Monday, October 29, 2018

Dear God,

How can we dispel hatred?  How can we destroy what seeks to destroy us?  How can we rise from death to new life?

Of course, I know the answer is love but how can we go from hatred to love in one huge leap? 

Teach us
once again
of love,
Great Lover of the Soul.
Show us
the way
to love.
Rid us
of every evil,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Dear God,

In times of celebration we turn to you to share our joy.  In times of sorrow we turn to you to share our pain and grief.  In times of illness we turn to you to ask for help.

Today I had so much pain with my arthritis I could not gather with the community of faith.  My shoulder, hip, wrist, fingers, foot and toe all ached so badly.  At one point I felt like crying; yet, I knew there was one who knew pain greater than my own. 

Even pain can direct us to you, Merciful God, even pain.

Holy God,
Healer of body,
mind and soul,
thank you
for whispering
our name,
for caring
for our needs.
Thank you
for all things
that point us
to you.
Bless you always,
Heavenly Father,
bless you always.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Dear God,

I write to you not to talk about me but to lift you up, to share the ways in which I find you in every day life and to celebrate faith.  Who is holy but you, O Lord, who?

You give us the ability to create. You make us partners in creation.  You make the seed, the rain, the soil, the sunshine and the oxygen.  We simply dig holes, place the seed in the earth, push the soil over the seed, water and then let it go.  We aren't partners in the same sense.  You entrust us to do the work of creation.

As things grow, rise up from the dark womb and break through the crusty soil, faith has a chance to grow too.  When we see those first signs of new life, we know whose face we see.  We smile and give thanks.

So too a simple piece of colorful fabric can become a bib for an elderly aunt, a quilt for a sad child or a Christmas stocking for a needy family.  All this is possible because of you, Gracious God, you.

Thank you
for the gift
of creativity.
Thank you
for your trust
in us.
Thank you
for blessings
that grow
our faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 26, 2018

Dear God,

When we forget to count our blessings, our attitudes can turn sour, our perception of life can make negative shifts and our behaviors can become offensive, disappointing and annoying.  We can become someone we are not intended to be, someone less than who you created us to be.

Sometimes we fail, Heavenly Father; we fail to look up to see our Creator, to listen for your voice and to follow your spiritual leading.  We change, leaving behind our holy clothes for a heap of dirty rags.  Why do we do that, Lord?  Why do we take hold of the cheap substitute rather than the real thing?  Why do we forget your provision?

Recreate us,
Father;
by your
outstretched hand,\
remake us.
Remove all smudges
and stains
in our souls.
Make us new
with grateful hearts,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Dear God,

What is the root of bitterness and hatred, O Lord?  What is it about this darkness that erupts in cruel and evil ways?  Why is there so much in our world today, particularly in America?

I find myself angry, resentful and bitter about our president who stirs up chaos and conflict.  He seems to enjoy creating a nation of divided people.  And we fall in line.  I confess I despise the man.  I hate his ways of hurting, threatening and abusing people at every level of society.  I thought presidents were to aid a country in healing, helping and understanding and yet, this president does just the opposite.  What are we to think, Almighty God?  How are we to behave? 

We need your help, Gracious Redeemer.  I need your help.

Blessed are you,
God Almighty.
You are God
of compassion,
mercy and kindness.
Break our hearts
of stone.
Lead us
to the light
of faith,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Dear God.

He was sick when he came into the pharmacy.  I was waiting for a flu shot but I could tell he was very unwell.  He handed over his prescriptions and asked for the cost.  He had just come home from the hospital and needed all three prescriptions.  He was in pain, I could see it.  I tried not to listen but it was 6:45 a.m. and the pharmacist, the gentleman and I were the only ones at the pharmacy.  When the pharmacist told him the cost, he couldn't believe it.  "Just give me the pain meds!" He practically shouted.  "If you don't get all of them you will probably have to go back to the hospital."  The pharmacist replied. 

It was at that moment grace entered.  I remembered praying for ways to help and serve others.  I heard your voice.  I called the pharmacist over and whispered to her I would pay for the medications. 

Sometimes we think we don't know what to do to help our neighbor in need and so we don't do anything.  Yet twice in the last few days people in need were standing right beside me.  You pointed them out to me.  Blessed, I felt so blessed today; you cared both for the man and for me.

