Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Dear God,

So often we are distracted by life issues.  We focus on what needs to be done and what ails us  We come up short on resources and helps.  We forget what has been put within us.

From the beginning you promised us your living presence.  You promised to be with us daily.  You promised to be our comforter and guide.  Instead of turning to you, being fully present with your presence, and leaning in toward your spirit, we run on empty, looking only into ourselves for answers, directions, and aid.  We fail to look deeply where your spirit meets our own spirit.

In the midst of our troubles, you ask us to pause and listen.  You ask us to finely tune ourselves.  You invite us to make ourselves fully present to you.  Sometimes a divine silence comes.  When it does, we have opportunity to breathe in the quiet which always brings with it peace, hope, and comfort.  You cause us to drink in the silence that is like living water to a truly parched soul.  There at the pool inside ourselves you speak to us as children.  You request us to lay down our concerns, to give them to you, and to allow you to assist us.  In the few minutes we give you, you give us great opportunity to discover the gifts of your spirit deep within.  There we eat, drink, and are blessed.

Forgive us
when we
seek answers
in shallow waters.
Forge in us
the ability
to dive deep.
Thank you
for reminding us
you are
with us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 25, 2015

Dear God,

You call us to your side reminding us to bring the whole of our self to you.  Nothing left behind.  Nothing hidden away.  Every part brought to attention.

Sometimes, Lord, we only want to bring our concerns to you or even our celebrations.  Sometimes we bring only our judgments.  But you say to us, "No, I want your all."  As we stand before you, you see us for who and what we are.  You see everything.  You know our intentions, our hurts, and our challenges.  When you speak to us, you speak to the whole of us because you want to call every part together because we are not in pieces.  We are a whole person.

As you call us out, you offer guidance, healing, and hope.  You set before us new challenges that can lift us up, turn us around, heal us from the inside out, set us on firm ground, and give us new opportunities to be transformed into the person you saw from our early beginnings.

Often we want your assistance only in certain areas but you offer more than that, always more than that.  You want to minister to us and teach us how in our healing to help heal others.  We forget your way is always better than our own.

Thank you
for your attention
to our
whole selves.
Thank you
for tending
to the small
and the big.
Thank you
for love
that oils
all our parts
to be
a whole.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Dear God,

Your loving spirit washes over our souls in more ways than we can begin to imagine!  This Pentecost morning your spirit blew into Church on the Cape.  It came as a rushing wind as we sang spirit songs of faith.  We sang together, lifting our voices high to the heavens.  We felt ourselves bathed in that spirit that lifts the heart, washes us clean, and sets us high on a mountain.  Half an hour later the violinist and pianist played and the spirit blew gently, so quietly and I realized the power of your spirit to speak loudly and in a whisper always touching us deeply.

Every Pentecost we hear the story of your spirit washing over the waiting crowd.  We suddenly are jolted alive inside ourselves when we feel the rush of the wind in our own souls.  We fill with memories of spirit experiences, healings, insights, words of truth, challenges, moments of grace and forgiveness and always, always the blessings of divine, unconditional love and mercy.  We know that we know you are the god of our faith and we overflow with gratitude.

Thank you,
God Most High,
thank you
for your
Pentecost spirit.
You blessed us,
really blessed us
this morning.
Let us
bless you,
God who is worthy of our praise.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Dear God,

The fence fell down.  Erected about fifty or so years ago a split rail fence was erected by the current owners.  It divided our property from the neighbor's.  It served to remind everyone they were on separate sides.

A few days ago when the fence fell, everything on "their" side looked different.  The reason it fell was the oak wood at the ground level simply rotted and three sections dropped.  As I stood and looked at it, I was amazed at how a simple fence changes things.

As I considered the spiritual life, I reflected upon the fences in my own family life.  Generations of relationships severed by fences.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, mothers and daughters separated by nonsense.  Once the fences were put up, it was really difficult to cross over.  Of course, both sides blamed the others for erecting the steel barriers and year after year went by.  Some died without reconciliation, no peace.  The fences were too tall, too menacing, no way over, under, or around so they gave up and died.

