Sunday, May 29, 2016

Dear God,

Your Holy Word speaks to us again and again.  It challenges us to move from self centeredness to others.  It teaches us the value of faith that relates us to one another as sister and brother.  It reminds us what we have is not ours alone but a gift from the father.  It teaches us not to get too comfy with giving to ourselves because we do not live as separate beings on this planet we all call home.

So often we fail to remember the call of faith.  We get caught up in other things.  Yet, you, O Lord, continue to reach out to us, to prick our consciences, and to give us other chances to be your hands and feet.

Nothing has gone exactly the way I thought it would the last few months.  A sister had difficulties and now is living in our home temporarily.  A daughter was tripped up by events of her childhood.  A granddaughter fell in despair.  A friend discovered she had stage 4 cancer.  All these disrupted my carefully made plans.  However, it seems this is your plan to remind me to stay close to the needs of others.  You diverted me down the path you chose and invited me to cross over.

Teach us
to travel lightly,
O Lord.
Show us
the way
to others.
Make your way clear,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Dear God,

The world slows down when I come to you in the morning.  Dawn comes when I think of you.  The light, your light shines.

The memory of you can brighten a dark day.  The thought of you can bring a happy song.  Letting silence speak can bring insights, answers to perplexing problems, and sweet peace.  Your presence can and does change lives.

You have the power to transform, Great God.  Like the chrysalis we too can make our way out of our dark cocoon.  We can wiggle our wings and try to fly knowing your power can cause us to fly, to soar really.  You can make us new, only you!

Bless you,
O Lord,
bless you.
Bless you
for compassion
early in
the morning.
Bless you
for restoration,
renewal,
and rebirth.
Bless you,
O Lord,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 27, 2016

Dear God,

No one can heal like you, Great Physician, no one.  Throughout my years in ministry I watched as troubled people took hold of faith, the hand of a trusted counsellor, and a willingness to pilgrim journey their way to healing and wholeness.  I witnessed how faith provided a firm foundation while seekers opened themselves to take a look at the core of their issues that held them back from amazing grace and overflowing joy.  Faith became the power to focus, reflect, and renew human lives.

This week I have the privilege of walking with a sweet teenage granddaughter who is also on the journey toward healing, health, and wholeness.  I listen and pray as you do your inner work.  I see how hope is bringing her new joy.  I see restoration in progress.

As we trust in you, pray, and give ourselves opportunity for the Physician to work, we see the sweetness of your never-ending mercy.

Holy One,
giver of new life,
thank you
for my granddaughter.
Thank you
for prayer
with flesh on.
Thank you
for blessing
that can reconstruct
a life
gone awry.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Dearest God,

Sometimes we walk in deep darkness.  At other times we walk with a veil.  We see light but cannot make out the form of life before us.  We walk in a fog, hoping and praying we will once again see the light in its full array.

Today a veil was lifted.  As my granddaughter and I shared a family concern, we began to see the light.  As we talked on, the picture became more clear.  Although what we discovered was painful, we came to understand more fully.

You are the light, O Lord.  You are the light that shines brightly.  Your light can appear even in the deepest darkness.  You can lift veils, allowing us to see clearly.  You point us to the truth and then give us hope and courage to tackle the devils that seek to steal your light from us. 

Thank you
for the light
that heals.
Thank you
for truth
that sets us free.
That you
for your love
that dwells
within us.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Dear God,

Donning my silly lobster hat, I stood waiting at the bottom of the escalator at the airport.  I promised my teenage granddaughter that I would meet her there wearing my hat.  With a wide smile, I knew she would appear at any moment.  But when all the people had moved past me, I realized something was amiss. I called her.  She said she had been wearing her smile too but I wasn't where I said I would meet her.  That's when we figured out the mixup and within minutes we were happily reunited.

Our spiritual life is like that, O Lord.  Sometimes we get our signals messed up.  We think one thing and it is really something else.  Perhaps we are scattered with too many things on our mind.  Maybe it is just wanting something to be a particular way.  One thing is for sure.  Your way is the better way.  If we tune in and listen, you will always show us the way to our destination.

