Saturday, September 26, 2015

Dear God,

To be drawn into love is to experience life's greatest ecstasy.  A hand reached out, a hug, a smile, a touch, an inspiration, or an expressed joy draw us into love where we are accepted, affirmed, reconciled, warmed, and appreciated.  But even all these do not fully describe what love is and what love does.

As I observed Pope Francis on the television I saw love pouring out of him.  Even as I sat watching technology at work many miles away, I felt drawn into love by this holy man.  It was not so much what he said or he did but who he is as a man of love.

So often it is difficult to feel real love.  Sometimes it feels cheap, quick, or inauthentic.  It feels exclusionary, mechanical, or a means to get something.

Every time I watched the pope, I felt loved because I recognized the love he was emitting.  It was a holy love that only truly exists in you, O Lord.  It was your love I witnessed that caused tears of joy to form in me.  I was touched, inspired, and loved.  What can possibly be any greater than that?

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for divine love.
Thank you
for all
the gifts
wrapped up
in that love.
Thank you
for including me
and all
your children
in your love.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, September 25, 2015

Abba Father,

Thank you for Pope Francis who is showing us God.  His merciful ways, reaching out to the hurting, to the young and old, to the imprisoned, to the lost, and to the lonely is touching us in very deep ways.  Lord, we are hungry for you.  We are hungry for peace and calm.  We are hungry for faith.  We are hungry for civility.  We are hungry for compromise.  We are hungry for people who want to work together for the common good, people who are willing to listen and understand, people who are willing to take the next step toward peace, people who love all people and are willing to reach out, to touch, and to help.  We are hungry for love.

Pope Francis is walking in your shoes this week in America.  He is reaching out to those you would reach out to touch and love.  He is living compassion not just talking about it.  He is smiling at all people, forgiving all people, and offering redemption just like you.  He is your servant, your disciple, your son.

Thank you for his example, his model of love and service.  In our conflict-ridden world, we need servant models so we can truly care for one another.  Bless him, Lord, bless him.

Bless you, Lord,
bless you
for your gifts
to America
and the world
this week.
Thank you
for showing us
the way
to love.
Thank you
for touching
our hearts
and inspiring
our souls.
Bless you, Lord,
bless you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Dearest God,all

We listened to your servant Pope Francis speak repeating the same things over and over again.  Love your neighbor.  We are brothers and sisters, one family together.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  We live on the same planet and we need to care for it. 

Surely, O Lord, we all hear his words of compassion and challenge to care for the earth and one another.  The same words came out of your son's mouth, love one another as I have loved you.  The call is to not only reach out to one another but also to work for the common good for all in the planet home we share.  His message of love, hope, and faith touched me deeply as it did for so many millions more.  We are drawn to him because we want to love and be loved and to make a real difference in the world.

How thankful we are to have a real man of God, one whose life reveals your love, your mercy, your comfort, your kindness, your hope, your joy, and your peace.  We want all these, Great God; we want to be loving, merciful, comforting, kind, hopeful, joyful, and peaceful. 

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for inspiring us
in faith.
Thank you
for touching us,
making us
see you.
Thank you
for your challenge.
Make us
like you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Dear God,

We hunger for you, O Lord; we hunger for your ways.  So many gathered to see the Holy Father in Washington DC.  Seemingly millions came out yearning for a view of perhaps the most loving man on the face of the earth right now.  A man who cares for the poor and the dispossessed, a man who spends two hours with you early each morning so he can prepare for his day, a man whose love is very apparent for every man, woman, and child.

We hunger for holiness, authenticity, and compassion.  In a world of so much animosity, we hunger for all these things.  To be near an individual whose life is the epitome of all of them is to raise us up, to empty us of fear, and to fill us with peace.  In his presence both in person and on the screen, we drink it in wanting more for the whole world.

We hunger for a better world, a better standard, a better us.  In calling for the common good in his message on the lawn at the White House, we felt closer to one another because hope and peace make it possible to build bridges.  Pope Francis showed us how as he reached out to the wounded, the leaders, and to people who need so much help.  He showed us how love matters, how faith can make a difference in a move toward each other, and how we can achieve the impossible when we work together as equals.

We hunger for you, O Lord, and you fed us.