What I have learned in the spirit life is you are powerful enough to tear down fences we erect.  You want us to reconcile ourselves to you, to ourselves, and to others.  Yes, it is true there are sometimes heinous crimes that separate us; yet, you assist us in our bleeding.  You want to heal us, make us new, and give us and others a chance at a better life.  As we allow you to rip out the fences that separate us, we find you standing where the old fence stood and indeed, things do look different.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for the gift
of grace
and reconciliation.
Thank you
for the power
to destroy
what separates us.
Please give us
the ability
to restore
and renew ourselves
with your help.
Make us peacemakers,
with hearts
filled with mercy
and love.
Help us create
a new landscape
where there
is only
one side,
yours.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 22, 2015

Dear God,

Balance.  Making space for equal parts.  Breathing evenly.  Balance.

My neighbor and I took a walk on the spiritual path.  He paused and took a breath.  Together we had stumbled upon the stone statue given to him by his beloved girlfriend who died suddenly a few months ago.  His sister had moved it to a picturesque knoll above the river.  The statue is a girl holding two small bowls evenly raised.  He asked me if I liked it in that location and I told him it was perfect.  I told him the girl reminded me how we have a choice to make demonstrated by the bowls she held.  Eric said he thought it was about balance.

The next few days I walked with the word "balance."  Balance, what would it mean for me to live with balance, I asked myself.  It was then I knew what I needed to do.  I signed up for a fitness program in the middle of the day.  Since I am prone to work hard in the woods for hours on end, I decided I needed to stop in the middle, ride my bike to the fitness center, participate in an aqua strength and stretch class, do yoga for an hour, and ride my bike back home.  One day I work on body conditioning equipment.  Three times a week.  In addition I decided I would call someone I love each day.  Yesterday I called Aunt Jodie and we talked for 34 minutes.

I realize how easily we can lose ourselves in our work or some other obsession.  We can get so focused that we miss the gentle reminders of faith.  We may miss your voice speaking or see a sign of your presence.  A call or challenge can totally pass us by if we are not alert and anticipatory.  Although the woods is one huge symbol of your presence, I know I can get so used to looking in the woods and fail to be open to finding you in places and spaces where you call.

Balance, Lord, thank you.

Gracious God,
giver of so many gifts,
thank you
for your
compassionate love.
Thank you
for my friend
who is
very sick,
yet, is
an instrument
of your grace.
Thank you
for the opportunity
for balance.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Dear God,

How can I pray for my children and my family if I do not pray for your children and your whole family?  How can I pray for love and safety for my grandchildren if I do not pray for the world's children who suffer?  How can I pray for myself if I do not pray for others?

Sometimes, O Lord, we are selfish and self-centered.  We pray for me and mine and forget, neglect to pray for those others near and far.  We are so interested in our home, our family, our community, our friends, and our nation but ignore the rest of your family.  In so doing we fail to live up to your expectation to love and care for one another even those who are strangers to us, those who are different than we are, and those who live in other nations and practice different cultures and faith.  We cannot bear the name Christian and not remember in prayer all our brothers and sisters.

As we listen to the news and hear of tragedy, loss, and sorrow, we must pray for those who are in pain.

Forgive us,
O Lord,
when we fail
to remember
we are
only part,
a teeny part
of your family.
Forge in us
the ability
and the desire
to pray daily
for all
your children.
Help us do
our part
to alleviate
the suffering
in our world.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Dear God,

This morning I read a troubling first-hand story written by Ann Voskamp, an author I read, who traveled to Iraq to listen to mothers tell tragic stories of what is happening to families terrorized by ISIS.  Nine-year-old girls sold into slavery.  Although I read the entire account, I could not get beyond these bold words.  Nine-year-olds.  I think of my granddaughters.  My insides feel sick.  I want to vomit, weep, and scream.

Have we lost our humanity?  Is their any god who would sanction this behavior?  How in the name of all that is sacred can we possibly dehumanize children?

I only serve you because I believe you are the god of love.  If you were anything less, I would have to walk away.  I believe you exist to love all children, no matter who and what we are and have become.  I believe you teach love and compassion.  A society and world built on love can make peace, provide hope, and care for one another.  Anything less than love only destroys.

