Friday, July 29, 2016

Dear God,

You teach us life lessons and invite us not only to learn from them but to follow the gifts that come.

They were forgotten, neglected, and set aside.  For two years the weeds began to threaten, growing up around them, vying for rain water, sunshine, and space.  Finally, they covered them up completely.  To those who weren't familiar, the place looked like a tall stand of noxious weeds ready to be cut down.  Inside the mass of mess, however, there were treasures, jewels of color.  The beautiful plants once looked lovely but the owner chose to ignore them, thinking about other things.

Just days ago she remembered those beauties and began to pluck up the nasty weeds.  She cut back the tree limbs that had hidden the gems from view.  She pulled out invasive vines and cut back overgrown plants around them.  By day's end the area was mostly cleared and there in the midst, the wisteria lay aground but still alive waiting for the tender care of the gardener.

Lord, you teach us to attend to our spiritual garden.  You remind us of the gifts you give us, bedecked jewels, tendrils of your love.  You invite us to care for them.  When we forget and turn away, weeds of the soul threaten.  Yet, hidden away, those gifts are still present just waiting to be uncovered.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for the lessons
of the garden.
Thank you
for life
that still exists
even though
we are
far away.
Thank you
for gentle reminders
and tools
to uncover
the beauty
from your hand.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Dear God,

Sometimes we just have to go undercover to look at ourselves through your eyes.  In order to keep faith at work and you in the center, we need to examine our foolish ways, our stubborn habits, and our sour attitudes.  Under the microscope we can find the truth about who we are, what we think, and how we act.

If we say we are not like others who behave poorly, we have to pause to reflect and acknowledge our own sinfulness.  You have shown us how sin can take root in our soul and grow.  Like weeds in a field they can eventually take over and steal away space for good seed to grow.  They can rob us of your goodness, mercy, and compassion. 

But if we look kindly upon your face when you uncover our dark spots, smudges, and mud and we ask for your help, you fill us with courage, strength, and forgiveness.  You make us new.  You show us the way to rid ourselves of spiritual and emotional weeds.  You help us.  You love us.  You seed us again with the good seed of your love.  Together we burn the weeds because wherever grace is, there is no more room for weeds.

Blessed God,
thank you
for guiding us
to self examination.
Thank you
for showing us
the way
to our
true self.
Cleanse us
from the
inside out
so we can
be refreshed
as a light,
a song,
and a hope
for the world.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Dear God,

Your world needs your help.  There is much fear, anger, and conflict.  We are a divided people.  We have forgotten we are family.  Yes, families squabble but at day's end we come back together because we are family.

Because we belong to you, we are brother and sister to one another.  We may speak different languages, live in different lands, practice different traditions, wear different colors, and walk different journeys but you make us family to one another.  How we speak about one another, how we regard one another, and how we treat one another impacts our whole family. 

You show us the way to wholeness.  You place within our paths brothers and sisters we have not yet met.  You give us opportunity to meet, greet, and reach out.  For moments or minutes or hours you bless us with the sacred space to be family.

Sometimes we are just ignorant of all other brothers and sisters.  We listen to the news or to prejudice or inaccurate information.  We develop fears, doubt, and suspicion.  We begin to form beliefs that are simply not true.  But then you send us a brother or sister to cross our path and with open hearts we see something different.

I remember traveling to the USSR in 1988 with the National Council of Churches.  I was afraid but felt compelled to be there for the celebration of 1,000 years of Christianity.  Every day we rode on buses, walked on streets, ate in restaurants, purchased gifts in stores, and engaged others.  I fell absolutely in love with the Russian people. 

Four times I traveled to the Middle East to visit the Holy Land.  I met Jews, Muslims, and Christians and I discovered in talking with them that we all wanted the same thing for our children...peace and hope.  I came away with a healthy respect for all the family there.

After a dreadful beheading of a humanitarian worker, I attended his memorial service.  The auditorium was filled with family.  We were Muslim, Christian, Jew, and more.  We were brother, sister suffering together.  At the end of the service, we held each other and wept.  We felt love grow and fill the room.  Truly, we were family.

