Saturday, September 30, 2017

Dear God,

How can we pray for peace for our own if we do not pray for peace for all?  How can we ask you to give us peace alone and not peace for all your children?

Sometimes we are desperate for a sense of peace.  Our lives can feel so out of control.  Anxiety and fear can creep in and rob us of the gentle peace you offer.  But in our desperation for peace at all costs, we need to remember those who live in chaos every day, in war zones, in poverty-stricken areas, in domestic abuse homes, in areas of injustice like human trafficking, and in gang-related neighborhoods.  How can we pray for our own peace if we do not pray for theirs?

Holy Father,
make peace possible
for all
your children.
To us
it seems hopeless
but in you
there is
no such thing
as hopelessness.
Please bring peace
to all
your children
in every land
and nation.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 29, 2017

Dear God,

How good to be in your presence, Holy One.  Thank you for the blessing of faith to recognize your presence in our midst.  Blessed are you, God of All Creation.

So often we go about our day as if you are absent.  We speak, behave, and act in ways that are not godly.  We set you aside and follow our own way.  Those days are not beautiful days because we forfeit the divine in daily activities.  It does not mean you are not there.  It simply means we do not give priority to your presence.  We do not engage you in difficult times.  We take credit for what unfolds before us rather than giving praise and thanksgiving and living in gratitude.

But on those days, in those times when spirit divine and human spirit walk together, something most exquisite happens and joy is made together. 

My heart
is full
of love
for you,
Creator God.
Thank you
for your presence
in my life.
Forgive me
when I
step away,
when I try
to forge
my own existence.
Turn me
toward you
so I
may walk
in the
same light
as you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Dear God,

You call to us first thing in the morning before we rise.  You want to whisper your good morning to us as a way to tend to our relationship.  As holy father to us, you desire to let us know of your love and care.  You know if we begin fresh with you each new day, we strengthen ourselves for the day ahead.  We place our focus right where it should be.  We begin with love, affirmation, and faith.

On days where we begin with you, the end of the day makes us glad because we know we started the day with you and we end it with you.  The in-between time has chance for many holy encounters.  We see through the eyes of faith.  We hear through the ears of faith.  We love through the heart of faith.  We understand through the mind of faith.  We live with faith. 

Blessed Lord,
author of faith
and love,
thank you
for beginnings
and endings
with you.
Thank you
for middle moments
with you.
Thank you
for initiating
our relationship
with you
and keeping it well
with you.
Your name is glory
and always will be.
Thine be the glory
now and forevermore.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Dear God,

I awakened blessed.  I woke up today on my 71st birthday and counted my blessings.  My faith, my family, my restored health, my home, my strength, my hope, and my peace.  Oh, there are so many more but these were the ones that spoke to me.

Any day is a good day to count our blessings, to express our gratitude, to give back.  Birthdays cause us to realize whose we are, who loves us, who counts us as a friend, who blesses us, and who challenges us to lead full, healthy, and purposeful lives.

I awakened blessed and full of grateful thanksgiving.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for all
your blessings.
Thank you
for the gift
of life.
Thank you
for faith
to see
and know.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Dear God,

When all is crashing around us, there is One to whom we can go for help.  Like the psalmist we can say, "The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."  It seems the world is tipping upside down.  Our nation is very divided.  Hatred and bitterness seem to grow daily.  Groups that once lived in peace now feel threatened.  Fear is at an all-time high.  Some people have turned to medications just to sleep at night.  Who can we trust? Our help is the Lord.

There are many things that can rock our personal world.  Loss of any kind can cause us to lose our footing.  If not emotionally and spiritually rooted and grounded, we can begin to wander, often taking us to dead ends.  But there is One who offers his hand, his love, and his mercy.  He can lead us out of the wilderness and into the valley of hope.

Merciful God,
rid us
of fear,
bitterness,
and hatred.
Lead us
to the valley
of hope.
Lead us
to living water.
Lead us
to faith.
Lead us
to you,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 25, 2017

Dear God,

Whenever we follow your will and take your hand, you lead us to places we could never imagine.  You walk us up mountains, across valleys, and seat us by the river.  There we eat, drink, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the pure air of your spirit, and build up courage to step into the future with faith and great resolve.

