Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Dear God,

Your inspiration motivates us to reach higher and dig deeper.  You invite us to stretch and lean toward the light.  You call us to the depths of faith that awaken our souls, rally our senses, and drive us to fulfill your will for our lives.

Sometimes we are knocked down in life.  Sometimes we are knocked out.  Sometimes we are forgotten, neglected, and left alone.  Yet, you still come to us with sacred whispers, like whispers of the beloved, one who touches us not only with love and mercy but also with challenge and courage.  You invite us to rise up, to stand, and to walk.  You urge us forward with spiritual tools and resources.  You show us the way to freedom, peace, and purpose.  You give us joy like no one else can. 

Thank you
for your call
to rise up
to faith.
Thank you
for tools
that aid us
in our rising.
Thank you
for praise
that comes naturally
when we witness
your work
in us.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Dear God,

Not even a severe winter with high winds, 100 inches of snow, falling limbs and layers of leaves could prevent the spring bulbs from rising up out of the chilly ground.  The bright green amid winter's brown is something to behold, bringing hope after a long, dark winter.

As I walked along the spiritual path hidden beneath the leaves, I could see signs of spring everywhere.  As I viewed the colors, I remembered how you bring light and color to dark human situations.  You do not leave us forever in the dark; your light still shines.

One of the most meaningful, stirring moments I can remember is standing in Kiev, Ukraine in June, 1988 where nearly 100,000 were killed in what once was a beautiful, quiet park.  After a long time of grief and sorrow, a tiny blue forget-me-not flower began to grow until they were everywhere.  Babi Yar was and still is a reminder that you do not forget us.  You give us signs of your living, loving presence even though there are those who work to stomp out the light.  As I stood there in a foreign land among strangers, my heart fell and my prayers began for brothers and sisters who became instant family.  As I observed others paying their respects, I realized how your spirit is never destroyed, rather it comes to give us hope and healing.

Wondrous God,
how good
you are
to come
to us
in our hour
of need.
Thank you
for spring
that follows winter.
Thank you
for rebirth
and new life.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 27, 2015

Dear God,

So many of your people are suffering from war, poverty, earthquakes, injustice, and oppression.  Many are homeless, forgotten, and desperate.  Families are willing to take risks to drown with their children on unsafe boats that carry too many passengers because they fear being killed in their villages.  Far too many governments are corrupt, greedy, and uncooperative.  What are we to do for our suffering family?

We cannot forget or neglect those who live in great fear and pain.  When we look outside our own windows and all looks well, we cannot ignore them as if they don't exist.

What are we to do for our brothers and sisters, O Lord?

Loving God,
show us
the many ways
we can help
those who suffer.
Keep them
in our minds
so we
do not
forget them.
Make us
loving family members
to them
so we
can strengthen
the whole
human family,
not just
some members.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Dear God,

I walked into liquid love this morning.  I stepped inside a spiritual wind tunnel.  I came in singing my song until your song became my song.  I went to church this morning.

At one point I was attentive to my breath, breathing deeply, taking in pure spiritual and emotional refreshment.  Not surprising, I figure that is what is supposed to happen when the community of faith gathers together at your feet.  I smiled all morning even when I sang the morning anthem (careful, of course, that my e's did not become eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee).

The entire hour was a time to sing and sway, to pray and breathe, and to touch, listen, and inspire.  My faith burst at its seams; I was so happy.

As I ponder my great joy, I reflect upon the early disciples and their radical faith.  I think of the saints and their devotion.  I think of my spiritual colleagues and friends who help create a spiritual circle every Wednesday when we do church together by phone because we live apart from one another.  I say to myself...it really doesn't get any better than this!

High and Holy God,
thank you
for your spirit
that dwells
so wondrously
in your church.
We know
we are
a ragtag group
of people,
flawed and imperfect;
yet, we know
your love
for us
when we gather
with you
to worship,
praise, and adore.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Dearest God,

You are the answer before our question is formed.  As we move through life with doubts and fears, with questions and perplexing situations, and with losses and injustices, we can feel so alone and trapped right where we are.  Yet, all the while you are working to bring hope, healing, and guidance.

