Sunday, January 31, 2016

Dear God,

Today we gather for worship, bringing to mind the gift of Jesus.  We will greet one another with the peace of Christ.  We will pray together his prayer.  We will listen to the holy word and sing our love songs to him.  We will be silent, quiet before him, listening for his word to us.  Some will receive the word of hope, some grace.  Others will receive insight or a word of peace.  There will be those who will receive a challenge, an invitation to climb out of their ruts, stand tall, and move forward.  Others will receive comfort and affirmation.  Then we will go home remembering the gifts.

Every week we are blessed by you as we gather together to express our faith.  You are always there with us.  Your living spirit nudges us in your direction, providing us with guidance, wisdom, and knowledge.  What gifts are ours as we come together with you.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for holy days,
holy spaces,
and holy moments
with you.
We are blessed
beyond measure.
Receive all
our praise!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Dear God,

Every day with you is a good day but there are those days when it seems we sit in the middle of inspiration.  Your spirit feels so alive and abundant that we find ourselves caught up in the center.  Joy fills us up and overflows like a fountain!

The last 48 hours felt that way for me.  I can't take any credit for this wonderful holy space; you just provided it.  Yes, the book I read was a powerful testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit and our ability to let your spirit wind sweep us up with hope, courage, and faith.  Yes, the awesome experience of my friend's whirlwind experience with your living presence in the conference on prayer stirred joy within me.  Yes, the few snowflakes gently falling from the sky produced gladness within me because it was an amazing view of nature at its best.  Yes, the piano music of Tim Janis reached down deep inside me opening every part of me so I could dance the dance of faith.  But it was you, Lord, your hand was upon everything.  Thank you.

Blessed God,
thank you
for faith
that inspires us
to be aware
of your
living presence.
Thank you
for awakening us
to your
awesome grace.
Thank you
for eyes to see,
for ears to hear,
for hands to touch,
for a mind to think,
for a heart to love,
and for a soul to stir with gladness.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 29, 2016

Dear God,

Coming home to you each morning brings such delight to my soul!  As we come together it is like our first dance when we twirled together among the twinkling stars in the dark night skies.  I will never forget and will always be grateful.

Last night I received an astounding message from my adopted brother whose wife has been diagnosed with dementia.  Having just returned from a four-day conference on breath prayer, he shared that persons at some point enter a space without words and although there won't really be a way to converse with words, it doesn't stop the Holy Spirit from doing its work in the space. During the conference faith stepped in and all fear left him and he took the message of faith home to his wife who called him "drunk with joy."  There is a sweet knowing for them both now, a knowing of faith and love and mercy together.

I wept last night and this morning because I learned once again the depth of your love for all your people and we are, after all, all your people, every one of us.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for taking us in,
for loving us,
and tenderly caring
for us.
What beautiful things
you do
for us.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Dear God,

How many times has fear won the day?  How many times has fear paralyzed?  How many times has fear kept us from moving forward?  How many times has fear stopped us from realizing a fulfilling, promising future?  How many times has fear robbed us of peace, calm, and tranquility?

When I think of the numerous times I have given into fear, I drop my head in guilt and shame because too many times I let go of your hand to walk with fear.  I did not trust you to be greater than my fear.

When I purchased the book entitled, Gift of the Red Bird, I thought it was a Christmas book.  I was in a hurry and did not read the back cover.  If I had I probably would not have purchased it at that time; however, your spirit nudged me to pick it up with other Christmas novels and novellas.  So two days ago I started reading it.

As I read the author's true story about a vision quest and her battle with fear, I resonated with her.  I began to recount my own fears and how I have given into them, giving them so much power over me.  But as I got further into her story, I found myself recalling those moments when you personally beat back my fear with faith.  Suddenly I felt a well of courage and joy and grace.  I began to praise you, to give thanks, and to be emboldened by faith that helps us overcome any enemy.  Although I have not yet read the final 19 pages, I realize I know the end because I know faith and its powerful gift.  How grateful I am to have made my way on that December day to that table in Barnes and Noble and to the red bird whose face shines with faith.

