Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Dear God,

Preparing to meet you is always a meaningful endeavor.  Sometimes I come out of sheer desperation or frustration.  I simply fall at your feet.  Sometimes I come out of silence asking my heart, mind, and soul to adjust.  Sometimes I come out of fear.  I don't know what else to do.  Sometimes I come out of love wanting to express my devotion and praise.  Sometimes I come more like a pause to simply sit with you.

I always want to do my part when I come to you.  I want to make myself ready to meet the Great I Am.  I want to cleanse my vessel before I go tromping into your spirit space.  I want to release any thoughts and attitudes that hinder me from giving my best to you because you always give your best to me, to all your children.

The best part of meeting you is your call to come together in an intentional way.  When I see an exquisite sunset, I know it is your way of saying, "Do you see my gift to you?"  You give me the chance to respond. When I sense your invitation, I know your blessing will follow even if that means you will challenge or correct me.

Anytime we come together during the day is always the best part of my day.

Help me
live a life
that will
always be ready
to meet you.
Cleanse me
from within
so I
can purposely
meet you
in the light.
Thank you
for every request
to come together.
Forgive me
when I ignore
or neglect you.
Help me prepare
like a bride
for her bridegroom,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 28, 2014

Dear God,

A single remembrance of faith's work is enough to inspire us for a moment, a minute, a day, and even a lifetime.  When we are low and feel hope ebbing away, a memory of you acting on our behalf can buoy us up giving us courage to face the day.

During choir rehearsal yesterday morning I received a call that my cousin had died.  Although I was not particularly close to him, I am very close to my aunt and other cousin who called me.  My heart was sad for them and I felt tears begin to well up.  However, worship was soon to begin and I had to sing with the choir. As I sat in the choir loft looking out at the people, my tears wanted to fall as I thought of my aunt's tears.  It was then I remembered other times when tears threatened but you filled me with joy at the thought of your loving grace.  I remembered countless times when you came to me, sat with me, and ministered to my needs. As we sang the hymns I love so much, I paused to give thanks for your peace.

Compassionate God,
thank you
for your mercy
and kindness.
Thank you
for blessing us
when we
are in need.
Thank you
for your blessings
and for memories
of your blessings.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Dearest God,

Judy died and so yesterday we celebrated her life.  We remembered her.  We laughed at some of her antics. We gave thanks for her generous spirit.  We recalled her strong faith.  We sang her favorite hymns.

What inspired me most was a simple line she said to her husband just before she died.  "Meet me later at heaven's gate."  All during the rest of the day I pondered heaven's gate.  I thought about it not only as the opening to heaven but also the fence, if you will between heaven and earth.  It is the line one cannot cross until you call; however, I came to the conclusion that often we are afforded the opportunity to stand at heaven's gate.  When we feel your loving presence so close we could breathe you into ourselves, I believe we are standing at heaven's gate.  When we truly worship with our whole being, we stand at heaven's gate. When we pray fervently and we sense an answer brewing, we stand at heaven's gate.  When you pour out your grace upon us and we know the source of our joy, we stand at heaven's gate.  When we feel the need to humble ourselves and confess our mistakes, we stand at heaven's gate.  When we are welcomed back home after a time away, we stand at heaven's gate.

Throughout our lives you invite us to heaven's gate where we can peer into heaven, see its blessing, feel its mercy, and taste its spirit food.  You examine our needs and comfort us at heaven's gate, send us on our way, and remind us that we can visit at any time.

I think the whole congregation stood at heaven's gate yesterday...all together.

Make us worthy
to stand
at your gate,
Loving Father.
Show us
the way
to a
rich, fulfilling life
where we
live out
your will,
I pray.
Thanks for
the peeks
of heaven.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 26, 2014

My dearest God,

You invite us into the spiritual deep to speak to us, to listen to our woes, and to teach us lessons of faith. As we open the doors to our soul, such refreshment meets us.

Remember our time together at Taize, France?  Joining in the gathering of people from around the world touched a deep place within me, hungry people coming together to hear your song and to learn how to sing themselves.  Music of the spirit penned in heaven itself touches, heals, helps, and inspires.  The Taize community set up to draw every kind of person offers us holy opportunities to sing your song.  And when we do, aaah, we touch heaven's gate.