The world is filled with complications, complexities that frustrate and confuse.  When we live without you as a real presence, we can wander and stray away from all that is important.  We can live a lesser life.  Yet, all the while you are working to bring hope, healing, and guidance.

We grow older each day while fears niggle their way into our minds and souls.  When, where, and how can plague our minds.  Yet, all the while you are working to bring hope, healing, and guidance.

There is no place where you do not exist.  There is no time when you are not with us.  There is no situation that can tear us away from you.  Why?  Because you work to bring hope, healing, and guidance.

Father,
thank you
for the constancy
of your love
and mercy.
Thank you
for tending
to us
like little children.
Thank you
for your promise
to bring hope,
heal us,
and guide us.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 24, 2015

Dear God,

Often you remind us to live the life of the new self, the one who is wholly committed to you, loves their neighbor, and lives the deep life.  You remind us to follow you, trusting you to lead us to faith, hope, and peace.  You ask us to care for those around us and sometimes very far away.

Daily you give us opportunities to do spiritual checks.  Do we act kindly? Do we reach out?  Are we loving?  Do we share with others?  Do we treat all people justly?  Do we pray, meditate, and worship regularly in order to keep our spiritual house clean and free of illness of every kind?  Are we quiet, silent before you so we can listen for your whisperings?

When we rise in the morning, we can recall to mind what it means to be holy, just, and loving.  As we lie in bed at night, we can give thanks for daily help and guidance, for blessings and sacred surprises, and for grace and the ability to forgive others.  As we drift off to sleep, we can rest in the care of angels.

Holy and Wondrous God,
thank you
for faith
that moves us
to you.
Thank you
for love
that moves us
to you.
Thank you
for grace
that moves us
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Dear God,

I am always drawn to my knees by your unfailing efforts to connect with your children.  Whether we realize it or not, you are always present with us.  We are never alone.  Whatever we say, do, or think, you see and hear us.  We are never far from your view.  So when we are lonely, empty, sad, confused, frustrated, or hurting, you speak to us.

Tonight I felt as if I were on angel's wings.  My first choir rehearsal since returning home to Maine lead me so close to you and after the last 10 days I have lived, my how ready I was to soar with the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, and the Light of the World.  The music, the lyrics, harmonies, and melodies caused me to lift off.  The first two songs were favorites, composed by musicians not far from home.  One was the prayer of St. Francis, my favorite saint.  I traveled to Assisi, Italy and spent time on retreat with him for ten days.  I closed my eyes as we sang parts of the song.  Over and over I connected with sacred songs down deep in my spirit.

At the end when someone asked me to pray for them, I felt I was already in your arms and all I had to do was hug and pray.  That's just how good you are, Most Wondrous God.

Thank you,
Good Lord,
for sacred music
that pricks
the heart
and deepens
the spirit.
Thank you
for soul music
that stirs,
inspires,
and challenges.
Thank you
for faith
that opens
ears, hearts, minds,
and souls.

In thanksgiving, Andrea

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Dear God,

As I pray asking for a new disposition, I randomly opened my bible confident there would be some word of direction and help.  Once again I found my answer from St. Paul.  The words lifted from the page.  Some excerpts that were particularly helpful from Colossians 3:8-17:  "Get rid of these things:  anger, passion, and hateful feelings.  Put on the new self.  This is the new man (woman) which God, its creator, is constantly renewing in his own image.  You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own.  So put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Forgive one another.  To these add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.  Be thankful.  Christ's message, in all its richness, must live in your hearts.  Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God, with thanksgiving in your hearts.  Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father." 

What better instruction could I have?

Thank you,
Holy God,
for always
leading me
back to you.
Thank you
for words
that stir
the soul
to health
and wholeness.
Thank you
for peace
that comes
when we
turn to you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Dear God,

I felt compelled to listen to an old CD, perhaps 25 years old.  Entitled "Songs for the Inner Child", I slipped it into the player and touched the play button.  As I dusted and swept, still cleaning up a home after a flood and more, I heard the lyrics lift off and up, "...and the only measure of your words and your deeds will be the love you leave behind when you're gone."  Sensitive to heaven's message I stopped my work and wept.  I realized again the need to forgive.  If we do what we do out of love, we always radiate the light of Christ.  When we do anything less, we do not hold up the light for others to see.

