Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Dear God,

WE NEED YOU!  Our nation is in chaos.  Our country is divided.  Our president is like a little child who throws temper tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants.  He lies, exaggerates, infuriates, demeans and hurts.  I can't even say, "God bless America."  Why?  Isn't it time we turned the tables and began to behave as a community of people who wishes to bless you?

Help us,
O Lord.
We are
like sheep
without a shepherd.
We need you, Lord.
We need
a deep cleansing.
Help us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 27, 2018

Dear God,

Who can deny your existence when the sun rises in the morning only to be replaced by a magnificent moon at night?  When I hear the sound of a baby's first cry, a birdsong first thing in the morning and the tune of Amazing Grace, I can only well up with praise and thanksgiving.

All around us day in and day out there are signs and symbols of your holy presence.  Even when I draw in a fresh breath, I know who placed the oxygen in the air.  Although the growing season is coming close to an end, I am still in awe how tiny seeds in the springtime can germinate, grow and provide the most luscious of fruit and vegetables all summer and fall long.  I smile and breathe a prayer of gratitude when I bite into a newly-plucked yellow peach and the juice spills down my chin.  How blessed are we!

Holy and Eternal God,
blessed are you
for all
your gifts
but most
of all,
for your
loving, living presence.
If we
sang alleluias
from now
to the end
of time,
we could never
thank you enough.
Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Dear God,

In worship this morning the preacher talked about becoming part of God's story and what that meant.  Tears started welling up in my eyes.  I want to be part of your story, Lord, not just part of my own.  I whisperedWhat is my story if it had nothing to do with yours?

We can walk this life without any acknowledgement of you but why would we?  What makes the human story valuable is the way it relates to the divine story.  Not that I believe my story will be all that valuable but when it becomes more your story than mine, it can make a difference for others around me.  When I proclaim your glory for changing my life, it is more about you than me.  The focus is on you, not me.

Gracious and Loving God,
thank you
for including us
in your story.
Thank you
for being
the main character.
How I love
to tell
your story!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Dear God,

Why do we have such trouble with truth?  There is truth and sometimes the way I wish truth was.  However, nothing can change the truth but one who wants to massage it to become something else.  At day's end all I really want is the truth that comes from you.  Although it may hurt, challenge, convict, disappoint or reveal, your truth is all that really matters.

I am always drawn back to the truth Jesus spoke of, the kind of truth that sets people free.  Only the real truth can liberate people.  Anything else is just a substitute that has no real power.  The woman caught in adultery (where was the man?) was freed when each person who had the power to stone the woman had to drop their stone because they met their own truth, the truth of their own sin.

Only you offer authentic truth, the truth that sets people free.  May we want only that truth!

Blessed are you,
God most high.
Thank you
for truth
that transforms.
Thank you
for giving us
a moral center,
where you reside.
Teach us
the truth
no matter what,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 24, 2018

Dear God,

There is something so very beautiful and mystical about early mornings.  When I stepped out into the woods to work on the spiritual path, I watched the river water moving away from the ocean, the seagulls fly overhead and the leaves of the trees dance back and forth.  I felt your living presence and knew you were right there beside me.

I thought of all the daily gifts you give, all the blessings, the promises, the hopes and the dreams.  They come when we pause, listen and give thanks.  In the quiet I can hear you loud and clear.
I am blessed.

Holy God,
thank you
for the gift
of today.
Thank you
for nature
and all
your beautiful creatures.
Thank you
for helping me notice.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Dear God,

How can it be that good things can grow and stay alive when they are hidden by so much bad stuff?  As my friend and I cleared and cleaned the wooded area near the river, it was unbelievable to find so many beautiful ferns and sedium growing underneath.  While we rested I watched the ferns dance in the wind.  How beautiful, they must have thought, to have so much freedom to move about.

The spiritual life is like that too, isn't it, dearest God?  We all have so many good qualities, hopes, dreams, beliefs and promises hidden among our sins, mistakes and flaws.  Only when we work with you to clear and clean can we discover them.