Holy God,
giver of
so many
good gifts,
thank you
for the
red bird,
for testimony,
and for faith.
My cup runneth over!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Dear God,

Each morning I sit at my computer in silent prayer listening, waiting for your word.  I clear the space in my mind, heart, and soul only for you.  I love these moments set aside where together we talk but I mostly listen to you.  This morning in the quiet I heard you say, "People are like the old porch on your house," and I added, "yes, a structure of misshapen wood, odd cuts, and rusty parts."  Built more than 60 years ago it was simply a place to sit and breathe in the Maine sea-salt air.  Today it looks like a fresh, snowfall white, cottage space, beautiful, open, and inviting with seven big windows that bring the scenic view outside inside.  I spent 10 days cleaning, repairing, painting, replacing, and polishing the space and now it not only looks good; it's warm and pleasant allowing the natural elements outdoors to radiate their beauty.

I suspect you look at us the same way.  You see the rough edges, the strange angles, the broken places, the hidden dirt, and the need for a good sprucing up.  So you go to work, cleaning us up, making repairs, and bringing out the beauty within us.  It takes a lot of hard work and you need our cooperation to really transform us but when the transformation is complete or nearly complete we are something to behold because we radiate the father's love, your light, and the beauty of faith.

We need you,
O Lord;
we need
your transformative power.
We thank you
for the offer
to cleanse
and renew us.
We bless you
with praise
as you take
what is ugly
and make it beautiful.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Dear God,

Every morning you awaken me to faith!  You give me air to breathe and faith tells me you provided it.  You give me warmth in my bed and faith tells me I am blessed.  You give me the ability to crawl out of bed and walk to the bathroom.  Faith tells me I have divine gifts. 

From the moment I am conscious and aware of life in the morning, faith celebrates with me.  Faith tells me your living presence was already at work in my life even before I awakened to the realization.  Faith puts me to prayer, giving thanks, praying for the world, and reveling in the joy of being in relationship with you.

All day long faith informs me.  If I know a storm is brewing, faith whispers its hope to me.  If I don't feel well, faith reminds me of your abiding spirit.  If I have a difficult decision to make, faith teaches me to consider your guidance.  By the time I head back to bed where I started the morning, faith starts out my evening prayer by giving thanks all over again.

Holy God,
you are
the reason
I breathe
and give thanks
in the morning.
Thank you
for daily compassion.
Thank you
for faith,
the most
blessed gift
on the earth.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, January 25, 2016

Dear God,

You come to us in so many wondrous ways.  You bless us filling us with joy and thanksgiving.

It happened in church yesterday.  The pastor did an excellent job preaching about the bible.  I was fixed on her inspiring message.  But it was when we sang the final hymn, Wonderful Words of Life that you came to me.  During that hymn you brought bible stories to me.  They lifted up off the page...the story of Jesus calling his disciples, the story of creation from Genesis 1, the words of John the Revelator when he spoke of a new heaven and a new earth, the story of Pentecost and the great numbers of people coming to faith, the words of praise from the psalmist; there was just one story after another.  How beautiful to see so many spirit-filled stories of faith.

You do not hesitate to come to us, touching us from every side.  On the day you ascended into heaven when you said you would be with us always even to the end of the age, you meant it.

Holy Spirit God,
thank you
for every-day blessings.
Thank you
for stirring
in our souls.
Thank you
for your kindness.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Dear God,

Some people love so much!  They have an abundance of love that they do not keep for themselves but rather share it with others. This evening I was led to watch two shows, unusual because I rarely turn on the television.  What I watched stirred my soul until tears filled my eyes and spilled down my face.  It was wonderful people doing wonderful things.

