Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Dear God,

Today I drove into my driveway at my home in Maine.  Just 36 hours ago I left Indiana and drove 1,047 miles.  All during our travels you and I talked.  Mostly I listened.  What joy I felt in my soul

Your creation is a wonder.  Your love inspires.  Your grace makes hope, courage and peace possible.  All the way along I counted your blessings.  Faith helped me see, hear and taste all that was good!  I prayed, celebrated, gave thanks, and even wept with joy a little bit.  How wonderful to spend so much alone time together!

I love you,
Great Father.
Thank you
for all
your blessings.
Thank you
for the ride
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 27, 2020

Dear God,

Many years ago I thought I could not do things on my own.  I was afraid, insecure and vulnerable.  So, I didn't take many risks.

Until I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had to face my greatest risk!  My fear and anxiety led me into your waiting arms and there I found courage, hope and peace.

Faith makes all the difference between being trapped and moving forward.  The more I trusted you, the greater my confidence and courage grew.  The more I followed your will, the more peace I felt.  The more I asked you first, the more I realized I could do more than I ever imagined.

Today I drove 605 miles on my way to Maine.  Although it appeared I was alone in the car, I really was savoring being alone with you.  Before I could not have imagined making a trip alone.  Now I do it with great confidence, joy and peace because I know I can do all things with you.

Holy God,
you are
the breath
beneath my wings.
You are
the power
in my spirit.
You are
the love
of my soul.

Always yours, Andrea

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Dear God,

You open doors we simply cannot open ourselves.  We can do everything in our power to force doors and windows open but to no avail.  Your simple touch can make the difference.

I can count many times when a simple nudge of your door gave me new possibilities for life.  It changed everything.  It gave me new courage and strength, a greater resolve and determination to step forward, to leave my place of indecision, doubt and fear, and to live a new life.

At times I have been afraid to walk through your door because to do so required a commitment, action and follow through.  You expected me to take faith with me, to trust you and to do your will.  Every time without exception I found you waiting to walk with me.  And what else came?  JOY!  Joy that bubbled up and spilled over.  Joy shared with the Creator of the Cosmos!!!  Great delight!

Thank you,
Holy Father,
to the gifts
of your
amazing spirit.
Thank you
for love
that opens doors.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Dear God,

A simple song spoke volumes as I listened not only with my ears but with my heart and soul. One of Susan Boyle's song, the lyrics were, "...we are standing on solid ground..."  I paused to listen more deeply and realized how faith strengthens the ground beneath us.

There are many times when life circumstances, ours, our families' and our nation's and world's, when we feel we are on very shaky ground.  We feel unsafe, vulnerable and afraid.  We can sometimes be paralyzed; yet, faith slips in and alters the ground below us.  It infuses a steadiness, a hardness, a strength that at the time we simply cannot manufacture ourselves.  Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere we feel solid ground and we breathe a little easier, take greater risks and move out of our paralyzed place.  A little faith can go a very long way!

You are
the source
of our faith,
Holy One.
You make
the difference.
You touch
our lives
and claim us
as your own.
We bow
to you
in thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 24, 2020

Dear God,

What can we do but place our whole trust in you?  When life takes a turn, when health issues arise or when people we love fail to thrive, what can we do but place our whole trust in you?

2019 was a difficult year in some ways.  Family relationships, political divisions and personal struggles wove their tentacles around me at times.  While I was perplexed, disappointed and frustrated, more and more I realized that life rarely has easy, simple fixes.  However, when we trust you, really trust you, new avenues are revealed, hard, crusty hearts can soften and doors and windows to the soul, mind and heart can open up.  So while it was a difficult year, it was also a wondrous year of trust, hope, joy, celebration and peace.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for all
your miracle work.
Who but you
can do
what you do?
Blessed are you,
Mighty God,
blessed are you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Dear God,

This morning in my prayer time I shut off the lights and just watched the light come and darkness fade away outside.  How beautiful is this process.  Every morning it happens, it seems a miracle.  Surely, your hand is found in creations morning story.

