Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Dear God,

Prayer opens doors to the light.  It shines in, at first as a candle flicker, then a slight ray of sunshine, and finally the whole door opens and the light shines, filling every crack and space with the light of your love.  In the light we experience hope and with hope faith begins to awaken in us.  Faith gives way to strength, determination, and decision-making ability.  Finally, the whole of our self begins to move more deeply with the light into the hard, rocky places in our lives.  Before long, we step forward by faith, trusting in you, our dear God, trusting in you to aid us in our desire to follow you, to be a witness to your goodness, and to live life faithfully.

Sometimes we live in small spaces created by pain and sorrow where faith begins to dwindle and hope seeps from us.  Squeezed by hardships and life conditions, we feel lost and lonely in the darkness at times caused by our own poor choices or those around us.  But it is in that rock hard place where one word can make everything shift.  A simple cry for help to our maker, to you, our comforter and friend, can cause the light to shine, one teeny spark and then the whole space is lighted.  Our one-word prayer opens us to you, great light of the world.

Thank you
for your light
and the power
it has
to change us.
Thank you
for light
that warms us
when we
are cold
from life events.
Thank you
for love
that makes it
all happen.

Forever yours, Andrea

Monday, July 27, 2015

Dear God,

A day of grateful reflection, today was a day of grateful reflection.  I spent most of the day in bed resting, remembering, and reflecting upon the last ten days.  I let my mind wander and recall whatever it wanted to bring to me.  It seemed every vision brought a prayer of thanksgiving.

I remembered our week-long retreat.  My, oh, my, how your spirit moved us!  The spiritual center was a haven of loving spirituality.  The sisters' hospitality, their faith, and their kindness provided such a marvelous breeding ground for faith.  Each morning to awaken to a profound silence was an incredible gift.  Then to dance at the water's edge or to walk down the beach in the fog or to just sit and look out the window at the ocean waves as they broke and fell upon shore made a beautiful beginning to every new day.  Eating delicious food prepared by loving hands made us feel as if we were sitting at your table, dining with committed disciples.  Mass directed us to our loving master, creator, teacher, comforter, and friend.  At the end we walked out with a question lurking in our souls, causing us to think about faith and how we live it.  All through the day, each day we encountered holy moments with you.  As we crawled into our beds at night, we were so full of your living presence, loving us to the core.

I thought about the inspiring choir retreat on Saturday and the glorious worship yesterday and I was filled to the brim with the oil of gladness.  I breathed my many prayers of gratitude and offered up my deep appreciation for faith and all its benefits and responsibilities.  I thought of you and could think of no other.

Most Holy God,
to you
we owe
all our devotion
and love.
Thank you
for our retreat,
its insights
and inspirations.
Thank you
for our choir
and our desire
to sing together
for you.
Thank you
for worship
where we bring
all we have
and return it
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Dearest God,

There was an expectancy in the air!  Our choir had spent all day on retreat with a highly talented music director who taught us how to breathe, to phrase, and to lift up our voices to sing your praise.  He challenged us to make our music flow, to speak the message the song was intended to convey.  He asked us to let our faith show.

When I awoke this morning, I could hardly wait to get to church.  I was anxious to sing, to let it all out, to make my words yours and your love theirs.  Walking up the stairs to the choir room, I found myself saying to other choir members, "Isn't it exciting to be singing today!" 

As we stood to sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy", I thought my heart might burst with love for you.  I wanted to sing my faith; I wanted to release my devotion; I wanted to give witness to all I believe in you.  The piano and organ began and we blended our voices, listening to one another, wanting our voice to be one with all the others, and to finally sing.

By the time we had sung our last song, "Talkin' bout Jesus", we had emptied out everything we had been taught.  We had sung the lyrics, offered the rhythms, and gave them the bulk of our faith; yet, we were not empty.  Our souls were filled with joy!

Great God,
thank you
for the work
of your
living spirit.
Thank you
for taking
a motley crew
of singers
and making us
into witnesses
for eternity.
Thank you
for music
that touches,
inspires, and transforms!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Dear God,

This morning on the final day of my retreat I danced my last dance with you at the water's edge.  In the cool morning air with no one on the beach but me, I lifted my hands in praise, in gratitude, and in deep thanksgiving.  Your angels sang and I simply moved with the sound.  Every part of me was filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Every day you give us opportunities to express our gratitude.  You give us space and place to utter our words of appreciation.  You direct us to eternity's joy and you fill us up with yourself.  In those holy moments you warm our hearts, increase our faith, and cause us to realize the gifts that are before us.  You teach us how to say thank you.