Even as I write, I am listening and singing the song of faith.  How glorious!  And how blessed to be afforded the chance to sing with you and other hungry for your spirit.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Every day
I find blessing
knowing you
have given us
the gift
of the
new day.
To hear
your song early
and late
as I lay
my head
upon the pillow,
I know
you will sing it
all night long.
You give blessing
even as
we sleep.
Wondrous God,
my heart is yours.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 25, 2014

Dear God,

The only way to rise above a very dark cloud is to ride the wings of faith that lift us up, up, and up. When I forget that truth, I find myself caught in a towering downdraft with sure certainty that I am going to fall fast and hard.

An event occurred today, one which has created sorrow and pain leading up to the event.  At one time I would have broken apart allowing despair and deep pain to enter in.  That experience when replayed like an old record would lead me to grovel in judgmental resentment and bitterness.  My heart would hurt and my soul would feel empty with no relief in sight.  Days would turn into weeks and weeks would turn into months. Before I knew it a year had gone by, then two.  My thoughts, attitude, and behavior would be far less than expected by you, my loving father.

At some point you came to me in a raging fire deep down in my soul.  You breathed your love into me.  You washed my inside with precious, life-giving water.  You told me to rise from my ashes.  You promised your grace.

That was years ago.  As the time came for this current event, I felt a slight sting but I did not rob myself of the gift of your living presence.  I breathed it in knowing your grace would always be greater, deeper, and more steadfast than any pain or force that would seek to undo me.  I went throughout the day knowing and accepting your kind encouragement recognizing just how miraculous faith can be when trusted.

All-Powerful and Kind God,
thank you
for the blessing
of hope
and peace.
You are always
the power
behind the blessing.
Thank you
for thinking
of me.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 24, 2014

My dearest God,

Our fears are calmed when we call on your name and trust in your help.  You are the God of mercy!

In flying back home to Maine this afternoon I was cognizant of my trials with fear throughout the years.  My fear of flying came when a man at work shared a dream he had of me on a burning airplane.  What he did not know was I had an airplane ticket to fly to a vacation destination that very day.  That dream has haunted me for nearly forty years.

Fear changes in the face of faith.  Faith is not just a profession we make one day in church.  It is not only a public announcement to the world that we want to follow Christ.  Faith is every day.  Faith is a core component of the human existence because it connects us intentionally to the Great I Am.  Faith is a life of gratitude, one that recognizes the sacred in the midst of the awful, whatever that may be. If I do not cling to you as I flail in fear when flying, I say to the world faith does not exist.  When I pray, lean on you, and do the very thing I fear, I make a witness to faith's power to overcome, to conquer, and to ease my suffering. Although I have to remind myself who I trust when flying, I rest in the arms of the only One who knows me inside and out and I am grateful.

Most Holy and Blessed God,
thank you
for your
gentle reminders
of faith
at work.
Thank you
for your
compassionate mercy.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Dear God,

Anticipating your living presence, watching for signs, and opening our soul to your spirit grant us room for blessings galore.  As we walk with you, the spiritual journey is enriched in ways too numerous to count.

The last two days with my grandchildren on a campout have afforded me joy unspeakable.  Their love of life is contagious reminding me to pause and remember the gifts of your spirit.  Their gentle "I love you, Grandma" and the love they share with one another blesses each one of us again and again.  As we make memories, we cultivate a relationship that offers acceptance, love, and joy.  It will further our hope in life, our ability to dream knowing we are loved immeasurably, and open doors to the future.  In all this, I see your hand, your spirit, and your love.

Loving Creator,
thank you
for the gifts
of each day.
Thank you
for giving us
one another
and for
being present
in our lives.
Make us
a blessing
to you
and one another,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Dear God,

One tender heart can display the merciful heart of God.

My six-year-old grandson found a large, pretty moth lying on the ground in the campground.  Like any active little boy he threw a stick at it.  I came running when I realized what he was doing.  We examined the lovely creature together.  That brought two more grandchildren to our side.  We knelt down to take a closer look. One wing was ripped and torn.  Try as it might, the creature could not lift off.  It fluttered and shivered and it was apparent, the moth was dying.

I went back to my lunch preparations when nine-year-old Stella came to me saying she had made a "grave" for the moth.  I stopped what I was doing and we walked over together.  She had circled rocks together, put down some moss and made a small cross with twigs.  The moth was lying next to it. It was beautiful.  "Grandma, I have feelings for the moth."  She spoke with a quivering voice.  We stood holding each other when I said we needed to pray for the dying creature.

