Thursday, November 29, 2018

Dear God,

I am overwhelmed with the reality of your living presence in every day life.  Right now the house is quiet.  I am downstairs in the basement among all my sewing projects.  I am writing with my sewing machine to my right and homemade Christmas ornaments that need finishing on my left but here in the midst of piles of fabric I sense your compassionate presence, feel your love and know your wondrous power.

In 2005 when I began my writing I was simply penning a daily letter to you as part of my clergy renewal journey.  Each day I sought you out (who was seeking who?) and wrote you about my findings.  Yet, today all these years later it is more like sitting with a dearest friend sharing together over a cup of really good coffee the wonders of faith.

I am blessed by you, Lord, so very, very much not for anything I do but by who you are and how you allow me to dwell with you.

Holy God,
all praise
to you.
You touch
my life
in so
many ways.
I can never
adequately express
my appreciation
and love
for you.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Dear God,

Your spirit washes over us when we open ourselves more fully to you.  You come as a gentle breeze touching, inspiring, awakening.  This was the way it was this morning in covenant group.

Every Wednesday morning four of us join by conference call to open ourselves to you, listen, meditate, listen once again and to share through devotion, prayer and silence.  We await the feel of that gentle spirit to come over us, leading and guiding us.  We are never disappointed.

This morning you came in challenge, conviction and thoughtfulness.  You spoke to us of inclusion rather than exclusion.  Who is welcome at the manger?  We asked.  Are all welcome?  All?  As we listened to your voice, we recognized our own need to stretch our own circles, allowing others to join in.  For in the end, the circle is yours, you are the one who invites.

Holy Father,
thank you
for making space
for us.
Thank you
for including
each of us.
Thank you
for blessing us.
May we
open ourselves
to others.
May we
step aside
making room.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Dearest God,

You can bring the holy into any room.  As I listened to Andrea Bocelli sing The Lord's Prayer, I felt a beautiful sense of your living presence.  His lyrics became your words of faith.  "Our Father," he began...even then I sensed your closeness in my sewing room in the basement.  Yes, even a basement can become a sacred holy space.

You never cease to amaze me with your loving compassion.  You long to be with each of us much more than we long for you; however, our longing can bring you near.  Although my sewing machine was in front of me and boxes of fabric littered the room, I paused from my work to be still with you.  Everything seemed holy in the quiet.

Blessed are you,
Merciful and Loving God.
You bless again
and again
not because
we are worthy
or deserve it
but because
you are God
and we
are your children.
Thank you
for Andrea Bocelli
who brought you
to me
this morning.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 26, 2018

Dear God,

I feel the rush of excitement as I think about Advent, such a wondrous time of preparation to receive Jesus again like the first time.  I feel a bigger space opening up in my soul to allow all the preparations to begin.  This Advent I want a softer heart, a listening ear and a ready-to-help spirit.

In my soul I know how vital Advent is because I have way too many other "things" cluttering my faith path.  Advent is a special call for my soul.  "Are you ready?"  It asks and, of course, I say, "Not yet but I'm working on it. 

How can a cluttered, dusty, worrisome soul have space for the pure love of Jesus?  Like the inn on that first Christmas, I almost hear myself say, "Sorry no room here."  I want to make room.  I want to clean up.  I want to sweep away all the impurities, open all the windows and doors and make a worthy space for the wondrous savior.  Advent gives me the opportunity.

How grateful
I am
for Advent,
O Lord.
Thank you
for time
to get ready.
Thank you
for promising
to come.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Dear God,

Only you can make us do what we do not want to do!  When we are resistant, stubborn and belligerent, only you can find the spot within our heart, mind or soul where it is possible to change us, to open us to your will and to help us give way to our own way.  You have done that to me so many times, so very many times and I bent, bent to your desire for me.

I am grateful for your power, not only your almighty power but your compassionate mercy that have equal power to transform us.  You use every means to remake us when we need it.

Today I heard your voice once again as I sat with my "circle of friends," writers of many devotional books.  I listened and as always you changed my perspective and set me on a path toward wholeness.