Thank you
for today's
spiritual lesson
in the woods.
Thank you
for teaching us
through nature.
Thank you
for gifts
that comes
when we
least expect them.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Dear God,

Why is it we are so tantalized by all the world's goods?  Although we know all that glitters is not gold, still we turn our face to things, situations and people we want to have near us.  We want to possess, to hold and to control what is around us.  Even when we are lifted to the heights in faith and grace, we frequently reach for lesser things.

I was so blessed when you whispered the names of St. Theresa and St. John of the Cross.  You brought them into my daily life as I read their words and hear their voices speak of lofty things.  I hear their devotion and great love for you.  I hear their challenge and feel their conviction.  I listen and ponder and pray.  I need to refocus and to allow you to lay claim on me once again.

Thank you,
Blessed Lord,
for all
you daily give.
Thank you
for whispering
our name
and drawing us close.
Remind us constantly
of our need
more for you
and less
of everything else.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Dear God,

I felt the fine, sandy soil in my hands as I dug up carrots and plucked tomatoes from Spiller Farm.  Once again I was awed by the greatness of your creation.  Seeds, tiny seeds tossed into the ground and covered, trusting in your provision of sunshine, water and warm temperatures.  As I filled my brown grocery sacks, I breathed a prayer of thanks to you.

I have said it so many times and it is still true, you speak to us each day.  You whisper to us of faith, of creation, of trust and hope and grace.  Seeds in a field, warm sunshine on my back and blue skies looking down tell me of the Master Creator.  Three generations of families picking veggies together in the same fields reminds me of love, the very deep kind.

We do not have to go far off to find you or hear your voice.  You are where we are.  We have but to pause, look out and listen.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for blessed moments
in your presence.
Thank you
for the holy.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 20, 2018

Dear God,

You are the great potter, the master who massages the clay to make beautiful things.  You work the clay until it is ready to be shaped and formed.  You tend to thin places that become holes or cracks.  You warm the clay until it is ready.  You tend to each piece, making it beautiful in its own time and place.  Then you place it in the heat to dry, strengthen and harden.  When taken out, it becomes useful, functioning and a sight to appreciate and enjoy.  You put your thumbprint on each piece.

So do you work the flesh, bone and sinew of human creatures.  You lovingly care for each tiny part.  You bring all things together to make life.  Again you place your mark on each one.  You name each person and call them Child.

Thank you
for agape love
that forms
each one
of us.
Thank you
for the beauty
you put inside.
Thank you
for making
your mark
upon us.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Dear God,

I watch outside my porch window as squirrels wreak havoc in my shagbark hickory tree.  Hungry for luscious hickory nuts they knock down branches, leaves and nuts.  My patio is a wreck; yet, you are providing food for woodland animals.  I have to realize I am a partner in creation.

Every day you point to spiritual things.  You whisper spiritual truths.  You teach us the lessons of faith.  Today it is the squirrels who teach me about scarcity and abundance, provision and love as well as patience and understanding.

O God,
Teacher of All things,
thank you
for reminding me
of your goodness
and mercy.
Thank you
for your provision.
Thank you
for faith
that teaches.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Dear God,

What causes us to cross the line from doubt, conflict and fear to sin?  What motivates us to sell our soul to the devil?  Why do we turn away from faith for lesser gods?

While I am quick to judge our president, legislators and others who frequently live way across the line, I hear your still small voice calling to me, "What about you, Andrea, what about you?"  Then scenes of my own flaws, imperfections and failures haunt me.  I realize once again how close to the line we often live, how tempted we are to quickly shift our thinking and how easy it is to move the line from here to over there.  Before we can hardly draw that first breath, we are already way beyond where we need to be, hardly a peaceful dwelling place.

O Lord,
show us
the way
to truth.
Cleanse us
from within.
Lead us home
to you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 17, 2018

Dear God,

When I am sick and cannot write, I feel a void.  I feel a hole that deepens each day that slips by when I do not write with you.  I say "with you" and you know what I mean.  I miss you.

Several days have gone by.  Although I have prayed I have had a longing to be near.  Yet, in my heart I remember your promise to always be with us.  That promise buoys me up reminding me who holds each day.

