Sunday, August 28, 2016

Dearest God,

For me every Sunday is a celebration, a time to gather, to give thanks, and to praise you.  It is a time when I reflect upon your great mercy always evident in my life no matter the condition or situation.  I think of how beautiful faith is and for an hour and a half I have the privilege of being with people who come together for the same reason.  There is always joy in worship!

This morning we listened to Mary Ann tell her story.  We learned how she came to faith and how three particular trials forged a deeper faith inside her.  All three trials included loss, pain, and suffering.  Although those times were extremely difficult, she leaned to you and found treasures waiting for her.  With each trial shared, she spoke the words from Bill Gaither's song, "The longer I serve him, the sweeter He grows."

The most prized gift of all is the one where you let us come to life in faith.  You show us around, tell us what is possible, and bless us in ways we could never have imagined.  This morning Mary Ann deepened the faith of everyone in that sanctuary.  When followed up by the same song from Bill Gaither, together we celebrated the wonder of our holy, blessed relationship with you.

Tender God,
thank you
for the
amazing gift
of faith.
Thank you
for guiding us
to you.
Thank you
for holy moments
that create
even deeper realms
of faith.
Praise you, Lord,
praise you always.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Dear God,

No day is an ordinary day with you!  A scene is just a scene but with you it becomes so much more.  A song is just a song but with you it becomes a message, a moment of inspiration, a new kind of hope.

With faith there is a layer of wonderment, of awe, and extraordinariness.  Faith gives us opportunity to see through a different lens.  We see grace, gestures of kindness toward us and others.  We feel love, an embrace so beyond the temporary embraces we receive from family and friends.  We experience hope because with faith's power, we see light even in the deepest darkness.

As I reflect upon my own life and others, I see your hand, yet another beautiful moment of faith and I am filled to the brim with gratitude.

Wondrous God,
thank you
for the
incredible blessedness
of faith.
Thank you
for inviting us in
and showing us around.
May we
bless you
with thanksgiving
and praise.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 26, 2016

Dear God,

The garden continues to speak with the language of your spirit.  It tells stories of yesterday and produces fruit for tomorrow.

As we dug into the sandy soil, we found more and more old roots.  We tugged and pulled, ripping out what roots we could.  As we picked at the smaller roots and sifted the dirt for stones and other debris, we came upon a shiny blue cat's eye marble.  Down the fence row while working we found another, a green one this time, then a light blue until we had plucked out nine colorful marbles.  As I held them in my hands, I heard children from long ago laughing and playing games with those old marbles.

I have dug up a lot of old things from the garden, a Danish coin, a rusty old child's stove, rope, medicine bottles, plastic soldier, a broken dish from a hotel from the 1940's and so much more.  They tell me their story and I sense the history of this old property.  I realize the land belongs to itself, no one really possesses it.  It is yours.  You allow each generation to come, tarry for a while, make a contribution and then pass it on.  Although many voices have told their brief stories, your voice is the only one that truly remains here.

Holy God,
how blessed
we are
to partake
in your history.
Thank you
for the language
of faith
that speaks profoundly
whenever we stop
to listen.
Thank you
for the blessing
of speaking today.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Dear God,

Something mysterious happens when people gather together to sing for you!  At church every Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. the choir unites for choir practice.  For an hour and a half we rehearse anthems we will sing for upcoming worship services.  But somehow you make that time so much more.

It is amazing how you call people to compose music.  You put a tune, a melody, or a phrase together. As authors of music begin to hear it or see the line, faith comes to life inside them.  It stirs them as they work together with those who write poetry, narratives, or lyrics that sound like they come from heaven.  When the two work side by side creating a sacred sound, a message of faith bursts forth.  Suddenly your spirit comes alive.  Later when the composition is made available to the public, the sheet music makes its way to the choir room, and we begin to sing, faith takes off inspiring the singers who then inspire hearers on Sunday morning.  It is all because of you, dear Lord; it is all because of you.

Almighty God,
bless your people
with faith.
Make us shine
with the light
of your spirit.
Let the light,
the sound,
and your spirit
awaken the world
to your peace.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Dear God,

In the garden your spirit is everywhere.  When a planted seed pops up through the soil your spirit is apparent.  When the trees dance in the wind there is no doubt you are leading the dance.  When a plant flowers for the first time you show yourself in its beauty.