Grow our love
for one another,
Lord;
help us
see the truth
that sets us all free.
Grow courage
inside us
so we
can approach
one another
in friendship.
Grow grace
deep within us
so we
can forgive
and begin again.
Please Lord,
please help
our world.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Dear God,

How good it is to come home to you, to elicit your living presence, and to sit in your company.  Like Mary when we sit at your feet and listen we swell with joy.  If only for a few minutes everything else around us falls away as we surrender unto you.

You give us opportunity to choose how we will spend each minute of every day.  You give us space and time to draw close, to let go of distraction, busyness, worry, and every other thing that vies for our attention.  You do not force us to lean in your direction.  You do not demand we have time with you.  You simply offer friendship and love.

When we choose you, we choose faith.  We choose grace.  We choose love.  We choose hope.  We choose challenge.  We choose change and transformation.  In those divine moments, we drink from the well.  We eat from the divine table.  We breathe in the freshest air possible.  Why would we do anything else?

Holy Father,
thank you
for gifts
no one else
can give us.
Thank you
for blessing us daily.
Thank you
for holy moments
where we
are together
as one.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 25, 2016

Dear God,

Who could love us more?  Who is available at a breath's notice?  Who offers more guidance and help right now?  None but you, Lord, none but you.

When we consider all those who love us, who avail themselves for us, and who provides support, assistance, and compassion, there is no one to compare to you.  At times we may feel you are far away.  We may even think you have abandoned us.  But when we pause, attune ourselves to your spirit, and wait in silence anticipating your living presence, we find you at the door of our heart.

How often have you appeared to us in our despair?  How often have you lifted us from the mire?  How often have you listened to our cry for love, forgiveness, and understanding?  So many times you have touched us at the point of our deepest need.  You have inspired us back to health.  You have healed us, protected us, and pointed us in another direction when we have gone astray.  You have stayed with us when we sorrowed.  You have been our God like no other.

Bless you,
Living Lord,
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for your presence
that heals
our wounds
giving us peace.
Thank you
for being God
like no other.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Dear God,

One song can revise and reconstruct the human heart.  One song can renew the mind of a lost traveler.  One song can reinvigorate a weary soul.  Whether for ourselves or others, one song can make a difference.

It was during the morning hymn sing when a church member requested the song Let There Be Peace that we could feel a slight change.  Although we always sit while we sing, suddenly everyone stood as I challenged them to sing it as a prayer for the world.  I felt the shift inside myself and in others as we all thought about the whole world and not just our corner of it.

Jesus, you are one song, the song of hope, the song of faith, and the song of peace.  When we sing your song, we are not just singing a song, but proclaiming our faith and our trust and belief in you.  Your song can make butterflies out of hungry caterpillars.  Your song can raise the dead to new life.  Your song can build a firm foundation upon which to stand.

As we sing we are one with you and one another.  We feel your melding presence at work within us. We know we are yours as you wrap your arms around us and breathe into us the rich life of faith.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for Sunday mornings,
for worship,
for prayer,
and for singing.
Thank you
for your song
that can
transform us.
Thank you
for the blessing
of singing together.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Dear God,

When we think on you, we breathe in the air of delight.  We fill ourselves with the air of your spirit.  We breathe out the air of hope, joy, and peace.

Some may not think the air we breathe is spiritual or sacred.  Simply because we all breathe air in order to live may be reason for some to discount the gift of your living spirit.  However, what is air but life?  Why not sacred, divine?  Why not let the air we breathe come into our whole being as the living breath of God?

What is more extraordinary than breathing in life-giving oxygen?  It is free to all of us equally.  If extraordinary, then it must be a free gift of God. 

If we begin our day by simply breathing in your spirit, how much life, peace, and joy could we have? If we allow that air to fill us, then how could our lives change if we intentionally pause and focus on the air we breathe?  If we breathe in the light of your spirit, then we can imagine breathing out the darkness after we breathe in the light.  Such a simple gesture could turn us around, lift us up, and lead us out of our dark places.

Breathe on us,
breath of God.
Breathe in life;
take away
all that
is dead within.
Breathe in love
so we
can radiate
your light
and love
to others.
Breathe on us,
breath of God.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 22, 2016

Dear God,

Every day you lead us to the pool of living water.  You hand us a filled ladle and invite us to drink.  What sweet elixir it is as we drink in the company of the Beloved.

Every day we are thirsty for you, O Lord.  We may or may not realize it; however, when we suffer from spiritual dryness, it is because we have not joined you at the well.  When our lives are lackluster, void of faith, trust, and hope, it is because we forgot or failed to drink first thing in the morning.