During the rest of the camp out one of us would pause by the memorial site.  I suspect some prayed and some just thought about the sadness of life and death.  But what I reflected upon was the gift of Stella whose tender love for a dying moth was shown for all those who would enter the campsite.

My heart
is full
of gratitude
for your
merciful love,
O Lord.
Through Stella
you showed us mercy
and compassion.
Teach us
to be
like Stella,
like you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 21, 2014

My dearest God,

I never have to search far for you.  You are in front of me, behind me, beside me, above me, and below me. As I roam the world about me, I find you waiting.

Sundays are a powerful day for me.  Beginning with the thought of church, the gathering of hungry children, and ending with me crawling into a comfortable bed at night, I am full of gratitude for the constancy of your living presence.  Others may come and go.  Events may rock my day in one way or the other but your love remains constant.  I feel blessed, inspired to live life  in your spirit.

The call to walk with you affords me the opportunity to live with a spiritual awareness.  It allows me to discover you in the ordinary chapters of life.  It causes me to operate in faith that reframes life all day long.  I may see a lovely sunrise but that sunrise points me to you.  I may stumble into a hole; yet, that hole will direct me back to you.  Every event of the day has a word to say about you.

Thank you
for turning
my heart
and mind
to you,
Holy Father.
Thank you
for spiritual murmurings
that sing
the song
of faith.
May I
never take
for granted
that which is
divinely given.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Dear God,

The sight of people walking toward the church warms my heart.  These are not perfect people; yet, they have a sense of the divine.  They want to be with you in the very heart of the community of faith you created so long ago.  I love when greeters open the door and warmly welcome pilgrims to the house of the Lord.  I love St. Malachy Church who leaves the lights dim and the sanctuary quiet where sinners and saints alike bow to the altar, step into the pew, kneel at the prayer rail, and then pray silently.  I love when the lights come up and the music begins.  Worship is paradise to the faithful!

The service opened with a nun who shared a bit about her Franciscan ministry.  She lives in Oldenburg at the very monastery where my favorite Carmelite sisters reside.  I couldn't wait to visit with her at the end of the service to ask about them.  I told her to give them my love and to tell them Sister Andrea of the Dancing God sent her best, a name they gave me years ago when I stayed with them a few days while I wrote a devotional. I love the name because I do liturgical, spiritual dance and particularly during high, holy moments I see you and I dancing among the planets, the stars, and the skies.

As I was kneeling in prayer following communion someone joined me at my kneeling bench and I looked over to see a friend whom I had not seen for a long time.  We hugged at the bench and then after the service I visited with him and his mother.

Once I got back on the road toward home, I hummed one of the hymns and I smiled real big because I knew I had seen you this morning.

Blessed God,
take my praise
and my love.
You are God,
a marvelous God,
whose intention
is to bless
every child.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Dear God,

You weave our lives with others who share in life's awesome journey.  Tonight I attended my 50th high school reunion.  (By the way I am grateful to be alive, having lived 67 years)  I sat with old best friends.  We remembered and laughed.  I took my yearbooks and we read some of the entries penned by favorite classmates.  Did I really break 23 dates with one of my boyfriends???

What I discovered is some of my friends were aware of the deep place I held for you.  They were not surprised when I answered your call to ministry.  One came to me who had a similar calling and has served as pastor for more than 40 years.  We queried one another on the path each of us took to make the commitment of a lifetime.  "I would never have thought you would be on this trajectory as we made our way through high school and neither did I ever imagine I would be as well."  Jim told me.  How wonderful to find ourselves in this awesome place.  I thought.

My closest high school friends and I closed the place down being the last ones to leave.  As we squeezed one another hard, we confirmed our love for one another.  All the way home I felt your blessing of giving me friends who would still love me after five decades.

You are
a wondrous God,
so full
of blessing
and love.
Thank you
for my friends
and for
the decades
where love remained.
You will always
be my
very best friend
and I
will always
be filled
with gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 18, 2014

Dearest God,

There is almost nothing I love more than watching with rapt attention the birthing of a new day!  To observe the darkness ever so quietly and slowly give way to the light inspires me.  To capture scenes where the landscape shows off its colors, textures, and shapes wows my heart.  To witness the sun peek its head over the horizon and rise, rise, rise is scintillating to every portion of my being.