Even when we take the step toward love and it does not return as love, you ask us to take one more step and that is to cleanse our own heart of resentment.  You want to wash us clean, sparkling clean because a clean and shiny soul can radiate the light like no other.

Although it is sometimes extremely difficult to follow you and your way, it is always the right and good decision.  In the end we are blessed with another day of light and hope and peace because your light shines brightly in the darkness.

Blessed are you,
Lord of grace and love.
Blessed is
your way.
Blessed is
your mercy forevermore.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 20, 2015

Dearest God,

Faith changes the story, any story, every story.  A story is just a story until faith enters.  Then it becomes a mystery, a wonder, a divine story of God.

For days now I've been telling the story.  This particular story has been painful.  This story is a story of entitlement, betrayal, hatred, resentment and bitterness.  Every time I came across one more wrong, I told the story again making sure I added that one new part.  Every night I went to bed angry, dead tired renewing our home to its original condition.  Every morning I woke up angry and ready, like Sherlock Holmes, to uncover yet another wrong.  Hour after hour I seethed...until faith came along.

When faith entered my story, I suddenly found more evidence of your presence than the dark, stormy clouds.  Divine whisperings, amazing grace, and angels singing the old, old story all joined the other parts of the story but they radiated like nothing else. When I found mars on my favorite grandmother's antique table, my whole body was ready to rise up in anger, but my Christian grandmother, gone for 30 years, spoke in a whisper, "It's okay, those scratches are okay to be there."  I stopped, I melted, I let my tears drop down.  Then I took my rag, poured Old English on the old table, and I started tenderly wiping it across the dark wood.  The mars took to that cover up, drank it in, filled up their wounds, and when I wiped it off and buffed it, it shined like a new table.  This time I heard your voice, Lord.  You said, "That's the way it is with sin."

A story is just a story, not very exciting, meaningful or valuable until faith comes, until you come, Father, and make the story your own.

What can
I say
to you,
Wondrous God?
How can
I adequately
thank you
for your generosity?
How can
I thank you
for faith?

Love always and forever more, Andrea

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Dear God,

Yesterday, I left my home to breathe some fresh air of your spirit.  I grabbed a CD entitled Country Gospel.  At first I listened to Amazing Grace, what a way to start a drive, then How Great Thou Art, a song to sing to give thanks for grace.  On and on the singers sang in their country twang, yet, those words reached down deep into my soul.

"When Christ shall come with shout and acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart," the singer sang, and suddenly time stopped and I had this instant vision of me standing before God in heaven.  God asked, "Do you remember that time when you stepped into 25 Pleasant Street?" I knew exactly what God was saying.  "Yes," I replied.  He went on, "I used that opportunity to refine and purify you."  At once my heart filled with gratitude and joy.  I realized once again just how compassionate you are.  What others mean for evil, you can use for good.

Holy and Loving God,
who would not bow
before you
after such gifts
were given?
Who would
not want
to stand
and shout out
your glory?
Who would not want
to fall
at your feet
and give praise?

Yours forever, Andrea

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Dearest God,

Although I was exhausted, cranky, and still upset by the shape of our home when we returned to it, my husband and I joined church friends who invited us to a turkey dinner at the Catholic Church.  When we stepped inside, hugs and warm greetings awaited us.  All during the waiting, the sit down and eat, and the get ready and leave time, our friends bathed us in love.  As we drove away we were both changed.  Our dispositions, attitudes, and feelings had been transformed.  While we were eating a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in April, you were healing us.

It is true!  You care for every part of our lives.  When we are sick and need renewed health, you want to heal us.  When we are down and out, you want to lift us up.  When we are brokenhearted, you want to restore the pieces and put them back together again.

Good and Loving God,
thank you
for your
generous love.
Thank you
for arms
that hug us,
for lips
that peck us
on the cheek
and for feet
that are willing
to walk
with us
while you
create miracles
in our souls.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, April 17, 2015

Dear God,

Arriving home to a flood and much more was very upsetting, especially since grace was extended for six months to a family in need.  I was angry, tired, and dismayed.  Driving 500 miles sometimes in very heavy traffic to get home did not help.

