Monday, September 29, 2014

Dear God,

Today I discovered you in the dust and dirt.  I was doing last things, cleaning the shed and the basement, putting things in order, hanging up bicycles, and tossing away things that don't work anymore.  As I swept the crud in the shed, you brought to mind the crud in my own life.  You hearkened me to consider what needs to be discarded in me. 

Throughout the day you directed me to consider my thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.  You wanted to clean me up just as I was cleaning up areas in and around my home.  As I worked on the house, you worked on me.

Thank you,
dear and gracious God,
for caring.
Thank you
for filling
empty spaces
with your love.
Thank you
for directing me
to you
where your guidance
always renews
my faith.
Clean me up,
O Lord,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 28, 2014

My dear God,

This morning you drew me to your holy word.  As I opened the bible to Matthew 5, I realized how much we needed to hear your words once again. I remembered reading the beatitudes when I stood on the Mount of Beatitudes many years ago.  Your words spoke so profoundly then.  "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of God."  So when I led the hymn sing at church this morning I began with your own words from the sermon on the mount.  "Blessed are those who mourn; for they shall be comforted."

I thought of our world in chaos this morning...wars, poverty, injustice, so much suffering.  In my mind I wondered how on earth we stop the nonsense of destroying one another for our own personal gain.  Your words kept coming to me as we sang our songs of faith. "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."

As we sang our last song, I picked up the bible one more time and read.  "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." 

Holy God,
we have not
yet figured out
how to
bring about peace.
We have longed
for peace,
yet done nothing
or very little
to bring peace
to our world.
Make us
into peacemakers,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Dear God,

You gave me the gift of life!  Today when I turned 68, I gave you thanks for allowing me to live these many years.  As I did an inventory of my life, I remembered your grace and the ways you permeated my existence with your living presence.  Faith, as it turns out, is your greatest gift to me.

You brought to mind my earliest memory of you. I was a young girl at the time.  I recalled being on my grandmother's farm at a sleepover with my favorite cousin.  It was dark outside on a hot, humid summer night.  Grandma had left all the doors open, the screens keeping the mosquitos at bay.  As I lay on the front room floor where my father and all his brothers were born, I looked out the screen door onto the open porch and into the huge vegetable and flower garden, and then I moved my eyes upward into the skies.  I remember feeling tingly all over as I thought about you living there at my grandmother's log home.  My cousin told me all about you and I decided I wanted you to live at my house and in me too.  That day changed my life forever.

I spent this day reflecting upon the ways you bless my life.

Every day
is a
good day
to consider
your gifts,
O Lord.
My birthday
is nothing
compared to
the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for blessing me
with sacred memories.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 26, 2014

Dear God,

We were bound by faith!  As we held hands around the table in the cozy cottage by the ocean, we all knew how we had come together.

One of the beautiful surprises about human life is the people you bring to our table.  Those brought by faith enrich our lives in so many ways.  We come to know each other from the inside out rather than outside in and we are so blessed.

Thank you,
O God,
for your
many blessings,
for surprises,
and joy-filled moments.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Dear God,

I love Thursday nights when your people get together to sing songs of faith.  I love the joy we experience when we learn new songs allowing harmonies and melodies to form a love song to you.

I love belonging to your church where imperfect people join with one another to worship, pray, sing, fellowship, and hug.  I love your church because there we are all children in need of faith, correction, guidance, hope, and peace.  When we offer our voices up, we sound good, not perfect, but good because our hearts and spirits want to say thank you to you in song.

Thank you
for music
that gives us cause
to sing.
Thank you
for lyrics
that speak faith.
Thank you
for bringing
the two together
so we
can praise you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Dear God,

You draw a circle and invite us in, a line with no beginning and no end.  You include us, blemish and all.  You are mine, you say, reminding us that we are loved like all the others.

There is nothing more beautiful than a sacred circle of beloved children.  We are all different and unique, but we are all cherished because we are various images of you.  As I think on it, I cannot imagine anything more wonderful because it is your design.