O God,
you are
the hope
of the world.
You call
to us.
You invite us in.
You speak
to us,
always making us
feel at home.
Yet, you
challenge us
to turn
toward you
and to listen.
Teach us
your way
so we
may always
connect with you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Dear God,

How do we know your love?  We know it through the embrace of a loved one, a smile from a stranger, a kindly gesture by a neighbor.  We know it through nature that sweetens every day in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. We know your love through the rising of the sun and moon and stars.  We also know it through your humbling word..."God so loved the world..."

There are days where we know you abundantly well, when our wells are filled to the brim.  We may not be so aware of new sightings, yet, still you appear in loving ways.  And on those days when we feel bereft, alone, or doubting, those appearances unfold before our eyes reminding us of love that never ends.

Holy God,
giver of all good gifts,
thank you
for daily remembrances,
when you
reach out
to us.
Thank you
for your
kindly ways.
Thank you
for your
amazing love
that shows up
ever before us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 23, 2016

Dearest God,

The day after can be one of the most beautiful days of all.  When we celebrate, when we give thanks, and when we experience joy, the day after offers opportunity to dwell in your presence remembering.

Yesterday was a day of great joy!  Leading our hymn singing before worship always fills me with the oil of gladness.  Listening to your word through scripture reading and pastoral message fills my mind and spirit with the power of your gospel message.  Singing the morning anthem in the choir lifts me on high as I imagine the angels and saints singing the same eternal song.  The fellowship before and after worship connect us all to one another.  Worship is enough to cause my soul to soar!

This day after gives me cause to remember the beautiful celebration of our pastor's retirement party.  As we celebrated faith and ministry, we laughed, embraced, ate, worshipped, and praised together.  There was so much joy that spilled to overflowing.  All day long today I thought of the ways your spirit breathed upon us and how happy we were.

The day afters can become the day befores as we practice our faith and celebrate your living, loving presence among us.  How blessed we are!

O Lord,
how good
you are
to bless
our lives
with joy!
Thank you
for worship,
for faith,
and for love
that spills over
from day
to day.
Glory to you, Lord!

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Dear God,

What grace is revealed when your people gather with open hearts, minds, and spirits!  When we step inside your house leaving at the door our prejudice, pride, and all things that keep us from humbling ourselves in worship, we can enter the holy of holies and find the wondrous God of our faith.

This morning you were powerfully present at Church on the Cape.  As you breathed your breath into us, we filled ourselves with you and then lifted our voices to sing out our joy in devotion, adoration, and love.  As we listened to your word, prayed our prayers, and responded in liturgy and song, we joined the spirits of faithful all around the world.  We sensed our oneness with you and one another. We offered our praise and thanksgiving, reaching out toward one another.

As we each made our own decision whether or not to pick back up all we had left at the door before entering, we knew we had met God.

Almighty God,
author of
our faith,
we celebrate
the beauty
of your love
and the majesty
of your
Holy Spirit.
Thank you
for blessing
your church,
for opening us
to your word,
and filling us
with the oil
of your gladness.
To you belongs
all glory.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Dear God,

You invite us into your holy sacred rhythm.  You whisper to us in our dreams, offering us rest, unconditional love, and tender mercy.  You welcome us to each new day promising your divine hope.  You walk with us all day long giving us your living presence.  You speak to us of trust and peace that comes from the deep well of eternity.  By night fall you breathe into us the living breath of faith.

As we join you in the sacred rhythm of faith, we feel the to and fro of our loving, living relationship.  You lift our eyes to the hills where our help comes from.  You draw us low to drink from the well of living water.  You point us to wondrous displays of awe and wonder in nature's best.  You sing to us the song of joy that comes with a relationship so bound together that nothing can separate us.  You speak your word of truth, wisdom, insight, challenge, and mystery.  You invite us in.  You hold us.  You lead and guide us.  You love us like no other.

