Sunday, March 29, 2015

Dear God,

There is a sweetness in your mercy!  For a year and a half I have not felt at home in your church.  As a minister of the gospel myself I never thought I would feel that way.  But painful situations in the church where we served a good long time somehow drained my soul of connection to your living church.  For months we searched for a place to call home.

This morning as I entered the sanctuary with other choir members I felt a strange stirring in my heart.  When we stood to sing our Easter cantata, I felt a drawing closeness.  I sang my faith accepting every word as my own.  When we fellowshipped in the choir room between services, I looked at the people in the room, those singers who drew me in, and I began to feel that acceptance.  By the time I drove home, I realized something was beginning to change in me.

Your mercy can change us, melt our hearts, and make us your own.  How thankful I am to know you as the loving change agent in your church.

Holy Father,
thank you
for making me
your child,
for including me,
and for
making me
a home
in which
to live,
love and serve.
I am
so very grateful.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Dearest God,

Every day is a time for renewal.  Every day you long to shape our lives more fully into your design and image.  Every day is an opportunity to be close to you.

When we open our eyes to faith, we open our souls to great possibilities.  You come to us drawing us near.  Whether we are in the doldrums, in great distress, or disturbed in any way, you sit with us.  You bring us a calm spirit, an ability to focus, and hope for change.  You invite us to trust you once again.  When we are finally able to say yes, you give us the promise of transformation.

Sometimes change comes quickly.  Other times it is a process.  Always it is a chance to know you better, grow in our faith, and stretch to include new ideas, thoughts, and practices.  As we allow ourselves to be in union with you, we are enabled to move toward renewal of our mind, body, and spirit.

Great God,
hope of the world,
thank you
for the promise
of renewal
and its benefits.
Thank you
for privileged moments
with you.
Thank you
for touching
our lives
and inspiring us
to faith.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, March 27, 2015

Dear God,

Faith brings people together, even strangers.  She was looking for a companion fabric for a quilt she had made.  I remarked how lovely the quilt was.  Before long we were standing in between two rows of fabric sharing the wonders of your love.

This stranger told me about a dream that had awakened her one night.  You had asked her to make a quilt based on all the names of Jesus in the bible.  Over the course of the next few weeks the quilt patches had come to her, one by one with colors and fabric patterns.  She invited seven women from her church to join her in the holy mission.  Months later the quilt was finished.  Then you called her to share your story by taking the quilt on the road.  She made a website and started her new trek of faith sharing the mystery of your call, the quilt, and your holy names.  All this was possible because she had read a book about saying yes to you.  Two weeks after finishing the book, she received the dream.

As we shared our faith in you, we both knew you had brought us together.  You had given us the opportunity to offer our story to one another realizing our story was really your story.  Before we departed we hugged and gave thanks.

Holy God,
wonder of all wonders,
thank you
for all
you do.
Thank you
for your kindness,
your mystery,
and your story.
Thank you
for giving
each of us
a part
of your story.
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Dear God,

She wrote to say she was afraid to leave on vacation because of pain in her body caused by rheumatoid arthritis and the long ride to her destination.  I wrote back reminding her she rode with the great physician.

So often we forget you are with us.  I do.  I react to situations as if there is no one beside me, no one to trust, and no faith.  I forget you are our refuge and strength.  I fail to put faith into gear, to operate with courage, hope, and peace.  I refuse to breathe in the air of optimism, discernment, and grace.  On the other hand, when I do step forward in faith, I see your living presence.  I feel your support, your hand upon me.  I draw from the well of living water and peace comes, hope emerges, and joy fills me because I recognize you all around me.

Teach us
to instantly trust you,
O Lord.
Let fear dissipate
in the light
of your presence.
Show us
the way
to faith
and all
its many gifts,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Dear God,

Trusting you is the only way to a valuable, meaningful life.  As we lean into you, we see life from a different perspective.  We breathe in the fresh air of your lively spirit.  We discover hope waiting for us.  We gain strength and courage.  We find the ability to shift from neutral to drive.

Sometimes we become aware we are stuck, stuck in a rut, the same old place with the same old thoughts and practices.  Every scene is a familiar one.  We do the same thing and get the same result.  We can feel miserable, unloved, cranky, judgmental, and downtrodden.  Our belief is nothing will change. Without change we are probably right.