Last night I had a special dinner for neighbors.  We are far apart politically, spiritually, and emotionally; yet, as we laughed and shared memorable stories from our past, I sensed we were one.  There were no broken lines between us when my husband prayed.  I could see us together at your table, none worthy to be there but all invited.

Thank you
for cherished memories
of faith.
Thank you
for bringing people together.
Thank you
for making us one.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Dear God,

Although we may slam a door shut and lock it securely, you have the power to open that same door so we may see the light. 

Often we play games opening and shutting doors to faith.  When we hold attitudes and beliefs that lock out the truth, we close the door on faith.  When we suspicion the locks on the door are faulty and we secure it once again, we soon discover there is no lock greater than the key you hold to our future.

Today a family member allowed her locked door to open to you.  Desperate for grace and help with healing, she allowed the light to shine upon her.  Warmed by your loving grace, she reached out and found you waiting.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for gifts
far beyond
any gift
we may create
on our own.
Thank you
for grace
that soothes
the soul.
Thank you
for healing
that is
made possible
by your compassion.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 22, 2014

My dear God,

I had to say yes to your desired will or no.  My mind wanted to say no because the challenge was too hard but my heart spoke to my mind reminding me whose love moves us to grace.

I had prayed hard to rise above stormy weather.  I knew I could go it on my own and drown as the weather worsened or I could climb in your boat and weather the storm with you.  As I reflected, prayed, and loved you back, I said yes and your sweet peace came as quickly as it took me to affirm my commitment to you.

When the storms of life appear, sometimes we get miffed at you for allowing hardships to come.  But why?  Why do we do it?  I am convinced storms provide opportunities for us to draw closer to you, to feel your loving arms around us, and to learn valuable lessons of faith.  If we take the difficulties and shift our perspective, we can recover new information.  That information can lead us to believe there is always a gift in the storm.

Today I found the gift in my own situation.

Loving God,
thank you
for revealing yourself
to us.
Thank you
for reminding us
we are children
of a
merciful god.
Thank you
for prodding us
to receive
the gift
and fulfill
your will.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Dear God,

Transition.  Summer into Fall.  Playtime into school time.  Work into retirement.  Life into death.  All around me are signs of transition.  Within a few days I will be a year older.  It's true what the writer of Ecclesiastes says.  "There is a time and a season for all things."

The season of transition is one that calls for a willingness and a readiness for change.  Daily you speak to us of change.  You call us to shift our thinking, our attitude, or our behavior.  You remind us that it is no good to plant our feet in concrete.  Like trees in the breeze you teach us to bend and sway when stormy weather calls us to be flexible.  You challenge us to let go of the past so we can grab hold of the future even when we are not completely clear what the future will bring.

Yet, transition gives us opportunity for your steadfast love to keep us steady.  Your gracious love does not change.  Our perceptions of that love may get colored but your gracious love does not change.  In transition we can count on you to give us balance, safety, hope, and help.

As I am keeping an eye on the changes going on inside myself, I realize the one constant is you and I am deeply grateful.

Wise God,
thank you
for reminding us
of faith
that alerts us
to change
and transformation.
Thank you
for your faithfulness
that never
abandons us.
Thank you
for making us pliable
so we
are enabled
to bend
with your spirit.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 20, 2014

My dear God,

Rejection.  Rejection, the ultimate disconnect, the fatal cut is so painful that one can hardly believe he or she can continue to exist in the ebb and flow of life.  Many years ago when it sliced my heart into many tiny pieces, I questioned whether I even wanted to live.  Yet, what I discovered in my barren isolation was to remember faith's strong cord and how rejection is but a challenge to find the light in the midst of the dark blackness.  When we breathe in that light so deeply embedded in the darkness, we find the will to hold on to that cord that connects us to you, a cord so strong that nothing is able to sever it.

Today you urged me to remember that time, to consider the powerful transformation that came as a result of trusting you.  You reminded me to trust you again and to take steps toward living my faith and continuing the pilgrim journey.  Rejection can be a great obstacle on the path of life but through faith we are not only enabled but empowered to find the chink where we may crawl through to the other side.  The amazing surprise is that we find you on the path in front of the obstacle, in the midst of it, and then on the other side.  There is no place where you are not.