You are God; there is none like you.  Only you, Gracious God, care about our well being and our daily efforts in this thing called life.  You want our best and when our best does not happen in the way we hoped and prayed, then you are the well where we drink and think and go again.  You pick us up and lead us to the next watering hole where we assess, consider, reflect, strengthen ourselves, and move on.

When we recall all those times you lead us, all the times you healed us, all the times you gave us insights, all the times you fed us, and all the times you blessed us, we fall to our knees in grateful thanksgiving.  Only then can we truly count our blessings knowing whose hand they came from.

Thank you,
Blessed Lover of Our Souls,
thank you
for leading us.
Thank you
for counting us
your children.
Thank you
for blessing us
along the way.
We are yours
now and forever!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Dear God,

When your people are truly open to your spirit and desire your will, a miracle occurs.  We see your hand, the power of your Holy Spirit, and your willingness to lead us, walk with us, and guide us in the direction of truth, love, and mercy.

There is no doubt our church has struggled.  In the shadow of who and what was, we have had difficulty moving into who and what we can become in your love and grace.  As long as we held on to the past, we just circled never taking the exit to the next stop.  We lost opportunities to step into the bright future you have waiting for us.

But you did not forget us!  No, never!  You challenged us again.  This time some of us crawled out of our hole into the light of your day.  There we felt the warmth of your spirit on our face and we smiled and smiled great big!  We started the journey!

Bless you,
O Lord,
for faith
that can
move mountains.
Thank you
for light
that can shine
upon us.
Thank you
for grace
that moves us forward.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Dear God,

I love to read stories of lighthouse keepers.  Intrigued by what they did to keep the light burning for ships in the night, particularly during stormy seasons, they teach us what it means to be a keeper of the light.

You have given each us a bit of your light, O Lord.  You have asked us to tend to the light, to let it shine for all to see.  Sometimes it is easy and joyful to radiate your light.  At others times it is difficult when we feel low, forgotten, or distressed.  Yet, still, you ask us to keep it going.  And in doing so we return so much more light to ourselves and to others.  Praise be to God!

O God,
Light of the World,
thank you
for blessing us
with your light.
Let your light glow,
let it radiate outward,
let it shine for always,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 22, 2017

Dear God,

You make us to carry our stories within us.  They live and dwell inside, stories of joy and sorrow, of betrayal and forgiveness, and of pain and healing.  The greatest stories we tell are the stories of faith.

As I come to know others, I listen to their stories.  Sometimes those stories inspire me greatly, increasing my faith.  Some stories make me cry, weeping due to loss, pain, and grief.  Some stories make me angry when people are victims of injustice and oppression.  Some stories humble me as I listen to sacrifices made.  Every story is in some way a story of you, O Lord.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for giving us
stories to tell.
Thank you
for filling
our lives
with beginnings,
endings, and middles.
Thank you
for being part
of our stories.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Dear God,

The days are growing shorter, the darkness comes earlier and stays later.  The seasons are changing. I have always been intrigued by the light and the darkness.  I love the scripture that talks about the darkness is not really darkness at all, the light is always present.

As children we used to turn out the lights and scare one another.  We would scream and act crazy. But then something strange happened.  Our eyes got tuned to the darkness and we began to see the tiniest amount of light.  It always wowed me.

What you teach us is the light and the dark are the same because you are the author of both.  Your light shines day in and day out no matter how long or short the days are.  Your light is eternal.  It is filled with hope.

When the darkness comes in our lives, we feel let down.  Sometimes we grow scared.  We lose our hope.  We can fall into despair.  That is because we forget who holds the darkness and the light.  We forget to attune ourselves to you.  When we do, it is like a light switch that can bring the light back. That is what faith does for us.  That's what you do for us.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for the gift
of darkness
that makes us think
of the light.
Thank you
for the switch.
You are
the switch.
You are
the light.
You said so.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Dear God,

"A perpetual spring," the scripture said.  I stopped right there after reading the line.  A perpetual spring.

There are many dry seasons during the spiritual life, times when "rain" seems hard to come by. Times when we get mighty thirsty.  We wilt and lose our energy.  We feel empty.  It's because we are empty, at least empty for the important things like spiritual food and water.  When we eat and drink we go for the things that never satisfy.  And when we do go to the spring, we drink a few drops, just enough to quench our thirst or hunger temporarily.  Very soon we are parched once again.

