Thursday, October 30, 2014

Dear God,

You call us to live a disciplined life.  You ask us to intentionally merge our life with yours not because you are a jealous, demanding God but rather because you know a life lived in the light is always better than one lived in the darkness. 

A life with you produces helps to live in the light.  Although life often leads us into the darkness, you give us your light to show us the way.  You ask us to trust you to lead us through difficult, dark days.  That trust is the light that shines, radiating a glow that calls us into the future victorious.

You taught me this valuable lesson today when I fell back into an old habit.  Even though it was only a few minutes you whispered the truth to me and I realized what was happening.  Within minutes your light shined and I stepped into the light by righting the wrong.  I could only do that because you are God of second chances.  As I fell into line in the light, I realized how good the light felt upon my face and in my heart. 

As I gave thanks for your mercy toward me, I reflected upon spiritual disciplines that keep us close to you.  Before I fell asleep I pulled out the psalms and read your word that shines light in our own self-produced darkness.  I was grateful for your correction, your mercy, and your love.

Merciful God,
thank you
for teaching moments.
Thank you
for the light
that shines
to show us
the way home.
Thank you
for second chances
that divert us
from more trouble.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Dear God,

Why do we resist you?  Why do we pray for your will and then resist it?

I am a hold out.  I realize I hold out hoping your will and mine will merge.  When they do not, I realize more than ever why your will is better than my own.

Your will is always better than human will.  Your will influences more people than our own.  Your will can change the human heart, mind, and soul.  Your will shows great love.  Your will clears spiritual and emotional debris, sometimes even physical clutter.  Your will cleanses the soul and the spirit.  Your will enables us to move on.  Your will reaps benefits beyond what we are able to pull together.  Your will strengthens faith and resolve.  Your will teaches courage.  Your will opens the door to new ideas.  Your will offers hope.  Your will produces peace, joy, praise, and thanksgiving.

Why would we choose any will but yours?

Holy God,
giver of many gifts,
teach us
to open ourselves
to you.
Help us pause
to consider
your ways
and your will.
Show us
the path
to a valuable,
meaningful and
joyous life.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Dear God,

Every day is a good day to count blessings!  As I consider faith and all that means, I realize the blessings upon blessings you provide.

As I look back just over this year, I see the countless ways you made faith so very real, valuable, and meaningful to my life.  I recognize how faith can lead us in new directions, inspire us to wholeness, change us for the better, motivate us to reach out to others, and cause us to want to contribute to the wellness of the whole world.  Faith brings challenge but it also brings hope, joy, and peace.

Telling my own story on the page, this very page stirs me to desire to be a better citizen of your kingdom because it lifts me up and holds me accountable to live in intentional relationship with you every day.  As I accept the responsibility you give me, you allow me the privilege of telling your story in my life and I am very, very grateful.

Holy Father,
thank you
for touching
my life,
for stretching me,
and for
prodding me
to do
your will.
Keep me close,
I pray,
so I
do not lose
my way
or yours.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 27, 2014

Dear God,

Your spirit binds us together as one and many at the same time.  It causes us to remember one another in our souls because we have sung the same song together.  We have danced the dance of your spirit.  We have prayed with a single voice as we cried out to you for insight, wisdom, and faith.

We were like teenagers in the restaurant squealing as we spotted one another.  We hugged each other hard recalling to mind the countless times you drew us together on retreats.  Although we never had to say the way we were brought together, we all knew what your loving grace had done for us.

As we shared together over dinner, it was very clear the amazing gift your spirit gives us when we lean toward you and gather in your name. 

All-Powerful and All-Loving God,
thank you
for the thread
of your spirit
that weaves us together.
Thank you
for lingering near
even when
we are
far off
from one another.
Thank you
for love
that draws us back
into your circle.

Yours forever, Andrea

Friday, October 24, 2014

Dear God,

Bending to your will is an ongoing exercise for devotees of Christ.  As we consider the pilgrim way, we discover the need for bending.