There are so many ways you are revealed, Great God of Heaven and Earth.  We are blessed by your efforts to create a magnificent scene before our eyes every day.  First, it is black, then gray, then gray white, white and then all your colors come on display.  It is an awesome wonder, every day, an awesome wonder.

Thank you
for this morning.
Thank you
for the
light display.
Thank you
for creation
and her story.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Dear God,

You invite us to open our eyes, ears and soul to you.  When the door is barely cracked open, you come in and there you dwell with us.

Years ago you pointed to a place in the woods and whispered to me, "There is the opening to the spiritual path."  Spiritual path?  I had no idea and certainly no intention of creating a spiritual path, let alone one that would take more than a dozen years to accomplish.  Yet, because my spiritual door was just ajar.  You asked and I said yes.

Today I finished a beautiful quilt you invited me to create for the spiritual hermitage, the final stop on the spiritual path.  You led me to the colors, the fabrics and even the pattern that was my own.  Each small square held your fingerprint.  I loved creating it because I was making it for you and all you will invite to come and tarry a while.

Just a tiny opening can make the difference!

Holy God,
thank you
for the power
to open us
to your
living spirit.
Thank you
for the challenges
that come
and the hope
you give us
when we
say yes.
Thank you
for the quilt
and all
who will
wrap up
in it.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Dearest God,

You put me in the presence of one of your most holy people.  Matilda is one of your own.  She lives and sleeps faith.  She trusts you for all things.  Making minimum wage with four children, receiving very small, infrequent child support payments for her children, she smiles in faith always repeating her faith statement:  God will make provision.

For three hours and twelve minutes we spoke, sharing faith back and forth, more and more excited about your wondrous work in our lives.  Finally we agreed words fail us when trying to describe you.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for Matilda,
for her life,
her witness
and her faith.
She wows me.
I am blessed
to know her,
to be
her sister
in faith
and to be
in her company.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 20, 2020

Dearest God,

You teach us lessons even when we are not looking for them.  In them you show us how your way is not always, frequently actually, not our way.

I am making a quilt for the spiritual hermitage.  I have always wanted to make a batik quilt but it just never felt right until now.  So I have been cutting, sewing strips and them sewing them into the larger fabric.

I miscalculated the measurements which means I have had to tear out a couple of strips.  Because I am low on fabric which is no longer available, I am having to use the fabric I tore out.  With loose threads and ironed-down seams, I thought I would do a short cut by sewing old squares together without ironing them or taking out threads.  Of course, I just made myself a mess and I was losing patience.  As I was about ready to toss it, you came to me in a breath.  Your message was loud and clear.  I was acting like the man that was given one talent instead of the man given ten.  I was attempting to put new wine in old wineskins.  I suddenly realized the cloth I held in my hand was sacred. I felt guilty, sad.  All at once it felt different. I cherished it.  I held it softly, tenderly in my hands.  I apologized and showed it reverence as I reworked it for almost an hour.

When you come like today, I feel like bowing down at your feet.  I need your instruction, your direction and guidance.  I need to follow you, your will, your way.  It really is better!

Holy God,
thank you
for your
teaching me
a life lesson
this morning.
I needed it.
Thank you
for giving me
eyes of faith.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Dear God,

The words came today, words that are the invitation to the spiritual journey for the spiritual hermitage in Maine.  Years ago when you invited me to partner with you to create a spiritual path in the woods on our property, I could not have envisioned what you would have in mind.  I simply said yes to the invitation then I started digging.  Now 13 or 14 years later the hermitage is built and I have work to do to connect the path with the hermitage.

The words, Come and See, is a further challenge to all who will be led there.  You are inviting them to come, come to a pilgrim home where faith will open the door to who knows what.  You have a plan and a promise for all who will gather there.