Leaning in to the creator of the cosmos means there are infinite ways to live and trust and believe and act.  Leaning in to you gives us a strong spine so we can stand and move forward.  Leaning in to you means we are not alone.  Leaning in to you inspires us to chuck some old behaviors because they simply don't nourish our souls and strengthen us for daily living.  They seek only to keep us down and stuck.  Leaning in to you returns joy to us and peace.  Those two things alone, joy and peace, can cause us to listen to your ideas, to act upon them, and to find solace in our situation.  Just knowing we walk with the master of the universe can get us out of our dusty, dirty rut that holds no promise for us.  Purpose, meaning, and value can return to us because we trust you to help us along life's journey.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for your call
to trust.
Thank you
for the strength
of your spirit
that allows us
to lean.
Thank you
for inviting us in close.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Dearest God,

During a recent overnight stay with my ten-year-old granddaughter Stella, we talked about my death someday.  I reminded her a truth I told all my grandchildren.  We each have a treasure box and we are filling it with memories.  When we are apart from one another someday, we will have our treasure  box to open at any time.  We can remember, laugh like crazy, cry, and smile reveling in the time we had and the memories we made.

This morning a stark realization came to me.  Am I making memories with you?  Have we created a treasure box of spiritual memories, enough that we will have something to talk about?

Holy Father,
I want
to make
sweet memories
with you.
I want faith
to fill
my box.
Help me, Lord.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 23, 2015

Dearest God,

Bending, there is no greater act of faith than bending, bending to your will.  Bending is normally not our first choice.  We like to plan and orchestrate our own lives; yet, those who seek your face and want to walk the pilgrim walk, know bending is one of the first tasks to learn in the faith journey.

I remember watching trees during a storm.  As the wind blew, the branches and limbs lifted and fell sometimes moving sideways and odd ways but they did not break.  After the storm when the calm came there were a few twigs on the ground but the heart of the trees remained intact.  Their ability to move saved them.

As the March and April storms come to our neck of the woods, the trees will be taxed once again.  In the springtime of faith we too will have to face the winds of challenge, fear, and change.  As we trust you to lead us, we too will have opportunity to bend before you, master and creator of the cosmos and all her children.

Thank you
for the chance
to bend
before you,
O God.
Thank you
for making us able
to bend
and to move
with your
spirit power.
Thank you
for challenges
that strengthen us
for stormy weather.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Dear God,

The birds are singing the most beautiful songs.  They are bringing spring into being.  Sometimes it seems like a quartet or quintet with different sounds and melodies.  Even the crows have something to offer.

Each spring erupts sharing their story of creation.  Not only the birds but the trees, flowers, and shrubs have something to tell.  All of them point to you as creator of the cosmos.  Wonderfully we are drawn in, singing our own song of spiritual development.

The change of the season causes us to pause and be glad.  The spiritual changes challenge us to consider the fertile ground in our own soul.  They signal a time for openness and growth.  How can we not be happy when you give us a free pass to transformation?

Holy and Wondrous God,
thank you
for spring
and all
its beauty.
Thank you
for the call
to notice
and to change.
Thank you
for thinking
of all
of us.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Dear God,

I look at the names of countries where people read our letters.  I reflect on them and pray for they are each a pilgrim just like me.  It gives me joy to know we are pilgrims on the same journey.  We do not need to know each other personally but it is so good to know we are on similar paths toward the One who calls us forward.

Pilgrims on a journey together...the vision alone speaks comfort to me as I consider what it means to walk alone and to walk with others.  You give us to one another.  You provide family to us no matter how far apart we are.  One is not better than another; each is valued by you.  As we bump into each other along the way, we can pause and give thanks, learn old and new lessons, and move forward with a friend.  We widen the road making room for others to join us as we seek you together.  What blessings are ours.

Holy God,
thank you
for spiritual friends.
Thank you
for making us
pilgrims of faith.
Thank you
for teaching us,
guiding us,
picking us up,
and sending us
on our way
with friends.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, March 20, 2015

Dear God,

I look at the gnarled wooden branch on my desk and I remember the desert path.  I recall how life's journey is not a straight one.  I reflect upon valuable lessons learned in the desert and I know your prints are all over the broken branch.