I listened as a woman talked about her passion to reach out to people over 50 who throughout their lifetime wanted to sing professionally.  She auditioned them, listened to their stories, and gave them the chance of a lifetime.  She made a 65-year-old illiterate janitor into a singer.  She said yes to a man who spent 40 years in prison and turned him into a singer.  She took a nurse who lost her son to cancer and gave her the opportunity to sing.  Each one told their story onstage through song in a powerful show written to celebrate the human spirit.  Powerful, it was so powerful and beautiful.

You put love in this woman and lifted the lid of hope not only in all those who sang and danced but also those who sat in the audience.  Like the song, "Love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me." 

Nothing can
touch hearts
like your love.
Every day
you give it away.
You share it
with all
your children.
Then you
spread it,
even around
the world.
Praise be to God!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Dear God,

I know I talk a lot about transformation, Lord, but it seems you spent most of your earthly life transforming people.  Like turning fisherman into disciples who would eventually sacrifice their lives for the sake of the gospel, or a lonely, unclean leper who went leaping through the town making witness to your healing power, or Saul, a zealot who rounded up Christians for punishment and/or death to Paul, an amazing missionary apostle whose heart beat for Jesus and Gentiles.  Yes, you transformed people who transformed others with your Holy Spirit power.

You do the same today.  You take the most unlikely people and change them, their heart, their mind, and their spirit.  You show us your power by using it for good. 

As I reflect upon those I know or have read about, I see your loving power at work.  I see faith bud and blossom.  I see love and compassion sprout and grow as ordinary strangers reach out to touch and help people in need.  I see the many ways your transforming power has changed my life and I am so thankful, so very, very thankful for all you have done for all of us.

Almighty God,
change us;
we need it.
Change our communities
and world;
we need it.
Change our planet;
we sorely need it.
Change each one
of us,
I pray.
Enable us
to be
change agents
for you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 22, 2016

Dear God,

It's quiet except for the rhythmic sound of the washer in the basement and the furnace when it kicks on.  So much quiet fills our home.  I breathe in peace, offering up little thank you messages for the quiet, cold, snowy landscape outside.  Everything is beautiful and I know it so I give thanks.

You continually remind me to give thanks on "ordinary" days because it keeps me looking around, paying attention, and anticipating the beauty of here and now.  You keep me grounded because from here I can see forever.  A brush of your spirit can suddenly awaken and enliven me leaving me in awe.  I take little bitty movements and turn them into wondrous faith-filled moments that turns any ordinary day into an extraordinary one.  Anything is possible in the quiet.

Faithful God,
thank you
for gracious reminders
of faith alive.
Thank you
for making memories
with me.
Thank you
for everything.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Dear God,

In the darkness we see the light more brightly shining.  In despair our need for you is more apparent.  In fear we draw ever more closely to faith.  It seems in the most difficult places we are opened to the grandeur of living faith in the presence of the Holy Almighty.

When we live and play in the shallow end, we often fail to see what we can only see when in the deep.  We can live on the surface and enjoy all the surface has to offer, but the deep, ah, yes, the deep can provide us with so much more.  Faith resides in the deep.  Peace, the kind that gets inside our DNA, lives there too.  Joy is always a bubbling fountain.

Why do we spend so much time in the shallow end, Lord?  Is it because it is predictable, understood, and easily managed, very few risks?  You offer us so much more when you ask us to follow you and following you always takes us to the deep.  There we experience the majesty of creation, the wonders of healing faith, and the hope that originates in the deepest part of the soul.  There we walk with eternity's creator, the one that hurled the stars into the darkest night, the one who called the cosmos into being, and the one who calms the most troubled soul.

Gracious Redeemer,
thank you
for the deep,
the place
where perpetual light
always shines.
Thank you
for divine love
that always
invites us
to more.
Thank you
for faith
that reveals
the deep.

Love always, Andrea  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Dear God,

Conversion, the powerful word leapt from the page as I listened to my colleague read the morning devotion for our covenant group.  Conversion.

The author of the book shared how she grew up in an atheistic home.  Yet, one day in her teenage years she was compelled to attend the local neighborhood church.  When the pastor invited the people to the Eucharist, she went forward.  She said when she received the bread, it became the moment of her conversion. 