However, there is a spring that perpetually brings up fresh water, water like no other.  It is so good, so refreshing, and so nourishing.  No amount of pollutants can change it.  It is always available to anyone who is thirsty.  That's why the Samaritan woman left her water jar behind and ran to tell the village of a man who offered living water.

Holy God,
creator of living water,
thank you
for this water.
Thank you
for its
quenching qualities.
Thank you
for the offer.
May we learn
to drink
from this spring
every day.
May we
go tell others
who are thirsty.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Dear God,

What is patience but self control, concern, and love.  Patience is the gift we give to the frazzled, the angry, and the hurting.  When we are a people of patience, we are a people of the Most High.  We live up to the image of our Maker.

There are so many reasons to be impatient, only one to be patient.  You call us to the great task of loving your children, particularly those who annoy, irritate, and make us crazy.  You ask us to be still, pray, and consider your will and your way.  Not that we support selfishness but rather that we hold up the broken places in people's lives.  We see through your eyes and we love who you love.

Make patience
a part
of the blessing
of life,
dear God.
Help us see anew.
Refresh our memories
all those times
you were patient
with us.
Make us
patient people
because we long
for you
to be patient
with us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 18, 2017

Dear God,

We are always tempted to follow our own heart.  We forget there is a heart that beats harder and longer than our own.  One that is eternal.

When we listen to our own heart, we push away the sounds of the poor, the lonely, and the lost.  We want to tend to our own heart, our own wants, and our own needs.  When we focus on ourselves, we lose a piece of our selves, the piece of compassion, mercy, and understanding.  We become something we are not meant to become.

But when we listen for the heart of heaven, when we incline our ear toward the eternal, we hear not only the voice of God, your voice, O Lord, we hear the cries of your children.  Our hearts take on a new beat, the beat of love, kindness, and holiness.

Take our hearts
and remake them,
Loving Creator.
Make them anew.
Bless them
with faith,
love, and mercy.
Make us children
who care,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Dear God,

Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty!  As we reflect upon your miracles, healings, helps, blessings, and gifts, all we want to do is praise your holy name.

So many days we forget whose we are and who leads and guides us.  We forget to count our many blessings.  We begin to believe we are the author of all we have.  But when we remember, pause and count, we find so many blessings we can only begin to praise.  We well up with joy to overflowing.

Today I led the hymn sing and watched as several men closed their eyes as they sang.  I saw the fervor of others as they belted out their tunes.  I witnessed wet eyes as people were touched by the call of faith.

Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord God Almighty.  Thank you.

All glory
is yours,
Heavenly Father.
We give you praise.
You bless us
so much.
We offer you
our love
and devotion.

Always, Andrea

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Dear God,

Thank you for the music of faith that has the power to lift us toward heaven and take us to valleys of peace.  As we open ourselves to you, you come in and dwell with us.  You point us to truths, principles, and promises.  You lead us to living water where we can drink and drink and drink.

When we gather for our Sunday morning hymn sing at church, we ready ourselves to be replenished, renewed, and restored.  For fifteen glorious minutes we sing our favorite songs.  Hymns like Great is thy Faithfulness, It is Well with my Soul, and Here I am, Lord  inspire us to give faith another chance. They remind us why we trust you and how hope is formed.  We sing because we need to, want to, and are called to do and what blessing comes when we sing the first note!

Bless you,
O Lord,
for the gift
of music.
Thank you
for your
indwelling presence.
Thank you
for inspiration
that builds
our faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 15, 2017

Dear God,

The days are going swiftly by.  The seasons seem to be running and I am running to catch up.  Yet, I still stop to pause, look, and give thanks.  I look around and am grateful to see, to have eyes able to gaze at your creation.  But not only human eyes but also eyes of faith.  When I see the beauty of flowers and trees, I see your hand print.  When I breathe in the air that sustains my life, I breathe in the air created by the author of life.  When I smell the scent of simmering peaches for fall canning, I receive a scent of heaven.

I never want to forget to give thanks, O Lord.  I want to make the most of each day.  I want not only to experience the beauty of faith, I want to give back.  I want to bless.  I want to enrich.  I want my words, my faith, my song, my prayer, my hope, and my being to make joy for the world.  I want to spread my joy around.

