Saturday, December 29, 2018

Dear God,

O Lord, how can I begin to adequately express my deep appreciation for every gift you have given in the weeks leading up to Christmas?  How can I be a model of gratitude showing you all that fills my heart, mind and soul with thanksgiving?  How can I say thank you from the deepest place in my soul?

Daily you gave me moments of insight and inspiration as I spent time with my circle of friends, authors of several devotional books.  You blessed me with joy and hope and love.  You made the Advent season a true season of joy.  You gave me opportunities to serve and love others.  You provided me with ways to reach out to strangers, to offer peace, prayers and kindness.  You let the music of the season raise me to higher and higher levels of faith and thanksgiving.  You made your word speak in incredible and moving ways.  You showed me my flaws, mistakes and smudges and gave me chances to confess, surrender and begin anew.  You embraced me with the love of Christmas, faith and wisdom. 

As I consider your many gifts, I realize the inestimable value of faith and all its dimensions.

Thank you,
Holy One,
thank you.
Please receive
my devotion
and love.
Help me witness
to all
you do
to guide us
in life.
You are God;
there is none
like you.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, December 28, 2018

Dear God,

The coffeecake was ruined.  I forgot to put the Swiss cheese in the quiche.  I ran out of sour cream.  Although I had rushed to the grocery at 5:00 a.m. and thought everything was under control for a family breakfast at our home at 10:00 a.m. things started falling apart.  I was tired, weary from probably too many gatherings here and felt the pressure to make the meal and the day wonderful for Harold's youngest son and his family.  I lost my patience, started yelling and wanted to just quit and go back to bed.

But then I heard your whisper.  Advent and Christmas had been so wonderful.  Every gathering had been beautiful.  Family was happy.  When Harold walked into the kitchen and became upset, I told him to help me redeem the morning.  Redeem, yes that was the word I heard you say.  Redeem.

Sometimes things just don't go the way I hope they will.  But then I hear your voice challenging me to rise up, to let faith take the lead and to trust you to help me in all situations.  Such moments are divine, amazing expressions of your love reminding me what matters most.  Suddenly, I drop my head and pray for help remembering you are the redeemer of all things and I confess and give thanks.

Blessed are you,
God Most High.
You care
about every
small and
big thing.
You want us
to turn
to you,
to trust you
and to
let faith inspire
and move us.
Forgive me,
Lord,
forgive me.
Thank you
for your
sweet gift
of mercy.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Dear God,

You inspire like no one else!  When you capture our attention, we are held by the magnificence of who you are and how you relate to your children.  There is no parent like you, none.

Daily I awaken to the soft, gentle voice of grace.  In my waking moments I see my blessings and breathe my prayers of thanksgiving even before rising.  There is something so sacred, so meaningful and so beautiful about revering God first thing in the morning.  That is because you are the first one I sense when first awakening, you, O Lord, are the first to greet me.  I am hardly even awake when I sense your glorious presence.

As I lay in my warm bed, I give thanks again and again.

Blessed are you,
Lord God,
blessed are you.
Thank you
for giving us
the capacity
of loving you.
Although we
cannot begin
to love you
like you
love us,
still our hearts
can beat
in sacred rhythm
with yours.
This is
the work
of your
loving spirit.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Dear God,

Who can resist your love?  Who can turn away from your mercy?  Who can want anyone more than you?

Oh God no one cares for us like you.  No one offers more.  As I reflect upon this past Advent, I count the many ways you were present speaking, helping, wising up, loving, and making new.  Every day there were gifts, not just on Christmas Day but every day of Advent.  That is so much love present.

I am overwhelmed by all you give.  I am without adequate words to say thank you.  I am lost in imagination of what I can do to offer you my devotion.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
As I
consider all
that you are,
comforter, guide,
counselor, teacher,
helper, sustainer,
redeemer and friend,
I can only bow,
sit at your feet
and love you
with all
my heart.
Thank you,
Wondrous God,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Dear God,

It is Christmas morning.  Although it is gray outside, drizzle falling, it is bright inside.  The light glows reminding me of the joyous day and my heart is so full.  I pause and then place Mary and Jesus in the stable.  I draw the shepherds and lambs closer.  In a few days the wise men will join us.

Holy night, holy day, peace at hand, love in the air, mercy all around.  Bless you, Great God, bless you now and always.

Glory to you,
Lord,
all glory
to you.
Thank you
for today
and every day
when you
reveal yourself
to us.
Yes, all glory
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, December 24, 2018

Dear God,

Christmas Eve...that wondrous night that reveals God!  All Advent I wait with anticipation but yet, you come, each day you visit me in the dark early morning when I first rise.  With my Christ candle burning, I pull out the characters in the Christmas story and place them in the table near the manger.  I listen to my circle of friends, authors of several books I read in devotion, meditate, pray and wonder in awe.  Each morning so beautiful, so mysterious.

But Christmas Eve, aaahhh, my favorite night of the whole year, I wait with great anticipation expecting nothing more than the great opportunity to worship the Lord of my faith.  But, you, O Lord, you always give me a precious gift, one I cannot make, manipulate or dream.  You reveal yourself and I fall into your majestic hands.

Late this afternoon I went to the school, the site of our new church, for our annual Christmas Eve worship.  I arrived early and sat listening, praying and quietly meditating alone on the beauty of the make-shift stable as others made their way to their seats.  The room filled quickly and the worship started/  The hymns and carols were so inspiring and touched my heart.

It was during Holy Communion that the mystical moment came.  Our resident intern stood just behind the holy family, the tiny new baby quietly squirming in his mother's arms.  He stood smiling as individuals and families formed lines, walked by the holy family and took communion.  As I watched from my seat, the veil lifted and I saw.  The baby was the Jesus of long ago but the minister was the Jesus of today.  As people came, he watched and smiled, turning to look at both sides.  At one moment he looked like the smiling Jesus offered in contemporary Christian gift shops.  He is the Jesus of the present smiling, filled with joy at the sight of pilgrims coming forward in faith to receive both the gift of the baby and the holy bread and wine.  Tears formed and slipped down my face.  It was the moment, yet another mystical moment that happens every Christmas Eve night not because I am special or honored but because I long and my heart, mind and soul are open and you come, oh yes, you come.

Holy, holy, holy
are you
my God.
Blessed are you,
God of Great Faith.
Thank you
for the blessing
of savior,
of faith
hope and mystery.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Dear God,

I pulled the olive wood figure of Joseph from the drawer and placed him near the stable.  A man of faith and trust, he was most natural to join all the others where Christ was born and will be born again this year.  As the light of the candle fell upon him, I thought how much the story could have be different if it were not for him gracious man.  Joseph, a teacher of faith and love and grace.

Each early morning as I add one more character to the site of the holy birth, I well up with joy and anticipation.  This solitary time makes faith increase inside me and I overflow with thanksgiving.  Come, Christmas, come and may I be ready to receive so I can give!

Blessed Lord,
thank you
for this
very special season.
I am blessed,
so very blessed.
You are God;
there is none like you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Dear God,

Sometimes the broken seems too broken, the lost too lost and the hopeless too hopeless.  But not for you.  Each of these is a blip for you, a teeny, tiny wound in need of tender care, healing and grace.  Nothing is too hard for you, Creator of the Universe, Master Healer and Gracious Comforter!

Today my youngest daughter came home and brought her family for Christmas.  At first things seemed a bit tenuous but then the gentle breeze of your spirit blew down upon us and we began to laugh, to share and to celebrate.  We had quiet moments where faith was very evident.  We hugged one another, thanked one another and celebrated our togetherness.

What seemed the great divide was filled with mounds of grace making it possible to find one another.  Although the division is not altogether gone, your spirit made all things possible.  "I think she came home."  My husband said.  "I think you are right.  Perhaps we all came home."  I replied.

Loving God,
all things
are possible
with you.
We can
find our way anywhere
with you.
We are blessed
beyond imagination
by your love.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, December 21, 2018

Dear God,

They came, hugged one another and sat down at the dining room table.  With candles burning and hot food waiting to be eaten, I looked around the room and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for this covenant group of 30 years.  Who knew you would circle a small group of people and make them lifelong spiritual friends?  Who knew they would marry and widen our circle?  Who knew you would reveal your grace-filled love every week as we sat in our homes, many miles from one another, and  talk by phone with silence, devotion, prayer, spiritual sharing and meditation?  Who knew?

Only you can make the impossible possible, the hopeless hope-filled and the lost found!  Only you.  Only you can make people friends of faith. 

Only you,
O God,
can make
the ordinary extraordinary.
Only you.
Only you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Dear God,

I pulled a wise man out of the drawer and placed him far off at the Christmas scene.  Soon he will make his way to the manger.

I feel my anticipation rising as each new character joins the scene.  Soon, I say, soon each one will come and make the final journey to the stable.

I can't help but wonder what visiting the manger must have meant for those present at the manger.  How were the shepherds changed?  The wise men?  Even the animals?

As I reenact the Christmas story every day in Advent, I wonder how I will be changed this year.  How can you kneel at the manger and not be transformed?

Holy God,
thank you
for the
wise men.
Thank you
for all
who hear
the call
and respond.
Thank you
for inviting me
to the manger too.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Dear God,

Holy, holy, holy are you, Great God of the Cosmos!  Advent is calling me to holiness, to hurry to Bethlehem and to prepare myself, my whole self for your coming.

Early each morning in the dark, I light my candle.  I plug in the Christmas tree and mantle lights.  I open the drawer and select the next character to join us near the stable.  I sit down and draw near to my circle of friends, book authors, where I read my devotions and listen to wise reflections and insights.  I pray and smile and give thanks.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
How can
I begin
to adequately
give thanks
for the gifts
of this season?
I can
only offer you
my praise
and thanksgiving.
All glory
is due you,
Most High God.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Dear God,

Today one of the shepherds appeared near the stable.  Out in the field with baby lambs that shepherd will become part of the world's greatest story.  Each day I place one more character by the stable in the unfolding Christmas story.  Each time I feel the anticipation of Christmas joy!

I am so loving Advent.  I have said it before but I can't stop saying it.  Every time I pull a character out of the drawer and place it near the Christmas scene, I feel joyous anticipation.  I never tire of the wondrous story.

I remember standing in Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem in the 1990's.  To think that shepherds were simply doing what they always do, tending the sheep, they could never have imagined your beautiful call to them to join in the celebration.  And as I stood there among the sheep dung, I too could hear and see the angels and their singing.  Today Advent is still new and fresh.  I am waiting and so ready for Christ!

Holy God,
thank you
for this
beautiful time
of the year.
Thank you
for shepherds
who responded
to the call
to come
and celebrate.
Thank you
for calling me too.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 17, 2018

Dear God,

When I sew, the machine whirring on my latest Christmas project, I think of you.  You are not only the reason for the season, you are the season, the center, the hope of the season.  You are Christmas!

Each day, O Lord, I listen to music.  I sit by the tree and read my devotions.  I put out one more character in the olive wood nativity.  I pray and listen and wonder.

Advent is so pregnant with possibilities!  Almost in any direction, we can find you. 

Blessed are you,
Most Holy God.
Thank you
for special moments
with you.
Thank you
for this
preparation time.
I love it,
so much
do I
love it
and so much
do I love you.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Dear God,

Advent, your special invitation to draw closer to you.  Each year it rolls around, a testimony to the staying power of faith.  You invite us in.

Oh, to be included in the arms of God.  To be drawn in to the bosom of our most loving parent.  Who doesn't want to be at your feet, in your arms and at your side?  

Each day for 24 days you call to us, whispering our name.  Will you come closer?  Will you dwell with me?  Will you get ready for Christmas with me.

I hear your voice and I am blessed.

Holy God,

thank you

for your

tender care.

Who loves

like you?

Who invites all in?

Only you,

Lord,

only you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Dear God,

How easily our souls can be swept away by a special visitation of your spirit!  Even a small thing can woo us to faith and draw us close to you.

Today it was music, simple Christmas music.  As the seasonal music played I listened to the lyrics, the real spirit of Christmas.  How I wanted to stop everything and dance!  I wanted to scurry to the stable, to the manger where Christ lay once again.  I wanted to join the angels, shepherds and wise ones.  I wanted to be part of the Christmas story.

Such times pull at my heart strings.  They remind me why I believe and practice faith.  They show me the way to the Father's heart.  And I am a willing participant realizing the power of Christmas love.

Holy God,
you are God;
there is none
like you.
I wait
at your feet
for Christmas.
Advent is
my spiritual
soaring time.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, December 14, 2018

Dear God,

Thank you for your light shining bright! Although I speak about the light more than anything else, I am constantly washed over by the brilliance of your light in the world.  When you said, I am the light of the world," you meant it.  I cannot see any light without thinking of you.

During Advent your light shines so bright.  Neighbors put up their Christmas lights and it may just be fun lights to brighten the neighborhood but to me it is so much more than that.  Christmas is not Christmas without you.  There is no reason for it without you.  When the Christmas lights twinkle in the neighborhood and the stars twinkle in the dark night skies, they are all cause for celebration as each one conveys your message.

Holy, Holy, Holy
are you,
O God.
Thank you
for your
holy light.
Light the way
for us,
Great Master,
and make us aware
you are
the light
that shines.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Dear God,

Faith is full of surprises!  Daily I find you.  It may be as the darkness turns to light or when the candle flickers near the stable or the Christmas clock plays carols at the striking of the hour.  It may be a lovely gesture someone makes or I offer to someone else.  It may be in worship or even when a stranger allows another to pull out in front of them.  A smile can be a sign of your presence. 

Faith opens doors, hearts and minds. It welcomes us in and gives us place.  It warms our whole being and makes room for our abiding relationship and friendship.  It grows love, makes mercy possible and spreads cheer.  It transforms.

Let faith spread
its good will,
O Lord.
Let faith shine
like the
brightest star.
Let faith breathe
new life
into us.
Let faith break down
our false strengths
and wicked ways.
Let faith warm
our cold hearts.
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Dear God,

Every morning I step into the dark living room, plug in the Christmas tree and light the Advent candle.  Then I sit on the couch, open the drawer and pull out one of the stable characters and place it on the coffee table turned altar.  By Christmas Eve all characters will be in place including the star shining brightly.  Finally I pick up the first of five devotional books. 

My Advent has been precious time for me.  As I always look so forward to these special days leading up to Christmas, my routine has been sacred, time alone with you, my God.  I cannot convey how beautiful it is and has been.

And so when I think of the annual Advent season, I smile realizing I get to live it again and again, year after year.  Holy, simply holy.

Blessed are you,
Lord God of Heaven and Earth.
All belongs
to you;
yet, you share
your life
with us.
We are blessed.
I am blessed.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Dear God,

Just when I think I cannot do something, that it seems beyond my reach, you whisper the words of St. Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  The moment the words were spoken I knew where and who they came from.  These are heaven's words, the words of hope and truth.

Way too many times I fall prey to my own temptations.  I forget the power and goodness of faith when I utter useless, false words.  I set faith aside and operate as if I am not a woman of faith and there is no God to be found.  Oh, the conviction that falls on my shoulders!

So when the words came this morning, I felt the rush of angel wings.  I realized faith people are held to a higher standard of belief, practice and action because we do have faith.  Not only did I feel the challenge but also the grace of love.

Holy God,
you remain
a great wonder
to me.
Your love
is deep
and wide.
You challenge us
to believe
in extraordinary things,
in impossible things
and in you.
Please forgive me.
I am sorry.
Thank you
for loving me
in my
weak state.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, December 10, 2018

Dear God,

When I bask in your light so very aware of your presence, all sin, smudges, every thought not of you washes away.  I feel the full joy of your divine closeness.  I not only see and know the light, I become the light.

As I experience your light, you call me to be the light not only when I spend time alone with you but in every situation of life.  I am to carry the light to others; otherwise, I hide my light under the proverbial basket.  This morning I did just that.  I took the basket and snuffed out the light when I lost my patience, when I let my temper flare for a variety of different reasons.  Only now as I write am I aware of my action.

O God of Light,
you challenge us
every day
to see
the light,
receive the light
and be
the light.
You know
the blessing
of your light
particularly as
it shines
upon us.
Forgive us
when we
snuff out
your light
because of
our own
selfish ways.
Be our light always,
dear Father,
and let us
be your light always too.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Dear God,

The cold outside, the white wintry scene, brings warmth to my insides.  Why?  Not only because winter is my favorite season but because you created four seasons for the earth to enjoy.  Each one brings its own unique gifts but winter, aaahhh, it brings so much more for me.

The season of winter brings you closer to me or rather draws me closer to you.  In the winter white, I see you, creating winter, giving trees and other loving species opportunity to draw in life-giving nutrients as they deepen their roots to find just what they need.  I draw close because of Advent, that wonderful season of preparation and Christmas, the mysterious season of birth and rebirth and Epiphany, the glorious time of celebration when loved ones brought gifts to the new babe in the manger.  Winter gives extraordinary gifts.

And so as I sit in worship, in a school gymnasium turned worship center each Sunday morning, I think on the things of faith, of Mary and Joseph, of a star, a tiring journey, a manger and a baby.  And I think of you.

Praise to you,
my savior,
redeemer, friend,
comforter and teacher.
All glory
to you
for the
wondrous gifts
of winter.
My soul
is full
of joy
and faith
and love.

Always yours, Andrea

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Dear God,

She sat in her chair all hunched over.  At 94 she is so bent, she can no longer stand straight up.  But her faith, well, that is different, Lord.  Her faith is straight as an arrow and always hits your target.

It is Advent weekend, three days of time spent gloriously with grandchildren at my home.  We always have a special service project and visiting my aunt was one of those.  All three of them sat on the floor at the feet of Aunt Jeanne.  It is easier for her to see us than having to look up.

Charlie read the Christmas story from Luke 2.  I read from her favorite psalm, Psalm 71, and then we sang Christmas carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful and, of course, Silent Night, Holy Night.  Then I prayed.

This woman, your special child, has always longed for home with you.  Although she now lives alone since the passing of her husband and rarely gets out, her greatest joy is prayer, reading the scriptures and breathing in the air of your spirit.  Today she touched our lives as she talked about all her loved ones waiting for her in heaven and how happy she will be to join them.  Then she smiled at me and said, "And I will be waiting at the gate for you, Andy."

Every day
you bless
our lives.
Thank you
for the ability
to discern
your spirit
at work
in our world.
Thank you
for prized moments
made possible
only by you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 7, 2018

Dear God,

In the early morning I watched the candle light dance on my altar.  Suddenly the light moved from the altar to my heart.  The light warms, embraces, heals, helps, guides, enables, equips, blesses and loves, you reminded me.  Where I had been cold sitting on the couch, I felt the warmth come into me.

That is how your light works, O Lord.  It does all these things and more.  It brings peace and joy and mercy and grace.  A simple, single light can do so much for faith.

I love this Advent season.  I love the insights that come.  I love the holiness of soul preparation.  I love being near you.  I love waiting, anticipating the coming of Christ!

Bless you,
O Lord,
for the gift
of Advent.
Thank you
for making it possible.
Thank you
for this
prized time
of the year.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Dear God,

What is prayer?  It is sacred space, a place to be with our God, to share our deepest longings for ourselves and others.  It is the time where we offer you our concerns for the world, for our neighbor near and far, ourselves and our family.  It is opportunity to listen to you, to anticipate your voice, your word and your challenge.  It is the most intimate place/space in the cosmos, there alone together we sit at your feet with no distraction.  Prayer is holy speaking and listening.  It is love at its best, most beautiful.

You call us to prayer.  We do not choose our time to pray but rather you call to us.  Perhaps you say, "Let's spend time together."  Sometimes we say yes, other times we offer no or not now.  But always prayer is blessing for you care and want time alone with us.

This morning as I walked the treadmill in my time of prayer I listened and realized my weakness and prejudice.  You spoke and I listened.  Only in prayer can we learn the Father's will. 

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for breathing
your life
in us.
Thank you
for the blessing
of correction
and challenge.
Thank you
for love expressed
each time
you call us
to prayer
and we
say yes.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Dear God,

Faith is meant to be lived in the deep.  In this world we often live in the shallows.  We may have a good time but the shallows can never offer what can be found in the depths.

Every morning when I sit with my "circle of friends" I travel to the deep.  I love going deeper, passing by the shallows to find deep rich soil.  There I hear the sound of angels singing, faith-filled people sharing their stories and feel the gentle breeze of your living spirit.  I come alive in the depths of faith.  I awaken to love, mercy and grace.  I feel my smile stretch across my face.  I see the twinkle in my eye.  I feel close to my savior, redeemer and friend.

Blessed are you,
Lord God of Advent.
Thank you
for this opportunity
to travel
on a journey
of faith.
Thank you
for the characters
of Advent
who invite me in
and allow me
to travel
with them
on great adventures.
Blessed are you
for all
your many gifts.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Dear God,

"The outside may look good but if the inside is not the same..." you whispered in devotions this morning.  It is much easier to make the external self appear good but more difficult to make the internal what it needs to be.  If I spent half as much time working on my insides as I do my outside, I could better achieve the purpose of holiness.

I fail miserably when it comes to my internal work.  I want to look as you created me to look.  I want to be pure on the inside.  I want my will to be yours.  I want to let your spirit fashion and refashion me daily.  Yet, I like control of myself.  Ultimately, it appears, I want my own way.  And that way really isn't very pretty, if at all.

Why is it we have such a hard time being and living in your image?  Our heart and soul may want one thing but mind, flesh and blood operates differently.  There is always this spiritual and emotional fight for me.

Holy God,
be thou
my guide,
my redeemer,
my hope,
my cleanser
and my life.
Rid me
of me.
Make space
for you.
I want you.
I need you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 3, 2018

Dear God,

The stories of faith are real.  They enlighten, awaken and inspire.  When we listen real close, we can feel the breeze of the spirit blow upon us.

As I listen to my morning "circle of friends," 12th century saints, gospel writers and modern day faith sharers, I feel and see your living presence.  Although they speak of their own century, I still hear the appeal of faith for the NOW.  I sense their faith, their struggles and wisdom.  How wonderful to "sit" with these friends in Advent.  As the lights twinkle on my Christmas tree, I see the light of each writer illuminating not only the room but also my heart and soul.

Thank you,
Holy Father,
for the work
of your spirit.
Thank you
for those
who wrote
their thoughts,
shared their faith
and blessed us readers.
One day closer...
...to the coming
of Christ again.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Dear God,

I just feel it in my bones, my heart, mind and soul too.  I feel your spirit rising inside me.  It is Advent.  As a pastor, I preached on making one's self ready for Christ to come again.  I said all the right and good things to challenge my flock to make ready.  The truth is it is all true.  When you want to arise anew in our lives at Christmas time, you let us know something is amiss, something is stirring and I feel it, I really do feel it.

I purchased the Christmas tree today, 9', the tallest ever.  The scent of pine began filling the room and I breathed deeply.  For me it is not a commercial holiday, rather it is a spiritual event, faith becoming flesh, love, mercy and grace all wrapped up in one.

I am excited.  My anticipation is growing.  You are coming.

Thank you
for Advent,
for Christmas
and Epiphany.
Thank you
for your promises
to come,
to be real
and to bless.
Help me share
your light
with others
this season,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Dear God,

Sometimes you just get a chance to visit heaven.  The young people of Purdue University sang the songs of faith, more than ever in their 85 years performing in the Purdue Christmas Show.  For some reason the preponderance of music was religious rather than secular.  Seated near the front in a packed house, I couldn't help feeling the breeze of your living spirit.

Some deny you.  Some say there is a higher power.  Some say faith is a fairy tale.  For some maybe that is all it is.  But that is not what I discovered today.  I found Christ, Jesus Christ, heard his voice, saw his smile and felt his love.  Yes, sometimes you just get a chance to visit heaven.

Holy Father,
thank you
for the breeze
of your
loving, living spirit.
Thank you
for unexpected moments
of faith.
Thank you
for today's blessing,
so beautiful,
so inspiring,
so moving.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, November 30, 2018

Dear God,

Only you can heal, for you are the Great Physician, the wondrous healer.  You make healing possible, all kinds, physical, emotional, spiritual, national, global and on and on.  Only you.

Three of Harold's grandchildren came this weekend, the first time in many years.  With their children in tow, there was laughter, joy, memory sharing, game playing and good eating.  Harold has wanted this for so long and finally it came to pass.  But it was not always so.

Brokenness can linger for oh so long.  Hurt can remain even beyond that.  But you, our God, can ease the pain, bring your children together and heal us.

Blessed are you,
Lord God,
for the gifts
of your
beautiful spirit.
Thank you
for bringing us together
once more.
Thank you
for not
leaving us alone
but for
being here
with us.
I felt
your spirit present.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea