Sunday, June 29, 2014

Dear God,

What joy filled my heart in worship this morning!  To watch you work, to sense your gracious, loving spirit, and to observe your kindness to hurting children was an act of grace.

Two musicians and I spoke before the service, all of us feeling a true lack of confidence for what we were about to offer you and your people.  We shared our vulnerability and promised to pray for one another.  At the service end, we knew we had seen the hand of God.

Although I know you are the power that transforms, I still experience a wow factor when I watch and feel it happen.  At the very moment of transformation I sense a Holy Spirit wash come over me like a gentle mist.  I am so filled with gratitude that I can hardly contain myself.  My joy is full to overflowing.

Thank you
for your word
that gives life.
Thank you
for the message
and power
you gave me
and the music
you gave
my friends.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Dear God,

At times I feel inadequate to serve you.  I feel I don't have the passion you need for me to fulfill your purpose for my life.

Today I tried a new skill.  I had a wall problem in the bathroom.  I needed a plasterer to do the job.  Three times he said he would come and three times he did not show up.  I finally got online, did a study, went out and bought supplies, and then tackled the job myself.  I had never worked with sheet rock before. I had never used joint compound, a trowel, or the little tool to spread the compound.  But I worked and prayed that I could do the job.  By the end of the day I not only had mastered the skill but I had done a mighty fine job.

I am not bragging.  I just know you can help us when we need to take on a challenge.  I know you want to give us patience.  You know how impatient I can be; however, in learning my new skill I had to use great patience in order to do a good job.  As I am writing, I realize the lesson was not just about how to do something new but how to be patient.  My, my!

Oh Lord,
thank you
for teaching me patience.
Thank you
for revealing
your way
through a variety
of different means.
Thank you
for love
that comes
when we
trust you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 27, 2014

Dearest God,

Seemingly there are many threats to faith.  Non belief, lack of importance, self will, laziness, greed, and hopelessness each can take a bite at faith.  Enough over a period of time can diminish faith to nothing more than a warm fuzzy when we want it.

Faith helps us live above the fray.  It gives us strength to reason, to trust, and to seek help when we need it. It challenges us to live in love even when forces push against it.  It gives us a third eye to look at life's troubles.  It gives us the gift of your living, loving presence that gives us a foundation on which to stand, make decisions, and serve others.  Faith provides a reserve of resources that we can use to live meaningful lives and make a difference in the world.  Faith can sustain us when life becomes strained.  Faith can save us from living selfish lives.

When problems arise, we do not have to call on you because you already exist beside us to lead us.  That assurance can keep us going until we are able to overcome or to work through the issues that face us.  As we ponder the benefits of faith, we come to realize the amazing grace that is ours and why would we ever doubt it?

Holy God,
thank you
for faith
that always
inspires us
to look
in your direction.
Keep our eyes
on you
so we
can see
through the lens
of faith
to do
your will.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dear God,

Joy comes when we trust in you, when we see evidence of your coming, and we know you are working in our lives.  Your spirit power enables us to hope again, to take risks, and to meet life's challenges with faith.

There have been many times when I lost faith, when I thought I was dead in the water.  I felt no movement whatsoever.  I began to despair feeling alone, weary, and without a paddle.  Realizing going on alone does not work effectively, if at all, I turned to you and cried out like a frightened, bewildered child.  Every time you heard my cry and came to hear my confession.

I believe faith works every time.  It may not produce the answers or solutions I want.  It may turn things upside down.  I may not like what comes to me; however, after due time when I reflect back, I can see how you helped me or healed me or changed me.  In those moments of spiritual awareness I bow my head in both shame for not trusting in the first place and in thanksgiving for your gracious generosity.

Thank you
for your
living presence,
O Lord.
Thank you
for bringing awareness
to me.
I always want
to be open
to you,
to watch
and listen
for your leading.
Forgive me
when I fail;
let me
begin again,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Dearest God,

There is nothing more intimate than revealing our vulnerability in the middle of the night.  When I received the call at 3:00 a.m. I knew there was trouble.  My heart sank.  Family?  Friends?  Disaster?  Our doctor friend called to say his beloved wife had a Grand Mal seizure and had stopped breathing.  The long and the short of it was she was in the ICU on a respirator in a medically induced coma.  "What can we do?"  I asked.  "Pray."  He responded.

I was so glad Bob called.  I had the privilege of praying with him on the phone. When we hung up, my husband and I prayed together.  Had he not shared his vulnerability and his wife's so early in the morning, I would not have had the opportunity to lean on you, to pray, and to give thanks for the friendship and love of two people I respect and admire so much.

So often, Lord, we do not call someone at 3:00 a.m. in the morning because we are too proud.  It's not just about not wanting to wake someone, it's more about revealing our need.  We fail to recognize the gift you have given us in each other.  Generally, we feel happy someone trusted us enough to call early to ask for help.  It's always a privilege to pray for someone in distress and a joy to know someone is praying for us.

Teach us
to be humble,
O Lord;
remind us
of the gift
of friendship.
Make us mindful
of you
when we
are troubled
because perhaps
we will remember
you have given
us family
and friends
who want
to aid us.
Thank you
for your love
and the love
of those
around us.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Dear God,

Sometimes we need a gesture of love.  We need a hands-on experience of affirmation that tells us we are valuable to someone.  Mine came on the driveway of our home.

My husband was in a rush to get to his Men's Group at church.  He started the car and a very familiar song came blaring on the radio.  One of my favorites from my high school days, I asked him to put the car in park and get out of the car for just a second.  He looked at me as I pleaded with him to hurry. When he opened the car door, I asked him to dance with me.  I scooted into his arms as he took my hand and danced me around the grass.  When he stopped for a moment because a car was going by the house, I told him it didn't matter if anyone thought we were crazy.  He danced with me until the end of the song and then he jumped into the car and raced off.  "Don't miss an opportunity when it comes your way."  I shouted to him.

I was grateful for my husband's generous gift.  Yes, it was only about a minute and a half but it was a minute and a half and I am still talking about it.  Little gifts can be great gifts when given spontaneously.

Thank you
for my husband,
dear Lord.
Thank you
for his willingness
to give me
a twirl.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
when two people
come together
in a
simple act
of love.

Always, Andrea

Monday, June 23, 2014

Dear God,

Without water the earth dies.  Without living water, the soul dies.

I confess I like to rip and tear, clean and clear a plot of land for a garden.  I like to plant seeds and plants.  I like to water it in and later edge it.  Then I want to forget it.  I really want it to take care of itself.  I don't like to tend to their every day needs like weeding, regular watering, deadheading, fertilizing, and dividing.  I just like to look at it and give thanks.

Well, sometimes I tend to do that with my spiritual life.  I like to make space for the divine.  I like to invite your living presence in.  I like to drink water of the spirit.  I like to be silent and wait.  Then I like to move on. What happens is I begin to dry up.  I miss the gentle nuances of your spirit.  I become impatient.  I forget to tend to the little things that grow my spirit.  I get grouchy, irritated at life's challenges.  I lose my way.

So this morning I went out and gave my spiritual garden a big drink.  I prayed for forgiveness.  I started again.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Challenge me
in the depths
of my core.
Teach me
the benefits
of following you.
Forgive me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Dearest God,

Singing for you is one of my most favorite things to do.  When I lay dying some day I want to have a song of praise on my lips.

Because there were so many choir members in the choir loft during worship this morning, I had to sit right next to the pulpit.  The service was full of music and my soul simply soared all during worship. There was one moment when I could not keep from smiling.  We were singing God Will Take Care of You and because of where I was seated, I could hear the preacher singing robustly.  His tenor voice wrapped round me at the same time as the high soprano voice who sat right behind me veered off course and added her own beautiful high notes.  I thought I was in heaven.

What I realized during the singing was that we were all singing out of the well of our faith.  We not only sang the melodies and harmonies, we sang the words of our faith, our belief in you and your power to assist us in life.  Through our own testimonies of your spirit at work in our lives, we could sing whether our burdens were heavy or light, whether we were living in the light or in the darkness because the act of singing was an act of our faith.  As we sang, we revived ourselves.  We lightened our load.  We renewed our commitment as servants of Christ.  We lifted our eyes to heaven.  We drank in your spirit and loved the taste of eternity's grace.

What joy was ours this very morning as we raised the roof of the church to touch the floor of heaven!

Good and Gracious God,
thank you
for your
powerful spirit,
your loving presence,
and your
generous grace.
Thank you
for allowing us
the privilege
of singing
for and
with you.
How wonderful
to sing
with the angels
and saints.

Forever yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Dear God,

Thank you for your stretching power, that is, your ability to lengthen our capacity to cope with life's challenges.  When we feel we have come to the end of our rope, you lengthen the rope.  When we feel we have come to the farthest edge of hope, you extend the edge.  When we feel full up, you deepen our soul.

Sometimes, O Lord, we just come to the conclusion that our situation is impossible.  We can feel exhausted, just worn out from the trials and tribulations.  Anxiety becomes the fare of our day and the stress becomes more than we can bear.

While we may often feel alone carrying our burden, you go to great lengths to reveal your nearness to us.  You send others to minister to us.  It may be a friend, a relative, or even a perfect stranger who comes bearing the message of hope to us.  Their small word of encouragement can come to us seemingly on a breeze, unexpected, yet very real in its ability to help us.  It is those holy moments where we experience the longer rope, the further edge, and the deepening in our soul.  We know you have visited us and your living spirit has touched us right where we needed it, first in our heart and then in our need.

You reveal
your love
and mercy
to us
time and
time again,
Wondrous God.
You do not leave us alone.
You hold us.
You care for us.
You show us
how to care
for ourselves
in the time
of distress.
We are grateful
for your
living presence
with us.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, June 20, 2014

Dear God,

After clearing space in my flower garden, I have the chance to plant amazing flowers, plants, and shrubs.  I have to use a few guidelines in order to have a thriving garden.  I can't plant flowers that need sun in a shaded area or I will stunt its growth.  If I plant a shade plant in the sun, I can kill it in due time.  Besides watering, deadheading, and cultivating my plants, I can watch them take root and provide beautiful displays of color and texture.

The same process works in the spiritual life.  I have to clear space in my soul for new life.  After cutting away the dead wood and adding compost and potting soil, I am ready to plant new life into me.  This is where you assist us.  You give us an abundance of good things to plant inside ourselves.  For example, you offer us tolerance and tolerance can produce great beauty in our souls.  Tolerance can make us understanding, patient, compassionate, loving, and accepting.  It can make us better listeners and better lovers of those around us.

One of the great gifts you give to us is the gift of discernment.  You help us know when it is time to let go, to surrender, and to make space for something new in our lives.  You give us all a green thumb where we can grow and bring forth good things.  When we trust you to help us remove all the deadness, show us where and how we can make new space, and give us guidance as to what we need in our souls, you begin the whole process of new life within us.  We can grow in ways we never could have imagined.  We can live again and sprout those things that give evidence of our growth.  Our renewal can give not only new life to us but also serve as a model for growth in others.

Good God,
you are
so good
to us.
We may
not always recognize
your spirit
working in us
but when
we do,
we are overcome
with thanksgiving.
Pruning will hurt
but the benefits
of pruning
far outweigh
the temporary effects
of the cut.
Keep our
eyes open
so we
may catch
the spiritual cues
that can change
our lives forever.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Dear God,

It's hard to get rid of tangled roots so deeply woven into human life!  I spent the day digging and cutting trying desperately to remove tree roots in my spiritual garden.  I had chopped and cleared the Burberry bush but the stump and the roots wore me out.  I dug with the shovel.  I pruned with the shears.  I cut with the chain saw.  I pulled what I could but still I could not clear the soil of unwanted debris.

While I worked on the garden, I reflected upon the deeply embedded roots in my own soul.   I confess I have so many, some that have come down through my family history, others that were imposed upon me in my early years, and of course, others that I gave seed to through my own choices.  Battling with old roots can be overwhelming and even paralyzing and I remembered times when my battle nearly cost me my life.

The wonderful thing about faith is it provides special tools by which to deal with the nasty roots in our lives.  It can help us discern the distinction of what is good and healthy and those that are not.  It can help us begin the process of handling one unnerving root after another.  It can challenge us to consider our life and how we have come to be where we are but also help us to know we do not have to remain enslaved by the roots that have burdened us for so long.  Faith can renew our hope and our ability to prune, cut, dig, and remove old dead roots allowing space for new growth.

Gracious God,
thank you
for insights
that lead us
to reflection
and opportunity
for new growth.
Thank you
for your
living spirit
that can
revive us
and set us
on the road
to renewal.
Thank you
for love
and mercy
that undergirds us
in our
spiritual transformation.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Dear God,

I can't help but think of you every time I look out the windows of our Maine home.  Scene after beautiful scene reveal signs of your presence.  The vegetable garden grows daily and I see subtle changes day to day. The Victorian flower garden my neighbor and I created between our properties displays its spectacular blooms of pink, purple, white, yellow, and blue, some of our favorite colors.  The spiritual path at the opening of the woods sings its tranquil song.

Who would not think of you?

Glorious God,
thank you
for beauty
all around.
Thank you
for reminding us
we do not create alone.
You are
the Master Artist
who provides
the tools
and the colors.
But oh and aah,
the joy,
of being
on our knees
in the soil
together.
Blessed are you,
Loving Father.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Dearest God,

Every day you come to us!  You come disguised as a stranger in our midst.  You come as a delicate budding flower.  You come in the bird song.  As we open our eyes and remain attentive and expectant, you visit us if nothing more than to say, "Hello beloved."

This afternoon a stonemason came to give us a quote to redo our front steps and sidewalk.  Mired in concrete dust wearing a torn and ragged shirt and shorts with concrete dirt up and down his legs, he gave us dimensions and costs.  Then we walked out back to talk about a stone patio.  At some point my husband invited him to walk out to the spiritual path to see our woods and river.  He entered the path carrying his paper and pen and stopped by the wooden image of a saint leaning down with a vessel of water for the birds to drink.  "Which saint is this?"  He asked me. "My favorite saint, Saint Francis."  I replied.  Right there he continued his walk singing, "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring love."  I followed joining in the song.  "Where there is injury your pardon, Lord.  And where there is doubt, true faith in you.  Make me a channel of your peace. Where there's despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, only light.  And where there's sadness ever joy.  Oh, Master grant that I may never seek.  So much to be consoled as to console.  To be understood as to understand.  To be loved as to love with all my soul.  Make me a channel of your peace.  It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.  It is in giving to all men that we receive.  And in dying that we're born to eternal life."  By the time we finishing singing the blessed song, we were sitting at the station I lovingly call The Table.

The stonemason picked right up where he left off talking about stones versus brick for our patio.  It was as if there had never even been a blip.  That's when I really realized you come in simple ways, sing your song, and continue life as normal.

Praise you, Lord,
for unexpected gifts.
Thank you
for your
living presence,
your song,
and your message.
My most
joyous moments
are moments
with you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, June 16, 2014

Dear God,

On time.  The trees and flowers bud and blossom on time.  The grass grows green on time.  The leaves turn their magnificent colors on time.  Tiny snow flakes fall on time.  What is our faith so often late?

Seems like we give faith a fighting chance when all else fails.  We turn to you when we've tried plans A, B, and C.  By the time we call you up we are exasperated and desperate.  All that could seemingly be avoided if we just met with you first.

Looking out my kitchen window as I write, I view a beautiful flower garden created by my neighbor and me. Each flower, bush, and tree cries out to me to be faithful, to try faith first so I can be right on time.

Thank you
for garden lessons.
Thank you
for spiritual aid
that nudges us
in the
right direction.
Thank you
for lesson  love
that warms
the heart,
encourages the mind,
and fills
the soul
with good things.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Dear God,

Two hymns whispered faith to me as we sang them in worship this morning.  The first..."Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see." Amazing grace, how many times have I experienced amazing grace at your hand?  So very many times. Every time I felt a nudge to grow or healing commenced in my soul or forgiveness came or hope rose up or help emerged or compassion dripped from heaven, I knew I was a beneficiary of amazing grace.

The second hymn came from one of my favorite biblical stories of Anna and Simeon.  I love it that they refused to die until they had seen the savior with their own eyes.  It was they who held baby Jesus in the temple.  The line of the story and the song is this:  "My eyes have seen the glory of my salvation."  Time and time again I have witnessed your saving power.  I have seen the glory of your Holy Spirit power at work.  I have watched as your love healed, perfected, and assisted people in need.  As your glory radiates and we become aware of your love touching yet another soul, there is something spectacular that happens in the human soul.  Joy wells up and overflows and we know that we know that we know the source.