On the other hand, when we make every effort to begin our day with you in holy silence, waiting and listening for your voice in whatever way you choose to speak, we are not disappointed.  When we hear your word, see your face, or find hope in our waiting, we know drinking from your cup has tapped into our parched soul where a wellspring begins to flow.  You allow us to drink until we are full to the brim.

Holy God,
thank you
for grace
in a cup.
Thank you
for hydrating us
with you
living presence.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
when we
begin our day
with you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Dear God,

Reunions are one of your great gifts!  When loved ones come together after some period of time, joy rises up filling us to overflowing!  After they leave, the memories keep filling us up.

Whether we experienced a recent reunion or one long ago, we still have the opportunity to remember, celebrate, and rejoice.  We can recall prized moments of hugs, laughter, and the retelling of old stories that bound us together.  The memory alone can make light come into the darkness, bring a song in lonely places, or inspire us to faith.

A reunion is a gathering of love, one that bubbles up from below and rains down like a waterfall.  You make such things happen.  You put joy in our bellies and peace in our souls.  You bless us once again with relationships that mean so much to us. 

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for gifts
from on high.
Thank you
for specials ones
you have placed
in our lives.
Thank you
for touching us
with eternity's love.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Dear God,

You lead us down the road to truth.  You know falsity will take us only to dead ends, cliffs, or never-ending circles.  You guide us through narrow pathways and wide open spaces to discover the mysteries of life where truth is revealed.

You once said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  There are times when we do not want to know the truth because we fear where the truth will take us.  Yet, in those moments where we travel the road, we find truth to bring us insight, direction, and freedom.  Life begins anew and refreshes us with a clear outlook on life.

Your gifts
are many,
O Lord.
You set truth
before us
because you know
truth is
always better
than a lie.
Thank you
for leading us
to the truth
that indeed
sets us free.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Dear God,

The gifts of your spirit do not come and go.  Rather they stay with us even into eternity.  An experience of your spirit welcomes us to heaven, enriches our faith, and inspires us in daily living.
A year, two or ten may pass but recollections of the past can move us forward in joy, peace, and hope.

Every so often you call us to still ourselves, to reflect, and to listen to your voice.  You invite us to remember, to step back into history, and to recount marvelous accounts of your living presence.  You call us to the light where it shines upon a-long-time-ago darkness.  You challenge us to consider the many ways our fear was turned to faith through trust.  You ask us to look at doubts that were transformed into assurance that gave us courage, strength, and determination.  You remind us to remember when we were lost and by your hand we were found.

When we sit with our blessings and recall prized moments with you, we swell with gladness and gratitude.  We acknowledge your gifts and realize they still hold power to make us whole.  They prompt us to live faithfully in service to the world.  What a privilege to share in your gifts!

Holy God,
Wonder of wonders,
thank you
for the blessing
of faith.
Thank you
for your
living gifts
that heal,
help, and
make whole.
Bless you,
bless you,
Lord.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, July 18, 2016

Dear God,

A drive to the church in the early morning hours revealed the sun rising on the ocean water.  The quiet silence gave opportunity to consider many blessings. 

Some days we just need some quiet silence.  We need to watch the morning sunrise.  We need to go out and count the blessings of hope, faith, and light.  It is amazing how much we can pick up as we go on a routine, ordinary drive.

So helpful were these moments on Saturday morning that I decided to return home for a CD player, chair, and a dancing skirt.  Within minutes I was back at the beach standing at the water's edge watching the sun rays dance on the water.  I could not imagine anything more beautiful.  As the music began your spirit moved within me and I joined the dance.

Dancing our prayers is a blessed way to let body, mind, and spirit praise you, our living God.  In the dance we feel our prayers lifting to heaven.  We feel the weight of burdens rise as well.  We feel light, airy, and free no matter who is around us.  We feel the joy of faith.

God of Many Blessings,
thank you
for the gift
of morning,
the freshness
of a
brand new day.
Thank you
for early
morning messages.
Thank you
for the dance.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Dear God,

You take our troubled hearts and minds and you infuse them with your peace, comfort, and hope.  What is faith if it does not alter our whole being?