Gracious God,
you are joy.
You are love.
You are hope.
In you
I have faith.
In you
I am blessed.
In you
I am grateful.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Dear God,

A fresh new day, we take for granted a fresh new day.  We assume it belongs to us when we rise and go about our daily chores.  All day long we do what we want to do because we believe we own the day.  But what if before we rose we acknowledged the day as yours?  What if we spoke with the creator of the day and asked your bidding?  Would we not go about our day singing your praise?

There is something very special about a new day.  There is a sense of mystery, of awe.  For every day there is a new beginning.  Yesterday is gone.  Tomorrow has not yet come.  Today is a new day, an opportunity to begin anew, to breathe in the light of faith, to pray a prayer, to listen to the sounds of creation, to yawn and stretch our bodies made in the image of God, and to do the Master's will.  As we partner together we see life through your eyes and we are blessed.

Make us
to begin fresh
each day,
O Lord.
Make us
thankful people.
Help us
see the truth
that sets us
on our way
toward you
and your will.
Bless you,
Father,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Dear God,

The harvest has abundantly produced so many beautiful fruits and vegetables this year.  Red, orange, green, purple, yellow, gold, the colors of gratitude.  Who could not give thanks?

I finally finished putting up 60 jars of peaches, gorgeous Sunhigh and Canadian Harmony peaches. When one was left in the pot with the luscious, hot syrup, I took a bite and smiled.  I could not help but give praise.  I knew my grandchildren would be so happy after two years of no peaches because of early frost.  Their smiles and joy was enough to motivate me to make extra jars.

As gardeners and eaters of good food, we take for granted the food we eat.  We don't often stop to consider the gift of food that grows every year providing sustenance for our bodies, minds and souls. We forget the process of seeds, soil, sun, water, and tending.  We forget there is always someone, a lot of someones who till the soil and tend the gardens.  We forget the Master Gardener who makes the sun shine and the rain fall.  Yet, you still give and give and give.

Thank you,
O Lord,
for the fruit
of your labor.
Thank you
for the gift
of gardeners.
Thank you
for faith
to see
the gifts
you give.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Dear God,

Every day a word comes down from heaven.  It may be a word we embrace like mercy.  It could be a word of truth, not always easy to receive.  Sometimes it is a word of challenge, like a gentle nudge or a swift kick when we are sitting deep in a pothole of our own making.  But always a word comes.

Today's word came when a member of our covenant group shared.  Today's word was the word of trust.  Trust.  TRUST.  Trust comes when we feel uneasy, afraid, or doubtful.  When we have to face a great challenge, trust is always in order.  You simply say, "Trust me. Trust me and I will help you."

As your know, O Lord, my colleague is facing an eye surgery.  With all the things that have happened with her eye, she now has to face a risky surgery.  Fearful at times she has always put her hand in yours knowing there is no one to trust more than you.  Trust brings peace, hope, and comfort.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for your
many gifts.
Thank you
for Susan,
for her trust
in you.
Thank you
for her faith
that inspires her
to trust.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, September 11, 2017

Dear God,

How wonderful it is to walk on holy ground!  Marie Joseph Spiritual Center opened their doors to our group and we stepped inside, knowing, believing that you would meet us there.

During our weekend away, we sought your face.  We listened for your voice.  We looked for signs of your living presence.  We longed for your touch.  As we opened ourselves to you and one another, trust was built and we spoke our truths, our sorrows, and our concerns to one another.  We could do this because you dwelt among us.

As we made our way home today, we remembered and were glad.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for trust
that is built
on solid ground.
Thank you
for holy places
that offer
respite, hope,
and peace.
Thank you
for Marie Joseph,
for her sisters,
her love,
her prayers,
and her
holy ground.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Dear God,

Your spirit presence enables us to speak from the heart.  It helps us remember, to recall events long forgotten.  It opens us to deep places where we learn life lessons.

This morning at your table we communed eating the bread and the juice as a reminder of your living presence in the NOW today.  We each stepped forward, took a piece of the bread, dipped it into the cup and then ate it.  We were hungry for you, for your truths and your mercy.  We ate in gratitude for our weekend apart, a time for reflection, study, and fellowship.  Your food was good, really good.

We shared from our hearts giving thanks for your spirit movement during the weekend.  While in the present we got in touch with the past so we could move forward in the future.  All this was your work, a celebrated work of the Living God.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for special places
where holy moments
can take place.
Thank you
for your
living spirit
that touches us deeply.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Dear God,

When your spirit dwells within us, anything is possible.  It must have been a time of indwelling when a believer stated that with God all things are possible.