This morning I rose in darkness, dressed quickly, took my medicine, and climbed into my car for the two-hour ride back home.  I could hardly keep my eyes on the road ahead as I bobbed my head from side to side seeing the morning mist hover over lakes and fields.  I stretched my eyes to detect white farm houses and red barns dotting the brown earth along the highway.  I gazed upon animals drinking from ponds and grazing upon luxuriant grasses.  From my small perspective, everything looked at peace.

As I turned on my instrumental music of flutes, piano, and violin, I swore I was close to heaven, all my senses heightened by the visions and sounds before me. I let tears fill my eyes with wondrous gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving.

Creator God,
master of the cosmos,
thank you
for the
great morning beauty.
Thank you
for the newness
of life.
Thank you
for allowing me
to be
a participant
at your
birthing event.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 17, 2014

My dear God,

A day with grandchildren, discovering the world through their eyes, brings such joy to my heart.  The relationship alone even without the various activities we share is an incalculable gift.

This is the third home I have stayed in since arriving back in Indiana.  Experiencing life from my three daughters' homes provides a unique perspective that is very meaningful to me.  I see how they love their children, how their honor their spouses, and how they make family.

As I come and go saying hello and goodbye in three days, I try to live fully in each of their family settings.  I have played cards, visited a zoo, played in a water park, putt putted golf, made growling sounds and laughed like crazy, and slept in sleeping bags.  I have eaten at their favorite places, watched their favorite movies, and snuggled with their four dogs.

Growing older causes me to look deeply at life experiences.  I am no longer interested in living a shallow life. Why live on the surface when rich treasures lie in the deep recesses?  I look at my children and grandchildren and I celebrate the gift they all are, every one of them.

You give us gifts
and blessings,
O Lord,
and invite us
to cherish
what we have.
You ask us
to invest ourselves
in each other
allowing your spirit
to work
within us.
As I live
the blessing
with my
beloved family,
I recognize
more and more
how valuable
they are
to me.
I am grateful
to you
for them.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Dear God,

How do you know us?  When you think of any one of your children, what first comes to mind?

Today when I asked about a person, I heard her described the same way as a year ago, by her mistake.  Rather than sharing positive qualities about the person she just reminded me of her deed. When I knew her, she was sweet and caring.  She had to put up with a number of challenging life issues including raising two children on her own, often not financially supported by their fathers.

That made me wonder how you think of us.  Do you first lift up our sin?  Do you look upon us with disdain?  Have you nothing more to say about us than this?

One of my great challenges is to reflect upon those who have hurt my husband and me.  Far too often when their faces come to mind, I feel a rush of sadness and then anger because I consider them by their unjust behavior.  If I go no further, I remain in an emotional upheaval.  However, by faith you urge me to reconsider my thoughts and my attitudes.  Just by coming to me with mercy, I bow my head because I realize you know every sin I have ever committed and, yet, you extend your love to me. You are kind and gentle and you expect the same from me.  You urge me to change myself, to reframe the difficulty, and to look upon the situation with compassionate love. You ask me to pray for them because you know praying will not only open the door to healing for others but also to me.  You transform me through prayer.

As I walk the spiritual path, you ask me daily to remember your everlasting love.  You send signs and symbols that translate that love.  When music opens my heart to you, I realize it is a sign of your loving spirit.  When a living word comes to me, it is a symbol of your presence.  All day long life presents images and sounds of your love in the world and I feel embraced by the only one whose love never goes away.  As I breathe in this light, I am aware I too need to be light as I deal with the sometimes harsh realities of life.

Great and Wondrous Teacher,
thank you
for lessons
that teach us
to be more
like you.
Forgive us
when we fail
to forgive others.
Remind us
of your love
that provides us
a fresh
new day
to begin anew.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Dearest God,

Sometimes we just need to take an honest look at the interior of our soul.  We need to reckon with our penchant to be less than we can be as your disciples.  When we are lax or lazy, we allow deposits to form.  We can become dull in our responses to the call to be the person you have called us to be and to make decisions worthy of the title disciple.

When I expect others to meet my standards rather than yours, I run into trouble.  When I expect more from others than you, I fall prey to disappointment.  When I live less and expect more from others, I fail to live as you will.

Stepping back and looking at what it means to be your disciple means I take a long view at faith and its power to get back on track.  I rely on its strength to fill in the areas where I am weak.  I trust in you to assist me in my journey home.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for challenges
that cause us
to return
to faith.
Thank you
for reminders,
big and small,
that teach us
the truth
of your
everlasting love.
Thank you
for mercy
that lifts us up
when we
feel so low.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 14, 2014

Dear God,

When we fail to take care of the human soul, we open the door to every known kind of enemy. We allow an overrun of toxic forces to poison sacred resources at our disposal.  Our very lives can become like the enemies that invade.