Blessed are you,
Lord God,
blessed are you.
How grateful
I am
for your
mighty power
and loving way.
Daily you move
and inspire me.
I am yours.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Dear God,

For several weeks I have been cleaning, my home, closets, basement, craft supplies, windows, woodwork and more.  It seems in my cleaning you come to me whispering my need to do a self-clean like my oven.  I too am in need.

Periodically you invite me to make a self examination.  You ask me to take a close look at my attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, practices and even beliefs.  You want me to reflect upon my life, how I think and behave.  It is never a loss because I want to be cleansed of all that does not glorify you.  I want to rid myself of all that does not wear well.  I want to truly become the child you made me.

Holy God,
thank you
for reminders
of faith
that help
in the
clean up process
of life.
Wash me clean,
Lord,
cleanse me
from all
that is ugly,
dirty and unworthy.
Please remake me
in your image.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 23, 2018

Dear God,

Who but you can stretch the human heart to grow wide and big?  You give us the capability of loving...so many.  Just when we think we cannot love any more, we do.  When we are pregnant for our second child, we cannot imagine loving that dear one as much as the first but we do. 

We learn how to love from you, Great Creator.  You show us the way by first loving us.  As we look upon you and your loving ways, we grow to love you but never as much as you because your love is vast and deep as the whole of the cosmos.  We love and then love more all because you make it possible.

We are yours
because your love
makes it so.
Thank you
for creating hearts
that stretch
and grow.
Thank you
for love
that is unending.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Dear God,

Broken does not mean always.  In so many ways we are a broken family.  My three girls do not live their lives together.  There are many reasons, some too tender and too painful to mention; however, you continue to make way for change, even teeny, weeny ones.

Although only one of my children came for Thanksgiving with her family and in laws, my granddaughter from one of the other families called to come over.  We played games, sang silly songs, laughed like crazy and reminisced about the past.  As I drove my granddaughter home following our time together, we put on Christmas songs and sang all the way home.It was wonderful!  On the way home with another grandchild in tow singing Christmas songs, I thought of you and realized just how much your hand is at work in our family life and I smiled breathing a prayer of great gratitude.

Only you,
Generous God,
only you
can bring healing
to broken families.
Only you
can make
our hearts sing
once again.
Only you
can put smiles
on our faces
and laughter
in our hearts.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Dear God,

Your wondrous spirit can be seen and felt every Wednesday morning.  Although we do not get together physically because of geographical distance, our covenant group is very much together in your spirit.  You lead us in our time of silence, devotion, prayer, spiritual sharing and gentle listening.  You are so much part of our us as our group has been together every Wednesday for 30 years.

It is amazing what insight and pearls of wisdom come as we gather in your name for the express purpose of being close to you and one another.  Faith brought us together, keeps us close and moves us from here to there every week.

Bless you,
Holy Father,
for the gift
of our
covenant group.
You created us
and have
made us
who we are.
You have
blessed us
beyond measure.
Thank you
for faith
that can blossom
anywhere even
by phone.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Dear God,

Thank you, dear Lord, for bringing together my "circle of friends," a group of writers from different centuries who sit with me each morning for devotion.  I listen to them speak of truth, love, faith, commitment and transformation. 

St. Hildegard from the 12th century, Billy Graham from the last century and Isaiah from very long ago nudge me in my faith development.  Robert Wick recently took me on a desert journey.  Chuck Swindoll is ushering me through the season of Autumn and all its challenges.  St. Paul and C S Lewis grab my attention and make me sit up and take notice of the spiritual life.  All in all they bless, convict and move me in my life with you.

Thank you,
Blessed Lord,
for the gift
of friends.
Thank you
for insight
and wisdom.
Thank you
for love,
faith and grace.

Always, Andrea

Monday, November 19, 2018

Dearest God,

The world is not always safe.  There have been more shootings, this time in a hospital, usually a safe place.  People died, others were injured, so many more have now been terrorized.  So many people hurting.

No matter where people go, they cannot be assured of personal safety.  Yes, there are those who are hired to make safe places.  But even they cannot fully protect us.

