Saturday, April 28, 2018

Dear God,

You bind us together making us family.  When we are together we build our lives.  We make memories.  We share our stories.  We grow, fall deeper in love and make a life together.

For four days some of my favorite people in the world are gathered here together.  Because we have been connected for more than five decades we know how to sing the same song.  Some sing high and some low but we sing the same song.

I am amazed how healing our song can be.  When we hug hello after a period of time, we feel the need to sing and so we sing and sing and sing.

Blessed God,
thank you
for our song
when sung together
becomes your song.
Thank you
for the beauty
of a song
sung by family.
Thank you
for the blessing
of being together.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 27, 2018

Dear God,

You give us so many gifts, not silver and gold, but gifts of people who love us, who affirm and challenge us.  You give us blessings that are worth more than money, wealth and prestige.  You touch our lives with love from on high.

Today I was reunited with my family, cousins Jim and Lori, daughter Jenni and sister Debi.  The moment we saw each other, smiles spread across our faces and our arms went up and out to hug one another.  Who gets four days with people you love but are not around often?

As we caught up with each others' lives, we also opened up to one another.  We shared some of our past where there are cracks and crevices.  We filled in those darkened areas and it seems as if healing commenced.  We carry our past hurts but don't always know it until someone offers us the salve of heaven.  Today we passed it to one another.

Loving God,
you are full
of mercy.
Your love
is like
no other.
Thank you
for the salve
of grace,
mercy and love.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Dear God,

Making ready, preparing for something to come.  Today I am cleaning, washing and polishing making preparations for my husband's return and my leaving for time with family.  Although I am helping to bring about beauty in my own home, I wondering what kind of preparations I am making in my spiritual life.

I am positive my faith needs its own work.  Crucial questions come to me.  What in my faith and life needs a cleaning?  A polishing?  What needs to be done so your beauty in me may once again shine?

Every day I go about my usual work.  I know what needs to be done and mostly, I do it.  But I don't always clarify what needs done in my life of faith.  I don't always ask, make a list and then do what needs to be done.  But today the questions come to me.  I have work to do.

Blessed Lord,
you take
daily work
to speak
to us
of heavenly work.
You remind us
faith is
every day.
You want
our life
in you
to be rich,
good, and full.
Help me undergo
a good cleaning
and polishing
for you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Dear God,

Your will.  Your way.  There is no better.

When we operate from our own well, it soon dries up, crumbles and ceases to exist but when we operate from yours, the well is always full of fresh, living water.

Too often we want only to drink from our own stagnant water.  We are satisfied with the quality and quantity of what we hold.  But down deep there is a longing for the sweet water of heaven.  When we dare to drink from it, it is an aaaahhhh moment.

Forgive us
when we
drink from
polluted wells.
Lead us
to the
life-giving wells.
Thank you
for all
your provisions.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Dear God,

You are the bridge over troubled waters.  When we cannot imagine how to go from shore to shore, your bridge rises up out of the waters by which we can cross over.

There is great relief and joy when you provide us a way, O Lord.  Your way is not our way which is why we cannot go from shore to shore alone.  You make a way every time.  We just need to decide if we will use the bridge to cross over. 

Holy God,
thank you
for the
countless bridges
you have provided
for us.
Thank you
for your compassion
and love.
Thank you
for making
a way.

Love, Andrea

Monday, April 23, 2018

Dear God,

Spring waits to burst.  Each tiny seed is stirring instinctively knowing its time is coming.  Some have already broken through the crusty soil.  Others remain in their safe, dark place.  Before long spring will burst forth and we will know that change has come.  Transformation will take place.

Spring waits to burst forth for us.  So much spring inside us wants to break through the hard places.  It wants to surrender its safe home and rise up.  It wants to stretch, grow, blossom and bloom.  Spring is your spirit force.  It calls for change in us too.  When I think of how spring stirs in me, I know I have a new chance at life, situations, and faith.  I am ready.

Loving God,
thank you
for the seasons
that speak
to our
own souls.
Thank you
for making us
alive and growing too.
Thank you
for calling forth
new life
in us
as well.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Dear God,

When we focus on God's blessings, really focus giving thanks, our hearts fill with gratitude.  How can they not?