Holy God,
you hold
the future
but you also
hold today.
Thank you.
Bless you
for your
daily living presence.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Dear God,

How deep can faith go?  How long before we reach full love?  How will we know when our connection to you is complete?

I listen to St. Theresa of Lisieux and St. John of the Cross, two saints from centuries ago.  Although they questioned their lack of full devotion, they still have so much to say.  Each morning I sit with them in my devotional time.  I listen to their desires, their knowledge and wisdom and their doubts.  I always find myself lacking.

Holy God,
I want
to deepen
my faith
in you.
I want
to reach
the point
of full love.
Yet, I fail.
Help me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Dear God,

We hear your word through the devotion read.  We listen in the silence.  We attend to the prayer offered.  Then we begin our spiritual direction.  We believe you will speak.

Every Wednesday we go through our usual routine, a covenant group meeting through a conference call, one sharing a devotion, leading us into silence, giving a prayer and then another sharing a part of his/her life.  Then we listen.  We close our eyes pushing out all distractions.  We wait, watch and listen as you make us aware of your presence in our group.  The wisdom comes, the words are spoken, questions asked.  You speak.

Heavenly Father,
thank you
for your
kind compassion.
Thank you
for mercy offered,
for challenges given
and for correction
that comes
to change
our course.
We are grateful.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 15, 2018

Dear God,

Seeking your will is not always easy.  We read the signs through our own mind and senses.  Yet, when we are open to all that is even beyond our usual way of thinking, you can speak to us anew.

Sometimes we have to hear things we don't want to hear.  We have to be silent and listen instead of speak.  We have to allow all our senses to attend to what comes our way.  We have to let faith open us to more of you and less of our self.  Only then can we be ready to affirm your will for us.

Although at times
it is difficult
to ask
for your will,
it is still
what I
long for.
What good
is a
carefree life
without a
deep center?
Speak, O lord,
and help me listen.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Dear God,

In times of unrest, you are our rest, our refuge.  Nearly every day I am ashamed, humiliated and angry over the behaviors of our president.  His lack of moral integrity, compassion and true leadership skills nauseates me.  I hate what he is doing to so many innocent people in our nation and world.  I despise the troubles, anxiety and fear he is causing so many.

What do I do, O God?  What do I do?  Yes, I vote for someone better who opposes him.  Yes, I reach out to those who are hurting.  Yes, I bless others.  But how do I keep my own spirit at rest in you?

Blessed Lord,
you are
our refuge
and strength,
a very
present help
in time
of trouble.
Help me
not forget.
Please bless all
who are hurting,
who are afraid
and distressed.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 13, 2018

Dear God,

Every day in ordinary ways you speak to us of heavenly things.  Today I picked up a novel of short historical stories set at lighthouse stations.  As I began to read your message came through loud and clear.  We too are to be lighthouses.

Lighthouses, light in the darkness, a saving grace for those in peril, hope in uncertainty, lighthouses on the sea, lighthouses in the world.  I had to ask the questions.  Am I light in anybody's darkness?  Do I offer grace to those in peril?  Am I a bearer of hope in uncertain times?

Although the novel I read is mostly romance stories of lighthouse keepers, yet still it is a reminder first to watch for the light around me and second to be the light for someone else.

Gracious God,
you called yourself
the light
of the world.
You told us
to be
a light,
to not
hide it.
Help me
be a light
for someone else,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Dear God,

How good it is to sit with people of faith, people who come to be fed the word of God, who desire the will of God and want to bless one another with faith.  We do not come to "feel good" but rather to be challenged, changed and transformed by your spirit.  We come together to worship you, not the idols of our folly but rather we gather to pray to you, to sing with you and to bless you, giving thanks and praise only to you.

As a church, sometimes we forget who we come to see, to hear and to love and serve.  We forget whose church it is.  We forget we are not gods and neither are those around us.  There is but one God worthy of our praise.  When we forget, we become sloppy in our faith, we rally around those we want to lift up and we talk about what we want forgetting to ask what you want for us.  We fail to be the church of Jesus.  We fail.