Cleanse us
from unrighteousness,
O God;
heal us
so we
may heal
one another.
Bless your babies;
keep them
from harm.
Show us
the way home.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Dear God,

How can we not feel for our brothers and sisters impacted by war, poverty, injustice, oppression, and natural disasters?  How can we not feel sorrow and pain with them?  How can we not do something to bring relief?

You have given us hearts, minds, and souls.  You have connected us together as one people.  You have given us compassion that kicks in when we hear of struggle anywhere in the world.  You mean for us to be moved by each other's pain.  You want us to emotionally respond when someone is hurt.  You want us to give.

You bless us immeasurably when we are pained by sending angels unaware.  It may be a gift of service.  It may be a reassuring smile.  It may be a meal, a prayer, a financial gift.  Knowing someone cares begins the sometimes long process of healing and mending the whole of our person.  Helping others, alleviating pain, or bringing comfort can bless not only the hurting individual but also the helper.  You want us to care for one another.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for connecting us
with the rest
of the world.
Thank you
for brothers
and sisters
near and far.
Thank you
for your ministry
of caring.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 18, 2015

Dear God,

Your light shines.  Some welcome it and feel its warm glow.  Some study it and keep it at arm's length.  Some want it but cannot take the steps toward it.  Some are not sure and continue moving, not taking the risk.  Some reject it holding onto the familiarity of the darkness.

I believe nothing can blot out the light.  No situation or condition.  No person can contain the light keeping it away from others.  Although it may seem as if the light is gone, the Light of the World still shines.

We have all known darkness, Lord; we know its power, its coldness, its fear.  Because we know it well, we often hang onto it because we do know it.  However, your light still shines upon us.  It pervades our space and speaks gently to us of light that radiates warmth, healing, and hope.  It is, above all else, love made manifest through light.  We need not fear light that comes to help us, to illumine us, and to shine in and through us.  We are made new through your light.  Let it come, O Lord, let it come.

Shine your light
upon us,
Gracious God;
let it
do its work.
Restore us
with your light.
Renew us
with your light.
Remake us
with your light,
we pray
so we too
can shine
for the world. 

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Dearest God,

What a beautiful surprise awaited me at worship this morning.  I arrived early for choir rehearsal and listened as the organist rehearsed her prelude.  "In the Garden" was one of my grandmother's favorites.  I closed my eyes as I listened. 

But it was when she played it during worship that the most wonderful thing happened.  As I closed my eyes once again, you brought to mind the image of me standing by her bier at her memorial service where I stood to sing her favorite song.  Then many images visited me, Grandma in the garden with her butcher knife cutting rhubarb for a pie, Grandma reading the Upper Room devotional at the kitchen table, Grandma watering her scores of violets in the dining room, Grandma picking wild raspberries in the woods out back and putting them in her upturned apron, Grandma reading her bible in the front room of her log farm house, Grandma praying on her knees beside her bed praying aloud the names of all her family members, Grandma at church teaching Sunday School to the elderly, playing the organ, and leading the choir, Grandma playing Flinch on the floor with us grandkids, Grandma standing on the porch waving goodbye to us as we left after a huge family Sunday dinner, and finally a picture of Grandma standing in heaven smiling down on me at a time when I was living through a painful time.  This precious Grandmother who led me in faith joined us in singing at Church on the Cape this morning.

What gifts
you bring
to us,
Loving God,
how beautiful
they are.
Thank you
for your kindness
and generosity.
I am blessed,
so very blessed.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Dear God,

I am amazed how a simple birdsong can offer a divine message.  As a messenger of nature beautiful birds sing their songs, play together, hop along the ground, root for worms, and sing again.  Some days they are truly your messengers.

In every day life you choose who will carry special messages to hungry people.  It may be a stranger's smile, an unexpected surprise, a sunrise, a friend's call, or a heartwarming story.  All these and so many more touch and inspire.

As we awaken in the morning and start our day, you call to us to anticipate your presence.  You alert us to your loving nature and remind us we have the opportunity to walk in your presence all day long.  As we allow our faith to prick our consciousness, you grant us sight to the most beautiful examples of your spirit.  As we look and roam, we can join our song with the birdsong because wonderfully we sing the same song, yours.

