Saturday, December 24, 2016

Dear God,

One of my favorite days is December 24.  I look forward to it all year long, the music, the mystery, the quiet, the prayer, the proclamation.  Although I never miss a Christmas Eve worship, I would have to miss this one since my knee surgery recovery continues.  I urged my husband to attend the service alone, giving him a new red tie just for the occasion. 

As soon as he left, I sat down in the living room and gazed upon this room made sacred by the olive wood nativity scene I carried in a backpack from the Holy Land, the Christmas tree glowing with tiny white lights, and a balsam candle burning bright.  I let my mind wander with the spirit of Christmas.  I found myself filling with simple joy knowing the story, the characters, the song, the anticipation, and the glory.  I sat there reveling in the hope of Christmas, the light of the world, and the peace that is promised.

Thank you
for the
holy moment,
Savior of the World.
Thank you
for the mystery
that unfolds
wherever we are.
Thank you
for the beauty
of this
holy day.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 23, 2016

Dear God,

Every ornament on the Christmas tree holds its own story.  It may tell a story of my mother, my grandmother, or a grandchild.  But there are many that tell stories of saints, Native Americans, the church, a national treasure, or a specific culture.  All them together speak of faith to me.

I take great delight in selecting a fresh balsam, pine, or spruce tree, then driving it home, dragging it into the house, placing it in the tree stand, and then tightening all the screws as it stands tall near the living room window.  I enjoy spraying it lightly with white snow, letting it dry, and putting on strands of tiny white lights.  The real joy begins as I place the ornaments, one by one, all over the nearly 8' tree.  Each time I take an ornament out of its box, I fill with memories, and my soul releases its mounting joy and gratitude.

This morning as I sit in the chair near the window where the tree reflects and it appears there are three, I feel the blessings of wondrous faith.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for the gift
of a
simple tree
that helps
retell the
stories of
faith, family,
and a future
built on
a foundation
of love,
hope, joy,
peace and gratitude.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Dear God,

On this beautiful Advent morning, I am still fighting fevers and side effects of healing drugs.  My leg feels foreign to me because now an artificial knee rests where my 70-year-old knee joint used to be.  As I gaze upon the lighted Christmas tree and watch the candle flame flicker and dance, I try to find the spirit of Christmas in my surroundings. 

I sit quietly and wait.  Although fuzzy thinking and blurry vision threaten to give me a distorted view, I know well the stories leading up to the Christ event.  I rely on the old, old stories, treasures buried deep in my soul.  I remember the census and the need for families to go back home to be counted as citizens of the Roman empire.  Today I think of Mary, full of child, riding on a donkey being led by her faithful husband Joseph.  While the veil still exists between the story and me, I know this sweet message of hope and promise is real and speaks tenderly this morning to my weary soul.

Bless you,
O God,
for the gift
of story,
for the
great story
of faith.
Thank you
for my
own treasure chest
which contains
stories of faith.
You blessed me
this morning,
Holy Father,
and I
am blessed.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Dear God,

Although Christmas is coming to bring the hope of peace, joy, and love, I am homebound.  Yet, I am constantly watching for signs of your coming within my own home.  In the early morning hours, I gazed upon the lighted candle in the living room, its glowing flame radiant on the table that spreads light to the nativity.  I remembered your words:  "I am the light of the world."

A few words spoken in holy faith can usher the hopeless into hope, the despairing into faith, and the barren into plenty.  As I focused on the light shining in my own darkness, I breathed in the air of your mercy; for your words took hold and shined on me all day long.

Your light
shines like
no other.
Thank you
for the blessing
of mercy
and hope.
Let your
light shine
on all
of us.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Dear God,

Although I knew the healing process of a total knee replacement would be difficult, I did not fully understand the height, width, and depth of your compassionate love during this time.  I did not know the many ways you would choose to make yourself known.