We have been so worried and anxious about a loved one with severe problems.  We have thought about them day and night.  We have prayed and prayed, pleading for an answer, an insight, and healing.  But still we felt this fear and doubt in the pit of our stomachs.

Just before worship in the choir circle we shared our request for prayer.  Their souls turned upward in prayer and their hearts met mine with love and hope.  Later as we praised God in worship, sang songs of hope, and prayed as one people, we felt our hearts make room for peace and joy.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
As we
go to you
in prayer,
you speak
to us.
You offer us
your best.
Thank you,
Compassionate God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Dearest God,

We can never fully know where and how you will appear.  You just do it and bless us beyond our imagination!

Today even though the temperature was hot with just the tiniest of breezes blowing my granddaughter and I decided to attend a Native American Pow Wow.  Walking into the outdoor event we were drawn in by the drumming. The music called out to 11-year-old Stella and me. 

As we stood by the sacred fire and looked into the dancing circle, we saw Native Americans in full regalia and we knew we wanted to join them in the holy dancing.  "Well, what do you think sweetheart?  Are you ready?" I asked.  She intimated that we had worn the wrong kind of clothing for dancing so we stepped over to a booth and bought inexpensive dresses with a shawl and earrings.  Then we moved to another booth to buy black moccasins.  We dressed in the car and then headed for the circle.  There we stopped by the fire and entered by the invisible gate.  For  two and a half hours we danced.  The longer we danced the freer we felt to let go allowing our bodies to circle round and fly like eagles. Inside our hearts, minds, and spirits soared.

Walking back to the car at the very end of the day, Stella turned to me and said, "Something changed from the time we walked in here a few hours ago until now."  We both agreed that you had brought us to the dance to give us so much joy.

Bless you,
Great God,
bless you.
Thank you
for the drums
that called forth
the dance.
Thank you
for the dance
of joy,
surrender,
and peace.
Thank you
for your
living spirit
who chooses
to live
inside us.
Bless you,
Living Lord,
bless you.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 15, 2016

Dear God,

Sometimes it feels as though darkness will overcome us, despair will overpower us, and all will be lost.  Our minds begin to reel descending into the deep.  Fear, doubt, and grief take control.

Who has not been laid low by sorrow and pain?  Who has not doubted and feared?  Who has not felt the gripping fingers of hopelessness?

You, O Lord, challenge the powers of darkness!  You shine your light revealing all dark thoughts.  No bit of darkness can hide from you.  You spread your light to every dark hole, every dark crack, and every dark corner.  Your light brings breath, warmth, hope, love, and faith.

Every day you make yourself known to us in the ordinariness of life.  A cool breeze blowing on a hot day, small children at play, a gentle rain, a musical sound, an unexpected rainbow, a simple gesture, a friendly hello from a stranger, clouds dancing in the sky, or an insight that comes out of the blue can be a sign of your eternal presence.  We are never ever truly without hope when we are attuned to you.

Bless you,
Heavenly Father,
for evidence
of your grace.
Thank you
for signs
that welcome us
to your side.
Thank you
for kindnesses
that give us
hope and joy.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Dear God,

Evil desires to destroy, to create fear, and to wreak havoc wherever it goes!  It wants us to stumble and fall and stay down and low. It wants us to fall apart, become leery of all those around us, and ruin life as a gift.

Once again we cry for innocent people murdered by evil.  We weep for their families, friends, and nation.  We are pushed to change the way we behave.  We tragically think buying another gun will save and protect us.  We speak fear, doubt, and hopelessness.  We do so because we are impacted by such pain and suffering. 

BUT we cannot allow evil to rule us or fear to lead us.  The psalmist still speaks today.  "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear for thou art with me."  If we can take our lead from those who have known fear and death, we can find our way to hope, peace, and courage.

In every way you reach out to us, Lord.  You ask us to take your hand.  We do not know where we will end up on any day but we do know you will be with us.  We need not be afraid.

Blessed Lord,
lead us
to peaceful living.
Lead us
to hope.
Lead us
to you
and in love
to one another.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Dear God,

The eye of faith can inspire, especially when that faith comes from a young teen who decides she wants to spend the rest of her life with God.  That 12-year-old girl is a redhead with hazel eyes, a smile so bright, with talents, academic prowess, and great compassion.  She delights all those with whom she is around.  Her name is Stella, my granddaughter.

