Friday, May 29, 2020

Dear God,

"Praise God for whom all blessings flow..."  Indeed praise God!  When I look all around me, I realize your living presence is everywhere.  For the most part I live in a peaceful, beautiful community.  Yet, I cannot sit alone and give praise when just a few miles from here a drive-by shooting occurred.  Its target:  an Islamic mosque.  Even though no one was injured, it was a heinous, hate crime intended to threaten, raise fear, prejudice and pain.  Why, Lord?  Why do we intentionally hurt others?

Perhaps the lesson is to work for peace, to love all my neighbors near and far, from other races, religions, nations, cultures and differences and to give praise for your presence in it all.  When there is hatred, it is hard to find love but love exists in those who reach out, helps, prays, gives comfort and blesses.

As I sit here in the quiet on a gray, misty day, I do give thanks and pray for all who are hurting.

Holy God,
we are
a broken people.
We need
your love.
We need
your mercy.
We need
your challenge.
Show us
the way,
we pray,
even as
you reveal yourself
to us
in compassion.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Dearest God,

As I lay my head down tonight, my eyes moistened as I reflected upon this day.  I remembered my circle of friends, an array of devotional books I read and pray about each morning, the beauty of the day and the music that came to me in the morning and afternoon.  One was from Tim Janis, a three-hour video of music and nature's sounds.  I listened and just let it soak into my whole being.  Later I watched The Color Purple and the music and scenes took me into your dwelling place, O Lord.

Although I worked hard today, we, you and I, enjoyed the wonders of music, nature and the holy.  All day long I felt your wondrous presence and I felt so at one with you.  I drank from your well and ate holy food from your hand.  What I have learned from you is this:  You want to dwell with us all day long but more importantly, you want us to dwell with you, you taking the lead.  And when we do, we find you always waiting to refresh and renew us.  You constantly remind us we are not alone but you are with us, you are with us, you are with us.

Holy God,
Friend of All,
thank you
for the gift
of your spirit today.
Every day
I intentionally
spend with you
is always
the best day.
I love you,
Lord,
I love you.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Dear God,

Wandering in a world that has changed so dramatically is sometimes difficult.  Learning how to live changed is a challenge.  Yet, in the course of daily life, you are with us reminding us you are the power and love to help us transform our way of living.

One of my deep yearnings is to hold my family.  I have not hugged children or grandchildren in nearly three months.  My insides hurt from not holding them.  Although I have been near them by social distancing, even then I feel this sense of loss.

What I have learned from you is this:  Trust you in all things.  Our losses can be gains as we listen and follow you.  You fill us with the things of eternity.  You allow silence to whisper mercy, love and hope.  You give us gifts that often surprise us.  You help us to laugh.  You turn our despair and anxiety into comfort and peace.  All this comes from your hand.

When I reflect upon your generosity, your grace and compassion, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.  Even though I wander in a new and changing world, I wander with you.

Hold me tight,
O God;
let me feel
your love
right now.
Remind me
of the truth
that sets me free.
We do not
wander alone.
You are gracious,
so very gracious,
Kind God.
Thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Dear God,

In the midst of every day living you teach us life lessons.  Today as I worked in the garden, pruning, digging, raking, clearing, edging and laying mulch, you spoke to me.  You reminded me to allow you to clear my mind of faulty, judgmental thinking.  I was angry in my middle and found myself judging a good portion of the day.  One word from you on a gentle spirit wind taught me to let go and return to you.

If only we would listen to you daily, if only we would trust you for all things, if only we thought of you first...if only.  If only we acknowledged you as the power of faith, we could and would overcome all that threatens to take us down.  So often we act and react without considering what you want of us.  You know we hold high promise for transformation, if only we take your lead.

We need so much work, Lord.  Take us back to the potter's shed; remake us.

I am sorry
for my thoughts,
O God.
Forgive me
for not
trusting you.
Teach me again
the ways
of faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 25, 2020

Dear God,

As I worked in the garden soil, quietly listening to creation sing, I heard the song, "Peace before me, peace beside me, let all around me be peace."  I joined in the singing as I prayed for peace for the whole world, every person and creature, particularly those whose lives are anything but peace.  I let it be sung inside me, periodically singing along.

You, O Lord, know what we need when we need it.  In this terrible time of Covid 19, we need peace.  All people need peace...Brazil, Africa, every nation needs peace right now.  As I sang along, I simply added my voice to all others.

You are peace,
my Lord;
you are
the only
true peace.
Thank you
for singing
in my soul.
Thank you
for letting me
join with you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Dearest God,

It is only when we pause that we can dwell.  Only when we let our distractions go, our concerns and our fears can we step inside your dwelling place.  We can be so full of everything else but when we pause we can find you waiting.

Your dwelling place, your dwelling place, moments of quiet solitude, vast beautiful space where divine and human come together to listen, to talk and to breathe together.  Peace reigns there, peace.  As we bend our will to yours, we find peace and hope and comfort.

May we
always dwell
with you,
Loving God.
May we
find that peace
we are all
looking for.
May we
become peace
for others.
Thank you,
O God,
for peace.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Dearest God,

This morning was an exceedingly beautiful.  No wind, no sounds, no distractions.  There was nothing but you, nothing but you.  For several minutes I just sat, embraced by your spirit.  We dwelled together, you and I.  What could I do but breathe out my praise and thanksgiving.

Who can give so gracious a gift?  No one but you, Holy One, no one but you.  Such moments are especially holy where all of creation in the silence bows down and me too.

Loving God,
creator of all
that is good,
thank you
for your
morning gift.
I was mesmerized
by your
beautiful love.
I will
always cherish
that moment.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 22, 2020

Dear God,

It is your power that opens us to life-giving faith.  When we decide to commit ourselves to you, you open the door to faith.  And what is faith?  Faith is that divine relationship of parent to child, of ordinary to extraordinary and of love to love.  It is a bond that is deeper than DNA cells.  It is love that pervades every kind of emotion and says yes to each and all.  Faith is God and creature in the deepest love.

Faith opens doors to a deeper realm.  It helps us see below the surface and above the problem, situation or condition.  Faith is like an ever-flowing fountain, a spectacular morning sunrise and a holy parent who runs to greet a lost child all wrapped up together.  Faith is.

Thank you,
Loving God,
for loving us enough
to open us
to faith
made in heaven.
Thank you
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for new eyes
to see
what is
otherwise hidden.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Dear God,

Outside it is quiet; it's a gray day.  No breeze, not even a gentle one.  I could look outside my study window all day because in this quiet day, I see you.

It is
in quiet moments
that I
find you,
Loving Creator.
I can
hear you best
when human sounds
die down.
I am thankful
for this day
and for
this beautiful moment.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Dear God,

Meister Eckhart joined my circle of friends this morning.  What a welcome addition.  A German mystic from the 13th century, his faith is summed up this way:  Nothing But God.  Nothing but God, of course, nothing but God.  Living, walking with and loving God all day long, every day is my own motto.  I am pretty poor at it but my soul operates this way deep down.

Listening to saints from former centuries keeps my faith fresh.  They question my courage, my love, my friendship, my will and my faith.  They lead me down uncomfortable paths at times so I can discover you anew.  They challenge me to follow you in every situation.  They stir me, awaken me and inspire me.  I am blessed to be in their company.

Holy God,
thank you
for bringing
special people
into our lives.
Thank you
for showing us
the way home.
Guide us
along the path
to truth,
love, mercy,
grace and beauty.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Dearest God,

Last night while I slept, the yellow, yellow and white and purple and yellow iris opened.  As I stepped into the study this morning and looked out upon the contemplative garden, I saw the amazing beauty just outside my window.  I was taken aback.  While I dozed, the iris heard your voice to open and they did.  How beautiful is your voice, your artistry and your creation.

Each and every day you do something more reminding us of your handiwork in the world.  You whisper to us, look out, look up, listen, taste and see.  Those with faith can hear your sweet voice and see the amazing wonders before us.

Even as I write, I gaze upon the iris dancing in the wind and I am happy, praising your name!

Thank you,
O God,
for all
the beauty
around us.
Thank you
for creation
who speaks volumes
about your
marvelous work
in our world.
Thank you
for the beauty
just outside
my window.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 18, 2020

Dear God,

The iris are standing tall, ready to unfold and rise.  The yellow and purple colors will burst forth at any moment.  This is the first time I have seen them in 15 years.  I can't wait.

Many years ago you brought to my mind a contemplative garden.  We had someone dig up a large area and working with a landscape architect, we envisioned what a sacred garden might look like.  I prayed as the architect came up with ideas.  In time a tiny pond, two benches, river stones and a black wrought iron entrance stand were put in place.  Trees, bushes and flowers were added.  The old-fashioned iris were placed just beyond the bushes next to the glassed-in porch.  The iris spread and now there are several.  Every year they come up on your command.

As I look out right now, a gentle rain falls.  Everything is drinking in the water from heaven.  And the iris, well, they are waiting for your word.  One morning soon, maybe even tomorrow, they will open and their beauty will sing your praise.

Holy God,
giver of life,
you make
all things new.
You bless
the seed
and bulb.
You warm
the ground
and air.
You rain down
upon the earth.
And every
living thing
that knows
your name
comes to life.
How beautiful!

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Dear God,

Praying is dangerous.  It calls for trust and trust calls for openness and openness calls for honesty and honesty leads us to listen and hear your voice.  Sometimes that process leads to a call for change.  A change in attitudes, beliefs, practices, behaviors and actions.  You call to our true self, that one that is most likely closer to who you have called us to be.

Today was one such day.  In the process of drawing close, I heard the call to bend my will, to lean toward you and to change.  As always I dropped my head realizing the call was right.  It was good.  It was what was needed.

How I wish I could live my life always bending and leaning toward you.  I want to be yours.  I want to live out of my true self, not a false one who whines because the world is not wrapped around me.  I want to live a pure life, an authentic one.  However, what I confess is true is that I simply do not have the will and strength to be changeable in the potter's hand.  I want to be.  Help me, please.

You are God,
the strength
and power
of human life.
You live
in us
and call us
to live
in you.
You made us.
As we
go about living,
changing who
we were
meant to be,
we lose
our way.
Help us,
all of us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Dear God,

We don't walk the journey of life alone.  All along the pathway, you are present and reaching out.  When we are afraid, you offer comfort.  When we are lonely, you offer friendship.  When we are lost, you help us find a new way.

During this pandemic, looking for faith among seeds haphazardly sprinkled on top of soil will not help.  It is only when we take shovel in hand and dig down deep, deeper and deeper will we find spiritual nutrients.  Only there will we find treasures in the rich, rich soil of your love.  The process alone will establish a new pattern where we finally realize and acknowledge that faith is not a surface exercise but rather a deep one, an intentional, earnest effort to find deep resources of hope, comfort, help, peace and faith.  And you do not disappoint.

Guide us deeper,
O Father,
show us how
to dig.
We need you.
We need you.
We need you.
You are God;
there is
no one
like you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 15, 2020

Dearest God,

Are the birds more vibrant in color and song this year?  Are they more abundant?  Are they your voice piece this spring?  Or am I just noticing them as never before?

In the midst of uncertain times, perhaps we look ever more deeply to see and hear you.  Before, maybe we were more distracted and busy to watch, wait and anticipate.  For that I am sorry.  Why would I ever want to miss you?

I just have never seen more birds in my contemplative garden.  They seem to have flocked here.  Maybe they too are looking for sanctuary, a dwelling place.  But in the midst of their seeking, I am finding.

You bring blessings,
O Lord;
you bring blessings.
If only
we have eyes
to see
and ears
to hear.
You provide all,
O God,
every sense
to recognize you
and every display
of your
living presence
in the world.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Dearest God,

Your presence blesses me every day.  I never have to look for you.  I never have to call your name as if you are absent.  You promised to be with us every day and I take you at your word.

The Carmelite sisters taught me by example that your living, loving presence is always with us.  They live with that belief, trust wholly in your word and operate daily as if you are in the room with them.  That assurance blessed me when I lived with them for two weeks while I completed a book I was writing.  No matter what situation befell them, they practiced their faith in that knowledge.

I remember the time when an intruder broke into the monastery and beat two of the sisters.  Within days I attended the liturgy and the sisters radiated a peace I had not seen.  I was furious with the man who invaded their holy home; yet, they prayed for him with love and mercy.  They could do so because they believed you were in the room during the invasion.

When I am tempted to believe you come and go, I remember the sisters who taught me so much.  Then I smile, drink in the air of faith and trust your present presence.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for your
sacred presence.
Thank you
for the blessing
you give.
Thank you
for love
that is also
ever present.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Dear God,

While the scene is ever changing with the corona virus, the outside my home is changing too.  I have never seen more vibrant-colored birds here in my contemplative garden.  I am not a bird expert so I don't know all their names but there are so many.  Those I do know are cardinals, wrens, blue jays, bluebirds, finches and woodpeckers.  Each one is so radiant and beautiful.  They sing and dance and play and soar and mate and feed their young.  They are one of the best gifts of this tragic, frightening pandemic.  In the midst of the darkness there is light and the birds are bringing it to me this spring.

When darkness comes, it is hard if we are only looking for light in all the usual places.  It is when we look afresh and new at our surroundings that we find light shining in unusual places or at least places we have not thought to look.  I was not aware just how much light the birds are bringing to us.

Thank you,
Creator God,
for bringing
good news
from the birds.
Thank you
for their beauty,
their grace
and their light.
I am grateful,
so very grateful!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Dearest God,

Nothing is as it was.  Sometimes I feel disoriented, not quite sure where I am.  Yet, at the same time, as I reflect and listen in prayer, I discover this new place is not all bad.  Although people are suffering in immeasurable ways, we, as a people, are learning new ways to be.  All those, which is really all of us, who complained of change are now being forced to change.  We may not like it.  We may even be resistant.  But in this new norm, we must change in order to survive.

It is in this changing time that our faith is being stretched.  You are calling us to change into new beings, ones who love more deeply, who are more understanding, who care for the neighbor and stranger, near and far, who give more and who are willing to walk the sad and lonely journey with others who are hurting, fearing and grieving, so many, so very many.

You gave us a heart for others.  It was never your intention for our love to be exclusive of just me and mine.  Rather you made our hearts big to include so many and much more.  You want us to love our neighbor who hurts in India and Puerto Rico and Russia and China and South America.  You want us to reach out in prayer and love and giving to help others.  Because so many more can be loved by us, you make us a family, one people, sisters and brothers.

You are changing us because we need changing.  Our hearts and minds and spirits and attitudes and behaviors all need tweaking and some need radical change.  We need change from the great change maker!

Thank you,
Holy God,
for transforming us.
Remold and
reshape us,
we pray.
Make us more
like you.
Create us anew,
Master Potter.

Love, An drea

Monday, May 11, 2020

Dear God,

I miss hugs.  Hugging is one of your best gifts.  When we hug loved ones, we convey a powerful message of acceptance, warmth, love, joy and even hope.  In a hug we give so much of our self to another.  I miss hugging my children and grandchildren.  When I see them at a distance, I feel this loss of not being able to wrap my arms around them and hold them tight.  And yet, this is what I must do to keep them safe.

This internal struggle is yet another one that challenges me to dig deeper where I meet you whose hug is always waiting.  In that dwelling place I find what I need.  I drink in the loveliness of faith and love and what springs forth from this great reservoir is every bit of what you desire to give me.

Although I have a deep longing to hug my family, the act of digging deeper puts me in touch with a deep, deep love that is always available...a gift from the giver of all time.

Gracious and Loving God,
you are who
we need
particularly in time
of deep longing.
When we
cannot touch
and hold
loved ones,
we remember
your call
to love
and be loved.
You call us
from the deep
where you wait.
Thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Dear God,

As I climbed into bed last night, I was troubled.  My soul was filled with fear and anxiety.  I really wondered where in the world we can find the truth, the real truth and nothing but the truth.

I have to confess I have lost faith in politicians and those who stand to gain something by what they say or what they do, whether good or bad.  When I hear more political garbage, I question and doubt.  I wonder who the "truth" speakers really are.

When I woke up this morning, I felt the same way.  I felt discouraged, angry and anxious.  I stepped inside my lovely study which is a glassed-in, screened-in porch.  I sat down in the chair and prayed, "O Lord, where is the truth?  How do I find it?  Help me, O Lord, I pray."

As I sat quietly with my circle of friends of Thomas Merton, the psalmist, St. Paul, Henri Nouwen and Father Edward Hayes, I was so blessed when each of them spoke to my distress.  The psalmist spoke, "The Lord is good.  He will cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me."  I took a deep breath and let out some of my tension.  I read on from Henri Nouwen, "The issues of the world are very important.  I have to learn how to enter them from the heart of God.  I need to be deeply rooted in the heart of God before I can know how to respond faithfully."  I drew in another breath and tears came.

What I have learned at your knee is this:  You are always with us.  You are always interested in our pain and confusion.  You want to speak hope and comfort to us and when we are comforted by hope, you want us to act on your behalf in the world.  You want us to take part in bringing light to the darkness, hope to those in despair and comfort to those who are hurting.  You want us to be responsible world citizens reaching out even to the weary and dark corners of the world.  You want us to offer peace and the only way to do this is to dive deep into prayer where I can dwell with you for truth.

O Lord,
indeed you
are good.
You bless
in so
many ways.
You touch us
and inspire us
when we
are low
and weary.
You come
bringing gifts
of hope,
peace and comfort.
Thank you,
Loving Creator,
Beautiful Friend,
Wondrous Comforter.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Dear God,

It is when I am on my knees scrubbing floors that I hear your whisper.  As I clean I sense your holy presence with me.  Sometimes you bring people to mind and ask me to pray.  Often it is for strangers, nations with new outbreaks of Covid-19 or refugees stuck in camps with no hope for a positive future.  As you raise them to my consciousness, I feel love for those who are suffering.  Only you can give us love for those we do not know.

Times when I am cleaning seem to always be a good time to listen to you.  Maybe it is because I am quiet inside waiting for your presence to be revealed.  Maybe it is because I am doing a mundane task and I can do it without thinking.  Maybe it is because I am on my knees and I can listen better that way.

All I know is you are with me and your voice both comforts and convicts, guides and inquires and helps and stirs my soul.  I am grateful.

Loving God,
you teach me
when I listen.
Thank you
for reaching out
to me.
I am
so blessed
with your presence.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 8, 2020

Dear God,

Just now the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, came to me.  As I sang it, my soul felt joy and peace.  What a friend, oh my goodness, we need a friend right now in this pandemic, in the chaos of our country's politics and in the economic distress.  In the midst of this, we do have a friend, a true friend, a real Friend.

There is always the temptation to be anxious, afraid and worried but with a good friend who whispers hope and comfort to us, we can stave off the emotions that threaten to undo us.  A true friend will always have our best interest at heart.  A real friend will offer their best to help us during stormy weather.

You, O Lord, are our friend.  In you we find every resource we need:  truth, wisdom, hope, peace, insight, joy, peace, mercy and love.  When we turn to you, peace can come easily as we trust you to dissolve those threatening emotions.  Then there is space to fill us with yourself and all you have to offer us as friend, peacemaker, love, helper, teacher, comforter and guide.  And...we are very thankful.

Thank you
for being
our friend,
Great and Loving God.
Thank you
for providing
for us.
Teach us
to run
to you first
so we
do not have
to be afraid.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Dear God,

Do you remember when I was terrified by silence so I turned on the television, music or some other device to avoid the quiet?  Do you remember those days?

It was you, O Lord, who took my hand, drove me to the Carmelite Monastery and gave me a taste of holy silence.  You showed me silence is not to be feared but rather embraced.  You led me into quiet halls of solitude and there I found you in the depths of love, mercy, peace and joy.  Since those days back in 1989, I have tasted the sweetness of silence.  I prefer it to almost anything else.

You always have more for us than we can begin to imagine.  You work with our fears to bring us to a place of calm.  You let us wander the best of creation and there we find so much more.  My first times were scary but then as I embraced your dwelling place, I wanted nothing else.

Thank you,
Mysterious God,
for the gifts
of your spirit.
Thank you
for inviting us
into unfamiliar
but spiritual places.
Thank you
for teaching us
about trust,
faith and love.
Thank you
for allowing us
into the
dwelling place
of your
living, loving presence.
Thank you,
dearest God,
thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Dear God,

As I worked in the dirt all day today, I thought of how sweet faith is.  For I feel you in the gentle breeze.  I hear you in the birdsong.  I see you in laughing children, family play and generous neighbors.  I know you are in each and all of these gestures of love and I believe love comes from faith but also faith comes from love.

Every day is a good day to reflect upon your handiwork, your loving, living presence.  My faith gives me plenty of opportunity to dwell in the places I find you.  And that always leads me to joy and gratitude.  As St. Paul said, "Rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks."  That's easy for me,
Kind God, that's easy.

Thank you
for the gift
of faith
that opens
eyes and ears
to your spirit.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
when we recognize
your presence
in the world.
I am blessed
by you,
O Lord,
so very blessed.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Dear God,

Who could possibly love us more than you?  Whose love is unconditional and for all?  What love is as deep and wide?

You are full of mercy, O God.  Your heart aches for every grieving soul, every sick patient and every frightened jobless person.  No one cares more than you.

How do we know this?  This horrid pandemic has caused many to look deep inside themselves, that place where you dwell and there they have found the desire to bless others.  They have given food.  They have volunteered to work with Covid patients far from their homes.  They have donated PPE, masks and shields.  They have written heart-felt messages to essential workers.  They have given free concerts online.  They have given free rent.  They have sent cards, special emails and texts and called people to care.  They have bought groceries, picked up medications and participated in parades to celebrate life's special occasions.  They have taken snacks to health care workers.  They have made meals for the world's most vulnerable.  They have prayed, loved and served.

Holy God,
thank you
for your
loving mercy.
Thank you
for working
in and
through us.
Thank you
for blessing us
by blessing others.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 4, 2020

Dear God,

I continue to hear your voice as you speak through all who are doing good in the world.  When I see and hear little children say endearing things to health care workers, kind people offering words of encouragement to the weary and downtrodden and many generous souls offering help to the hungry, I know I hear your voice.  Your voice is the voice of mercy, love and healing.  You are offering yourself to all who need you and right now that is the whole world.

We can even hear your voice when we too provide words of hope to others.  We can be your voice in the midst of angry voices, hurting voices and pleading voices.  We need to be.

Holy God,
speak to us
your words
of compassion.
Everyone is hurting,
O Lord,
everyone is grieving
for all
the dead
and dying,
the sick
and weak
and all
who are afraid.
Be the voice
of strength
to us,
Heavenly Father,
and help us
be the same
to our neighbors
near and far.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Dear God,

I have said it so many times but I will say it again.  This magnificent springtime is giving me hope and new life as we continue to fight the dreaded plague of Covid-19.  I look at the birds and listen to their songs and hope comes to life in me.  I watch their joyful antics as they soar and play in my contemplative garden.  Their joy becomes my joy.  They bring peace to me and smiles as I dwell with them.  They take me to you, O Lord, to you.

I am grateful to all who lead me to you, whether nature, people or situations.  When I am directed to you, all that is flailing in me begins to pick up.  I can simply call on your name and find what I need.  I may have to do that several times a day but each time I breathe in your gift of peace.

Thank you,
Loving Creator,
for creating hope
in me.
Thank you
for joy
that comes
in knowing you
and being loved
by you.
Where else
can I find
such a
glorious gift?

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Dear God,

Fear gives way to faith when we trust you to help us.  When we acknowledge you as the power of life, we gain strength and courage for any difficulty.

Right now there are many whose faith is deepening as they face one of the greatest dangers...Covid 19.  Wherever it strikes, faith is needed to deal with fear, worry and anxiety.  Because you are God, an all-powerful God who shares power with all those who call upon you, we can find that same power hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second.  We are all afraid, Lord, but when we lean on you for our strength, peace and hope and faith come to life within us.  We are grateful, so very grateful.

Thank you
for faith
and love
that shares.
Thank you
for power
to overcome everything
that threatens.
Thank you
for blessing us
with your
loving mercy.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, May 1, 2020

Dear God,

This pandemic has been a deep time of prayer.  How can we not awaken in the morning and feel the urge to pray for sick people, broken people, hurting people, dying people and grieving people?  It seems you bring them all to me the moment I am conscious of coming out of sleep.

One of the lessons of this tragic time has been the need to reach out to love, to pray, to give, to serve and to share.  So many have so many needs.  We begin with prayer and stretch out from there.  You cause our hearts to swell with loving care for strangers near and far.  This is just as you intend.  You want us to love one another, doesn't matter whether they are family or strangers.  To you they (we) are all the same.

As we pray for one another, you warm our hearts toward strangers even in foreign nations.  You want us to feel their pain so we can be brought together before you.  There you cause our hearts to include, accept and love.  Where before this pandemic they were simply strangers, residents of other nations but now through prayer they are family, friends, those you want us to befriend and love.

This is your way, the way of love, Heavenly Father.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
You show us
the way
to love.
You stretch
our minds,
hearts and souls
to include all
your children.
Thank you
for making
your family
mine.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Dearest God,

Every day grows sweeter as I fix my eyes on springtime.  She is beautiful this year.  Her colors, textures and sights and sounds lift me up to the heavens to give thanks and praise.  I can't help but begin to feel springtime in my soul, a new awakening and a rising up.

I believe you give us extraordinary seasons to challenge the human soul and spirit.  You want us to look up and out to see the gifts of your hand, not only to immensely enjoy but to challenge us to consider the seasons of our own lives.  During winter you invite us to dig deep to find nourishment as we hunker down inside.  In spring you invite us to awaken, to allow our senses to come to life once again.  In summer you challenge us to breathe, exercise our whole being and to participate in summer's unique gifts.  In autumn you give us opportunity to show our colors, our spirit and our love as we enter a time of thanksgiving of blessings.  Each season is a time to grow, to consider, to reflect, to change and to give thanks.

Thank you
for this
extraordinary time,
O Lord.
As you
awaken springtime,
you stir
inside us.
You ask us
to come awake,
to grow
and to
offer our gifts
of life.
You direct us
to you
and one another
in springtime.
May we
give thanks
and share.

Love, Andrea