As I breathed in the light of my faith, I made a phone call and did exactly what you hoped I would do.  Although it may not produce any positive results for me, nevertheless, in your way, in your time, and in your love, perhaps it will make a difference in the lives of others.  Already it has altered me because in following you, I felt the blessing of trusting you once again.  Freed by your mercy, I rose above the fray feeling deeply connected to the One whose love never ends.

Thank you,
Great Comforter,
Wise Counselor,
Prince of Peace,
for the gifts
of your
loving, living spirit.
Make me
an instrument
of your love,
O Lord,
so I
may become
a beacon
of light
to others,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 19, 2014

Dear God,

You put us in places where we must make a decision to live out of faith or go it on our own.  You offer your hand, your wisdom, and your love and then we have to decide what we will do.

Such decisions are tough when we want to fight our own case.  When we dismiss faith so we can do what we want, we leave out the most vital resource we possess.  However, if we move toward you, you help us discern your will for our lives.  And really, what other will would we ultimately want?

Sometimes I find myself teetering on the precipice where I can take a giant leap into a very large dark hole or make a leap into your arms.  One will injure me further; the other means I will find myself cradled in soft arms and hear gentle murmurings of compassionate mercy.  Once I discover how loved I am by you, I am then enabled to open myself to your will.  I am empowered to do what is good and right.  You show me the way to goodness because I trusted you.  No matter the outcome there is peace, hope, and joy knowing I followed you on the high road of faith.

Thank you
for options
that can
lead me
to you.
Thank you
as well
for allowing me
to choose wrongly.
Thank you
for leading me
to your will.
I am grateful.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 18, 2014

My dearest God,

Strangers became friends this morning over coffee.  A massage therapist, a holy yoga instructor, and I met together to talk about a retreat I plan to offer next summer by the ocean.  The more we talked the more faith became apparent.  As we talked about our specific gift and passion, we became excited by your presence among us.  We knew you had brought us together.  We hugged when we departed from one another.

As I reflected upon our time together, I realized once again how much you want to reveal yourself to us, how you want to lead us to deeper waters of faith, and how you want us to share the gifts of your spirit so that we might not only find joy in sitting in your living, loving presence but also open the door of joy to others.  Even as I think upon the memory, I am grateful.

Holy God,
move us
to your side.
Teach us
to listen
and watch.
Assist us
in the walk
of faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

My dearest God,

You find us when we are lost.  You tend to us when we are suffering.  You come to us in unexpected ways to reveal the truth that can set us free.

I was amazed, inspired, and wowed once again by the touch of your living spirit upon my soul.  I went for an ordinary massage, my muscles tight from a summer of hard work and my soul troubled from recent events.  As always I used the time to be quietly in your presence, listening and watching for images or words that would come to me.  I had also asked the therapist to be attentive to anything that came to her.

Following the massage we shared our experience of your spirit at work.  She had seen an angry, inflamed heart and I had heard your words, "I am the potter; you are the clay."  In that moment of awareness, I felt every movement of your hands reshaping and remolding me.  I whispered in my head, "Yes, Lord, remold and make me anew."  There was more but these two happenings reminded me how much you want to help us.  This was my first time to this therapist and I did not tell her anything about me.  Since she was right on target and what I saw spoke directly to my need, I knew you had been at work once again assisting in my transformation.

Wonderful Comforter,
thank you
for your
kind compassion.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors
to the
loving spirit world.
Thank you
for tending
to my soul.
Indeed, reshape
and remold me
into your image,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Dear God,

Sometimes loss can blind us to the truth waiting to be revealed.  We get so fixed on our sorrow that we cannot see beyond it.  We may react in anger or resentment depending on what we perceive as loss.  If truly blind we will miss the cues of your living spirit.

I can be blind.  I can react in anger.  I can miss your subtle cues.  On the other hand, I realize times of loss can thrust us into your loving arms where eyes, ears, and mind can be opened to sacred resources which can give us a chance to heal, grow, and be transformed.