Several years ago in a retreat we practiced bending by following a lighted candle wick in a gentle breeze.  As the flame moved so did we imagining the spirit wind blowing upon us.  I remember my own body rhythm as I leaned into you.

As I watch summer bend to autumn I see the benefits of bending.  The subtle color of green is bending to your will producing brilliant colors of orange, red, and gold.  Without the heat of summer the grass is turning lush green.  As summer gives up its hot days, cooler temperatures make walks and campouts more comfortable.  As the season of transformation is upon us, we witness spectacular beauty.

So it is with the spiritual life.  As we bend to your will and begin our own changing, we discover something beautiful in ourselves and in others.  With that beauty comes joy and gladness.

Transform us too,
O Lord,
as we
give way
to your will
in our lives.
Teach us
to move
with you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Dear God,

When we place our trust in your hands, you lead us.  We discover again your kindness and power.

For one year we have sought to find a church home where we could serve you.  We have looked north, south, east, and west.  Our heart always went back home but home is no longer our home.  You comforted our sad hearts and lifted our sagging spirits.  You led us on a pilgrimage to find your way.  Today there were many signs and finally, I relented.  I followed the path to the music room and told them I would join them on Wednesday for choir rehearsal.

Transitions are not easy.  Neither is injustice; yet, when we seek your will first and foremost, we know our answers will come in time. 

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for your leading.
Thank you
for grace
to say yes.
Thank you
for signs
and wonders.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Dear God,

How wondrous is your creation, O Lord.  As we watch the seasons move from summer to fall, we see your gracious hand at work.

Today as I drove to and from my granddaughter's softball game, I rolled down the window so I could take in the fresh scent of newly-cut fields.  I gazed upon the flat, rich fertile soil of Indiana, of farm homes, barns, and contented cows grazing.  I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving remembering just a month ago I stood at the azure blue ocean in Maine and two weeks ago at the red rock mountains in New Mexico.  I thought of how you formed this beautiful world and gave it to us not only to enjoy but to take care of.

As I felt the wind upon my face, I offered you praise.

Thank you
for the gift
of this
amazing planet
and all
its incredible beauty.
Thank you
for spring, summer,
fall, and winter.
Thank you
for the blessing
of each season.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Dear God,

The bells, the bells rang out in the cold mountain canyon calling us to worship at 4 a.m., 5:45 a.m. 6:45 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.  They rang out in the monasteries and churches in New Mexico as we continued to retreat feeding our faith in you.  They called to mind all the bells that pealed in France and Italy during my clergy renewal leave.  I listened and remembered the sound of faith is indeed a beautiful one. 

There was no sweeter sound on my clergy renewal than the sound of bells ringing because it was a reminder of faith, Christian faith.  It was the call to remember you and your nearness to us.  It was the call to pray, to be silent and to listen, to wait upon the Lord, to extend our hand to our neighbor, to receive your love for us and to return that love to you and others.  Every time I heard the bells, I smiled knowing it was a witness to the merciful love of God present in today's world, your love, dear God.

As busy, preoccupied, distracted human beings, we need the sound of chiming bells.  We need to be stopped where we are, to listen and remember.  We need to pause to give thanks, to shift our attitudes and behaviors, to ask for forgiveness, and to pray for the world.  We need to consider the whole human family recalling we all reside on this planet together.  We need to find ways to make the planet habitable for every child of the earth.  We need the bells to call us to say thank you.

God of Wisdom and Mercy,
thank you
for your generosity.
Thank you
for gentle reminders.
Thank you
for unwarranted love,
compassion, and grace.
Open us
to the sound
of faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Dear God,

The desert is any place where there are troubled waters.  It may be a conflict, an unexpected difficulty, a life tragedy, a fear triggered by some event, or anything that shakes the ground upon which we stand.  It swiftly moves us from still waters to rushing streams.

Life is full of desert moments when we are thrust into uncomfortable and sometimes frightful, frustrating, and overwhelming situations.  Often we feel persuaded to believe we are alone, distressed, and without help.  We react unconsciously like tree roots ripped from the earth, tossed about, and carried downstream where we lie helpless. 