Holy God,
thank you
for the
great mysteries
of faith
that are revealed
as we trust
and walk
with you.
Thank you
for your joy
that fills us
to the brim
and spills over.
Thank you
for inviting us
into your
holy, sacred rhythm.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, May 20, 2016

Dear God,

Reunions are sweet!  Reunions that bring the faithful together is a grace from on high.  They unsettle the soil that hold people back and make it easy to pluck up, gather, and celebrate!

A dear friend returned to our fold.  She came bringing joy, peace, and memories galore.  Her vibrant spirit, her warm way, and her gentle faith tightened our circle of friendship.  Together we have soared the heavenlies because years ago your spirit wind blew upon us.  Faith that binds people together creates relationships that never really go away.  They may lie dormant from time to time because of circumstances but they never die.

Reunions with you are the same.  When we have seemed far and away, you call to us like the prodigal son.  You welcome us home, make a feast for us, and we celebrate. 

Loving God,
thank you
for reunions
that bring us
back together again.
Thank you
for your
powerful, merciful spirit
that blows
upon us
bringing us faith,
insight, and joy.
Thank you
for loving us
so much.

Forever yours, Andrea

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Dear God,

Every morning we have the privilege of breathing in the light of Christ.  We have opportunity to begin our day with the Creator of the Universe.  We have the joy of eating spiritual food and drinking from the well of living water.  All this before rising from our bed!  When we start our day at the sacred center, we rise with light, hope, food, drink, and joy.  And that is just the beginning.

But I write in a comfortable home, on a sunshiny day, in a safe neighborhood where my upcoming day looks good.  But what about those in areas where fire has scorched the earth, where families have fled their homes to get away from violence, where victims of injustice are stuck in dark places where others dominate their lives, what about them?  Is the light bright for them or does it just flicker due to their circumstances?  What about those who are hungry for food that nourishes the body and mind?  Can they even think on the food of heaven?

As we ponder the life of faith from plenty, it may appear different from those who look at faith in light of emptiness.  If we do not care for those who are suffering, how can we possibly look at the bright day for ourselves?

Humble us,
O Lord,
and teach us
to care
for others.
Bless your children
who suffer.
Let your light
shine bright,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Dear God,

Together we shared our concerns, worries, and woes.  Just among the four of us, we lifted up a young son-in-law recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, a member of us with diabetes, glaucoma and a wound that won't heal, a hurting grandchild, a broken family, a wounded church, and a frightened nation.  And yet, in the midst of our sorrow, we watched and listened as seeds of faith were sown among us.  We lifted up faith as the great healer.  We gave praise to the One whose love is larger than any sadness we faced.  We blessed one another with heaven's joy!

O Lord, it seems that sorrow and joy are sown together like the seed story in the bible.  Weeds invariably spring up choking and threatening us along the way.  Yet, in the midst of the weeds there is the flower, the food of heaven.  As we eat from your hand, our hunger is fed and our eyes rise again to heaven.

Blessed God,
thank you
for nourishing us
right where
we are.
Thank you
for the food
of eternity.
Thank you
for lifting us up
and lighting
the way
to that
which dwells
among us.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Dear God,

You spread seeds of faith in so many mysterious ways!  You want to connect with your children.  You want to inspire us to faith, hope, and courage.  Only you, Lord, care so much.

I don't remembering sowing the seeds that came up in our flower garden this spring.  The tiny blue forget-me-not flowers sit at the feet of the nearly 100-year-old roses.  They are beautiful. 

The sweet flowers draw me back 18 years when we stood at a monument in Kiev, Ukraine, the site of a beautiful park turned into a death camp where 100,000 were killed because they were not from a "pure" race.  Babiyar, tainted, spoiled, and ruined, refused to let evil have the last word.  The park remembered who it was and one day flowers began to sprout up giving love its way.  Hundreds of tiny reminders of love bloomed and even today the tiny blue forget-me-nots rise, die, and rise again, a symbol of faith, love, and mercy.

