Friday, February 27, 2015

Dear God,

I listened to the lonely bird call, the sound of a solitary bird crying out in the cold.  I always thought birds had partners to whom they could call, play, and mate.  But there was only one call.

More and more I realize you want us to have partners in faith.  You want us to call out to one another when life becomes challenging.  You want to provide us a community of faith where we are enabled to call and someone will respond but also you want others to call out and you give us the opportunity to answer that call. 

When I pause to think, to reflect upon the various calls in my own life, I see some of the faces of those who responded to me, who helped lift me up, and who set my feet on solid ground.  From the time I was very young, you have put people in my path who touched and inspired me, who made a difference, and who challenged me to make faith my power source.  I am grateful.

Compassionate God,
thank you
for those
who say YES
to the call
for help.
Thank you
for those
who have
blessed me
with faith-filled help.
Thank you
for the power
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Dear God,

Remembering our blessings and giving thanks.  Those words popped into my head as I considered our time together.  On any given day we may want to complain that something is not the way we want it.  We can become obsessed with our doubt and dilemma.  We may blame and judge others for our curse; yet, you remind us to count our blessings and give thanks.

Sometimes life is extremely difficult and painful.  We may even believe we are in a dark hole that will suck us downward for an eternity.  We will see no way out.  We may grow hopeless and resigned.  It is in that moment you speak to us reminding us you are with us in our black hole, in our hopeless and resignation.  You promise to be with us wherever we are.  That is when hope has a chance.

When we face challenges and grow weary, there are those moments when we depart from you.  We decide to go out on our own.  In some crazy way we think we can handles things alone.  It isn't long before we realize just how lonely a solo act can be.  When we stand at the crossroads wondering what to do, you reveal another path, one that is designed for two.  You stand there singing the song of faith and urging us forward.  In that precipitous moment our blessings unfold before us and we join the song of thanksgiving.

Thank you
for never
giving up
on us.
Thank you
for divine encounters
and heavenly invitations.
Thank you
for reminders
and second chances.

Love, Andrea 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Dearest God,

You give us a sense of the holy when our souls desire a pilgrimage of faith.  When we stumble through life without real direction, we see life from the surface.  While the surface may be made up of fascinating images, we may miss the depths of faith that have something more to say about the pictures before us.  When faith adjusts our eyes we begin to see deeper and deeper until our hearts are filled with awe, thanksgiving, and humility.  We start seeing the divine connection and we know we are blessed.

You give us yourself when we commence a journey with the holy.  When we draw into the great mysteries of faith, life comes alive in ways we never could have imagined.  We see, hear, touch, taste, and smell the wonders of faith.  We are changed, transformed by these wonders and we anticipate daily holy moments.  We walk in wonder knowing we have the blessing of walking with you as our guide.

As we continue the journey of a lifetime, you teach us more and more.  Our relationship to you takes on greater meaning and you help us see through the lens of faith, a wonder in itself.  There we see you.

Thank you
for the blessing
of faith
that opens us
to you.
Thank you
for the
sacred holy
that fills us
with you.
We are
so very grateful.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Dear God,

Miracles.  Miracles come daily.  A spectacular, colorful sunrise on a dark, lonely day can lift us from the depths and plant our feet on solid ground, a miracle to be sure.

Sometimes miracles come when we desperately need healing or divine help.  A supernatural event will occur causing us to raise our prayers of thanksgiving.  At times an insight will come seemingly out of nowhere and we feel strengthened to make decisions.  Moments of uncommon beauty like the sight and sound of a new baby moving out of its darkened womb into the bright light can open us to the miracle of life.

But I think the miracle of faith is the most valuable miracle.  Each day we discover your living presence is a miracle of faith.  Each time we trust you to help us and we find our way is a miracle of faith.  Those moments when we bend our will to yours and find the benefit of following you is a miracle of faith.  Knowing you love us and want us as your child and friend is truly a miracle of faith.

Loving God,
make us aware
of all
the miracles
occurring around us.
Open all
our senses
so we
will be ready
for what
you have
for us.
Teach us gratitude
for every miracle.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, February 23, 2015

Dearest God,

These special moments when we sit together are the most precious of my day.  You call my name and invite me to come with a joyful heart.