However, the desert is also a dwelling place of the almighty.  When our desert difficulty intersects with our desert god, hope can arise, calm can stir, and peace is possible.  Hope lives there constantly fed by spirit mountain streams that give life.  As we drink deeply, every cell is nourished with life-giving water.  There in that moment we breathe easier as we rest in the knowledge of the one who has rescued us from our distress.

Holy God,
thank you
for teaching us
valuable lessons
from the desert.
Tune us
to your voice
so we
may quickly turn
to you
in our
stressful moments.
Rid us
of every obstacle
that would
cause us
to believe
the desert
will destroy us.
Feed us
holy manna,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Dear God,

A waterfall of living spirit flowed from heaven and filled all those seated in the circle, for we had roamed the desert with you.  We listened as each one shared the sacred learnings at your feet.  We had eaten eternal fruits.  We had chanted the sacred mysteries of the psalms.  We had found one voice with which to sing, one song, yours.

You astounded us, O Lord, as we walked among the scrub and trees.  You led us to the river where living water flowed.  You spoke to us through the birds, deer, and howling coyotes all singing their own song to you.  You came in the morning sunrise and the evening sunset.  You called out as the bells chimed breaking the silence calling us to worship.  You lifted our eyes to the heavens where the twinkling stars displayed the grandeur of your glory.  You called our names reminding us we are children of the heavenly king. 

 

As we shared one with the other, we leaned in to you and one another making our offering of praise and thanksgiving.  You had been with us in mighty and powerful ways.  Your spirit wind had moved us inspiring us to unwavering faith.  Once again, like so many times before, we celebrated your miracle ways and unfailing compassion.

 

Merciful God,

thank you

for the gifts

of the desert.

Thank you

for opening us

to your

spirit wisdom.

Thank you

for making us pilgrims.

 

Love always, Andrea 

 

Monday, October 20, 2014

Dear God,

I saw them talking together on the patio above the adobe structure bed and breakfast.  As one of the men poured wine into the glasses, I hollered up, "Is it time for the party?"  They looked down as I drew close to the entrance of the bed and breakfast and they invited me up.  They told me to bring my own wine glass and they would fill it up for me.  I complained I had to do all the hard stuff and we all laughed as I declined.  Over the next 36 hours we teased and talked to one another.  Each time we ran into each other, we shared bits and pieces of our lives.  It was fun to watch for them and to laugh as we poked fun. 

It was when we talked about church that we realized we were all going to the same historic mission church for worship a few minutes later.  One of the women asked me to wait in the lobby for her.  When she came back she was carrying a beautiful white fringed scarf.  She walked over to me and placed the scarf around my neck.  She lifted my collar and adjusted it around my leather jacket.  She stood back and looked to make sure it was just right.  "There," she said, "that's perfect!"

What I learned was that she had been a fashion designer.  The scarf was one of her favorites and very expensive but she had thought I had looked so nice and she wanted me to have a finishing touch so she loaned me the exquisite scarf.  I didn't quite know how to respond.  I told her I would return it right after church and she said I could even bring it back the next morning before we left for the desert.

At the worship service the priest talked about what we wear to church.  While he shared about the interior of our heart, I looked at the scarf and thought about the beautiful gift the lady had given me and I felt holy and beautiful for you.  I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving for the woman and those I had just met earlier. 

The next morning at breakfast I handed the scarf back.  The lady held it reverently saying the scarf would never be the same because I had worn it and she felt the prayers of the worship upon it.  "It has a godliness about it and I will wear it remembering the gift you gave to it when you wore it."  We hugged and had a sense of your holy spirit in our midst and then we parted.

Heavenly Father,
I don't always understand
your gifts
but I am
always grateful
for them.
Thank you
for the woman,
her generosity,
and the blessing
she gave me.
Thank you
for the awesomeness
of faith,
prayers, worship,
and love.
You are
so present
when we
reach out
to one another.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Dear God,

Desert living teaches us to look for clear, fresh, bubbling water.  As we sit and drink at your feet, we find spiritual and physical refreshment. 