Father,
you are
our greatest gift.
Life would be empty
without you.
Thank you
for helping us
make connections
between the gift
and the giver.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 24, 2015

Dear God,

You bless and keep on blessing.  The sun comes up in the morning and your blessing shines.  The ocean tides rise and fall and your blessing is ours.  The day gives way to the night and your blessing comes to us.

So often we fail to recognize your blessing.  We forget to revere you for allowing us to swallow, to walk, to see, to hear and more.  We miss the opportunity to look at daily gifts and give thanks.

This morning in Holy Yoga we breathed in the air of faith as we listened to Michael W. Smith sing from his song Breathe.  "This is the air I breathe, this is the air I breathe, your holy presence living in me."  The very thought of you breathing in us is a gift, a wondrous gift.  Why on earth would you take a bag of bones and breathe the air of your spirit into us?  Your gracious love is the only answer.

As our small retreat group continued to explore sacred movement, we were more and more awed by your presence all around us.  At times we were overwhelmed by discoveries of your amazing hand at work.  We were so full of blessing that at times it spilled over through tears, expressed joy, or holy laughter.  We knew your blessing and gave thanks.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for blessing us
with awareness.
Thank you
for teaching us
through faith.
Thank you
for reminders
that we
did not create
the air
we breathe.
Thank you
for joy
that erupts
when our minds
recognize your hand.
Thank you
for blessings
but thank you more
for your spirit.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Dear God,

Strangers, all 12 of us were strangers but we had come to dance, to learn, and to create peace.  As part of our retreat on "Sacred Movement:  Feeling the Power of God and Moving On", we joined the group to participate in Dances for Universal Peace.  Our group included a young woman in her 20's, a woman in her 80's, and the rest of us, both men and women were somewhere in between. 

For one hour we learned four songs and dances, one from the Hebrew tradition, one from the Aramaic tradition, one from the Hindu tradition, and one from the Christian tradition.  Our leader would explain the song, its history and meaning, and show us the movements.  We would then sing the song and dance.  We often circled around, holding the hand of first one and then another welcoming them into the circle of love.  As we sang and danced, we began to really look at one another and before long we were friends, peacemakers, one body seeking to do our part to unite together in peace.  By the time we left we all realized we had transcended our time and space connecting our hearts, minds, and spirits with all others around the world working for peace, praying for peace, and dancing for peace.

As we drove away our little group of three were blessed, so very blessed that we had discovered you in our midst. 

Holy God,
thank you
for the blessing
of the dances
for peace.
Thank you
for peacemakers.
Thank you
for strangers
you made friends
in the dance.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Dear God,

A simple five-minute meditation left us thinking and reflecting all day long while on retreat.  The priest talked about how he begins each morning dipping his finger into holy water and making the sign of the cross.  "I need to remember my baptism and who I am with Christ."  He said.

Although I begin each day with prayer before I crawl out from under the covers, I realize I don't stop first to consider my baptism and how that free act makes me responsible not only to carry the name of Jesus but to love as he loves, to serve as he serves, and to live in faith with grace and compassion. 

As we stepped forward in mass to receive the body of Christ, I became more aware of the countless gifts you give us.  I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving expressing gratitude for my own baptism and my own need to remember who I am in Christ.

Holy Father,
thank you
for counting me
as one
of your own.
Thank you
for the reminder
and the
awesome responsibility
we have
to live
life carefully
in faith.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Dearest God,

In the early morning I made my way to the water's edge.  A mystical fog rolled in and I sensed your presence all along the watery shore.  I stood waiting, waiting for my own spirit to catch up to yours, always alive, moving, and reaching out.  I listened for your still, small voice that always awakens my senses, urging me to quiet myself so together we might move to the gentle breeze of your spirit always blowing.

Within moments I sensed your nearness.  The song came to me and I began to move.  "I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you, O my soul rejoice.  Take joy, my king, in what I bring.  May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear."  The angels sang and I danced, danced to the sweet, sweet song of faith.  Although a lobster boat purred and then stop several yards in front of me, I danced on remembering the dance is about you, my love for you, my devotion.  I just smiled remembering the sweet blessing of our prized time together.