Loving God,
thank you
for daily appearances.
Thank you
for love
that never ends.
Thank you
for your presence,
every day.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 15, 2015

Dearest God,

Thank you, thank you for inviting me to be a partner in a spiritual endeavor.  Thank you for allowing me to partner with you in creation.  Thank you for the yearly challenge to listen, move forward, and create with you.  What joy I experience every time I step foot on the spiritual path!

After nearly ten years of reflection and then seven or eight of actual hands-on work, I am beginning to see the whole path.  Each sacred space speaks of you.  It points to your creative hand.  It leads those who enter into spiritual contemplation, just what I envisioned would happen once you asked me to make an opening in a foreboding, dark woods.

I am thrilled beyond measure the way the path meanders to sacred sites where pilgrims will come to meditate, pray, be silent, listen, and ponder the majesty of your creation and the wonders of your spiritual relationship with each of us.  I am grateful to you, Everlasting God, very grateful.

You are worthy
of glory
and praise,
Almighty God,
now and forever.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Dear God,

Sometimes you come to us with a question.  "Who do people say I am?" you once asked.  "Do you love me?" Questions are intended to elicit a response from us.  Do we pay attention when the question comes?

One day while on my knees working in the spiritual garden, you asked me, "Why are you doing this?"  I had to stop what I was doing and think.  Why was I creating a spiritual garden in the woods adjacent to our yard?  I did answer.  I was fulfilling your call to open the woods, to dig out huge, nasty, thorny vines, trees, bushes, and weeds, to clear and clean out the land where all kinds of things were dumped for decades, and to create a spiritual path where people would come to find respite, tranquility, and faith.  Although you already knew what I was doing and why, you still wanted me to answer the question of faith so I would be reminded of the divine connection we have and the purpose you have given me.

So often your questions challenge.  Once when I was really angry and pained over something and I was ranting to you about what I was going to do about a difficult situation, you simply asked, "Really, is this what you really want to do?"  Of course, I backed down realizing that my reaction was not a faith-filled one.  I felt ashamed and you helped me reconsider both the situation and my response.  In the end your question stopped me from doing something stupid.

As I consider the spiritual journey and the call to remain close to you, I give thanks for questions that compel me to think how I live my life, who I follow, and the witness I want to make for the good of the world.

Understanding God,
thank you
for questions
that stop me
dead in my tracks.
Thank you
for inquiries
of faith.
Thank you
for love
that always rests
behind every question.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Dear God,

Knowing faith will always have a challenge to it, we trust in you to help us grow.  We take your hand and follow, holding more tightly when we come to potholes in the road.

When something does not set well with us, we may move to posture ourselves in self righteousness.  We may attempt to justify ourselves in being angry and resentful.  We may even try to persuade our own soul to change our beliefs so we can remain in our own burial ground.  But you, O Lord, you come to us reminding us we are your children and you have a better plan, one of healing and wholeness, forgiveness and grace, and love and mercy.

When faith is given half a chance, our whole being can experience a celebration of life.

Holy God,
changer of human lives,
thank you
for kindness
that never
gives us.
Thank you
for grace
that brings us
to our knees.
Thank you
for love
that holds us
until we
come around.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Dear God,

Every Wednesday we gather together at 7 am.  We greet one another.  We grow silent and contemplative.  One reads a devotion and then prays.  Another one shares a slice of their life and the rest of ask, "Where is God in the midst?"  For nearly thirty years we have sought your presence  asking you for guidance, hope, and spiritual direction.  We may live in different states but our spirits are always together on Wednesday morning.

How blessed we are to be part of a covenant group of four, five with you, Lord.  It is a sacred time spent in a hallowed space as we listen for your voice speaking to us.  We lean in, tune in, and empty our souls of clutter so there is plenty of space for you.  We hang onto your word and soar in your spirit.

We realize the greatest life than can be lived is one that is open to transformation.  How can we fully become who we are to be without a willingness to be changed?  As we let faith guide us, new doors open.  We eat fresh bread.  We drink living water.  We soar in the spirit.  Who would not be altered by such love?