Eternal God,
you are God
today and tomorrow
and all
our tomorrows.
Thank you,
thank you
for feeding
your hungry children
Move us
to bless you
and one another
in our attitudes
and actions.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Dear God,

The sweet scent of pears. Not only do you make food taste good, you create them to smell good too.
Pears prove your awesome existence.

Today as I preserved pear butter, the sweet aroma spread throughout the whole house.  The richness of pears, nutmeg, sugar, and fresh squeezed orange juice and orange peel lifted the spirit in our household.  It put a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

You pay attention to every detail of human living.  You take a simple fruit from the tree and you design it to be colorful, shapely, and tasty.  One among thousands of flavors, scents, and shapes, you remind us the beauty, significance, and value of your many gifts to us.

Today as I stood in my small New England kitchen I breathed in the air of pears and breathed out my deep gratitude.

Loving God,
thank you
for your
many gifts.
Thank you
for blessing us
with food
to eat,
and good food
at that.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Dear God,

"One day spent in your temple is better than a thousand anywhere else."  The psalmist knew the joy of the Lord when he penned these words.  Anyone who experiences joy in the house of the Lord knows exactly what he is saying. 

When I gather on Sunday morning with the people of Church on the Cape, my spirit soars, my mind finds peace, and my heart dwells with you.  When we sing we rise higher and higher.  When we pray your prayer, it feels as though we are praying with millions around the world..."Our father who art in heaven..."  By the time we hear your word and the pastor's message and we give and receive so many hugs, we are full to overflowing with you.

You honor us,
O Lord,
when you
bless us
in worship.
You give us opportunity
to worship,
to praise,
to love,
to share,
and to dwell;
thank you,
Father,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 21, 2015

Dear God,

Starting over, beginning anew, there is something so powerful about another run at life.  Often we think we are stuck in our situation, no hope, only bleak darkness.  We sink deeper and deeper.  But the promise of a new day, a new start, a new chance is filled with hope.

Your word is filled with the assurance of another try.  You remind us we are not destined to rot right where we are.  You whisper your promises of light, living hope, and merciful grace.  When we allow ourselves the opportunity and privilege, you help us crawl out of our hole and into your arms.

Every morning you whisper your love to us and every evening you promise to be with us all night long.  You allow us to draw strength and courage from you.  As a wise father, you put your hand on us and in our spiritual imagination we are enabled to see and feel your wondrous touch.  You put us at ease giving us relief and the promise of another day.

God of Great Hope,
thank you
for ministering
to your children.
Thank you
for your
divine touch
that brings
release and peace.
Thank you
for your word
that gives life.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Dear God,

How wonderful it is when someone reaches out and makes us family.  Thank you for those whose love stretches beyond their own blood to include us.  Thank you for the warmth and affirmation that comes when we find ourselves inside a family circle.

We know, O Lord, what it is like to be on the outside.  We know what it feels like not to be included, separated.  We know the feeling of rejection and subsequent disappointment and hurt.  Our self shrinks down to nothing because we feel so alone.

But then a hand from heaven reaches out to us and invites us in.  There we find ourselves in the midst of a merry band of loving people.  Just such a thing happened to us several years ago when a lady invited us to a roast beef dinner.  For the last several years we have returned to the site of the dinner because it was there we were welcomed in, strangers from a thousand miles away. 

Tonight we ate with the same people we ate with about eight years ago.  The laughter, camaraderie, and fellowship reminded me of you stepping out of heaven and drawing us into your family.  Not only did we share a meal but faith, a church home, and love.

Eternal God,
when our heart
is open
to you,
you come in
and dwell
with us.
You make us family
and call us
by name.
You pour out
your love
and make us smile.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 18, 2015

Dear God,

Courage!  You speak to our hearts, give us direction toward a better life, promise to be with us, hold us steady, and then urge us to have courage to move forward. Courage, a gift from you, Holy Father.

Sometimes it is difficult to move from where we are to where you want us to be.  Although we may be miserable, we remain seated in our rut because it is familiar and predictable.  But then you come to us in visions and dreams and you challenge us to leave our "home" for a brighter future.  You reveal your plan to us and then you nudge us out of the nest promising to be with us in our transition.  Courage, my child, you say to us, courage.

