Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Dearest God,

In Drumconda, Ireland I walked through the empty cathedral chapel alone, touching the choir rails, the altar, the statues, the hymnals, and the organ bench.  I wanted to feel your spirit in each of them.  I desired to know their stories, their hope, their faith. 

For nearly 200 years the church has been home to students, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors.  Open for worship, concerts, graduation ceremonies, memorial services, and personal devotion, it has been a sacred site for the holy.  Those who came and went left something behind, a question, a wonder, a fear, a hope, a prayer, a confession and throughout the years these have become the substance of faith.  I could feel it.  I drank it in.  I held it in my soul so much so that I stood in the center to sing, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found.  Was blind but now I see."

Gracious God,
how good
to feel
your presence
in your home,
the church.
Thank you
for all
the stories
of faith
that make visible
your living presence
in the world.
Thank you
for your love
that blesses us
over and
over again.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Dear God,

It is in quiet moments we experience the most beautiful part of you.  In faith a simple birdsong can inspire us to hear angels singing.  The gift becomes so sacred that we suddenly find ourselves ushered into the holy of holies. 

What gifts come to us in sacred silence!  A word, an insight, a hope, any or all can come to us when our hearts, minds, and souls are quieted preparing for your presence in our lives.  Our doubts can turn to assurance, our fears to faith, and our despair to hope.  But more than anything, we find ourselves in your company when we step away from earthly distractions for the things of eternity.

Blessed God,
thank you
for meeting us
in the quiet.
Thank you
for speaking
your word
to us.
Thank you
for blessing us
with your
heavenly presence.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, June 27, 2016

Dear God,

In the every day pilgrim journey search for faith and signs of your living presence, sometimes I miss the small but significant gifts of your spirit.  When I only look for great wonders, I walk right by so many other manifestations of your light shining in the world.

On this day I stumbled upon rest, the kind of quiet calm provided when we lie down to sleep.  You bless us greatly when we close our eyes, trust in you, and sleep hours awaking rested from head to foot.  The restoration that comes infuses us with new energy, clear minds, and a rejuvenation enabling us to live hopefully, make decisions, and have abilities to do the work of living every day.  Good rest gives us the "ahhhhh" moment to smile, feel good, and be glad.

God of Simple Pleasures,
thank you
for wondrous gifts
from your hand.
Thank you
for rest
that is
life-giving.
Thank you
for blessings,
big and small.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Dear God,

I was told it was a 10 minute walk straight down the street.  Within a minute of stepping out of the hotel door it started drizzling rain.  With no umbrella I kept walking faster and faster.  Ten minutes passed, then 15.  At 20 minutes I was certain I was lost but I kept speed walking, rain dripping down my face.  Almost ready to turn around I looked up and saw the church spire, the cross reaching to the sky.

How good it felt to slide into the pew at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dublin.  Just five minutes late and soaked, it didn't matter because I was home.  The readings, the prayers, and the message all connected to the one place within me, faith.  I drank in living water and ate spiritual food.  I was so blessed when I watched a beautiful, dark Indian boy, with big round eyes and a happy face place his one coin in the offering basket next to me.  As we sang the final song of thanksgiving, I was filled with gratitude for the blessings I found these last 19 days in England, Wales, and Ireland.

Sometimes things don't work out as I think they will.  Sometimes I lose my way and am late making my destination.  Sometimes I am sure I am lost.  But then, when I finally look up, I know exactly where I am.

Holy Father,
blessed be
your name.
Thank you
for all
the blessings
of life.
Thank you
for life lessons
that teach us
to look up.
Thank you
for the cross
that led me home.

Always, Andrea

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Dear God,

Throughout the ages people have written down the wonders of your handiwork.  They have shared their stories of fear and faith.  They have allowed the river of thanksgiving to spill over to others.  When we listen to their stories, we are strengthened, made glad, and filled with hope.

As I read my morning devotion from the psalms, I let the psalmist proclaim your praise in me.  His gladness made some of my own.  His prayer became my prayer. 

As our tour of Ireland was winding down today, I realized the gift of your blessing in meeting new people and making friends.  I acknowledged how you brought us together and offered to us the beauty of your creation in this beautiful, beautiful country.  The laughter we shared together came to us as we each one shared our unique personalities.  We delighted in offering stories of faith, family, and friendship.  It came to me that in some way or another we were writing stories as we shared our life and experiences together.  For me it was about faith, your leading, and your joy.