This morning my covenant group drank your living water at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Having just returned from the desert we seated ourselves in the third pew from the front.  We arrived early because our hearts and souls were full of grace that you yourself placed within us.  We came to give thanks, to listen to your message, to sing out your praise in English and Spanish, to pray with the community of faith, and to make our offerings to you, Gracious God.

The morning message touched us deeply.  Dovetailing on the learnings from the desert, we each one welled up not quite sure what more to do to say thank you.  Your challenge reminded us that we do not accumulate your gifts for ourselves alone but you ask us to feed others with our gleanings of faith. 

In worship as we attempted to give back, we were not surprised to have received more from your hands. 

Generous and Living God,
thank you
for the
amazing gift
of worship.
Thank you
for inspiring us
to faith,
service, and
acts of mercy.
Thank you
for your
loving compassion
that prompts us
to care
for one another
in your name.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Dear God,

What joy you give us when we spend time with you!  What insight you impart when we are patient and listen!  What faith you build when we lean on you!

Although I came to the desert believing I needed one thing, you showed me what I really needed.  As the Wise One, you asked me to learn the value of bending my will to yours.  As I followed you into the desert, you invited me to sit at the river of living water.  I drank and drank deeply.  You asked me to walk through the valley of crosses, my own and yours.  I found the meaning of grace and redemption.  You challenged me to wander into silence with you.  There I discovered the vast wealth of spiritual riches.  You offered me quiet, gentle, life-stretching exercises that deepened my ability to take risks, look beyond the visible, and experience new vistas of understanding.

I used to think the desert was hostile, empty, and threatening.  I was wrong.  You disclosed the truth to me.  The desert is your dwelling place.  You are there to welcome the lost, the lonely, the fearful, the confused, the sorrowing, the sufferer, the frustrated, the blind, the questioner, and the doubter.  You give hospitality to all.  You teach us.  You embrace us.  You give us peace.  You secure us.  You replenish, renew, and restore us.  You celebrate with us. 

Bending to your will is not difficult when you allow us to gaze upon your kindly brightness, enter into your sacred halls of wisdom, and bask in the light of your goodness.

Holy and Glorious God,
I am full
to overflowing
with praise
and thanksgiving.
Thank you
for allowing me
to wander
and roam
the sacred desert
with you.
Thank you
for your
gracious love
and your
valuable teachings.

Until next time, Andrea

Friday, October 17, 2014

Dear God,

 

Sometimes we cannot get to the water but an open heart, soul, and mind will allow the water to come to us.  As we sit in the dry, dusty desert, we hear and see life all around us.  We say, “Why is not everything dead?”  You say,  “Why would you think it so? My life is always alive in every place and time.  Come, drink and eat with me.  My food and drink will always nourish you back to life.  And while you sup at my table, look around and see.  See what beauty I give you.  When you are lost, look up; I will have my sun lead you by day.  At night my stars will delight in revealing your path.  Come to me, all you who are tired and need rest.  Here in my home, the desert, I will take care of you.”

These words resound in every direction.  Your call and invitation are clear; come to me.  What I have come to understand, as I sit on the red rock hill in the mountain canyon 6500 feet above sea level, is I need the desert.  I need to learn the lessons only the desert can provide.  I need to be empty so I can fill up on you.  I need to be lost so I can find the true way.  I need to be hungry so I can eat the manna that gives life.  I need to be silent so I can hear your living words.  I need to be wanting so I can reflect upon my true nature in you.  I need to be weak and vulnerable so I can discover your great strength.  I need to fear so I can call your name and know the length, height, depth, and width of living faith.

When I sorrow or moan desert living, it is because I do not know the true value of the desert.  When I complain about my ever-present need, it is because I do not know the treasures hidden in the desert.  When I cry out and want my way and resist the desert, it is because I do not know the fullness of life you want to hand to me. 

You drew me to this desert and I am glad, my heart rejoices, and my soul is refreshed.

Wash me

and make me clean,
O Lord.
Forgive me
when I
resist you.
Call me anytime
because as you

are present

to me,

I long

to be present

to you.