I love to labor in the garden with you, O Lord, because the work is a prayer.  When I pull up a noxious weed or get the last of an old bittersweet root, I feel a sense of spiritual joy.  When I water the flowers and their wilted little faces rise up to the sky, I know you are present in the garden.  When I edge, creating a line between the sacred garden and the yard, I see your creative hand.  On my knees I pray for the world.  I sense my oneness with you and every neighbor. 

The garden is a school room, a teacher, where you lead me to insights, challenges, and truths.  You whisper in the gentle breeze.  You nudge in the uprooting of roots that lead to nowhere.  You bless when I find a marble, a coin, or tiny toy.  You point me in the right direction.  You teach me to value creation and listen to its marvels.  You lead me to you.

Blessed God,
thank you
for the lessons
of faith
I find
in the garden.
Thank you
for hard work
that pays off.
Thank you
for your
sweet voice
that spreads
good news
when I am
on my knees.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Dear God,

Today was yet another reminder to regularly clear and clean the debris in the human heart, mind, and soul.  When left untouched and neglected, it can soon lead to emotional and spiritual troubles.

I don't know why we leave things unattended.  I don't know why we turn our heads and forget to do our spiritual work.  I don't know why we fail to keep our soul intact when clearing and cleaning can keep us in really good shape.

These last days a friend and I have worked really hard clearing and cleaning the fence row.  It was so ugly to look at.  I ignored it because it was unpleasant and unsightly.  The longer I neglected it, the uglier it became until finally you nudged me to begin the work you asked me to do a long time ago.

Although there was much work to do like cutting down trees, digging up roots, pulling weeds, clearing the ground of litter, and edging the area, I began to see the beauty that was tucked away.  It had been there all along and I hadn't been able to see it.  As we helped clear our neighbor's side as well, I discovered a beautiful little cove of trees that looked like Jesus with his arms out, inviting us in.

As we have worked in the garden here at home, you have taught me yet another life lesson.  When we keep our spiritual and emotional garden free of debris and do the labor of love to tenderly care for it, we will always find surprises, treasures from heaven.

Almighty God,
thank you
for life lessons.
Thank you
for teaching us
your way.
Thank you
for pointing out
the beauty
that always exists
when we trust
in you
and follow
your example.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, August 22, 2016

Dear God,

Memories, sweet memories of faith feed our souls!  This morning I remembered yesterday, the songs we sang, the scriptures we heard, and the friends we greeted at church.  They linger today to spread the good news in my own heart.

Worship is not just a service we attend.  It is a personal and corporate experience of faith.  There we touch and feel things unseen.  We see a spiritual friend whose story we know of courage, resolve, and trust in you.  When we see them, we are warmed, challenged, and blessed.

You reminded me today of hope and faith.  You spoke words of truth that resonated down deep in my soul.  I thought of past experiences of faithfulness, miracles, and spiritual direction.  I recalled times of faith when your spirit breeze blew in upon me and those around me.  Moments of special grace filled me and I realized once again that faith is not static but rather fluid, living, and renewing.

Memories of your sweet embrace keep me going and nudge me toward making faith memories with others.

Holy God,
thank you
for living faith.
Thank you
for memories
that continue
to bless
and challenge.
Thank you
for your
kind mercy
and love.

Always, Andrea

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Dearest God,

Some days there is nothing to do but celebrate!  When we take stock in the goodness of our God, all we can do is praise.

Sunday was one of those days!  Once again I was asked to be the hymn sing leader.  I looked out among the congregation and saw my dear, dear friend Alice who is 93.  Beside her sat her old friend who was a first time visitor so I asked for her favorite hymn.  When we sang Just As I Am, she smiled remembering, I guess, past times of singing that favorite of so many.  Next we sang the favorite of Ruth, who for all practical purposes is in hospice care.  Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior touched many as we sang together. And then there was Debbi who has been so ill for months.  When asked for her favorite she repeated Just As I Am.  So we sang verses two and five.  The fifteen minute singing was such a blessing that we rose to heights unknown.

When spirits are lifted, when people share from their heart, and when those who are sick, infirmed, or dying suddenly appear in our midst once again, there is always a call for celebration!

Thank you
for blessing us,
Lord;
thank you
for blessing us!
Thank you
for bringing us
back together again.
Thank you
for worship,
the opportunity
to sing,
celebrate and praise.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Dear God,

It is the simple things of life that bless the most.  A gorgeous rainbow following a storm can bless.  So can a homecoming between two people who have not seen each other for a while.  And there is always the joy of a new baby, a new job, or a new home but also the relishing of an old friend, a comfortable old chair, or the familiarity of a loving marriage over many years.

Today as I worked in the soil and found a marble from 50 years ago, I thought of fun times past, of neighborhood children playing fun games together.  When I found two more, I thought about the privilege of holding in my hand a piece of the history of this 200-year-old home.

I found pleasure working in my garden realizing I am in my seventh year of working on a spiritual path that will bless many as they walk, pray, and meditate in it.  Although it was never my idea to create a spiritual paradise from the most chaotic, tangled mess with countless thorns from a cow rose hedge many feet wide and deep in the woods, I have frequently marveled in all the sweet ways you have spoken to me as I worked.  When a new turn appears before me, I know your spirit waits for me to follow. The quiet invitation to work with you is one of the simple things that has blessed me most!

Bless you,
Lord,
bless you.
There is
no greater joy
that walking
the spirit path
with you.
How blessed
I am
to be
in your company.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 19, 2016

Dear God,

Faith is believed hope before it comes.  It is a radical trust in you, Beloved God.  It means we believe you are with us tomorrow even before tomorrow arrives.

Recently you reminded me even when our situations or those of loved ones do not change, it does not mean there is no room for hope.  As we pray and encourage, as we reach out and touch, and as we walk in faith, we bear the reality of your love, grace, and mercy in the world.  Our presence, because we carry the presence of the Lord, shines through the darkness and lifts people up.  We help create hope in others.

Thank you
for the blessing
of hope,
dear God.
Thank you
for blessing
our tomorrow
before we arrive.
Thank you
for your
amazing love
that changes us.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Dear God,

Garden work can give valuable life lessons.  They point to tasks needing done in the human soul.

This week I helped my neighbor clean and clear a thicket of invasive bittersweet, raspberry bushes, maple trees, old stumps, and a variety of noxious weeds.  In the hot sun I chopped down trees and then dug up the stumps just so I could get to the soil where the huge bittersweet roots lay buried in the soil.  I dug up, pruned, and pulled those nasty suckers that were thick and hard to clear. 

As I was cutting away, I suddenly started talking to the chaotic mess.  I found myself thinking about family beliefs, practices, and habits that have been woven in our lives.  I started talking aloud, "You are out of here!  No more.  You will not stay rooted in our lives."  Over and over again I shouted at the weeds before me and those entangled in our own family system. When I finally took a water break and sat down for a brief rest, I realized how much a garden is like the human soul that needs to be regularly cleared, cleaned, and rooted out or else all the nasty things that get in our way will take over.  But when we put our hand to the shovel, we can make beautiful things appear once again.  But then grace is like that.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for valuable
life lessons.
Thank you
for the task
of clearing
and cleaning
a once-loved garden.
Be blessed,
dear God,
be blessed
with my gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Dear God,

Wednesday morning may be the most holy day of my week.  It is the day when my covenant group, four pastors, ring into a conference line and enjoy an hour of silence, devotion, prayer, holy sharing and spiritual direction.  There is no group who offers greater acceptance, loving friendship, gentle accountability, caring prayers, and insightful guidance.  You are at the center of every group gathering.  You speak in powerful ways, bringing us to our knees in faith.

We pour out our hearts every Wednesday morning.  We share our struggles, our doubts and fears, our losses and heartaches.  But we look for your spirit moving, leading us deeper in faith and higher in peace and grace.  You push us, gently nudging us toward understanding.  You open our eyes, our ears, and our souls.  You fill us with your own spirit.  You challenge us to grow, to let go, and to soar like eagles and when we do, aaaahhhhh, what joy fills us from head to toe.

You are holy,
Lord;
you invite us
to be holy too.
You ask us
to be quiet,
to listen
in holy silence.
You speak
to us
always helping us
rise up,
to trust,
and to fly.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Dear God,

There is something so beautiful in the season between summer and fall.  It is a time when summer flowers are fading, yet some holding strong but fall wants to come.  The leaves want to turn and brighten the trees against Autumn skies before winter gray takes over.

This is the season of gratitude, a time to give thanks, to look around and be blessed by all summer has given.  Truly summer colors lift the spirit and stir the heart.  What joy it is to leave windows open for the cool night breezes to flow inside and to be outside during the day with warm air, sunshine, and summer rains.  Yes, it is the time for thanksgiving.