Yesterday morning I left it all and drove to the monastery.  I sat down in a chair to the side and gazed upon the icon, a picture of St. Terese of Lisieux, one of my favorite sisters.  Within minutes I felt the presence of many Catholic sisters from Carmel, St. Benedict's and St. Joseph's.  Every time I drew in a breath I felt my breath breathing them into me.  I sat and listened and felt grace's call.  In my soul I heard your words, "When I am empty, I am full of you."  I was overwhelmed with love.  I wept with joy and sadness, both at the same time; I knew I was full of you.

I stayed and prayed, feeling the warmth of faith and then I stood to go.  I kissed my finger and touched the picture frame to say thank you.  Then I noticed a card, a beautiful card about St. Terese.  I picked it up and read it from cover to cover.  It talked about how many miracles, cures, and healings have taken place through her intercession.  Often times rose petals would come with healings.  Then I remembered, the scene so vivid in my mind.  The last two days before we made the long drive home, we visited a friend's home.  In the dining room was a striking picture of roses painted in 1898 by our friend's grandmother.  Every time we ate, I gazed upon it.  Each time I walked by it I stopped and studied it.  The light emanating from its center was so lovely, so compelling, I would just stand and stare.  I felt at peace with the picture, a kindness, a sweetness radiating from it.  Then we drove home.

As I placed the card back on the table, tears began to flow for I realized the Little Flower, St. Terese was already setting forth a healing path even before I knew what I would face when I walked into our home and was outraged.  Although there were no rose petals sprinkled about, the picture was etched in my mind and it was already beginning to heal me.

I heard your voice once more and I followed.  I lighted a candle for the family, wrote their name on the book of prayer requests, and drove home.

Faithful God,
thank you
for compassion
that comes
even before
we know
we desperately
need it.
Thank you
for grace
that heals
and helps.
Thanks for
love that
is never ending.

Forever yours, Andrea

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Dear God,

There are some places that just scream "home."  They give to us a sense of welcome, hospitality, and love.  You belong here, you are safe here, you are loved here, they seem to say.

There is no place more home to me than a monastery.  For 30 years I have been wooed to monasteries.  I have been drawn to their worship, to their witness, and to their grace.  The moment I just see the building from a distance, I draw a deep breath and breathe out "aaaahhh!"

I have the greatest sense of your living, loving presence in a monastery.  I know you are there and I drink in that presence letting it sink deep into my soul.  In your presence there my priorities shift, my love for you goes deep and my faith leaps and dances.  Joy erupts inside me at a monastery because I know we are there together.  Insights come, my well is filled up, and challenges to my faith, attitudes, and actions rise up to meet me.  Hope is great and peace is possible.

As I reflect my heart is happy when I think of the Carmelites, the sisters of St. Joseph, the sisters of St. Benedict, and all the monasteries where I have retreated in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Maine, and New Mexico, USA, France, and Italy.  I am grateful, so very, very grateful.

You are worthy
of praise,
O Lord;
you are worthy
of praise.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Dear God,

There are days you invite us to face our fears.  You ask us to trust you to help us pull the stinger from their center so you can teach us to not be afraid.  You breathe into us the breath of your life so we can move forward in strength.

Today a wrong turn led me into the heart of New York City.  With thousands of cars, buses, trucks, many of them honking and gesturing, all backed up in underground tunnels, I had to pray for your assistance.  My passenger's upsetting anxiety and my weariness and aching arthritis nearly got the best of me.  But it was when I had to travel over three very high bridges that I had to cry out, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I can do all things, all things, all things, through Christ who strengthens me" when I sensed your nearness.  You forced air into my lungs so I would not hold my breath.  You breathed peace into me allowing me to keep moving and trusting you to help guide me to my destination.  As I allowed you to lead me, eventually I pulled away from the big city and drove home, a total of 504 miles.

What I realize is you do not want our fears to ever get the best of us.  You want us to overcome anything and everything that seeks to do us in.  You want to build strength, courage, and faith into us so we will not be paralyzed by fear but rather drive right through them.