Every day you call us to higher levels of faith.  As we open ourselves to you more and more, we find ourselves in greater touch with your living spirit.  The brush of heaven alone is enough to make us joyous, humble, and more deeply in love with you and our neighbor.  Letting go of some of our personal demands, we find we want your will and your way.

Help us climb
the hills
of faith,
O Lord.
Speak to us.
Thank you
for holy moments
that teach
and save.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Dear God,

Eleven of us sat around the table, all friends of Church on the Cape.  We had met up for the monthly community roast beef dinner.  When the family style bowls of hot food were placed on our table, people's hands lifted the food, placed a scoop on their plate, and passed it to their friend, some going right, some left all at the same time.  The noise level was in increasing decibels as we all talked at the same time.  As one head of the table, I watched as strangers and friends interacted.  About thirty five minutes later we stood, walked out, bid each other goodbye, and then drove home.

I believe you have given us the ability, for different lengths of time, to make family.  Although we are from different backgrounds, religious affiliations, gender and sexual orientation, we made family in thirty five minutes.  We laughed, teased, and had wonderful fellowship all while we passed bowls a second, third, and fourth time.  Although several of us were not acquainted with others at the table, we made men our brothers and women our sisters.

Thank you
for making
all kinds
of families quick,
dear Lord.
Thank you
for including us all.
Thank you
for tables
open to everyone.
Thank you
for seating us all
at your table.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 13, 2014

Dear God,

Your word is fresh.  Like hot homemade bread coming from the oven you offer the taste and warmth of heaven.  You feed us the word of life.  When we break off a bite of heaven's bread and eat, we fill ourselves with hope, peace, and reassurance.

When I awakened this morning you brought the word "fresh" to me.  As I pulled up the covers and felt the Maine breeze roll across my face, I thought of how you freshen our faith as we daily walk alongside you.  As we eat and drink and breathe in the freshness of your love and compassion, we feed our souls what we need for the day ahead.  We come to life, every pore soaking in your offering.  Those who feel lost can suddenly feel found.  Those who feel dead feel the sudden influx of new life.  Those who live in darkness begin to see the light once again.

So often we opt for stale, days-old, weeks-old, months-old faith.  We think it is enough, okay.  But it isn't; it never is.  Why would we want decaying food when we can have the freshest possible?

Glorious God,
thank you
for early-morning lessons.
Thank you
for feeding us early
so we
have the sustenance
we need
for the rest
of the day.
Thank you
for mercy
that is
ever fresh!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Dearest God,

I am just sure the scent of lilacs is the sweet scent of heaven.  I could not get a computer connection at home so I drove to the library which was closed.  However, I parked in their parking lot right in front of a lilac hedge row, rolled down my windows, and tuned in to the world through the library WiFi.  For the next hour I was totally distracted by the rolling scent of lilacs so I decided to let it be my focus.  I drew in breath after breath and prayed.

Sometimes, O Lord, you want our attention.  You want us to slow down, to pause and breathe in your fragrance.  You want to draw us near, to speak to us, to lift us up if we need it, or to challenge us in the depths of our souls.  You want your sweet communion with us, a holy communion that simply does not exist in any other way or with any other person.  Our bond can lead us in so many mystical directions to hope or healing, to peace or joy, or even to good questions, reflections, and positive decisions.  There is no better way to spend a few minutes or a few hours.  Time with you will always reap great benefits!

Holy Father,
thank you
for offering
spiritual intimacy
in a
parking lot.
Thank you
for the
precious moments
we spent together.
Thank you
for the
delicate violet-colored lilacs
that embraced
my soul today.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Dear God,

Who would think fresh squeezed lemonade could inspire us to think of you?  Yet, it does.

Daily life is not the same without an intentional awareness of your living presence in the world.  If we go throughout life taking in just what we see without a sense of gratitude for the way it has come to us, we miss the opportunity to connect with you in a beautiful way.  We can be guilty of gobbling up all the five senses provide.  Or we can pause, taste, touch, see, hear, and smell with a deep appreciation of the gifts they all are. What would life be like if we could not see the loveliness of a morning sunrise or evening sunset?  Or if we could not hear a baby's first coo?  Or smell the sweetness of lilac blossoms in the early spring? Or feel the touch of a loved one's embrace?  Or even taste a fresh berry pie with berries just picked from the garden? If we take it all for granted, we miss the best part of all, feeling the gentle rush of your spirit flowing through our veins when we consider your many blessings.

