Friday, January 30, 2015

Dear God,

How do we maintain a steady spiritual sense, O Lord, if we do not begin with you early in the morning and conclude our day with you at night?  When we haphazardly throw up prayers without any real connection to eternity's hope, how can we expect to touch holy things and know that is what is happening?

When we pray first thing, we open ourselves to a vast network of angels, saints, and sacred mystery.  When we listen, really listen, we can begin to hear the sounds of heaven.  When we bow down, humbling ourselves to the Holy of Holies, we clear ourselves of needless debris and roadblocks.  We prepare ourselves to meet our maker.  When we step on holy ground, we know that we know that we know you are uniquely with us.

As we wrap up our day with you, we end where we began at your side.  You and we know the joys and celebrations of the day and we know the failings and shortcomings together.  We have the privilege of touching hands and hearts and it is only then grace puts us to bed.

Holy God,
Maker of All That Is,
thank you
for the joy
of being known
by you.
Thank you
for kindnesses
beyond the kind
of care
we know
on earth.
Thank you
for early beginnings
and late night endings.
You are a most wondrous God!

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Dear God,

When my covenant group member called for silence, you drew me to the desert once again.  There I heard the words, "Oh, the sweetness of grace."  For several minutes of silence, the words swirled around in my head.  I didn't realize then how soon that grace would spill over onto me.

Today my daughter and I got together one month after a huge rolling ball of misunderstanding, emotions, and hysteria struck our family.  No one could make sense of it but everyone got caught up in it.  Sadness, doubt, and anger filled the air creating a dark cloud.  Until today.  My daughter reached out.  She was ready.  I had been waiting.  We got together.  We talked.  We cleared up matters.  Insights came.  Your hand was at work.  We both said so.  Grace came.

Anything is possible when we open our eyes to faith.  When we listen to the sounds of heaven, we hear a different song than the one we are singing.  We see a different picture than the only one we have been seeing for a long time.  We breathe in the fresh air of grace and everything looks different.  We see what you have been trying to show us.  And we are blessed, really blessed.

Blessed God,
thank you
for merciful compassion.
Thank you
for your patience
and understanding.
Thank you
for time
to reflect,
to step
toward you,
and to listen
to the facts
as you
see them.
Thank you
for forgiveness.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Dear God,

A story of grace, any story can become a story of grace.  Sometimes we only know the story by one title.  It may be a story of injustice; it may be filled with anger, resentment, and bitterness but when your hand brushes against the picture, it can become something more.  This morning the Master taught me this lesson.

Sometimes we are blinded to the whole story preferring to hear only the part of the story that touches us a particular way.  We may cling to the story and keep it alive long after it should have faded, fizzled out.  We may repeat it again and again so we can keep the fire fueled inviting others to get riled up like us.  Or we can give the story to the Master.

I have been guilty of repeating my own story because I simply could not surrender it.  By holding onto it, I kept myself raw.  Even when healing had begun and I saw evidence of scarring over, I would rake my hands across it opening the wound, allowing it to fester one more time.  I missed the Master's touch.

True healing comes from you, Comforting God; you desire to heal us from the inside out.  When we trust you, when we let go, when we say I can't do this anymore, we free ourselves up for your work to begin.  And you do, yes, you do.

Work your will
on us,
Merciful God.
Even when
we fail
to follow,
call us back.
Teach us
your way.
Thank you
for your
loving compassion
and for grace
that can retell
our story
from your view.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Dear God,

Any time can be a holy time, a holy moment when you are present.  Listening to Christmas music, with a candle burning, Christmas tree in the corner still twinkling after two months, writing, reading my bible and working on a quilt project created a place of your holy movement today.  I had just moved into the living room and sat down when Susan Boyle came on the CD player and began singing The Lord's Prayer.  All of a sudden everything went still around me as I heard anew the prayer you taught your disciples.  Although I have repeated that prayer in worship many, many times, tears welled in my eyes as I pondered the beauty and the power of your prayer.  You let it soak into my own spirit filling my soul with the wonders of faith.

More and more you guide us toward sacred sounds and scenes.  You want us close.  You want to get our attention so you can speak to us right where we are.  When we are down, you want to lift us up.  When we are arrogant, you want to humble us.  When we are confused, you want to clear our minds.  When we are afraid, you want to give us peace.  When we are despairing, you want to provide us hope.  When we doubt, you want to strengthen our resolve.  When we feel unloved, you want to embrace us with the merciful love of heaven.  When we are empty, you want to fill us with your all in all.