My heart
is full,
O Lord,
full of love
for you.
Thank you
for inventory time
when we
reflect upon
all the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for gratitude
that overwhelms
the human spirit.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 15, 2016

Dearest God,

There are spiritual treasures to be found, waiting to share their story and bless our lives.  We may think every day is nothing more than routine, ordinary; yet, just beneath the surface, there is treasure, your own gift to us.

Along the fence row at our home in Maine there are hundreds of invasive maple seedlings, unwanted ugly trees, and roots, roots, and roots of long ago dead plants. For weeks now I have worked in the dirt following your plan to create a spiritual garden that will bless generations to come whether family or not.  I have cut down, pruned, dug up, plucked, and ripped and torn to clear the land.  Each day as I clear and clean, more and more I see the vision of what can be.

Yesterday I helped my neighbor, my cohort in crime, cut back invasive bittersweet from the garden.  Six feet high, I would cut and then pull, cut and pull, cut and pull.  All of a sudden I began to think of weeds, tall, gangly, deep-rooted, invasive habits, beliefs, and practices sown in my own life and that of my family.  As I pulled I thought of children and grandchildren, siblings, and other family members.  I started murmuring, "You will not stay rooted in our family.  You are out of here.  No longer, you are going, gone!"  I think my neighbor thought I was crazy; however, it was so therapeutic as I began thinking of the spiritual and emotional life of my family and me.  As I tackled the physical work in the garden, my murmurings were prayers for our family.  As I cleared, I began to see what could be possibly for us as well.

Sometimes the treasure comes in ways we do not expect; yet, you come to us through sweat and tears, showing us the way, blessing us once more time.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for gifts unimaginable.
Thank you
for hard work
of the spirit
that helps us
clear and clean
our body, mind,
and spirits.
Show us
the way,
O Lord;
show us
the way
to hidden treasures
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Dear God,

The way to hope is a meandering path.  Sometimes it leads us to worship, to be in fellowship with the faith filled.  Sometimes it is a song, one that guides our heart toward comfort and joy and peace.  Sometimes it is a light that turns on in the darkness.  Whatever it is, it is a good path because it always leads us to you.

As the morning hymn sing leader, I invited each visitor to share their favorite hymn so we could sing it with them.  One after another held up their hand and told us the name of their song.  As we sang together, each person smiled.  One man nodded his head with a really big smile on his face.  Another gave me a thumbs up.  I wondered what they had hoped to find in church this morning.  Perhaps they found it in their favorite song with a church willing to sing it with them.

Loving God,
you bless us
with grace
every day.
Through grace
we find hope.
Thank you
for your love
that knows
no bounds.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Dearest God,

You make way for beautiful things to happen in our lives.  You put people in our paths that will put a new song in our hearts.  This was so very apparent tonight at St. Ann's Church when Tim Janis presented an outreach concert. 

My mind was full of someone I love very much, someone who is suffering and has lost her way, someone who thought possibly taking her life was the best option.  When the concert began I closed my eyes and imagined this young person close to me.  I envisioned her head on my shoulder.  Because she had listened to this music before in a personal meditation and on a mini vacation, I knew she would find meaning and value in it.  So in my heart and soul I held her close and while the music played I murmured words of hope and faith.  "Rest easy, let peace come, breathe in the light of Christ.  Rest easy, let peace come."  All during the concert I imagined her in the church, breathing in the air of hope, letting the light warm her heart and open her eyes to you and your love. 

Not only did you give me peace, hope, and joy but you also gave me the opportunity to write her, to share the experience with her, and to let her know you are always at work making beautiful things happen.  Perhaps she will find a bit of peace and hope in knowing you are with her.

Loving God,
thank you
for special blessings,
for music,
for meditation,
and for light.
Thank you
for your kindness
and your
tender mercy.
Thank you
for your spirit
that lives
and breathes
in us.

Always, Andrea

Friday, August 12, 2016

Dear God,

You remind us to trust, to trust you to lead us, renew us, and challenge us.  When everything else seems lost and gone, the opportunity for trust remains.

Trusting in you, O Lord, is a gift from on high.  First, you give us faith, that wild and wonderful hope and belief in a creator, sustainer, and redeemer.  Secondly, you give us love, that amazing, incomprehensible embrace that is free and always available.  Next, you give us trust, the ability to surrender ourselves and our loved ones into your arms, to let go of the reigns and let you move us in the way you know is best for us.