Someone I hold dear has lived in his own make-shift home for a long time.  So comfortable and uncomfortable he stayed "home" because he perceived the future to be too scary to change.  He stayed in the storm for so long he was weathered and weary.  Finally, he decided to trust you, to have courage, and to step forward and so he did.

God of grace,
thank you
for your relationship
with each
of your children.
Thank you
for mercy
and gentle nudges.
Thank you
for courage
that helps us
move out
toward the light.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Dear God,

When we think life is dull and boring, you challenge us to pause and take another look.  As our eyes, ears, and nose scan the horizon, we can begin to see, hear, and smell what was lost to us moments before.

I thought of this today as I preserved apples.  The moment the apples started cooking in the big stockpot, I realized how much I cherish life.  The aroma of cooking apples is divine.  The beauty of each apple, some really red, some yellow, and some green and red, with shiny skins and colors is amazing.  The taste, oh my goodness, is heavenly.  The final product, New England Cinnamon Applesauce with four varieties of apples is positively exciting.

And to think...you made the tiny seed, the warm sunshine, the rain, the spectacular colors and varieties, the ability to grow and hang on a tree, the delicious taste and texture, and the method to preserve for later use.  You did all this.

When we are tempted to be bored or think life is not really worth very much, we can just stand in an orchard or sit in a kitchen where apples cook or just eat an apple and give thanks.

Ever-Creating God,
thank you
for seeds
and orchards
and apple trees
and fresh applesauce.
Thank you
for reminding us
to pause
once in a while
and see
life is good.
And when
life is good,
remind us
to share it
with others.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Dear God,

It was standing in a small orchard picking apples and pears and putting them in plastic bags where I felt your nearness today.  The sky was blue.  The sun was yellow.  Gentle breezes blew as I twisted beautiful apples from the trees.  I marveled how a tiny seed could become an apple trees heavy laden with Cortland, Macintosh, Gingergold, and Honeycrisp apples.  As I carried heavy bags to the car, I realized the wonder of creation and its creator.

You provide us with scene after scene of your living presence where you hand touches the earth.  You show us the fruit of the earth and you feed us not only physical food but also spiritual food for the soul.  In great moments of awareness you burn in our souls feeding us faith, love, and joy.  Such moments bless us and days later still kindle the fire within.

Great Creator God,
we are amazed
at the wonder
of your generosity.
We are grateful
particularly for
spiritual food
that feeds us faith
for daily living.
You fill us
with gratitude
so we
can give thanks
and praise
spreading your love
into the
whole world.
Be blessed,
our God,
be blessed!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Dearest God,

It was just a simple, rectangular, wooden kitchen table in the farmhouse at my grandmother's home.  We could look out the kitchen windows and door and view the birdhouses made my grandfather.  Just to the side we could see the old pear tree and a huge truck patch full of vegetables, flowers, and fruits.  My grandmother used that table for everything, rolling out homemade pie crusts, canning food from the garden, and preparing meals.  But that table was so much more than a simple kitchen table.

The word of life and light and hope was read at that table.  Prayers were spoken.  Love was shared.  When we sat at that table we were brought into your presence and there we tarried for a while.  I learned I was loved at that table.  I learned you were the hope of the world.  I learned faith and all its benefits at that table.  I learned Jesus loved me at Grandma's table.

Although it has been thirty years since I last sat at that table before my grandmother's death, I still remember your living presence and your love there.  My heart is warmed when I think of the table because it was like your altar where sacred things were seen and touched.  When I recall the table set in the little cove in the old farmhouse kitchen, I think not only of my grandparents but also of you, Heavenly Father.

You give us
signs and symbols
of your
great love,
O God.
A simple table
can become
an altar
where we
are invited
to sit.
Thank you
for the gift
of your
loving presence
where faith
is born
again and again.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 14, 2015

Dear God,

Singing calms the soul and clears the mind.  Lifting our voice in song can bring a renewal of the spirit.  Singing songs of faith can divert our whole selves into a new direction bringing peace and hope.

Every time we sing on Sunday mornings, I feel like I am clearing out the negative, my poor attitude, and all the disparaging thoughts I might have about anything.  I feel cradled in your arms, the voice of my savior singing peace into me.  There is no time I feel better even if I carry heavy burdens.  And when I am celebrating life, oh my goodness, I have so much joy, my joy overflows.