Loving Father,
thank you
for holy moments.
Thank you
for faith awareness
that keeps us
in touch
with you.
Thank you
for lovely gestures
of faith
that inspire,
teach,
and challenge us.
Receive my thanksgiving
and praise,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 26, 2015

Dear God,

A solitary bird sang.  I could not see the little creature but I heard his bird song over and over.  It seemed as if he was trying to get my attention so I just listened and appreciated his melodious offering.

Little surprise happenings occur around us all the time, many of them unnoticeable if our minds and hands are busy with other things.  They seek to bless us, a simple gesture, an unexpected kindness, a colorful sunset, an honest prayer, a hope expressed, a warm embrace, on and on they go every day.  When we tune ourselves to your coming, we are blessed to see you.

Come, Holy Spirit, come,
visit us
with your
living presence.
Cause us
to pause
and take in
the wonder
of your glory.
Make us
willing recipients
so we
may become
a surprise happening
for someone else.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Dear God,

"Because He lives..." the piano played out as we filed into the sanctuary for worship.  Because he lives, I thought to myself, we can face tomorrow.  Because he lives, we can live in hope.  Because he lives, peace is possible.  Because he lives, we have a divine companion who can guide our way and the way of all others.  Because he lives, we can smile knowing there is a power greater than our own driven by love so deep.  Because he lives, we do not have to be afraid.  Because he lives...we can live.

One song in church on Sunday morning is enough to lead us to faith.  It can buoy us up.  It can give us courage and strength.  It can clear our minds, wash away bitter thoughts, and restore our equilibrium.  One song can make us new, transforming us.  One song.

You fill us
to the brim
on Sunday mornings,
Lord;
we never
know how
or when.
What gifts
you give us
when our hearts
are open
and our eyes
are ready
to see.
We are blessed,
Great One,
by your hand
time and time again.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Dearest God,

As we worked, we heard the sound of church bells.  We paused and listened.  Church bells, the sound of faith, of your living presence, and merciful love for all people.

Ten years ago I made a fresh trek of faith with you.  Awarded a sum of money for a clergy renewal leave, I traveled for three and a half months.  During that time I heard the sound of church bells pealing in New Mexico, France, Italy, and England.  Seemingly everywhere I turned, I heard the sound of church bells.  My heart and soul drew in the sound allowing it to stir and inspire me to faith.  I welcomed those bells because daily my faith grew.  I felt your wondrous love.  I knew your grace.

Church bells motivate us to stop, to consider your compassion for weary souls, to receive the fresh blessing of mercy, and to step into the future with hope, peace, and joy.

Thank you
for unwarranted gifts.
Nothing we do
makes us worthy
of such love;
yet, Father,
you give them.
Make us
worthy recipients
of grace
so we
may ring bells
of faith
for others.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 23, 2015

Dear God,

An overhaul, my friend and I are doing an overhaul of a 1940's house she recently bought.  We walked through and determined what needed to be done, tearing out three closets, rolling up carpet and pad in one room,  taking up the carpet pad staples and wood strips in three rooms, removing all hardware from the walls, doors, and windows, ripping out the old vinyl tub and shower enclosure pulling up linoleum in the bathroom, and sweeping up.  A dirty, hard job but we went right to work accomplishing everything.

On the way home I realized the hard work you must have to do on human beings.  You do the work of renovation every day for human souls need a lot of work.  Sometimes we need a complete overhaul like the old house.  Although it is pain-staking work, it is vital to our well being and the world around us.  When we are broken down and in disrepair, we are not very effective in our relationships, our work, or our service.  However, once renovated and cleaned up, we become beautiful, useful, and faithful.  With new lives we can shine for you.

Holy God,
Worker of Human Souls,
thank you
for your
generous kindness.
Thank you
for your work
on us.
Thank you
for signs
of faith
at work
right in
our midst.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Dear God,

The sounds of Christmas continue to ring out in our house.  Christmas music plays while LED lights twinkle in the living room.  Our real Christmas tree bedecked with whimsical and meaningful ornaments still standing two months later warms the living room.  Angels on the mantle still look up at the wood carving of Joseph and the baby Jesus.  New birth, new life, love, peace, and joy sing out every day right here in our home.  Faith is ever present and why not?