Good and Faithful God,
thank you
for all those
who share
their life
of faith
with us.
Thank you
for spreading
your joy.
Thank you
for making us one.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 24, 2016

Dear God,

You put us in places to remind us to pray.  You put us with people to remind us to care.  You put us in situations to remind us we are part and parcel of one another.

Today we learned Britain voted to leave the European Union.  Sitting in the middle of Ireland where people are anxious about what happens in Britain, we listened to their concerns and we prayed.  We watched the news where young people from Britain expressed their doubts and fears and we prayed.  We imagined how this historic decision might alter world events and we prayed.

On this vacation to England and Ireland, we have observed the people as they celebrated wins in soccer and we celebrated with them.  We attended a concert where we listened to stories and we sang Irish tunes together.  We listened closely to song lyrics where we learned about the suffering of Irish people during the horrible famine in the 1920's.  We talked with people like clerks in stores, servers in restaurants, and people we have met from other countries.  We shared together the state of our world and how what happens in one country impacts all other nations.  While we acknowledged our fears, we also spoke of faith and so we prayed once again for all your people.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for gentle reminders
that you
have created
one world
and one people.
You have
made us
brother and sister,
one family.
You have
given us hearts
to love
one another.
Daily you
give us opportunity
to pray,
to love,
and to reach out.
Thank you
for prayer
that keeps us one.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Dear God,

You draw our eye to the place on the path where you want us to head.  We may not know how or why we go but we have faith in you to follow.

The tiny picture in the brochure was all it took to lead me toward the Emerald Isles in Ireland.  Kylemore Abbey, home to the Benedictine nuns, opened the way for gratitude, joy, and prayer.  As we walked the grounds, you put a song in my heart.  I sang it over and over in thanksgiving.  When I stepped inside the memorial chapel, I moved to the front pew and prayed for the peace of the world.  I prayed for family and hurting friends.  I lit a candle.

I am always full in monasteries.  I am immediately at home; you bid me welcome.  I am happy, glad in faith, and blessed over the top.  I know you.  I feel your living presence sweeping over me and I breathe prayers because I am so grateful. 

Holy God,
breathe on me.
Purify me.
Rid me
of arrogance,
selfishness,
and judgement.
Make me
your own
so I
may become
a witness
for you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

My dearest God,

The greatest moments of faith come when we are not expecting it, when suddenly you appear to bless.  I could not have imagined it in a packed hotel conference room.

When we signed up for the Irish concert, I knew it would be great fun.  I did not know we would find you in the lyrics, the musical notes, and the dance.  Oh me of little faith!  When the group leader  welcomed us to the event, somehow I was moved by his gentle spirit.  Perhaps I was looking for a bit of comfort because I supposed the room would get very hot and I would have to leave for health reasons.  But then the fiddler began to play and we were drawn into a sacred web of music and dance that wafted through the room for nearly two hours.

The haunting sounds of varying instruments led us down a winding road toward faith, hope, and joy.  As we traveled, you spoke of faith that comes from deep suffering, of hope that emerges from fear, and joy that bubbles up out of trust forged out of pain and darkness. 

Blessed God,
you continually amaze
and bless.
You speak faith
in ways
we do not expect.
You fill us
with the things
of heaven.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Dearest God,

The day dawns quietly as sea gulls cull in the sky and at the beach.  The hills rise high in forty shades of green on the west coast of Ireland.  What beauty is all around us!

What gift you are, dear God, first thing in the morning!  As I draw in a breath, I know you have kept me through the night to see another day.  Like the psalmist prays, so do I cry out his prayer, May the day dawn, when I become like the eagle, and soar to lofty heights. Implant your gifts within my spirit, that I might offer them out to those in need!  For, I long to do your Will, to co-create in joy, to become a beneficent presence in the world!

Today as I cling to you and ring out your praise, may I give more than I receive.  May I love more than fear.  May I bless more than curse.