Is it when we open ourselves especially to you, O Lord, when you move, inspire and challenge us?  Is it during that time of openness that possibility becomes even greater?  Is it the time when there is greater potential for miracle, healing, and transformation?

My eyes have seen your glory when a moment of inspiration came.  When I watched another human being suddenly see something they were blind to before, I know you dwell in the midst.  I have seen your hand at work, heard your voice in my own mind, and felt your touch when I felt untouchable.  I know these were prized moments when your living presence was as palpable as my own breath.

During our retreat this weekend I watch with great interest the movement of your Holy Spirit.

Gracious God,
thank you
for open hearts,
minds, and spirits.
Thank you
for the movement
of your spirit.
Thank you
for hope
where hopelessness
had lived
far too long.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 8, 2017

Dear God,

We each long to make meaning of this life.  When loss comes, we want to know why.  We want to find ways to wade through the long journey to hope.  We desire a purpose so we can fulfill it and savor the meaning we find in it.

When we open ourselves to you, when we pause to remember who we are in relationship to you, and we grant you permission to lead us, we discover how sweet the relationship.  We accept our place in your life and we begin to breathe the same air, see the same things, and decide to take the challenges you place before us.

As we walk with you, learn life lessons, change and grow, follow the path destined for us, and reach out to assist others on their journey, we find meaning, purpose, and great joy.

Holy God,
thank you
for the
sweet relationship
you offer.
Thank you
for allowing us
to walk
with you.
Forgive us
when we divert
and walk alone.
Thank you
for receiving us back,
for giving us
meaning, purpose
and joy.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Dear God,

"Prepare the way of the Lord.  Prepare the way of the Lord, and all people will see the salvation of our God."  The song played over and over in my head as Ginny, Susan, and I worked in the woods on the spiritual path.  At one point I stopped and told them I felt like John the Baptist making straight the highway of our Lord.  The work of your spirit is such a delight to my soul.

You open doors to us, O Lord, doors to your spirit, to your son, and to faith.  You give us opportunity to dwell in your living presence.  Today was one of those days dwelling...just dwelling in your presence.

Holy God,
thank you
for the blessing
of your spirit.
Thank you
for touching us,
inspiring us
with faith.
Thank you
for holy moments
in sacred space.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Dear God,

Cool temperatures tell us the season is changing.  Summer is beginning to give way to Autumn.  It will grow colder.  Eventually the plants will wilt and die but not before they offer their best colors. Soon red, yellow, and orange will show forth and the trees will be brilliant with color.  They will wow us. We will be happy and grateful.

You give us seasons to challenge us, to remind us of spiritual seasons.  We are not meant to stay in one season; we are to grow, to surrender, to die back, to rest, and then to rise up.  Every season is a season to raise our face to the heavens.  We are intended to look to you, Holy Father, to take our cues from you.  When you want us to rest, we need to rest.  When we want us to grow, we need to grow. When you expect us to let go, we need to let go.

When we rely on you and do as you ask, we will enter and leave every season with joy and gratitude.

Thank you
for blessing us
with special reminders.
Teach us
your way,
Most Gracious God.
Bend our will
to yours
so we too
may show
your colors
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Dear God,

We are in a war of words.  One leader makes nonsensical threats; another one follows suit.  Back and forth they terrify the world's peoples and why?  Why must we always try to be bigger and better than someone else?  Why do we hurt people?

It is the age old problem of egos.  When our ego is affected, we rise up to defend our self at all costs. We don't care about others.  We forget whose we are.  We forget the name of our father.  We forget we are children of the living God, no one better than another.  We forget, O Lord, we forget.

We are not worthy
of you,
O Lord,
we are not worthy.
Yet, we cry out
to you
to save us
and not just
some of us
but all
of us.
For we
are all
your children.
Show us
the way
to love,
truth, and hope,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 4, 2017

Dear God,

"Come to the table of grace, come to the table of grace.  This is God's table, it's not mine or yours.  Come to the table of grace."  We sang this new song in worship yesterday.  I was moved, inspired to join others walking down the aisle for Holy Communion.  God's table.  God's table, a table wide open to all, anyone who is hungry and thirsty is invited to your table.