As we sit together in quiet moments I realize again you are a great god, merciful and compassionate, kind and challenging, loving and grace-filled.  You remind me of your plan for my life.  You ask me to follow, to listen, and to do your perfect will.  You show me the way home and give me the tools I need for every day living.  When the task is difficult, you whisper to me how my strength comes from you.  When I am doubtful, you infuse me with confidence from on high.  When I am afraid, you point me to your promise to be with me always.

It is in such intimate moments I come to the awareness how much you love every one of your children.  Your call to me is not unlike your call to each of us.  You want a dynamic relationship with all your creation.  You know moments alone with you are important because it helps us prioritize our lives, gives us resources to face daily challenges, and offers us power and love to strengthen us from the inside out.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for your call.
Thank you
for your invitation.
Thank you
for your direction.
Thank you
for the
divine connection.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Dear God,

Daily you call us to higher standards of faith.  Through your Word and your whispers you teach us how to increase our faith in you.  You remind us to reach and stretch.  "Grow and increase," you tell us knowing faith changes us into people of faith.

This morning that higher call came to me during worship when I judged and criticized the worship participants.  No, I did not say anything to anyone personally but I did so in my mind.  Almost as quickly as the words tripped off my tongue, you came to me in a spirit rush urging me to look at what you saw.  Swiftly the picture changed.  I saw loyalty, commitment, and faith.  I was ashamed.

Your desire is to change us, to rid us of judgment and arrogance.  You want to reshape us into witnesses of faith.  You want your light to show and there is no better way to dim that light than with judgment and arrogance.  You want to clean us up, burn off the remnants of crud, and make us new, pure, and light worthy.

Thank you,
Almighty God,
for faith
and its power.
Thank you
for teaching us
a better way.
Lead us
to you
every time
we sin,
Gracious God,
renew us
for faith.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Dear God,

As the snow fell from the heavy skies, I smiled.  I reveled in the wintry white landscape.  I'd waited all winter for just such a scene.

Winter gives us a rare beauty.  The loss of colorful blooms does not in any way take away the beauty of the season.  In fact the colorless picture brings out the exquisite nature of every tiny snowflake.  When each one collects and piles up hanging heavy upon the evergreens, trees, and bushes, it directs us to you as creator of the cosmos.  The view reminds us to take in the beauty, savor the moment, and give thanks.

Generous God,
thank you
for scene
after scene
of magnificent beauty.
Thank you
for winter,
spring, summer,
and fall.
Each season
points us
to you.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, February 20, 2015

Dearest God,

You changed our agenda.  You moved items from the bottom to the top.  You took charge and we relented, desiring your will for our retreat.  When snow storm warnings came, we realized we had done what you had wanted.  We still had a day before us but we were done.  We packed up and left for home.

So often we balk at your plan.  We don't like our plans interrupted.  We want to work our plan imagining the benefits.  Yet, when we relent and follow you, we gain so much more.  Insights come, challenges are made, and we climb out of our self-made ruts and begin to see the light of faith.  You give us tools to move forward, to make changes, and to fulfill your divine plan.  You bring hope, peace, and joy.

Our hearts
are filled
with gladness,
Gracious God;
thank you
for leading us
to the light.
Thank you
for wisdom
that comes
when we listen
to you.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Dear God,

Set aside, dedicated, prayed over, and presented to you, the Dominican sisters provide a sacred site where pilgrims like my covenant group are drawn for spiritual nourishment, renewal, and challenge.  Our coming together twice yearly means we will stretch and grow keeping Christ as our center.

So timely is this visit because we stand in the shadow of those 21 Christians who were murdered for their faith.  Would we, could we stand up for Christ as we faced certain death?

How can we carry the name of Christ and not count the cost?

Holy God,
teach us
the way
of faith.
Strengthen us
from the inside out.
Make us witnesses
of yours.

Love, Andrea

Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Dearest God,

Who can really wear the cross brushed upon their forehead?  Who is worthy to be called Christ's own?  Whose life is bright enough to bear the savior's name?  These questions always haunt me on this holy day.  I answer back, "Not me, Lord, not me." 

I know my own unworthiness, my lackings, flaws, and imperfections.  What the questions do for me is place me right back where I need to be...on my knees.  On my knees I see life as it really is.  No haughty visions of grandeur, no rose color glasses, no spot-free, lint-free clothing, I see sin as it is, where it is.  On my knees I have to be honest.  I can't talk my way out; on my knees, at your knee I have to get real.