"Make straight the path," the prophet spoke, "make straight the path."  Sometimes our path is more like one of the roller coaster that loops around sending riders upside down.  If upside down for very long, we get disoriented, out of balance, and we fall.  Yet, faith, love from the master's hand, straightens our path and turns us right side up.  It sends us on a straightened path with prints all along the way so we will know where we are going.  In the new state we realize we do not walk solo, rather, you accompany us along the way.  That knowledge alone helps us keep going as we face ruts in the road, other wild riders, and challenges that knock us off our feet.

Although the branch I brought home from the remote monastery grounds is dry, ugly, and worn, there is something most beautiful about it perhaps because I know how you have straightened my own dry, ugly, worn path.  You have made it possible for me to forge ahead through life's difficulties.  You have left me reminders of your touch and inspiration and I am blessed.

Wondrous God,
there is
no god
like you.
Thank you
for daily encounters
and surprise visits.
Thank you
for reminders
of your
living spirit.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Dear God,

Right on time, spring is coming right on time.  The trees are budding.  Tiny leaves are protruding through the soil.  Warm winds are beginning to blow.  Yes, spring is coming right on time.

Every changing of the season points us directly back to you.  What a contrast from a gray, dark winter where the ground is covered with snow to new colors coming to the forefront.  Your beautiful work reminds us change is the name of the game.

What a magnificent piece of art nature is.  We can anticipate each change knowing there is beauty in each season.  To some winter may bring the doldrums; however, when the unexpected hoarfrost comes, a magical landscape appears before our eyes.  You display your wonder every time a new change comes.

It is also true with faith.  You call for change in us.  You remind us life is not stagnant where all things remain the same.  You call us to breathe in fresh air.  You invite us to take side roads where you await us wanting to show us new ideas, thoughts, and attitudes.  You ask us to drop our loads, the burdens we carry for lighter packs.  You require us to open up, to let go of emotional clutter, and to prepare space for your coming.  You bless us with the brightness of a new day, a new experience, and a new season in life.

Holy are you,
Almighty God,
your magnificent power
changes the world
and changes us.
Thank you
for the freshness
of life
as we
entrust ourselves
into your hands.
Show us
the way
to the future
and all
it holds
for us.
May we
bless you
right back
for all
your many gifts.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Dearest God,

You are the god who transforms, the god who leads us down fresh paths and living water, and the god who accompanies us on our pilgrimage of faith.  You pique our interest in things of the spirit.  You touch and inspire us.  You whisper your love and prod us forward.

In choir practice we rehearsed a song entitled, "Wash Your Feet."  As we sang a sacred scene unfolded in my mind's eye.  I watched as you washed your disciples' feet.  I saw the way in which you held your beloved comrade's feet, how you washed gently and lovingly, and how you toweled them dry, slipping their sandals on their invigorated, clean feet.  Then I saw worship services where I washed disciples' feet in my congregations.  It continued as I gazed upon women retreatants washing the feet of their sisters in faith.  In those quiet moments I felt my faith stirred.

I continue to be amazed how you take ordinary events and turn them into extraordinary moments of faith.  I am astounded by your compassionate kindness and your mercy that turns us upside down.  I am grateful, so very, very grateful.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for quiet moments
of faith.
Thank you
for your willingness
to draw close
to us,
to speak
to us,
and to
challenge us
to stretch
and grow.
Thank you
for the song,
the scenes,
and the love.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Dear God,

The power of memory.  A sight or sound can trigger a memory held inside for a long time.  A scent in the air can bring back a sweet memory from long ago.

Lost loved ones come back into full view when a memory comes to us.  We can remember their love and kindness to us.  We remember our deep connection and something happens.  A smile returns to our face, peace emerges in our soul, and joy erupts like a fountain.

The same thing happens with faith.  We recall special favors, a healing, an insight, or a particularly meaningful challenge.  During a trying time sacred memories can hold us, change us, and strengthen us.  We become aware of you, O God, because we remember what you have done for us in the past.  Then suddenly the past informs our present and we know we have been given a gift for the future.

Thank you
for every gift
and blessing.
Thank you
for memories
that feed us
with your goodness.
Thank you
for love
that is
never ending.

Always, Andrea

Monday, March 16, 2015

Dear God,

You are in the business of reshaping, remolding, restoring, renewing, and rendering us anew.  You take the stuff of our lives, messy as it is at times and you remake us.  You put your spirit within us and you set us on the path of life. 