Much gratitude, my creator, redeemer, and beloved, Andrea

 

 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Dear God,

At first glance the desert looks bare... of hope, water, and life.  But a closer look reveals a table in the desert.  A table in the desert, who expects a table in the desert?  Those whose eyes are open to your living spirit.  What we see surprises and amazes.

The riches of heaven await those in the desert of their lives.  A table, a feast, riches.  I stumbled upon this wealth just hours after my arrival.  I knew what to expect.  I had been here before, both at this actual desert and during many of my desert days.  Yet, I was amazed by you, Wondrous God, because you take us where we are and remind us the season of transformation is always upon us.

During my time here in the mountain canyon lighted in the early morning by a luminous moon glow, I have eaten of the fruit of your table.  I confess I was hungry when I came.  I longed to be at table with you, not because I was worthy to have a chair there but rather because I knew my deficiency.  I wanted to rid myself of judgment, intolerance, and impatience.  I wanted to surrender so my soul could be filled with spiritual nourishment.  At your table there is plenty to choose from.

When we eat and drink from your living word, our whole being is filled with you.  We eat until full.  Then what do we do next?  We feed one another.  A pilgrim from England is here; she is hungry too.  As I overheard her speak of her daughter who has just left to help out with the Ebola crisis, I told her I would pray for her.  That is what we do when we are full of you.

Loving God,
thank you
for your
tender care
and for
your lavish table.
Feed us
so we
may feed
one another.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Dearest God,

For a long time I have been drawn to silence, not the absence of sound, rather the fullness of spirit.  In silence I find a vast sacred space, one where you dwell to speak, to challenge us in our small, narrow thinking.  When I step into silence, I feel a brush of your spirit wind.  In the vast openness I breathe fresh spirit air, cool, comforting, and calm.  It awakens the spirit within me, drawing me in, welcoming me to stay long.  As the air fills my being, I feel all anxieties, troubles, and worries escape me opening all my senses to your almighty power.  In deep awareness I am conscious of love and mercy but it is always grace that meets me first.  In acknowledgement of this high and holy host, I bow my head down in submission knowing your loving greatness is present.  As I dwell in your dwelling place, I feel the rush of joy and gladness to know I am welcome with every blemish I carry with me.  As I breathe in the silence, I await you, your word, your challenge.

This morning here in the mountain canyon I began reading Henri Nouwen's book entitled, The Way of the Heart.  I was profoundly moved when I read his description of silence.  He says silence does three things.  It makes us pilgrims.  It guards the fire within us.  It teaches us to speak.  Oh, yes, I said to myself as I reread the words again in the dim light.  I held the book close.  The warmth of your spirit filled me as I fell to sleep with these words.

Thank you,
Most Holy God,
for the
wide, open space
of your
living spirit.
Thank you
for your
gracious and loving kindness.
Thank you
for your word
that sometimes comes
through the words
of spiritual mothers
and fathers.
Thank you
for the desert
where meeting you
brings overwhelming joy.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Dear God,

You directed me to the book entitled, Praying with the Desert Mothers, which I began to read after Vigil at 4:00 a.m. at Christ in the Desert Monastery.  The first reflection exercise ushered me back fourteen years as I stayed at the bedside of my mother as she lay dying.  An insight came as I revisited those days.  Tears began to well as I saw more than I saw at the time.  You enlightened me to the gifts given during that stay.  Grace and redemption.

I left the breakfast room where I was reading and walked the short, dark path to the chapel.  There I knelt down, opening myself more fully to you.  While I longed to be here, I came to the awareness that I was not yet ready to travel with you.  But in the kneeling my eyes were opened, my heart was put on alert, and my soul was prepared to hear you speak.

There in the chapel alone I watched scenes in the interior of my mind as I became aware of so many gifts you have given me.  My blessings flooded my mind spilling over into my soul.  Tears streamed down my face as I watched you bring images of grace upon grace.  It was then I spoke.  Lord, you are my sun, the stars, and the moon; you are the air I breathe.  I do not want to waste one moment living life superficially.  I want to walk more fully, more deeply with you.  I want to be yours, wholly yours.