Keep me
on my knees,
Merciful God;
cause me
to see
what you see.
Wash me clean,
rub out
the smudges,
make me new,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Dear God,

Why must we insist on dominance and kill anyone who does not believe and practice the way we do?  Throughout history groups of people have gathered to plot an ideology and then systematically murdered other groups because they did not bend to their god which oftentimes was less a god and more a grab for control.  What happens inside us when we hunger for prominence?

Have we forgotten we were made to be in relationship with God and one another?  Have we neglected the part where we are the lesser of the two?  Have we tossed aside our necessary regard for our neighbor?  Why must we demonize those around us so we can hurt, maim, and destroy them?

Such destructive ways will never make for anything beautiful, harmonious, and peaceful.  Instead a society made up of destructors will create a hideous, fearful, greedy world that in the end will destroy itself.

We are one human family made to need and care for each other.  We cannot do everything.  We are not capable.  We need the skills, talents, and resources of all humans.  We share a planet. 

Can we give love a chance, love that shares itself with others?  Can we help one another, lift one another up, offering hope as an inspiration?  Can we teach one another a better way?  Are we willing?

Remake us
in the image
of love,
O God.
Turn our hatred
and bitterness
into fodder
for lovemaking.
Renew us
with a purpose
that regards
all people
as family
and if
our family
has failed miserably
then refashion us
once again
with love
at its center.
My, how
we need you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, February 16, 2015

Dear God,

One touch of your spirit can warm the heart, heal the soul, and renew the mind.  You can change us because your love is powerful and compassionate.

Sometimes we have a one-track mind.  We cannot see beyond our belief.  Our belief is nothing will change.  Everything will remain the same.  Yet, you come to us; you whisper new truths to us.  You tell us to trust you, to open our souls to your word, your help, and your guidance.  You remind us of former days when your transforming hand altered our lives, bringing about new peace and joy.  Trust, you utter, trust me like before.

Your words to us, your kindness, and your generosity touch us in ways nothing else can.  You wrap us in loving arms and then you do your inspiring work.

Ever-Loving God,
thank you
for taking care
of us.
Thank you
for your desire
to be close
to your children.
Thank you
for love
that never ends.

Love right back, Andrea

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Dear God,

You have a way of mending relationships.  You take the stuff of humanity and use your divine tools to restore, renew, and reshape us.  You put your spirit within us.  You give us another chance to live our lives in your sacred, mysterious light.

I listened as the women spoke with each other.  The mother and daughter seemed at home with one other laughing, sharing, and planning.  No one would have known they spent years alienated, isolated from one another.  The pain and sorrow that had built up could have covered an entire city.  Yet, here they were making plans to vacation together.

When we come to you, our bags empty, our hearts broken, and our hands open, you can work your mind-boggling miracles.  You can touch us in ways that only our creator can.  You are the only one capable of shaking us up, reorganizing our priorities, and transforming us.  You plant hope and confidence inside us and you whisper words of encouragement, love, and faith.  As our one great companion, you walk with us and show us the way life can be.  You nudge us forward, smile, and offer the words you shared with others so many years ago, "I will be with you always."

Heavenly Father,
Good, Loving, and Merciful God,
thank you
for your
healing power.
Thank you
for unconditional love
that never
turns us away.
Thank you
for remolding us
and giving us
second chances.
You are indeed
a miracle God.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Dear God,

When you look at us, do you see us as cantankerous, rebellious children? What do you think when you watch us live willful, stubborn lives?  Do you weep for us?

Why do we follow our own wills rather than take our lead from you?  We know a life lived in your grace and hope will always lead us to you and a more meaningful life; yet, we opt for a lesser life filled with snags, stumbles, missteps, falls, and failures.  We get ourselves into messes that require huge clean ups.  We become angry and sad at the same time because we choose wrongly.  We need you.

On the other hand, when we find our way with you, we see the world and our lives differently.  We recognize we are not the center of the world.  We discover faith working inside and outside us.  We marvel at life.  We seek ways to live more productive, valuable lives because we want to make a contribution to those around us.  We want to add more joy, not sorrow to the world.  We want to carry hope to all those around us even to strangers far away.  We want to turn on the light and brighten the world, radiating your light that warms, heals, helps, holds, and guides.  We want to erupt into praise and thanksgiving.

Guide us,
Holy God,
lead us
back home
to you.
Make your will known
so we
will follow you.
Help us
find your light
so we
can shine it
for others.
Thank you
for your patience
and kindness,
O Lord.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, February 13, 2015

Dearest God,

You whisper gratitude to us.  You show us the way to a meaningful, joyful life.  You point out the blessings and remind us to be grateful for what you have given.  You challenge us to live positively knowing living life with a "half-empty cup" mentality will lead to an ungrateful life.