As I listened to the preacher, I was struck by his words.  Now I will invite stepson Stephen, a woodworker, to use his gifts to create the plaque that will be affixed to the outside of the hermitage.  Come and See, you who are weary, you who are seeking, you who are needy, you who are hungry, you who need love, come and see.

Thank you,
O God,
for the words
of faith.
Thank you
for reminding me
to be open
to your
living spirit.
Thank you
for your wisdom,
insight, hope,
challenge and grace.
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Dearest God,

Quiet times with you, these are the favorite moments of my day.  Waking up in your presence, giving thanks for the gifts all around me and sitting down with my circle of friends who are authors of many books I use for morning devotional reading bless me immeasurably.  My time in silence, reading, prayer, contemplation and thanksgiving center me as I attempt to live a life worthy of a meaningful relationship with you.

As I breathe in the air of silence, I actually breathe in your living presence.  For I want to have you not only on the outside of me but in my inner space as well.  I want the whole of me to be in living relationship with you.  Mornings like today enable and equip me to daily walk beside you.

When I consider these quiet morning exercises, I realize how blessed I am and what is required of me as I walk the pilgrim walk.  I often fail, fall or stumble but my heart always belongs to you.

Blessed are you,
Good and Loving God.
Thank you
for making time
with me.
Thank you
for the
wondrous gift
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 17, 2020

Dear God,

I used to need noise, sound, distraction.  Silence was scary, too quiet, too much space in which to think.  But my soul was discontent, stressed, sad and disappointed.  I longed for something more.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, you invited me into the quiet, the place of dark silence.  Seemingly, I had to go alone, solo.  Scared spitless, I remember stepping inside, listening as the knob-less door slammed behind me.  Within moments a wild kind of silence took hold of my soul and filled me with peace I had never before experienced.  Ever since then silence has been a best friend.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for gifts
we don't
ask for.
Thank you
for compassionate love
that always
knows best.
Thank you
for the
valuable lesson.
I love you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Dearest God,

One of my circle of friends, author Arianne Braithwaite Lehn, stated in her book Ash & Starlight, "Use this change in plans to be a change in heart."  When I read that, my soul was pricked this morning.  Use this change in plans...how many times has life thrown in a wrench creating a change in my plan?  So many, many times. What I realized moments ago is when the change of plans comes, I work to make everything the way it was instead of using that moment to propel me to change myself.  However, that plan rarely works for me.

On the other hand, when I have jumped into the boat of change because you shifted my plans, I find a new adventure awaiting me.  I discover scenes of untapped resources.  I am washed over with compassionate love.  Your spirit wind rushes to me, sweeps around me and I am filled with so much "new," new ideas, new courage and new faith.  This spiritual trip changes me and I fill with joy having circled the globe with you.

All glory
is due you,
Loving God.
You have
touched me again
and reminded me
how much
good comes
from trusting you.
I am blessed.
Let me
bless you.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Dear God,

We are yours.  You made us.  We are created because you designed us.  We live because you breathed life into us.

Way too often we take credit for all we do.  We celebrate our own power.  Yet, take life away from us and we are a lifeless form.

As I consider the gift of my own life, I see the ways you have uniquely made me.  I can be obstinate and selfish, yet, courageous, determined and giving.  Because you have given me these gifts I can use them for good or not so good.  I can bless others or hold all my blessings for myself.

On days I do not feel well, I realize how vulnerable and fragile life really is.  Today I am sick.  I rely more on you for my wellness.  I learn trust on these days and I am grateful.

Holy God,
Father of all your children,
thank you
for the blessing
of faith
that opens
the door
to you.
Thank you
for making me
and all
your children.
Thank you
for keeping
your hand
upon us.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Dearest God,

There are some days all I want to do is praise you.  All during the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season, I just wanted to lift my hands to heaven and offer you my deepest devotion and love.  Every day was a cause for celebration as I pulled out and put one more character in the manger, turned on the Christmas tree lights and watered it, the scent of Douglas Fire still blessing and placed gifts in Christmas bags I had created.  I loved hosting family and friends for little celebrations.  In all of these I found your presence, your loving presence in our midst.