Just days after my surgery I felt discouraged.  The medicine distorted my world completely taking away my ability to eat or taste, robbed me of life-giving sleep, and opened me to an alternative world which kept me restless and listless.  As I felt the powerful drugs trying to do their job of reducing pain, I realized our time spent together in devotion, song, and prayer in Advent was far deeper inside me than this temporary assault on my body, mind, and spirit.  Throughout the day, snippets of those prized moments rose to the top of my mind and I drank in your spirit for courage, hope, and peace.

Blessed God,
thank you
for the medicine
of faith.
Thank you
for its power
to heal
and to help.
Thank you
for sacred spaces
made by
your holy word.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 19, 2016

Dear God,

We can find church wherever we look for it.  Although I cannot attend worship services this glorious Advent morning, knowing there are people praying for my recovery brings them all closer to me.  As each one celebrated with God in worship yesterday, their joyous spirit and kind compassionate merged together finding its way to me in prayer.  Although in pain and with a fever, I felt no want.  Christ and his community of healing were with me.

I do not know how you cleverly speak to us through the human elements when we are not together in one place; however, what I do know is prayer is a manifestation of your living presence in our lives.  As we learn to trust you more and more, the better able we are enabled to see through the eyes of faith.

Living God,
thank you
for your
holy people.
Thank you
for prayer
that connects us together.
Thank you
for love
that has
no beginning
and no end.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Dear God,

The greatest gift you give is the gift of hope.  As we go through the process of change and transformation, our only hope is in you.

As I continue to lie in the hospital with attending nurses and doctors I think of Advent and all the preparation I have made to make myself ready for your appearance.  How wonderful it has been waiting and meeting you daily through hospital staff.  How you have blessed me with hope!

O God,
Hope of the world,
thank you
for all
the gifts
of Advent.
Shine your light
on us
so we
can see
our way.
May we
bless you
as we
choose you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Dear God,

Yesterday I took your hand, placed my trust in you, and went under the knife at Saxony Hospital.
The doctors carved a long incision, took out my old, old worn-out knee and replaced it with a brand new one.  As I was rolled into the operating room, I remember thinking of you and then fell asleep.

Loving God,
thank you
for taking
my hand
and holding it.
I am so grateful.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 16, 2016

Dear God,

As I walked down the hallway of my home early this morning, I saw the twinkling white lights decorating the front doorway of our home.  I stood by the door and marveled at the light in the darkness.  I was awash in peace as the thought came to me of people praying for me this morning as I undergo a total knee replacement in a local hospital. 

So often we feel alone, forgotten but when we know people are praying, we feel the joy of your love washing over us.  We know the power of love connecting people together.  We know you stand with us.

As I sit by the glowing Christmas tree, I feel your living presence with me.  I let gratitude fill me with thanksgiving for life, guidance, comfort, joy, and holy faith.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for reminding me
of prayer.
Thank you
for love
that links us
with you
and others.
Thank you
for compassion
that is mercy
at work.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Dear God,

There is no sweeter place to be than with you, praying, meditating, or sitting at your feet listening.  In the quiet we speak of things higher and wider, of faith and devotion, of love deeper than any.  There the best of who I can be is called forth.

Who else calls every person to his side?  Who else offers love that is sweet like honey?  Who else is willing to truly listen to the human heart?  Who?  None but you, O Lord, none but you.

As I sit here in my Advent chair by the tree, gazing upon the reflections of the tree in my study windows, of the snowy white wintry scene outside my window, and the single candle glowing near my olive wood nativity, I think of you, of Advent, of Christmas, of love, faith, and joy.

Holy God
of Advent,
thank you
for priceless moments
of presence.
Thank you
for blessings
that alter mood,
fear. and doubt.
Thank you
for your
deep, abiding love.

Always yours, Andrea

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Dear God,

Only when faith moves us can the woeful sing.  I have known darkness and deep sorrow; yet, even then in the darkest of the deep, you enabled me to sing because faith has the power to make us sing.