Redirect all
your churches,
O Lord.
Return us
to our
first love.
Forgive our
foolish ways.
Center us,
bring us
back home.
Make us yours
once again,
we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Dear God,

While reading the news of rallies by white supremacists, my insides feel anger and chaos.  My heart pumps hot blood through my veins as I consider those who want to be exclusive, priority number one without regard to anyone but themselves.  I want to scream; yet, there is One who hears my cry and invites me in for a quiet chat.

It is at such moments that I know you are God, the god of all people.  Your love extends to all peoples of the planet.  You are not exclusive.  You ask us to love all your children.  That is where it gets sticky for me.  How can I love haters?

While I ponder, reflect and pray, I sit at your feet in the quiet and feel the gentle love your offer.  I find my peace in you.

Loving God,
thank you
for your
quiet kindness.
Thank you
for compassion
that extends
to all.
Thank you
for your message
to love
one another.
Please turn us all
to the light
where the
message of love resides.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, August 10, 2018

Dear God,

When I begin my day with you, Holy God, my day unfolds in beautiful ways.  Even though troubles may arise, I am prepared.  My heart is quieted, my soul is calm and my mind is free to drink in the cup of living water.  I realize every morning how thirsty I am for you.  I want to drink in the cup of salvation.  It is early even when the darkness rests heavy upon the earth that I know your nearness.  You whisper to me.  You call my name and I answer back..."Holy God, holy god, holy god..."

Thank you,
Father,
for the gift
of each
new day.
Thank you
for revealing yourself
early in
the morning.
Thank you
for faith
that makes me aware.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Dear God,

Peace, the kind that calms the soul, decreases blood pressure and soothes the mind is the kind that only comes from you.  When we breathe in your spirit, tranquility is possible, fear dissipates and anxiety drops.  It creates the possibility of hope and opens the door to love, joy and contentment.

How many times have I fallen prey to racing thoughts, worries and doubts?  So many, too numerous to count.  Yet, when your name comes to me, when faith rises up out of my middle and I begin to hear your song, only then do I know peace is possible.  I breathe in the air of peace and I frequently weep releasing all that served as obstacles in my life of faith.  Then and only then do I know the prince of peace is with me.

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for the gift
of your spirit.
Thank you
for peace
that comes
when we
open the door
to you.
You are God;
there is
no other.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Dear God,

It is my circle of friends who enable me to do more than I think I can do.  Each morning I sit with people of faith, gospel writers, music composers, pilgrims from different time periods, martyrs and ordinary faithful.  As I listen to them through their writings, I hear your voice.  Sometimes it is a word of hope or peace.  At other times it is a word of challenge or conviction.  But always it is a word of faith.

For months I have dwelt with these special people.  They have guided, helped and blessed me.  Although I may not particularly care for a word of challenge, yet, I am glad because I want what they have to offer, what you have to offer.  As I listen, pray and meditate upon their words, I know I am dwelling with you.

High and Lifted Up God,
thank you
for holy, sacred moments
with you.
Thank you
for the circle
of friends
you have provided.
Open my mind,
soul, eyes,
ears and spirit
to your word,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Dear God,

I realize how important it is to do what we do for others in your name.  Although my husband may question why I am helping someone who is usually not nice, irritable and sometimes mean, I can honestly say I am doing it for you.  Doing something for you makes the task feel right and good.  It means no expectation gets attached to it.  Nothing may come from my good deed next door.  Yet, everything positive comes from doing something good for you.

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for bringing
to mind
what it means
to do something
for you.
Thank you
for softening
my heart
toward my neighbor.
Thank you
for using
my hands
for good.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, August 6, 2018

Dear God,

Negative thoughts were running through my mind as I replayed an earlier happening.  Suddenly you stopped me and I heard myself say, "Why do I allow these kinds of thoughts to fill my mind?  Why do I not make space, clean house and prepare for you to enter and dwell?"

Holy Father,
I want
only you
to fill
my mind.
I want
to dwell
on you.
Help me release
all thoughts
that keep me distant
from you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Dear God,

Yesterday I watched two Monarch butterflies dance in midair.  Undoubtedly they danced to the tune of your spirit.  For a long time my neighbor and I have talked about Monarchs and their possibility of extinction so what a delight to have two choose to be with us this summer.