It is by faith we know you, Lord.  It is by faith we find such joy.  It is by faith we know the light even in the midst of any darkness.  It is by faith the seasons of faith can be celebrated as if on mountaintops.

You are
to be praised,
O God.
You are worthy
of all
we can muster.
All glory
to you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, January 13, 2020

Dearest God,

You come in strange and mysterious ways.  You speak and when we are open we hear you.

Today in my devotional reading Macrina Wiederkehr talked about being in a hole.  Oh, how that resonated with me.  I have been in holes before, desolate, black spaces so deep I could not imagine ever rising to the top again. But I did, of course, I did.  Why?  How?  One, you deemed it needed to happen and two, you lifted me up and out.  I remember those black abysses but more than that, I remember your grace that put your arms around me and effortlessly lifted me out.

It is easy to fall into holes, particularly of our own making.  It is not easy to climb back out.  But by faith, by gracious, unyielding love, you take hold of us and lift.  Only by your power, your power of love, mercy and grace can such a miraculous event take place.  Only by you, O Lord, only by you.

O Father,
my heart
is full
of gratitude
for the
infinite number
of times
you have
lifted me up.
Thank you
for loving me
so much.
Although I know
I have
done little
to warrant
such an occasion
of kindness,
nevertheless, I
am humbled
by your love.
No one
loves me
as much
as you.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Dear God,

It is good to be in worship for I sense our togetherness as one body.  So strange, many people, different backgrounds, cultures; yet, with you we become one, united by faith.  Oh how I love that.

If it were not for church, I probably would not meet these people.  Perhaps we would meet in a grocery line or at a gas station but never would we come together, blend and unite as one.  Only with you, O Lord, can such miracles happen.

Thank you
for my
brothers and sisters
in Christ.
Thank you
for the church.
Thank you
for your
uniting power.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Dear God

Today I led my aunt's memorial service where we celebrated her life, buried her body in the ground and found joy in the release of her broken, aged body of 95 years.  Your spirit lifted us up as we gave testimony to her amazing love and life of faith.

Although it was terribly rainy, the skies were gray and the wind was blowing, the light shined!

Thank you
for Aunt Jeanne,
her life,
her faith,
her witness,
her love
and her prayers.

Love, Andrea

Friday, January 10, 2020

Dear God,

In your time there is no day or night, no 24/7, just divine time.  And there we can dwell anytime.

There are moments in my day when time stands still, where your spirit dwells and where lessons are taught and learned.  There are no perimeters, no walls or lines drawn.  All is open when and where your spirit is present.  Your spirit air breezes and blows, all is calm.  Fog is lifted, darkness shifted and free air flows.  All obstacles are laid aside.  Nothing stands in the way.

There and here I breathe in the sweetness of mercy.  I find myself in the flowing fountain of grace, love and peace.  It is my favorite place, my favorite moments of time and my most blessed union.

This is you, my dearest God, this is you.

Holy are you,
Gracious and Loving God.
You are God;
truly there is none
like you.
You breathe
into us
the life
of your spirit.
Holy moments,
Lord,
holy moments.
Thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Dear God,

Sometimes we just have to sit in another seat in order to see things differently!  I think faith is "sitting in the other seat."

I am making a quilt for my new spiritual hermitage designed to give pastors and pilgrims a place to refresh, renew and restore.  As I laid it out on the floor and measured, it seemed too big, too wide.  Not very good at mathematical equations, I couldn't figure out how to change my pattern.  But just now as I sat down at the computer to spend this time with you, I looked over at the floor and realized I can simply turn it around, make the width the length.

