Sunday, February 28, 2016

Dear God,

Hugs, who cannot feel the power of a hug, Lord?  The squeeze, the warmth, and the embrace speaks volumes to the human soul. 

Every moment of insight that comes seemingly of the blue is like a giant hug from heaven.  We know its power, its wisdom, and its grace.  Every moment of hope that rises up from the depths is like a heavenly hug.  Every moment of light that pierces our darkness is like a hug that will not let us go until we know the full depth of love from on high.

We need hugs and we need to give them because we participate in heaven's business when we reach out to hug and when we receive hugs offered to us. Hugs, like so much more, is yet another gift, a blessing from your hands and we are so grateful.

Blessed be
your name,
Heavenly Father;
thank you
for your kindness
that reaches out
to us
from eternity.
We are blessed
when you
bless us,
O Lord.
Thank you
for hugs
that remind us
of you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Dear God,

Sometimes we do not know the answer to our dilemma.  We do not know which way to turn or how to get out of our situation.  I believe those are times when you carry us until we find our way.

There is no way so low as the low when we perceive we are totally alone, when we live in blackness, without hope, faith, and support.  All looks bleak.  We cannot imagine a future beyond our suffering.  Yet, there is a moving spirit within us that keeps us alive physically, psychologically, and spiritually. There is One who holds us and carries us through the minutes, days, and weeks of our entombment until our resurrection comes.

We forget your promise to always be with us.  We forget there is a power greater than our own.  We forget that love is deeper than pain.  We forget, O Lord, we forget.  But then through a variety of means you remind us of the truth that sets us free.  Our eyes and ears are opened.  Our dull and weary spirit awakens to the gentle breezes of faith and is renewed.  Life comes back to our limbs and we literally crawl out of the black holes we and/or others have created.  Once again we see the light of your face.

Holy and Loving God,
thank you
for kindly reminders
of your spirit
alive in
the world.
Thank you
for sacred touches
that inspire,
heal, and help.
Thank you
for love
and mercy
and compassion
that hold us
until we
are ready
to be
lifted up
and out.
Bless you,
O Lord,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, February 26, 2016

Dear God,

What joy is mine when grandchildren come to stay the weekend!  Their laughter, smiles, and hugs remind us of the gift of family, not only the biological kind but the whole spiritual family of which we are all a part.  You give us the gift where love is given and received so we may blossom into the full beings you have created us to be.

When the grandchildren come to visit, we sleep in sleeping bags on the floor.  We play games, watch videos, and dance crazy dances.  We pray, eat fun foods, and worship together.  We build memories to share later on.  We make great use of the time you give us together.

As I look into their eyes, I see you looking back.  I see the radical connection you make as special people bond and celebrate your goodness.  Always, always we pray and give thanks!

Good God,
giver of life
and family,
thank you
for your generosity,
friendship,
and love.
Thank you
for making us
for each other.
Thank you
for blessings
so very,
very beautiful.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Dear God,

There is something so beautiful in the time between winter and spring.  Even as snow spreads over the ground, the birds sing your song.  They sing of joy, harmony, and peace.  They are patient knowing the ground is already stirring as tiny shoots are breaking ground and rising up. 

Inside us our souls experience the nourishing time of winter when we hunker down and feed our spiritual roots.  We search for nutrients that will strengthen us giving us courage and hope.  We dwell in holy places where you warm us from the cold of trouble, sin, and temptation.  Winter restores us and prepares us for new birth.

Spring is always before us no matter what season nature gives us.  There is always opportunity to spring forth new life inside our souls.  New birth is always just moments away.  When we open ourselves to the warmth of your loving grace, we are already on our way to new life.

In the period between these two great seasons we are so close to you because you are so close to us.

Thank you,
Almighty God,
for this
very special time
not only
in nature
but also
inside us.
Thank you
for the splendor
of time
with you
restoring,
renewing,
and revitalizing us.
Thank you,
Holy Father,
for love
that knows
no end.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Dear God,

Even great architecture speaks your name!  The spire rises high toward the heavens.  The stained glass sings the melody of faith.

"On earth as it is in heaven..." the line from your own prayer suggests we can have heaven on earth.  The ground upon which your church sits is indeed holy ground because the wondrous edifice draws us to you. Its beauty tells the story of your creation, your transforming power, and your tremendous grace.

We have looked for a church home, one that proclaims your message speaking to hearts, minds, and souls, one that stirs the human spirit with your song, and one that leads us to faith and service.  Each time we step inside Second Presbyterian Church, we find ourselves drawn closer to you.  We have hungered for a spirited life inside your church.  It looks like we may have finally found it.

Good Lord,
you do care
about your children
Thank you
for your church,
its witness,
its faith,
its love,
and its service.
We are blessed
by you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Dear God,

Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness, each time I say the word, it sounds different.  It sounds different because you put so much inside forgiveness.  You put in a repentant heart.  You add surrender and trust.  You include sorrow and grace.  You add clarity, faith, and wisdom.  You add a gesture of love and devotion. 

Forgiveness is powerful because you are woven into forgiveness.  You put yourself inside forgiveness because there is always a divine encounter when forgiveness is offered.  You know we need all the ingredients from you in order to restore and renew. 

Next month our covenant retreat will explore forgiveness.  Perhaps there is something hidden from our eyes and we need to take another look at it.  Lead us, Lord, to this wondrous gift.

Show us
the way
to authentic forgiveness,
O Lord.
Open our eyes
to you
so we
will be willing
to see
our own need
as well as
the needs
of others.
Make our hearts
ready to forgive,
I pray.

Love, An drea

Monday, February 22, 2016

Dear God,

Daily you speak to us through the scriptures.  Although the words are ancient, the spirit of the words is fresh every day.  Some days they lift off the page, entering the heart, mind, and soul.

Today's devotion was the encounter of Jesus with his disciples.  "Who do you say that I am?"  Jesus expected an answer then and he expects it now.  Indeed who do I say Jesus is?

Some days Jesus is a rescuer, saving me from myself.  Some days he is my redeemer, forgiving me my sin.  Some days he is a challenger, inviting me to take another look or another step or a new adventure in faith.  Some days he is creator, making all things new.  But always, always he is a friend, allowing me to walk with him as a spiritual companion. 

Each day in prayer I have to refresh my relationship to you.  I have to renew my commitment to live according to faith.  I have to devote myself to your teachings.  This is because you are God; there is none like you.

Holy God,
thank you
for questions
that penetrate,
provoke, and provide
new thought.
Thank you
for living faith.
Thank you
for compassionate love
that gives opportunity
for newness
of life.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Dear God,

What wonder is wrought when we step into your church anticipating the revelation of your living spirit!  Somewhere in the midst of the community of faith you will be disclosed.  Perhaps you will come in the music or the readings or the fellowship, message, or prayers.  You could surprise us when the light shines through the stained glass window, or when a stranger welcomes us home, or even when the pastor leads us in a time of silence.  When we gather together, you promise to be with us.  We just have to open the pores of all our senses and we will not be disappointed.

This morning it happened as I stepped into the sanctuary of a new church we are attending a few minutes late.  There on the end of the pew just a few feet away was a dear friend from a former church.  The surprise on both our faces registered our joy in your presence.  Not only did we sit together and worship together, we joined together for lunch with her whole family.  Delight filled our souls as we shared one with the other.

You continually fill us with wonder, O Lord; you make yourself known again and again.  On this Lord's day I was full of wonder and amazement even as we stood to sing the line, "O Lord, my God when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made...", I let the joy flooding in my soul rise up and spill over in praise.

Wondrous God,
you bless
and amaze.
You speak
and you sing
your song
of faith
to us.
You let us
know you
and give us
pause to praise.
Bless you,
dear God,
bless you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Dear God,

"Live like people who belong to the light,"  the author of Ephesians writes.  Live like people who belong to the light.  We belong to the light because the light is yours, O God.  When we were in darkness, we did not know better but the moment we stepped into the light and we knew the light was yours, everything changed.

Your light compels us to live in the light because the light will always show us the truth.  It will always equip us with everything we need to fight the darkness when it threatens.  It blesses us with love and mercy and grace.  It widens our existence revealing a spirit world where possibility is wide and deep.  Peace lives in the light and has the power to help us overcome difficulties. Hope lives there too because there is no light without hope.  Joy is always available in the light, the kind of joy that bubbles up from the depths of faith.

Every day you invite us to remain in the light or to come to the light if we are walking in darkness.  Every day your light shines upon us even if we do not see it.  The light draws us in and holds us close.  The light is you, O Lord; the light is you.  Live in you is what the author meant, live in you.

Holy God,
thank you
for the light
that warms us,
embraces us,
and holds us tight.
Thank you
for love
that makes
the light exist
for all time.
Thank you
for faith
that helps us
see it.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, February 19, 2016

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of family.  Today when I caught my first view of my granddaughter lying in the hospital bed ready for a simple surgical procedure, my heart felt full up with love for her.  After being gone for five weeks, I was glad to see her.  Spending time with my daughter and son-in-law during surgery refreshed my appreciation for them as they constantly seek to bless their children.

All through my life you have blessed me with family.  The family farm in a teeny town of 500 was the seat of familial love.  Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, parents, and siblings gathered together for meals always began with a prayer of gratitude.  We expressed our love through prayer and thanksgiving.  After meals we kids ran and played through the woods and valleys.  When we grew older all the generations played board games together.  We cheated and laughed and cheated some more.  Hilarity, hope, and love filled the old farmhouse.  When it was time to go home, we hugged everyone in the house.

You made us for each other, O Lord; you blessed us with family intended to love one another following the example of Jesus, your son, the great lover of all time.

Thank you
for family,
dear God;
thank you
for giving us
a biological family
and all others
we gather
through the years.
Most of all,
thank you
for your family
and for
inviting us
to be part
of them
as well.
Be blessed
with our love
and gratitude,
O God.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Dear God,

We live and breathe every day taking for granted your creation all around us.  We fail to pause, to look, to listen, to touch, and to revere the awesome beauty all around us.  A simple sunrise can take our breath away.  The sound of a morning bird can bring peace to our soul.  A tall tree with its branches being gently tossed in the wind can invite us to join nature's dance.  We miss holy moments designed to clear our mind, freshen our spirit, and rid us of unnecessary worry, anxiety, and clutter.

As I drove through the Pennsylvania mountains I was swept away by the exquisite, delicate hoarfrost on thousands of acres of mountainous terrain.  What beauty engulfed me from every side.  As the sun shone and the shadows cast themselves across the firs and pines, I couldn't help but be blessed and think of you.

Creator God,
thank you
for all
the blessings
of nature.
Each and
every one
displays your
wondrous grandeur.
Thank you
for speaking
to us
through your
created order.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

My dearest God,

When fear invades, faith is never far behind!  On a perfectly beautiful day in the mountains of Pennsylvania, sunset's pink rays shine through the clouds when out of nowhere a snow squall appears sucking in cars and semis alike.  The raging storm blows snow directly at the windshield, wind hits my car from the left nearly pushing it off the road and white is everywhere.  Fear rises up my spine sending my blood pressure sky high and my pulse off the chart.  I hear my own voice crying out to you, "Lord, Lord, help me, please help me!"  Did I call to you first or did you call out to me?

As I lead the pack of several cars, I keep putting my trust in you.  I can't see anyone or anything but you.  You keep me going straight except when apparently I veer too far to the right and my tires hit the strip designed to keep vehicles on the road.  I just keep driving forward until I see a snow-covered sign that alerts me to my exit.  I slide to a stop and then slippery slide until I get to the top of the hill where the motel waits.  When I finally get to my room and drop on the bed, I realize how close faith is when fear threatens to paralyze.  I breathe in your mercy and breathe out my praise!

Holy God,
fear is
always close,
ready to
do us in,
but you
are ever closer
whispering faith
to us.
Thank you,
Merciful God,
for faith
that is ready
to battle
any fear
that comes.
Thank you
for all
your many blessings.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Dear God,

You put a song in our hearts and let it play all day long.  When we are open and pay attention we discover your handiwork every day.

Sunday's anthem, Jesus, Lover of my Soul, keeps swirling in my head.  The lyrics speak over and over again.  Jesus, lover of my soul...what can I say to such a gift?  Jesus, lover...who loves more than you, O Lord?  As I work to finish painting the kitchen, your song plays over and over in my heart, in my voice too.  I sing out loud.

You keep us close, don't you, Gracious God?  You let your song be the line that pulls us in, closer and closer.  When we pause to realize what is happening, we know your love once again and we are so very thankful.

Blessed God,
thank you
for your
heavenly song.
Thank you
for drawing us
into you.
Thank you
for your
compassionate kindness.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, February 15, 2016

Dear God,

Some days it is enough to just sit with you rather than searching for a sign or symbol of your living presence.  Knowing you are present in the moment, in the quiet is plenty to reflect upon.  Intentionally breathing in the air of your love and mercy causes the heart to melt, the mind to quiet itself, and the soul to drink in your living water.

So often we have the attitude, "What have you done for me today?"  We are never satisfied.  We want more and more.  But more and more never truly feeds the soul because the mind is always focused on what will come next rather than finding you in the now.

As I quietly fix my mind on you in the stillness of falling snow, I will always have enough.

Blessed God,
thank you
for quiet moments
that remind us
to "be still
and know you."

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Dear God,

My, how I would love to step inside the creative minds of Christian music composers.  Surely, you moved them to write lyrics, melodies, and harmonies that rise out of faith.  The ways they come together must have been a movement of your spirit.  What gifts you brought to them and what blessings come to us every time we sing them.

At our weekly hymn sing just prior to worship every Sunday morning, your spirit is already at work.  We join you in the spirit songfest that always begins in heaven and moves outward.  As we lift our voices in praise, you must know we sing from the heart and the depths of our faith.  You know our love and devotion.  And perhaps in those minutes in time, our sins are cleansed, our minds are opened, and our attitudes are refreshed.  Maybe we are even worthy to praise you!

Holy God,
our blessings
are your blessings.
You share them
with us.
We rise high
in faith
and joy
and we
are grateful,
so very, very grateful.
Be praised,
O Lord,
be praised!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Dear God,

Your ways are good.  Your mercy is comforting.  Your love is beyond imagination.  Forever your spirit is touching our lives, humbling us, helping us, inspiring us, and guiding us.

This morning as I looked at those who read my letters to you, I thought of the amazing way you bring people together.  We are strangers, but not really because your spirit has the power to make us friends.  Your spirit can cause us to pray for one another, to lift one another up, and to bless one another with faith.  At times when we feel alone you bring us hope and comfort in knowing we are not really alone because your spirit has already circled us together and surrounded us with love.

When we pause and really reflect upon faith and its abilities, we feel full of love and appreciation for you.  Above all, we feel gratitude for the amazing gift.

Thank you,
Gracious Father,
for making us
one people
in hope,
in love,
and in mercy.
As we feel
your compassionate care,
we are strengthened
with courage
and are enabled
to do
what seems impossible.
Keep your light shining
upon us
so we
may always find
our way
to you
and one another.

Love, Andrea

Friday, February 12, 2016

Dear God,

Your blessings come to us in beautiful ways!  When we open our hearts, minds, and souls, we are in for a spiritual adventure and you do not disappoint.

Last night I learned a valuable life lesson as we rehearsed our music at our weekly church choir rehearsal.  Your love is a living love for us.  You did not love us just once but rather your love is living.  As we sing we sing a living song of faith.  It is not just a nice song with words.  It is a testimony to what we vow in our hearts. 

As we sang the words, Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly, I found myself at once in your care.  I felt love surround me and grace within me.  I filled up with joy singing what I know to be true.  I wanted to dance with joy for my savior.

Such encounters are not rare but common.  Every day you speak and show us your face.  You allow us to experience the divine who embraces us, making new our faith, and keeps us moving in your direction.  How grateful we are!

Living God,
thank you
for living faith,
for living prayer,
for living songs,
for living hearts,
and for living love.

Love right back, Andrea

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Dearest God,

You call us to be pilgrims during Lent.  You ask us to consider our faith, its meaning, value, resiliency, practice, and strength.  You ask us to look to you for guidance, insight, and challenge.  You ask us to be silent, not just quiet, but open to hear and see you.  You ask us to wait upon you.  You ask us to walk the journey of faith with you.

How wonderful to have the savior beside us!  How wondrous to reflect upon your ways!  How blessed it is to daily hear and see you as we draw close and listen!

Thank you,
Faithful God,
for the gift
of Lent.
Thank you
for all
the Ash Wednesdays,
where we pause
and begin
to prepare,
for all
the Maundy Thursdays,
where we
eat and drink
at your table,
and all
the Good Fridays,
where we look
at our
own sin
and lack
of faith
and remember
the love
hung upon
the cross.
Thank you,
Giving God.

Love, Andrea

Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dear God,

Ash Wednesday, the holy day we are called to draw closer, to surrender, and to grow our faith, is a wondrous day indeed.  It gives us opportunity to pause where we are so we might become more aware of you.  Tonight we will receive the cross of Christ in ashes.  Tomorrow we will wash it off.  But we are reminded we carry that cross every day because we are yours.

For forty days we will walk with greater awareness of our faith.  We will think, reflect, give thanks, pray, and forgive.  We will repent, say, I am sorry, and start anew.  We will look at ourselves, the whole of ourselves, and attempt to see what you see.  You will show us the truth of ourselves and give us time to change, turn the corner, and take the path that leads us home.

Father,
make us ready
for the journey
of Lent.
Take us,
take me
to heights
and valleys
of faith.
Prepare us,
prepare me
to meet you
once again
on Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday,
and Resurrection Sunday.
Blessed be your name.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Dear God,

Every day you bring us joy.  We may not recognize it or even want it; nonetheless, you offer it to us.

Today was a joy day for me.  As I stepped inside the sanctuary at St. Martha's Church, I felt as if I had stepped into heaven.  The quiet peace, the dedication of a space made holy by your living presence, and the baptismal fount with holy water all spoke to me of your Holy Spirit.  As I wandered through I felt as if I was living a prayer as I stood in the midst of your love on earth.

I had come to St. Martha's to look at the facility for a program and reception for our retiring pastor.  I had never been inside the church although I had driven by many, many times.  When I entered the building, I felt closer to you.

Joy comes at the most unexpected times.  Joy lifts the spirit and fills the soul.  Joy connects us to you, Living God, and what better surprise gift is there?

Thank you
for joy
that wells up
within us
when we
are in
your presence.
Thank you
for your church
that is meant
to be
love on earth.
Thank you
for touching us
with your spirit.

Love, Andrea

Monday, February 8, 2016

Dear God,

What a privilege it is to be invited to your holy table, to eat of the bread of heaven!  Every time the invitation is extended, I realize what a gift it is. 

As I stood to move to the table, I remembered who I was, not one worthy to feast on heaven's food, yet, even I was welcome.  As I left the choir loft and started down the aisle, I felt your love wash over me.  When I stopped at the table, the pastor held out the bread and I took it in my hand, really looked at it, and then ate with thanksgiving.

So often, Lord, we take heaven's food for granted.  We think it's just another part of the worship service.  In some ways we eat and run, like fast food.  We gobble it down and move on, without giving it a second thought.  And we can do that; however, why would we want to?  But when we know the blessing that awaits us and we step forward and eat what is offered, joy fills us, faith increases, and praise lifts from our lips.

Thank you,
Merciful God,
for inviting us
to your table.
Thank you
for sacred food
that fills
our souls
to the top.
Thank you
for joy
that spills over.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Dear God,

People hunger and thirst for you, O Lord, and they search for you in all kinds of ways.  Some pray.  Some go to church.  Some serve others.  Some fast.  Some read your word.  Some sing. Some give.  Some walk.  One man walked a million steps to find you.

Last night two men presented a program of their walk on the El Camino, the way of St. James.  They didn't know what they would find on their six-week, 420-mile walk.  What they found was you, O Lord; they found you.

Do you build into each of us a need for you?  Do you put within us a hunger for your living presence?  Do you create a space for your spirit inside each soul?  Every morning as we awaken in trust, we wait for your spirit to be revealed.  We anticipate your presence.  We expect to see you, hear your voice, or feel your touch.  And when we do, when our spirits unite as one, what joy surges within us!  What peace is ours!  What blessings fills our soul.

Holy God,
giver of all good gifts,
thank you
for making us
with a hunger
for you.
Thank you
for making us aware
of your spirit.
Thank you
for faith
that opens
the door
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Dear God,

Throughout the years your story has been told, the biblical story of bondage and freedom, of help and salvation, and of judgment and grace.  As we read the bible stories, we find hope, strength, and courage.  We build up trust and increase our faith.  These old, old stories become new when we follow their lead.

But their stories are not the only stories being told.  Our own stories touch and inspire in the same way.  When we crawl out of the abyss by faith, others find their own inner resources.  When we do the impossible by faith, others begin to discover possibilities in their own lives.  When we forgive those who have harmed us, practice grace, and release the past to the past instead of carrying it forward, others realize there is hope for them.

You give us each a story.  You promise us your living presence.  You walk with us every step of the way.  As we take hold of your wondrous gifts and live them out in faith, our story becomes your story, the greatest story ever told.

Gracious God,
we are yours.
Thank you
for the story
of faith.
Thank you
for allowing us
to be part
of your story.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, February 5, 2016

Dear God,

So often, O Lord, all we can see is darkness and despair.  We believe that darkness is all there is.  A few days ago my granddaughter's 14-year-old friend hung himself because he could only see darkness and no other.  He succumbed to the darkness.

Why is it we give in to the message of darkness?  Why do we believe darkness has so much power?  Why do we walk in darkness as if that is all there is?

When I tried to comfort my granddaughter in her loss, I told her how sorry I was that he did not know that the light and hope are deeper than the deepest darkness.  I told her this because she has bouts of darkness herself.

When you said, "Let there be light," we did not know how powerful the light would become.  We did not know light would always be more powerful.  We did not know that light would always break through the darkness because the light is your light.  Your light always shines; it never burns out but rather shines brightly.

Faith is the key to your light.  When we trust in you in the darkness, the light always shines.  It burns off the darkness and clears the way.  It reveals the truth and sets us free.  As we trust in your light, we become a beacon of light for others. 

Make us beacons
of light,
Great God,
one great light
for all
the world
to see.
Open our eyes
to the truth
of the light
which always
reveals your
living presence.
Shine through us,
Holy One,
shine through us,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Dear God, 

When life takes a tragic turn, you are there.  When life asks hard questions, you are there.  When life perplexes us, you are there.  When life is unfair and unjust, you are there.  When life troubles us, you are there.  When life fools us, you are there.  When life calls us to surrender loved ones, you are there.  When life challenges us, you are there.  When life is beautiful, you are there.  When life calls for a celebration, you are there.

Your promise to be with us always means we are never alone.  You are always with us.  No matter what happens in life, you are with us, even from this life to the next.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for your promise
of living presence.
Thank you
for your nearness.
Thank you
for your
eternal love.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Dear God,

"Mine eyes have seen your salvation."  Simeon of old said.  You blessed your servant Simeon because he was faithful to keep his eyes upon you; therefore, you blessed him with the savior.

So often we fail to keep our eyes on you and we miss salvation moments.  When we tune our ears to another channel, we do not hear your word.  When we clutter our minds with much less relevant things, thoughts of you get squeezed out.  When we do not prepare ourselves for your coming, we do not experience those incredible moments of faith.

However, when we are attuned to you, when we take the whole of our self and put it on alert, we are privy to some of the most spectacular moments of our lives.  We see, we hear, we feel, we touch, we think you!  Such blessing comes our way and we too are blessed with the savior.

Every time I have witnessed a salvific moment, I have been overwhelmed with the grace of the moment.  I have overflowed with joy and gladness.  I have been humbled by the awesome way you invited me in and shared with me your divine mysteries.  Those moments are the best moments in life.

Holy God,
thank you
for salvation,
for sacred moments
of faith.
Thank you
for making us aware
of the movement
of your spirit.
Thank you
for blessings
greater than
any other blessing
on earth.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Dear God,

What can we say about you, Lord?  What words are adequate to describe you?  How can we possibly praise you enough for your love for us?

It is the daily simple things you do, to let us know you are God and we are your children, that wells up thanksgiving within us.  Two days ago just driving to church I saw springtime, the beauty of budding trees, bright sunshine, and flower stems rising from the cold, winter ground.  Yesterday I heard springtime, the birds singing, lifting their voices to the heavens crying out their own thank you.  Although winter is my favorite season, when I saw and heard you, I realized once again you give us a peek of what is to come, new life beckoning from the old.  You do not want us to hold on tight to what is so that we can always be prepared to pick up and move on with you.

Thank you,
Gracious Father,
for speaking
to us,
for calling us forth,
to new life
however it unfolds.
Bless you,
Lord,
bless you,
for gifts
beyond imagination.
Be praised,
my God,
be praised
today and forevermore.

Love, Andrea

Monday, February 1, 2016

Dearest God,

What gifts are ours as we sit at your feet in worship!  What blessings flow as we quiet ourselves and listen for your voice!  What joy bubbles up and overflows as we sing the songs of our faith!

Yesterday was an incredible day of your wondrous spirit.  Even before I stepped inside the church, I was full to overflowing with your spirit.  These last days your living presence has been palpable, a holy encounter of spirit joy.  So I walked into worship full of you.

As we sang our favorite songs in the hymn sing prior to worship, lyrics popped off the page sending me in all directions.  One brought me such joy that tears began to well.  As we sang, The Church's One Foundation, one line stood out, "Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won, O happy ones and holy!  Lord, give us grace that we like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee."  At once I felt a closeness with my beloved grandmother who led me to faith in you.

Your living presence provides an opening to heaven where we meet loved ones whose faith still remains tied to our own.  There are no barriers, no obstacles, no impossibilities with you, Holy One, for you open doors in worship.  Your spirit lives and dwells with us always.

Thank you
for touching
and inspiring
your people.
Thank you
for your
living spirit presence
that delights
our souls.
Thank you
for opening
the doors
and windows
to faith!

Love always, Andrea