Today was a learning day.

Masterful God,
full of surprises,
thank you
for valuable
life lessons.
Teach us
your way.
I so want
to learn
from you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 15, 2014

Dear God,

Your ways are always better than our own.  As we listen and follow, we discover life is the way it should be.  Faith is fresh, courage is up, peace is possible, and joy can overflow even in the midst of difficult situations.  When I open my eyes to faith, when I breathe in the air of your living presence, and when I trust you whole-heartedly, I am enabled to experience life at its fullest. 

Today as we drove to Vermont, I gazed upon your beautiful creation.  I watched closely for fall colors and every time I discovered a tree changing its colors, I marveled because it pointed me to you.  I realized just how much love you put into your world and I was glad.

For the
exquisite beauty
of your world,
I give thanks,
Ever-Creating God.
Thank you
for opening me
to the wonders
of faith
that open doors
to deeper mysteries.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Dearest God,

On Sunday mornings during worship I never know how or when your spirit will most directly touch my heart.  Sometimes it is a scripture verse or the message or the hymn singing.  At other times it is a word shared by a member or the choir director. 

Today it was in the singing of the song This is My Song.  It was verse two that struck me and suddenly my mind whirled as images of other lands and other peoples came to me.  "My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine; but other lands have sunlight too, and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.  O hear my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine."  My eyes filled thinking of people of every land especially those torn by war, poverty, oppression, and injustice.  They were your tears, O Lord.

So much do I want peace for all the world!  So much do I want every person to feel caring love!  So much do I want compassion as a way of life!

Forgive us,
Lord, when
we pray
for our
own well being
and forget
our neighbor
far and wide.
Forgive us
when we
sing songs
lifting up
our nation
and fail
to sing
a song
holding up
every nation.
Forgive us
when we
extend our love
to me
and mine
and forget
our sisters
and brothers
near and far.
Sing your song
of peace
in every heart,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Dear God,

Although the world is changing daily, your living presence continues steadfast.  We can breathe in the air of your spirit whether we are glad or sad, whether we live in safe, comfortable housing or on the streets, whether we are full or empty.  It is the one thing we can count on.

For most of us we do not merit your generous gift; yet, we are your children and you are faithful.  When obstacles arise through our own mistakes or are shoved upon us through any kind of mishap, we discover there is no obstacle between you and ourselves.  We can try to put our sin in front of us blocking the way to you but your grace moves it aside so the way to faith is clear. 

This morning as I slowly cooked fresh peaches into spiced peach butter I thought of the sweetness of your living, loving spirit.  I thought of your kindness and compassion.  I thought of your mercy that holds all our pain while we work to resolve the difficulties we face.  I thought of your grace that forgives us giving us second and third chances.  I thought of your love that awakens us in the morning and puts us to sleep every night.  I thought of you and gave thanks.

Compassionate God,
thank you
for memories
of your goodness.
Thank you
for reaching out
and reminding us
you are
with us.
Thank you
for gentle reminders
of faith
and its power
to overcome
any and all obstacles
that come
our way.
Thank you
for the
fresh air
of your
sweet presence.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 12, 2014

Dear God,

When a new vision of reality comes our way, faith insists we make a shift in our perspective.  We realize the old is passing away and the new is unfolding.  We can resist or reject the challenge because it is difficult to surrender the old; however, we know in our heart of hearts you have come with a new message and our reluctance to accept the change is foolishness.

It is with newfound freedom that we trust you to guide us.  We remember your grace and how it liberates us every time.  We recall moments of forgiveness and the way in which you steady us when we are flailing upon rough seas.  It is then we confess how your redemption has indeed saved us and we are filled once again with gratitude.

Loving Father,
thank you
for your
loving kindness.
Thank you
for leading us
into the new
as we
reluctantly release
the old
from view.
Your grace
moves us
into the future
and we
are grateful,
grateful indeed.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Dear God,

You once said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Tonight I received a phone call from a loved one who shared the truth with me.  Although I already knew the truth in my head, our talk confirmed the reality.  Once the words were spoken, we both knew we could never go back to the time when we did not know it.  We both cried because we were sad but we also knew we had reached a new level in our relationship.