Minutes later when Laud began at 5:45 am the psalms lifted off the pages and they became living words.  Just yesterday they were scriptures to be read but this morning life came into them and into me.  You came to me in a desert canyon and you began the conversation.

Holy God,
your glory
fills me
when I
bow down
and listen.
In the dark,
in the quiet,
in the unexpected,
you came
to me whispering.
My heart
is full
of you,
O Lord.
Open me
to your
living word
that I
may follow
more closely,
love more deeply,
and serve you
without condition.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 13, 2014

Dear God,

We met you in darkness this morning.  Very early we lighted a fire, a fire of your spirit as we read from your word.  "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God."  Your light shone in the starry night, in the roaring fire, and in our hungering souls.  We sat silent letting you speak the words of faith.  You spoke; we listened.

In the midst of the dark morning we began our daily sacred rhythm, the rhythm of faith, the rhythm of love and devotion.  As we prepared our whole selves for the trek to the monastery mountain, we knew we were headed for the light, the light that would challenge, heal, help, and enlighten. 

You called out to me to trust, to follow you, to make a witness to the joy of faith overcoming fear.  As I drove up the mountain, so scary at times I could hardly breathe, I whispered to you, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  All things, all things, all things, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  I knew your gentle embrace.  I knew your power.  I knew your courage, strength, and grace.  I knew you as I offered back the gift you gave me several years ago when I fought my fears through faith and did that which frightened me the most and you were with me...again.

Gentle and Compassionate God,
you are
the power
of faith.
You give us
the ability
to overcome
our fears
as you deepen
our faith
in you
and in ourselves.
You make us ready
to follow
and when
we do,
you give us
the chance
to celebrate,
giving praise
to the
greatest power
on earth.
Thank you,
Majestic God,
for every blessing
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Dearest God,

You bid us come to worship, to be with you, to sing your song, to pray your prayer, to elicit your help, and to offer praise and thanksgiving.  You invite us into your house.  You feed us manna.  You give us living water.  You share your message of hope.  You ask us to join you in praying for those who are burdened down, whose load is heavy, whose sorrow is deep.  You give us peace.

Today we experienced all this at San Francisco de Asis Mission Church in Taos, New Mexico.  It was apparent your people came longing for Jesus.  We did too as we slid into the pew and onto the kneeling bench.  Your kindness and mercy were palpable as we offered one another the peace of Christ.

We fed on your word, taking in every morsel you offered.  We were filled; we were full; we went out returning the favor grateful, grateful indeed.

Holy Father,
make your
presence known
as we gather
as one body.
Teach us
to feed
one another,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Dearest God,

Pilgrimage, a journey to the center of eternity, the place of God, the star of faith.  My covenant group left this morning for our yearly pilgrimage, this time to Christ in the Desert Monastery.  Our hearts were soaring, our souls yearning, our devotion piqued for such a time with you and one another.

As we entered the air space over New Mexico, I thought of you, how many former times I have been led to this place of surrender, worship, silence, grace, and love.  I felt blessed and blessing as I sat with my spiritual friends.

As we renewed our fellowship having been gone from each other for many months, I let my tears of joy overflow remembering your grace to us as a pilgrim group devoted to you, one another, and to the world.

Thank you,
Loving God.
Thank you
for your
living presence
among us.
Thank you
for retreat,
for silence,
and for reflection.
We are open.
We are willing.
We are ready.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, October 10, 2014

Dear God,

Your ways are always better.  As we listen and follow, as we act with faithfulness, we find great delight and joy in every day living.

On my way back from visiting my third daughter and her family, I thought of how you blessed me this week to spend time with each child and their families.  I thought of the ways our love has ebbed and flowed through difficult times, yet, how we have surfaced with new understanding, respect and love for one another.  I realized once again how your faithfulness to us better equips us to move forward in positive and meaningful ways.