Thank you.
Almighty God,
for power
to overcome.
Thank you
for faith
that reveals trust.
Thank you
for love
that holds us
while we learn.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Dear God,

You weave people into our lives to shape and reshape us.  You weave love into us regenerating the power source that keeps us alive.  You weave faith into us so we can see life from the deep, drink from the well, and build souls for service to others.

For two days we have shared life with friends we have not seen for some time.  As we talk, share and listen, we allow your process of weaving to renew us.  Love flows and faith strengthens.  We see your hand and we are grateful to be part of those around us because they draw us closer to you. 

Wondrous God,
thank you
for your
warm generosity.
Thank you
for loved ones
who make room
for us.
Thank you
for weaving us together.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 13, 2015

Dear God, 

Your ways are better than our own.  When we chart our own course and are diverted, we grow irritated and angry.  We cannot understand.  In due time, you reveal the mystery and we are left humbled at your feet.

 

On our way out east we learned our travels would take us a few miles from old friends  in West Virginia so we decided to call to make arrangements to visit; however, their phone had been disconnected.  We got online to double check their address but it had changed.  We decided to take the chance to find them.  During the course of the next two hours we drove through back roads, river roads, and dirt paths only to wind up at some camp.  We walked up to the house but no one was there.  We asked neighbors only to learn it was the wrong address.  So we started the drive to the next address several miles away.  All the way one of us moaned, groaned, and complained.  One of us yelled and screamed.  It was awful.  We should have been stopped in our tracks but that was not your plan.

When we arrived in their town, we got lost so we stopped at a store to ask for help.  The clerk said she knew our friends and told us the man was in a hospital extended care.  She gave us directions and we were on our way.  We had to drive out into the country once again to get to the hospital.  Just when we thought we were lost again, we came upon it.  We stopped in the emergency room and asked for assistance.  The person knew our friend and his room number.  He directed us into another building and before long we stood in the room with our friend who was sitting in a wheel chair.  Just a few words and we knew he had dementia.  Several minutes later his wife stepped into the room and we hugged one another.  We talked, prayed together, and left, my husband in tears over the shape of Bob.

It was sometime later as I drove to our friends’ home in Maryland, I realized how your hand had been at work.  If we had driven straight to our friend’s home in West Virginia, no one would have been home because the wife had been running errands.  We would not have known her husband was in the hospital.  We would have missed them altogether.  Instead you sent us on a wild goose chase to see the scenery, spend time enjoying the beautiful day, and sharing together.  We failed to see the plan and forfeited that time.  But you did not let go of us; you guided us to two angels who pointed the way.

 

Heavenly Father,

thank you

for unmerited grace.

Thank you

for mercy

and compassion.

Thank you

for humility

that comes

the hard way. 

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Dear God,

We stood in our garage, put our arms around each other, and prayed together.  We remembered your goodness in your daily provision, for your kindness during troubled times, and for the countless many blessings you have given.  We asked for traveling mercies.

Each day you call us to prayer, to love, and to gratitude.  So often we fail or forget.  We distract ourselves with lesser things.  We focus on our own happiness or satisfaction.  We walk right by you on our way to life.

But this morning we remembered and gave thanks and we are grateful we remembered.  Thank you.

Holy Spirit God,
thank you
for staying connected
with us
when we
connect elsewhere.
Forgive our shortcomings,
our flaws,
and our failures.
Let the majesty
of your goodness
prompt us
to pray,
to love,
and to
give thanks.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Dear God,

You give us a family to love and to love us right back.  You allow us to walk through life with close loved ones.  When they struggle, we feel their pain and sorrow.

You teach us to trust you with all we have.  You ask us to trust you with those we love more than anyone else.  You teach us to pray.  You tell us to walk beside our beloved.  You teach us to support, to love, and to care for those who are precious.  You ask us to take a step back so you can do your divine work. 

When we do not stand in your way, when we utterly trust, and when we partner with you, you give us opportunity to rise high in faith.  You show us what you can do when you lead the way.  You bless us and our loved ones.

Help me
take a step back
so you
can do
your work,
O Lord,
and a
step forward
in trust,
prayer, love
and compassion.
Make us partners
with you
in healing
our family
and the
whole human family,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 10, 2015

Dear God,

Sometimes we behave as if Christ is no longer in Christian.  Sometimes we follow the low road.  Sometimes we give into temptation that gives evidence we are less that who you made us to be.