Ever-Loving God,
thank you
for your
living spirit
that touches,
inspires,
and changes us.
Thank you
for cocoon moments,
but thank you too
for moments
to spread
our wings
and fly.
Thank you
for spiritual companions
who ride
on the wind together.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, May 11, 2015

Dear God,

My pulse quickens when I head to worship at Church on the Cape.  I know your spirit is waiting to greet me and all others who hear the call to gather.  I feel your song stirring in my soul waiting to be sung during the hymn sing.  I sense your love ready to hug me when I walk in the door.  A smile begins to form on my face when I think of the privilege I have to participate in the community of faith on Sunday morning.

So often in the middle of worship I come to the realization that the truest part of myself is exhibited in worship, in your home, in the community of faith.  I am never happier than when I am worshipping you, living my faith, and offering you my complete devotion.  At that moment I realize the joy of being a disciple of Jesus.

You are worthy
of worship
and praise,
my God.
Thank you
for the honor
you bestow
on your people
as we
come seeking you.
All glory to you,
God above all gods.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Dear God

Sometimes we draw hard lines dividing what was two into one, one person from another person, one nation from another, or one group from another.  We separate ourselves firmly by a hard line.  The hard line keeps us from crossing over.  We are reminded we are no longer part of one another.  We speak our own language, create our own practices, and make our own way separately.

But a soft line...a soft line gives space for us to meet at the line and talk, maybe even cross over occasionally, share and listen, give and take.  A soft line eventually can be erased by a little spirit breeze.

On my way to church this morning I thought of lines, lines I have drawn, lines others have made, lines that can be blown away.

With you,
Heavenly Father,
there are
no lines.
Thank you
for making it easy
for us
to come
to you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Dearest God,

The sanctuary is nearly finished, one room along the spiritual path.  Its quiet peace, mystical beauty, and faith song offers respite, space for silence, prayer, and contemplation, and hope.  It is a true wonder for me.

Since the beginning the ugly, tangled mess of a woods called to me as a partner in creation.  You  lead me to renew it like a soul lost for a long, long time.  You have given me opportunity to listen to nature, to follow its lead, and to labor with your spirit, much like a pregnant woman trying to give birth.  Together it is finding its way to fulfillment.

Each day I work in the spiritual garden, I find great pleasure as I listen for your voice or watch for a sign of your presence in nature.  Although I am very weary at day's end, I breathe in your spirit and know I have worked for your kingdom come.

Holy Father,
thank you
for entrusting me
with important work.
Thank you
for your spirit
that calls
to us.
Thank you
for faith
that challenges us
to walk
in the garden
of faith
with you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 8, 2015

Dear God,

Your word is like rain on dry, parched ground.  Your word is like light in a deep, dark place.  Your word is like a tiny, melodious bird song in the stillness.

Your word touches and inspires.  It gives us stories, examples of those whose faith won the day.  When we are down and out, perplexed or frustrated, or lost and searching, your word can open doors to hope.  As we listen for a fresh word from old texts, we are renewed in our body, mind, and spirit.

Almost a year ago I started keeping my bible close at hand.  I take it with me to start my day.  I place it in the room where I am.  I pick it up and read it, a chapter, a psalm, or a portion of scripture. I put it by my bed at night.  I let it sit with me knowing your living presence for today will reveal fresh new ways to consider how the word speaks to my own life or to the community of which I am a part, albeit the church, my family, or the world.

As I reflect and contemplate, I think of how deep and wide faith is and how your word ever deepens and widens as we trust you to speak to us afresh.

Ever-Powerful God,
thank you
for your word,
its influence,
its power,
and its love.
Thank you
for faith
that changes us
when we
let it.
Thank you
for mercy
that keeps us
ever close.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Dear God,

You have made us to be one family.  You give us to one another, each with a gift to share.  You give us one song to sing, the song of love, mercy, and peace.

At choir rehearsal we practiced a half dozen songs.  We sopranos sang alone learning our part, then the altos, tenors, and basses.  Each melodic line was beautiful in its own right.  However, what I discovered once again was the beauty of one voice, many voices singing their parts, making one voice, singing one song, the song of faith.