This came to me as I renovated my granddaughter's neon green bedroom.  As I painted over the unreal color, I thought how much cleaner, prettier, and nice the new color was.  Although I first thought it was military gray, it turned out to be a lovely silver, almost a shimmering color.  Now, the red I painted over the green on one wall, well, I'm not so sure.  But the silver was beautiful.

Sometimes it takes a lot to remake us.  Sometimes it takes a complete overhaul.  Sometimes just a few changes can alter our look, attitude, and behavior.  In your hands anyone can become a beautiful sign of your amazing work.

At the end of the day when I stood back and looked at Gabrielle's room, I smiled knowing I pleased her and certainly the room was pleased to have the change.  I pray our change brings you joy too.

Loving Father,
thank you
for renovations
to our soul.
Keep molding us,
O God,
until we
become who
you want us
to be.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Dear God,

The day dawns bright when we gather to worship you.  As we prepare ourselves before we leave home, we have the joy of knowing we will be with you.  We will sing your song, read your word, and hear your message.  We will discover your living presence through the prayers, the silence, the fellowship, the music, and the surrender of our hearts. 

Although sometimes we do not do our best preparing to meet you, you still meet and greet us.  You still reach out and touch us.  The more open our hearts are, the more we come to sense you close.  As we step inside your home we come to realize the man of Galilee is with us just as he was with the people so long ago.  There is something so wonderful about Sunday mornings with Jesus.

Holy God,
thank you
for blessed Sundays.
Thank you
for gracing us
with your presence.
Keep our feet
on the path
leading to you,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Dearest God,

It is true, faith moves mountains.  So often in life, O Lord, we face mountains of doubt and fear.  We are blocked from moving forward on our journey.  We are paralyzed, destined to live in the dark hole.  No matter what we want to do, we are blinded by the power of darkness.  But faith has the power to bust every other power that seeks to do us in.

Spiritual blindness can always find a cure in faith.  As we open ourselves to you, as we trust you to speak to us, and as we find positive out of negative and hope out of faith, the scales from our eyes can literally disappear opening the way to possibility.  Faith shakes down the mountain a rock at a time until suddenly the mountain is merely a small hill and finally just a bump in the road that can ultimately be smoothed out by faith in you.  As we reflect upon your grace in the past and your kindness toward us as we trust, we find all kinds of mountain collapses.  That leads us to more faith, greater hope, peace like a river, and joy like a fountain.

Holy God,
author of hope,
thank you
for your
mighty power
that makes faith
the greatest power
on earth.
Thank you
for tools
to take mountains down.
Thank you
for love
that enables us
to do more
than we
ever thought possible.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, March 13, 2015

Dear God,

Faith and a love of music can lift our spirits like nothing else.  We found that to be so true as four of our favorite musicians came for dinner.  All committed to you, all living their faith, and all challenging others to reach the heights, they inspire us to take a step higher in daily living.

That is what you do for us.  You stretch us in all areas of our lives.  You do not leave us in a muddle rather you prod and nudge us to see light in the darkness, to climb out of life's muddy ruts, and to move forward in faith.  You speak life to us through others.  You remind us to care for one another not only making us feel better but challenging us to be better.

During the evening meal we could have sung the doxology and now that I think about it, I wish we had.  As I consider what we received for five hours of remembering, laughing, and sharing, I realize that prized time was a doxology.  "Praise God for whom all blessings flow.  Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise him above ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

You send people
into our lives
to inspire us.
You cause us
to see
the blessings
in life.
You teach us
to give praise
and be thankful.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love, An drea

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Dear God,

Middle of the night encounters remind us you never rest, leave us, or stop caring.  Another difficult family conversation caused us much pain and sorrow.  When my husband left our bed because he couldn't sleep I found myself angry at those who hurt him.  Giving in to angry thoughts you swiftly caused me to stop when you said, "Language, there is only one language, the language of love."  I realized faith does not take a hiatus when storms come instead faith does its greatest work.

The language of love.  Who are we if we are not lovers of those you love?  People may hurt us.  They may cause us great suffering but how can we call ourselves lovers of the gospel if we do not return love in the midst of injustice?  That does not mean you want us to be mats people can walk on or kick at.  You want us to remain solid in our values and philosophy of life.  You want us to forgive, to be grace at its best, and to rise to the highest levels of faithfulness.  You teach us how to strengthen ourselves for stormy seas.  You give us insight and wisdom, courage and fortitude, and mercy and compassion.  You provide us with eyes to see below the surface.  You give us yourself so we may follow your will finding peace, hope, and joy.