There is only one shelter of safety and that is with you, Lord.  "You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble," the psalmist wrote.  It is so true.  These horrible happenings can draw us closer to you as we look for shelter in our own trouble.  Only with you can we find the peace
we need to live in troubled times.

Blessed are you,
Lord God,
blessed are you.
Thank you
for being
our holy shelter.
Thank you
for your gift
of peace,
hope and comfort.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Dear God,

Even in the darkness we can see your light.  For your light illumines the whole world.

As I sat with my "circle of friends" in devotion, I turned out the light to pray.  Although the darkness was present, I could see the light of your face.  That is one of the beautiful gifts of your spirit...in the darkness we can see your light.

Your light shines when we are gripped by the darkness.  It not only radiates but also warms us reminding us we live in the bosom of our Lord.  We need not be afraid because your light is with us, in us and around us.  When we trust in you, we are enabled to see the light and to be embraced by it.  We cannot miss it when we are with you, close.

You are
the Light of the World,
O Lord;
you shine always.
We thank you
for the gift
of your light
and all
it does
to bless us.
May we
be the light
for others,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Dear God,

Your word convicts, challenges and comforts.  This morning when I listened to your word as it lifted off the page, I saw my own sin.  I acknowledged the truth in your word and the truth in my own sin.  I confessed and owned my sin.

Who wants to carry sin in their own lives every day?  I know when I walk with the dark blots in my  soul, I am weighted down, burdened.  The cloud above me is dark, my mind is foggy and my spirit is low.  I know when I need to make a change even if I don't do it right away. 

Thank you
for the truth
this morning.
Thank you
for your
revealing power.
Thank you
for love
that makes conviction possible.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 16, 2018

Dear God,

You use everything in your power to ignite faith in us, O God.  The season of Thanksgiving and Advent are gifts from on high.  You use them to prepare us for the great event of Christ's coming.
Music is one of the means to warm our hearts to your living spirit.

After I left my elderly aunt's home, I turned on an album of beautiful Christmas music.  I felt it happen at once.  My mind was soothed, my heart was opened and my spirit was enlivened.  Song after song touched and inspired me but it was The Lord's Prayer that pushed me over the edge.  All of me recognized once again the gracious gift of your spirit, your own prayer offered to us.  I repeated it a couple of times and sang along.  "Our Father..." from beginning to end..."Our Father."

Holy God,
thank you
for growing fires
of faith
within us.
Thank you
for reminding us
of all
your mighty gifts.
Thank you
for the seasons
of Thanksgiving
and Advent.
Why would
we not want
to prepare ourselves
to receive you
once again?
Cleanse us,
warm us,
revive us,
renew us
and make us ready,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Dear God,

You are the God of memory.  You create in us the ability to experience and remember.  You give us the capacity to call up memories from the past, last month, last year and even decades ago.

Today my favorite Aunt Jeanne, 94 years of age and I remembered together.  She wants me to help recover her memory.  I know I can't rebuild her memory cells because age has taken their toll; however, when I share with her something from the past, we are able to experience it fresh and new as if it were happening NOW.  It is sweet. 

The best part of sharing for us has been remembering holy moments of faith, times when you moved mightily in our lives.  Remembering your compassionate grace has an amazing way of eradicating doubt in our hearts and minds.  It refreshes our faith, cleans out the cobwebs of resentment, bitterness, judgement, anger and mistrust.  It provides opportunity for redoing and transforming ourselves.  Sharing always takes us back to you.

Heavenly Father,
your gifts are many.
Thank you
for this treasure
of time
with my aunt.
I cherish it.
Thank you
for her faith
and the ways
she has
mentored me.
Thank you
for your
living presence
all around us.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Dearest God,

You are the great transformer.  You change our lives by the power of your Holy Spirit.  You make us new, restore us and fix in us a spiritual center where faith can grow and grow and grow.

Today in covenant group our brother Bill shared transformative moments in his life.  As we reflected upon the past we could literally see the way in which your spirit moved.  We celebrated, rejoiced in his "homecoming."

Faith moves us to better places.  It pushes us to goodness, mercy and wisdom.  It recharges us, gives us an ability to surrender all that does not serve us or our neighbor well and opens doors to the future.  Faith keeps us in relationship with you.  It lives and moves and nudges.  Faith shows us the way to transformation, prayer and thanksgiving.

Today we saw it all in our covenant brother, faith, change and you.

Loving God,
you give us
so many gifts.
You bless us
in ways unimaginable.
You are God;
there is
no one
more kind
than you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Dear God,

You have made us each unique, one of a kind.  You have given us gifts and talents to be used to help others.  Together we are one community of people made by you.

I realized this today as I shopped at a local store.  I was confused about a product I needed for a sewing project.  Although I gazed over all the options, I was still not sure what I should buy.  That is when I looked for a store clerk.  She took me back to where I was looking.  She examined the packages and handed me the one I needed.  She shared how she had used the quilt binding bias tape on a quilt she made.  I listened as she shared a story of making a wedding quilt 30 years earlier.  Not only did I find what I needed, I was privileged to listen to the older woman's story.

You bring us together, Lord.  You allow us to help one another and give us opportunity to share our stories with each other.  Daily you bless us wherever you deem possible.  Today was at a fabric store.

Thank you,
Blessed God,
for the gift
of your presence.
Thank you
for the
store clerk,
her years
of experience
and her kindness
to me.
Thank you
for the ways
in which
you bless us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 12, 2018

Dear God,

The temperature is dropping.  The wind is picking up.  Snow is predicted and I am like a little child waiting for the first cold, white, beautiful, unique snowflake to land on my tongue. I can't wait for winter to arrive!

Every season is filled with beauty, the spring with its budding branches, the summer with gorgeous flowers, the autumn with colorful leaves and the winter, aahh yes, the winter with snow-covered ground.  Every day I look outside and feel the joy of creation, how you have constructed the world and painted it for all the world to see.  What a wonder!

As I sit here and watch the bare trees dance in the wind next to a gray, cloudy sky I think of you and smile.

My heart
is full
of gratitude
to you,
O Lord.
Your gifts
overwhelm me.
I am so blessed!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Dear God,

There is nothing better than coming home.  Knowing we have a home that awaits our arrival is perhaps the best gift we can have.  Home...acceptance, love, mercy, joy and faith.

As a child I couldn't wait to get to Grandma's house.  Although it was only a few minutes drive I wanted Daddy to drive faster.  Once there I jumped out of the car and ran up the long cement walk to the huge porch of the old white farmhouse.  No one ever knocked.  The door was always unlocked.  We were always expected.  The smile on Grandma's face was the best smile in the world.  And, of course, the roaming scents of down-on-the-farm foods cooking on the stove and in the oven was glorious.  Coming home was the best!

But coming home to you is even better.  When I have been away traveling my own paths and roadways, I think of you and realize the road home is better than any highway I could possibly choose.  Like when I was a little girl I can't wait to get to you and the wondrous thing is the distance from my place to yours is short, very short.  I can blink and be there!  And the welcome, well, even better than Grandma's.

Holy God,
Heavenly Father,
thank you
for all
the invites
to come home.
Thank you
for your
open-door policy.
Bless you
for the welcome!
I love you.

Forever yours, Andy

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Dear God,

Holy are you, Lord Most High.  Each day when we awaken you remind us to count our blessings, to remember your faithfulness and to give thanks.  How can we not?

Even the dark of the early morning calls to me to give praise and to breathe my prayers of thanksgiving.  I can't even rise from my bed without saying thank you.  I consider my surroundings and realize all I have is yours.  I just use it while I am here temporarily.  It will still be yours when I am gone.

Gentle reminders of gratitude keep me on my toes in faith.  They help me increase my awareness of your living presence in daily life.  I remember even I am not my own but yours.

Bless you,
Holy Father,
for the gift
of life,
for faith
and spiritual awareness.
Teach us
to be grateful
and to
bless others
with your goodness.
Thank you,
dear God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 9, 2018

Dear God,

Where has all the good stuff gone?  At the day of our birth you filled each of us with mercy, compassion, love, grace and kindness.  You put yourself in us.  You made us in your image.  You made us to be your own filled with your goodness.