The temptation is to look at what we do not have.  We complain, groan, and get grouchy when we are upset because we don't possess the relationships we want or the money we think we need or the possessions that make life comfortable.  When we focus on what we want rather than what we have our outlook changes.  Our perspective shifts.  Our mood darkens.  We miss the value of gifts and blessings already provided.

In the early morning hours even before we rise from our beds, you whisper thanksgiving to us.  You inspire us to consider the gifts of your spirit, greater than any gift the world has to offer.  You nudge us toward gratitude because you know a grateful life can move us to a much greater appreciation of each blessing great or small.  You know gratitude, by its very nature, always leads us back to you.

Generous God,
thank you
for life lessons
that humble us
and return us home
to you.
Thank you
for early morning chats
and holy nudges
that keep us
on a path
that leads us
to you.
Challenge us
in the depths
of our soul
to make
our home
with you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Dear God,

Thank you for special friends whose lives of faith speak profoundly to those around them.  Thank you for their witness that challenges us to rise to higher levels of faithful living.

As we ate lunch at the Friendly Tavern, a local spot with really good food, we talked faith.  My dear 83-year-old friend radiated the beauty of Christ as we shared together.  She talked of an important transition she is making, leaving her apartment for what she called "the home."  Hesitant to live among walkers, wheelchairs, and canes, she said, she realizes it is the best decision for her as she too lives with the aging process.

It was the discussion of the costs of breaking a lease, losing her deposit, paying two extra months of rent at the apartment and a costly deposit at the home, another deposit for her cat, and an extra month's rent that had her in a dither.  As she looked over her finances she realized the only place she could cut back was her church tithe.  She thought about it and thought about it and decided she simply would not cut her tithe.  She would not take the money from you to move forward in her decision.  She decided that was that.  She continued to pray for a solution.  A few days later she learned that a doctor's note would rid her of all the expenses of the apartment.  At another conversation at the home she was told she did not have to pay an additional amount for the cat.  Saving thousands of dollars she was able to determine she could move after all.  (And this is where the beautiful radiating smile took place)  She shared, "I know the reason everything fell into place like it did.  It was because I refused to cut back on my tithe and instead relied on God to help me.
As I continued to listen to my friend, I gave thanks to you because I knew what she said was true.

Thank you
for holy moments
even in
a tavern
where your light
can still shine
among your people.
Thank you
for living faith
that challenges us
to live
faithful lives.
Thank you
for holy intersections
where you
speak to us
reminding us
to trust you
once again.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Dearest God,

At the intersection you nudged me to turn left, to take the winding road.  As I turned you whispered to look at the simple things and give thanks.  I looked up at the telephone poles and gave thanks for communication.  I looked at the fire hydrants and gave thanks for help when we need it.  I looked at stop signs and gave thanks for order.  I looked at the beautiful lake and gave thanks for recreation.  I looked at homes and gave thanks for shelter.  All along the way you reminded me to give thanks because often we take for granted those things that seem ordinary.  You reminded me to count blessings, every one of them and to keep my eyes toward heaven.

All the rest of the way home I thought of faith and how it sweetens daily life.  I realized how faith is a beautiful lens allowing us to see beyond the image.  I thought of how a life of gratitude is better than any other and I gave thanks for the gentle nudge to turn left and take the winding road.

Holy God,
thank you
for gentle nudges
and kind reminders
to count blessings
and give thanks.
May I
live a life
of thanksgiving,
my eyes
pointed always
to heaven.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Dear God,

The Word of Life is powerful.  It directs us to you.  It inspires faith.  It challenges us to become clay in the Potter's hands.  It shouts love to your children.

Your Word cries out for change.  It asks us to let you transform us.  As we surrender to your will, your work begins in us.  It shines light in the dark places.  It heals us and invites us to give faith a chance in all areas of our life.

This morning you led me to The First Letter of John.  You spoke, "We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning:  we have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it.  When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made known to us.  What we have seen and heard we tell to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.  We write this in order that our joy may be complete."  I John 1-4 TEV

When your Word touches, inspires, and transforms us, you ask us to share it with others so our joy may be full to overflowing. 

Thank you,
Amazing God,
for touching us
with your Word.
Thank you
for inspiring us
to faith.
Thank you
for transforming us
with your
gentle hand.