I cling to the holiday season because it is rich and wondrous.  I don't look at it in terms of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.  I gaze upon the tenets of faith.  I think about the valuable meaning of Jesus, a redemption baby, the best gift of all.  I think about music, its hopeful words and beautiful melodies.  I think about love and grace and how they influence us, making us more peaceful, joyous, and giving.  I think about family and friends and the gifts they are to us.  I think about you and how you are at the heart of the season.  I fill with gratitude during the season remembering all your good gifts.  Christmas makes me want to be a better person, a better wife and mother, a better Christian, faith-filled and faithful to love and serve the world.

As I pause before the holy nativity specially placed on my coffee table-turned altar, I think of you and I want to worship, praise, and adore.  May I?

Holy God,
thank you
for the season
of faith.
Thank you
for all
who say YES
to you.
Thank you
for your
continuing invitation.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Dear God,

Your will be done.  Surely there are no sweeter words to your ears than these.  Your will be done, O Lord, as it is in heaven.

So often we want our own way.  We envision our lives a particular way.  We plan our lives for the future without considering what you may want for us.  When we come up short, we blame you for not taking care of us.  We complain, moan, and groan about life in general.  We forget our plans did not include you.

On the other hand, when we want your will above all else, we kneel before you.  We ask for your guidance.  We listen for your voice, your direction.  When the prompt comes, we act on it trusting you to lead us into the future or at least the present moment.  We accompany you on the journey knowing your desire is for us to walk with you, talk along the way, laugh and cry together, and celebrate our many arrivals.  Along the way we pick up hope, peace, joy, grace, and compassion.  When our greatest desire is you, our greatest triumphs are exquisite faith moments.

Thank you,
Kind God,
for wanting us
to be near you.
Thank you
for your invitation.
Teach us
to want you first.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Dearest God,

Your best gift to us is love.  Love warms the heart and binds people together.  Love heals and mends whatever is broken.  Love breaks the power of sin and gives second chances.  Love includes, accepts, and draws in.  Love forgives.  Love offers hope, peace, and joy.  Love builds faith and gives strength.  Love teaches, turns us around, and makes things beautiful.

Your love melts the human heart.  When we feel loved by you, anything seems possible.  The ground under our feet feels steady and strong.  Courage emerges and we feel powerful enough to risk, to change, and to move forward in life no matter the circumstances.  Your love overwhelms and springs forth like a never-ending fountain.  All we want to do is sing your praise.

Loving God,
thank you
for your
many acts
of love.
Thank you
for including all,
even me.
Thank you
for love
that can spread
like wildfire.

Yours forever, Andrea

Monday, January 19, 2015

Dear God,

There is something wild and wonderful about worship.  We step inside, take a seat in the sanctuary, and pray a little prayer.  During the next hour your living spirit invades our soul, warms our heart, and deepens our spirit.  Sometimes you change our grumpy disposition or at least shift our thinking.  At times you melt the hardness of our heart and grant us forgiveness.  Almost always your mercy is at work giving release, adding relief to weary souls.  By the time we stand up to leave, we discover we have less of something that holds us down and more of something that lifts us up.

Mystical moments of worship remind us you are a living God not just someone who lived in the past and did good deeds.  They reveal your desire to touch us right where we are.  They teach us to stretch beyond where we are so we can walk into the future with faith alive and living.  They give us cause to pause, to count our blessings, and give thanks.  All in all, they change us in some small or large way and wonder of wonders, they bring glory into our space where everything looks just a bit different because we have settled with you for an hour.

Blessed be your name,
O Lord.
Thank you
for reflective moments
of worship.
Make us worthy
of your kindness
so we
can praise you,
live faith-filled lives,
and reach out
to our neighbor
with love,
mercy, and service.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Dear God,

Today we gather from far and near to worship you.  We come together to fellowship, to give, to serve, to smile and hug, to pray, and give praise.  It is Sunday, the special day of the week when we want to give back, to pay it forward, to forgive, and to welcome your spirit alive in our midst.

It is the first day of the week, a day to honor and celebrate faith and its marvelous benefits.  As we sing your song, hear your word, pray your prayer, and minister to one another, we see your face, we hear your voice, we feel your touch, we are inspired, and we are strengthened to go out into the world to be kind and merciful, to share what we have, and to make offerings to good will toward all.

Sunday is always a gift and a blessing.  It is a time to be with you together.  As we live in love in worship, we are blessed to be a blessing to others.

May we
glorify your name
in worship,
O Lord.
May we share
our stories
of faith,
mercy, and grace.
May we bless
one another
because you
bless us.
Thank you,
Blessed God,
for Sunday.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Dear God,

Whenever we lose our focus on you, our troubles grow.  Our worries and anxieties increase.  Our joy fades and peace is hard to come by.  But when we lift our eyes to the heavens, we find strength in our trouble. Peace helps us overcome our worries and anxieties.  Joy returns because we find our hope in you.  Faith makes all this possible.

Our blessings multiply when we trust in you.  We may still have difficulties because life is not perfect.  We do not receive everything we want.  Yet, in the midst of adversity, faith gives us all we need to move through the situations that confront us.

Sometimes we forget just how near you are.  We imagine you far away.  Even though spiritual drought may strike, we know that we know that we know your love never ends.  You never abandon us.  You do not turn your back on us.  We are your first love because you made us with a part of yourself.  Such love moves us to our knees in prayer enabling us to give praise to our Maker.

Thank you,
Merciful God,
for lessons
of faith.
Always show us
the way home.
Renew our faith
so we
may trust you
more fully.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 16, 2015

Dear God,

Your word reminds us of your many gifts.  St. Paul told Timothy, his son in faith, "God's Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control."  Such reminders speak to us when we forget or lose our way.

Power, you give us power to use for good, to overcome, to conquer, to assist, and to help us serve others.  We can share power to work together so we can celebrate what you have done for us together.  Love, oh, what we can do with love.  We can mend relationships.  We can heal.  We can warm hearts and souls.  We can fill empty vessels.  We can affirm, strengthen, and empower others with love.  We can forgive, offer grace, and restore human lives.  Self-control gives us the ability and capacity to be patient, useful, and focused.  It can also direct us in decision making, building strong foundations of faith, and inspiring us to be understanding.  All three gifts can transform, make new, and provide peace for every day living.

Holy God,
thank you
for teaching us
life lessons
of faith.
Help us become
good beneficiaries
of your
wondrous gifts.
Point us
to you
so we
can learn
at your feet.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Dear God,

One more day to tell your story, to speak of faith, and to celebrate the working of grace.  What a privilege it is to share your mercy with the world.

For years we have prayed seeking your help and guidance.  We asked for change, a real transformation in our family.  We longed for a healing.  We always thought our prayers would effect an alteration in others.  Much to our surprise (but not really) you inspired a change in us.  You worked on us, in our hearts, actions, and behaviors.  You invited us into yourself and there you softened our hearts.  You worked on our thoughts and beliefs asking us to shift our focus and perspective.  You washed our souls and healed our wounds.  You made us ready for the working of your spirit.  When the time was right, you began to heal our family, one person at a time.  It's baby steps but we see your spirit at work and we are so very, very grateful.

Master Working God,
your living spirit
is always
at work
within us.
You seek
to heal us
from the
inside out.
You take
our raw flesh
in your hands
and your
healing power
renews and restores us.
We are filled
with gratitude
for your
amazing love.

Yours forever, Andrea

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Dear God,

There is so much brokenness in our world, O Lord.  No matter which direction we look, we see trouble, pain, and suffering.  Worry, anxiety, and fear can grab hold of us leaving us paralyzed, unable to function.  The paralysis can lead us to hopelessness and despair.  Without hope it is difficult to live in faith.

In a world of chaos we can lose our footing.  We can feel unsafe and maybe we are in some way; yet, there is a place in our soul where no terrorist can take hold, where no one can rob or corrupt.  It is the place of peace where you reside. 

Hope is your business, O God.  You infuse us with hope when we trust even a tiny bit.  When we give you some part of our self in prayer, you whisper words of hope to us.  You help us rest easier.  You give us the breath of life.

Show us
the way
to peace
for all
earth's inhabitants.
Teach us
your way,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Dear God,

A time apart, your own son took time apart, apart from work, duty, home, and responsibility but not time apart from you.  Such time is time to journey with you, to be watchful of your spirit, to be quiet and listen, to reflect and give thanks, to learn, to pray, and to live in faith. 

These last few days tucked away in a cabin on a lake in Hueston Woods remind me of Jesus’ time away.  I realize your intention is for us to strengthen our resolve and our commitment to faith, to love, and to charity just like Jesus.  You want us to pause, to be willing to step away from what is familiar and predictable, and to clear our minds of too many things.  You know the hours and days will bring relief from tension and worry.  You want us to surrender whatever troubles our soul so you can fill us with hope and peace.  You ask us to trust you more deeply; such time can bring us to greater knowledge and understanding and even to holiness.

 As I sit in the sweet peace of your love, I want only to keep saying thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gracious and Merciful God,

thank you

for the gift

of life.

Thank you

for time

with you

and all

the gifts

that come with it.

My heart is full

of gratitude

and appreciation.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 12, 2015

Dear God,

The words are like a warm fire in my soul.  Why now?  The desert stirred something inside me.  A door opened and stayed open.  I began to read your Word like never before.  I found wisdom, knowledge, and life there.  At age 68 I found a new best friend in Holy Scripture.

You constantly amaze me.  Your mercy flows like an ever-flowing fountain.  Your grace is always available.  Your challenge is like an invitation to purpose, faith, and joy.  Your living presence engages us daily allowing us to live in a living relationship with you.  You whisper to us, nudge us in new directions, and applaud our efforts even when we stumble or even fail.  You help us back up and strengthen our resolve to follow you in unfamiliar territory.  You open new worlds to us and welcome us in.  You do all this for each one of us.

As this
new year unfolds,
teach us
to follow willingly.
Guide us
on the journey
of life.
Put faith
within us
again and again.
Make us witnesses
for your love
in the world,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Dearest God,

The dark quiet opens up wide spaces of your spirit.  In the early morning when people and technology sleep, your spirit has opportunity to speak, to sing even.  You make space in our hearts and souls for your word, your life, and your presence.  When we silence ourselves and give way, we dance together the dance of faith.

There is no better time to be alone and together than the hours before the sun peeks its head over the horizon.  You offer us time to cleanse, unclutter, reflect, meditate, love, and pray.  You speak to us of divine matters.  You nudge us toward hope and peace; in doing so, you strengthen our faith.  Little by little or lot by lot, you build our relationship with you.

As I walked down the dark hall from the bedroom to the kitchen, my attention was piqued by the twinkling lights in front of the house and those on the patio.  Each tiny light reminds me of the Light of the World, the one whose light never fades or goes out.  I watch because I want to be filled with that kind of light that warms the soul and shines for the world.

In the dark I can see the light so well and it speaks to me of you.

Loving God,
thank you
for the light
of faith.
Thank you
for brightening
dark days.
Thank you
for grace
that comes early
in the morning.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 16, 2013

Dearest God,

I believe the greatest challenge in human living is to daily discover the wondrous signs and symbols of the divine.  As we anticipate your living presence, we live expectantly anticipating your nearness.   We go about our daily routine knowing we will see evidence of your coming, not that you are ever far away.  Every day we hone our skills of communication, wonder, and faith.  It is quite an exciting adventure knowing there is more than what we see, taste, touch, hear, or smell.

Today I became very aware of your presence as my husband and I talked about the reasons why we love our Maine home.  We love its history, its oldness, its windows, its creaky floors and musty basement.  While we love all of that, it was when we walked into the front room that a precious mystery unfolded.  "Look in this room, who do you see in here?"  I asked him.  Although we were alone, he knew what I was asking.  "Your grandmother, my mother, Uncle Ernest, Gene Branning, Susan Of.'s Aunt Mary, my grandparents..."  We walked through the house both with our feet and our minds and named people whose furniture, mementos, and worldly possessions we now enjoy in our old home.  Suddenly we saw generations of loved ones that no longer brighten our lives with their physical presence but rather with a spiritual presence contained in memories with the items they used daily in their own homes.  We saw our home full of those we have loved most.

As I continue to reflect upon our experience together in the front room of our home, I realize how you want to give us so much more than what we get daily.  There is an unseen world you want to open to all of us as we anticipate your presence every moment of the day.  You want to reveal the mysteries of creation to us.  As we walk with you trusting, you lead us to awe, wonder, mystery, and spirit and we are blessed, so very, very blessed.

Loving God,
thank you!
Thank you
for teaching us
to consider
your power,
your mystery,
and your love.
Thank you
for the
daily pilgrimage
that always
leads us
to you.
There is
not enough
hours in
the day
to praise you
for your kindness
and generosity.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Dearest God,

Moments of the holy appear out of nowhere.  They come and bless, give hope and heal, and remind us you are ever present in every day life.