Throughout life I have walked my way, decided my way, thought my way, and failed to take into account how your ways are always better.  Soon I discovered my waywardness did not benefit me or others.  I felt shame and sorrow that I opted for my way instead of yours.  This morning I felt only gratitude as I watched the sun rise on another day of opportunity to follow your way.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for directing us
to you.
Thank you
for your compassion
when we walk
our own walk
and then
stumble back
to you.
Thank you
for your
generous welcome home.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Dear God,

Love has such a beautiful way of growing.  It buds and blossoms.  It opens itself fully allowing recipients to see its beauty.  It embraces us with its whole self.

This week I  spent time with grandchildren.  I felt their arms around me showing me the love a grandchild has for a grandparent.  I watched them laugh.  I listened to them share in unique ways.  I saw them build their love one hug, one kiss, one kind word at a time.

As I observe and experience love so freely given by grandchildren, I realize even more how such love is sacred coming straight from your own heart.  I recognize how you desire to grow love in each of us.  I acknowledge love's ability to help and to heal.  I am confounded by love that just naturally touches us and makes a beautiful witness to your agape in this world. 

Thank you,
O Lord,
for your
steadfast love,
for your
loving ways,
and for
sacred love
that moves us
to grow.
Grow us
in love,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Dear God,

Preparing to meet you takes willingness, openness, and desire.  When we decide to take a step in your direction, anything can happen as we allow our longing to become action.

Sometimes we choose to neglect you, to ignore your call to come close.  Sometimes we come haphazard wanting to make a quick visit so we can get on to other things perceived to be more important.  Sometimes we come desperate, clinging like frightened children.  Sometimes we come quietly, reverently, expectantly knowing our time together will be rewarding.

You are God of the call.  You call us daily.  You challenge us to retreat with you.  You whisper words of mercy and compassion.  You remind us to remember faith as the step that draws us close to you.  You teach us to nurture the spiritual life.  You call us by name. 

Loving God,
help us
answer your call.
Guide us
to live life
poised, ready
to greet
and meet you.
Show us
how to
prepare ourselves
like a bride
for her groom.
Move us
to action,
Great God,
so we
will not miss
one moment
with you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Dear God,

Two granddaughters argued over who would greet me first after being gone for three months.  Sophie  said she was going to wait at the top of the stairs to see me first come through the front door.  Stella said she would sit on the bottom step.  Sophie said she would wait on the front porch.  Stella said she would wait at the mailbox.  Sophie said she would wait at the corner.  Stella said she would wait at the front entrance to the addition.  Their mother stopped the argument there.

When I arrived at the Morehead home, I jumped out of the car to embrace both of them.  I wanted to hug and squeeze those girls I have missed so much.  I wanted to kiss their foreheads to make up for lost hugging and kissing opportunities.  I wanted them to know I love them very much.

I loved greeting my grandchildren and having them greet me so enthusiastically.  What a beautiful gift greeting one another with so much love.  What that moment taught me is how you greet us each day of our lives and how you want us to greet you in return.  As we work with faith to fully build our ability to love and be loved, we have an even greater chance to recognize you and your love for us.  What a cause for celebration!

Gracious God,
thank you
for love
and its ability
to stretch
and grow.
Teach us
to love more
and to be
loved more,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 6, 2014

Dear God,

Disappointment causes us to rethink our expectations.  It also reminds us how we can take what we get, look at options, apply faith and then transform ourselves with your grace.

When we spend too much time carrying disappointment, we miss the gifts all around us.  A fall day, the smell of cookies baking, a child's smile, a warm embrace, and hope that awaits us can literally change what is happening to us.  We can focus on the positive, what we have rather than on the negative and what we do not have.  Disappointment can color our thinking and cause us to lose out on other opportunities you have for us.

Today I was disappointed; yet, I trusted you to help me shift my thinking to the challenges the disappointment gave me.  I was so grateful to you.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for the constancy
of your mercy.
Thank you
for gentle reminders
of faith
that give us cause
to celebrate.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to transform ourselves.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Dear God,

Amidst the magnificent colored rolling mountains of Pennsylvania, we had church.  Reminded that worship is important even on the road home, my husband read a couple of devotions and together we sang, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.  O what a foretaste of glory divine, heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his spirit, washed in his blood.  This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior all the day long.  This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior all the day long."