So where has it all gone?  By all accounts we have rid ourselves of the good you placed inside us and filled ourselves with cheap substitutes.  Because we have so little of you within us, we behave poorly.  We strike out at one another.  We blame and judge others by our own standards instead of yours.  So many times we do not love because we have let love go.

We need you, Lord, we need you.

Blessed God,
remake us,
restore us
and renew us,\
dear Father.
We want
to be
like you.
Forgive us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Dear God,

Today I think I saw one snowflake.  A winter lover, my heart was full of joy.  I love your seasons, every one of them but winter, aahh winter blesses me the most.  When summer is drawing at an end, the leaves begin turning, I know winter is not far behind.

You place within each of us a spiritual awareness.  You give us opportunity to have faith and increase it.  You let us see your presence in small and big ways.  You allow us to walk with you all day long. 

For me even a snowflake can draw me to you.

Loving God,
thank you
for the
small things
of faith.
Thank you
for the snowflake.
Thank you
for winter.
But most
of all,
thank you
for your love.

Always yours, Andrea

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Dear God,

Your blessings are sure; they amaze us.  This morning our dear sister in faith Susan rejoined us in our covenant group.  She had been gone for two months taking care of her sister who was dying of ovarian cancer.  As she shared, she told us about repeated holy moments of your presence on the darkest of days.  Praise and thanksgiving welled up within us as we celebrated your faithfulness to tend to your fragile lambs. 

Over and over again we discover your living presence in our midst.  Daily countless times you make us aware of your merciful love.  You reveal yourself in wondrous ways.  Each time you remind us of your promise to be with us always even to the end of the age.

Today was one of those days filled with joy, awe and thanksgiving!

Bless you,
Gracious God,
for your
loving ways.
We are
blessed by you
every day.
We can
never bless you enough.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Dear God,

This time is the sweetest time of the day, the time when you speak and I listen, when we share, when we count blessings and increase faith.  This is because you are God and you give me time where we can reminisce about your living presence.

Every day is a time to count blessings, to offer gratitude and sing praise.  Why?  Because each day is a day to celebrate your presence among us, walking upon this earth, whispering in open ears, caring for the sick of heart, mind and body, reaching out, and answering prayer.  Just as you promised, you are with us.  With openness of all we are, we are enabled to recognize you and that alone is worthy of our prayers of thanksgiving.

Holy God,
thank you
for your
sacred presence
in this world.
Thank you
for eyes
to see
and ears
to hear.
We are blessed!

Love always, Andrea

Monday, November 5, 2018

Dear God,

It was 30 years ago this last May when I felt called to create a scholarship fund at Christian Theological Seminary.  You and I named it the Lois Evelyn Hughes scholarship fund.  My grandmother was the most godly woman I ever met and adored.  As a beautiful woman of faith, she would be so blessed to know more than 25 students have received funds to support their Christian ministry.  When I received a letter recently with the name of the student who just recently received the scholarship monies, I got teary eyed.

There are so many ways you bless us, God.  When I think of how many people will be blessed by those in ministry I want to cry with gratitude, faith and joy!

Thank you,
Wondrous God,
for the gift
of faith.
Your son
is alive
and you
show me
so many ways.
I am blessed
because I know
the blesser personally!
I will always love you!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Dear God,

I was quietly praying as I watched worshipers step forward to receive Holy Communion.  One by one they came.  This time it was different for me because of those people I knew.  As they moved to the altar I watched as their stories unfolded, a gay couple recently married, a couple who were tossed out of another denomination because as married people they fell in love with one another and lost their orders as ordained pastors and a single mom with children.  Each of these are beloved in our Episcopal community and are, of course, much loved by you.

Some communities of faith do not offer full inclusion in their fellowship.  Marginalized by several churches they feel isolated, rejected and pushed out.  But not in our community.  Everyone is welcomed at Good Samaritan Church.  As I watched them step up to the pastor with open, cupped hands waiting, the priest tore off a piece of the holy bread and offered it to them, each and all of them.  I saw you with each one.