So many tables are off limits.  You can only come if you are a member, an associate, a paying fellow, a friend, or something else.  Way too many tables have conditions for seating but not your table. Although I am very aware I am not worthy to sit at your table, I still know I am invited.  The invitation alone is a blessing, a blessing of love, faith, hope, peace, and mercy.

There have been special tables where I was invited to sit.  My grandmother's table, whether in the farmhouse dining room or kitchen, was always open to me.  I loved sitting there.  I always felt I was sitting with Jesus when I sat down.  All during the meal I knew Jesus was present because my grandmother exuded your smile, your love, and your acceptance.  Everything tasted better at Grandma's because everyone could come.

Blessed are you,
Lord Jesus.
Thank you
for all
the tables
where we
are invited.
Most of all,
thank you
for the invitation
to your table.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Dear God,

"Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine. O what a foretaste of glory divine..." our choir sang in church this morning.  And as we sang it, visions of faith passed cross my mind.  It really is a song of testimony. We sang the song not only because it was the morning anthem but because when we are full to overflowing with gratitude, we just have to sing.

Every one in our choir has a story to tell, a story of assurance overcoming fear, of light overcoming darkness, of healing overcoming sickness, of hope overcoming doubt, and love overcoming evil. Some are stories of miracles, of nearly unbelievable events that changed the course of human lives, and healings of dire circumstances.  Some are quiet stories of faith in every day life.  Regardless what our story is, we feel a tight bond bringing us together and sealing us together as a community of love.

We sing because we simply cannot not sing!

Holy God,
you are God
there is none
like you.
You bless us
with faith,
love, and family.
You give us opportunity
to sing
to the world.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Dear God,

Today I didn't really have to look for the hands of Jesus.  They opened up to me when my cousin and her husband walked into our home for a visit.  Steve was fire chief in a small town for many years. He had the smallest salary of all the fire fighters because he wanted them to have a raise each year and there wasn't enough to go around. Lori was the go-to person when a fire broke out.  She was one of the first on the scene with bottled water, snacks, and lots of loving support for bewildered families.

They cooked community dinners, put together celebration parties for fire fighter families, purchased items for families who were in need, took in people who needed a place to stay, and blessed their village with hospitality, affirmation, and lots of love.  They offered a listening ear to all who suffered fires who needed to tell their story for the 100th time when they were still in shock.  Steve and Lori don't seek glory, they just give it away.

Today I didn't really have to look for the hands of Jesus.

Gracious God,
thank you
for those
who live faith
rather than
tell people
about it.
Thank you
for loving mercy
that spills out
and falls
on suffering people.
Thank you
for love
that never quits.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 1, 2017

Dear God,

I am a sinner.  I know hope resides in you.  It is what you give us.  No situation is without hope.  For what is hope but a deep, abiding trust in you?

I am a sinner because at times I lack trust.  I act without hope.  I believe situations will not change.  I function as if that is truth.  But every time you come to me and I am taken to my knees like a little child when you break open the situation and let the shift come.  Once again you reveal how I try to act like you as if I am God knowing better than you.  How wrong I am, what sin I am compelled to commit!

Faith is about trusting in you, Lord, living in your light.  When we see as you see, we see the benefits of faith.  Hope is one of them and how sweet is hope especially when we feel hopeless.  Faith opens our eyes to the truth of God, not the truth of what it means to be human.  We are enabled to act, to believe and behave differently.

How great
you are,
O God.
You are full
of grace.
You give
to us
so easily.
We are sloppy
about faith
and deserve
what we get.
But because
we are
your children,
you anoint us
with the oil
of grace.
You bless us
and turn us
toward the light.
Thank you
Blessed One,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Dear God,

No one can penetrate the human heart, mind, and soul like you, O Lord.  You use every sense to reach our depths.  There you heal, speak, calm, love, and bless.  Often we do not know you are dwelling within us until suddenly we feel a shift in our thinking, our feeling, or our well being.  Such high holy moments cause us to realize just how much you do for us.

I am always inspired by the way you use the music of faith to touch us.  I enter the church choir room and when we begin to sing, I feel your stirring.  I am awakened to faith that renews and restores me. I can begin the hour and a half feeling lonely, disappointed, or worried but when I leave I feel relieved, joyful, and blessed.  This is your work, Almighty God, this is your work.

Thank you
for dwelling
inside us,
Most Holy God.
Thank you
for your
spirit warmth
that heals
and helps.
Thank you
for caring
so deeply.

Love, Andrea