Thank you
for your
wondrous ways,
O God.
Thank you
for blessings
that come out
of the ashes.
Thank you
for the tiny
blue forget-me-not.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 16, 2016

Dear God,

When the world is hurting, you call us to pray.  You ask us to lift up our brothers and sisters at home and around the world.  No matter whether they are part of our biological family or the whole human family, you remind us each one is your child and family to us all.

You call us to pray for each other's nation.  You ask us to pray for each other's government.  You request we pray for each other's leaders.  You ask us to care enough to treat them like family.

Our world hurts, Lord; it really hurts.  We are anxious.  We are stressed.  We are hurting.  Help our world, we pray.

Thank you
for your
loving spirit
who dwells
within us.
Thank you
for reminding us
we are family.
Thank you
for reminders
to pray.

Love, Andrea

Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016

Dear God,

Twenty eight years ago you led us to the USSR for the millennial celebration of the Russian Church.  One thousand years, one thousand years of faith above and underground.  Every day we worshipped with the faithful and every day I was humbled by their devotion to Christ and the church.

The price of faith is steep for those who face persecution.  However, for many babushkas, there is no price too high to love Jesus, to worship with his people, and to celebrate faith.  I looked into their faces and wanted to fall down and worship.  I realized my faith is so small compared to those who've paid the price.  They taught me much about devotion.

I remember well those who stood in front of the icons, eyes fixed upon the face of the savior.  I remember the candles being passed from person to person, names whispered for prayer, and the candles being placed in the stands, lighted, and prayers being prayed.  I remember the rush for the Eucharist, the blood of the lamb.  I remember the gratitude for the redeemer's comfort.  I remember Jesus present in the people.

Holy Spirit,
thank you
your people
in Russia,
Christians who
have stood faithful
in time
of trial.
Thank you
for blessing
your people
with faith
and devotion.
Thank you
for their witness
to the gospel.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Dear God,

Nature teaches us so many life lessons!  As I cleaned and cleared the large flower garden, I discovered many broken rose limbs.  These roses from the 1890's took a hard hit this winter.  It was sad to see.  However, as I continued to work, I found new shoots had shot up reaching toward the heavens.  How happy I was.

There was a life and death lesson among the roses. The old does die away but the new comes.  When the old is dying inside us, you remind us new life is coming.  You point to resurrection that comes out of the ashes of death. 

So often we want to hold on to the old, the dying, the broken, but you ask us to release all things into your hands.  You ask us to trust you, to surrender that which holds us back from the renewal you have planned for us.  In doing so, in letting go, in releasing the past, you begin to show us signs of new life.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for lessons
that come
from nature.
Thank you
for spiritual renewal
that comes
when we
open our hearts
and release
what was
for what is
to come.
Thank you
for beautiful lessons
that renew
our faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 13, 2016

Dear God,

It's amazing how a birdsong can lift us to our wondrous creator!  Just as the sun was awakening outside my bedroom window this morning, I heard the song of a single bird.  When I discovered it in the tree branches I watched as it sang.  I realized how beautiful a single birdsong can be.

The gifts of every day life open us up to the majesty of our God!  When we look and listen, we can find gift after gift.  It can be anything at any time just waiting to bless us, especially on a blue day.  As I lay in my bed enjoying this Friday morning gift, I was just naturally led to you.

Holy God,
thank you
for the gift
of the birdsong.
Thank you
for blessing us
with spiritual awareness.
Thank you
for the beauty
of all
your gifts.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Dear God,

You have bound us eternally with you and one another.  You create within us the ability to love and be loved.  The soft fertile soil of our soul suddenly begins to show signs of growth, of something new, something joyous that has the power to put a smile on our face and happiness in our heart.  When we realize someone loves us, every part of our being begins to respond with warmth, hope, joy, calm, and peace.  The truth of that love mystifies us making us believe what a miracle love really is.

In those of us who receive the blessing of grandchildren, we recognize the sign of love the moment that new baby cries out for the first time.  Our hearts fill up with love for this new creature and we let this child bless us while we want to do all we can to bless right back.

