Thursday, March 28, 2019

Dearest God,

My sister told me she plans to kill herself.  I already knew it because my niece told me.  I climb into bed where my sister lay and I ask her to talk to me.

To be sure life can be overwhelming to the point where we can break.  This beloved sister of mine is at her breaking point and why wouldn't she be.  She has faced more losses than anyone I know personally.  She simply can't carry the weight any longer.

It is midnight tonight, eight hours after we walked into the Stress Center.  My sister is safe.

Holy God,
thank you
for all
the talents
and skills
you place
in the
human spirit.
Thanks for those
who welcomed
my sister in.
Thank you
for your spirit
who saved her.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Dear God,

I hear the call of spiritual friends inviting me to dwell for a bit together.  C S Lewis, St. Paul, St. Therese of Lisieux, Marti Johnson and others invite me to sit a spell in the company of the divine.  There, I feel the pull of the sacred to journey into the deep where faith resides.

My whole body, mind and spirit sense your indwelling spirit as I sit with friends to listen, read, pray, meditate and reflect.  They nudge me into places of light where I ponder the places in my darkness, in my hopelessness and in my doubt.  We all have them but they push me further and always, always, I find you waiting for me.

Although I am still recovering from being so sick and feel weak, I find strength in my inner being where you and I dwell together.  And, on my, my, my I discover grace, hope and joy awaiting me.

You are God;
there is
no one
like you.
To dwell
with you
is like
fresh water
after a
parching day
in the sun.
You are
my greatest joy.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Dear God,

The sweetness of your mercy, ah, the sweetness of your mercy.  When I was lost, you found me.  When I walked in darkness, you led me to the light.  When I was alone, you came to me.  When I was sick, you healed me.  All this is your mercy.

As my body continues to recover from a flu bout and my blood levels struggle to return to normal because of my ongoing health condition, I recognize once again your compassionate mercy.  When my body was failing me on the floor last Friday you were beside me imparting mercy.  From then until now, I can count the ways you showed mercy to me.

Frequently I fail to pause long enough to count my blessings.  I fail to remember your faithfulness.  I fail to see you with you.  I fail to give thanks.  But today, not today, I remember and give thanks!

Blessed are you,
God of Great Compassion and Mercy.
I thank you
for your kindness
to me.
You are
ever faithful.
You remind me
I am yours.
You show me mercy.
I love you.

Always and forever yours, Andrea

Monday, March 25, 2019

Dear God,

As I sat with my morning circle of friends, listening to them speak through devotional reading, I looked out the window and viewed a spectacular springtime scene.  The quiet morning displayed the magnificence of your creation...the colors, texture and depth spoke volumes.  I listened and took it all in.

Forever... there you are speaking too.  All we need do is attune ourselves to your voice.  As we clear the clutter for just a moment, we can see as into forever.  As we enter into the quiet, we rest in you and find our peace.

Bless you,
God Almighty,
Quiet Savior,
for the gifts
of every day life.
How beautiful
is your creation!
How great
you are!

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Dearest God,

You give us many openings by which to find you.  Some are obvious; others are not.  Some we stumble into; others we find as we stroll through life.  But always, you make a way.

Today as I rested, recovering from a horrible bout of stomach flu, I watched a movie entitled, "The Legend of Bagger Vance."  The movie was a gentle door I entered through to see you.

Holy Father,
some moments
are too holy
to give words to.
Sometimes we
just discover
one another
in the light.
And then
we just dwell.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Dear God,

You make the human body resilient, yet vulnerable, strong, yet fragile, powerful, yet weak.  You remind us we are not gods made of silver and gold.  We are not all powerful, all anything.  We are still human beings in need of God, in need of guidance, in need of help.

As I slept all day recovering from a night of horrible stomach flu symptoms, I was grateful for rest, for body restoration and renewal. My body was exhausted from the assault; yet, I had the sense I rested in your arms, like a tender mother hovering over her sick child.

Every day you give us cause to reflect upon life and what happens to and around us.  Today it was time for that reflection and I realize just how much I need you in my life, every day not just some days, but every day.  And every day, you are with me.