So often we disappoint you by our behavior.  We complain, moan and hiss when life does not develop the way we want.  Our attitudes sour, our decisions are poor, and our actions disturb.  When we forget whose we are, we are liable to failure.

The best news of all is you come upon the wind and remind us we are still your children.  You soothe us with your merciful spirit giving us grace upon grace.  In the midst of such compassion we succumb to your loving spirit.  We fall to our knees in shame.  We recognize our sin and ask for your help.  In our repentance you gently place Christ back into our name and we are set on our way for another try.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for your
gracious presence.
Thank you
for your kindness
even in
our sinfulness.
Right us
when we stumble
and fall
so we
can stand tall
and proclaim
your grace.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Dear God,

Sometimes patience can only be found in a sacred treasure box, one stored in heaven for those short on patience.  Sometimes we cannot resolve our own problems without your help.

This week has been stormy.  I have not been able to get yard and garden work done because of rain and wind.  I have worked hard inside; yet, I still have not been able to get everything done.  My osteoarthritis with a twist is in my shoulders, wrists, fingers, knees, feet and toes.  It has all been painful these last few days. 

When troubles come, when we can only do so much due to inner and outer situations, we have to turn to you asking for your help.  We have to pause and drink in your spirit knowing you have everything we need.  We have to stop our rushing, our ever-quickening blood pressure, and open our ears to listen for your calming words.  We have to trust you and patient.

O Lord,
I need
your help.
Guide me
to the
quiet place
where I
find you waiting.
Show me
the way
to patience.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Dearest God,

As I scrubbed my stone floor on my hands and knees you came to me whispering, "With faith there is always so much more."  There is more than meets the eye.  There is more to the story.  There is more, always more.

Whenever we face difficulty, our little world begins to rapidly shrink down until all we see is the disheartening, hopeless situation.  We get so focused on the problem and the emotions connected to it that we become blind and sometimes paralyzed.  We can lie in the rut for a long, long time.

Faith sees the situation for what it is but adds its own spin.  Like a disciple we can declare, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Strength seems to come out of nowhere; however, those who live by faith knows it comes from a deep source.  In the midst of such strength, we move to eternity's storehouse and there we find hope, wisdom, understanding, patience, and power.  As we pray and listen, we find living water to drink and manna to eat in our desert while help is on its way.  We know right off that no situation is hopeless no matter how dire.  We know there is One who will hold us until we are enabled to move once again.

Thank you
for valuable lessons
that come
when we
are on
our knees.
Thank you
for quiet moments
when you
speak to us
of faith,
hope, and help.
Thank you
for mercy
that meets us
right where
we are.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Dear God,

So many life situations are fertile ground for learning, growing, and changing.  As we experience a break in our familiar routine, you enable us to see more deeply.  You invite us to dig down into spiritual resources where we discover the tools for making a more meaningful life.

We only know what we know until we are hit with challenge.  Such moments cause our ground to shift, sometimes pulling it apart.  We fall into the crevice, feel the squeeze, and fear and doubt can take over.  Only when we cry out for help, when we call your name can we find the wherewithal, courage, and power to move and redesign ourselves.

So many times we look back and remember your tender care.  We recall how you picked us up and set us on solid ground.  We reflect upon our gain and suddenly renewed are empowered to move forward knowing challenges will come again but we will be more ready to face the present and the future with faith.

Thank you
for mercy,
an extreme kindness
that lifts us
from where
we are
to where
we need
to be.
Thank you
for love
that embraces us
during change.
Thank you
for power
that enables
us to walk
with newness
of life.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 6, 2015

Dear God,

The aftermath of Easter is a wonderful gift.  Resurrection, rebirth, and new life all continue.  Your light shines in our darkness reminding us of your living presence.

As tiny plants emerge from the soil I am reminded how all looked dead this winter.  All that was beautiful just a few months ago were gone, seeds hidden below ground.  But now they are moving their little heads up to the light and, suddenly as if for the first time, they are rising up, claiming their space in the light.  Their color is beginning to show, white, yellow, green and purple.  They are quite lovely.