Later in the day a Catholic sister from the center asked me if I was the one dancing on shore early in the morning.  When I told her yes, she looked at me and told me what a "gorgeous prayer it was."  I thanked her and told her the real beauty was simply my love for you.  "So many graces in it," she said softly.  As I walked away I realized faith is not always invisible but rather a visible reminder of your presence in the world.  I was so blessed, blessed in the beauty of the morning, blessed in the dance, blessed in the reflection, blessed by the sister, and blessed again in prayer.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for your
rich blessings.
Thank you
for your light
that shines
all around us.
Thank you
for the call
to dance.
Love abounds!

Always, Andrea

Monday, July 20, 2015

My dearest God,

Just when we think we could not be more full, you pour your spirit upon us.  As we retreat opening ourselves fully to you, you come, teach, and touch us.  Your spirit's presence inspires us to soar to the heights.

Tonight we went to St. George's Episcopal Church where 18 young people from grades 8 to seniors in college traveled from 14 churches and many schools and universities to sing the gospel message.  Three notes into the first song your spirit exploded like fireworks falling on each who gathered for song.  They presented you, Lord, they offered your message, they represented faith at its best and we who gathered picked up the crumbs that had fallen in our midst and we carried them with us.

Young people sharing your message in song, what beauty we witnessed and what spirit we found.  We kept turning to one another as if to say, "Can you believe it?  How wonderful!" 

You touched us, Lord,
and you filled us up.
You filled
our cups
to overflowing.
Through the mouths
of babes
you filled us up
with your spirit.
Be blessed, Lord,
be blessed
with our love
and devotion.

Yours forever, Andrea

Sunday, July 19, 2015

My dearest God,

Your light, your light, O Lord, it shines so bright, warms the spirit, and fills the soul!  Of course, the worship this morning was a time of light, of faith, of beauty, of love, and of memory.  Your spirit blew upon us and we soared higher and higher.

It was when we began to sing the South African songs that my feet could not stand still, my hands could not just hold the hymnal, my heart could not stop beating the African beat.  My eyes closed and there etched into my memory was the spirit moving in the African Methodist Church in Kumasi, Ghana.  As we were singing Guide My Feet in our little church in Cape Porpoise, I was dancing among the Christian Methodist Africans in the cathedral there in Kumasi.  I remembered the smiles, the feet shuffling, the moving dancers in and out of pockets of people, men, women, teenagers, and children.  I remembered the joy, oh the joy of Africans in worship.  I let my arms move from my sides, allowing them to join my hands already moving with the sound of African song.  I just let my feet go, my whole body moving with the music, with the sound, and with the spirit of the living God.  And then we started singing the second song We are Marching.  I could hardly contain my own spirit.

Lord, you are an amazing God!  The memories of ten years ago were as bright as they were in 2005 when we worshipped together, worked beside each other at the Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing Hospital, and shared our lives together.  There was so much glory those two weeks, so much light, so much faith, so much love, so much you.

Today you brought us back together again in worship and oh, oh my, my spirit overflowed with joy!

Blessed God,
thank you
for blessings
that never fade.
Thank you
for light
that never dims.
Thank you
for faith
that never
stops growing.
Thank you
for memory
carefully and
lovingly held
inside the
human soul.
Thank you
for caring
so much!

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 18, 2015

My dearest God,

We wandered through the art gallery, a simple exercise, yet, not so much as we wandered with expectancy to find the sacred movement in the art work.  Not expecting much, my own weakness, I stepped inside the gallery to view Maine:  As They See It.  I moved from painting to painting.  Oh, my at first the light drew me, then the treasures, the gems hidden from the eye until a closer look caused me to want to enter the scene, the landscape, the water, the outer cove, and then with great wonderment my eye caught those who gathered to view the exhibit.  The joy, the expectancy, the appreciation, your hand, your spirit blew into each room, each person gathered.  I smiled and I smiled.  Surprised, perplexed, overjoyed, I felt your spirit wind upon my face, my skirt, I could almost feel your breath blowing causing even my clothing to move with the wind, much like a little girl with a brand new dress, moving from side to side, listening for the swish, swish of her big, beautiful dress.

Each painting directed me to you in subtle ways, gentle, provoking.  I felt I was one with the painting, one with the gallery, one with the people, one with your spirit.  I felt the movement; I moved too.  How could such an exercise give pause and cause to dance with your spirit?