Holy God,
thank you
for the constancy
of your care.
May every day
I grow older
be a day
I love you more.
Thank you
for today.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 22, 2019

Dear God,

Thank you for your compassionate help.  I write this days after this date because I fell so ill on this day I had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital.  I was so dehydrated my blood was thick.  They had to work and work to do my blood work.

You have given each of us special, unique gifts so we can take care of each other.  Inside us you planted talents, skills, desires, helps and very special ways to bless one another.  As I lay sick on the floor in my home, there were those who came to my home and placed me on a stretcher and drove me to the hospital.  Inside the ambulance they were tender and caring.  At the hospital there were those who took me from the stretcher and placed me on the hospital bed.  They took my vitals, gave me fluids, took me to radiology, helped me to the bathroom, cleaned me up, fed me water and gave me meds in an IV.  They tended to my every need as I lay too sick to take care of my own.

As my daughter drove me home hours later, I gave thanks for your work and the work of all who were and are your hands and feet, your love and kind mercy, and your mouthpiece and communicator.  What more could we want?

Bless you,
Redeeming God,
for all
your do
for your children.
Thank you
especially for
your compassion
and love.
We would
be bereft
without you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Dear God,

Thank you for the new spring day, the season of spring, the time of new birth and new beginnings.  I love the fact that spring is right smack dab in the middle of Lent.  What a promise of hope!

The birds have been singing for weeks, spreading the news of springtime.  They are already building their nests, searching for that which will hold their new babies while they feed and nurture them.  As they sit on my window sills, they stare at me as if to tell me something like, "Are you ready?  Don't you know?  New opportunities are coming!"  It seems as if they know something I don't know and they want me to pay attention.

I pray for new discernment, Lord; I need discernment because I need to pay attention to you and your will for my life.  I need this spring for greater possibilities.  I need you!

Gracious God,
how good
it is
for spring
to be
springing forth!
How good
it is
to have
new beginnings.
How good
it is
for faith
to have
another chance.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Dear God,

Forgiveness, have I thanked you every time you offered me forgiveness?  My thoughts, actions and behaviors at times need a lot of forgiveness.  I am impatient, irritated and thoughtless sometimes.  I lose my way.  I step off the path of faith and follow my own desires, wants and thoughts.  I fail.

Yet, inside, my soul recognizes my flaw, my mistake, my grievous sin.  My conscience gently and not-so-gently asks, "Really?"  Almost instantly I know what I have done.  Not so instantly, I come around to you to confess, acknowledge and share my frustration.  Soon I bow at your feet because I do not wound others and I surely do not want to wound you.

You offer forgiveness for the most heinous of crimes not because we deserve it or are worthy but because you are the God of grace, mercy and love.  You care about your children, all of us, no matter our color, status, religion, political stance or economic situation.  We are simply equal children in your sight, worthy of great love so you provide for us.

You have welcomed me home so very many times.  When I have failed, you have offered me your gifts, one of those forgiveness.  I am grateful!

Blessed God,
thank you
for your
compassionate mercy.
It always
astounds me
that you care
so much.
Your way
is the way
of love,
always.
Remake me
in your image,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Dear God,

Spring is coming.  Winter is quietly slipping away.  New life is approaching!

As I listened to the birds sing this morning, I heard joy in their song.  Yesterday as I watched a black crow carry grass in its beak, I knew it was preparing for new birth, a new brood to come.  The mother-to-be knows spring is soon to unfold.

Every season readies us for a new chapter in our lives.  If we watch and listen, we can find cues to spiritual and emotional living.  We can do some cleanup ourselves so we can make space for what is to come.  For surely there is more to come.

I want
to be ready too,
Living God;
I want
to prepare myself
for what
is to come.
Thank you
for the blessing
of the now.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 18, 2019

Dear God,

Sitting down in the morning to write is like the drive home after a long time.  I remember the trip to Grandma Hughes' farmhouse when I was young.  It was only a few minutes away but I loved her home, her vegetable garden, her flowers, her homecooked meals, her handmade quilts and her faith.  I loved her.

And I love you.  Although there is no drive to get where you are, I still have that same kind of longing, that same kind of joy and that same kind of faith Grandma had.  When I come into your presence, I know my smallness, my imperfect self; yet, I know love awaits me each morning like the love I knew waited for me when I got to Grandma's.  And I know I am blessed, truly blessed.

You are God;
the God
of my longing,
the God
of my faith.
You are
my dwelling place,
O Lord.
Thank you
for our
mornings together.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Dear God,

My mind, heart and soul were already open to those suffering from the latest mass shooting, this time in a mosque in New Zealand.  But when our priest spoke of loving the suffering especially those who experience great suffering, I felt my heart heavy with sorrow, anger and pain.  "Love your neighbor," he challenged us, "Love your neighbor."

Later in the service when I stood holding the chalice, "the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation," I bent down low for a little boy no more than three years old, who responded by nodding his head as he dipped his crumb of bread into the cup.  Yes, he was saying, that is what this is.  With this we drink of the cup of love and we go out to love our neighbor.

Children, it seems, are not just students but also teachers.  We must learn.  We must love.  We must change the world for the sake of all people.

Loving God,
show us
the way
to mercy
and compassion.
We need you
so very much.
We need
to correct
the ills
by loving,
really loving.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Dear God,

There are so many ways in which I am weak, O Lord.  I am weak in trust.  I think I can be totally self reliant.  I am in weak in strength.  I can fall so easily.  I am weak in faith.  I like to do things my way.

It is only when I daily sit with my circle of friends, gospel writers, Christian authors, Catholic saints, true disciples and spiritual friends that I am challenged to see the truth.  Every morning as I read and listen, I hear the challenge in their voices and in their faith.  I see their trust in you and I am moved by their faith.  I realize these are those you send to set a fire under us for we can become so self centered that we go back to making our own destiny, charting our own course and walking the path we have created for ourselves.  They stretch me.  They inspire me.  They shift me.  They make me think.  They remind me.  Thank you.

Holy God,
I am yours,
not my own.
Please forgive
my foolish ways.
Make me yours
once again,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 15, 2019

Dear God,

Whenever I feel invincible or infinite, it is not long before I discover how I am not!  Days ago I fell ill, a virus had attacked.  I felt weak, fatigued and worn out.  I was dizzy along with other symptoms.  I simply couldn't do anything but rest.  It is only as I am feeling better that I realize the "who" is invincible and infinite!

You are the true power, O God.  There is no one like you.  We are flesh and blood, weak and dependent.  You have made us to count on your strength, your power, your love, your mercy and your kindness.  All these enable us to live comfortably, meaningfully and hopefully.

Every day
you teach us
the lessons
of faith.
We easily forget
who we are.
Forgive me,
Lord,
teach me
again and again
to praise you
and give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Dear God,

As I stood in the utility room taking wet clothes out of the washer, I was struck by what I saw.  A leg from one of my husband's sweatpants had gotten caught in the loop of the belt of my robe.  Twisted and tight, you brought to mind how tightly we are bond when we are caught in sin.  No matter how hard I pulled I could not get it out.  It was only when I took the robe and let it twirl around to loosen itself did the pant let finally pull through.

Oh, my goodness did that speak volumes to me.  Only when I open myself to the mighty power of love and grace and let go can I be released from all that binds me.  I could make a list of sins or practices or beliefs or craziness or whatever of things that hold me tight.  But I could also pen the times I have surrendered myself into your hands and experienced the freeing power of love.  Sweet, so sweet, it seems effortless.  That is what happens when we entrust ourselves in your mighty, big hands.

Holy God,
Heavenly Father,
you are
our all-in-all.
Your power
makes life good.
Thank you
for today's
faith lesson.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Dear God,

It seems as if we live as little gods believing ourselves to be invincible, worthy, great, entitled and number one.  As we go about life, we think of ourselves first, above all others.  We work to rise higher in power, wealth and status.  Every day is about us.

But we can never be further from the truth.  We are just specks on this planet, equal specks made in the image of our God.  We are no better than our neighbor near or far.  We are not loved more than any other.  We do not reign over others or the earth.  We do not own or possess anything on our own.  We are children and we always will be, children of the Living God.