Trusting you takes the pressure off us.  It relieves us of worry, anxiety, and fear.  It allows us to breathe in the air of hope, light, and blessing.  When we are not worrying, we can breathe in the fresh air of your wondrous living spirit.  Only then will we have room for joy to enter even in the worst of circumstances.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for your
many gifts.
Thank you
for faith,
love, and trust.
Thank you
for making us yours.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Dear God,

The first thing in the morning when I awaken to the fresh air coming through my upstairs bedroom window, I think of you and the fresh air of your spirit.  I breathe in realizing I am breathing your spirit air.

Often we look for you "out there" somewhere.  We search for miracles, answers to prayer, and big movements of your spirit.  In so doing we miss the air we breathe, the life you give us, the breath of your spirit.

Some days we long for your spirit.  We may desire a way out or a way in, always looking for you outside ourselves.  Day after day and week after week we may grow disappointed feeling abandoned or lost without you.  Yet, every few seconds we breathe in your spirit and breathe out all that holds us back from you.  We are never without you, never.

Loving God,
thank you
for the breath
of your
loving, living spirit.
Thank you
for your compassion.
Thank you
for your presence
every moment
of every day.
May we
never forget.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Dear God,

When your spirit breeze blows in, we know we are surrounded by a living presence like no other.  We feel angel arms all around us.

The darkness often threatens us.  When we lose our way or get pummeled by life's issues or fail to walk the way that leads to life, the darkness begins to rise up robbing us of the warm light of faith.  We may actually take hold of darkness, letting go of that which will give us direction, guidance, and help.  In time it may seem we are covered in darkness, paralyzed, helpless to break free.

On the other hand your light shines eternally.  Nothing can snuff out your eternal light.  It constantly radiates, glows, giving a beam that will always shine upon us, leading us to you.

I remember the glorious lesson of faith you taught me many years ago.  I had been crushed by life circumstances.  I felt as if I were trapped inside a deep, dark well.  I felt only despair and darkness.  I dared to pray feeling your gentle call to open my soul to you.  It was then I felt a shift as if only a thin floor held me.  I saw a ray of light enter my dark space.  The more I gazed upon it, the more easily I was able to move until the whole floor gave way to the light and I fell through into your waiting arms.  The welcoming light entered the whole of my being dispelling the darkness that had overcome me. 

Sometimes we dwell too long in darkness.  We are afraid, doubtful, and fearful.  But then your spirit reveals itself to us and only then are we able to let go of death's door.  We give way to life and find you there.

Holy God,
giver of peace
and hope
and light,
thank you
for memories
that feed
the soul.
Thank you
for reminders
of light
forever glowing.
Thank you
for shining
your light
on us.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Dear God,

You came as light to the world.  You shine your light in the darkest places.  There is no place where the light does not shine.  It may be just a glimmer of light but it is always there.

There is one who is struggling in the darkness.  She can only see darkness and that darkness convinces her she does not want to be healed, to get better, or to rise up to meet the future with health and wholeness.  At 15 she lives in the abyss.

How I want to pull her up, to refuse to let the darkness overtake her.  I want her to grab for the light.  I want her well.  I want her healed.  I want her whole.

This morning as I thought of this beautiful young teen, I asked you what I could possibly give her.  The word light came to me and so I wrote her about light.  I realize the darkness has power and it can suck us down into the depths but you came as light and you shine in the darkness, even on this beloved one.

Holy God,
Great Healer,
heal this
sorrowing child,
I pray.
Give her
your light.
Let it dispel
every bit
of darkness
within her.
Shine on her, Lord;
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 8, 2016

Dear God,

They hide away all the time growing until one day they are shockingly big.  The invasive maple trees appear all the time.  They threaten all the good plants. 

When I was working along the fence row between our neighbor's house and ours pulling, ripping, and cutting down the maples, I couldn't help but wonder how bad habits develop and do the same thing to our own spiritual soul gardens.  Or small sins that are hardly detectable in the beginning but then one day, engulf.

As much as I would like to ignore some of my own erring ways, I can't, anymore than I can ignore 15' maple trees.  As I consider my own problems, I sit in the dirt in the midst of the invasive seedlings.  I can see the dirt is poor, sandy really, no real nutrients or good stuff so the things I want in the garden can grow into beautiful healthy trees.  The soil is dry.  I had failed to water giving life to what is good.  The ground had so many old roots that I couldn't imagine how anything could grow.  When I realized how much work I needed to do along the fence row, I recognized even more how much work I have to do in my own soul.