Oh Lord,
sadness is deep.
Hurt is
deeper yet.
Make us
faithful disciples
worthy of
your name,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Dear God,

Early this morning before the sun decided to rise, I sat down at the kitchen table and you and I began our daily conversation.  As we talked about prayer and how it brings people together, I heard a male voice say three words, "I hear you."  Even though the house was quiet, I thought someone was here.  I was frightened.  I listened quietly in my chair.  Then I turned and looked out the patio door.  No one was there.  I thought maybe my computer had been hacked and perhaps someone was looking at me through the camera.  That frightened me even more.  "I hear you," was a strange response when I wasn't even talking aloud.  The only conclusion I could draw was you had spoken to me.

My heart always longs for precious moments together.  Daily I search for ways to connect with you whether through contemplative silence, nature, scripture readings, or just chance happenstance.  When something does happen and I realize we have connected in some special way, my heart fills with gratitude.  However, I become aware that my search is not really my own but your search to connect with me.  I cannot take credit for divine connections; only you can.

You desire to connect with all of us, all your children.  You constantly reach out to us.  More often than not, we fail to reach back.  We are distracted by many things.  We miss opportunities to weave our lives together, you and we.  Yet, you never give up on us.  You continue your love gesture praying we will meet you in the dance of life.

Thank you
for holy moments.
teaching us
to draw close.
Thank you
for reaching out
to us.
Thank you
for speaking
this morning.
I love our time together.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Dear God,

Prayer brings people together.  When we long for someone who is far away, physically or emotionally, we pray and they are right there with us.  If we have concerns for human rights and people who are suffering, we pray and mysteriously we are brought together before you.  If we are troubled about anything and feel alone, we pray and we sense your presence right where we are.  Either we are transported to you or you come to us.  It makes no difference.  Prayer brings people together.

One of the valuable lessons you have taught me is about prayer.  When I am separated from someone by conflict or rejection, you tell me not to walk away but to pray.  If I am hurt by someone or I am angry about something, you tell me to pray for that person by name.  You ask me to keep praying for them.  Daily, weekly, monthly praying for persons causes a change in me.  At first it is hard to say their name but through prayer you soften my heart and my voice.  It becomes easier and easier to pray.

The more we come together with you, the more change that can be wrought.  The more we stand with you, the better life can become.  The more we trust you and follow your will, more peace and hope will come.  The more we experience your peace because of our growing relationship, the greater our joy.

Holy God,
giver of hope and peace,
thank you
for lessons
in prayer.
Thank you
for connecting us
to you
and others.
Thank you
for love
that links
the whole world.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, March 9, 2015

Dear God,

You are kind and merciful.  Each day you reveal yourself to us through a child's smile, a colorful sunrise, a bird song, a helpful insight, or a healing touch.  Those prized moments not only give us hope, they open us more deeply to faith.

This morning spring erupted in my household.  I don't know what it was except that I felt the nudge of rebirth, a new beginning, and the need for a spring change.  I stripped beds of blankets, sheets, and comforters.  I put away my winter décor.  I changed my towels.  I cleaned and cleaned and then pulled out signs of springtime and placed them around my home.  I felt a renewal in my soul.

You constantly lead us to transformation.  You make ways for us to leave the doldrums of yesterday for the brightness of tomorrow.  You whisper promises to us and give us opportunity to change ourselves.  Reminding us you are the god of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, you show us the path toward renewal.  You give us tools, determination, and a chance to breathe in new life.  You do this because you are indeed kind and merciful.

Loving God,
thank you
for spring cleaning
in our souls.
Thank you
for challenges
that remind us
we do not have
to remain
the same.
We do not have
to continue
to live
in our
self-made ruts.
Thank you
for the brightness
of a
new day.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Dear God,

You can bring life to the lifeless, faith to the fearful, and trust to the doubter.  In daily living we can so easily wander off course.  We suddenly begin to realize nothing looks familiar and we wonder how to find our way back home.  What we don't always recognize is you are with us.  You are our constant companion.