You gave us a voice to sing your song, a song of hope, gladness, peace.  You urge us to sing, sing, and sing some more.  In singing your song, we meet you.

Holy God,
lover of souls,
thank you
for your song.
Thanks for
the privilege
singing it.
Thank you
for all
the joy
that comes
when we sing
to you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Dear God,

Living in your light keeps us aware of faith.  It reminds us how blessed we are to have a God who loves and challenges us.  It inspires us and provides us opportunity to examine our lives spiritually and emotionally.  Although the light reveals temptation, sin, and our penchant to go life alone; it gives us numerous chances to change our course, repent of sin, and begin anew.  The light is life.

One of the reasons to share regularly in the community of faith is to keep us in the light.  While the light has a way of making transparent the darkness within us, it also warms the heart, clears the mind, and radiates peace.  We gather as the church to breathe in the light.

This morning the service was full of light.  From the greeting at the door, to the hymn sing, the scripture reading, morning message, the choral anthem, the prayer, and the benediction, the light glowed turning our eyes toward the Light of the World.  As we drove away I realized how much darkness I left behind allowing more light to fill the space in my soul.

Eternal God,
thank you
for the
wondrous beauty
of your light.
Thank you
for the ways
it radiates
your love.
Thank you
for light
that dispels
the darkness.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Dear God,

When we listen to others, we hear the heartbeat of the Almighty.  When we care, we experience mercy from on high.  When we take the hand of the hurting and pray, we discover ourselves in the midst of your living presence.

It was a simple community dinner outdoors under a canopy.  Our plates were filled with corn on the cob, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, and chicken.  We talked as we ate often laughing and teasing with one another.  It was when the meal was nearly over that a couple shared their painful sorrow.  Bleeding from the inside out, we held hands and hugged with a promise of daily prayer.

As my husband and I prayed together for this family at the close of the day, we felt a closeness to you.  We knew how much you loved this family.  We felt your compassionate love lifting them up.  We remembered how deeply devoted they are to their faith and we believed they would weather the storm as long as necessary because they trusted in you.  Although we felt their pain, we experienced your gracious love as we had the privilege of reaching out to one of your own.

Eternal God,
there is
no one
like you.
We are grateful
to be counted
as children
of the
Heavenly Father.
Thank you
for drawing us in
and giving us
the opportunity
to meet you anew
as we prayed
for our friends.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, September 11, 2015

Dearest God,

On a day when we remember those killed in a terrorist attack on our soil, it is also a reminder of those who live in fear every day.  How can we remember our own and not remember every citizen of the world is family?

O Lord, how can we alter our thinking and consider all your children?  How can we surrender beliefs that exclude others?  How can we soften our hearts and reach out to the world?

Teach us
your way,
O God;
show us
the way
to make
one great family.
Help us regard
one another
as sacred gifts
of God.
Point us
to you, Lord,
so we
can move
toward others.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Dear God,

"Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest..." we sang in choir rehearsal.  Hearts are fully blest, the words swirled around in my mind as we sang our parts learning the song for Sunday worship.  Eyes focused upon you, Great God, lead to a blessed heart.

As we sing great hymns, we are struck by words that inspire and challenge.  Composers that write words of inspiration intend to strike chords of faith.  They pen lyrics that arise out of their own hearts.  They share them with the world in hopes of leading others to a place of faith and joy.

We don't just sing nice songs on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening or whenever.  We sing from our souls, strengthening our faith, increasing our courage, and opening ourselves to love others more.  We feel our hearts warming, your light glowing inside, and our well filling with living water.  We sing because we want to declare our faith in you and our desire to bless you with our love.

Merciful God,
thank you
for blessing us
with hymns
that touch us
so deeply.
Thank you
for blessing us
with faith
that increases
as we
sing your song.
Thank you
for blessing us
with love
and devotion.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Dear God,

Your hand is everywhere.  You touch creation and bring it to life.  You inspire us to faith.

Even as I write I am full to overflowing with gratitude.  From a tiny tomato seed to a jar of preserved homemade salsa, I saw your hand from the soil to the jar.  All week I peeled, chopped, and seeded tomatoes, cucumbers, varieties of peppers, onions, and herbs to make fiesta salsa.  From washing the soil off the vegetables I picked myself to ladling the salsa into the jars, I was inspired by your love for your children.