Our world seems filled with evil and corruption.  Yet, while I point to others, I confess I never have to leave my own soul to find evidence of neglect and decay.  When I do not pause to soak in your living water or eat from your lavish table of spiritual food or gather for worship with the community of believers, I put myself in harm's way.  I taint and soil my own pathway to the divine.  To reduce it all down to a few words, when I ignore you, I put myself in peril.

The opposite is true.  When I silence myself by tuning out everything else, when I listen instead of talk, when I daily express my thanksgiving, when I worship, when I sing your song, when I read your word, and when I live in the light, my battery is charged, my joy bucket is filled, hope and peace return, insights come, clarity steps forward, and the deadly forces that desire to create my demise are beaten back.  The human soul rejoices because it knows who has filled it with goodness, beauty, and grace.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for the gift
of your
living spirit.
Thank you
for connecting
with all
your children
wherever we
may be
in life.
Thank you
for being
the source
of good
in human living.
Use whatever
you have
to bring me
back home,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Dear God,

My soul melded with other souls as I bowed to the altar of faith and took my seat in the pew. Almost as quickly as the blink of my eye, I felt at home, my burdened heart at peace.

My sister and her husband had stayed all night and they slept where all my church clothes were hanging so I waited until they awakened.  Since it was almost noon I decided to attend worship at St. Malachy Catholic Church, a worship center that I find to be a place of refuge in time of struggle.

As I frequently do, I opened the door to my heart and mind where you could see the turmoil and difficulties I was facing.  My trust in you so complete, you came near.  Every song spoke to my heart, each scripture reading offering comfort, and the message spiritual food.  When the lay woman read my favorite scripture, Romans 8:18, tears filled my eyes with joy.  I so believe St. Paul when he writes, "I consider this present suffering is nothing to be compared to the glory that will come."  I was so glad to be in your home where you promised your living spirit to reside.

As I made the sign of the cross on myself with all the others departing from church, I could still feel the water on my fingers as I walked to my car in the parking lot.  I made a ball with my hand considering the living water I had received from the morning worship.  I get to carry this water with me throughout my day, I thought to myself.

As I drove away, I sang my praises to you for the gifts so lavishly poured onto me.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You are
to be
lifted up,
high and holy,
for giving gifts
to the hungry,
the thirsty,
the poor
and needy.
Thank you
for feeding me.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Dear God,

What expectations do you have of us, O Lord?  What do you hope we will do in this life?

I had to clean my home before about 30 family members came to our home for a reunion.  As I scrubbed the floors on my hands and knees and washed out the toilets, sinks, and showers, I went through quite a transformation.

I was upset about an injustice.  My mind swirled with unkind thoughts.  My attitude was about as unclean as my floors that I did not dirty myself.  I was overwhelmed with disappointment and sadness which, of course, turned to anger and resentment.  But as I spoke to you through my whispered murmurings, you swiftly spoke back returning good for evil every time I said one sentence about those who had hurt me.  When you spoke back, your words reminded me of my great desire to please you.  "I know you want to do what is right and good."  You said.  Then I would back away knowing what I would receive from you if I did what was good would far outweigh any justification I would feel by striking out at others.  All during the day this conversation went on, back and forth, my feelings intensifying.  Although I still feel raw by the injustice, the compassionate mercy you extended to me is helping to heal me as I trust you.

Thank you
for butterfly moments,
those experiences
of transformation.
We can
be different
when we
trust you.
Our hurts
can be healed
as we
join ourselves
to you.
Thank you
for the chance
to make
a powerful witness
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 11, 2014

Dear God,

In you there is only light.  As we turn toward you in our darkness your light shines upon us giving hope to return to you, to live by faith, and to make decisions that honor you and our best self.

Some things are hard, really hard.  As we face struggles we are tempted by our own voice trying to justify our thoughts and attitudes.  We want to lash out, to make our hurts known, and even to hurt others who have hurt us.  But in faith, when our hearts desire you above all else, your voice rises and speaks a word or two and we back down knowing our greater goal is not to strike but to listen and follow your will for our lives.  We are never disappointed because your compassionate love for us is always greater than our need to balance our lives in judgement.

As we walk the journey of life, you give us opportunity upon opportunity to stay close.  You ask us to watch, listen, and learn.  You want our best because you know when we do turn to you our hearts are filled with gratitude for remaining silent or working through hurts that come.  This does not mean we are to absorb all that comes our way.  We may stand for what is right and good but one act of evil does not justify another one.  If we do act in anger we gain nothing but evil and sorrow in return.  However, when we seek you as others harm us, you give us great love, understanding, and wisdom.  Why would we make any other choice?

Gracious God,
thank you
for your kindness.
Thank you
for teaching us
valuable lessons
of faith.
Help us
seek you
above all else.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Dear God,

You teach us valuable lessons and urge us to live accordingly.

I did a really stupid thing.  I put down my laptop to take a picture and forgot to pick it back up.  I was riding the escalator downstairs to the airport baggage claim when I realized what I had done.  I tossed my purse and camera case to my granddaughters and I raced up the up escalator three steps at a time running as fast as I could to security check in.  I cried out to the security agent that I had done a stupid thing but I was so out of breath I couldn't say more.  Several security guards stared at me.  When she asked me for my boarding pass and ID, I finally told her I had given them to my granddaughters.  I had nothing with me.

On the last leg of our trip, my two teenage granddaughters and I had to go to the bathroom but none of us were very comfortable getting out of our airplane seat, walking down the narrow aisle, and using the plane facilities. We all decided to wait out the ride.  It was more than an hour later when we departed the plane all three of us running for the nearest restroom.  It was while I was washing my hands that I decided to take a last photo, a shot of a toilet stall.  I told the girls it would make a nice last picture in the photograph album.  Since there were others in the restroom they begged me not to but, of course, being a fun grandma I framed the shot and took the picture.  The rest is history.  I forgot my laptop.

As I stood at the security checkpoint trying to calm my racing heart, I heard an announcement asking the person who left their computer to contact security.  "My computer, that's my computer!" I shouted.  I shared with the agent what I had done, I mean the picture and all.  I told her all my writings, my retreat materials, devotionals, and more I want to publish were contained in that laptop, and I apologized and apologized.  She called a number and asked me to go to a phone down the hall and around the corner.  I dialed the number and answered all the questions about the computer.  I had troubles telling her what was on my homepage because I couldn't even think what a homepage was. Finally, I described the picture that usually pops up and told her to look at the spot on the top of the laptop where I had gotten too close to a candle which melted the plastic.  I thought she told me to go back to security.  So I did. I waited and waited watching for a security guard to bring me the laptop. Several guards came over to me hanging out at the entrance with no purse, nothing.  "What's going on?"  Each would ask me. I told my story over and over again. Finally, I went back to the phone and called again.  She asked me about my location and I told her it was the same phone I used earlier.  She asked me to turn around to see her waving to me.  "I wondered where you were."  She said as I reached out to pick up my belonging.  I thanked her and apologized once again.

I realized I had created a great stir.  I realized the danger I probably caused by an item left by itself. I realized my error of dropping everything and running to security without a document.  I realized how my scattered brain made me forget the laptop.  I realized even how silly I was to take my picture; however, that toilet picture will give us a story to laugh about for a very long time.

Thank you
for teaching me
a valuable lesson,
O Lord.
Teach me
to pause
and think
and act responsibly.
Thank you
for grace
and airport security personnel.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Dear God,

A simple drive down the southern coast of Maine afforded us the occasion to chat, to share the memories, and to sing. It was our last day together.  As the road weaved in and out of the woods by the ocean, we turned up our favorite music and sang for nearly two hours.  Funny how a musical CD with songs from country western singers Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson can turn two teenage girls and their grandmother into a singing trio.  Oh, how we loved it!

Your gifts are many, Loving God; some gifts bind us together in ways we could never imagine.  My granddaughters would never intentionally tune in to country western songs.  They love pop music with their favorite teenage stars.  Yet, when my grandchildren get together with me we listen to our top eleven favorites.  We all know the music and the lyrics.  We sing and play invisible musical instruments.  The shared activity makes us one unit glued together at the heart.

Thank you
for joyous moments
that grow love.
Thank you
for music
and its power
to create.
Thank you
for faith
that brings us together.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Dear God,

You have given us the ability to see beyond the obvious.  You have invited us into a world of wonder, the world of faith.  Through faith we see through and into a sacred beauty that describes you and gives us opportunity to meander through life with you.  You show us your creative design.  You reveal to us ways we may live deeply and fully.  You display the intricacies of love and grace.

Today I was reminded of your challenge to look beyond the obvious as my granddaughters and I watched a movie entitled, Patch Adams.  The true story of a man who learns perspective through a genius who is institutionalized with mental illness, Patch goes on to redefine the meaning of doctor.  His love for the person and his desire to help suffering people goes beyond the patient's symptoms.  Compassion takes on a new meaning when he took a second look and saw something he failed to see the first time.

As humans we mostly look at the obvious but faith prods us to take another peek to see something more.  When we do, my oh my, the world that unfolds is one to inspire.

Forgive our shortsightedness,
O Lord;
show us
the true meaning
of life.
Help us
to pause
and look
for you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 7, 2014

Dear God,

There we were three silly ladies laughing and giggling in the open-air tent.  I had promised my granddaughters we would sleep out and they were delighted to slide into their sleeping bags.  It was while we read our books when one of the girls said how sweet the air was.  That started us on a conversation about how grateful we are for Maine air, the smell of the sea and salt.

How often do we give thanks for the air we breathe?  How often do we say thank you for anything? 

Teach us
to be grateful
for life's
many gifts.
Thank you especially
for the
living air
we breathe.
Without it,
we would perish.
Thank you,
Gracious God,
for loving us
to life.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Dear God,

You speak joy to us when we gather for worship.  Our coming together sets the stage for you to do something wonderful.  When we open ourselves to the wonderment of faith, you whisper your grace.

I could not help but be inspired by those who offered Holy Communion to us.  One is a woman who many years ago was institutionalized for mental health.  Another is in stage four cancer.  One more is his daughter who needs a kidney transplant.  Yet, joy spilled from them as they offered us your most intimate gift.

Faith revives us.  It renews and restores us.  It keeps us focused on what is most important.  It reminds us we are not perfect.  The church is not perfect.  Although there are those who would claim the church is filled with hypocrites, I would say we are imperfect human beings who have a thirst for God so we gather in hopes we might find you.  I think it becomes an excuse to be lax about faith.  Faith helps us keep perspective.

As I stood between two of my beloved grandchildren and sang the Doxology, we proclaimed once again our heartfelt thanksgiving.

Thank you
for your church
and the opportunity
to worship.
You bless us
again and again.
Thank you
for giving us
the chance
to bless you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Dear God,

Forgive us when we fail to notice your living presence.  Forgive us when we seek our own way.  Forgive us when we take credit for blessings we did not provide.

So often we are busy carving out our own existence and fail to notice the author of creation.  We forget to awaken to the gift of fresh air that fills our lung every few seconds.  We forget to give thanks for the ability to move freely and to arise to the new day.  We forget to make ourselves aware of gifts all around us, for our bed and home, for our food and fresh water, and for family members who love us.  We forget to pause, remember, and share our joy with you.

Transform us,
O Lord,
into grateful beings.
Forgive us
when we
take life
for granted.
We need
your mercy
to remind us
we have done
so little
to provide
for ourselves.
Teach us
to say
thank you
frequently.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 4, 2014

Dear God,

More and more I am aware how important it is to give to others.  If I spend my life soaking up all the gifts around me, I will hinder others' ability to take in gifts you provide.  My selfishness can hurt others in their own pursuit of heavenly blessings.  When I open space for someone else to find their way, I can watch with great joy the discoveries that unfold when one intentionally walks the spiritual path.

Making the journey myself I have learned how vital it is to be spiritual companions with pilgrims around me.  As I draw near to you or they do, each of us can get a peek of heaven.  We can share the peace and insights that come.  We can drink from the same well of living water and find spiritual refreshment.  We can sing your praise and offer our grateful thanksgiving.

Thank you
for the
spiritual path
that leads us
to you
and one another.
Thank you
for spiritual companions
who seek
your face
and spiritual counsel.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
when we
find you
along our way.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Dearest God,

There is a time and season for all things.  The passages from Ecclesiastes 3 constantly remind me no one has a monopoly on time and season.  Birth eventually leads to death.  Yet, somehow there can be a rising up.

Every day I look out my kitchen window.  Every day the Victorian flowering garden created and maintained by my neighbor and me changes.  A few weeks ago the antique roses took center stage; now, there are fewer and fewer blooms.  Today the English lavender blossomed and caught my eye.  In a few days the daisies will pop.  Each flower and plant has its high moment and then fades allowing others to display their dazzling colors.

The flower garden speaks to me of human life, its ebbs and flows, its time and season.  As I grow older and watch my body change, I realize I still have opportunity to bud and blossom.  Yet, I am in the fall of my life where my colors do not last long.  As I consider the way you have made me and how your living, loving spirit has grown in my life, I marvel with thanksgiving how grace remains the power behind and beneath me always challenging me to live up to my full potential.  When I move upward and out, I see your handprint upon my soul and I fill with gratitude.

You are
the creative power
of human life.
You are
the source
of beauty,
strength, and love.
My heart
is full
of love
for you.

As always yours, Andrea
o

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Dear God,

I wore my funny, colorful court jester hat while I waited for my granddaughters at the bottom of the airport escalator steps.  I had my camera around my neck ready to catch on film the first look of them for their photo albums.  A smile broke out on all three of our faces when they saw me.  I wrapped them in a big bear hug crying out, "Welcome home!"

I am glad when I think of the ways you weave love together, love for a husband or wife, love for a sibling, mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.  You develop in us a respect and appreciation of others.  You warm us toward others and give us the ability to bless one another in a variety of ways.  Throughout the years love remains even after those with whom we share a relationship dies.  My love for my grandmother continues year after year although she has been dead for almost thirty years.

When I reflect upon this kind of love, I realize your divine love is far greater.  Your love surpasses human love.  It grows deeper and wider, a kind of bottomless and topless love, never meant to be contained.  It reaches out for each one of us.  It is never the kind that loves one better than another. Like my grandmother used to tell us, "I love you all the same," when we would ask her who she loved the most.  We are each your favorite.

Such love calls for a human response.  Do we love you back?  Do we do simple gestures to prove our love for you?  Are we kinder to others because we are grateful for your love? 

What I have discovered is your love for me calls me to love others more.  I love my grandchildren more because you love me.  In one of your great challenges to me, you told me to pray daily for those who do not like me.  Even though it was difficult to lift them in love to you in prayer, you urged me to remain steadfast in daily prayer.  What I learned is we can grow to love those who hate us because your love makes up for love lost.  Your love makes all the difference!

Gracious God,
thank you
for gentle reminders
and even
heavy-handed requests.
Thank you
for loving us always.
Teach us continually
how to
love others unconditionally,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Dear God,

Anticipation lifts us to great heights when we expect something magnificent to happen.  For weeks I have missed my grandchildren, those little ones of my children who bless my life in so many ways. They are coming for an eight day visit.

Today I worked hard, cleaning, planning, and making our abode an even more welcoming home for Gabrielle and Sophie, teenage best cousins and friends.  I attended both their births, my pinkie Gabrielle's first pacifier.  I recorded Sophie's birth as tears of joy streamed down my face. As I labored to get prepared for their time with us my mind  thought of memories we created together.  My heart swelled as my love for them warmed me all over.  They are great girls and I am humbled they want to spend time with us once again.

I have come to realize more fully the inestimable value of gifts you give us.  A dollar may be just a dollar but a grandchild is not just a grandchild.  A grandchild is a blessing of yours and our children.  To play and laugh and tease and serve and pray together reinforces the joy of divine love come out of heaven.  As we share time together we draw closer to you and one another.  We grow more thankful because we know the blessing we have been given.

Thank you
for anticipation
because it
makes us
think again
of gifts
you give us.
Thank you
for grandchildren
who bless us.
Thank you
for generational love
that passes
from one
family member
to another.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, June 30, 2014

Dear God,

It seems we see your light best when the darkness is the darkest.  When life begins to ebb and despair looms, your light seeks us out.  Although our eyes see darkness, the light moves toward us, revealing a kind of peace.

It was after I preached on Sunday that I received a call from a church parishioner who said each member of his family saw the light while I offered the message.  Steeped in the darkness of terminal cancer, they longed for light to sustain them in the final months ahead. While I thanked them for their words, I told them I was thrilled by how God can do great things through small things we do.

I am grateful for your light that eternally shines.  Your light may be lost on us when we choose to walk in darkness but when we open our eyes to your possibility your light can radiate in ways that we cannot begin to imagine.  How thankful I am your light shone through on Sunday!

Holy Father,
thank you
for your blessing.
Thank you
for your light.
May we
open ourselves
more and more
to you.

Love, Andrea