Almighty God,
thank you
for blessing me
in the night.
May I
not disappoint you
in this
new day.
May I
give witness
to your
amazing grace.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 20, 2016

Dearest God,

The mystery of your divine love continues to unfold as we lift our inquiries to heaven.  As we ponder the inner recesses of faith, you whisper answers to our deepest questions.  Yesterday in the tiny Drumconda Church as I knelt at the prayer rail, you spoke.

Just two days ago I wondered about life after death.  This morning as the priest handed me the Eucharist, you whispered to me, "this is life."  I realized the Word, your word was life too and the music, the lyrics written from a deep well.  The fellowship of the people, strangers on the street but family in the pew proclaimed a living faith as they worshipped you in spirit and in truth.

Later when we visited Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Dublin, I heard the sounds of life coming as the harpist strummed the instrument of angels.  The rest of the day I delighted in the signs of life appearing all around me. 

A seed must fall and die, says the word, before new life can appear.  Perhaps death is the answer to life.

O Holy God,
you show us
the way
to truth
and life.
You whisper life
to us
every day.
Open our eyes
to faith
that we
may see you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Dear God,

As we pilgrim through life, we have extraordinary moments when you give us a peek into heaven.  What may look like an ordinary day is anything but.

We decided to visit the little church and old cemetery next door from All Hallows College in Dublin but the gates were locked.  Just as we were trying to figure another way in, an older gentleman came around the corner and greeted us.  A member of the church his whole life, he opened the gate and let us in.  He invited us into his church and for the next hour and a half he enthusiastically shared the history of his beloved community of faith.  He then asked us if we sang.  I happily told him I sing in the choir back home.  He offered me a seat in the choir loft to sing the morning hymns today.  When I asked about the specific songs we would be singing, he called his wife who gave him the numbers from the hymnal.  When he told me As the Deer Pants for Water, tears filled my eyes as I realized it was the very song I spiritually danced to following my clergy renewal.

Later as we returned to All Hallows, we turned the corner and heard heavenly voices singing, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.  I paused, closed my eyes, and took in the song of angels. 

This morning you opened the door to heaven and invited us in.  With the work of angels you turned our ordinary day into an extraordinary one.  Glory to you, Lord!

Blessed be your name,
Most Holy God.
Thank you
for intimate moments
of faith.
Thank you
for reminding us
of the extraordinariness
of every day
because you
are with us.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Dear God,

How can we be certain new life comes after death?  How can we be assured faith continues to live after the death of the church?

Yesterday I was drawn into the church at All Hallows College in Dublin.  Quiet, cold and wonderfully beautiful, I walked down the center aisle to the altar.  There I paused to touch the divine table where more than a century the cup and plate sat to feed spiritually hungry people.  I looked high up where magnificent stained windows radiated the stories of faith.  Hearing this campus, school, church, and various buildings have recently been purchased by the city college, I wondered about life and death, death and life.  As I stood by the feast of faith, I sang aloud the Lord's Prayer. Listening to the echoing sounds of my own faith, I thought of you.

Later I thought of the sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Cistercian brother that we met during the day, both talking with us about the decline of monasteries and communities of faith.  I wondered, pondered, and prayed.

Gracious God,
how are
we to
interpret death
among institutions
of faith?
How do
we respond?
What do
we pray for?
How do
we let go
and trust
new life
awaits us?

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 17, 2016

Dearest God,

When faith blossoms within us, we can do nothing less than dance! This morning as we sat down for breakfast in a large conference hall at All Hallows College, an older woman asked if she could join us.  As we began to share, she revealed she had come to Dublin for a conference on sacred dance.  My heart nearly burst as we spoke about the joy of dancing for God and ourselves. 

As a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she smiled as she talked about faith, devotion, and service.  As her face was alight with love for Christ, I thought of the many sisters you have brought to me on my own pilgrimage of faith.

I remember in 1988 traveling to the USSR with the National Council of Churches for the millennial celebration of Christianity.  We were many denominations joining together to celebrate with the church of Russia and Ukraine.  Daily we worshipped with the faithful who were devout, loving, and glad particularly as they received back the relics of St. Andrew.  I will never forget the diminutive Catholic sister who broke into sacred dance to express her own joy and gratitude for longstanding faith in the midst of persecution.  I remember my own overflowing joy in the heart of worship, bringing to mind once again the way you fill our wells and then give us cause to dance.