This morning how blessed it was to read the devotion on the song, Fairest Lord Jesus.  Using my first-thing-in-the-morning voice, I read the lyrics and sang the song by the light of the Christmas tree.  I paused when I read from the last line of the second verse..."Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer who makes the woeful heart to sing."  You brought to memory precious times when my heart was sorrowing or suffering from deep hurt and you gave me cause to sing.  It changed everything.  My despair turned to hope.  My darkness gave way to the light.  My doubt dissipated as faith took hold.

Faith, the golden gift given by your hand.  In the presence of faith, all that holds us back or down loosens their hold on us because faith is the song we sing when we have no power, no courage, and no strength.  Your presence, your beautiful presence presents itself to us and faith takes the lead returning us to your redeeming side.

Loving God,
you give us
the gift
of faith
and what power
is wrought
when we
trust you.
Thank you
for the
anonymous writer
who is
not anonymous to you,
who wrote
the lyrics
to your song.
Thank you
for faith
that brings us back
from the dead.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Dearest God,

How can I possibly connect cold, frosty window panes with warm, peaceful love?  So easy, I know the answer. Grandma Hughes' old farmhouse had no heat upstairs so when the wintry weather made its way to Atlanta, Indiana, the windows frosted over.  My faith-filled grandmother gave lots of love to everyone around her.  It certainly touched me.  Frosty windows and peaceful love are a perfect match in my eye.

Advent time is a glorious time to reflect upon blessings, past and present.  It is a time to recount how you come and spread love.  It is a time to remember, find joy, and express gratitude.  The frosty window panes in our study linked me with you and my favorite grandmother.  You filled our home with memories, joyous memories.

Eternal God,
you fill us
with good things.
You remind us
of the gifts
of the past
and the present.
You bless us
with Advent
to count
the blessings
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 12, 2016

Dear God,

Advent draws us closer to you.  There we listen to Zechariah, Elizabeth, the angel Gabriel, and Mary.  How blessed we are to hear the words of Mary as she pronounces her YES to God.  Although young she has an open heart to you and her willingness to carry your baby teaches us about faith and devotion.

As I sat in our beautifully-adorned church, I felt those characters close by.  I listened to the story of Mary and her encounter with Gabriel.  I couldn't help but smile. 

Later in the service we sang a wonderful hymn entitled, Canticle of the Turning.  In this song we sing of how our YES can change the world around us.  "My heart shall sing of the day you bring.  Let the fires of justice burn.  Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn." 

Oh, dear God,
how I wish
every day
I would
say YES
to you.
I know
we each
have a part
to play
in the healing
of our world.
Give us courage
like Mary,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Dear God,

What a beautiful sight early in the morning...the lighted Christmas tree reflected not once but three times in the study.  I keep staring because I am mesmerized by the way light blesses in so many ways.

When a single candle is lighted in a dark room, it radiates not just in the room but in the hearts of those there.  The light burnishes the darkness; it adds a dimension to the darkness which brings quiet peace, a soft joy, and thanksgiving.

I am intrigued by the night skies during Advent.  I always know the star of Bethlehem is hidden from view but ever ready to shine the night of Christmas Eve.  I gaze upon the shiny white stars against the black and my heart grow full in love for you.  Only you could bring such great beauty, joy, and wonder.

Thank you,
Mystical God,
for the gifts
of Advent.
Thank you
for the light
that shines
in the world
and in the
human heart.
Thank you
for early
Advent mornings
that spread
your glory.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Dear God,

Advent...I am relishing this special time of faith.  Although I now sit in Panera Bread watching many cars drive by on the highway, I am focused on this lively time of devotion.  I think of the story of Elizabeth and Mary, together living through their miracles, sharing their stories of faith, praying and meditating together, wondering about the future, celebrating God's favor and grace.  There are simply no better stories than these.