That simple red cardinal flying across the wintry white landscape was a such a moment of the holy, beauty too.  I was taken aback, stopped in my tracks because it seemed the cardinal's message was a divine message.  Stop, pause, reflect, think, celebrate, give thanks, and praise.  And so I did.

You give us daily reminders of your life in us.  You show us the way home, home to the sacred divine.  You provide us moments of peace in hectic days, hope for when we feel hopeless or distressed, and bits of joy even when our situation is void of such a thing.  But more importantly, you give us visible and audible signs of your living, loving presence in the now, today.

Help us
live more
in faith,
Holy God;
teach us how
to see
in the darkness.
Show us
the light.
Let it reflect
your presence
so we may
draw near.
Make us
a witness
to your
extraordinary grace.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 9, 2015

My dearest God,

A red cardinal flying across the white backdrop of a snowy winter landscape gave me pause to remember your many gifts at Christmas, not just on December 25 but weeks before and after.  My sister Debi's unexpected visit, a Christian-Muslim memorial service for a fallen humanitarian, a golden angel atop the church Christmas tree, Betty J, a surprise visitor at the Christmas Eve service, a covenant group dinner and sharing spiritual miracles around the dining room table, a three-day visit with Jan, my dear sister in Christ, the Christmas cantata, Jesus and his father Joseph, angels before the Christ, the home-made paper manger scene, a gift from Lucy, Stella, and Rylan, my grandson Ryan and his baby girl Cali cooing in the chair, sacred murmurings of the Holy One, the lighted Christmas tree in the early morning hours, outdoor Christmas lights on the front porch, mass at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, the Christmas story, the beautiful brown-haired angel in the blue and silver dress with silver wings on my altar, the open bible, and the nativity scene inside the nave at the St. Benedictine monastery.  So many gifts, so very many gifts.

Holy and Wonderful God,
thank you
for awing me
with your grace.
Thank you
for signs
and sounds
of your
lovely spirit.
Thank you
for the
Christmas telling
one more time.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Dear God,

I gave up New Year's resolutions a long time ago.  They rarely ever work.  However, this morning three things came to me that I want to commit my life to in this new year.  I want to see more through the eyes of faith.  I want to be full of gratitude.  I want to be more faithful.

In the busyness of life, I frequently forget about seeing life through the eyes of faith.  But isn't that what you do when you look at each of your children?  Surely, you look beyond our scars and imperfections.  You see someone we can't truly see without faith. 

I am not always filled with gratitude.  I am not grateful for injustice, disappointments, and hurts; yet, you have shown me how even in these are gifts and valuable lessons.  When I alert my heart to gratitude, I find the treasure in all things. 

And finally, I am not always faithful.  I am not even faith-full.  I don't always want to practice faith because I am selfish, foolish, and arrogant.  STOP, you say.  Look deep, deeper yet.  Faith is deeper that selfishness, foolhardiness, and arrogance.  Faith is part of your DNA.  It lives and breathes.  Faith is never gone even when it is not presently practiced.  I know this to be true.  At the deepest level of my life is faith.  At times it is a dying ember, at other times a raging fire but it is always alive. This year I want to give in to the raging fire more often, more consistently, and more passionately.

For you, Lord, for you,
I want to see more through the eyes of faith.
I want to be full of gratitude.
I want to be more faithful,
for you, Lord, for you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Dear God,

Ordinary things can speak extraordinary messages.  You can take a simple object and use it to speak to us of faith.

So often we look for you in the big things.  We wait expectantly for miracles, healings, and answers to prayer and we are disappointed.  But in our anxious waiting we miss the extraordinary happenings of the day.  We fail to experience the wonders unfolding before us.

Yesterday you spoke through a beautiful 12" angel that sits on my altar in the living room.  My coffee table turned altar during the season of Christmas and Epiphany is frequently a place where divine activity takes place.  This morning when my covenant group shared from our homes due to the cold and distance, I sat in front of the altar.  As I shared where you were alive in my life, the angel caught my attention.  As I looked at her, I saw how her eyes were fixed on the light of the candle.  The flicker of light and shadow reminded me how human angels often direct us to your light.  They take no glory for themselves but rather point us to the glory of faith. I was warmed by the angel, my faith was strengthened, and I felt more peace as I allowed her and the conversation to take me directly to you and I was grateful.