Today two of my grandchildren texted me messages of love and even though I am a thousand miles away, I felt the signs of love from head to toe.  And all that love took me to you, creator of love itself!

Holy God,
creator and sustainer of life,
thank you
for love,
your love,
and the love
of others.
Thank you
for the ability
to love
in return.
Thank you
even for love
that rises up
for strangers
here and
far away
for whom
we pray.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Dear God,

Every Wednesday we get to see the amazing work of your spirit!  As our covenant group meets, moves into sacred silence, listens to a devotion, and prays, we discover your spirit voice close to us as one member of our foursome shares a slice of their life, always searching for God in the midst.

Today was no different.  Our colleague talked about health issues of a family member and other situations.  As we listened for your voice, we discovered the movement of your spirit particularly in the last six months as you moved us from doubt to certainty, from fear to faith, and from mistrust to trust.  We celebrated the ways you breathed new life into us.

As we each one are facing our own peccadillos, we lift our voice to you in prayer, giving thanks for your spirit presence.

Blessed God,
how we
give thanks
for your
living presence.
How we
raise your name
in praise.
How we
trust you
to lead us.
Glory to you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Dear God,

I neglected the flower garden last year.  It lay unattended while I did other things.  I realize now the price of abandonment.  Weeds took up residence.  Debris accumulated.  Plants died for lack of water and sunshine.

How much sadder it is when we neglect the human soul, when we choose lesser things to give our attention to.  When we do not daily attend to matters of the spirit, we can squeeze out the blessings you give us daily.  We can falter and move into the shadows rather than the light.  We can starve ourselves of necessary spiritual food and drink.  We can allow nasty, noxious weeds to take root and destroy healthy gifts of your spirit. 

The season of spring with its gift of renewal is a reminder to remember we too have a spiritual garden that awaits to bless us unless we choose to let it go to ruin.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for the gift
of this
wonderful season.
Thank you
for nature
that speaks
of you.
Thank you
for blessing us
with daily reminders.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 9, 2016

Dear God,

You call us in every day life to consider your sacred presence in the world.  You breathe your spirit breath into us.  You seek our attention so we may draw close to your sacred center where hope, peace, and wisdom reside.  You invite us to begin our day with you in quiet contemplation.  You bless us with love, mercy, and grace.

Every day is a gift, a blessing of giant proportion.  You give us the sun, sky, moon, and stars as a way to know you are present with us still.  You reach out to us through nature.  Whether we are celebrating life or in despair you give us these gifts to bless us with beauty, hope, and peace. You offer us peace of mind when we trust in you.

Some days we forget you are near.  We get wrapped up in difficulties, busyness, work, recreation, or other activities and we forget what we have been given today, right this very moment.  We forget to look up and out.  We miss your creation, your blessings, and your love.  We miss you.

Holy Creator,
thank you
for the
wondrous gift
of today.
Show us
the magnificence
of your creation
so we
may ponder
the wonders
of your work.
Make us aware
of your
living, loving presence
in the world
around us.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Dear God,

Your word, your spirit word lifts us up, shining light on our path, moving us from the shadows to the light of your spirit.  What power from on high!

This morning's reading from Sacred Space - The Prayer Book 2016, speaks powerfully to me as I lay in bed recovering from an outbreak of shingles.  Instead of participating in worship at church, I put on the calming music of Tim Janis who always leads me to you.  When I opened my devotional book and read the word of faith about prayer, it caused me to consider the nature of prayer.  An Irish Jesuit writes, "There is an old Latin tag for an extended time of prayer such as a retreat:  vacatio Deo.  It means idleness for God, emptiness before God, a vacation or holiday with God." 

What joy fills my heart when I think of prayer as a holiday with you!  When you call out to me to pray, it is like being called to this wondrous holiday with you alone.  It connotes a special time, a holy time, a beautiful time with the God of the universe.  Who better to spend a holiday with than you, O God!