Thank you
for faith
that makes
a way.
Thank you
for spiritual nudges.
Thank you
most of all
for grace.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Dear God,

The leaves are changing, their leaves displaying their hidden color.  The birds are flocking to the berry tree, filling up on food before winter.  And I am sensing a need to change in myself.

All around us are signs, invitations to transformation.  You never made us to be sedentary creatures.  You made us pliable, flexible where we can shift and alter ourselves.  Yesterday's worries do not have to burden our today or tomorrow.  You give us ample resources like faith, trust, and hope to make the necessary changes.  My irritation over political matters need to be one more thing I surrender to you making space for the good things of faith.  Am I willing to be transformed?

Holy Father,
only you
can change
an unwilling heart.
The trees,
the birds
and all
of nature
lead the way
to change.
They show us
just how much beauty
can be had
when we
trust ourselves
into your hands.
Help me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 22, 2018

Dear God,

Silence...that quiet place that opens wide to a world only you can create.  It is so much more than the absence of sound.  It is an expanse where the impossible becomes possible, where fear becomes peace and where we can meet you.

For decades I did not know this kind of silence existed until I had breast cancer.  With my diagnosis I entered a world I never knew and my hopelessness, anxiety and fear of death led me to a wondrous place filled with possibility.

As I remember back to those difficult days, I recall your living presence urging me forward to this new place where we could talk and I could listen.  My life started anew.

Holy Father,
thank you
for the blessing
of silence.
Thank you
for quiet spaces
where we
can walk
and talk together.
Thank you
for loving mercy
that invites us in.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Dear God,

Only you can heal, truly heal.  Your power is like no other.  As I sat at Heidi's house, I looked around the room and found so many examples of your healing power.  There was Sophie who fought an eating disorder but was sitting in the chair eating cheesy macaroni and cheese.  There was Charlie who lost her way and engaged in self harm by cutting.  I realized her arms were smooth, no signs of recent cuts or scabs.  There was Jenni who 13 years ago was diagnosed with ovarian cancer but today is "healthy as a horse," as the saying goes.  There was Yvonne whose son became addicted to drugs as a teenager and later died of an overdose.  She was helping others consider the ways we can help LGTBQ teens by voting for school board members who care.  Around and around the room I realized how you had touched each person.

We never have to look far to find you, dear God, not far at all.

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for the gifts
around the room.
Thank you
for your love
and your
healing power.
Praise and glory
to you,
Heavenly Father.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Dear God,

A possible gift became apparent when the elderly lady in front of me tried to pay her bill at the restaurant and realized she had forgotten her credit card and only had $15 in her purse.  She was embarrassed especially since there was a long line of people waiting to get a table and another line waiting to pay.  I simply touched the hostess on the arm and told her I would pay for the meal.  The lady wanted my address so she could send me a check.  "You don't even know how much the bill is."  She said.  "Doesn't matter," I replied, "you are blessing me today." 

This afternoon I recognized the chance of a blessing, one that blessed the lady, the hostess and me.  I don't always catch an occasion for blessing.  I am distracted, stingy or disinterested and I miss your call for service.  But today I heard your sweet voice and I was so happy, so very happy.

Thank you
for your blessing,
O God.
Thank you
for the
elderly lady
who so much
reminded me
of my grandmother
who taught me
lessons of faith.
Thank you
for the opportunity
to bless
and be blessed.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 19, 2018

Dear God,

How sweet it is to get back home, take a hot shower and crawl into my bed for a long, long nap!  After three days sleeping outdoors in 30 degree temperatures, it was a welcome joy to return home to my own bed. 

The longer I live, the more I find to give thanks.  So often we take things for granted.  We forget everything we have is provided by you.  Without air, sunshine and water there are no trees, no flowers and beautiful landscapes.  Without love there is no one who cares.  Without grace there is no second chance.  You offer all these.

Blessed God,
you bless
and then
bless again.
How can
we ever
thank you enough?
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Dear God,

There are so many things for which to be thankful.  In the cold campground where we tent camped, I counted my blessings:  beautiful blue sky, a blue-winged bird, a hot campfire, great cup of hot cocoa, a friend who likes to camp, indoor restrooms, acres of rolling hills, layers of clothing, s'mores, memories, laughter, children playing, a red tulip leaf, warm sleeping bags and prayer.  The more I hang with you, O Lord, the more I see, hear, touch, taste and smell.  So much thanksgiving!