Dearest God,
thank you
for the
little things
that point us
to you.
Thank you
for faith
that comes
to life
as we
draw a breath
of divine air.
Thank you
for kindness
that shows us love
all day long.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Dear God,

Epiphany, one of my favorite days of the year!  Epiphany, the journey of seekers to the manger.  Epiphany, the call to faith for anyone who desires a new look at the savior.  Epiphany, the time to give gifts to the One whose love for us is greater than all love elsewhere. Epiphany, now.

Something happens to us when we lay eyes on the savior.  Something stirs inside us, warming our hearts and filling our souls with a mysterious glory.  We blink our eyes in disbelief.  We listen and wait for something to break the silence.  We think it can't be possible that this holy one would appear before us because it is like nothing else we know.  When we realize the truth of this great gift, nothing can dissuade us from emptying our hearts at the foot of the manger.

Wondrous God,
star of night,
thank you
for the
awesome gift
of your spirit.
Thank you
for the story
of the
wise ones
who came searching
for you.
Thank you
for the miracle
of faith
that invites us
to come too.
What I have
to give
is so minute;
yet, it is
the best
I have.
I give you
my love
and my devotion.

Forever yours, Andrea

Monday, January 5, 2015

Dear God,

What is it about us that motivates you to put Christ within us?  We are not free from sin.  More often than not we are distracted rather than focused on you.  We give allegiance to so many other gods.  We are selfish, self-centered, and egotistical.  Why would you entrust us with the holy?

This morning I read St. Paul's letter to the Colossians and I heard him say, "Christ is in you, which means that you will share the glory of God."  We are such imperfect specimens of the holy; yet, you choose to put your glory inside us.  That should knock us to our knees.  It should inspire us to clean up our vessel so nothing but the pure will be inside us.  It should overwhelm us with gratitude that we can't stop saying thank you.

As I consider the gift of your blessed glory, I realize you want us to wear the glory and radiate it to the world around us.  You want us to let the glory light warm, heal, and help others.  You want us to be intentional partners recognizing you can pull that glory from us at any time.  You want us to sit, walk, serve, and dance in the puddle of your glory so we might once again understand the height, width, and depth of your love.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for sharing
your glory
with us.
Thank you
for every gift
that comes
from your glory.
Make us
sacred vessels
dedicated to
your will
and your purpose,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Dear God,

The new day awaits, the first Sunday in January, the day of worship, Holy Communion, time to set my internal clock to your time, wash my clothes in the river of faith, and make ready to meet the father of creation.  I have time and permission to set aside my fears, confess my sins, and open my soul to the workings of your living spirit.  In three hours I will enter the holy of holies, greet my brothers and sisters in faith, sing praises to you, pray prayers of thanksgiving, listen to your word, eat and drink from your table, strengthen my faith, breathe in your hope and peace, and then go out to bless the world with your light.

All these are gifts of your spirit.  Why would anyone sing praise unless they knew you?  Why would anyone want to eat and drink from a stranger's table? Why would anyone breathe in your hope and peace unless they knew the author of such mystical offerings?

Thank you for the weekly practice of worship and the gathering of the saints with seekers like myself.

You are worthy
of our adoration,
Most High God.
Thank you
for the
mystical movement
of your spirit.
Thank you
for worship,
a time
like no other.
May we
bless you today.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Dear God,

Your word gives faith.  Your spirit lifts the words off the page, allows them to breathe, to dance, and to sing.  Your word gives life.

Never before have I sought to live inside your word.  I am sorry to say I let days, weeks, and months go by without sitting with your word.  I prepared sermons, used scripture to comfort the weary, and wove the biblical texts into retreats.  But I rarely took time to sit at your feet, to read, to pause, to listen, and to savor your written word.  A trip to the mountain stirred something within me.  I longed for your word and you spoke to my heart.

As I read the letters of St. Paul, I am enabled to step inside this man of God.  I get to accompany him on his journey of faith.  I see his own longing and desire to follow you.  I allow my own spirit to rejuvenate, to revel in the fountain of living water, and to sing and dance with those whose faithfulness emerged as they walked among the faithful.  Above all, I am invited to tarry with you, to see and hear the sights and sounds of faith, and to bend low, shake off my sin, and rise in newness of life.