Thank you
for making us,
blending our voices
into one.
Thank you
for all
family members
who have something
to share.
Thank you
for the beauty
that comes
when we
share them together
at one time.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Dear God,

How blessed we are to be partners in creation!  How blessed we are to take your seeds, plant, water, and harvest the fruit!  How blessed we are to tend to the loveliness of nature!

In the dark, gloomy winter we forget the color of spring.  We are so distracted by the quiet brown and white we forget lavender, pink, yellow, fuchsia, and peach.  We forget in just a few months how a colorful eruption will take place.  We forget how birds will sing and squirrels will run and play.  We forget how green will pop out on tree branches.  We forget spring altogether.

But when the temperature begins to warm and the gentle breezes blow, your seeds begin to awaken, yawn, stir, and finally push their way through the soil.  Rebirth of the finest kind!  As we tend to tender plants and get dirt under our nails and soil on our knees, in the posture of prayer we meet our maker all over again.

Blessed are you,
Lord of Creation,
we offer up
our praise.
Thank you
for the beauty
of spring.
Thank you
for offering us
the opportunity
to spend spring
on our knees
with you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Dear God,

At first it was ominous, a tall, wide, and deep hedge of cow roses with some of the meanest thorns I've ever seen.  Intermixed were trees that had rooted themselves into the massive thicket of unwanted ugliness.  For  years it had served to keep cows in the pasture but after a hundred years a woods sprouted up and the cows were long gone.  Ten years ago I stood at the hedge and vowed never to enter.  It looked too scary.  But then you called and that began the work of creating a spiritual garden path.

My friend Cindy, a nature lover and master gardener, flew out each year for a few days and we dug and ripped and pulled up those cow roses one at a time.  We cut out invasive trees, unearthed entangled roots, and sawed and carried away old stumps.  We dug out pounds and pounds of broken glass, old pipes, rusty stuff, and some neat old things left out in the dirt by children like marbles, a stove, and plastic soldiers.  Little by little each summer we cleared the land up to the tree line.  A few times others joined us like Susan, Liz, Sheila, Patrice, and Ginny.

This year my husband paid to have all the leaves blown over the hill and for the first time I saw the whole path at one time.  I marveled as I followed the stone path to the altar, the table, the sanctuary, and the secret garden.  I could finally see what you had seen from the beginning.

As I planted perennials, shrubs, and trees, I realized how the spiritual garden path is like the human spiritual path.  In the beginning it appears frightening.  Who would want to go there?  Who would want to be pruned, dug up, cleaned and cleared out?  Yet, who wouldn't want the creator's hand to do his magical, mystical work on us? Who would not want to rid themselves of ugly habits, hidden, painful secrets, and unwieldy beliefs and practices?  Who would not want to be free, beautiful, harmonious, and joy-filled?  Who?

Praise you,
Lord God,
for the
spiritual path
of life.
Thank you
for the
divine chance meetings
at difficult intersections.
Thank you
for all
the hard cuts
you have
to make
to aid us
in our
clean-up process.
Thank you
for rebirth,
restoration,
and renewal.
Thank you
for miracles-in-the-making.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, May 4, 2015

Dear God,

Every day occurrences give us opportunity to think of faith, the spiritual life, and the ways we choose to live.  When we discover the first signs of spring, we have the privilege of thinking of creation, nature, and all its beauty but we can also pause to think of how you may be calling us to a rebirth or new life.

This morning I was blessed to be sitting at the kitchen table when I observed a tiny bird checking out the new bird house erected almost a year ago.  First, it flew onto the ledge and walked around the house.  Then it peeked inside the hole and put half her body into the house.  Then she flew away and returned with another bird.  When I watched her slip inside the hole, turn around, and peek out, I think she realized her new home would be a good place to lay her eggs and care for her young.  If birds could register their pleasure, I think she was pleased.

As we take steps to renew our life, things look brand new.  The air seems fresher and our surroundings look brighter.  When we step away from the old that weighs us down and into the new, life seems lighter like someone took away the heaviness we were carrying.  We get a new chance to shake off the dust from the past and walk into the future with hope, joy, and peace.