I was captured by the beauty of your spirit, the glory of color and texture on the canvas, emanating in the rooms, knowing full well the artists all painted with the same spirit power, sense of wonderment, and passion.  I got caught up into you.

Holy God,
mover of spirit,
sound and life,
thank you
for the dance,
the beauty,
the exquisite moment
of illumination
and joy.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 17, 2015

My dearest God,

When our hearts, minds, and souls are open to you, you speak, you inspire, you move us to do your will.  Yesterday I worked all day on the upcoming retreat.  Although I was weary, you came, bringing ideas, thoughts, questions, prayers, and meditations.  My cup overflowed.  Although I was amazed by your efforts, I was surprised by your offerings.  So many, so beautiful, so provoking!

More and more I realize the inestimable worth of faith and our relationship to you.  You want us close.  You want to speak to us.  You want to inspire us.  Your want us to pay attention, to listen for your voice, and to attend to your challenges.  You want us as children as close as a parent to their child. 

As I penned your thoughts, I felt the nudge of faith and I knew who it was nudging.

Holy God,
thank you
for your
amazing power,
loving spirit,
and caring presence.
Thank you
for teaching us.
Thank you
for every gift.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Dear God,

In your wisdom you brought us together.  You challenged us to consider the life, power, and love of your spirit.  You showed us the vast space of silence, that wondrous and glorious home to eternity where love abounds, insights wait to unfold, and hope is ever-present.  You breathed into us the air of trust, that precious gift that allows the whole of a person to open up to you and reveal the inner rumblings of trouble, deep questions, and hurts deeper yet.  You invited us into your home, gave us spiritual food and drink, and then made us your friends.

Our covenant group has knelt at your feet for almost 30 years.  You have taught us valuable lessons of faith.  You have moved us from darkness to light and back to darkness so we might learn and cherish the light even more.  You have opened painful scabs of hurt and placed on them the oil of healing.  You have spoken words of hope in our despair.  You have called us to attention when we wandered in the far country.  You have methodically dismantled our preconceived notions and required us to rethink, reconsider, and reflect upon our relationship to you, to each other, to the church, and to the world.  You have given us opportunity to lay down our idols, those idiot things we rally around when we are low, doubting, or angry.  You have lifted us up when we fell into the abyss.  You have blessed us when we cursed ourselves for our failure to be like you.  You have brought us miracles when we thought things were hopeless.  You have refreshed us when we were weary, remade us when we forgot who we were, and reconciled us when we couldn't find our way home.  You have done this, Mighty and Compassionate God.

Holy, holy, holy
is your name,
Almighty God;
we bow
before you
in reverence
and awe
and devotion.
We marvel
in your kindness
and mercy
and give thanks
for your
remarkable work
in our lives.
We revel
in the joy
of faith
that transforms us,
reconciles us,
renews us,
restores us,
remakes us,
and challenges us
to live
as children
of the light.

Yours forever, Andrea

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Dear God,

On the seventh day you rested.  You worked to create, you blew into humanity the breath of life, and then you rested.  Your model of work, life, and rest teaches us the lesson of the time and season for all things.

This morning still so weary from spending glorious days with my grandchildren, I opened the bible to find Ecclesiastes 3 staring me in the face.  "There is a time and season for all things," the author wrote, "a time to be born and a time to die...a time to mourn and a time to dance."  I remembered when that passage held special meaning for me.  It gave me hope reminding me there is a season of darkness but also a season of light.  The darkness does not have a corner on the market; the light always comes.

As I lay in my bed, I remembered your faithfulness.  Images of happy times filled my mind and I thought of the miracle of it all.  I recalled their sweet prayers, all five grandchildren prayed daily taking turns praying at mealtimes and at bedtime.  In my heart I listened to their prayers of thanksgiving..."Thank you, God, for letting us be together."  Such heartfelt prayers filled my depleted body and warmed my soul.

I realized today why rest is so important.  It gives our body, mind, and spirit time, space, and energy to look at our blessings.  When there are no distractions, our whole self can bathe in gratitude.  As we sit in the fountain of joy, we can release our fears, self-doubt, and disturbances.  We can breathe in the air of peace and breathe out all those things that keep us from living an incredible life of faith.