Blessed are you,
Lord God,
blessed are you
for the gift
of agape love.
Thank you
for your
beautiful welcome.
Thank you
for including all
of us.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Dear God,

Peanut butter fudge, a simple way to make a beautiful memory.  It was nearly 10:00 p.m. when I received the phone call tonight.  "Grandma, I made peanut butter fudge all by myself!"  Rylan declared.  "No way!"  I replied.  "No way!"

Rylan and I have been making peanut butter fudge since he was five years old.  Now eleven, he finally made it by himself.  The last time he was here he asked for the secret recipe.  He told me about the secret hiding place at his house and how he would hide it from his family.  "Be sure to put your phone number on it so I can call you if I need help or the recipe is found and I have to tear it up."  He told me.

It's not the peanut butter fudge.  It is love we are talking about.  Rylan and I have been making memories for a long time now.  His sweet spirit blesses all around him.  The kind of love between a grandma and a grandchild is the love you put in all our hearts for one another.  It is agape love, unconditional, full of mercy and compassion.  It is faith's love and it blesses so deep, so very deeply.

You bless us
in so
many ways,
O Lord.
Even peanut butter fudge
becomes a
way to love.
Thank you
for giving us gifts,
so many
of them.
Thank you
for fudge,
for Rylan
and for faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 2, 2018

Dear God,

November 1, the day I begin to think of Christmas, of giving and loving.  I think of you, that wondrous gift of long ago.  I imagine Mary, so full of child on a donkey and then giving birth in a primitive stable.  I think of the star, the shepherds and the wise men.  I wonder if the innkeeper gave a second thought to the couple in his barn.  I think of Joseph and his loyalty to Mary and the child.  I think of Jesus and even the animals.  Did they know?

As I drag box after box of Christmas decorations from the attic, I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving.  How beautiful to celebrate every year the gift, the blessing, the inspiration, the faith and the hope. 

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You breathe faith
into us,
Amazing God.
You give us minds
to think
on these things.
You give us words
to give praise.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, Niovember 1, 2018

Dear God,

We place our trust in you.  As we read horrible stories of plane crashes, volcanoes exploding, storms raging, mass shootings, children being killed by drivers who didn't stop at the bus stop, we are overwhelmed with anger, sadness and even a sense of hopelessness.  Yet, we place our trust in you.

With instant communication it is almost as if we are at the scene of each terrible tragedy.  We imagine ourselves there and feel the pain of loss and sorrow.  We pray for victims, families and communities.  We pray for your help, your love and your mercy.  We want to aid in the healing.  But then perhaps that is why you gave us soft hearts to react, respond to tragedy.

Holy God,
thank you
for making us
for each other.
Give us
tender hearts
to think
of others,
to pray
and to help
in every way
we can.
May we
be your hands,
heart and feet.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Dear God,

There are answers and then there are answers to prayer.  One year ago today my nephew's troubled adopted teenage son set a fire in their home that subsequently killed my nephew.  My sister who still deeply grieves the death of her son remembered this day and on our trip together said she was sure she would not sleep tonight remembering that gruesome, awful day in the hospital. Of course, I thought to myself.  As a mother I would be keenly aware of my child's of the timing of the horrendous event. 

We prayed, my daughter, cousin and I that Debi would sleep through the night.  And she did.

Only you know
the deepest sorrow
in our lives.
Only you
can heal
deep, deep hurts.
Only you
answer prayer.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Dear God,

You heard my longing for family.  You heard my cry to more deeply connect with my loved ones.  Although we are all busy, you made it possible for four of us to travel together for three days and two nights.  Today we left for northern Indiana.  As we ooohhhed and aaahhhed over the changing of colors in the trees on the farmland along state and county roads, I awed at our laughter, reminiscing stories and love for one another.  "Isn't it wonderful to be together?"  I asked and all agreed.  As I prayed at all three mealtimes today I felt a shiver of your spirit as we celebrated the gift of family.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You hear
our cries.
You answer
our deepest longings.
You bless us
with one another.

Love, Andrea