Today I knew I would face a challenge.  Although I had initially wanted to handle it one way, you came to me asking me to trust you.  You showed me a better way.  As the challenge presented itself I felt the gentle breeze of your spirit blow and I rose with you.

Why is it we want our way only to discover our way will not give us what we want?  It is only when we want what you want that we ultimately gain so much more.  Not only that, we gain the supreme joy of pleasing you.

Holy God,
thank you
for the breeze
of your spirit.
Thank you
for blowing
on me.
Thank you
for changing
my heart.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Dear God,

We waited and sang.  We waited on pilgrims in spiritual direction.  We waited for the light to shine.

In the meantime we sang and sang and sang.  A waiting crowd of believers, Christians to be exact, we sang songs of faith.  We lifted our voice in praise and thanksgiving.  Even though there were some who thought things should be happening more quickly, we all knew we were on your time.  Perhaps someone singing needed to find their own way.

When the seekers finally arrived a couple hours late, one simple light shined and then another and another until we who had been holding the light for their arrival shone like stars in the heavens.  In God's time.

Bless you,
O Lord,
for you
are God
of all.
You speak
and creation
comes into being.
You raise
your hand
and all
come to attention.
You say
let there
be light
and there is.
And so we sing.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, April 20, 2018

Dear God,

Memories, sweet memories.  We make them, we write them on our hearts, we carry them, we hold them tight and then one day we open them, one at a time.

We gathered together, shared our stories, drank from the cup of life, worshiped and praised and then scattered.  It's what we did year after year.  Each new year we wrote a new song, made another story, drank and ate from your table and then packed up, carrying our memories with us.

This week one woman opened her bag and pulled out a memory.  She took a picture of a sign, a simple sign...Sisters of St. Joseph.  With that she shared on line and across the many years we were together, several of us stepped back into the circle.  Remember when...? Several said.  Memories flooded in, refilling and refueling our love for you and one another.

Who can make this happen?  Sacred memories?  Only you, O God, only you.

Loving Father,
thank you
for binding us together
with cords
that cannot
be broken.
Thank you
for eternity
swept up
into our hearts,
minds and souls.
Thank you
for signs,
symbols and
sacred memories.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Dear God,

There is a well, a deep, deep well that lives inside us.  It is the space where joy dwells and spills over.  It is fed and nourished by you, Almighty God.  Although storms may rage and pain may threaten, still there is a well, a deep, deep well.

How many times have I drunk from that well when I was sad, lonely or hopeless?  So very many.  And every time there was enough to keep me, to hold me up and to help me keep on going.  At times I have bathed in that joy like a small child in an equally small plastic pool in the summer.  I have filled myself to capacity until I, like the well, spilled over allowing my joy to spread to others.

I have never taken credit for that joy, for it is your joy, O God.  You make it, you fill up our pools and you let joy do its work in our lives.  At any time, yes, at any time, we may drink, play, laugh, fill up or sit in joy.  Your abundant joy gives us opportunity to renew, remake and rejoice!  Hallelujah!

There is joy,
yes there is joy,
joy in
my heart,
so the
song goes.
It is
a wonderful reminder
that joy exists,
exists within us.
Thank you,
Compassionate God,
for joy,
divine joy.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Dear God,

There is something most beautiful when you bring to mind the truth of our self.  You desire to raise to the surface truths that have been hidden.  You want to bring us to fullness of life by your grace.

This morning I was gently corrected and challenged by my covenant group.  As I presented a dilemma of sorts, you spoke in our midst and showed me a picture of your blessed will.  You offered me change, transformation.  You asked me to see as you see, to do as you would have me do.  You shifted my thinking and changed my heart.  You rid me of despairing thoughts and replaced them with hope, determination and joy.

Only you,
O God,
can renew
the human heart.
Only you
can change
the human mind.
Only you
can remake us.
Only you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Dear God,

How can we ask for peace and joy for ourselves and our families without asking for all the world?  How can we live life just for ourselves isolating ourselves from the rest of the peoples?

So often our prayers are just for ourselves, for me and mine.  But don't we know every person is a brother, a sister?  We don't own a separate part of the world just for our own pleasure.  We are tied together because you have created us as family.