Blessed God,
holy are you.
Thank you
for faith
that turns
to joy
and joy
that turns
to dance.
Blessed be those
who dance
for you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Dear God,

Angels are all around us, sharing their light, providing hope for the world.  An Australian couple invited us to sit with them around table on the ferry from Holyhead, Wales to Dublin, Ireland.  During the two hour ride we listened to the many wonderful charities they have formed.  From providing food to the hungry to school and sports scholarships for children, and raising funds for the arts, they walk as angels unaware blessing many around them.  The shine in their eyes, the love in their hearts, and the joy in their spirits revealed yet another handprint of the divine.

Just because someone does not have wings does not mean there are no angels among us.  In fact such people cause us to pause and reflect upon what and who we are seeing.  With faith we are enabled to  see from a divine view where your spirit is working in the world.  Their joy becomes our own as we celebrate together the wondrous and amazing way you are blessing people.  In their light you call us to do the same.

Blessed God,
your angels
are everywhere.
We do
not have
to look far.
When our eyes
are open
to the wonders
of faith,
we see
so much more.
Thank you
for angels
who touch us
reminding us
to do
our own
angel work.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Dear God,

When we are lost and cannot find our way, you send helpers to assist us.  When I entered the Cheltenham Hospital, I did not know which way to go to find the ultrasound department.  The information on the sign was gibberish to me.  As I stood there perplexed a nurse stopped and asked if I needed help.  When I asked the whereabouts of the department, she smiled and pointed me in the right direction.  When I got down at the end of the hallway, turned and went down the long corridor, I stepped into another building and was lost once again.  This time a maintenance man asked if he could assist me.  Asking the same question, he directed me up a stairway around the corner.  Coming to the top of the stairs, yet another nurse said I looked confused and she walked me to the department.  How glad I was to be once lost, now found.

You make us angels to one another, messengers of good hope.  When we are open to you, you use us to assist others who are lost.  From time to time we all need help and guidance.  When someone suddenly appears in our fog, we feel such gladness and comfort.  If we delve into the deep, we can readily see how you, our blessed father, send aid our way.

Loving God,

Hope of the world,

thank you

you compassionate care

when we

are lost.

Thank you

for sending

heavenly visitors

our way.

Thank you

for spiritual awareness

enabling us

to see

the divine. 

Love, Andrea

 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Dearest God,

Your spirit speaks in simple, yet, profound ways as we tune our ears to your voice.  Yesterday at Christ Church Cathedral in London, I paused to pray after a beautiful concert was sung by a graduating student.  Moments later, the priest sounded over the loud speaker inviting us to pause for prayer as they do each day.  He hearkened God to hear our prayers as he prayed for the people of Orlando, victims of another heinous murder of innocent people.  I thought  how beautiful it is that one nation utters prayers for another in their distress.

Each day you show us how to love one another.  You ask us to be aware of life all around us.  Here and there you teach us lessons of faith, hope, and truth.  You whisper we are not only to be receivers of this grace but givers as well.

Blessed Lord,
your love flourishes
wherever we are
when we
are attentive
to your
living spirit.
You touch us;
you help us;
you heal us.
Blessed are
your people
who reach out
and show love.

Love, Andrea

 

 

Monday, June 13, 2016

Dearest God,

The music took my hand and walked me to the deep well.  While I drank the pure, cool water of faith, the young tenor sang, The Divine Image – Reflections of the Holy Family.  The words of faith rose higher and higher even in the midst of television news reporting events of horror, darkness, and evil.  My soul welcomed the peace offered at the side chapel of Christ Church Cathedral in London.  I let the sweet taste of mercy flow deep down into my soul and I realized in the midst of deep darkness, there is a place deeper still where the rivers of joy flow without hindrance.  I drank until I was full to overflowing.

When the student concluded, I stepped over to him thanking him for the blessing, particularly the last song, The Divine Image, with music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and lyrics by William Blake.  I spoke, "In the light of recent events in Orlando with the mass murders, the last song speaks particularly to our world.”  He replied, “I thought and thought about that last night and I could not think of what to say today so I decided to sing it instead.”  The song fit for a hurting world no matter the condition or situation:

To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

               All pray in their distress;

And to these virtues of delight

Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

Is God, our father dear,

And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love

Is man, his child and care. 

For Mercy has a human heart,

Pity a human face,

And Love, the human form divine,

And Peace, the human dress. 

Then every man, of every clime,

That prays in his distress,

Prays to the human form divine.

Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace, 

And all must love the human form,

In heathen, Turk, or Jew;

Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell

There God is dwelling too. 

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 12, 2016

My dearest God,

No matter where we pause to worship, you are present speaking words of challenge, hope, light, joy, and peace. 

In the tiny village of Wyck Rissington, we walked in the drizzle to the small, old Episcopal church just down the way.  As we entered, we were greeted by Rector Rachel and a member handing us their Book of Common Prayer and a Hymnal.  We listened as the psalm, epistle, and gospel were read.  When we knelt to pray the rector prayed both for the queen's 90th birthday and for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.  My heart was flooded with a genuine warmth as a birthday celebration and a mass murder were equally lifted to the throne of your grace.

While we were foreigners to those who call England their home, we were sister and brother to those 12 kneeling with us.  We found the love of God included us all.

Blessed Lord,
how grateful
we are
to find ourselves
in the company
of family.
Thank you
for your word
that warms,
heals, helps,
and embraces.
Thank you
for prayer
that both comes
to us
and to you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Dear God,

How much we are drawn to holy places when we love you!  The moment I saw the abbey in the brochure, I knew I wanted to visit.  Build in the 900's, the magnificent cathedral rose up out of the lush green pastureland and stood as a sacred monument to God.  The long walk through the grounds to the church gave us opportunity to gaze upon the ancient home of Benedictine monks.  But it was when we walked through the beautiful archway we got a true sense of the divine.

My eyes were lifted to painted ceilings, the work of artists so long ago.  My soul was filled as the organist rehearsed for worship.  As I walked through each chapel I forgot to even pray because I was taken by the altars, statues, and scriptures inscribed.  I felt such peace, the feeling of home. 

We sat down in chairs and listened as the small men's choir rehearsed and decided to stay for evensong.  Invited to move to the choir loft, we joined in the praises of our God.  On our knees we prayed the Lord's prayer and heard the choir sing from the psalms.  When a prayer was offered for the nations, we felt not only the inclusion of heaven but earth as well. 

O Lord, you filled us with the food of heaven.  You anointed us with your living presence.  You blessed us with living water and we lifted our empty cups until we drank to overflowing.

Almighty God,
so tender
are you
when blessing
your children.
Thank you
for your church
that still speaks
to our
deepest need.
Thank you
for your gospel
of love.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, June 10, 2016

Dear God,

 It is your plan to create friendships that speak of the love you have for us.  You invite us to share our lives with those around us.  You teach us trust and love so that we may remember love is your gift.

Our dear friends arrived to pick us up at the airport.  How good it was to wrap our arms around each other after spending nearly 24 hours without sleep.  To be driven to our place of lodging while we slept or watched the beautiful scenery was a gift of great proportion. 

As we bid one another goodnight and fell to sleep in a lovely old cottage, I realized once again just how much you gift us.

Holy Father,

bless you

for blessing us.

Thank you

for friendships

that are

constant reminders

of your love

present in

our world.

Thank you

for beauty

in relationships. 

Love always, Andrea

 

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Dear God,

You create the world with such a tender hand.  You paint the sky, the grass, and every little bird. You put in place magnificent stone with which to build bridges, homes, and passageways.  You cultivate beauty and give us eyes to see.

Today as we walked around the Cotswolds in England, all I could see around me was your wondrous beauty and goodness.  Whether walking by stacked stone walls or gazing upon the interior of a cathedral, all I could think of was you.  You not only give us opportunity to witness your handiwork but you also bless us with faith as we recognize the relationship you have forged with each of us.

Thank you

for the

countless ways

you speak

to us.

Thank you

for the

aha moments.

Thank you

for your

amazing grace. 

Love, Andrea

 

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Dear God,

Why is it, fear has a straight way to our soul?  Why does it so easily grab hold, unnerving and unsettling us?  It feels as if little devils are nipping at our ankles.

 

I am ashamed when I cannot fend off fears.  I know some fear is reasonable; however, I know faith is the answer to fear. 

 

Every time I fly, fear comes knocking at my door.  I feel those flutters in my stomach.  This time is no different.  A nearly six hour flight reminds me I am totally at your mercy.  I call out to you and as always, you answer.  I find myself repeating over and over again, “May my fear meet you at the door of faith!  May my fear meet you at the door of faith!  May my fear meet you at the door of faith!”  I am humbled when you let me in to your heart easing my pain and relieving my fear.  Who but you, O Lord, would do this?

 

Holy God,

Lover of souls,

thank you

for your compassion.

Thank you

for your love.

Thank you

for faith

that endures

to break

the bonds

of fear.

 

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Dear God,

Today as I begin to pack for an extended time away, I know there is so much to consider.  Work to be done before I leave home.  Clothing to take on the trip.  Essentials to carry like a passport, compression socks, and water.  Pulling the plugs at home, turning out the lights, pulling down the blinds, turning off the furnace, and locking the doors and windows.  Paying the bills.  There is so much to do.  Yet, I do it because I want to be especially prepared.

But what about the spiritual life?  Do I give as much attention to it?  Do I equip myself with your word, your living water, your spiritual food?  Do I stay close to you through prayer, meditation, and reading your holy word?  Do I forgive?  Do I pray for my enemies as you ask?  Do I love so as to be loved?

As I reflect upon my relationship with you, I am aware I need to be spiritually ready for every day.  I need to be prepared to deal with the fiery darts that come with daily living.  I need to be prepared to deal with temptation to be less that you want for me.  I need to be prepared to help others.  I need to be prepared to face disappointment, hurt, and conflict.  I need to be prepared to build my inner resources with faith, truth, mercy, knowledge, and wisdom.  I need to trust you to help me become more for you and the world. 

The more I prepare for my trip, the more I realize I need to prepare even more for my life journey.

Merciful God,
direct me
to your will.
Show me
the way
to a
meaningful spiritual life.
Mold and
fashion me
in your image,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 6, 2016

Dear God,

Trust, trust, trust.  We trust the sun will rise in the morning.  We trust there will be air to breathe.  We trust there will be water to drink.  We trust you will be with us all day long.

Every day is a day to trust, to grow trust, and to strengthen trust. As we sleep we trust you will awaken us at the beginning of the day.  We trust you will allow us to walk beside you.  We trust you will help us when we fall.  We trust when we are afraid you will fill us with faith.  We trust you will empower us to have courage and strength when we need it. 

But do you trust us?  Do you trust us to do our part in life?  Do you trust us to follow your will, to walk in faith, and to serve the common good?  Do you trust us to love one another as you have loved us?  Do you trust us, O Lord?

Eternal God,
you give
far more
than we
give back.
Thank you
for trust
that enables
us to believe
in faith.
Thank you
for the
most essential gift
of life...trust.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Dear God,

Why would we ever want to forget your church?  Why would we ever fail to gather with your community of faith?  Why would we not worship you in your house?

Today was a glorious time as faith lived and grew and thrived in the company of your beloved.  As we sang your song, prayed your prayer, listened to your word, extended the hand of peace to one another, and danced with your Holy Spirit, we knew who was inspiring us, blessing us, and challenging us.  We laughed a holy laughter, smiled a holy smile, and lifted up holy prayers because we wanted to give thanks to the God of our faith.

As we left the service, we could see your handprint on our lives.

Blessed God,
your gifts
are many.
You bind us together
with your people.
You direct us
to go out
and bless others.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Dear God,

In the nighttime I listened as the rain poured down.  I listened as the grass, trees, and flowers soaked up the life-giving drink.  I listened as you sent down love in every drop.

You made a world where you attend to the needs of the cosmos.  You sent down water to the thirsty plants so they would provide for your children.  You touched the earth with your kiss.

There are so many ways you have provided for us.  Often we forgot your many gifts.  We failed to acknowledge your blessings; yet, you did not stop giving them to us. 

As the rain fell and the plants perked up, you enabled us to see the wonders of your creation.

Loving God,
thank you
for gentle reminders
of your
merciful love.
Thank you
for teaching us
to remember
how faith
touches us daily.
Thank you
for handsomely
blessing us.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 3, 2016

Dear God,

Life is just plain hard at times!  Sometimes it feels like we start our day at the bottom of the mountain and spend every hour pushing a boulder upward gathering weight as we go.  Because the job is tedious, exhausting, and demanding, we have to keep our sole focus in order to avoid being crushed as the boulder slips from our hands and rolls over us.

Yet, there is One who pushes the weight with us, encourages us along the way, and helps us figure out how to minimize the task, eliminate the boulder, and restore equilibrium. 

Glory to you, Lord.
Blessed be your name
as you
help us
face the
arduous tasks
we take on.
Thank you
for being present,
helping us know
we are
not alone
in our
emotional, psychological,
physical and spiritual endeavors.
Thank you
for the calm
you bring.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Dear God,

Every day you invite us to count our blessings.  You direct our eyes to gifts all around us.  When we pause and reflect, we can spend our day giving thanks.  Before we know it the day is filled with gratitude and when the next day unfolds, we realize there are many more to observe, receive, and store away for a hard day.

If we live our life counting our blessings and giving thanks, then we have opportunity to bless others around us.  You give us an infinite number of ways we can share our blessings with strangers, people in trouble, loved ones, neighbors, and friends.  And when we celebrate the blessings we have offered others, a funny thing happens when we discover you blessed us more as we blessed others.

Loving God,
you are
the greatest blessing
of all.
All day long
you touch
and inspire us.
You lay
your hand
on us
and give us
your tender care.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Dear God,

How wonderful you are to give us a good measure of your love!  When someone comes to love us, it is like a gift of heaven!  When we are enabled to give love to others, it feels like a miracle-in-the-making.

Love is such a blessing because it has growing power.  We may not even know it is happening until we suddenly have this feeling that warms, motivates, and inspires us.  If we pause to listen to love speaking, we know we are hearing your voice gifting us with the best gift we can ever receive.

O God,
you are full
of surprises!
You speak
your love
to us
every day
through loved ones,
nature,
and the
creative spirit.
You bless us
beyond imagination
and we
are grateful.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Dear God,

Who could dismiss the idea of your existence when driving north to Acadia National Park in Maine?  Who could draw the fragile lines on the unfolding new tree leaves?  Who could paint the color of the ocean?  Who could give breath to the sea gulls calling to their mates?  Only you, Lord, only you.

As we drove across the bridge to the park, my granddaughter grabbed her camera wanting to etch on her mind all the beauty around her.  As we parked in one of the roadway parking areas about 1,000 feet up and got out, we awed over the shimmering waters below, doing their best to reflect their maker.  Surrounded by mountainous terrain, colorful rock formations, and the most beautiful blue sky and billowy clouds, we spoke as if in prayer.

Throughout the day we marveled at your handiwork, giving thanks and praise for yet another gift from your hands.

Thank you,
O Holy One,
for the gift
of magnificent beauty.
Thank you
for your creation
that sings
your song.
Thank you
for giving us
one of
nature's homes
where we
can offer
our prayers
of thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 30, 2016

Dear God,

The beauty of the day.  When you open us to the new day unfolding, we have opportunity to walk through a fresh new day created by you.  When we peek out the window and watch the sun rise in all its glory, we see your hand at work.  When we rise from our bed, hear the birds chirping, and see the gentle breezes blow, we know we are in your company.  When we bow our heads to pray for our daily food, we acknowledge your presence among us.  We begin our interactive relationship with you.  As we go about our day observing the wonder of creation from gazing at nature to engaging in conversations with loved ones, we know you are in our midst revealing the beauty of your handiwork.

Today I celebrated my young granddaughter who is working hard to build a new life within herself.  I saw your power leading her.  I celebrated the cool breezes gently blowing across my body as I awoke to the new day.  I celebrated the laughter of a joke between family members.  I celebrated the sound of yesterday's choir anthem.  I celebrated the delectable taste of blueberry pie.  As the day began to slip away at evening time, I celebrated the colorful sky at sunset.

You give us cause
to pause,
reflect, and
give thanks.
You reveal yourself
to us
all day long.
You make
yourself known
to us
in the
most beautiful ways.
Thank you,
Creator Father,
thank you.

Love, Andrea