Sometimes I am a doubter.  I doubt things will change.  I doubt I will change.  Yet, when I discover myself wandering, I know there is only one who is able to rechart my course.  If I fall back into your arms, I know you will not only return me home, you will teach me lessons on the way.  You will cause me to examine and explore the unknown territory.  You will whisper challenges and encouragement.  You will educate me as I walk forward.  The trip home will not be without value.  In fact, there can be great learning.  I will find grace along the way, new resources to enable me to apply my faith to every situation, and mercy to alter my wayward heart, mind, and spirit.

As each new day dawns, we have new choices to make and the decision to follow you closely is one of them.

Help us,
O Lord,
return to you.
Teach us
to follow you
on the path
toward your will.
Show us
the way home.
Thank you
for your
kind generosity
especially when
we lose
our way.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Dearest God,

Very early this morning the scene outside our bedroom window caught my eye.  In the darkness I stood and gazed out at the full moon and the long, dark tree shadows across the gorgeous white terrain.  I was full of wonder at the picturesque landscape knowing you paint beauty all the time.

So often we miss the hidden treasures of creation.  We walk on by distracted by life's many challenges.  The day comes and goes without any real connection to the beauty that is all around us.  We fail to pause, to notice, and to savor little moments with you and your creative works.  But when we do, when we stop, when we blink and see, my, oh my, what images appear before us.  Like a great mystery we see, we really see not only what is before us but also who created what we see.  Our whole being is humbled as we stand before the great master and give thanks.

Holy God,
thank you
for scenes
and sounds
that fill us
with wonder
and awe.
Thank you
for your creation
and all
it has
to offer us.
Thank you
for silent links
that connect us
to you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 6, 2015

Dear God,

I always wake before first light but this morning I awakened late.  I walked into the living room, sat down at the coffee table/altar with the holy nativity, lighted a candle, and sat back.  The song came back to me.  "For a spell or two no-one seems forlorn; this comes to pass when a child is born."  I gazed upon the mother holding her baby.  Once again the profound meaning and joy of the Christmas message filled my heart.

I have come to realize more and more how you take simple moments and turn them into extraordinary events where faith is born and the soul is filled with wonder and awe.  You draw us to you in the moment and there you reveal yourself.  You sing your song, you speak your message, you fill us to the brim with the majesty of your holy birth and you challenge us to walk in faith, to trust you, and to fulfill your will where we are. 

Any moment can become something more than it is.  A simple gesture, scene, or sound can turn us around inspiring us to faith.  We discover the divine relationship you offer all your children no matter how difficult we are, how open or closed we have become, or how much we want you.  In that speck of time, peace comes, hope returns, and love wells up.  What could be better?

Holy Father,
giver of all good gifts,
thank you
for holy moments
with you.
Thank you
for caring enough
to come,
to challenge,
and to guide.
Thank you
for your
amazing spirit.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Dear God,

I listened to the birds calling and responding to one another.  I could hear a kind of joy as they chattered back and forth.  They seem to be the ones who first bring the news of spring's coming.  In my mind's eye, I could see tiny shoots pushing their way up through the ground.  I could envision tiny buds on the trees and new blades of green across the lawn.  I could watch the heave of human chests breathing out, "FINALLY!" 

You give us seasons of extraordinary beauty and valuable life lessons that come with them.  You teach us to watch and learn.  Your creation bursts at the seams and we get to participate all over again.  Yes, spring is coming, an old, old promise with new beginnings.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for the promise
of spring.
Thank you
for hope
that rises up
one more time.
Thank you
for beauty
that bowls us over
with gratitude.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Dear God,

"I will give a free drink of water from the spring of the water of life," John the Revelator writes saying God will give us living water and make us new.  To those carrying around weary bodies with old beliefs and practices, skinned up knees and hearts, doubt, fear, and sadness, this is good news.  A drink of living water from the hand of the Maker always gives new life to those who dare to take a drink.

How many times have we drug our lifeless bodies, minds, and spirits around failing to turn to the well of living water?  How long have we remained thirsty and parched because we didn't reach out for the only clear, pure water available?  How often have we moaned and groaned because life had grown stale, without color and purpose?  Desperate in need of living water, we turned elsewhere and our condition stayed the same or worsened?

To everyone you offer new life, O Lord.  Daily you reach out to us with a cup of clean water filled with great promise.  When we take the cup and drink, something stirs within us.  Your spirit stirs within us awakening us from our sleep, our doldrums.  "Come to me and drink," you offer.  Hope arises and even our DNA cells take notice.  You refresh us with your offering every time and we are overcome with gladness.