Thanks be
to you,
my God;
thank you
for rest.
Thank you
for time
to express gratitude
and thanksgiving.
Thank you
for renewing us,
body, mind, and spirit.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Dear God,

I crawled onto the airplane, exhausted from two weeks at home with grandchildren.  Oh, we had a magnificent time together but oh, creating The Pines campground complete with tents, hammock, fire pit, camp chairs, table and chairs, etc, planning and orchestrating eleven days of activities, washing 25 loads of laundry including all my sleeping bags, every blanket I own because it rained and I had to make a sleeping quarter in my bedroom carrying extra mattresses and pillows so we could all sleep in the same room, cooking foil dinners and other meals, and tearing everything down before returning home, I just wanted to get in my airplane seat and close my eyes.  But it didn't happen that way.  You had a better idea.

I sat down next to a stranger who asked if I was flying home.  When I replied, that began a conversation that ended at the baggage claim with a hug, exchanged email addresses and phone numbers and a promise to get together.  This woman from Maine had grown up in Indiana not far from me.  She was best friends with one of my best friend's sister from high school.  She was married in a church I attended for a while.  She had stayed with my best friend in Florida.  She taught school in the same township where I pastored.  All that was intriguing but no more so than the talk about faith.

The woman wonders about faith.  She and a group of women get together to seek faith, each of them having a child with a profound faith, one a Jew, another a Mormon, another an evangelical, and more.  They wonder what they are missing.  They read religious books trying to figure out what you are all about.  She wondered about me. 

Faith brings people together.  Faith teaches us to ask questions, to seek our own answers and relationship with you.  Faith stirs inside us bringing inspiration, hope, knowledge, insight, and wisdom.  Faith warms us, stretching us to share your warmth with others.  Faith invites us to dig deeper, to explore the depths, and to discover sacred gems always present.  Faith takes us on a journey, an adventure, always leading us to you.

Loving God,
thank you
for Marty,
her desire
to know you,
and faith
that awakens us
to you.
Thank you
for chance encounters
that lead us
to renewal.
Thank you
for allowing us
to rise higher
in the skies
and touching eternity.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Dear God,

Everyone grabbed a buddy.  Stella, 10, and Lucy, 9, automatically came together.  So did Gabrielle, 15, and Sophie, 14.  I was getting the campground ready so I didn't really notice what was going on.  A few minutes later little Rylan, 7, came walking toward me carrying a little branch swishing it in the air.  "Grandma, everyone has a buddy but me."  I knew I had to handle the issue carefully because I didn't want him to think he was left with the old grandma.  "Oh, Rylan, I'm sorry.  Does it feel lonely not to have a buddy?"  I asked.  "Yes."  He replied.  "Well, you know I've been feeling lonely too."  I added.  Suddenly a light bulb went off in his head and he lightened up.  Enthusiastically he tossed down his switch and said, "Grandma, you can be my buddy!!!"  "You're right!"  I said.  He threw his arms around my waist and we hugged real tight.

During our 11-day campout in my backyard, Rylan would occasionally remark to me, "Grandma, we're making memories, aren't we?"  "You bet we are, sweet Rylan, we're making memories for a lifetime!"  My little buddy and I hugged all over again cherishing our time and our relationship together.

I thought about that and became aware at times we are all lonely, feeling left out.  At those moments when we open ourselves to your spirit voice, we too can hear your word of affirmation.  You choose us because we are your own.  In saying yes to each other, we make memories to last forever.

I love
to make
precious memories
with you,
Lord,
and with
my special grandchildren.
In dark,
lonely times
I remember
and give thanks.
When all
is well,
I celebrate too
bringing to mind
all the
beautiful memories
of faith.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 13, 2015

Dear God,

Whether our lives are hard or easy, you come to us blessing us with your living presence.  You let us know you are with us; we are never alone.  In our joy you are there to join us in celebration.  In our sorrow or hardship you are there to assist us in our renewal or restoration.  In our doubting, you are there to help clear the fog.

The best part of life is when we recognize your spirit, when we suddenly find ourselves lifted up out of the mire, or when we gain insight into troubling issues.  When we become aware of the divine in the ordinariness of life, we began to see how even small things can carry an extraordinary message.

Every day you reach out to us, giving us your best.  Although we miss many kind gestures, you continue to stretch out your hand that we might take it and walk the path of faith together.  Those moments of togetherness are like none other.