Conversion is the work of your spirit, Holy God.  Divinely, mysteriously you reach from heaven to earth to transform us.  If bread can lead to an instantaneous converted heart, then any experience can become the same moment of change for any of us.

When I reflect upon past experiences, I can recount time after time when my own heart was converted, my mind changed, and my spirit altered.  In every case your Holy Spirit power was at work. What can we say to that but thank you, God Most High.

Loving God,
thank you
for the work
of conversion.
Thank you
for transforming power
that can
bring relief,
release, and hope.
Remind us daily
to give thanks
for conversion
that makes us new.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Dear God,

We are desperate for love in our world.  We long for those who live love, who reach out, who encourage rather than criticize, help rather than ignore, and lift up rather than tear down.  We desire persons who live life on a higher plain with a higher calling and whose smile imitates the One who holds the world in his hands.  In their presence we find calm, generosity, and hope.  More than anything they speak to faith in the One whose modus operandi is love, not hate.

On Sunday in church when our pastor spoke on the life and faith of Pope Francis I couldn't help but lean forward to listen, to breathe in, and to smile.  In a short time following the announcement of the new pope, he won us to his heart not only by his words but also by his actions.  Washing the feet of prisoners, Christians, Jews, and Muslims, women, and the disabled drew us to his kind of faith.  I wanted to hear what our pastor had to say about this faith-filled man.

With so much dishonesty, greed, and corruption in our own country and the world, we long for love.

O God,
so full
of love
for your children,
make us lovers
of people.
Fill us
with love
to overflowing
so we
can spill over
to others.
Make us
like you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 18, 2016

Dear God,

I look out on the new-fallen snow, exquisitely beautiful in the yard, woods, and river.  Breathtaking, simply breathtaking!  When I look closer I see prints, footprints of wildlife having made their way across the yard into the woods.  Who do they belong to?  I ask myself.

Footprints, every day we leave our footprints behind.  We make a mark, sometimes a bright one, one that will be remembered because we touched someone else's life.  There are occasions when we wish we could erase the footprint left behind when we lose our temper, when we are unforgiving, or when we demand our own way.

The one footprint we can see daily is yours.  You make your mark every day when you inspire us, give us an insight, provide a beautiful day, help us in our doubt, or allay a fear.  When we look closely we can find your footprints everywhere and anywhere. 

Thank you,
O Lord,
for signs
of your presence.
Thank you
for your attention.
Thank you
for reminders
of the kind
of footprints
we want
to leave behind.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Dearest God,

Writing in the morning, stepping intentionally into your presence is like coming home, a grand reunion with all the favorite relatives present to greet you.  Sometimes I am like an excited child, so happy to leap into your arms of grace.  Other times I come sad and befuddled only to find you waiting with comfort.  And there are those times when I approach you with guilt, an unforgiving heart, and a list of wrongs.  Even then you greet me like a well-loved child.

One of the great joys I receive every day is sharing aloud the wonders of your love.  I get the privilege of recounting the ways I see you in human life.  I have the opportunity to reflect and contemplate on faith and the miraculous way faith informs, challenges, and blesses.  When I come to you in the morning, it's even better than sitting down with a friend and drinking hot cocoa on a wintry cold day.  It beats all!

I am blessed, Lord, so very blessed because you are the greatest blessing in my life.  You allow me to draw close and stay a while and joy, eternity's joy bubbles up and up and up!

Holy God,
you are amazing,
mighty,
and praiseworthy!
Thank you
for permitting
your children
to spend
prized moments
with you.
You are God;
there is none
like you!

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Dear God,

How beautiful the snow was as it fluttered from the sky to the earth!  I watched from one window and then another.  I stepped outside and clicked pictures.  I put my hands out catching the tiny, handmade snowflakes.  Tears welled in my eyes.  How can you bless me so much, O Lord, I whispered to you.

Some days I feel so blessed I can hardly take in all your goodness.  I look at my life and count my blessings.  I feel full inside realizing how much all of life is a gift.  The unique, beautiful snowflakes are just the latest example of my blessings.

When I consider you, Lord, and think how you touch, inspire, and challenge your people, I come to the knowledge how your living presence meets with our own, how you speak and relate to us.  You are not a passive God who does not care.  Rather, you are God who walks and talks with us every day.  We have this amazing relationship with you simply because we are your children.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Today I celebrated you by making snow cookies and snowflake hot chocolate for my neighbors.  Although I was blessing them, I was really blessing you.

Receive my praise,
O Lord,
I offer up
my love
and devotion
to you.
Help me
turn my blessings
into blessings
for others,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 15, 2016

Dear God,

"Breaking free from what one was before..." the author of Sacred Space wrote in the Irish Jesuit devotional book.  Breaking free.  The words lifted off the page reminding me we are not held in bondage forever.  You give us the capacity to break the chains that bind us.  We do not have to remain the way we are; we can break free from whatever holds us back or down. 

So often we think things will always be the same because nothing will change.  However, such thinking gives no credence or power to your spirit that can free us.  We forget your Holy Spirit power is different from human power.  We are limited but you are not.

As I read these words before turning out the light for the night, I realized once again how faith produces spirit power that can help us overcome whatever troubles us.  We are not weaklings; rather, we are people of spiritual power and strength.  Such good news lifted the lid of my praise for you!

Holy Spirit God,
thank you
for valuable
life lessons.
Thank you
for infusing us
with power
from on high.
Thank you
for love
that holds
the power.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Dear God,

Today you reminded me how we are made for each other.  You made human beings to participate in the lives of those around them.  Sometimes it is family, other times friends, and yet others times strangers will wander into our space and tarry with us, revealing your compassion.

I carried a fun snowman with me on my drive back home to the east coast.  Each time I stopped I took a picture of Frosty with someone or something, maintenance engineers at a rest stop, a motel front desk receptionist and breakfast hospitality lady, and a restaurant waiter.  All these perfect strangers were kind, fun, and helpful.  We laughed and had a good time sharing together across the country.

You lifted my eyes to heaven to give thanks for the gift of others.  For a brief moment in time these strangers, your beloved children, became friends and we blessed each other.

Loving God,
thank you
for prized moments
of faith.
Thank you
for bringing people together.
Thank you
for always being
in our midst.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Dear God,

All day long you spoke to me as I drove the highway east through the mountains of Pennsylvania.  I listened as your gracious voice spoke peace and joy as I continued to be wowed by the snowy mountain terrain.  It was not only the spectacular beauty of your creative work, but also the love with which you paint the canvas.  How could anyone not see your hand at work?

Although I never turned on the radio it was as if angels were singing their joy and I was overhearing their powerful message.  Every scene and sound gave praise lifting up the God who created them.  I too followed suit by giving thanks for health, quiet, faith, family, and beauty.

As I consider the work of your hands, I realize the amazing gifts that are ours every day.

Almighty God,
thank you
for the joy
of witnessing faith
at work.
Thank you
for quiet moments
where we
are enabled
to see
and hear
angels sing.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Dear God,

What a day, a wonderful day!  Due to inclement weather coming to our area, I left for Maine.  I took a large Frosty the snowman, a picture of Pope Francis, and an emergency kit in case I got trapped in snow.  I started out on snow-covered roads with a prayer.

Everywhere I looked on interstates and state roads, the scenes were exceptional.  The snowscapes, snow on rural red barns, on fields and farms, in the trees, ponds, and towns, were so beautiful.  I was awed by all I could see.  Then as the sun was ready to slip out of sight, I jumped out of the car with Frosty, in 12 degree weather with the wind blowing, and took a selfie of us with the giant orange ball behind us.  As I hopped back in the car and drove for two more hours, I was able to watch the light give way to the darkness and suddenly tiny stars began to sparkle in the sky and the city lights started to glow.  What a sight!

All day long I viewed your wondrous winter creation.  Nothing could have been lovelier even if they were able to paint it on canvas.  I thought of you and breathed my praise out loud. 

Creator God,
thank you
for the wonders
of your creation.
Thank you
for sacred beauty
that speaks
your name.
Thank you
for allowing me
to gaze
upon it.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 11, 2016

Dear God,

This morning the birds offered a lesson in faith.  As the temperatures plummeted and the winds blew, the birds pecked along the sidewalk and found refuge under the bushes.  Their fluffy winter coats gave them what they needed in order not only to survive but thrive in the winter season. We watched them from the restaurant window admiring their resourcefulness and beauty.

So often when the storms of life hit us, we feel paralyzed, stuck, unable to move.  We don't know where to go or what to do to take care of ourselves.  We cry out, we moan and groan, and sometimes we become angry because we feel helpless.  If we watch and listen for the birds, we can take a cue from them where to find spiritual food and shelter and how to build a coat of faith.

As I reflect upon that lunch yesterday, I realize how you constantly give us examples of faith, show us its import, and tell us how to walk meaningfully every day.  Grace, pure grace.

Holy God,
thank you
for the examples
of faith
you provide.
Thank you
for your kindness.
Thank you
for sticking close
and for
all the times
you reach out
to us.
Bless you,
Lord,
bless you forever.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Dear God,

Although the cold, wintry winds blew buffeting us as we walked into St. Malachy's Church, the wind of your spirit warmed us as we stood to listen to the Word proclaimed.  We were challenged to remember our baptism, the covenantal commitment we made, and the value and meaning of faith. 

Memories of faith, of your hand in my life, and of times, events, and places where you were very present moving me forward flooded my mind during the service inspired by the call to remember my own baptism.  I realized once again your incredible blessings.  Gratitude filled my soul.

Participating in worship, devoting myself to go to your house every Sunday, listening for your voice, singing my faith, and praying and sharing the peace of Christ brings so much peace and joy to me.  I get to see your spirit working, hear the single voice of faith when we sing together, and bless one another as we share together the hope of the world.

Let the wind
of your spirit blow,
Mighty God;
blow in
our direction.
Touch us,
inspire us,
redeem us,
change us,
and challenge us
to your
love in service,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Dear God,

The barren ground looks old, brown, and forgotten.  For some the winter blues have set in.  We have begun ticking off the days leading to spring when things really begin to happen.  But that's not what's happening outside my windows. 

There's a special kind of beauty in my back yard.  Squirrels are scrambling up the trees.  The same
two or three cats are roaming and periodically stop at our teeny little pond for a drink.  A Saint Bernard dog walked through our yard sniffing.  When the wintry breezes blow, the tree branches dance in the wind.  The bare trees reveal former birds nests where mama, papa, and baby birds built their home in the summer.  I look out and see life alive and beautiful!

Your spirit in faith opens us up to see so much more.  A gray day may not be truly gray after all.  When faith is at work, we have the ability to see the creation in its richest form.  Today I lingered at my desk longer than usual because faith was at work displaying the riches of your cosmos.

Thank you,
dear God,
for the work
of your spirit.
Thank you
for faith
that makes
all things
come alive.
Thank you
for eyes
to see it!

Love always, Andrea

Friday, January 8, 2016

Dear God,

You have taught me to love the darkness because it is in the darkness where the light really shines.  It is the darkness that leads me to you.  In the darkness my heart finds the sacred rhythm of faith.

I love getting up early while the darkness still pervades the skies.  I love looking out my window and finding tiny lights shining.  I love how my own eyes adjust to the darkness helping me see just enough to make my way from room to room.  I love the darkness because even the darkness belongs to you.

Gracious God,
creator of
both darkness
and light,
thank you
for revealing
the way
to us.
Thank you
for the
homing device
so present
in each one
of us.
Thank you
for eternity's light
that ever shines.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Dear God,

The truth will indeed set us free.  A search for the truth is not easy; yet, at times only truth will release us from the bonds of depression, hopelessness, and despair.  Truth can help us find the spiritual cache of internal resources ever present in every human being.