Almighty and Compassionate God,
keep calling out
to us,
I pray.
Forgive us
when we
walk on by.
Give us
a desire
for what
you have
to offer.
Thank you
for water
that lives
and gives
new life.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Dear God,

Wounds, we all carry them.  Some are on the outside for the whole world to see.  But many more are on the inside, hidden away from the populous.  They carry names like fear, anxiety, sorrow, humiliation, and self hatred.  When we walk alone with wounds, we feed them daily.  We carry them forever unless we give them to the extended hand, waiting.

You showed your disciples your healing power.  To those who came and asked, you healed in some way.  You touched the souls of many through your words, your compassion, and your grace.  Even when you left us, you promised to remain with us.

As we walk life's journey we need not cover up our wounds for we are all wounded in some way or another.  We are meant to care for one another.  We are designed to heal through prayer, compassionate care, encouragement and support.  Who heals better than another wounded soul who has been healed?  You gave us your healing touch so we could reach out.

Thank you
for healing power
that gives
new life.
Thank you
for human touch
that has
its own
healing power.
Thank you
for love
that never
leaves us.

Always, Andrea

Monday, March 2, 2015

Dear God,

The ground is always shifting, making new fissures possible.  Life strikes, the unexpected happens, something knocks us over and the ground upon which we stand changes.  We feel vulnerable, frightened, and anxious not knowing what to expect and/or what to do next.

I know that feeling and so does every other human.  It occurs regularly in life.  However, today when I drove down the road a thought came to me as I felt surrounded by your wondrous presence.  Listening to the sounds of Christmas, one line stood out.  "You've got the feel you're on solid ground."  I played the song over and over again listening to that one line.  I realized faith moves us from shifting sand to solid ground.  When our minds, our hearts, or our souls reach out in faith, the land upon which we stand changes.  When that change takes place, we are enabled and empowered to stand back up, take in a deep breath, breathe out, trust, and take a step forward because we know the ground ahead is as solid as the one upon which we stand.

Faith is the greatest gift you have ever given us, Creator God.  Thank you for your immense love and tender care.  Thank you for faith that transforms not only the ground underneath us but also the interior of our being.  Thank you for strength, courage, and hope.

Holy God,
giver of all good gifts,
thank you
for faith
that changes us.
Thank you
for hope
that sparks light
in our darkness.
Thank you
for leading
and guiding us
today and all
our tomorrows.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Dear God,

Thirteen years, thirteen long, hard, painful years; yet, today all I see is the healing that came, the relationship that was rebuilt, the hope that made it all possible, the faith that was the power, and love and mercy who wed to hold a mother's heart together until the mending process began.

When my daughter called asking for my help while she had surgery and recovered, I remembered back, then smiled, and said yes.  What joy filled me up as I stayed in her home, helped with meals, played with the kids and three dogs, straightened up the house, taught a granddaughter how to sew, and went to sleep each night with gratitude on my lips and thanksgiving in my heart.

What I do know is anything is possible.  Not every prayer is answered as we desire but one thing is for sure.  You come to us, tarry with us as long as needed, comfort us in our long period of waiting, and provide for us as we allow you to adjust us and others around us.  Truly, you are a miracle God who does miracle work by faith.

Holy Spirit God,
thank you
for your
divine comfort,
a real refuge
in times
of great storms.
Thank you
for your
transforming power
that can
reshape us
when we
need it.
Thank you
for your
sustaining love.

As always, Andrea

Saturday, February 28, 2015

My dearest God,

Calm in the midst of a dark, snowy drive reminded me how you make good on your promises.  I had to get to my daughter and her family and I thought I would be able to get there before the snow fell.  But I didn't beat it; I actually got into the very middle of it with more snow the farther north I drove.  Although I always have a hard time seeing at night, the huge amount of traffic, the falling snow, and the precipitation being thrown up on the windshield by passing trucks and cars, I felt nearly blind at times.  Yet, I found myself cool and quiet as I drove slowly and relied on your presence to assist me.

I have come to realize there is no situation in which you do not care.  You want to help us, comfort us, and lead us.  You want us to be your constant companions.  Whatever we face, you are there as long as we stay close.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for love
that keeps us close.
Thank you
for mercy
that calls us back.
Thank you
for help
along the way.

Love always, Andrea