We are
so blessed
by you,
Kind Father.
Thank you
for your
sacred presence,
your divine love,
and kindly persistence.
Thank you
for making
ordinary moments
extraordinary events.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Dearest God,

We huddled together, one big ball of emotion.  Sad and teary, we held on to each other, hugging tight, arms around each other, unwilling to let go.  We were saying goodbye after eight out of eleven days together.  Five grandchildren and one grandmother having experienced a fantastic time together, we just weren't ready to scatter and go our separate ways.

For eight long months these five grandchildren were estranged from one another.  An unfortunate mistake turned into a nightmare and suddenly they couldn't get together.  They longed to see one another but nothing changed.  Then you intervened in a gentle breeze and we found ourselves together once again.  You came to us breathing the air of forgiveness and grace.

At every prayer time at meals and when we went to bed, we prayed giving thanks.  From the youngest at age seven to the oldest at age fifteen, every prayer from each child and me included a special thank you to you for our reunion.  We thanked you over and over again.  We knew our reconciliation was your will, your plan, and your desire for us. 

Almighty and Compassionate God,
thank you
for your kindness
to us.
Thank you
for mercy
that comes
when we turn
to you.
Thank you
for unexpected surprises.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 10, 2015

Dear God,

We do not have to look far for your gifts.  Most gifts are not "out there" but rather inside, as close as our breath.  When we pause and look inside and out, we discover the most remarkable blessings.

So often we pray for gifts, answers, and solutions to life's problems.  When we presume we do not receive them, we forget the hidden treasures inside ourselves.  We groan and complain and blame you for not helping us.  We are blind, emotionally and spiritually blind.  We miss your offerings.

On the other hand, when we awaken first thing in the morning, we can pause, take inventory, and realize what you have given us.  When we rise from our bed, stand tall, and walk to the bathroom, we have reason for praise.  When we sit down for our first meal of the day, we have the opportunity to add yet another gift.  When we go to work or sit to read or visit family or have a leisure day or go to school, we can add to our list.  All day long we pen more blessings.  Then at night time when we crawl back into our bed, we pause once again to remember and give thanks.

Compassionate God,
full of love
for your children,
forgive us
when we forget
to say
thank you.
You bless us abundantly
every day.
As we breathe in
your air,
enjoy your creation,
eat your food,
hug your loved ones,
and drink in your living water,
make us grateful,
open our eyes
to your
many gifts,
and our mouths
to sing your praise.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Dear God,

We talk about death, my grandchildren and I.  We talk about dying and being separated from one another on earth.  We talk about remembering, reveling in memories made years, months, weeks, days, and minutes before.  We talk about smiling, laughing, and being joyful after loss remembering the invaluable time we spent together doing just that. 

Making memories is an ability you have given to your children, all of us.  You give us a day, one day and you say make the most of it, it's my gift to you.  You say do what you want, do what you can, do what brings joy.  You ask us to reach out to those around us near and far.  You say do something meaningful with your life, bless others.  You ask us not to take one day for granted, for doing so robs us of spectacular moments with your living spirit.  You invite us to look around all day long to see creative works of your presence.  You point us to nature and all it provides.  You ask us to take care of nature remembering it is always meant to be a blessing.  You beckon us to make memories not just for today, but for tomorrow, next week, next year, and even beyond that.

I have always said when I die, I want to have gratitude on my lips.  I want to be giving thanks to you and to others around me.  I want to be singing your praise, lifting you up, offering thanksgiving.  I tell my grandchildren to look up into the heavens and see me dancing with you, my creator.  Yes, we talk about death but we also talk about life and celebrating, making memories that last an eternity.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You give us
the gift
of making memories.
You applaud us
when we
create together
because the
creative process
is yet
another gift
from you.
You give us
one another
and declare,
I made you
for one another,
now, go
and create together
and I
will be
with you always.
We will create together,
making eternal memories.
May my spirit
always bless you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Dear God,

Grace is always stirring within you.  That mixture of love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and discernment blended together in the most incredible way spills out of you onto your people.  Grace is not a reward for good behavior; grace is the ultimate gift of your spirit.  It is the most wondrous blessing that comes from the father's heart.

Anyone who has been blessed with grace can testify to the glorious nature of grace.  Overwhelmed with peace on earth and the calm of heaven, we rise up, tall, eyes lifting, palms up, to give thanks.  Because grace fills the whole person, it spills out of us in love for the neighbor, acts of kindness, and authentic moments of worship.  Grace cannot be contained; it oozes out just as it is designed.  Grace touches, inspires, permeates, fills, and loves.