Throughout my life with you, dear God, the words of truth have increased in their meaning and value to me.  Existing in my own world with false truth has never gotten me anywhere.  Somewhere along the line I would fall and stumble because the false truth eventually caused me to collapse.  It was then I had to open my mind and soul to the real truth.  As I entered the new awareness, I realized it was faith that ushered me to the new reality; I really was set free but with a new understanding of truth as it came to me.

As I reflected upon the phone conversation, I wept but I also gave thanks because you had not only opened my eyes but also the eyes of my loved one.  Although we may not have the same language to be able to speak this new freedom, nonetheless, it is a new day, a fresh new day full of possibilities.

Thank you
for the truth
that can
set us free.
Thank you
for mercy
that brings people together.
Thank you
for mysterious timing
that can alter
our lives forever.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Dear God,

Sometimes we suffer from too little faith.  We think some situations are impossible.  We cannot see our way clear to solutions where faith can lead us to creative responses.

Today we learned firsthand how our faith was just too small for the problem we thought was so big but a  door cracked open and we saw the light shining.  However, the truth that spilled forth was both shocking and painful.  We couldn't quite get our breath.  Yet, we remembered faith to be tall enough for the tasks that lay ahead.

The call today was one of trust, trust in you first and foremost, trust in others, and trust in ourselves.  In this trust we are being called not only to live in grace for ourselves but also to impart grace to others.  How can we bathe ourselves in your grace and not share it with those who need it every bit as much?  No one deserves it; it comes as your undeserved gift.

Forgive us
for shallow living,
dear God;
teach us
your way.
Keep us open
to the movement
of your spirit
so we
will step
into the light
to respond
in faith.
Thank you
for open
and closed doors
that teach us
to trust
in you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Dear God,

When we travel with you to high mountains of faith, we look out over the mountain top.  We breathe in the air of joy and gladness.  We sing songs of praise because we know who has lead us to this place.  We are humbled and grateful.  We don't want to leave.

Yet, most of our life is valley living.  We live in the day to day events.  Life's ebbs and flows call us to respond.  When we have been on the mountain, we remember your goodness.  We recall how your stretching power inspired us to deepen our faith.  The indwelling of your loving grace whispers to us to respond to life events with faith.  We realize how faith gives us courage, hope, and light to see our way to responses that will best exhibit our recent trips to the holy of holies.  In the valley, even the lowest part of the valley can be a place to remember we have what we need to travel well.

Gracious God,
thank you
for mountain travel.
Thank you
for clean air,
warm sunshine,
and beautiful sights.
Thank you
for hope
that inspires us
to move forward,
to take
giant leaps
and small steps
leading to you.
Thank you
for love
that encircles us
no matter
which direction
we choose.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 8, 2014

Dear God.

Sacred memory.  All day long I watched in the interior of my soul flashes of memory created over the weekend.  I remembered retreatants sharing together, new friends and old, small groups of strangers become family members, washing one another's feet like Jesus, worshipping, feeding one another from eternity's feast.  Like a living photograph album, I saw page after page of spirit happenings.  I muttered prayers of thanksgiving knowing full well my only leadership task was to open doors and set out the heavenly feast.  I remembered.  I rejoiced.  I was glad.

Heavenly Father,
your living grace
opens us
to sacred halls.
As we roam
we gather in
images of you
in our midst,
on your knees
in prayer,
standing with
an outstretched hand,
laughing, weeping,
smiling, listening.
We discover
faith's best
as we walk
the pilgrim way.
Sacred memory
fills us,
retraceable at
any moment.
Joy.  Peace.  Gratitude.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Dear God,

As dry thirsty souls on the dusty road of life, last night we found ourselves awash by a gently-rolling waterfall.  We drank and drank until we were full.  Even our pores drank in the living water and we were made clean.  We thought we had taken in all we could until this morning when we sat once again in worship.