When I am tempted to focus on my own, you bring the rest of the world into my front room and I am compelled to pray for all your children.  Every child is yours and every child is mine just as you envisioned it.  Make we always remember.

Loving Father,
thank you
for every brother
and sister.
Forgive me
when I fail
to remember.
Remind me
to love others
just as
you love them,
to pray
and act accordingly.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 16, 2018

Dear God,

We gathered together.  We shared our stories.  We laughed.  We made ornaments and showed them to one another.  We prayed.

Whenever people gather to work together, to do their best for you and for your church, we have opportunity to live the good news of your hope and compassion.  Although we may not be best friends or even know one another that well, we draw close knowing we have the same father, breathe the same air and love the same church.  With such an attitude as this, we can indeed move mountains that keep us separate.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for making us one.
Thank you
for opening doors.
Thank you
for showing us
the way.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Dear God,

Just to be in your company is a gift from on high.  As we sense your living presence and live inside it, we find such beauty, hope and joy.

Each time I enter your house of worship, I sense that presence.  I know you are there.  I feel drawn.  I want to sing your praise.  I want to lift my prayers of thanksgiving.

This morning was like that.  As I led the hymn sing, my smile spread wider knowing your love was present.  I breathed it in again and again. 

Holy God,
thank you
for the breath
of your spirit.
Thank you
for inviting us
into your home.
Thank you
for your
loving mercy
that is
always present.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Dear God,

"Put away your weapons," you whispered to me, "Put away your weapons.  I knew exactly what you were talking about.  These were the weapons of judgement, ugliness, mean-spiritedness and so on. Instead you wanted me to pick up the tools of peace, hope, and compassion.

There is a person who has hurt others.  She has wounded our church.  She is no longer there but she continually weaves herself into places that keeps others raw and hurting.  I wanted to pull out my weapons to stop the hurting.  But no, you said, put them away.

You, O Lord,
are kind
and loving.
You teach us
about peace
and being ambassadors.
Forgive me.
Teach me
to trust
once again.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 13, 2018

Dear God,

One tiny leaf remains on the tree holding on for dear life.  All others let go a long time ago.  Why does it cling so tightly?

Such a sight challenges my own unwillingness to let go.  Some things I hold so close and so tight that I simply won’t surrender.  Yet, growth, peace and joy wait for my release. 

Holy God,

your call

is clear.

Surrender and trust.

So much

do you

want us

to hold loosely

to the things

of this world.

Instead help us

cling to you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Dear God,

When you brought Dietrich Bonhoeffer to our small circle of theologians, I did not know I would be so inspired.  This morning he spoke of the three essentials of Christian identity:  Joyfulness and rejoicing, prayer and gratitude.  All citizens of the world could benefit by these three principles for living. 

I am humbled by the words you send to us.  You intend for us to stretch and grow.  You want us to lean toward you, to trust in you and to follow the law of love.  You want us to be merciful and compassionate people.  You want to reshape and remold us when we need it.  Your hand is a gentle one.

Teach us
the way
of love,
O Lord.
Show us how
to be joyful.
Teach us
to pray
and pray well
with the heart.
Make us
grateful people,
all for
your glory,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Dearest God,

You took my 500 plus mile drive and invited me to look around me and find cause for which to give praise.  All day you pointed me in different directions so I could see your gifts along the way.  Sunrise.  Red barns with tin roofs.  Rolling meadows.  Fresh cut flowers in the restroom in the travel center.  Cars and trucks giving way to other drivers to move over on the road.  Leaves holding on tight to winter trees.  Sun shining like tiny diamonds on lakes and rivers.  Pine trees.  Horses grazing.  Azure blue skies.  Birds soaring.  I-84 Diner.  Women's restroom sign.  Children playing.  Warning signs.  Muscles relaxing after a long day.

You spoke and I listened all day long.  What could be better?

Bless you,
God, Creator of the Cosmos.
Thank you
for the
joyful ride
filled with
wonderful gifts.
Thank you
for directing me
to you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Dear God,

For weeks I have worked hard to get things done so I could leave for Maine.  I checked off the items on my list when I finished them.  I kept my focus.  But every so often you reminded me to sit with you, to make you and faith my central focus.  "Do not forget your first love."  I heard my own mouth say.