Quiet and not so quiet moments with friends in faith enrich our lives like nothing else.  The spirit of unity we feel with the saints and angels both living on earth and in heaven bless us daily as we tune ourselves into their songs of faith.  When I pray, I feel their presence with me opening the halls of heaven to the sounds of pleadings on earth.  Together we know this Jesus about whom so many are talking.  Advent, it gives us this beautiful time.

Holy God,
thank you
for the blessings,
the beautiful blessings
of Advent.
Thank you
for time
set apart
for wonderment,
song, prayer,
awe, faith,
love and grace.
Thank you,
thank you,
Beloved God.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, December 9, 2016

Dear God,

You use small things to speak big messages.  You remind us about Elijah looking for you in the earthquake, wind and fire but he did not find you there until you spoke to him in a still, small voice.

Early this morning by the lighted Christmas tree my eyes fell upon a 50-year-old curtain ring turned Christmas ornament.  I remember making it decades ago.  I put a small piece of poster board behind the ring and then placed silver velvet in the circle.  On the velvet I glued praying hands and a single rhinestone. I decorated it with gold braid and silver lace and hung it on my first Christmas tree following my marriage.  To me the ornament symbolized Christmas, prayer, God coming, hope, and a living conversation between you and me.  I look at it and find you at the very center.

Bless you,
dear God,
for all
the gifts
of Christmas,
the big
and the small.
Thank you
for speaking
to us
during Advent,
the pregnant
waiting time.
How glorious
it is!

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Dear God,

The beautiful white, glittery Christmas ornament hung by a silver cord reads Peace.  I put it on the tree two days ago.  Although I placed it to be seen by those sitting in the living area, it has moved and now reads perfectly where I sit in my Advent chair by the tree.  There is no vent there to gently move it.  It seems to be moving on its own.  And why not?  It is, after all, the way of peace.

Its silent witness speaks to me of peace that is not dead or unmoving.  Peace is a living reality.  It is more than the absence of conflict.  It is a quiet, gentle gift of mercy, compassion, hope, love, and faith.  It calls to all of us and each of us.  It wants to move us from where we are to where we can be with you, Almighty and Tender God.  Peace wants to capture us, invigorate us, forgive us, make us new, and fill us with peace.  It wants to shelter us from a world of chaos, confusion, anger, judgement, and evil.  It wants to infuse us with all that is good.  Its power can help us overcome any sorrow, injustice, pain, fear, or frustration.

So many scenes of peace have come to me...the beauty of the manger scene, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the animals and shepherds, the psalmist scene of the shepherd caring for the flock, the open cave of John the Revelator writing, the canyon monastery in New Mexico, my grandparents' farm in a tiny town in central Indiana, the spiritual path in the woods behind our home in Maine, the sanctuaries in Second Presbyterian Church and St. Joseph Retreat Center, and the rolling ocean where I dance with you.  You give us scenes to remind us peace is possible.

But peace cannot be contained or hoarded.  Peace is bigger than me or others.  It is meant to be shared, offered, given, like yeast that stretches and grows to become more.

Heavenly Father,
blessed is
your peace
that comes
to us.
How beautiful
it is.
Thank you
for your
tender mercy
which is
your peace.
May it
settle upon us
and may
we become
people of peace,
your peace.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Dear God,

With your guidance I am walking through the halls of music inspired by your hand.  As I read my devotions I travel backward several centuries to join those who composed hymns so very long ago.  Today it was 1225; yesterday was the eighth century.  I could not have imagined such joy being written, such faith and devotion displayed, such love of the savior exposed.  After reading about their history, I then join the composer and sing.  What sweetness of the spirit I savor!

Every day you speak to us.  Today it is music for me.  A few days ago it was the flame of the scented candle.  It can be a gesture, a morning sunrise, an unfolding surprise, a book, or a person each taking their turn speaking for you.

I feel an anticipation as I wait for your spirit to unfold just like we wait for Advent to bring Jesus to us.  The pilgrim walk of faith is like nothing else on earth! 