You give our faith that same chance.  What may appear dead or lifeless can be renewed.  A robust energy can revitalize body, mind, and soul.  We can begin to see more clearly because it is always easier to see in the light than in the darkness.  We can have a radiant beauty that blesses us and others.  We too can live again.

Loving God,
thank you
for second chances,
for rebirth
and renewal,
for new life.
Thank you
for Easter.
Thank you
for faith.

Love, Andrea

Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015

Dearest God,

As is my custom every Easter morning, I stepped outside into the dark to listen for the birdsong.  For years I listened to hear various birds singing with great delight.  I always figured the birds and animals knew of the resurrection before all the others.  This year it was deadly silent.  I listened and listened but not one bird sang.  I went back inside and came out an hour later.  This time I heard two birds and then a strange song that sounded like a rooster.  But I dismissed it because there are no roosters in our addition.  Again the bird called.  Can't be, I thought to myself.   When I heard the rooster crow one more time, I was shocked and stepped back inside.  What on earth?  I thought.  Then I paused remembering the story of Peter and the cock crowing three times when he denied ever knowing Jesus.

All day long I pondered the call of the rooster.  Convinced there was no such thing for miles, I had to wonder why I heard it.  Have I denied knowing Christ?  Have I lived without faith and trust in Jesus? Do I live a Good Friday life instead of one of resurrection?  By day's end I realized that the cock crows every day reminding us to examine our relationship to you, to hone our faith and to serve the risen Lord in service.  In the early morning while I anticipated the sound of heaven's joy, you asked me big questions of faith, so perfect on Easter morning.

Gracious God,
Saving God,
Loving God,
thank you
for the challenge.
Thank you
for the questions.
Thank you
for Easter faith.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Dear God,

You have taught me to pay attention to what happens in life.  Such happenings can provide valuable life lessons.

Today I worked hours to finish clearing the area under the three tall pines at the back of our property.  Over the years the trees have grown and the underbrush has taken over, only I couldn't see it.  A few days ago I walked the area and realized it was totally out of control.  Several trees, some as much as six foot tall had seeded themselves.  Vines crept all along the soil.  Weeds were everywhere.  So I took all my tools and began to work.  I sawed dead limbs.  I pruned and shaped the pines.  I pulled up the vines.  I dug out numerous invasive trees.  I raked, filled lawn bags, and cleared away debris.  When I finished, I was surprised to see how lovely the area was. 

As I write, I think of how the spiritual life can also get in great disarray.  When neglected, seeds of doubt, fear, and resentment can secretly weave themselves into our souls.  They can grow and grow and grow seeking power along the way.  They can grow to great heights if not tended.  Before long the good is lost to the bad. 

But then the Master Gardener comes along and offers us another option.  When we say yes to the offer the gardener gets right to work, first cleaning things up and clearing away the debris.  Then the real problems are uncovered, the deep roots of undesirable thoughts and behaviors.  The gardener knows these take hard work, digging deep to break the roots and pull them up.  Then the pruning begins to reshape the soul.  When the gardener finally takes away all the undesirables, we learn a desirable soul can exist and thrive all because the gardener loves.

Great Gardener of the Soul,
thank you
for your
holy work.
Thank you
for taking
the nasty leavings
of a
neglected soul
and cleaning it up.
Thank you
for your
kind compassion
and healing power.

Yours, Andrea

Good Friday, April 3, 2015

Dear God,

Good Friday, one of my favorite worship days.  I love Holy Week because it is so real and tells the rest of the story.  I want to hear the story again, remembering the hallowed grace story.  Every time I hear it, I am reminded of the gift of grace and hope.  I remember why I carry the name.

The pastor took us through the Holy Week story, piece by piece.  It all unfolded in my mind, each picture telling its story...the table, the walk, the garden, the kiss, the trial, and the cross.  I was at the table.  I took the walk.  I knelt at the rock in the garden.  I saw the kiss and the trial.  Finally, I stood and watched at the cross.  Isn't that what you ask us to do with you every Holy Week?  It was the bad good news.