Love, Andrea

Monday, February 9, 2015

Dear God,

Living in your presence until forward movement comes teaches us to focus on you and your will for our lives.  Engaging in a spiritual retreat with you and others opens us to growth, reconciliation, and restoration.  New life is made possible.

Twenty five women came together to learn about gratitude.  We wanted to know how to live as grateful women singing your praise.  We stretched.  We learned.  We relented.  We shared.  We celebrated.

You moved us to remember your kindness.  You challenged us to consider your living work in our lives.  You inspired us to dig for treasure in unexpected places.  We struck gold.

Loving Father,
thank you
for moving us
from where
we are
to where
you want us
to be.
Thank you
for turning us
inside out
so we
can examine
our lives
from your view.
Thank you
for blessings
that come
when we tarry
with you
and one another.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Dearest God,

One person's tragedy/victory can open doors to hope and faith for another.  I know; I watched it happen on retreat.

One woman shared her deep sadness that she had never been able to establish a close relationship with her mother; yet, she was privileged to have been the one to stay with her mother the last days of her life in hospice care.  At the memorial service she shared the woman's story and a conversation she had had with her mother years before when she asked her mother to share a life-long dream she had carried.  "I always wanted to be a Radio City Music Hall rockette." Her mother shared.  "Who supported your dream?"  The daughter inquired.  "No one, so my dream died."  Her mother responded.  At the memorial service the daughter offered a liturgical dance in honor of her mother, God, and herself.  Sadness turned to joy.

On retreat following the worship service, a retreatant with tears in her eyes came up to the leader and thanked the woman for sharing.  Then she shared her own story of estrangement and a gentle holy moment when her mother simply patted her on the arm.  The leader and the retreatant put their arms around one another for a long, big hug remembering and recalling how simple events can become holy hope and faith.

Holy and Wondrous God,
thank you
for rich,
beautiful moments
that arrive unexpectedly.
Thank you
for caring
so deeply.
Thank you
for healing,
hope, and faith.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Dear God,

We do not have to look far to find gifts of your making.  Friendships that are long and enduring remind us there is a God who loved us from the beginning.

A woman retreatant spoke of a friendship lasting 45 years.  Her face displayed the love and appreciation she had for a friend who recently died.  Her heart was sad but the memories lingered.

As we look around we find you waiting for us at the intersections of our life.  No matter where we turn, you are there.

Thank you,
Comforting God,
for friends
who exhibit
your qualities,
unconditional love,
compassion,
and acceptance.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
easily between friends.
Thank you
for holy moments
to remember.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, February 6, 2015

Dear God,

You come to us in simple ways letting your spirit be known.  A drive into the retreat center on Lake Michigan inspired and excited me.  Land set aside for your purpose touched my heart.  Beauty all around awed me.  A staff humbled to do your will challenged me.  Music playing led me to higher, holy ground.  You were here waiting to move hearts.

Throughout the day as I prepared for the retreat, I thought of the many ways you come into human lives.  I reflected upon your Love that is greater than any other love.  I paused and gave thanks knowing praise delights your heart.  I let my own soul be moved and you began moving inside me causing me to dance with your spirit.  I was joyous to be in your loving presence.

No Ordinary God,
thank you
for the
extraordinary way
you meet
and greet us.
Thank you
for simple ways
of loving
and caring.
Thank you
for providing
for us.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Dear God,

The tiny nun, not much taller than the altar she was working on, reminded me of the small ladies at a rundown church just outside Moscow.  I remember so well visiting there in 1988.  Our group met the two faithful church members as they ironed worn altar cloths.  Their sweetness, devotion, and love for their creator inspired us to see Jesus.

There are those whose light shine bright.  Encountering them on a day when they work in the church albeit a magnificent cathedral or poor community church, the brightness is the same.  They radiate your light so others living in darkness will find their way to you.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for shining
your light
through your
devoted servants.
Thank you
for the peace
and hope
they share.
Thank you
for their
loving faith,
rich devotion,
and servant hearts.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Dearest God,

Fear can rob us of our peace, our hope, and our sanity.  When we focus on fear, everything else dissipates.  When we fear, we lose perspective and control over our lives.