Thank you,
Holy God,
for your
living spirit.
Thank you
for composers
who listened
for your voice
and then created
with you.
Thank you
for music's
special offering
this morning.
Thank you again
for Advent
so full
of possibility.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Dear God,

I am using the book Then Sings My Soul as a devotional guide this Advent.  In the darkness of morning beside the lighted Christmas tree I read about one hymn a day and then I sing it.  As I reflect upon the writings you show how you inspire persons to write, to create, and to pour out their hearts in song. 

What wonder you provide when we come to the realization that you are the inspiration behind everything.  You speak deeply to those with an open heart, ready and willing to listen.  You bring forth lyrics, tunes, and melodies that touch human souls even after hundreds of years.  Not only do you inspire composers, you inspire listeners to feel and touch your living spirit.  It is your great desire to touch us in deep places, O Lord.  You use music to open us to the deeper things in life.  In the depths we meet you, hear your word, feel your tender mercy, connect with angels and saints, and sing together the greatness of your love and compassion.  By faith we are united to all that is good and worthy of praise.

You are
to be
highly praised,
Loving God;
for you
give us music
to lift us up,
to break
the bonds
of sin,
and to
heal us.
You empower us
for another day.
You give us strength
for dark
and lonely days.
You show us
the way
to heaven.
You call us
to love
one another.
As you
inspire us,
so help us
inspire others
with faith.

Love, Andrea
so ma

Monday, December 5, 2016

Dear God,

You and I, we begin in early morning.  We pause in the silence, the golden silence of faith, and I wait, longing for your word.  Your presence is already here.  I just breathe in the air of expectancy trusting in you.

The quiet hours are the best because I am not talking, not thinking about my list of things to do.  I am wholly with you when and where there are no distractions except those you bring to challenge me.  I wait.  Advent waiting is a highly pregnant time so full of possibilities.  Even as I breathe I feel hope building inside me and I smile.

Dearest God,
light of the world,
fill me
with hope,
not for myself
but to share
with others
who feel hopeless.
Fill me
with light
so I
can radiate
your light
in the darkness
for those
without light.
Fill me
with love
so I
may offer it
to those
who feel
unloved, rejected,
and unwanted.
Bless you
for blessing me
with Advent,
Holy Father.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Dearest God,

As I sit in the chair beside the lighted Christmas tree, I marvel at the peace the light brings.  Although the room is dark, the light shines giving shape to the burning candle, the poinsettia, and the nativity, all things that point me to you.  This Advent, this season reminds me there is purpose in waiting.  In the waiting time I can find solace, joy in the moment, and the unfolding of faith.

I love this time because it is a teaching time.  I sit at your feet in the early morning and listen for faith's voice.  I am like a little child hanging onto every word of the teacher because I know the teacher has much for me to learn.  I learn grace once more, grace that is gentle, beautiful, and hope-filled.  Grace stretches me, deepening my understanding of unconditional love in action.  The fact that I know I sit in your presence is an act of grace itself.  At Advent I am living and learning grace. 

Your purposes
shatter preconceived notions
of grace.
My small faith
is moved
allowing grace
to enter.
As I sit
in the quiet,
I feel
your presence
and I pray
for your purpose
to be fulfilled
in me.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Dear God,

"A great light shone..."; when I think of the light that Christmas night, I think of a blinding light, yet, warm, radiant, and gentle, peace-giving, the light piercing the darkness.  This morning I walked into our dark living room, struck a match, and lighted the scented candle. As the single flame danced, I thought of that night and let it pierce my own darkness.

A single light in a dark room can give so much hope, peace, and joy.  It can bless way beyond its capability, becoming something more than a candle flame.  It can bring restoration, renewal, and blessing.  I waited and watched knowing in my soul, I was watching the dance of your spirit.

Blessed Advent God,
thank you
for this
great waiting time,
moments of hope,
anticipation, and faith.
Thank you
for being
the light
in my
own home.
Thank you
for coming.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 2, 2016

Dearest God,

It was a sacred silence, a waiting, a listening, a revelation of the story lived so long ago.  We had gotten together to share a meal, some fellowship, devotion and prayer.  We had dined at a festive restaurant alight with decorations, Christmas balls, angels, sparkling lights, and brightly-colored poinsettias.  Full of good food, we drove back to our home for dessert and our special time of sharing.