Blessed God,
reveal your truth
to me.
Clear out
all the
bad debris,
those things
that keep me
from growing.
Forgive me
for not
taking care,
using all
the resources
you provide.
I am sorry.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Dear God,

Memories, you bring good memories to us when we need them.  Like the time a prayer was answered and we moved forward in life, we remember what you do for us and we celebrate.

I did not expect to remember a play I was in 56 years ago.  But when we attended West Side Story, I began to sing the music I sang so long ago.  I thought of friends on the stage with me.  I remembered with fond regard my high school where some of the happiest memories of my life took place.  I remembered and felt joy fill my heart.

You always have a hand in bringing joy to us, Good Lord.  How could I possibly recall an event that took place decades ago?  How could I suddenly sing lyrics I haven't sung for more than half a century?  You brought the sweet memories to me and I am so grateful.

I am filled
with gratitude
for your
sweet gift
to me,
O Lord.
Thank you
for my
high school,
my teenage friends,
and my
little town
in Elwood, Indiana,
where I
grew up.
Thank you
for memories
that continue
to shine
in my heart.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Dear God,

The waves of faith can wash over us revealing the wonders of your grace.  When we are quiet and waiting, expectant, anticipating the movement of your spirit, we discover the ways in which your living presence is all around us.

Of all things, it occurred at a church bean supper.  Two couples sat eating, laughing with friends.  Their joy was contagious, their faith compelling.  One couple...the husband in remission from prostate cancer, leukemia, and melanoma, the wife, a recipient of a second kidney transplant, their only daughter a kidney recipient as well and the other couple with a fair share of health issues and family  difficulties; yet, the faith present at our table was enough to fill the whole room.

Oh, Lord, we recognize how quickly life can take us down but through faith given to us by your own hand you can cause us to rebound and rise up almost as if nothing had happened at all.  You give us your strength and whisper our name.  In doing so, we can move mountains and bless all those around us.

Almighty God,
thank you
for faith.
Thank you
for quiet moments
that inspire us
to look deeply
for your
living presence
in our midst.
Thank you
for all those
who bless us
with faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 5, 2016

My dearest God,

A simple letter from a once hopeless teenager caught me by surprise.  A card with a colored flower she had drawn on the front with the word Joy so touched my heart.  This beautiful child had moved from despair to hope in a few short weeks. 

Prayers, she said, she so appreciated the prayers.  Those weren't just prayers I'd prayed but those of her parents, sibling, and other loved ones.  We prayed them because we were afraid for her well being.  We loved her and could hardly bear the pain she was suffering.  But prayers, she said, were helping.

O Lord, it is you who place others in our path, those for whom you want us to pray, to help, to serve, to befriend, and to love.  You stir our hearts.  You awaken our senses.  You move us to action.  As we reach out, very quickly we come to realize we reach out with your hands.  We speak your words.  We love with your love.  While we help those in need, we suddenly discover we too are being reached by the heavenly father. Our own helplessness is changed, transformed by yet another great mystery.

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for your
faithful love.
Thank you
for reaching in
and reaching out.
Thank you
for using
each of us
to help
each other.
Thank you
for hope
that spreads
light, love,
and faith.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Dear God,

You bring us together.  You show us our common humanity.  You remind us we are all one people.  Once again you tell us we are brother and sister to one another on this planet.

You give us opportunity to be one people.  In the Olympics every nation is one with all others.  We may speak different languages, enjoy unique traditions and cultures, and practice varying religious beliefs but in this one space at this one time we are one among many.  You provide many moments where we may talk, share, and offer peace to one another.

Oh, Lord, to have blessed time with our family, to see them, listen to them, and learn from them.  Such moments can alter the way we think, the way we believe, and the way we live life.  We give a piece of ourselves to others and they do the same.  We walk away acknowledging our relationship to one another.  We are blessed, Lord, we are blessed by you.

Hold us together,
Heavenly Father,
hold us together
so we
may come
to understand
one another better.
Show us
the way
to family.
Lead us
to peace,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Dear God,

You call us close.  You invite us in.  You lead us to cool water and green pastures.  There we dwell in your living presence sharing together as old friends.

What are we if not old friends?  Those who walk in each other's presence know one another.  They not only talk but share a relationship so deep, so beautiful, and so inspiring.