Every day we have opportunity to discover living faith.  We need only look in our midst to find an example of your presence in the world today. When we open our eyes, ears, minds, souls, and hearts we can discern your beautiful company.  When we do that all day long wherever we are, whatever we are doing we can be inspired, driven to hope, and blessed to be our best.

Holy God,
thank you
for revealing yourself
to us.
Thank you
for blessed children
whose tender faith
renews our own.
Thank you
for inspiration
that can
change people
one person
at a time.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Dear God,

Your ways are better than our own.  Your love is deeper than our own.  Your strength is greater than our own.

Every day we have the privilege of choosing your way over our own.  When we look to you, take your hand, and follow your lead, we are never disappointed.  We find spiritual treasures all along the way.

When our lives falter, when we stumble and fall, and when we grow dry and lifeless, so often it is because we do not choose your way.  When we fail to drink from your well first thing in the morning we go about our day parched and weak.  When we forget to pray, to connect with you, we don't pick up all the resources we need to live our day fully.  When we do not read your word, pause to contemplate, or give way to silence for you to speak, we do not adequately equip ourselves for a day of hope, peace, vision, wisdom, and service.

You give us wondrous opportunities to be close and to be strengthened and revitalized.  Why would we not choose your way?

Almighty God,
thank you
for standing
at the door
and knocking.
Thank you
for repeated chances
to follow
your way.
Thank you
for feeding us,
for inspiring us,
and for
leading us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 11, 2016

Dear God,

There is joy in your presence.  Driving to worship, knowing we will be met by the great shepherd brings comfort to weary souls.

It is a beautiful day, blue skies, sun shining, and trees gently dancing in the breeze.  It could not be a more lovely day to gather with the church.  As I walked into the edifice, a gorgeous architectural beauty, I looked into the faces of those leaving the first service.  I knew I wanted what they had experienced in your home.

As I sat in the pew in the third row and gazed upon the amazing stained glass window with Jesus and others in a pastoral scene, I breathed in the light of faith.  As the music began, I quietly hummed, letting the music into my own weary soul.  As I observed the baptism of a baby and disabled teenage girl in a wheelchair, thoughts of your great love wafted through the congregation.  I realized once again how living water is always available to thirsty souls even as the pastor calls us to want justice, practice justice, and become just people to make a just world.

As I stepped out onto the walkway following the service, I smiled, greeting strangers with the same joy I had just found recognizing this is exactly what you give to those who come, gather, worship, pray, and then depart.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for your gifts
are beyond value.
Thank you
for worship,
for prayer,
for music,
for fellowship,
and for joy.
Thank you
for eternal love
that meets us
at every door.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Dear God,

"What is man that thou art mindful of him?"  Many centuries ago a man wondered aloud how God could think of him and all other humankind.  He wondered how we could be the way we are and yet have this mighty God care.  Good question.  I have asked it many times myself.

We are a wayward bunch, a group so easily distracted.  We frequently get lost, forgetting the way back home.  We sin, give in to whatever pleases us, and often hurt others by our selfishness, neglect, and thoughtlessness.  Yet, you remember us.

In the long list of blessings being remembered and loved is at the top.  Knowing there is one who cares so deeply creates a net beneath us so we do not fall.  Acknowledging you as the Merciful One gives us breathing space and a holy place in which to dwell.  Living and walking with the one who cares most lightens our load, buoys us up, and blesses us.

Blessed God,
thank you
for your
unconditional love
and tender care.
Thank you
for your mercy
and grace.
Thank you
for making us
your children
no matter
our condition
or commitment.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Dear God,

What joy you bring us when extended family gets together!  Our family reunion was like spending a day in paradise with all our favorite people.

Three generations gathered together today to share stories, memories, and laughter.  Experiences that happened 60 years ago provided us with enough smiles to keep us going for a long time.  At the end of the day one woman, a cousin by marriage, asked if she could talk with me privately.  We moved into the garage so we could be alone.  That was when she told me she had been baptized last April and had made a profession of faith.  Her smile spread from ear to ear. We hugged and gave thanks.

One of the main reasons we love one another is because we share a loving, faith-filled Christian grandmother.  Grandma Hughes loved you.  She loved the church.  She was generous, often doing acts of compassion for others.  She gave because she recognized her many gifts.  She always praised you for your grace, love, and friendship.  She modeled love for us because she knew your love first hand.  Just as you wrapped your arms around Grandma, so she embraced each one of us.  For us grandchildren she was Jesus.