Who can deny grace to others when we have been so blessed by it?

God of grace and mercy,
you bless
again and again.
You give
again and again.
You say yes
again and again,
You ask us
to do
the same.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Dearest God,

The laughter of children can bring joy overflowing!  It can bless down to the cellular level!  It can inspire all those around them allowing joy to spread like wildfire!

This morning as I watched my grandchildren, ages 7 to 14, play a simple board game at our little primitive campground in the backyard, I found myself laughing out loud.  Their crazy antics and funny remarks made us all laugh.  We simply could not contain ourselves.

Laughter, that deep-in-the-gut joy, can erase disappointment and hurt.  It can buoy up a flagging soul.  It can repair a wounded spirit.  Laughter, the kind that comes from the depths of the human soul, is a gift from you.

Sometimes we hold back, not allowing ourselves the experience of joy.  We don't trust our inner self to explode with gladness.  We don't trust the world around us to see your transforming work in our lives.  We hold on to negative thoughts so we don't have to change.  We miss your touch, your inspiration, and your joy.

Joy can surely change us, O God, because laughter is natural, hope-filled, and a remedy for what ails us.

God of Great Joy,
you bless us
in the interior
of our soul.
You speak
to our depths,
those places
where life hurts,
and you
beckon us
to surrender
into your
waiting hands.
You blow
into us
the refreshing breath
of your
loving spirit.
Your gesture
of love
can first
make us smile
and then
give us cause
to laugh
with your spirit,
transforming us
into blessing
for all those
around us.
Make us laugh,
Great Creator,
so we
may fill
your world
with wondrous joy!

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 6, 2015

Dear God,

Your spirit joy flows like a fountain in my home.  Five of my grandchildren have come together in such a beautiful way after months of estrangement.  Their hearts are open, their minds are open, and their spirits are blessing you and one another.

Although I have witnessed your mighty movement in human history numerous times, I am still wowed by your work, your compassion, and your love.  Who can deny your insight and wisdom, your power and kindness, and your mercy and forgiveness?  These days I am watching it unfold right here in my home.

We are so easily distracted, O Lord.  We get caught up in so very many things that we forget faith and its transforming power.  We forget clear vision is possible when we are blinded by obstacles often of our own making.  We forget you came to save us from ourselves.  We forget light comes even in darkness.  We forget love is greater than fear.  We forget your presence.  We forget you.

What celebration is possible when we reunite with you and one another!  When we realize we've taken a hike into the far country and we turn to you, our spirits soar, our heart is warmed, and our joy is full.  My grandchildren and I are playing in your spirit fountain!

Thank you,
Ever-Powerful God,
for your grace.
Thank you
for your merciful
"welcome home."
Thank you
for hope,
prayer, determination,
surrender, and forgiveness.
There is no God like you!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Dear God,

This morning we worshipped you at our little campground under the pines in our backyard.  We gathered around a cheap, little fire pit, six camping chairs seated around it.  Each one participated, making their offering to you.  Sophie and I read scripture.  Lucy prayed.  Rylan sang Jingle Bells.  Stella sang You are my Sunshine.  Gabrielle read a story from my book entitled Remember.  We remembered together the wonders of your grace as you blessed us separately and together.

As I sat in our small circle, I gazed upon the miracle of our togetherness.  I was so happy my insides nearly burst.  I witnessed the smiles of faith, the hope of love expressed, and the beauty of forgiveness.  Sitting in the great outdoors, I realized worship can erupt anywhere and certainly it erupted on that tiny parcel of sacred ground.

Wondrous Father,
thank you
for the miracle
of prayer,
faith, grace,
forgiveness, and generosity.
Thank you
for making worship
among us
under the pines.
Thank you
for blessing us
as I pray
we blessed you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Dear God,

Although the light always comes in the midst of the darkness, the night giving way to the day, there is always such beauty, magnificence, and power with it.  As we consider the life of faith, we are startled, thrilled, and humbled each time light arrives in our own personal darkness.  When it does, it overwhelms us.