The lemonade was superb but thinking upon your gift of lemons, water, and sugar was even better!

Generous God,
thank you
for thinking
of us.
Thank you
for your provision.
Thank you
for instilling
within us
the ability
to say
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, June 9, 2014

Dear God,

Creating sacred spaces is one of my great joys.  Clearing out an old fence row and reclaiming its beauty touches my soul because it reminds me how you take us, clean us up, and transform us by faith.  Whatever beauty we achieve is accomplished because you motivated, inspired, and helped us do what we thought impossible or at least too hard to make happen.

I love crawling under the tree limbs that touch the ground.  I love digging out weeds, revealing tiny flowers and plants, and using my battery-powdered chain saw to cut down invasive trees that greedily take up ground and choke back other deciduous trees.  I love edging, creating soft lines that allow the sacred space to spring up.  But more than anything, I love working with you.

Holy God,
thank you
for spiritual outings
where you
and I
labor together.
Thank you
for sacred spaces
that draw us
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Dearest God,

This morning I awakened just as the sun was beginning to peek its head over the horizon.  Lying in my bed looking out the window and drawing in a cool breath of fresh air from windows left open all night in our upstairs bedroom, I thought of my loving grandmother.  That started me thinking of beautiful gifts you have given me in my lifetime.

An early-morning inventory of divine gifts given gave me the opportunity to thank you for your generous blessings.  My grandmother was one of my favorite gifts.  A true woman of faith, she modeled for me a love for you.  Her gentle and compassionate spirit taught me about caring for others.  Her love for nature taught me an appreciation of the outdoors.  Her abilities of growing a garden, preserving home-canned foods, and serving delicious farm foods gave me a desire to do the same.  I sat by her side on the back stoop when I was little learning how to snap beans, pick wild berries, and make mouth-watering jams and jellies.  She treated every grandchild as if that child was her favorite.  I loved being in her presence.

Throughout my 67 years you have sent me special people who blessed my life.  Although I did not deserve special favors, nonetheless, you gave them to me.  I will always be grateful.

Gentle and Loving God,
thank you
for the people
you put
in my life.
Thank you especially
for my grandmother,
her spirit,
her faith,
her mercy,
and her generosity.
Thank you
for those
who taught me
life lessons.
Help me be
a blessing
to others,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Dear God,

When our hearts are open, you speak to us.  You come to us in varied ways singing your song, telling your story, and encouraging us to live our own.

Today at worship it was while we sang the anthem that your spirit seemed so alive.  Be Still and Know, we sang, Be still and know that he is God.  In the stillness you are able to capture our attention.  You usher us into a sacred space.  You invite us inside this space where love abides, where grace is available, where hope springs forth, and where you challenge us to drink fully from the well of living water.  While we drink, you challenge us in areas where we need growth and change.  You encourage us to take the next road on our spiritual path, one that leads us to new ideas, fresh experiences of faith, and a revival of our weary spirits. You fill us with courage, strength, and power.  You promise to be our companion on the road to transformation.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for gifts
beyond our imagination.
Thank you
most of all
for the promise
to always
be with us.
Thank you
for love
that always
meets us
on the road
to faith.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Dear God,

Thank you for the magnificent seasons of winter, spring, summer, and autumn.  When it is winter time, I glory in the snow, tiny flakes that love to stick to the windows.  In the spring I rejoice in tiny buds unfolding into gorgeous flowers.  Summer allows me to get excited watching my favorite tomatoes grow and then eat them whole with a salt shaker in my hand.  And autumn...well, autumn is the great splash of color before the cold of winter sets in.  How I love to gaze upon gold, red, and orange.

The change of seasons reminds me of the need to change in human life.  Every day is unique and often calls for a decision, a change, a new idea.  If I am unwilling to change as life changes, I simply won't thrive in the changing environment.  But when I see how often you come expecting a change in me, I know the challenge comes from you.  Being transformed means I too can exhibit the beauty of the seasons.  I can show my colors or display new growth. I can offer gifts that can bless others or surrender, let go of what was for what will be.

What I know most of all is you are behind all good work.  You are ever creating in nature and in us.  You want and can bring out the best in us when we are open, completely open to your creative spirit.