Heavenly Father,
giver of new life,
thank you
for daily reminders
of your
living presence.
Keep faith alive
in us
so we
may partake
in the best
you have
to offer.
We are grateful.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Dear God,

Singing songs of faith lifts the soul and heals the wounded heart.  I can never listen to It is Well without thinking of Horatio Spafford, the man who penned the lyrics after the loss of all four of his children at sea.  When he wrote, "When sorrows like sea billows roll,..." he knew the agony of suffering and loss.  Mourning while standing on a ship at the site where his daughters were tossed into the sea during a severe storm, he suddenly felt himself lifted up by the only One who can lift that kind of despair.  He continued writing, "...whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."  Faith that deep can aid any of us in our darkest hour.

As I contemplate the great suffering in our world, nation against nation, people against people, family member against family member, I realize it will take faith, deep faith rooted in love and compassion for all people to turn our world around.  Otherwise, we will simply keep persecuting, torturing, and killing until there is no one left.

Yet, I believe faith is ever greater than evil.

Holy God,
heal your people,
all your people.
For we
are all
your beloved.
You have
no favorites.
Heal us
so we
can heal
one another,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Dear God,

The land heaves with gratitude as its original beauty is restored.  Massive tangled roots, broken glass, and rusted pipes, barbed wire, and assorted things that can rust continue to be dug out of its burial ground allowing the land to be free of rotting junk.  As new plants are put in place, filled in with rich soil, and watered, it is as if there is a sense of relief and joy.

More and more the spiritual path is being revealed.  Its winding steps lead in directions that will take pilgrims on a journey, a wondrous journey I hope.  As I listen to you and take your direction as I continue to prepare the path, I see the way to hope and contentment but also to challenge and reflection.  Prayer will point the next step at intersections where decisions are required.  Although I will only stay with the path a few more years at my age before my own ending, I find great joy in partnering with you for all those who will come, walk, pause, contemplate, and discover faith along the way.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for opportunities
to prepare
the way.
Thank you
for spiritual paths
that cause us
to ponder,
pray, and meditate
upon your
living spirit
alive in
our hearts.
Thank you
for love
that nourishes us
to faith.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, May 1, 2015

Dear God,

Digging in the soil on the spiritual path, I unearthed a rusty old house key.  I held it in my hands and wondered what door the key had opened and why it was buried in the woods.

As I considered the spiritual life, I thought about the many keys we are presented in our lifetime.  First, there is the key to hope.  Who doesn't want to possess the key to hope?  It buoys us up, gives us reason to take the next breath, and provides opportunities for the future. Then there is the key to faith.  You are that key, O Lord, the key to spiritual vision that enables us to see deep and wide. The key of faith gives us clarity, light, and discernment.  There is also the key to joy.  This special key gives us the ability to laugh, to smile, to giggle, to tee hee, and to bubble up and over with a never-ending flow of contentment.  The key to wisdom is one that nudges us into patience, silence, and truth.  It is a very big key because wisdom helps us all through life giving us balance, perception, and key insight.  Finally, there is the key to love.  Everyone wants to be loved, cherished, and valued.  This key not only confirms a love for ourselves but also helps us love you and one another.

There are many keys to superb qualities in life.  However, sadly, there are keys to hatred, bitterness, false beliefs, injustice, and oppression.  These need not be buried but destroyed for the sake of humanity and the cosmos.

Thank you,
for keys
to your kingdom,
Gracious God.
Thank you
for opening doors
for us.
Thank you
for reminders
of our
many gifts.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Dear God,

All along the way the spiritual path has revealed the direction it wanted to take.  The only thing I have had to do is follow it.

I have worked on the woodland spiritual path now for nearly 10 years.  It has led me to an altar, a table, a community setting, a secret garden, and now a meandering stream.  Each part has its own spiritual meaning, all intended to lead those who will come to a closer walk with you.

Wherever I am along the path, when I step back and reflect, I am aware I am always drawn to you.  Each step reminds me of the constancy of your presence, your living spirit, and the countless ways you reveal yourself to us.

As the path continues to surprise and amaze, I give thanks to you for faith, for beauty, and for love.

Wondrous God,
so full
of surprises
for your children,
thank you
for the gifts
along the path
of life.
Teach us
to look,
to anticipate,
to participate,
and to celebrate,
always giving thanks.

Love, Andrea