As we become more and more aware of your action in the world, the more we find ourselves drawing close to its Maker.

Mighty God,
thank you
for the fruit
of the earth.
Thank you
for rain
and sunshine
that tend
to the crops.
Thank you
for jars
of sunshine
that keep us
looking up
in thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Dear God,

So often we forget people you have woven into our lives.  We forget we have been shaped by those who tarried with us giving us their love, understanding, and wisdom.  We forget we did not get where we are without others who invested in us.

I think from my earliest beginnings I have been loved.  The first child among family and friends of my mother and father, I was passed from person to person to be held and cuddled.  Instead of staying with a babysitter I was taken to parties and gatherings where loved ones reached out to me.  Some of them I still remember with fond affection.

In my growing up years I remember teachers who extended their care and knowledge to me.  I remember aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents.  Their hugs and loving ways embraced me especially when I felt chubby and ugly.  I remember girls who called me their friends in high school.

By the time I married and birthed my children other mothers and their children became part of my extended family.  When I joined the church my family swelled in numbers. 

In my middle and later years you brought more and more people to reshape my life.  They not only called me friend but family.  In times of disappointment and sorrow their love sustained me sometimes restoring me to health.

As I do an inventory of love, I see you at every juncture of my life.  You extended your love to me through so many wonderful people and I am blessed giving thanks for love that never ends.

Loving God,
thank you
for remembrances
that give life
and joy.
Thank you
for all those
you have sent
to bless
my life.
Thank you
for eternal love.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, September 7, 2015

Dear God,

To accompany another to the throne of your grace is a spectacular sight.  To witness the changing of a single heart, the shifting of a mindset, and the surrender of a soul is a strange and glorious event.  To stand in your living, loving presence is like drinking from a cold mountain stream when you're really, really parched.

Retreats are pilgrimages of faith.  They are intended to take us some place.  They are meant to lead us to turning points where we may rise to higher levels of faith, joy, and peace. 

I watched as two women in particular began their personal journeys of faith on retreat.  I observed them as they were enraptured by your love and mercy.  Their hearts were open, hungry, and ready for you.  As they found you waiting, they filled up and spilled over with joy.

Eternal God,
thank you
for retreats,
journeys of faith,
that move us
closer to you.
Thank you
for blessings
that meet blessings
when faith
is alive
to bless.
Thank you
for your presence
that never disappoints.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Dearest God,

When a heart is open to you, you can sweep in and help, fill, and heal. When a mind is open, you can cleanse, remove debris, and transform.  When a soul is ready, you can renew, restore, and reconcile.

A retreat is intended to change us.  The heart, mind, and soul can make advances in faith, love, and understanding.  The fire of your spirit can burn inside us and your grace can flow in and through us.  You can touch us, inspiring us to rise up to meet you in joy.

One woman described her retreat experience as a God-filled weekend.  All you asked for was an opening, a tiny crack where your spirit could come and dwell and so you did.

God of Great Mercy,
thank you
for your
compassionate spirit
that wants
so much
to change
human hearts,
minds, and souls.
Thank you
for gentle touches
and loving ways.
Thank you
for blessings
that continue
to bless
day after day.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Dear God,

This morning was quiet except for the sound of waves crashing upon shore.  The bright orange sun was leaving the horizon and gently lifting up, up, up.  The five women adorned in devotion were walking down the pathway to the beach.  The music began to play and the women took their places.

(In the moments before we do something for you, we well up with joy, with hope, and with peace.  We sense your living presence and feel close enough to touch you.  We fill up with faith because the very thing we do comes from that wondrous love that dwells deep within.  We breathe in the air of expectancy hardly able to wait.  We offer up our prayer.)

And then we danced.

Holy God,
who else
would take
our hand
so early
in the morning?
Who else
would receive
our whole devotion
at the
water's edge?
Who else
would welcome us
so wholeheartedly?
None but you;
none but you.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, September 4, 2015

Dear God,

Your love draws us like a moth to the light.  Your persuasive power of love fills us to overflowing.  Your compassionate love changes us at the cellular level.  There is nothing like your love, Wondrous God.

Twelve women in a circle with a single ball of yarn was the beginning of love's drawing power.  You gave us opportunity to create a web, one web where every woman was included.  The thread, white, a glorious sign of your presence invited us all in.  From there we began to weave love.