We gathered in the living room where the nearly 8' Fraser fir tree stood.  The Olive wood nativity sat in the place of honor on the coffee table turned altar.  Jan began the story..."In the time of Caesar Augustus..." For nearly 20 minutes we became different characters telling their own stories, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna.  Even Jesus spoke from the make-shift cradle.  The scenes were painted and formed in our mind's eye.  We too were living the story, blessed to be invited in.

Holy God,
thank you
for holy moments
of awe,
for faith alive.
Thank you
for the
great blessing.
Thank you
for the family
of faith.

Always yours, Andrea

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Dear God,

Advent brings a tender mercy, a loving caress that welcomes us into the very presence of heaven.  Whether we are celebrating the wonders of family, Christmas, and all the joys around us or we are barely hanging onto life with chaos, confusion, and grief, you come to us.

Just as we wait and long for our baby to be born, so do we hold dear all that is precious to us during the season of waiting, Advent.  We recount our blessings, our gifts, our fine relationships that spoil us with great love.  Each day that passes causes us to feel your gentle touch, get caught up in the wonderment of the season, and gaze upon the starry night where the one great star will shine just weeks from now.

It isn't that we just want Christmas to get here; Advent is the prized moment of taking stock of love in the NOW, of grace, and peace.  Joy can come anytime because we are focused on the deep resources of faith that infuse us with your holy presence.  What gift is greater?

Gracious God,
we sit
with you,
waiting together.
We thank you
for waiting time
because it
truly is
the time
to pause,
consider,
and give thanks.
Thank you
for these
priceless moments
that are like
no other.

Gratefully, Andrea

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Dear God,

We come before your presence every Wednesday morning.  We wait on you in holy silence knowing you always have a word for us.  We never leave wanting.

This morning our covenant group gathered by our phones since we are many miles apart.  We dialed the number that allows us to be in one room together.  We greeted one another with joy because we hear in each other's voice the gentle voice of God.

As I poured out my heart, my concerns for struggling grandchildren, their sorrow and pain, I felt your steady hand upon me.  I remembered promises of tender care, constant presence, and blessed hope and I asked that I might be patient in holy waiting, waiting for healing, waiting for help, waiting for change.  Then I heard the story of Simeon and Anna, those faith-filled, dedicated, and devout believers who waited for years for the appearance of the savior.  I felt my own heart lifted as I grabbed hold of trust once more.

No one comes
to us
in greater love
than you,
Almighty God. 
You come
not with sword
but with arms
wide open. 
You hear
our plight
and the plight
of others
and you
invite us in.
Thank you
for your
many voices
on Wednesday morning.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Dear God,

You made love to stretch and grow.  You made love durable and strong because sometimes it is kicked around, pierced, or rejected.  You made love to hold us during stormy times.  You made love to flow like a running stream to keep it fresh and ever new.  You made love to tell the world we are beloved children of the Heavenly Father.

There are difficult moments in life when we feel forgotten, lost, or lonely.  We wonder if we count for anything.  But then something will strike us and we feel touched by love's presence, its compassion and kindness, its hope, and its healing power.  That kind of love is divine, sacred, made of the stuff of heaven.

On this third day of Advent I think of the infinite number of times your love has touched me, my family, friends, parishioners, neighbors, and strangers.  I hear stories.  I see signs. I taste the sweetness of unmerited grace.  I touch the holy and know love has placed its hand on me or others. As I walk the wondrous journey of Advent, I reflect upon love's touch, its power, and its presence.

Blessed God,
thank you
for love
that endures forever.
Your love
never ends.
It is
for all;
regardless,
your love
is for all
and we
are exceedingly grateful!

Love, Andrea