Show us
the way home,
O God.
Show us
the way
to honor you
as God
of all creation.
Show us
the way
to bless others
as we
want to
be blessed.
You are God;
there is
no one
like you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Dear God,

In every day life you teach us valuable lessons.  You prick our minds, hearts and spirits to open us to your spirit at work.

For me those lessons begin first thing in the morning.  When I arise, it is almost always in the darkness.  I watch as the darkness gives way to the light.  Although I love the light and darkness themes of life, this morning it seemed the message was about sin, disobedience and resistance to your will.

As I looked into the blackness, you brought to my mind how it is when my own will blots out yours.  When I focus on myself alone, the darkness slips in and I have trouble seeing the path you have laid out for me.  The darkness robs me of hearing your voice, seeing your face and feeling your touch.  I wander like a stray dog with no home.  In time without a course change, I am lost.  I have done this, I confess, way too many times.

Yet, when I realize what I am doing, what I have done and where I am going, I turn back to the light because I know my answer lies there.  My hope rests in the light.  There I find welcome, acceptance, challenge, forgiveness and a new start.  My heart wells with repentance and joy not because I deserve your gifts but because grace makes it possible.

Holy God,
thank you
for the lessons
of faith,
hope, trust,
confession and grace.
Because you
are merciful,
I can
begin again.
I need you, Lord;
I always need you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 11, 2019

Dear God,

Today is a fresh, new day.  The sun is shining.  A red cardinal just landed on the serviceberry tree just outside my study window.  Earlier in the dark the birds sang, happy that spring is soon to come.

I am always in awe of the dawning of a new day.  The beauty of new birth, of rebirth wows me every time.  I feel glad each new morning.  Although life may be difficult or challenging, even still the new day brings me hope, faith, joy and love.  Like the song goes..."new mercies I see."  

Loving God,
thank you
for the blessing
of each
new day.
Each one
shouts out
the love
of our creator.
I see you
in each
new dawn
and I
give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Dear God,

Faith awakens me every Sunday morning as I think about worship, gathering with pilgrim seekers and singing, praying and sharing together.  Something happens just knowing I will come into your presence with others.

I don't know why some have faith and others do not.  I do not know why some are receptive to faith and others not so much.  I don't know why some want God and others do not.  I do not know so many things.  What I do know is I cannot remember a time when I did not sense your presence.  I may not have known how to name you but I knew a sense of awe of something really big.  When I experienced my grandmother's love, it always seemed bigger than others, not that I didn't feel loved by others in my family but hers exhibited something more.  It was faith.

Holy God,
thank you
for faith
that somehow
makes the
world bigger.
For faith
that stretches us
beyond the known,
the familiar
and the world.
For faith
that brings holiness
to the simple,
ordinary and little.
Thank you,
Blessed God.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Dearest God,

My oldest child turned 50 today.  I remember her birth.  I remember holding her for the first time.  I remember praying for her.  I remember love bursting forth out of me as my first born looked up at me.

Is that how you are with each of us?  Does new love stretch your heart more and more?  You made love to connect us to one another.  You bond us together in mysterious ways.

At 72 remembering my child with love overflowing I give thanks to you.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You make us
for one another.
Help us love
in the
same way
you love,
O Lord,
the same way.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 8, 2019

Dear God,

Sorrow and grief can feel so very, very deep and despairing like part of our inner being ripped and torn and still tearing.  Yet, at the same time faith can make space for hope and joy.  How does this happen?  Only you know, O God, because you make it possible.

Some losses overwhelm us, making us feel so far away from all that gives us joy and hope.  But as we live in faith, calling out to you, O God, you make it possible for us to find you close, as close as our breath.  You increase our inner space so we can make room for hope to comfort us and joy to help us live in the moment.  You allow your spirit to heal, reconcile and guide us toward all that can make us new.

How many times have you reconstructed, restored and renewed my own life as I lay down in loss, sorrow and grief?  So very many times.  You became my light, my refuge and shelter and my hope.  Although I had to wade through my mourning until I was able to let the light do its work to heal and help me, I sensed your warm presence reaching out, doing its work.

Heavenly Father,
Almighty God,
Comforter and Healer,
thank you
for rich blessings
that come
when we place
our hand
in yours.
Thank you
for the
good gifts
that can
help us survive
all that
threatens to
tear us apart.
No one heals
like you;
for there is
no god
like you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Dear God,

You create space in the human heart for love that grows and increases day by day.  How is it possible, Creator of Love of the Greatest Kind?

Tonight I went to the county tourney for my granddaughter's 7th grade basketball team.  My daughter and son-in-law and three of my grandchildren were there to root Lucy on.  I watched all of them as they yelled and screamed for number 25.  I also observed them talking a mile a minute and laughing together.  My love for them grew.  I felt my heart stretch and take in more agape love.  I couldn't help but smile and utter my quiet prayers of gratitude.  When our team won, I watched my ball player granddaughter who was hurt early in the season and couldn't play but recovered enough to play the last few games.  Her smiles won my heart, one more time.

Blessed God,
thank you
for your kindness.
Thank you
for your
beautiful design
for love
and the
human heart.
Thank you,
thank you!!!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Dear God,

When we live in gratitude, we see life differently.  This morning as I looked out my living room window onto a barren, gray winter morning, I reveled in the muted colors, browns of varying shades, gray, white and green.  Because summer and autumn colors are so bold, we often miss the exquisite beauty of special colors in winter.

As I reflected upon the scene before me, I recognized once again the beauty of every season, its uniqueness, its gifts and its spiritual whisperings. In the winter, my favorite, I see solitude and tranquility, peace and hope and gentleness and compassion.  I breathe in the gifts of this season and I smile, whispering back my own thanksgiving.

Gentle and Loving God,
thank you
for the gift
of nature,
of the earth,
wind, fire
and sea.
Thank you
for the
special sounds,
colors and textures
of winter.
I love it.

Always yours, Andrea

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Dear God,

You constantly open the doors of heaven for us.  You give us a glimpse of what pure grace is, what beauty is contained in a life with you and how much love exists not only for the whole world but for each of us individually.  It is an open invitation.

I've missed many opportunities, some I recognized and others I did not until later.  Each time I feel sad that I chose something else, some belief, some practice or some behavior that prohibited me from stepping inside.

But oh, the marvelous times when I moved forward and found you waiting.  It was like fireworks of great joy bursting forth out of me.  I could not contain all the joy that came to me as sheer gift.  How beautiful, how sweet, how magnificent!!!

Holy God,
you are
always inviting.
Thank you,
thank you.
Please never stop.
Help us
be aware.
Help us listen.
Help us
say yes
to you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, March 4, 2019

Dear God,

A tree is a tree is a tree unless it becomes something more.  In the spiritual life, we can reflect upon a tree as a spiritual metaphor.  We can study a tree, let it speak to us and begin to examine what it has to teach us about a life of faith.

The oak tree in our backyard humbles me as I consider the ways it lifts its branches toward the heavens.  Yes, I know it is reaching out for sunshine and light but it also reminds me I too need the light, the light of God, the light of faith.  If my hands are down, if I do not look up, if I have no interest in the light, it will be difficult for me to find it.  I will miss the light rays I need to equip me to live a life in the spirit.

It also teaches me about roots that go deep to find nutrients and water.  As a follower of Christ I need my roots to deepen as well; otherwise, my roots will wither and die.  Without water, living water, I  grow weak and eventually can die of neglect. The old oak constantly reminds me to lift up my eyes to the hills, like the words of the psalmist in Psalm 121 and to deepen my roots to find life in your spirit.

Good God,
Blessed Lord,
you use nature
as a way
to teach us
lessons about faith.
Oh, how
we need
to listen
and learn.
Remind us
to look up
and to
go deep
so we
may meet you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Dear God,

He sang like an angel.  I closed my eyes and let my heart hear it as well as my ears.  His singing whisked me to heaven.

How is it possible, O Lord, that we can be transported into the heavens?  How is it that our hearts can suddenly be quickened, our minds put on pause and our ears opened to the song of angels?  Only you, O God, only you can do this amazing feat.

As I listened to Tim sing in worship, I let his words and the words of the composer of Once and For All, Lauren Daigle, speak to my innermost being:  "God, I give you what I can today.  These scattered ashes that are hid away.  I lay it all at your feet.  From the corners of my deepest shame.  The empty places where I've worn your name.  Show me the love I say I believe.  O help me to lay it down, Oh, Lord, I'll lay it down." 

Nothing is hid from you, O God, nothing.  When I stepped into worship, I carried Me in, all of me, my shame, my ashes and my empty places.  When I heard the song of heaven, I wanted to rise and let it all fall.  I wanted to let go of it all, let it fall to your feet, let it go once and for all.  Instead I let my tears flow.  In the quiet I let my tears flow at your feet.

Most Wondrous God,
you bless us
in extraordinary ways.
You sing
to us
the song
of faith.
You invite us in
to dwell
with you,
to let go
and let go
and let go.
When empty
you refill us
with you.
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Dear God,

I stood at the window and watched the snow flakes fall, zillions of tiny designs falling to the ground to cover the earth in exquisite beauty.  Endeared to your side when snow falls, I think of your amazing work on the cosmos, the color and texture, the objects of infinite quality, quantity and uniqueness.  Who but you could design the earth, the universe, space and its outer limits.

When we look into the mirror, we witness our own unique design.  We are beautiful no matter the flaws and imperfections, we are made by the Creator and we are special in your sight.

As we reflect upon your hand in the world, we fall to our knees in thanksgiving.  Who but you, O Lord, could achieve so much rare wonderment?

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Help us consider
your work,
your holy work,
O God,
and make us
thankful and
desirous of praise.
We are
your handiwork,
your very
own handiwork.
All praise
to you,
Holy God,
all praise.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 1, 2019

Dear God,

I heard the song, not just once but three times.  Although winter is deep with snow and cold temperatures, I heard the song of spring.  The birds were singing it.  Winter may be my favorite season, O Lord, but I recognize the beauty of all your seasons.

Each new day is a gift from your hand.  As the morning dawns and the sun rises, there is beauty, the most incredible beauty on earth.  As we watch the sky turn from black to gray to white and blue, we know there is no better artist in the cosmos than the one Great Artist.  We can watch the change and sing out in praise.

Thank you
for the song
of faith
that sings
of your praise.
There is
no one
more worthy
of praise
than you,
Holy God.
Teach us
the way
of gratitude
so we too
can join
the singing.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Dear God,

One wrong turn, just one, can take us so far out of the way on the spiritual journey.  This morning that came home to me when I took a wrong turn and got on the wrong road on the outskirts of Boston.  Because it was rush hour traffic and I was driving in a winter storm, I could not get off the interstate so I wound up driving through the international airport so I could swing around and get on the other side.  I added 100 miles and two and a half hours to my journey.

How many times have I taken wrong turns in my spiritual life?  How many times have I seen something that drew my attention away such that I turned off the road for a trip to nowhere?  So many, many times did I allow myself to get distracted.

Although the distractions took me away from you, I remember with great joy your call to return to you.  Embarrassed, humiliated and sorrowful I followed your voice and found my way back.  Your welcome is one I will never, ever forget.

Thank you,
Compassionate God,
for calling me home.
Thank you
for guiding me
back to you.
Thank you
for not holding
all my
wrong turns
against me.
I am blessed
not because
I deserve it
but because
you blessed me.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Dear God,

How can we become pure and holy?  How can we rid ourselves of all that that blocks us from being pure in your sight?

I read of the saints who struggled to be clean, completely open to your cleansing spirit.  I hear their voices cry out to surrender all that holds them back.  I listen to their pleas for purity.

When I study their lives, I recognize how far off the mark I am from purity and holiness.  I want those but I hold on to the veils, things I cling to that give me self importance, recognition or affirmation.  But these, all these stand in the way of meeting you at the door of holiness.

Dear God,
I am fraught
with sin,
disobedience and
lack of will.
I want
what can
make me clean;
yet, I cling
to what
keeps me unclean.
I want
to dwell
with you,
in you.
Help me,
O Lord,
I pray.

Love, Andrea