Although we all sing uniquely, lyrics, harmonies, and melodies, still we sing your song when we sing with faith.  You lift up our hearts.  You raise our eyes to heaven.  You inspire us to deepen our love for you and one another.  You challenge us to move from where we are to where you want us to be and as we sing you sing right back.

Eternal God,
your love
never ends.
Thank you
for your song
and the gift
that we can
all sing together.
Mold us
and make us,
O Lord,
in your image.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Dear God,

Mercy, compassion, and forgiveness work every time if only for the one who practices it.  As I watch your spirit work and as I listen and follow your will, I discover the grace in paying attention to your word.

Although at times I resist your efforts on my behalf, this morning I did as you asked.  I followed your asking and the air was cleared.  I even found your light as we left home and traveled toward Indiana.  By the end of the day I realized the value and depth of grace and I was grateful.

Thank you,
Good God,
for the gift
of your grace.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 3, 2014

Dearest God,

One song can change me.  It can stir my heart and call me forward.  It can transform my attitude, making me think about you.

When life is tough, when situations arise, you bring me one song than can help me, rescue me, and strengthen my faith.  When I hear the first note, I know heaven is singing her song.  "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll.  Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul."  After losing all his children to a great storm, in his sorrow and pain Horace Spafford penned this song.  It is my favorite because it has transforming power.

When I daily count my blessings, I think of you, the author of every gift!

Holy God,
giver of gifts
and blessings,
thank you
for your
loving care.
Thank you
for pointing me
in your direction.
I am blessed,
so very blessed.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Dear God,

Thank you for the truth that sets us free.  Thank you for your desire to show us the better way.

We have dear friends in one family who are suffering major difficulties.  The husband has had prostate cancer, melanoma, and currently has stage 4 lymphoma.  The wife has no kidneys, hasn't had for several years and is on dialysis.  The adult daughter needs new kidneys.  Any one of these events could weaken a family; yet, by faith this family lives a pretty normal life.  They are involved in their church, in the community, and in neighbors' lives.  They set a high standard for trusting, moving, and living their faith.

I love this family, Lord, and I pray for their healing.

Thank you,
Kind God,
for faith
that makes
a difference.
Thank you
for friends
that glow
with your light.
Thank you
for their determination,
love, and help.
Thank you
for truth
that can
set us free
for yet
another day.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Dear God,

Your power is greater than any other power that can tempt and seduce the human soul.  When we find ourselves in difficult situations that call for a choice and a decision, yours is the power that can help and save us.

As I consider those around me who decide to say no to poor choices, I am emboldened in my own faith to follow your will for my life.  When I see how others stretch and grow turning away from that which can debilitate, destroy, or harm, I am challenged to do the same.

For the most part I know when I am tempted to fall prey to something that will hurt me or others.  That awareness is faith at its best.  When the bell goes off, I realize you are calling me to turn away, to trust, and to grab for the higher value.  You save me at just the right time.  Thank you.

Your power
is mighty
and strong,
Gracious God.
Thank you
for assisting us
in our choices
and our decisions.
Thank you
for your
saving power.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Dear God,

Just as you hold our past, you hold our future.  As we make our way in life, you accompany us through all the transitions.  You urge us to grow and realize our potential.  You ask us to take steps toward fulfilling your will for our lives.  You remind us to look and listen, knowing we are in your care.

Today as I cleaned and cleared the basement and shed, I sighed recognizing how cluttered life can become.  When we allow unnecessary things to enter into our soul, they rattle around until we do something about them.  Because you know the effect such things can have on our well being, you teach us to trust you to help us rid ourselves of them.  You give us tools, a broom, a cloth, and a trash bag so we can clean our souls, surrender our stuff, and bag them up so you can renew, restore, and refresh us.

Teach us
to trust you,
O Lord.
Show us how
to clear
the way
for renewal,
restoration, and refreshment.
Let your
spirit blow
new air
into us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea