realized how much beauty awaits us as we set aside all our daily clutter in order to spend time listening for your voice.  As we take all obstacles that keep us bound to worry, anxiety, and fear, you speak to us.  You warm our hearts.  You stir our souls.  You challenge our thoughts.  You comfort us.  You teach us valuable life lessons.

As we live our lives intentionally even minutes at a time and sit with you, we are not disappointed.

Gracious God,
Guardian of our Souls,
thank you
for quiet moments
at your feet.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Dear God,

How can we truly love if our hearts are filled with hatred and bitterness?  How can we ever find peace with so much chaos swirling within?

I look at our world where so much hatred and bitterness is present.  Daily killings of powerless people make me wonder how we will ever be able to lay down our weapons for peaceful lives for all.  Even though my own life may be peaceful at any given moment, how can I truly live in my peace when I know so many people live in fear?

Compassionate God,
show us
the way
to true peace.
Show us how
to love
one another.
Teach us tolerance,
understanding, and mercy
so we
may contribute peace
to all
the world's people.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 5, 2014

Dear God,

I have written before about clutter and debris in my garden; however, I continually gain valuable lessons or am reminded of other lessons of faith as I work in my garden.

This year the garden was covered with several inches of leaves because the guy who takes care of the leaves blew a whole big yard of leaves into it.  Leaves hid the entrance into the spiritual path, a home to your spirit and hundreds of plants and flower bulbs.  So two of my friends and I raked and raked and raked the leaves exposing the soil to the light.  The next day tiny stems poked their heads through the dirt reaching for heaven.

I realize the same kind of clutter and debris cover my soul.  When I allow clouded judgment, poor attitudes, and sinful ways to create obstacles and veil the way to eternity's light, I too fall prey to darkness.  I lose my way leading to your light.  I find I have so many things crowded around me that I can't find my way out to the gentle warmth of your light that helps, heals, and makes whole.

In my garden as two days went by, then two and three, more and more flowers pushed their way upward and I watched as the sun's rays bent down to kiss them.  I came to the realization that you do the same thing to your children.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for your
loving support
and spiritual lessons.
Thank you
for clearing away
the spiritual
and emotional debris
that frequently block
the way
to my soul.
Thank you
for not
only being
in my garden
but also
in my soul.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Dear God,

Being in your home with the company of the committed warms my soul, clears my mind, and renews my spirit!  What can I say?  I love being with you and your friends!

As we sang songs of faith, the melodies and harmonies lifted me high and the lyrics refreshed my beliefs and strengthened my faith.  I believe you placed within me an ability to appreciate music on so many levels that even when I am not singing, your song is being sung inside me.

All during the worship service I felt the lively movement of your spirit.  I sensed your living presence among the smiles of all who entered the doors of the church.  As I listened to the beatitudes and stood to receive Holy Communion, I experienced the living faith I received as a ten-year-old girl when I was immersed in the waters of Holy Baptism.  This morning as the preacher shared the message of Brother Roger in the community of Taize, France, I relived my time there and the miracle of receiving my voice back after a botched surgery on my thyroid flooded my mind.  I remembered so well standing in the tiny chapel near his grave and feeling the passionate desire to sing and so I did.  I sang "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see."

All glory
is owed
to you,
Wondrous and Loving God.
I am
so grateful
to be counted
as one
of your own.
I am blessed;
let me
bless you,
Holy God,
with love,
faith, and thanksgiving.

Always, Andrea

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Dear God,

Piles of wet leaves stood where the rock garden should have been producing lovely spring flower blooms.  The guy who was supposed to blow the leaves down the hill stopped short and they collected there.  We thought the plants were goners but my friend gently raked across the section of ground and then down on her knees lifted handfuls of the leaves.  Before long a small, beautiful purple iris stood tall taking in the morning sun.

Second chances.  How blessed it is to have second chances.  Covered plants get a second chance when clutter and debris are moved making way for the light.  Second chances.  I reflect upon my own life and consider the many second chances I have been given.  Breast cancer.  Severe heat intolerance.  Troubled marriage.  Estranged child.  All these painful events were like leaves piled on the flowers.  Yet, divine love and compassionate mercy gave me second chances, another opportunity to heal, and the ability to spend my life in gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving.

You are
the source
of my hope,
O God.
You have
blessed me
with second chances
so faith
can sing
its song
once again.
Thank you,
Miracle God.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 2, 2014

Dearest God,

The way to joy is made evident through the light of faith.  As we trust you, as we seek your face, as we listen to the message of love and follow your light, we can enter the halls of joy that can reverse the effects of injustice.

There are times when I turn away, when my own will gets in the way of the light.  Such moments lead me down paths of sorrow and sadness.  I disappoint you, myself and others.  I know what dead end paths look like and I have taken many I am sorry to say.  At some point I have to turn around and go back because there is nothing good at the end of dead end paths.

The remarkable thing is I always find you along the road for you are at the beginning, the middle and the end.  You encourage me to follow the light but when I make foolish turns, you are there whispering to me better roads to travel.  Those times when I end up at the end of the dead end path feeling alone, disappointed, and ashamed you are there reminding me there is always a path that leads home.  I am deeply grateful.

Help me
focus on you,
Good God;
help me remember
to look
for your light.
Thank you
for your
generous spirit
and the ways
in which
your spirit works
to renew,
restore, and reconcile.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Dear God,

How can we so wrongly interpret your will for our lives and the lives of others?  How can we take turns that were never, ever part of your will?

It is troubling to look back at history and see how grievous errors were made by nations, religious institutions, groups, and individual people.  Cruel, evil attitudes and behaviors have destroyed and nearly destroyed so many.  Yet, we can look to others who have offered pure loving compassion easing the suffering of others.

Daily events cause me to reflect upon your will and desire for humanity.  It is inconceivable to me to believe we are to live without compassion and love.  Although heinous crimes are committed destroying human life, are we not still to live by love?  Won't love at some point win or are we just ignorant fools?

Teach us
the way
of mercy
and compassion,
O Lord.
Help us regard
one another
as children
in need
of loving care.
We lose
our way
and we do
great harm.
Show us
the way
to move through
obstacles to faith
and fill us
with the stuff
of heaven,
I sincerely pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Dear God,

The way to hope is trust.  As we trust you to help us, hope can bud and blossom.

The more I read about great tragedies in our world, the more I realize the way to hope is to trust you.  As we fall at your feet and tell you our story, we find comfort in the only One who can save us from hopelessness and despair.

There are moments in my life when I do a balancing act between hopelessness and hope.  When I look at some situations that seem hopeless to me, I find myself sinking, the weight falling deeper into darkness.  Yet, when I practice my faith believing you are the hope of the world and hope to me, I spring to action pushing faith's weight knocking over the scales with power from on high.  As I trust you, I see more clearly, I believe in possibility, and I feel power erupt inside me.  I know then there is no reason for hopelessness for you are the strength in human life.

God of light and darkness,
thank you
for challenges
of faith.
Thank you
for honing
our skills
and helping us
make discoveries.
Turn our eyes
upon you
so there is
no reason
for hopelessness
and despair.

Love, Andrea