Thank you,
Loving God,
for oh
so many gifts.
Thank you
for each
and all.
Thank you
for faith
that opens doors
to gratitude.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Dear God,

I can't help it!  Yesterday I told you about the beautiful night skies.  I just want to say once again how marvelous "up" is.  This morning I crawled out of my sleeping bag while all was still dark.  I went to the bathroom and then walked back to our camp and started a rip-roaring fire.  As I sat there quiet in the still campground, I watched the flames dance in the dark and then I looked up and gazed at the white sparkling stars against the pitch-black night skies.  Over and over I whispered to you my prayers of gratitude.  As the night slowly gave way to the day I felt caught in the middle of wonderment.  How can I be so blessed?  I asked.  How can I be so blessed?

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for eyes
to see,
ears to hear,
nose to smell,
mouth to taste
and fingers,
hands and arms
to touch.
Thank you
for every sense
with which
to praise you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Dear God,

Preparing to be in the outdoors in freezing temperatures doesn't excite many people; however, for my friend Cindy and me, it is a call to nature.  For me it is an opportunity for a widening appreciation for your wondrous creation.  Aaahhh!

So we arrived at the campground about 4:00 p.m. and set up camp.  Putting up the tents, rolling out sleeping bags (plenty of them for each of us to keep warm) and making a fire, a warm, toasty fire under the clear night skies was a little bit of paradise.  As we sat and talked, I counted my blessings.

After we left our hot fire for cold sleeping bags, we snuggled down and said good night.  Before long I had to crawl back out, unzip the tent and make my way to the bathroom, a little ways off.  It was on the way that I looked up, stopped in my tracks and whispered soft prayers of thanksgiving.  The sky was black and the stars, oh so many of them, twinkled and sparkled like diamonds.  Tears came to my eyes as I realized the magnificent beauty of the cosmos, all created by you.  "O Lord, how great you are," I whispered, "thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Holy God,
only you
provide such
wonderful gifts.
Thank you
for nature,
for each season,
for turning leaves,
for black night skies
and bright white
twinkling stars!
All praise
to you,
Almighty and Everlasting God!

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 15, 2018

Dear God,

How can we dispel deep grief and despair in those we love?  How can we dig deeper into their souls to touch light and life.  How can we bring joy back to them?

Debi weeps daily for her murdered son who used to call daily just to say hi.  Tears live right at the edge of her eyelid and her soul.  They spill over several times every day.  What brings them?  Anything...a memory, a scent in the air, a lost opportunity, a song, his children, her grandsons.  How do I soften the blows?

You are
our strength,
a refuge
in the midst
of loss
and sorrow.
Open up
my sister's soul,
I pray,
and heal her
from the inside out.
Please!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Dear God,

We need to make a count every day!  We need to examine, assess and evaluate our blessings daily!  Why?  Because each blessing takes us right back to you!

Blessings are a wondrous extension of you, O God.  When we seriously look into each blessing, we quickly come to realize there is no blessing without you.  Not one.  We can't even breathe on our own. 

Blessings lead us to gratitude, to grateful hearts.  When joy and thanksgiving rise up within us, it is then we most fully greet you with praise.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You reach out
to us
like little children.
You bless us.
Thank you!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Dear God,

The laughter of grandchildren holed up for a whole weekend in my home brings such delight to my soul.  I watch them as they talk and share even with those silly phones in their hands.  My joy overflows.

I am certain joy is a divine gift.  Joy that comes from the depths is a gift from heaven that warms the heart, clears the mind and blesses the whole person.

I remember the picture of Jesus laughing.  I resonated with that picture because I am positive you smiled, laughed and played often.  You put smiles on the faces of little children and that brought joy to many mother's hearts.

As I sit and just watch, I breathe prayers of thanksgiving, praise and gratitude.  You are the giver of all good gifts, O Lord, and I thank you for breathing joy in my house this weekend.

Loving God,
thank you
for joy
that bubbles over.
Thank you
for the
healing gift
of joy.
Thank you
for the blessing
of joy
in my
beloved grandchildren.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 12, 2018

Dear God,

What can be better than grandchildren who want to spend time with us?    At 72 I love having them come.  Tonight we started our weekend camp out by playing card and board games.  We were loud, funny and silly.  We breathed love in together.

I know them each so well.  I was hanging by the hospital door when Gabrielle was born.  As soon as the door opened, I burst in.  My right pinky was her first pacifier.  I sang, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.  You make me happy..."  Just minutes before Sophie was born her mom and dad invited me to stay in the labor and delivery room.  I was supposed to record the birthing and I did but tears kept slipping down my face as I watched her little body emerge.  I was in New Mexico when little Lucy was born but I rushed to her home as quick as my plane opened its door.  I remember holding her and whispering a prayer just for her.  Then there was Stella who now goes by Charlie.  Her mom went through ovarian cancer surgery when she was just 10 weeks in the womb.  We weren't sure she would live or be healthy when she was born but I was in that delivery room too, the same tears pouring down when they declared her healthy as could be.  And Rylan, I remember hearing his cry after he was born but he had problems and had to be transported to a bigger hospital.  We spent days beside his little bed in the NICU wondering and praying for his well being.  Oh how we celebrated when he was released from the hospital.  With the oldest at 18 and the youngest 11 I looked at their sweet faces tonight and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving to you, Wondrous God, who made it all possible.

I shall always love you and cherish the memories!

All praise
to you,
my Lord.
Thank you
for the gift
of today,
for joy overflowing,
for laughter
spilling over
and binding cords
that cannot
be broken.

Love always and always, Andrea

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Dear God,

This week you blessed me so very well that my blessings are spilling over.  On Sunday and Monday you gave me opportunity to be with my 94-year-old aunt.  On Tuesday you provided me time with my grieving sister.  Today my sister, my favorite cousin who has a very serious heart condition and my 90-year-old aunt and I sat in my aunt's little apartment telling funny stories from the past.  To see Aunt Jodie awash with laughter was so wonderful.

I have longed for time with my beloved relatives!  I can remember so many beautiful stories about times with each of these loved ones.  Even though my aunts are bent over and can hardly walk, they are still beautiful to me.  They always included me in their lives and I always felt special. 

More than anything you helped my faith grow through these women.  I know their stories because they let me live inside some of their stories.  As I write this, I realize how you weave people into our lives binding us together.  You open us to growth, wisdom and love as you weave us together.  You make us one together and one with you.

Bless you,
Heavenly Father,
for the gift
of your love,
Thank you
for thinking
of us.
Thank you
for blessings
that overflow
from heaven
and back.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Dear God,

Oh, to hear the bells toll once again!  Oh, to sing the Psalms and enter into silence waiting for you to speak!  Oh, to dwell with you and the Benedictine sisters for a time worshiping, praying, singing, hoping and loving you!  What joy is mine!

How and why did you ever call a little Methodist girl into ministry and then into a covenantal relational group and then to the monastery for worship, learning and great joy?  I don't really know how or why but I thank you for it all.  To recall my blessings is to fill the earth with praise.

You bless me
so greatly,
Loving God.
I can hardly
take it all in.
On those days
I feel
so blessed,
I am humbled
to think
you would even
think of me.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Dear God,

Today was my dear sister's birthday.  I call her Pal.  We have been each other's pal for several decades.  I took her to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. 

Several times as we talked tears spilled from my pal's eyes.  Still reeling from the murder of her son by his psychologically wounded adopted son nearly one year ago, I breathed quiet prayers that you would sustain my sister in her deep, deep loss. 

Some wounds are so deep, O Lord, we can't imagine ever being able to crawl out of the even deeper black hole.  We can't imagine ever being whole again.  We can't imagine smiling, laughing or living normally ever again.  But the truth is you are deeper still.

Holy God,
merciful and all-loving,
be with
my pal.
Hold her
like your mother Mary
held you.
Mend her
broken heart,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 8, 2018

Dearest God,

How sweet is faith that binds us together!  Yesterday I arrived at Aunt Jeanne's, my 94-year-old aunt.  Bent far over from osteoporosis, I bent down to give her a kiss and hug.  I carried in my luggage, a hymnal and a box of home-canned vegetables, fruits and jams.  I couldn't wait to spend time with this spiritual mentor.

In minutes we were talking about you, about faith and the great joy of all you give.  At lunch I prayed holding hands.  At dinner I told her it was her turn.  I listened as she offered a heavenly sigh and then gave thanks.  We reminisced about the past, nearly 50 years ago when her daughter and my favorite cousin Donna, she and I got together to sing songs you had given to us.  We learned each other's songs, prayed. laughed in the spirit, worshiped and shared great fun together.  As we contemplated your goodness tears welled and we praised once again.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Joy is ours
when you
bless us
with spiritual friends.
Thank you
for today's
mighty blessing.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Dear God,

I was struck by their little eyes looking up at me.  Standing by the altar preparing to serve Holy Communion I noticed all the little children sitting on the floor in front of me.   What wondrous little people they were.  But more notably they were sitting waiting expectantly to receive the Eucharist, the holy bread and wine of heaven.

I wondered.  Are we that thirsty and hungry?  Are we adults as expectant as the children?  I'm still not sure.

Holy God,
give us
the same
hunger and thirst
as children.
Make our hearts
and minds
ready for you.
Make us
passionate people,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Dear God,

Today I thought of women who have been great blessings in my life.  I thought of my dear grandmother Lois who was the epitome of love and grace.  From my earliest remembrances she spilled her love out onto me.  When I was little I used to look up to see her smiling face.  When I grew up I still had to look up because she was the full stature of kindness.  Her faith made me want what she had.  She always took me a little closer to Jesus.  I loved her for that.

I thought of my aunts, special ladies who were mothers and homemakers.  As cooks they were the best.  But more than that, they drew me in.  I watched them as they exhibited love for us many kids in the family.  We were one of theirs when we got together.  Their inclusion always made me feel loved and welcomed.

I thought of courageous women I have known who fought inner battles with faith and came out victoriously as stronger, more confident and secure.  With faith as their great resource they overcame many obstacles, deep hurts and struggles.  Their bravery helped me find my own.

All these women were blessings because you placed them in my lives.  You made us family by weaving us together through blood and adoption.  Whenever I reflect on blessings, I always look back to you, author of every blessing.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for blessing
my life
with special people.
Thank you
for faith
that opens eyes
to all
that is good
around me.
Thank you
for love
that keeps
on growing.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 5, 2018

Dear God,

How do I know you exist?  I taste.  I smell.  I touch.  I see.  I hear.  Today I closed my eyes and smelled a newly-plucked Honeycrisp apple.  I lit a cinnamon pumpkin candle.  I opened a can of pickled beets.  The scents and aromas always lead me to the divine, to you, Great God.

I love Autumn.  It has its own special way.  Trees full of ripe apples, bright orange pumpkins and vines stretching out and all sorts of colors of mums speak to me of the sacred.  Each one does its part to point to you, each one leads us to you, their creator and ours.

Fall, a wondrous time of God!

Bless you,
Holy God,
for all
the gifts
of your
loving, living presence.
How can
we possibly
thank you enough?
We lift you up
on high
and offer you
all our praise.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Dear God.

If there is one thing you have taught me well, it is to be made new.  To be made new is to shake off yesterday's smudges, smears, mistakes, flaws, and wrongs.  It is stepping into the arms of the only one who can make us new and that is you, Holy Father.  To be made new is to be transformed, to surrender all that holds us captive.  To walk into the future anew, to trust in the creator and to walk in the way that leads to the light and life.  Aaahhh, the very thought of your cleansing, hope-filled, grace-filled power to renew brings joy unspeakable!

There is so much, so many that need to be made new.  Our country desperately needs a cleansing, a clean up, a purifying.  Our government really needs a lot of clean up.  Our homes, neighborhoods, churches, institutions and families needs renewing.  Every one of us needs your cleansing power, Loving God.  And we are not as adept as you are to rid ourselves of all that holds us back from restoration and renewal.

When I reflect back and think of the many ways you have cleansed and renewed me, I can only fall on my knees in praise and thanksgiving.  You are God; there is none like you.

I thank you
for every gift
of grace,
Merciful God.
Although I
am not worthy
of your
beautiful forgiveness
and love,
you have
blessed me anyway.
What can
I say
to convey
what is
in my heart?
All glory
to you,
Almighty God!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Dearest God,

I couldn't wait to get to the monastery.  Like a child promised ice cream, I could not wait to step inside the monastery for worship.  When I pulled into the parking lot, a smile spread wide across my face.  You are here, Lord, you are here, I thought to myself.  Following my covenant group call, I heard the bells begin to toll and at once I jumped out of the car and ran to the door.  When the sister opened the door, I knew I was home.

The prayers, the psalms, the songs, the readings and the silence all revealed your presence.  I breathed deeply wanting to take in everything.  I wanted to fill myself up to the brim with your love, mercy and beauty.  I wanted to worship you with every DNA cell.  I wanted to love you, really love you with my whole being.

As I slipped my finger into the holy water and made the sign of the cross, I was filled with peace, your peace and I was full of joy!

All praise
to you,
Wondrous and Awesome God.
How blessed
I am
to know you.
How thankful
I am
for your love.
Bless you,
Father,
bless you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Dear God,

Every day old and new messages come.  When I cleaned the closet, you spoke of cleaning my spiritual soul.  When I painted a wall, you spoke of repairing and renewing my spiritual house.  When I did errands, you spoke of many things I needed to attend to in my faith.  Every day old and new messages come.

What a wonder it is to hear from you daily.  It seems everything can be a message for us about the spiritual journey.  The ultimate message is one of intent, daily attending to the spiritual life.  Faith is not something we just take to church for one hour on Sunday.  Faith is today, now, present, abiding.  It is palpable, a living reality.  It is you, Lord, faith is you.

Holy Father,
thank you
for our
divine relationship.
Thank you
for including me
in your family.
Thank you
for daily reminders
of your
living presence.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 1, 2018

Dear God,

As fall approaches and the leaves display their beautiful color, the time is coming soon when they will one by one drop their leaves.  Finally the trees will be bare, all their limbs and branches exposed.  Although there was beauty in their first buds and blossoms and their fall color, there is something even more beautiful about a bare tree for underground their roots begin their winter work.

As always nature points us to our own growth and change.  We too are designed to go through a metamorphosis.  We must go through transformation if we want to deepen our roots searching for spiritual food and water.  As we lean on you, follow your lead and let go, we will begin our work as well.

Living God,
thank you
for making room
for change
in us.
Show us
the way
to transformation.
Teach us,
call us
once more
to let go,
surrender into
your hands.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Dear God,

Holy, holy, holy are you Lord God of heaven and earth.  As we gather in your house for worship we find ourselves more than we are.  Filled with open space for you, we praise, give thanks and sing.  We hug one another and offer each other the peace of your son.  We touch, we smile, we pray, we love, we give, we serve, we hope together.

Thank you,
Blessed Father,
for the gift
of worship.
You make us new
every Sunday.
We may sin,
make mistakes,
forget who we are
and much more
through the week
but when
Sunday comes,
we pause,
reflect and
make ourselves free
to be remade
once again.
Thank you
for Sundays,
for worship,
for faith
and love
and mercy.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Dear God,

Welcome arms greeted me as I returned home to children and grandchildren.  As we embraced after a couple months apart, I thought of how you created love so deep and abiding.  We feel love and have the capability of love because you created love first.  You opened our minds, hearts and souls to a divine space where you reside in all your majesty.  You warmed us, made us ready for you and then stretched us making more space for others to reside.  You filled love with hope, mercy, joy, gratitude, peace, acceptance and blessing.

Each day you awaken us with love.  You whisper your love to us.  You sing us a song of love.  You show us the way of love.  You open us wider and wider to the potential of more love.  Magically, mysteriously you make love grow inside us.  You enlarge that love so it can spill over us onto others, the earth and all creation. 

Blessed are you,
Lord of All.
We are blessed
because you
bless us
with love.
Thank you,
Holy Father,
for loving us,
all of us.

Love always right back, Andrea

Friday, September 28, 2018

Dear God,

At times I felt as if I was on a flying carpet looking down upon the earth.  What I saw of creation compelled me to sing your praises!  Who but you, O Lord, could make anything so beautiful?

As I drove through the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, my favorite part of the drive back to Indiana, I couldn't help but love the side views of valleys and meadows, pasture land and farms and homes built out of the middle of the mountain.  Wondrous!

You keep me on my toes singing, Heavenly Father, because I am amazed at your handiwork!  Every mile offered yet another look at the wonders of your cosmos!

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for all
the beauty
around me.
Thank you
for the majesty
of your creation.
Thank you
for blessing us
with five senses
with which
to see, hear,
taste, touch
and smell you. 

Love always, Andrea