It is so easy to get busy and fail to spend contemplative time by your side.  At day's end we may feel good that we accomplished so much but if we failed to spend quality time with you, the value of our accomplishments fade as we realize we forgot the most important thing.

Show us
the way,
O Lord.
Forgive us
when we substitute
the little thing
for the
big thing.
Thank you
for gentle reminders.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, April 9, 2018

Dear God,

You make us like tiny bulbs planted in the ground.  All during winter you provide warmth, nourishment and protection.  Then at the right time you call it forth to rise up, to let go of its cozy shelter and to grow.  One day it breaks through the crusty winter soil and rises, up, up and up.  Then happens, it opens up and spreads itself in every direction providing beauty, hope and wonderment.  We marvel at the springtime creation and realize the human spiritual process is the same.

There are times, Wondrous Creator, when you shelter us from the storms of life.  You nurture us, providing us with tender, loving care.  But then you invite us to leave, to surrender, to let go because you have other plans for us.  You shine your light on us.  You breathe life into us.  You challenge us to rise up too, to let our beauty show.  When we follow the cues of faith, we are made new once again.

Gracious God,
we are blessed
to have you
as the center
of our life.
You are
our one
great source.
You have everything
we need
to grow
and flourish.
May we
praise you
all the days
of our lives!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Dear God,

There it was, the miracle and hope of the morning.  One teenage boy tossed out of his biological home because he did not fit the norms and a younger boy sitting together, smiling when their foster dad gave a testimony to the love of God in their family.  Two children unwanted, wanted and blessed by their foster family.

We have welcomed these boys and their fathers into our community of faith and they are soaring as they let you guide them.  Our church is a warm fellowship accepting and including all people with the love of Jesus.  When people know they are loved by you and they love you and each other back, they are singing the song of faith.  What a beautiful expression of grace!

Holy God,
thank you
for the beauty
of acceptance.
Thank you
for including all
of us
in your kingdom.
We bless you,
O God;
receive all glory,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Dear God,

The gentle breeze of your spirit blows when insights come, when people come together and when hearts are open to you.  The recognition of that spirit brings joy and grace.

As we sat in chairs talking, words came as my cousin shared her pain from the past.  The vision you gave me many years ago in the same room appeared once again and I shared it with her.  A little light began to shine and she took hold of it.  Peace crept in and hope emerged.

Blessed God,
thank you
for your
amazing spirit.
Thank you
for special graces.
Thank you
for wisdom
that comes
only from you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, April 6, 2018

Dear God,

You call to us to rise from our sleep.  When we get lazy in faith, when we want to "sleep in" rather than to be fully alive, you call us to wake up.  You shake us up a bit, calling to attention every fiber of our being.  You ask us to take a step into the new day not in the old way but in a fresh new way for a new day.

The possibilities for the new day are infinite.  So many adventures, directions to take and to go.  We have to be awake to the possibilities so we do not miss what you have for us in the unfolding new day.  You not only want to awaken us; you want to breathe into us the air of your spirit.  You want to excite us for what lies ahead.  You want us to walk with you, to take in the scenery before us and to sing together the song of faith.  You lead us to the fountain of living water where we drink to our heart's content.  You fill us with joy even on a dark day.  You lead us to hope and peace.  And there we sup together on the food of heaven.

Bless you,
O God,
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for your
kind compassion.
Thank you
for allowing us
to be
spiritual companions
with you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Dear God,

I love the dance of the light and the darkness.  The darkness lets go for the light to come and vice versa.  Each offers a unique experience, beauty and mystery unfolding.  Each has a powerful voice and something to say.  Both are held in your big hands.

In the darkness I find the light waiting.  It speaks of peace, comfort and hope.  When the light shines bright it reveals beauty and goodness all around but it also shows sin and evil.  When held in tension, this light and the darkness, you speak profound words of truth.

Each day as I watch the light and darkness give way to the other, I realize how you invite us to let go, to surrender to the next step of our lives.  You call to us in a gentle whisper, "Let go and reach out."  We always find your hand waiting in the next step.  Always.