Loving God,
thank you
for drawing us in,
for loving us
at the edge.
Thank you
for including us,
each one.
Thank you
for the power
to love
and be loved.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Dear God,

Darkness may threaten to penetrate the light but the light can never be snuffed out!  Conflict in our world is so pervasive; it seems as if the darkness has taken over the planet.  When we succumb to worry, anxiety, fear, judgment, and blame, we join the darkness and the darkness spreads like a contagion.  While the darkness whispers there is no way out, the light still shines to help us see our way.

When one person offers another a crust of bread, the light shines.  When one nation opens its doors to despairing refugees, the light glows.  When one family takes in another family, the light radiates.  When one individual prays for another, the light warms.  When one heart is moved to show compassion to another, the light bursts into the darkness.  When one offers forgiveness to another, the light brilliantly shines.

There really is more light than darkness, more hope than despair, more love than hatred.  O God, may we be carriers of your light.

Help us,
O Lord,
to become
light bearers.
Help us spread
the light
to those
caught in darkness.
Help us retrieve
the light
so we
may offer it
to others.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Dear God,

I walked into the spiritual center and felt at home.  I knew your voice and your loving presence.  I felt your joy and longed to spend time with you.

There are holy spaces, holy places, and holy settings where you reside.  You let yourself be known.  You speak to us.  You inspire us.  You smile and we see you in the eyes of those whose lives are devoted to you.  We feel your embrace and know we are yours.

At the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, I did not have to search for you because you were in every corner.  You met me at the door, the beach, the window, the chapel, and even the dining room.  You welcomed me in and gently spoke.  You filled me with sweet peace and I dwelled there.

Holy Spirit God,
your grace
fills us
with joy
from on high.
You touch us
with the kiss
of heaven
and you
give us cause
to praise.
You give us
opportunity to worship
you in spirit
and in truth.
You bless us
and our hearts
are full.
Bless you,
Lord,
bless you!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Dear God,

You call us to serve, to have a ready heart, and to do the task you call us to do.  You give us inspiration, tools, and resources to unfold your plan and orchestrate your will.  You give us power to reach out, to touch, and to bless others.

On any given day, at any hour, you whisper our name.  You let your spirit breeze blow upon us showing us your love and living presence.  You show us the way to go.  You encourage us by your word, your compassion, and your wisdom.  You fill us with hope, determination, and courage.  You remind us that joy follows trust.

As I prepare to lead others on retreat, I remember your grace and breathe it in with gratitude.

Holy Father,
Loving God,
thank you
for your
kind tenderness.
Thank you
for leading us
to the river
where we
can drink
from your well
as long
as we want.
Thank you
for satisfying
our thirst
for you.
Thank you
for allowing us
to serve you
and others.
Thank you
for the blessings.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, August 31, 2015

Dear God,

You keep your light always burning in our souls.  You promise to always be with us.  Your light is a sign of your living presence.

We marvel at your presence, O Lord.  We thank you for blessing us with your daily song of love.  We give thanks for remembering us and your kind compassion toward us.

On stormy seas, in times of trouble, we cry out to you and you hear our plea.  You call our name and hope comes on a breeze.

Who is like you,
O Lord?
No one.
Who cares like you,
Merciful God?
No one.
Who loves like you,
Caring God?
No one.
Be blessed,
Holy God,
be blessed
with our love
and devotion.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Dear God,

"We will fly on eagle's wings...", those were the words we sang at the festival led by Ken Medema.  We will fly, yes, we will fly.  I know about flying on spirit wings.  I know what it is to succumb to the spirit air that lifts us up so we can fly.  There is nothing so great as rising on wings of faith!

You give us five senses with which to experience you.  Even when one is faulty and not working well, you still give us opportunity to meet you, to know you, and to live with you.  When they are all working and we are open to your living spirit, miracles can abound as we transcend time and space particularly in the midst of our troubles.

Ken Medema is blind; yet, he composes songs, plays instruments, and sings.  His smile is captivating as faith oozes out of him.  Tonight he inspired us to rise and soar and so we did, and so we did.

Holy Father,
thank you
for opportunities
to rise
in faith.
Thank you
for joy
that bubbles over
like a fountain.
Thank you
for spirit love
that surrounds us
and moves us
to you.

Love always, Andrea