Teach us
to trust you,
Living God;
transform us
today and tomorrow.
Make us
what you want
so we too
can contribute
to the world
around us.
Thank you
for delivering
so many gifts.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 6, 2014

Dear God,

Why, O Lord, must some resort to guns to resolve problems?  Why do people turn to guns?  I hate guns.  I hate killing.  I hate stories of people who use guns to destroy.  I hate it when leaders who serve the people turn their heads rather than take steps to remove assault weapons from those who misuse them.

I love the story of turning swords into plowshares. I always wondered how to do that. It wasn't until the end of the day that I realized you had helped me turn a large gun rack into a lovely vegetable and flower garden.

I hated the rack that has been in our possession for 40 years.  My husband wanted to keep it thinking we could use it for something else.  Last year when I started dragging the huge thing to the burn pile, a friend encouraged me to plant flowers in it so I kept it.  Today I planted herbs, flowers, and vegetables in the pockets.  After watering everything it was then I recalled Jesus' story about swords and plowshares.  I smiled recognizing the gift and the story.

Illumine our minds
with your ideas,
Generous God.
Teach us
to turn weapons
into beauty
all can enjoy.
Make us
a people
of peace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Dear God,

Today I paused before the board of missing and exploited children.  I gazed at each face hoping that I might have seen one.  I read the brief description of each child and I prayed for safety.

More and more I have come to understand we all have a responsibility to one another.  When one falters, you call another to assist.  When one overcomes triumphing over their situation, you call that one to aid the next one that falls.

As we "dance" through life with partners you send our way, joy is made possible for all of us.

Thank you

for the

many assists

through life,

O Lord.

Thank you

for sending people

our way.

Forgive us

when we resist

your call

to help others

and only think

of ourselves.

Thank you

for grace

that connect us 

all together.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dear God,

I dug deep in the soil, added rich compost, nutrients, and potting soil, and then placed the tiny seeds in a straight row.  I pushed the warm, bounteous soil over the seeds, patted it down, and then watered.  Within days I expect to see positive results, little green sprouts pushing their way upward, proof of the growing process.

While I knelt down in the sandy earth cleaning, clearing, adding, planting, and finally covering the seeds I thought of how we too find ourselves in dark places planted with just a smidgen of hope for growth. Sometimes you have to add plentiful additives to increase the odds of our stretching and reaching for the light.  You have to water our dry, thirsty souls so we can find strength for the task of growing.  But always you provide what we need for optimal growth even when we are in the most despairing situations.  You give us just enough light to see our way clear so we can move up and out.

As I watch my flowers and vegetables grow, I am reminded of your call for me to grow as well.  If I fail to thrive, I will wither and die.  If I take hold of the tools and resources you give me daily, I will not only rise up out of the ashes, I will touch heaven and hear her song.

You are gracious,
Compassionate God.
You do not
leave us alone
in our
difficult places.
You buddy up
to us
and sing us
heaven's song
of love.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Dear God,

Thank you for the power of silence.  Thank you for quiet moments that allow your Holy Spirit to speak. Thank you for time and space that opens us more deeply to the mysteries of faith.

It took you decades to silence me.  I always thought time should be filled with sound, the sound of the radio, music, television, people talking, or some activity taking place.  I feared the absence of noise.  I was not sure what would happen if all went still.

As I "perfected" the sounds around me you called me to a deep place.  When health issues began to arise, when relationships began to fall apart, and when work-related problems became exceedingly stressful, you whispered to me, "Be still and know me."  When I started turning off the babble around me, I found you waiting for me.

In the years that followed your quieting power, I discovered the wonders of a new world awaiting me.  I heard the sound of heaven.  I saw things through a new light.  I walked with a new-found appreciation of your living presence.  I breathed in a fresh breath of your amazing grace.  I drank from your well and ate the food of your gracious spirit.  Finally, you and I launched a different way of life where silence can be long and deep and profound and beautiful.