I have so much to learn from you, Father, and I want to learn.  Teach me, I pray.

Eternal God,
thank you
for the lessons
of faith.
Thank you
for moving us
to another seat.
Bless you,
Holy and Wise One,
bless you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Dear God,

As we open ourselves to you, you give us a peak at heaven.  You give us opportunity to "hear" your voice as we listen for your wisdom and your will.  You surprise us with gifts beyond our imagination!

Every Wednesday our covenant group meets for one hour.  We always begin with holy silence, opening ourselves to you and waiting.  Then we share a devotion and prayer.  We pray for your guidance, yours and yours only.

Today was no different.  You came on a spirit breeze.  You turned a situation from one thing into something far different.  We cried out in amazement knowing only you are wise.  Only you can shift thought, belief and practice.  For we are puny citizens of the world without power from on high.  But with you our self-made mountains can move.  Today they did.

Holy God,
you are loving
and amazing.
You teach us
heaven's secrets.
You bless us
with wisdom
when we often
go down
the wrong road.
Thank you
for the
turn-around.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Most Holy God,

This morning I loved reading about the Valley of Dry Bones.  I recalled instances where my own bones were dry and lifeless, where they lay in the desert drying out from lack of living water and holy food.  No life, no drive, no hope.

But then...yes, but then, you came swooping in, the wind of your spirit breathing new life into me, calling those bones to rise up, connect and dance.  You poured your holy water into me.  You fed me your spirit food.  Oh, how good, how tasty, how full of life they were.  And together my bones and my spirit danced with you.

I left the deadness in the desert and walked out and into the light and life.  New, I was made new all over again.  It is true I am tempted to circle back and return there but then I hear your voice, your invitation and I think again.  Really???  I pick up the ladle and drink again and I return to the path laid out for me, one that always leads me to you.

Thank you
for the valley,
the path
and the mountain.
I have
traveled them all.
Keep me
on the path
with you,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, January 6, 2020

Dear God,

Epiphany...I never want to miss this day.  I always want to examine my own spiritual life, my faith and listen for your voice challenging me to consider what gift I am willing to give the savior.

My greatest desire is to be open, open to you, your spirit, your call on my life.  I do not want to miss anything, whether that is good, bad, helpful or not, I never want to miss your reaching out to me.  For years I was not open to your call, your gentle whisper; I wanted to lead my own life, set my own goals, and do my own thing.  But that is not of great import to me anymore.  I find much greater joy in fulfilling your desire for my life.

Thank you
for opening me
to you,
Holy Lord,
for loving
me enough
to challenge me
to a
deeper relationship.
Thank you
for Epiphany
and the marvel
and humble joy
of returning
to the stable
and manger.
Only on
my knees
shall I
find you.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Dearest God,

You come when it is quiet but also when numbers of people are around.  You whisper your love, challenge and guidance.  What joy fills my heart when I hear you in worship, like today.

I cannot imagine life without worship and devotion, meditation, contemplation and prayer and service, love and grace.  Your spirit makes all these possible.  To each and all you give your message of hope.

As I sat and listened to the word made flesh and ate of the holy supper, I met you there.

Loving God,
thank you
for blessed moments
of holy communion.
Thank you
for making
yourself known.
Thank you
for speaking,
listening
and challenging.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Dear God,

For me it is still Christmas.  The tree and mantle still glisten.  Each morning as I sit with my circle of friends and read, meditate and pray my devotions, I still hear you sing your Christmas song.

I revel in these holy moments when the night is still dark and the morning light has not yet come.  I truly sit and drink in the loveliest love in all the world.  While you sing, I sing with you.  When my husband asked why I hadn't been playing my Christmas music, I simply said, "Oh, I've been listening to the spirit's song all season long."  And I have and I will.

Loving you
is a
most wondrous joy
to me,
Living God.
Thank you
for loving me first.
Thank you
for revealing yourself
over and
over again.