On the way to Michigan to lead a retreat, I encountered a big snowstorm.  Reveling in every tiny flake because I am clearly a winter person, I soon saw the danger as one car after another slid into the ditch or into another car.  Fear crept into my normally peaceful ride.  Coming upon an accident, the semi truck in front of me touched his brakes and his back end began to slide.  So did mine.  I wasn't sure either of us would be able to stop safely. I breathed a plea to you and both of us came through fine.

As I drove my last 100 miles, I let faith have a chance.  I knew I could not change the road conditions or the sky dumping its moisture, but I could trust in you to help me.  As I breathed in the air of faith, I felt your peace return, your living presence alive in my car and I was grateful.

Holy Spirit God,
thank you
for helping us
in our time
of need.
Thank you
for faith
that is always
more powerful
than fear.
Thank you
for peace
that does pass
all understanding.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Dearest God,

You welcome all your children to your side.  Whether our hearts are pure or filthy as rags, you extend your arms to us.  Every time you welcome us home.

So often, O Lord, we search for a home that offers so little.  We look for acceptance, love, and direction in places that can destroy us or at the least hinder the real journey.  We are never satisfied with what we find; yet, we often forget there is a true home, an authentic home where a fire glows, radiating warmth, where the light is always on, and where peace exists to heal, help, and restore.

There is nothing better than a welcome home.  There life resumes its balance.  It rids us of unnecessary baggage.  It warms the soul, clears the mind, and fills the body with manna from heaven.  Living water is available to the weary, parched pilgrim.  Above all, the One who created us, who unburdens us, and loves us most meets us at the door with a simple saying, "I've been waiting for you.  Welcome home, child, welcome home."

Thank you
for the means
of grace.
Thank you
for compassion
unlike any other.
Thank you
for home,
your home,
O God,
and for all
its benefits.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, February 2, 2015

Dearest God,

A very early morning trip to the hospital for a favorite cousin's cancer surgery ushered me into your waiting arms.  It was dark and really cold outside.  The roads were sloppy with salty wetness hitting the windshield.  The interstate was filling up with cars as drivers rushed to their destination.  Yet, inside my car I felt the sweet growing pains of faith.  As Andrea Bocelli sang, "Stand up and feel the holy spirit.  Find the power of your faith," I realized again how you turn darkness into light, cold into warmth, and sadness into joy.

In the every day ordinariness of life, you are anything but ordinary.  On the contrary, it is in the midst of the ordinary that the extraordinary comes to bless.  In but a moment a whole situation can be transformed, a somber mood can be disrupted, and faith can bloom.

Generous God,
your Holy Spirit power
amazes and inspires
us to faith.
Thank you
for the way
in which
you work
to bless
and to heal.
Make us ready,
prepare our souls
for your coming.
Prompt us
to bless others
as you
so beautifully
bless us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Dear God,

Sometimes we see you only in the invisible, not in the visible.  Often we are distracted by the visible seeing only what we can see, drawing conclusions, making judgments, and failing to see through faith eyes.  Thus, we miss the holy mystery that is before us.

Today I fell victim to the visible and I missed your grace.  I was complaining about church of all things.  My husband listened and then brought the invisible to mind.  I fell humbly before you recognizing my own sin.

When we have faith, we need always look at life through faith eyes.  In doing so, we see your face, hear your voice, and feel your spirit inspiration.  If we look through judgment, our faith is lifeless, a useless instrument of destruction.  But when we daily gaze through the lens of faith, we see an evolving world full of color, beauty, goodness, hope, and wisdom.  Peace and joy always follow.

Father, forgive me,
for I
am foolish.
Humble me
so I
will not
become arrogant
and haughty.
Lead me
through the valley
to you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Dear God,

Your love is ever present.  A full room of people is bound to have many signs of your living, loving presence.  When it is found, it is such a wondrous gift.

A 75th birthday party led us to you, Holy God.  One look around the room gave us cause to celebrate.  The birthday boy overcoming death not once but several times battling health issues, the pain of losing his wife to cancer, and trouble with his daughter's new love.  A wife conquering her battle over breast cancer.  A daughter sorrowing over a bad relationship now married and happy.  Nearly 30 years of traveling through life together, we were able to remember and give praise to you for faith that saw them through.

Then with strangers we began in Indiana and circled the world finding your spirit in mud huts, university settings, hospitals, nursing homes, war zones, and family circles.  What joy was found as we celebrated love ever present.

Gracious God,
thank you
for the way
in which
your love
shows up.
Thank you
for opportunities
to celebrate
our findings.
Thank you
for miracles,
faith, and
shared joy.

Love always, Andrea