Kind and Gracious God,
thank you
for life lessons
that change us.
Thank you
for silence
that opens paths
to the world
of your
living spirit.
Thank you
for silencing me
and my surroundings
so you
can speak
and I
can hear.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dear God,

How can I keep from singing?  The line from the song reminded me to sing.  Sing when I am celebrating. Sing when I experience the depths of faith.  Sing when I am weeping and lonely.  Sing when I am filled with joy.  Sing when I am frustrated and looking for answers.  Sing when I witness oppression and need to pray for others.  Sing when I am troubled.  Sing when I need hope and peace.  Sing when an insight comes to me. Sing when I receive a blessing.  Sing when I am lost.  Sing when someone experiences a miracle.  Sing when I don't know how to pray.  Sing when an unexpected grace comes my way.  Sing when I want to say thank you.  Sing when I am grumpy, stingy, or resentful.  Sing when I need to humble myself.  Sing when I am full up with sin.  Sing when forgiveness comes my way.  Sing when I want to bless you or others.  Sing just because.

Thank you
for your song,
O Lord.
What a joy
it is
to sing it.
Forgive me
when I
forget to sing
or when
I refuse
to sing.
Let your song
always be
on my lips
so I
can instantaneously sing.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 2, 2014

My dearest God,

My vessel was empty.  I was dry and thirsty struggling to find the well of living water.  I don't remember the song we were singing in our hymn sing but suddenly a gushing waterfall appeared in my mind.  It pooled at my feet and I realized once again the well is never far away.  Neither are you.

I confess I am a poor spiritual traveler.  I frequently get off course, work hard, and forget to drink from the only well that truly fills.  In time I feel dry and lonely without you.  I begin to think the burdens I carry will never resolve themselves and I experience lack of faith.  When I recognize my state of being, I am ashamed.

But then you appear to me, not in a visual form but rather as images that come to my mind.  When I saw the waterfall, I could not help but smile because I knew the source of the gift.  Even though I was in the choir loft singing away, I breathed deeper because I wanted to fill up full to the brim because a gift not received is wasted.  The rest of the day my heart overflowed with thanksgiving.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for coming
to my assistance.
Thank you
for your kindness
and your mercy.
Thank you
for forgiveness
that comes
in so
many special ways.
You are
my greatest blessing.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 1, 2014

My dearest God,

The moment I heard them singing, I stopped what I was doing and listened.  Although they were many, I heard a single voice singing your praise.  I couldn't help but be drawn in.  I felt a familiarity, a rising hope, a comfort, peace, and most of all an intimate joy.

Sister Cecilia, Mother Superior to the monastic community of Ephesus, shared your story with the interviewer.  She had played French horn in a symphony, owned her own home, and enjoyed her life as a musician but after three years she felt the gentle leading of your spirit to leave it all behind to join a monastic community.  Because she desired your will above all else, she delighted in following your call.

It was in a few short years you led that community to share their singing on CD with their benefactors as a way of saying thank you. One of the benefactors sent a copy to a producer whose six-year-old son liked the cover of the sleeve.  He asked his parents to play the music for him and the rest is history.  Even though they have not given up any part of their monastic life, they sing and CDs are produced for a wider world.

I felt close as Sister Cecilia shared how we can make our own happiness but ultimately our happiness can be deeper, greater, and more joyous as we fulfill your will in our lives. She spoke, "God knew what would make me happy."  By fulfilling your will she experienced much, much more.

Every time I see or hear a word from a monastic community, my soul awakens.  My heart is stilled, my mind is cleared, my whole being is home.

Generous God,
thank you
for your call,
your leading,
your word,
your mercy,
and your love.
Whenever I
am drawn
to the
monastic life
and practice,
my search
for you
is over
and I
am glad.
Thank you,
my beloved.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Dear God,

How can I climb the mountain of faith when I am distracted?  How do I continue the climb even though I am busy with other things?

I read the psalms from time to time and find their earnest cries are often my own.  When I fail to meditate or pray or when I fall asleep while praying, I fail to forge a deeper relationship with you.  When I pray halfheartedly or pray brief prayers, I am really putting my focus elsewhere.  My devotion lags behind my other interests and my climb to the top is disrupted.  Like the psalmist I recognize my plight and I cry out for help or I confess my sin and wonder why you still remain connected to me.

Truly I want nothing to stop me from reaching higher.  I want a single focus where I constantly measure my progress by the longing of my heart.  So often I falter and fall.  I am sorry.

Gracious and Kind God,
be the apple
of my eye.
Let my love
for you grow
as I
remember you daily.
Cause my feet
to stumble
when I
take paths
that do
not lead me
to you.
Keep me
on track,
I pray.

Love, Andrea