We had come to the end of our retreat and so we gathered to celebrate, to remember, and to commemorate the wondrous gifts of your spirit.  And so, we tied the servant rope around our waist, knelt in front of our neighbor sister, and we washed one another's feet in silence.  We spoke a few quiet words to our sister and then held her feet in our hands as we prayed.  We watched quietly as one by one knelt, washed, and prayed.  In the tender washing we witnessed your son kneel, bend down, or move to the side depending on our age and ability to maneuver.  We were in our thirties all the way into our nineties as we  touched and healed with the hands of Jesus.  We wept because we could not hold back the tears of our joy.

Merciful God,
you come
to us,
whispering, washing,
healing, helping,
and loving.
Although we know
you are God,
the god
who cares
for all
your people,
you still
take away
our breath
when we
discover you
in our midst.
Our hearts
are full,
so full
of gratitude,
so full,
so full,
so full
of you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Dearest God,

Your spirit makes us family!  Your spirit opens our souls!  Your spirit heals our hurts!  Your spirit breaks down our barriers!  Your spirit makes love not only real but possible!

As we sat in a circle in a small roughly-hewn paneled room lighted only by tiny candles, Christ made of driftwood on the wall, and candles leading to and encircling a circle of friends and then winding around  to the crystal cross on the floor in front of us, we opened ourselves and shared our hallowed stories of gratitude.  We shared not because we were forced to, although for some it was uncomfortable, we shared because we could.  In the sharing we realized we were not just sharing our own stories, we were sharing a sacred piece of your story...your story, a story of your spirit touching, inspiring, guiding, helping, healing and gracing human lives.  We listened carefully because we wanted to hear the words of faith.  And what a divine story it was!

As we walked up the stairs to the third-floor bedrooms of the beautiful monastic spiritual center following our Saturday evening high and holy worship, I thought of how your story expands and swells with a living grace every time your people gather in your name.  As one we had attended the feast of our Lord.  We had literally eaten and drunk from your divine hand.  We were full to overflowing as we quietly crept into our bedrooms, thankful, appreciative, and overwhelmed at your generous goodness.  I am sure we each prayed in thankful gratitude as we fell to sleep in your arms.  What greater gift can there be?

Holy and Wondrous God,
thank you
for your
amazing grace.
Thank you
for mercy
that comes
at just
the right time.
Thank you
for compassion
that gently oozes
into every crack
and hole
opened by loss,
pain, and suffering.
Thank you
for your body
that becomes one
when many
come together
in your name.
Blessed Lord,
receive our devotion,
faith, and love.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Friday, September 5, 2014

Dear God,

The truths that come from your Word challenge us to consider the ways we live our life in faith.  This morning I went to Mass at the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center.  I listened to your spirit as the priest spoke a few words about putting a new patch on an old cloth.  Strange, I have heard that scripture story many times but today I heard it anew.  How in the world can I expect a new way of being to change me when I continue to live old habits? 

How refreshing it is when your Word comes alive for today!  The ancient stories still have power to prick and nudge us toward a new way of thinking.  As I heard the words of the priest this morning I realized the truth of my own sin.  I recognized the need for real change and I am grateful.

Speak your truth,
Holy Father,
so that
all of me
will listen.
Thank you
for the truth
that sets us free.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Dearest God,

As I prepare to lead women on retreat, I pray for the women and myself because I know the only power to transform is yours.  Only you can change the human heart, mind, and spirit.  Only you can persuade and convince us of our need to shift our perspective.  Only you can make us feel loved and valued.  Only you can show us the way toward the truth that sets us free.  Only you can challenge our way of thinking.  Only you can inspire us to faith.

I am both humbled and honored to spiritually lead women to you.  My heart is full when I think of the possibilities of faith.  You have allowed me to partner with you to think of spiritual themes, scripture stories, creative exercises, fun activities, and meaningful songs and prayers.  We work together, you and I, to design a retreat that will reflect faith's best.  What joy I receive when you permit me to follow you.