Forever yours, Andrea

Friday, January 3, 2020

Dear God,

What gifts you brought me today when you opened the door to five of my high school friends.  We started with hugs and ended the same way.

How fun to cook, to set a pretty table and to serve my special friends.  I did it to celebrate our relationship of 55 years but also as a way to celebrate the gifts of the magi to the Christ child so long ago.  I love giving gifts to you and others.

You bless us in infinite ways, Holy God.  Every day blessings come from every direction.  You bless the ordinary making it extraordinary for us.  You inspire us through prayers, presence and giving.  We owe you everything, dear God, everything.

Holy are you,
God Almighty.
Thank you
for blessings
that overflow.
You are God;
there is none
like you.
Never will be.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dearest God,

My heart has been full spending time with two elderly aunts in their 90's.  So much sweetness has come from our conversations, laughter, sharing from the depths.  I listened to one aunt tell me things about the past, some things that were difficult to listen to, yet listen I did.  It was hard to learn more about loved ones that hurt family members deeply.  Although they are dead, nonetheless, my aunt still hurts after decades of pain and suffering.  I had no idea.

As I sat and listened, I felt her pain and sorrow; yet, I offered her ways to heal from the past.  I took her hand, heart and mind and shifted in a way where she could let go, release events, words and actions that pained her so much.  I walked her path with her as far as she wanted to journey.  Together we cut the pain in half because it was shared.  She had carried it all alone for far too long.

As I stood to leave after hours together, she told me it was right I had come that day to take care of some of the things of the past.  I kissed and hugged that wonderful woman who held me when I was young, cooked for me, played with me, encouraged me, and affirmed me.  Her tears began to dry when mine started in the car.  It was okay; that is what shared pain and love is all about.  You tended to her at home and to me as I drove home, such a wondrous plan.

Blessed are you,
God Almighty.
Thank you
for the gift
of your
Holy Spirit.
Thank you
for helping
my aunt
release the past
which had
a hold
on her
for far
too long.
Bless her
with peace,
I pray.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Dear God,

As the new year begins, I am mindful that I too need a new beginning, a refreshment course on what it means to trust you, to put myself into your hands and to follow the path of your will.  I confess I am used to charting my own course; at the same time I long always to following your course even though the path may be uncharted, unfamiliar and scary.  I want 2020 to be a time of following you more closely, trusting you more than ever and loving you as the Holy Parent you are to me.

All this requires surrender.  I learned a long time ago on the top of a mountain in New Mexico how vital it is to be willing to surrender all things into your hands.  By surrendering I gain help, guidance, grace, vision, and faith.  When I have failed to surrender, I have grown weak, uncertain and confused.  When I have given myself over to you, I have gained strength, power, confidence, joy and peace.  Why would I not want to surrender in this new year?

Holy God,
may I live
in your power
this new year.
May I gain
new trust
in you
and in myself
to follow you.
May I
truly follow you
wherever your path
leads me.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Dear God,

Although this is the last day of our human-made calendar, still it signals an opportunity to surrender all that is not good for us and to retain all that is good.  Your grace inspires us to let go, to grab hold and to step forward with all that is you.

In eternity time we can do this daily.  We don't have to wait until the end of the year.  We can do this now or tomorrow or the day after that.  Your grace works every day not just in December.

Thank you
for the blessing
of release.
Thank you
for showing us
the way
and giving us
the power
to go.
Thank you
for your love
that opens
the way.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 30, 2019

Dear God,

Healing and reconciliation is sweet when it comes from your hand.  In fact sometimes we can never get there without your help.

During the season of Christmas I watched your healing unfold in people's lives, some too close to explain here but I know and you know.  It came like manna from heaven, heaven's food and drink.  What can I say but thank you?

Your power
is great,
Almighty God.
Your power
is merciful
and full
of love.
Thank you
for healing
that came
to several people
at Christmas.

Love always, Andrea