Glory to you, Lord,
and praises
and thanksgiving.
Thank you
for filling
my well
to the top.
Thank you
for your
loving ways.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 8, 2016

Dear God,

Summer is a wondrous season!  As I look out my study window, I see maple, serviceberry, and star magnolia trees reaching for heaven.  I see purple Russian sage, peach-colored day lilies, and white daisies spreading out to give color.  I see blue spruce stretching out their branches in a contemplative garden.  I see peace there as a gentle breeze blows and every thing dances in the wind.

Each item in the garden brings its own kind of beauty to the whole.  Each one adds a gift to the rest.  They grow together providing a marvelous treasure all summer long.  As I sit at my desk I drink in the quiet calm the garden provides.

Sometimes the very thing we need is just outside our window.  Sometimes answers to our perplexing questions are right at our fingertips.  Always your love is reaching out to us!

Creator God,
thank you
for giving
us gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for the message
of summer,
life, hope,
beauty, and peace.
Thank you
for love
so deeply rooted
in the
human soul.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Dear God,

How do we will someone to live?  How do we stand by and watch them deprive themselves of nourishing food intended to feed body, mind, and spirit?

O Lord, sometimes you are our only solace!  Sometimes when we feel helpless to help someone else, we can only turn to you for guidance and aid.  In you we find comfort, love, and the ability to keep on keeping on.

In your word you told your people, "I will be with you always to the end of the age."  That one statement reminds us to lean on you for understanding, assistance, and hope.

Blessed Lord,
friend, teacher,
and comforter,
thank you
for blessing us
with compassionate care.
Thank you
for being
with our
loved ones
even if
they are unable
to notice.
Guide us
to you, Lord
every day.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Dear God,

There is no one who can heal like you!  When life seems too complicated and simple seems out of reach, you join our effort in making healing possible.

I sat quietly listening to two beloved teenagers share with one another.  Their hearts had been broken by crazy circumstances and they wondered how to step back into each other's lives.  They were nervous and anxious.  Yet, there was an air of expectancy that love would be present enabling them to speak honestly and forthrightly.

In the course of an hour, I observed grace move in our living room.  I saw how their love for each other as cousins and best friends was doing it healing work.  I watched how that love worked not only from their heads but also their hearts.  As tears spilled and forgiveness wooed, I saw the magnificence of your loving spirit pouring out the ointment of healing love.

Blessed God,
who heals better
than you?
Who desires more
to mend
broken hearts
and weary minds?
Who better can
fill souls
with courage,
mercy, and grace?

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Dear God,

“There is a river that brings joy to the city of God.”  How many times I have read this scripture from Psalm 46.  How often have these words brought joy to my own life.

The river of joy does not cease to exist when we don’t see it or feel it; it still remains.  Otherwise, why would you bother to create it in the first place?  This amazing river feeds the hungry soul, sheds light on those who live in darkness and provides hope to the hopeless.

Daily the river flows.  It flows into us in the form of faith.  It reaches us when we are at the end of our rope, when we are afraid, and when we are lost.  And when life gives us happiness, the river reflects the serene love of the savior.

You invite each of us to the bank of your river.  There you stretch out your hand and walk us into the water.  You baptize us with the grace of the heavenly father.  You sprinkle us with refreshment.  You pour out your water for us to drink.  In every way, O Lord, you give us direction to this river of joy.

Wondrous God,

Lover of Souls,

thank you

for the gift

of life.

Thank you

for joy

that comes

when joy

seems impossible.

Thank you

for your

blessed hand

that always

meets us

at the point

of our need.

Love always, Andrea

 

 

Monday, July 4, 2016

Dear God,

Every day we dance between what is and what can be.  Whatever our situation, whether bright and wise or dismal and bleak, we still have opportunity to dance the steps of faith.

So often we feel trapped, caught up in situations that seem dead ended.  The tight squeeze can plunge us into despair and hopelessness or it can make room for the dance that is never ending.  We can stay in the small, hot box or we can imagine ourselves taking the outstretched hand and commence to move to the tune of faith.  As we begin to think outside our box, mysteriously we start to feel a little space all around us, not necessarily because our situation has changed but because we trust in the one who wrote the dance.  As we look into the eyes of the one who has reached out to us, we find we can breathe easier, feel hope, and discover the openings that are always present in our dark spaces.  As hope springs to life, we drink from the well we thought had dried up and was out of reach.  As we regain strength, courage can take over helping us to maneuver and stand.  As the Christ is revealed, we are enabled to overcome even the most difficult situation by faith.