Almighty God,
thank you
for daily lessons.
Thank you
for the darkness
and the light.
Thank you
for the dance,
sacred in
all dimensions.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Dear God,

Memory gives us the wondrous gift of reliving high, holy moments.  As we returned to the monastery for liturgy after having retreated together last week, you brought to mind the beauty of Holy Thursday with worship, the procession, the bells, candles and singing.  My soul was warmed to think we were given the privilege of being in your presence with the Benedictine sisters during Holy Week.

There have been so many sweet memories of faith these last seventy plus years.  Healings, insights, transformations, corrections, challenges, unexpected surprises, numerous moments of grace and mercy.  To soar with you in faith is the greatest joy in human living.  Yes, we can enjoy earthly experiences but none compares to faith and journeys with you into the depths.  Gratitude, that is all I can say, I feel such gratitude.

Holy God,
you bless us
with gifts
from on high.
You offer us
your love
but also
the challenge
of rising
in faith.
You show us
the ways
of the divine.
You take us
on spiritual adventures.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love Andrea

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Dear God,

Outside my window as the rain comes down watering the ground, flowers, trees and shrubs, so do I imagine your living water coming down upon us, raining on us life in your spirit.  Just as the earth needs water, so do we.

How beautiful it is when you awaken us to your truths in our midst.  A rainstorm can be a message of spiritual life-giving strength.  As we observe puddles forming, so do we see wells from which to drink. 

Simple things speak to us, O Lord, because you will it to be so.  Daily you reach out to us, speaking your word, singing your song, healing, helping and consoling.  Like fireworks in July gratitude explodes from us.  We are grateful, so very, very grateful.

All glory
to you,
God of All Creation.
We sing
your praise
and offer
our thanksgiving.
Thank you
for the rain
and yet
another wonderful message
of love.

Always, Andrea

Monday, April 2, 2018

Dear God,

Yesterday on Easter Sunday joy filled the air at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church.  As happy faces entered the building, there truly was the sense of your living presence.

Living the Lenten experience leading to Holy Week and Easter was most meaningful to me this year.  Retreating at the Benedictine Monastery on Holy Thursday particularly spoke to our covenant group and to me.  I felt as if I lived inside Lent instead of just reading devotional readings during the Lenten season.  What joy filled my soul as you invited me to walk with you during these last few weeks.

What would Easter be without Lent?  What would Easter be without Holy Week?  What would Easter be without faith?  What would Easter be without God?

Bless you,
Holy Father,
for the gifts
of Lent,
Holy Week
and Easter.
Thank you
for faith
that allowed
it all
to happen.
Thank you
for agape love
behind all
these wonderful happenings.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Dearest God,

I stepped outside like I always do early on Easter morning.  I wait and listen.   In the darkness, I wait for the light and the song.  Finally it came this morning.

Everything comes to pass with faith on Easter morning.  It's not just a day of bunnies, candy and family dinners.  It truly is a day to celebrate and give thanks.  It is also a day of challenge, to love and forgive and begin again.

I love this day.

I love you,
Lord.
I love you
for the gift
of salvation.
I love you
for faith
that enables us
to see
the truth
that sets people free.
I love you
for your
exceeding kindness.
I love you
because you love me.
I just love you.

Love always, Andy

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Dear God,

Saturday, Holy Saturday, the day between crucifixion and resurrection, perhaps the most important day of all.  A day of decision, a day of faith, a day of hope, a day of waiting, a day with you.

Years ago you whispered to me the importance of this day.  It's not just a day in between but a day to really think of where we stand in life, in faith and in hope.  Do we believe, really believe?  Do we really want to allow faith to inform all of who we are?  Do we really, really want to live and breathe Christ and his message of love, compassion and inclusion?  Do we really want to bear the cross of the one who came and walks among us?

After my retreat I had to put my faith into practice.  The insights that came to me urged me to consider what faith means in those trying moments.  Does faith work or not?  Will I give it a chance or not?  Will I rise up or sit down? 

As I allowed the whole of my inner self to be touched by your grace, I weathered the gray clouds knowing fully the joy of your living presence as one by one I overcame.

Blessed God,
you are
the God
of hope,
peace and joy.
Living in you,
with you
and walking
beside you
is the
greatest joy
of my life.
Nothing compares.
Thank you
for all
the Saturdays
of my life.

Love, Andrea