When we pause from our daily distractions and reflect upon this relationship, we find so many ways to give thanks, to be bewildered all over again for one who loves so much.  When we think back of the countless encounters, we remember tender mercies, sweet reminders of faith come to life, fear turned to courage, and sorrow transformed into strength.  We welcome the life we live with you, Compassionate God, and our hearts are filled with gratitude and so much love.

Blessed are you, Lord,
blessed are you.
Your dwelling place
is like
no other.
Thank you
for the gift
of relationship,
for kindnesses unimaginable,
for cool water
and green pastures,
and for
flowing fountains
of gracious love.

Always, Andrea

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Dear God,

How good you are to teach us to count our blessings.  When we do, we are always led back to you.

You show us that blessings are not just big things like miracles, answers to prayers, and special gifts.  They are nature's wonder like a morning sunrise, a color-filled sunset, and a starry sky.  They can be a butterfly fluttering by, a giggling child, or a hug from a loved one.  They can be an unexpected phone call, a friendship card, or help from a neighbor.  Blessings come from near and far but they touch us, inspire us, or comfort us.

You are our greatest blessing, O Lord, for your love is sweeter than any gift, your grace is more merciful than any kindness, and your power is greater than any power on earth.  As we think of your tenderness toward us when we are hurt or suffering, we know we have received a blessing.  We know you have thought of us.  We know we are your child.

Thank you
for your
living presence
in our lives
that remind us
of blessings
from on high.
Thank you
for faith
that points us
to you
every time.
Thank you
for gifts
that bear
your handprint.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 1, 2016

Dear God,

You give us opportunity to be a living story of faith.  When we read biblical stories, we come to know Rebecca, Abraham, Isaiah, Peter, Mary and Martha, and Paul.  We see their predicament, their challenge, and their trust in you.  We read again and again and realize we are like them, a struggling people with a mighty faith.

When we arise and choose you first thing in the morning, we begin our day as a living testimony.  When we pray lifting up not only our loved ones but the whole world we are telling our story of faith.  When we serve someone in need, work to overcome temptation, or trust you to help us be courageous as we face down our fears, we are living the story of faith.

You tell us our faith stories are important.  You tell us to live our faith daily.  You invite us to be the story someone will read today or tomorrow or a long time from now.

May we live
your story,
Lord.
May we
live our stories
so others
may find hope
and trust
in you.
May we
show our love
for you
and our neighbor
through our
living stories
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dear God,

You always have a good word for us!  You speak to us sometimes in a quiet voice.  At other times you speak with a loud voice.  But always you speak to us.

Worship gives us opportunity to anticipate that word.  It may come in a prayer, a litany, a song, a scripture reading, or through a word from a stranger.  It may be a word of encouragement or challenge.  It may be a word of love, friendship, or compassion.  Always, there is a word for us.  We do not walk away from worship with a void.

Today your word for me was faith.  Faith.  Faith.  Faith to trust in you.  Faith to walk life's journey.  Faith to love and be loved.  Faith to share and serve.  Faith to be courageous.  Faith to live in peace.  Faith to meet you.  Faith to help others.  Faith was my word today.  Faith.

Thank you
for the word
of faith,
Holy God.
Thank you
for turning
my head
toward you.
Thank you
for words
that prop us up,
compel us to move,
and strengthen us
for daily living
and service.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Dear God,

The way home is not always a straight route.  Why would we want it to be?

You bring all sorts of routes to mind:  hills and valleys, turning, twisting roads, over the river and through the woods, scenic views, highways and byways, country roads and dirt paths.  Every path leads somewhere but not all lead home.

A simple, familiar route will get us home.  It may even be the quickest way. But what we sacrifice to get there may be more valuable than getting home quickly.

How many times has the spiritual journey been a road of inconvenience?  Journeys that led us up to mountain views although at times scary, doubtful, and frustrating?  Those that directed us to dead ends because we needed to stop, pause, and reflect where we were headed in life.  Some that guided us through dark places so we could truly see the light?  You have even moved us to the water's edge where seemingly we had to swim for life.  Or to spots along the way where we stumbled and fell, tumbling over the side until we landed onto soft, green pasture land that waited to give us respite, solace, and time to think?

You call us to surrender ourselves into your hands, to trust you to lead us right where we need to go, and to follow your chosen path home.

Heavenly Father,
you know
the way
we are
to go.
Although the journey
may be fraught
with challenges,
the gifts,
blessings, insights,
surprises, and lessons
can reward us
in ways
we can't begin
to imagine.
Lead us, Lord;
show us
the way home.

Love, Andrea