Today as I pull together the varying pieces of the retreat, I pray in thanksgiving.

Holy God,
you are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for your desire
that we grow
in faith.
Thank you
for endless possibilities.
I am truly grateful!

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Dear God,

What if there is one great message and each person on the planet has a piece of that message?  What if we are to share it with one another until every person knows the message?

So often it seems one person or one group acts as if they have the only message to tell and they demand all others live out that one message.  Some fight to the end killing others who fail to live up to their standards.  Their minds are closed just like their fists.

Haven't you made us to share with one another?  Haven't you given us your love and invited us to love one another?  If there is one message to fall back on, isn't it the message of love?  I learn the fuller message when I listen to my brother or sister who has something to say about it.  When we take up arms instead of love, we do nothing but harm.  We spread fear.  But love embraces all.  It includes the most loving and the most foul.  We share a planet, why not share love?

Teach us
your ways,
Compassionate God.
Forgive us
when we
make demands
instead of taking
direction from you.
Cleanse us
from selfishness,
arrogance, and greed.
Fill us
with your love
to overflowing
so it
can't help
but spill out
on others.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Dear God,

When we look closely, very closely we can recognize your handprints on our lives.  When we live daily in the light of faith, we are enabled to see your work.

When life looks bleak, we may be blind to the inner workings of faith.  Yet, faith is still at work within us.  It stirs however gently, thus the reason to pause and look closely for signs of your appearance.

Periodically I reflect upon the lives of people around me, those I served in churches, members of my family and covenant group, friends, and women and teens who participated in retreats with me.  When I examine those whose faith is real, who intentionally walk the pilgrim way, I am astounded by the ways in which faith has inspired and moved them.  When I reflect upon their courage, spiritual and emotional growth, and decisions they have made based on faith, I am challenged to drink from the well and journey more deeply.  I sing your praise because I know your spirit breeze has met them where they were and nudged them to where they are now.  The exercise of reflection pays great benefits because I have the opportunity to sing your eternal song one more time.

All glory
to you,
Loving Christ;
thank you
for quiet moments
of reflection.
Thank you
for your
spirit power
that enables us
to live
and breathe
and love
in faith.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, September 1, 2014

Dear God,

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die..."  Sometimes we get stuck in a season and imagine it will never end.  A season of grief can be long and wearing.  We feel weighted down, full of burden and sorrow.  We cannot see the light in so much darkness.

Yet, the light does come piercing the darkness.  The scales lean in our direction lifting us up.  Our load is lightened and we feel alive once again.  Hope comes and peace returns.  We breathe in the air of your spirit and we know we have entered the season of joy.

This is your work.  We have the promise of your living presence and we know we shall not forever be down because your desire is for us to rise up in faith.  And so we do.

Holy God,
thank you
for the promise
of your presence.
Thank you
for remaining
with us
even in
the darkness
Thank you
for lifting us up.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Dear God,

I watched her from the choir loft as she entered the sanctuary.  I knew her sad story, her fear, and burdens.  As she slid into the pew, she settled and then closed her eyes.  Whatever she saw in the depths of her mind caused her to smile.  I recognized it right away as the smile of faith.

I waited in the choir loft to talk to the woman, really a virtual stranger except for the one time I met her at worship.  When she walked over, I invited her to the women's retreat.  A spot had opened up; a woman had to cancel to help her grieving husband who just lost his brother to cancer.  The retreat fee was fully paid.  The woman smiled again; this time it was a big smile.  "I've been thinking of the retreat but I didn't know where I would be or if I had a job or..."  I told her the minute I saw her walk in, I knew she was the one to which I needed to offer the retreat.

As I drove home from church, I thought about the way in which you quicken the human spirit to the divine at work.  The whole scene at church was your doing...again.  My heart welled up in thanksgiving and praise.  Who would want to miss even one scene of a divine encounter?

You are gracious,
Master of Creation,
thank you
for your gift.
Thank you
for working
your wonder.
Thank you
for touching lives
and inspiring us
to faith.
Thank you
for loving mercy
that never ends.

Love, Andrea