As we walked in silence to the car and I looked up, the gray day turned sunny and I saw the cross and church steeple awash in sunlight. I realized resurrection had already come.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You give us
the best
of yourself.
How grateful
we are.
Be blessed
our savior
as we
walk in faith
to you.

Love, Andrea

Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2015

Dearest God,

We entered the sanctuary with heavy hearts, having experienced yet another sorrowful family incident.  Washed over by waves of sadness, our eyes lifted to see the banners.  "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."  "My grace is sufficient for thee."  Both messages spoke deeply to our souls.  But for me your spirit swept in when our choir sang, "Wash My Feet".

"Why would my Master, Lord, and King kneel to do this amazing thing?  He washed my feet; he washed my feet."  As I sang I could hardly hold back the tears.  I realized again just how much you do for us.  When we are least worthy, you kneel down and wash our dusty, grimy, pitiful feet.  You hold the filth, the ache, and the wayward feet who walk not always on the straight path.  What love comes to us.  What mercy meets us at the point of our need!

As we walked out of the sanctuary in silence I let the message speak and all I could say inside my heart of hearts was, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Gracious, Loving God,
thank you
for touching
our hearts,
minds, and souls
with your message
of compassion.
You blessed us
when we needed blessing.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Dearest God,

In less than an hour you came with your message of absurd grace.  In our covenant group conference call, we greet one another, practice silence, listen to a devotion and prayer, and then one shares while the others offer spiritual direction.  We pray for your leading, guiding us toward discernment and insight.  Today we were not disappointed.

It was my turn to share and I offered my spiritual dilemma.  As we listened and talked, you came into our midst and focused our minds and spirits on the magnitude of your grace.  We acknowledged that grace is deeper and wider than anything else.  It is absurd in that we do not merit it.  In fact we deserve so little by our thoughts, practices, and actions.  Yet, you come and give. 

The beauty of grace is that in the midst of poor decisions or actions, you come carrying the world's greatest gift.  You offer us grace free to those who least deserve it at the moment.  Why?  Your love is deeper than our deepest offence. 

As I opened myself to your message, I felt my spirit lift, my mind open, and my soul refresh. Once again grace transformed me and gratitude filled my soul.

Thank you,
Holy Spirit,
for the
renewal of
my mind.
Thank you
for your
many gifts,
especially grace.
Thank you
for fresh perspective
on very old
good news.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Dear God,

It makes a difference what we give to the world around us.  If we give hope and peace, we can create a tranquil, serene space.  If we give love and compassion, we can make an offering of comfort and refuge.  If we give carry living water to those near and far, we can help co-create lush environments of flowing streams and radiant beauty.

But if we are negative and judgmental, we drag people down.  If we are critical and offer nothing of value, we strip away even the good that is within reach.  If we show lack of respect, we have the ability of destroying the very beauty you came to give to your people.

As we awaken to each new day, you ask us to consider what our daily offering will be.

Show us
the way
to goodness,
O Lord;
teach us
to listen
to you
so we
may fulfill
your desire
for us all.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, March 30, 2015

Dear God,

Our souls are so like a garden.  They need to be tended, cleaned and cleared, pruned, and watered.  Without constant loving care, they can go to ruin.

Last year that's exactly what happened to my garden.  The person who was to tend it didn't.  I came home to a mass of weeds totally out of control.  My heart fell and I turned my back on the garden.  I let it all go the rest of fall and winter.  But now it is spring and I returned to my contemplative garden.

How often have I allowed my soul to be filled with spiritual weeds?  How many times did I forget to drink from the pool of living water?  How many times did I resist the pruning shear?  What did I get for my lack of effort?  Exactly what I deserved, a cluttered, lifeless, and angry mess.

What amazes me is this:  When the gardener returns and the soil is tilled and worked, cleaned and cleared, and watered with loving mercy, it can come back like the garden in the movie "Secret Garden".  Our souls too can be revived.  When we invite you in as spiritual gardener, you begin the work of renewal and restoration.  We can come back to life in a new and beautiful way.

Holy Gardener,
thank you
for your work
of revitalization.
Thank you
for the care
with which
you tend
the garden
of our souls.
Thank you
for reminding us
we need
to do
our part
to keep vibrant
and functioning.

Love always, Andrea