On this July 4 night when light displays are everywhere, we get to really reflect upon the wonder of light.  Blues, greens, reds, whites, yellow, silver, and gold rise and titillate the human soul.  We see firsthand the amazing way light touches and warms us.  We are awed by the one who created light, not on its own but in the midst of black darkness.  We marvel at your power to create, to transform, and to make beautiful.  You do this inside us to make a deep connection to you and the natural world.
Your love shines through and we are blessed, so very blessed.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for light.
Thank you
for your
transforming power.
Thank you
for blessing
the cosmos
with your touch.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 3, 2015

Dearest God,

Sophie, 13, and Stella, 10, joined me at the campsite last night.  The three of us played games by flashlight in our tent, drank specially-made malted milks, ate popcorn, prayed our prayers aloud, and slept in our temporary home for a few days.  They prayed all the cousins would come together and we fell fast asleep.

The birds were singing when we woke up this morning.  It was wet in the tent because it rained in the night.  We carried in sleeping bags, blankets, and some other wet stuff.  Not to be deterred we washed and dried items and dragged them back out.  We continued our prayers for a reunion of the cousins.

Almighty God,
we trusted
in you
as we prayed
for a miracle.
In the tent
we asked you
for your help.
We lived
our faith
as Stella
assured us
we would
come together soon.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Dear God,

Your way is always better!  A few months ago you nudged me to clean out the area around the old pine trees.  "Make a campground," you told me.  I cleared and cleaned, cut down tree-wanna-be's, and pulled a lot of tall weeds.  By the time we left for Maine the area looked really nice.  I alerted my grandchildren that I created a campground in the pines and that would be where we would spend our time together when I returned.

Three months went by.  This morning little Rylan, seven-years-old helped me buy a hammock and assemble it, put up a tent, and carry out some games.  All day long he worked to make "The Pines" campground come to life.  His little mind was working when he said he couldn't wait to get together with his cousins.  That was a stretch because an incident occurred among them months ago and then parents got involved and the kids were separated.  But Rylan had a different idea.  In his way of thinking we were coming together and it would be fun.

Today was spent making a vision a reality.

Holy God,
lover of our souls,
thank you
for speaking
to us.
Thank you
for giving us
the ability
to hear
by faith.
Thank you
for a
little boy's faith.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Dear God,

You bring insight to those who seek guidance from you.  You bring peace with insight.  You bring joy with peace.

We shared this good news with one another this morning because we each heard your voice and in the hour we spoke, we discovered even more of you.  Although I was not the primary sharer this morning, I faced a similar fear as I flew home.  I remembered the insight and used it to your glory.  "Breathe in light and love; breathe out darkness and fear.  As I felt the calming effects, I rejoiced in faith that has the power to transform us right now, right here, right with you.

O God,
lover of
our souls,
thank you
for your
compassionate mercy.
Thank you
for helping
our beloved friend
and me.
Thank you
for faith,
guidance,
insight,
peace,
and joy.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Dear God,

Your gifts last forever.  Your love never ends.  Your compassion is eternal.  Your grace is available 24/7.

These last two weeks have been a wonderful gift to me.  Having my 10-year-old granddaughter visit has been pure joy.  As we listened to contemplative music at the ocean and danced and created art, we traveled to the inner depths of your spirit.  We shared holy things.  We gave thanks for precious moments with you and one another.

When I asked her about memories we made together, she struggled to figure out a favorite, she had so many.  When I shared her smile was one of the gifts she gave during this trip, she said, "Oh, Grandma, there must be something better."  I simply told her that her smile reminded me of you.  A smile that reaches from ear to ear causes her eyes to sparkle and her soul to open wide.  I reminded her grandmas remember things for always.  Her smile is etched upon my heart and soul

You are
the best gift,
Gracious God.
You give us gifts
to remember
and give thanks.
There is
no God
like you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 29, 2015

Dear God,

The wonders of your creation!  As Stella and I crawled onto the rocks and knelt to look into tide pools, we gazed upon your creative powers.  We marveled at the extraordinary creatures that flourish in the ocean waters.  Making our way down to the water, standing in knee high, we watched as a variety of sea creatures swam, crawled, and rested on the ocean floor.  With creatures skittering from one hiding place to another, our guide shared incredible information. 

There is no place on earth that does not bear your mark, O Lord.  Each and every one, everything points to you.  Varying colors, textures, and abilities speak of your created order.  Who can deny your fingerprint?

Almighty God,
thank you
for the wonders
of your creation.
Thank you
for beautiful signs
and symbols
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for continually
pointing us
to you.

Love, Andrea