You make us aware of your spirit all around us.  You point to your beauty in nature.  You speak through the birdsong, a child's babble and a church chime playing a cherished hymn.  You want to communicate with your children.  You want us to know you are present.  Every day in some way, sometimes many ways you speak to us.  Help us be aware so we do not miss you.

Thank you
for the Monarchs,
for faith
and for beauty.
Thank you
for touching
our lives,
for speaking
and inspiring.
We are blessed.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Dear God,

The path to faith takes us down strange paths of learning.  So often the path is winding and twisting.  Sometimes it is straight (not mine).  At other times it takes us to dead ends.  I must confess I hate dead ends; yet, there is much learning to be done on dead end streets.

There have been moments I have waited on the side of dead end roads.  There I was angry or sad but always bewildered and troubled.  "Why am I here?" I asked.  You have answered.  "Because you didn't listen." Or, "I gave you exactly what you asked for."  I really hate that answer.

There are times when you want to just sit with us in our muddled messes, in the dead-end situations in life.  You want to give us time to calm, to surrender and to breathe in the fresh air of your spirit.  You want to cleanse us inside out.  You want to stretch our minds allowing us space to release negative thoughts.  You want to help us release our tears so we can make more room for you.

Bless you,
Holy God,
for the blessing
of faith.
Thank you
for the paths
where we go.
Thank you
even for
dead ends
that always
lead somewhere new.

Love, Andrea

Friday, August 3, 2018

Dear God,

Your word...your word speaks, not just the words on the page, but the word of faith.  Your word flies off the page, circles round and falls where it may.  It can be upon the mind, stirring new thoughts or reordering old ones.  Or maybe the heart, shifting emotions, lifting up or releasing pent-up feelings that need surrendering.  Sometimes it engages the body softening the muscles, releasing tension or allowing lungs to fill up with fresh air.  Your word, O Lord, your word.

Thank you,
Great and Wondrous God,
for your word.
What it does
for us
boggles the mind.
Thank you
for the power
of the word.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Dear God,

Music...the sublime sounds of heaven.  Music has always touched my soul.  It digs deep and causes me to think, to reflect, to listen, to be quiet and to wait for a word, an insight, a hope or more.  It stirs up what is in my soul.  It cleanses, opens windows and doors and comes seeking my mind, heart and spirit.  It calls to me, quiets and refreshes.  I breathe in and find the air filled with you.

As I read my devotions this morning, one of my "circle of friends" talked about music.  While I read, I remembered supreme moments of faith, spirit and devotion.  I recalled the many times I danced at the ocean, the music moving me to praise and give thanks.  I remembered with sweet memory my granddaughter Stella, now calling herself Charlie, drawing with her feet and toes, making beautiful images in the sand.  Inspired by your spirit we did what came natural to us by faith.  Drawing and dancing...with the creator of the cosmos, aahh!

Bless you, Father,
for the gift
of music.
Thank you
for your
kind compassion.
Thank you
for inspiration
that comes
at the sound
of the
first note.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Dear God,

Today I thought of those beloved women in my family who blessed my life so much.  My grandmother, aunts, and a couple of my mother's friends reached out, touched and inspired me.  They cared for me, consistently showing me love and grace and kindness.  They were as much a part of my life as the air I breathed.

I have come to the conclusion it is important to regularly count our blessings.  The women who tended to me from the moment I was born and now many who live in my memory but still continue to bless me were and are always present in my life.  It wasn't that they did anything spectacular but that their love was spectacular in the way they included me, helped me, accepted me, forgave me, taught me and so very much, much more.  Their unconditional love showed me the way to you.

Generous God,
thank you
for the
many blessings
of life.
Thank you
for bringing people
into my life.
Thank you
for Grandma Hughes,
Aunt Caroline, Aunt Jodie,
Aunt Jeanne, Nonie,
Eleanor and Frieda.
Bless these women
here on earth
and those
in heaven.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Dear God,

Rest...blessed rest, the time of refreshment, restoration and renewal.  After weeks of hard work trying to get my home back in order after a chipmunk invaded my home and time with family, this morning I was so exhausted, I simply could not go any further.  All I wanted to do was cry and release all the pent-up feelings from my trip home that went awry, all the painful behaviors at church and the countless ways our national leaders are failing our country and world.

I decided to spend most of the day in bed, resting, allowing each muscle, bone and sinew time to recuperate.  I let my mind quiet itself.  I drank from your hand.  The taste of living water was like no other.  I ate the food of faith and dwelt in your presence. 

You know
what we need
when we
need it,
Holy Father.
You care
for us
in wondrous ways.
Thank you,
Beloved God,
thank you.

Always, Andrea

Monday, July 30, 2018

Dearest God,

There is nothing more beautiful than a deep dark night with a million stars twinkling in the sky.  Such moments give us cause to pause and dwell in the loveliness that is you.

Nature offers so many gifts and who is nature but you, Great Creator God.  This morning at 4:00 a.m. when I drove my granddaughter to the airport, I breathed prayers of thanksgiving, not only for the magnificent view above me but also beside me.  The fact that an 18-year-old grandchild wants to spend a few days vacationing with us is a gift in itself.

Daily you offer spectacular gifts.  Thank you for faith to see it!

Blessed Lord,
each place
on earth
can be
a dwelling place
of the divine.
How grateful
I am
to be
aware today.
Thank you
for this morning's blessing.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Dear God,

"All things broken," you whispered to me, "all things broken."  I knew what you meant when the music began.  Pray for all things broken, you urged me.

As I sat in the front row at the seaside chapel of St. Ann's Episcopal Church, feeling the gentle breeze blow, watching the boats sail by and listening to the wondrous music of Tim Janis, I prayed for all things broken.  I prayed for our broken nation, our broken government and legislators.  I prayed for our broken world where millions are homeless, desperate and wanting.  I prayed for your broken church where some are welcomed and others are not.  I prayed for broken families, my own included.  I prayed for the broken places in my granddaughter's life who sat right next to me.  I prayed for my own brokenness.  I prayed during the whole concert for everything broken.  And while I prayed I let the tears slip from my eyes and slide down my face. 

Holy God,
there are
so many
broken things.
So much hurt,
so much suffering,
so much anxiety,
so much fear,
so much sorrow.
But then
there is
so much you.
Thank you,
Blessed God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Dear God,

What is faith but a deep abiding in trust in you, your word and your living presence.  As we awaken to each new day and draw our first conscious breath, we know it is your breath, your air, O Lord.  You have created it for us.  You fill our lungs with the breath of life.  It is the first gift of every new day.

Today I reminded my downcast husband, "Faith works or it does not."  It does not mean all is perfect; we get everything we desire or life is completely transformed.  It simply means we trust in God to help us.  When we know God is with us, we can find hope and comfort, peace and even joy. 

Holy God,
thank you
for the gift
of this
new day.
Thank you
for the air
we breathe.
Thank you
for faith
that makes
each day holy.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 27, 2018

Dear God,

No one comforts us like you.  In our distress you whisper our name, invite us into your arms and there you rock us back and forth, back and forth.  There you sing your song, the song of faith.

There are no arms to crawl up and into like yours.  There are no waiting arms like yours.  As we fall and hurt, you are first on the scene to tend to our wounds.  Your love reaches from heaven to earth where we are.  Comfort oozes from your mercy seat.

Thank you,
Blessed One,
for the gift
of your comfort.
Thank you
for blessing
like no one else.
Thank you
for faith
that reveals
your love.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Dear God,

It has been four years since Gabrielle has been here to visit us.  Every year she begged her parents to let her come but the answer was no for many reasons.  So what joy filled our hearts as we returned to our Maine home weary after just a few hours of sleep.  After a plane ride, a shuttle ride and a car ride, we entered our home, ate lunch and then slept for five hours.  We rose up, talked for a short time, ate dinner and went back to bed, she in the rose room and me in the master bedroom.  We slept all night long.

This morning as I crawled out of bed to sit with my circle of friends in my devotional reading, I reveled in your goodness, giving thanks for the company of my 18-year-old granddaughter.  I thought of the first time I saw her wailing in her bassinet following her birth.  My daughter, her mother, was bleeding badly and the doctor asked us to move away so they could take care of her.  So I moved to my new granddaughter to soothe her.  I stood by Gabrielle in her first bed and sang over and over again, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.  You make me happy when skies are gray.  You'll never know dear how much I love you.  Please don't take my sunshine away."  I offered her my pinkie and she sucked away on her very first pacifier.  When they were able to get Jill stabilized, Gabrielle quieted down, the mother-daughter connection deeply felt from the beginning.  This morning I gave thanks.

Bless you,
O God,
for all
your gifts.
Thank you
for Jill
and Gabrielle
and for
all the connections
that sustain
and delight us.
All praise
to you,
Loving Father.

Always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Dear God,

This morning I heard the alarm go off at 3:30 a.m. I rose from my sleeping bag on the floor and went around my home one last time before leaving for Maine.  Tears welled in my eyes as I remembered your living presence with me these last 14 days.  Although I did not get everything done, I had accomplished what needed doing before leaving.  I breathed a prayer, many prayers of thanksgiving.

When my granddaughter Gabrielle and I lifted off and climbed upward in the sky to 30,000 feet, I leaned over to watch outside the tiny plane window.  I saw us pass through dark clouds to an amazing sun rising, its rays reaching down to earth and outward to what seemed forever. I breathed in the joy of my faith and closed my eyes.

You are God
from everlasting
to everlasting.
No one
can compare
to you.
You are
the morning sun,
the first
radiant star
at night.
You are God
worthy of praise
and glory.
Alleluia!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Dear God,

These last two weeks have been a nightmare!  Although I came home for two weeks to spend a fun, meaningful time with my family, especially my grandchildren, I was waylaid by a chipmunk that got into my house.  I have cleaned and cried, discarded things and cried, swept and cried, took every item to the laundromat and dry cleaners and cried, and worked with a friend and professionals to seal the residence, fix holes and clean everything from top to bottom.  Day after day I started early and worked until late. Then I fell to sleep at one of my daughter's homes overnight. Ten professional cleaners were here at one time doing a wonderful job.  But oh, how I missed our special time together.  That was one of the reasons for the tears.

At the same time no one was closer to me than you.  I felt your presence in the midst of the literal crap.  You kept me charged to keep the work going even when I was thoroughly exhausted.  You whispered my name when I felt so discouraged.  You held me up when I just wanted to collapse.  You were the one constant.  How I praise you, Holy Father!

You are God;
there is
no one
like you.
Your living presence
is like
living water
in a
dry, hot desert.
You offer
spiritual food
and drink.
You lift us up
out of the mire
until we
have to return.
You are
surely God;
I love you.

Always yours, Andrea

Monday, July 23, 2018

Dear God,

I feel like a fish without water.  So much has happened requiring my attention and I have not been able to sit with you, listen, allow my thoughts to circle round, to wait and finally to write your word that comes to me.  Every day I do so, I see the light.   I feel a sense of peace.  I know I am in your presence.  Without you, I am the proverbial fish.

It was July, 2005 when I prayed asking you to lead and guide me on a Lilly clergy renewal leave.  Planned travels that would take me from Indiana to New Mexico and back, then to France, Italy, Ghana and England, back to the US to Maine and finally back to Indiana sounded wonderful but the whole journey was intended to be a journey with you.  A gentleman in my congregation suggested I write a blog.  I didn't even know what a blog was so he set me up and each day on my journey I wrote you a letter.  I have been writing ever since except several days now have passed with me distracted, frustrated and anxious.  I couldn't wait to sit down this morning.

O Lord, you are ever present in our lives.  While we go round and round pushed by work schedules, family needs, personal expectations, and everything under the sun, you wait patiently like a loving parent waits for their child to return from a first date.  You know our every distraction, our every longing, and our every frustration and worry.  Yet, you wait and gently whisper our name.

Eternal God,
Loving Parent,
Patient Spirit,
thank you
for the constancy
of your love
for your children.
So often
we fail
in our
spiritual endeavors.
Although you
offer many
stopping-off exits
from our
crazy circles,
we keep on.
Thank you
that I
heard you
loud and clear.

Love, Andrea