Holy God,
my heart
is full
of gratitude.
No one gives
like you.
Make me
a vessel
of faith,
let your light
shine through me,
and permit me
to become
a living word
for you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 2, 2015

Dear God,

Outside the living room window the old maple tree reaches tall toward the heavens.  Every branch leans toward the light while its roots dig deeper into the nutrient-rich soil finding water and food.  Each year the tree grows bigger and seemingly more healthy, free from disease and insects.  It is home to birds, squirrels, and even humans who lean against its trunk enjoying the shade it offers.

What a wonderful metaphor for the spiritual life!  Do we reach toward heaven, toward the light of faith?  Do we dig our roots deep in search of living water?  Do we eat regularly from the table, enjoying the benefits of the bread of life?  Are we free of unhealthy habits because we spend time with the creator who offers us ways to grow and remain healthy in spirit?  Do we provide shelter from the storms to others who are bent low?

Thank you
for visible signs
of your handiwork.
Thank you
for challenging us
to consider faith
and how
to live
a faith-filled life.
Make us all
we can become
in this
new year,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Dear God,

You set aside the month of December.  You said let me lead this month.  You whispered words of encouragement and hope.  You gave direction.  You guided me through halls of shadows.  You shined your light.  You helped me emerge into January with faith sustained. 

Who cares for us more than you?  Who can see into the future knowing the trials and temptations that wait to befall us?  Who has the capability and capacity to fill us with every gift of the spirit?  None but you, Lord, none but you.

As this new year begins help us remember your sustaining power.  Help us recall your past work in our lives.  Help us give thanks for challenges and helps given all year long.  Help us rejoice in our victories and give thanks for the lessons learned in 2014.  Help us build strength for every difficulty we will face in the future.  In this new year help us reach out, to be enablers of faith, to offer hope and comfort, to live in truth and confidence, and to shine the light of Jesus in joy and thanksgiving.

Praise be to you,
Holy God,
for you
are worthy
of our praise.
May we
bless you
this new year
with joy
and glory
from on high.
Be blessed,
Giving God,
be blessed
by the love
of your people.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Dear God,

Imagine the light close to your heart; let it warm your soul filling every crack and crevice of your body.  Breathe in the light until it fills you so every breath out will be a breath of light.  On this last day of the old year our covenant group breathed in, one of us in Springfield, Illinois, one in Ridgeville, Indiana, and two of us in a car in the parking lot of the monastery.  During our devotion in our conference call you warmed our souls allowing the light to invade every dark corner until the overfilling spread from us to the world around us.

Your desire to dwell as the light in every person on the planet fills us with joy.  We can look at the light.  We can gaze for hours in the light.  We can crawl into the light, dance, and play in the light.  But the light itself is always flamed by your hand.  When that light dwells within us, we are indeed warmed to the DNA cell. 

What do we have if we do not have the indwelling of light?  A soul is dark without light.  A body is not fully well and functioning without the light.  A mind cannot work without light.  When the light comes on, when it comes inside, when it shines and radiates its glow, we come alive, like the dead rising from its grave.

As we considered the light and how it has shined in our lives this last year, we paused, gave thanks, and sang, "Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding guide us to thy perfect light."

Holy Light of Heaven,
what blessing
you give us
when you allow
your light
to invade
and pervade
our souls.
Thank you
for warmth
in the cold,
for light
in the dark,
for hope
in fear.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Dear God,

We fall at your feet when we feel helpless, desperate.  We meet a lot of people there, hoping, praying, and pleading for their loved ones and themselves. 

A children's hospital is filled with praying mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends.  They beg for safe surgeries, for riddance of cancerous tumors and complete healing.  They ask for help to wait for long hours and to remain at the edge instead of tipping over and falling forever.  They pray for comfort, peace, and above all, hope.

Because you are gentle and kind, tender-hearted and compassionate, we all come to you full of need and desire to change our situation.  We come because we have no where else to go and because your love calls us, deep and abiding love that wants to hold each of us, to murmur encouragement, and to strengthen faith and courage for the living of each day.

There at your feet we found solace as we left eight-year-old Gracie in your hands.

Heavenly Father,
there is
no comfort
like yours.
There is
no peace
like yours.
There is
no hope
like yours.
Thank you
for inviting us in
and allowing us
to remain
at your feet.

Love, Andrea