Let the dance begin,
O Lord.
Rescue us
from our
dark tombs.
Enable us
to take
your hand
so we
can take
our place
beside you.
We give you thanks,
O Blessed One.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Dear God,

The minute your people gather for worship, bread is broken, spiritual food is provided for the people of faith.  In the midst of singing our morning anthem this realization began to spread over me like a warm blanket.  I knew we were being fed the bread of heaven.

In every day life we forget the sweet gestures of faith.  We fail to look around us, to tend to the wonderment of creation, the love of family and friends, and the unexpected kindnesses that come our way.  We ignore the blessings of sleep, the fragrance of morning air, and a warm shower.  As we eat our breakfast, we distract ourselves with busy thoughts rather than considering the gifts of food, fresh water, and a family table.  Often we don't even offer a prayer of gratitude.

On this Sunday day I drink in your love and recognize that you are the source of all our gifts.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for spiritual food
and drink.
Thank you
for bathing us
in the
cleansing water
of faith.
Thank you
for making yourself
known to us.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Dear God,

There are just some things that touch the deep cord of faith, things that cause us to smile, lift our hearts, and make your light shine bright!  It happened at church last night.

We stepped inside the church and took a seat on the back row.  Thinking a brass concert would be loud and the room would get too warm, we were greeted by friends whose hospitality always makes your presence known.  But it was when the concert began that joy took over and I swayed in the pew, tapped my foot, and danced with my hands.  Before long my husband and I were dancing in the aisle.

One of the life lessons you have taught me is to trust you, to let go into your arms, and to allow you to move me, my whole being.  When the spirit of the living Lord takes over, joy is possible.  Peace is possible.  Hope is possible.  Last night I got all three!

Bless you,
dear Lord,
bless you.
Thank you
for heaven's joy
that is possible
when we
hook up
with you.
Thank you
for music
that can
open any heart.
Thank you
for love
that can touch,
inspire, and bless
every soul.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, July 1, 2016

Dear God,

Who can forget your tender care, the moments when you were most present in our lives?  Who can forget the healings, the miracles, or the insights?  Who can forget the quiet moments of hope, assurance, and peace?

So often we are distracted by life all around us.  We get caught up in so many responsibilities, concerns, and anxieties.  We fail to remember you are with us, a sure guide when we are lost, a sure help when we are filled with doubt, and a sure friend when we are lonely.

Sometimes you call us to pause and remember.  Like the Hebrews of old, we need to look back and reflect upon times when you were ever present.  We need to celebrate and give thanks.  We need to surrender ourselves into your hands knowing you have our best interest in mind.  We need to replenish our faith, renew our commitment to live that faith, and step forward into the future with courage, strength, and vitality.

Blessed God,
you are God
to all
your children.
You care
about each one.
You remind us
to trust you,
to count
our blessings,
and to
give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Dear God,

There are so many ways you appear to us!  You may come at a worship service or a sunrise or a family event.  But you can also rise up in the midst of tragedy, fear, or loss.  Sometimes you show up in a simple gesture that becomes much, much more.

It was during a walk in the middle of the afternoon at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.  A few musicians were rehearsing separately getting ready for a concert.  The church was packed with visitors being led by local specialists. There was so much noise.  Each of us had listening devices in our ears so we could hear our guide.  However, as the last one in our group to follow I was stopped by a harpist strumming her instrument.  I watched her as her nimble fingers moved across the strings.  I closed my eyes and pulled out my ear plugs because I knew this was the moment I hoped for.  The heavenly music wafted upward filling the space with glorious sound.  Even as I was moved along the halls and through the pews I could still hear the music of angels.

Often you have shown me the way to heaven.  Daily as my heart longs for you, I find you in so many wonderful ways.  Each sacred moment fills me with great joy.

Holy Father,
giver of all good gifts,
thank you
for mysterious moments
that speak faith
to us.
Thank you
for the sounds
of heaven.
Thank you
for every moment
when you
draw close.

Love, Andrea