This is the hope I offered to a young person this week.  Lost in darkness, I watched as the light began to spark and shine.  Hope was born, not enough to cure, but the right amount to get started on the trek of healing and wholeness.

You offer us daily gifts to help us move forward in life.  You give us light to reveal our way home.  You provide love, not the cheap, happy, yappy kind but a deep, abiding eternal love that can hold us steady while the stormy winds blow.  It is you, O Lord, whose relationship to us is the one gift that never tarnishes, fades, or falls apart.  You are enough to assist us toward truth and freedom.

Holy Father,
ever present,
ever loving,
ever compassionate,
thank you
for all
your wondrous gifts.
Take us home
to you,
to wholeness,
I pray.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Dearest God,

Epiphany, a day to remember the kings' visit to the stable, the manger, the baby.  I look forward to January 6 every year because it keeps me on task in faith.  I read the biblical story and then think about faith and what I can bring to you.

Today my daughter had surgery.  At day's end I know one gift I bring to you is gratitude, gratitude for a great doctor and hospital, a successful surgery, and good news about it.  I bring you gratitude for a conversation with a granddaughter today who recognizes her need for help.  I bring gratitude for joy received as my daughter's family and I played games and had a good time together waiting for surgery and recovery.  I bring gratitude to you for an unexpected hope.  I bring gratitude for the good way 2016 is unfolding.  I bring gratitude for faith that keeps me focused on you.

Thank you
for Epiphany,
the story,
the account,
the gifts,
the joy,
the insights,
the hope,
and the turn
of events.
Thank you
for faith
that keeps unfolding.
Thank you
for love
that makes faith work.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Dear God,

You lead us to the holy halls of heaven as we sit in your presence listening, watching, and anticipating.  You move us, inspire us, help us, challenge us, and lead us to higher places. 

Yesterday five hundred of us sat waiting for you to comfort us and give us hope in the memorial service for a 17-year-old boy.  We wanted to hear a holy word that would lift us up.  We wanted to find the way from death to new life.  You did not disappoint us.

Your holy word has power.  As we listened to the words of scripture about crushed spirits finding hope we felt that power surge through us helping us focus not on what we do not know but what we do know about faith and its power to lead us to healing, hope, and wholeness.  Although the pain of loss and sorrow is deep, we discovered hope and faith and love are deeper still. 

Heavenly Father,
Healer of Broken Spirits,
we sit
at your feet
awaiting your word.
We give thanks
for your word
that aids us
in our grief.
May we
live out
our days
praising you
for the
wonderful way
you bless us.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, January 4, 2016

Dear God,

You open us up to the suffering of others, sometimes family or friends, but sometimes complete strangers.  You prick our hearts and we feel pain, sorrow, and grief.  You cause us to feel compassion and make us want to reach out and pray.  This strange and wonderful thing is heaven's love.

Among hundreds who gathered with the families of four boys who were tragically killed in an auto accident last week, we listened to a member of each family who spoke about their lost child, their friendships, their sorrow, their appreciation, and their joy for all the many acts of love given them.  Their pastor then prayed.  Then the next stepped up.  For an hour we were a grieving, praying, and singing community.  As we sang "Amazing Grace" we lifted our voices to you declaring our faith and trust in you but also praying for help to face the days, weeks, and months ahead.

How wonderful you are to touch our lives, O God.  How beautiful it is to offer love to one another and for a moment in time to stand in solidarity with hurting people.  How merciful you are to create love for us to share together.

Almighty God,
be the power
of love
and comfort
to all
those who
are grieving
not only
in our community
but around
the world.
Touch each one
with your love.
Cause us
to love
one another deeply.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Dear God,

With open eyes we can see you daily.  We can connect with your spirit, fill up with joy, and walk in faith.  Almost anything, anyone can lead us to you.

I watched a three-hour movie and the one line that struck and stuck with me is this:  "I sing you to me."  The young Aborigine's words to his adoptive mother when he left for his "walkabout", the process of becoming a man in the outback of Australia, inspired me to think of the way you sing us to you.  Your call is like a song, a beautiful invitation to draw near.

Your drawing power is great, O God; your call is like none other.  You know time spent with you is an opportunity to draw courage, strength, wisdom, determination, and hope.  We can find love at your feet, grace too.  We can find our way if we are lost.  We can find faith if we are fearful.  We can find peace if we are unsettled, restless, and in chaos or conflict.

In this new year, O Lord, may we come when you sing us to you!

Thank you
for your call,
your song,
and your invitation.
Thank you
for reminding us
of love
that waits.
Thank you
for daily sightings
of faith.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Dearest God,

This morning's devotion in Sacred Space brought a valuable insight.  We have the power to make the past the present.  We can make yesterday's pain today's sorrow.  We can keep alive past wrongdoings successfully keeping our mind, heart, and soul in restless chaos.  We have the ability to bring past discontent, resentful beliefs, and spiteful thoughts into the present moment so we can prohibit our healing and return to wholeness.

A few minutes reading challenged me to see the truth of myself.  When the author asked the question, I had to answer truthfully.  Who am I?  He asked.  I am a complainer, a moaner, a seeker, a pilgrim..."  I paused after that because I already had my answer.  Who am I indeed?

Any self reflection requires a search of the soul.  When honest we have to look at all that abides in the soul, not just part.  We may not like what we see.  In fact, we may abhor what we see.  However, we never wander into our soul alone.  The creator of the soul goes with us.  The pilgrimage aids us in our search for you and the whole truth.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
God with us,
God in us,
God around us,
lead us
to you
and to
the truth.
Make us
your own.
Give us courage
to leave behind
the ugly debris
of the past.
Push us
to a future
of bright promise,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 1, 2016

Dear God,

The old has passed away, the new has come.  We are always looking for a new day, a second chance, or a new opportunity to start over.  A new year has come with a clean slate.  We can rewrite chapters of our life by following your lead.  The old can pass away unless we insist on carrying it into the new year.  We can bog ourselves down with old baggage, but why?

Lord, I want to carry the gifts of your spirit that blessed me last year into the new year.  I want to carry your compassion and the giving spirit you have given me.  I want to carry your love because I know it can transform anyone and anything.  I want to carry faith, that wondrous gift that reveals your divine mysteries.  I want to carry grace, one because I need it to self sustain and two, because you want me to offer it to others.  I want to carry hope because it can buoy us when nothing else can.

These gifts, Gracious God, all come from you.  You give them to us for so many reasons.  Yes, I want to carry these into the new year but the rest of it, you can have.

Holy God,
thank you
for new beginnings.
Thank you
for fresh starts.
Thank you
for love
that renews itself
over and over again.
Praise to you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Dear God,

You are our refuge and our strength.  You are our hope and our comfort.  You are our light and our path to joy.

Last night Noah, 17, died in a car accident with three of his friends.  His family is brokenhearted and so are we for them.  Death seems so final, a child vanished from the face of the earth.  Grief, sorrow, and despair too deep to measure.

Years ago in my own deep despair, you gave me a vision of a very deep dark hole where I was wedged.  In my sorrow and pain you entered that space with me and suddenly, the bottom of the hole gave way and a crack of light came through until the whole space was filled with light.  That vision taught me that your light is deeper than the deepest darkness.  Hope is deeper than despair.  Mercy is deeper than fear, pain, and sorrow. 

As we face uncertain days of despair and darkness, we fall back on you, Great God of the Cosmos, and we take in your grace-filled light, your merciful compassion, and your living water and spiritual food that can nourish us until we are able to move again.

God of Hope,
thank you
for your
continual message
of living presence.
Thank you
for faith
that can renew
and restore us
to life
once again.
Thank you
for mercy
that holds us
for however long
we need it.
Bless you, Lord.

Love, Andrea