You show me again prayer is not primarily about talking, asking for help, or jabbering about this and that, it is a quiet time, where the mouth stops speaking and the heart starts listening.  It is a time of utter reverence, a worship time.  It is a quieting of my own spirit in order to hear the spirit of the living Lord.

Thank you
for the lesson
of faith.
Thank you
for reminding me
to listen
more than talk.
Thank you
for the
treasured moments
you give us
when we
let your word
speak to us.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Dearest God,

How well I remember the blessings given us by the Carmelite nuns every Wednesday morning for 21 years.  Their gentle compassion, their beautiful spirits, and their loving faith inspired and moved us closer to you.  I will never forget them.

Perhaps their best gift was the model of silence, that quiet entry into sacred space where the divine and human meet, where the holy is made real, and where joyous reunions take place.  It is the dwelling place of hope and peace, of love and faith, and wisdom and challenge.  It is truly the place, the space, where we meet you.

All my life I thought silence was a scary place, a deep, dark void, where demons played and pricked the human soul.  I believed if I filled the space with sound, I could avoid the silence and find peace.  But all I found was busyness, distraction, worry, clutter, and anxiety.  I never found the true essence of a spirit life until I stepped into sacred silence with my creator.

Oh, the glory of it all!  Oh, the wonder of space, eternity unfolding! Oh, the joy, the pure joy of meeting the master!  Silence, the sweet, sweet opening to grace turned my world upside down.  Noise?  Sound?  Clutter?  Really?  How could I have thought the way to peace could be found in any of these?

Bless you, Lord,
bless you.
Bless the Carmelites,
the faithful,
the pilgrims
of faith
who lead us
down the
messy corridors
of life
to the
wondrous entry
into your spirit.
Bless you, Lord,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 6, 2016

Dear God,

"Welcome home," they said as they stepped through the doorway of our home and embraced us, ten minutes after we pulled into the driveway.  Just driving by to see if we had yet arrived, they just wanted to say hello.

Such a warm homecoming is so like the kind of welcome you give us when we pause to give you a chance to say hello.  Who better to welcome us than the Lord himself!  Whose embrace is better, warmer, or more loving?

Sometimes we are caught off guard by those who serve to love us, sometimes in spite of ourselves.  You come in, unexpectedly, with so much to give us, love, kindness, joy and even more.  You warm our hearts.  You fill our souls.  You bless our lives!

Gracious God,
what can
we give you
in return
for the gifts
of your
loving spirit?
You inspire
and touch us
and we
love you
for it.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Dear God,

You give us a home with you, not so much at the end of life as much as every day on earth.  If home is a place of quiet peace, of wondrous joy, and blessed love, then you give it to us daily so we may live with you and face the issues of every day life.

Today I was reminded of our home with you.  Minutes after we arrived back home, a couple appeared at the door to check on us and remind us how much they loved us.  Minutes after that a neighbor rang the door bell, just to welcome us home.  An hour later a friend came through the door with open arms and a beautiful smile.  As the rest of the day unfolded, I thought of how much home changes us.

Home is really our place with you, Lord.  Is there any greater home than home with you?  No.  None.

Bless you, Abba Father.
Thank you
for your
welcome arms
and your
welcoming spirit.
Thank you
for joy
that rises up
within us
when you
stand before us.
Glory to you, Lord;
glory to you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Dear God,

When our energy dips below what is healthy and whole, you come to us refreshing and revitalizing us.  You speak your word of comfort reminding us we are yours now and forever.  You feed us from your spirit hand and lift our mouths to your cup of salvation.  You pour your own self into us and we are nourished once again with the food and drink of heaven.

Who could ask for more?  Who would give us more than you, O Lord?  These gifts, these blessings are miracles really because they come to us from the depths and heights of spirit love.  Each is a reminder of divine love that manifests itself for our good.

You teach us to trust you, to lean on you, and to take your guidance leading us up and out of every situation where we find ourselves.  What greater love is there than the love of a Father who is above and greater than any father on earth?

Thank you,
Wondrous and Holy God.
Thank you
for your
living spirit.
Thank you
for love
that extends
from creation
to creation,
from the beginning
to the end
and once again
back to
the beginning.
You are gracious
and generous,
O Lord.
Thank you
for each miracle
that is
a sacred touch
of heaven.
Glory to you, Lord,
now and forever.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Dear God,

Your way is always best.  Your will is always good even if painful.  Your love is the best motivator in the world.

Some days, O Lord, you just invite us to count our blessings, to look above instead of below.  You make us aware of your constant presence in the world.  You show us examples of transformation, of nature and the seasons, of growing children and their development, of ideas that grow into reality, of hope that rises out of despair, and even of faith opening from doubt to confidence, from fear to trust, and from sadness to joy.

As we made our way once again from Indiana to Maine, from home to home, you displayed your grace and I drank it in as a parched, thirsty soul whose thirst can always be quenched by your wondrous living water.

How I
thank you,
O Lord,
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Counting our blessings
always bring us
back to you.
How beautiful
is your spirit!

Love always, Andrea

Monday, May 2, 2016

Dear God,

"Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age."  These words of Jesus may be the most comforting words in the whole bible.  Time and time again I have relied on these words to get me through difficult times.

Right now there are people I love who are going through tough times.  Relationships, children at risk, lost opportunities, dreams falling apart, and hope being lost require additional help.  Each person and/or family is suffering wondering what to do, how to do it, and how to stop the bleeding.  But each one who is leaning on you and praying for help is finding help.  Your guidance is comforting, hope-giving, and blessing those who need it.  Your promise to be present is helping them find their way.

How blessed we are to have those words to cling to.  How happy are we to know you are present with us!

Thank you,
O God,
for your
blessed presence.
Thank you
for the hope
you provide.
Thank you
for allowing us
to lean
on you
for mercy,
assistance,
and love.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Dear God,

Visual images of faith speak to us wherever we find ourselves in life.  An abstract stained glass window can reveal a pathway leading upward and somehow in a jumbled up existence can inspire us to hope.  A song can lift us up into the arms of a waiting God.  A child's smile, one whose troubled life is finding its own settling, can bring a smile to our own face.

When we take steps closer to you, Lord, we can find new avenues of faith, hope, and insight.  When we pause to listen, in the quiet we can discover treasure that only divine silence can give.  When we commit to walk with you, we can find peace like no other.

You help us see the world differently when we recognize and acknowledge your living presence.  You assist us in developing courage and strength to face dark days and joy to celebrate wonderful days.  You show us the way to truth and freedom.  You clear our minds so we can make healthy, positive, and meaningful decisions for the present and the future.  You lead us to holy living.

Gracious God,
the world
is filled
with images
of faith.
Thank you
for blessing us
with spiritual awareness
so we
can see
our way
to walk
in the light.
Help us
shine the light
on others
every day.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Dear God,

One of your greatest gifts is your invitation to go to higher ground.  Wherever we are in life, celebrating, mourning, dancing, crying, enjoying, or stumbling, you invite us to higher ground.  I remember a song entitled Higher Ground which goes something like, "We are standing on holy ground..."  Higher ground, holy ground, you invite us to join you in the heavenly places.

On higher ground we see the world from a different perspective.  We see heaven's joys and enjoy the song of the angels.  We feel the tender care of the Master; you, O Lord, hold us close enabling us to breathe clean, fresh air and dance the dance of faith.  We know whose we are because we are claimed as a child of the Living God.  We are loved beyond any kind of earthly loving.  We are nourished by food and drink by your hand.

As participants of a living faith, we have opportunity not only to be called children of the Heavenly Father but also to carry heaven's joys with us daily.  We can drink from the cup anytime we want.  We can eat heavenly fruit simply because you make it available to us.  Above all, we get to call you Abba, Father, and know we are yours.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for loving us
so much.
Thank you
blessing us
with a
living faith.
Thank you
for joy
that bubbles up
and spills over.

Love, Andrea