Sunday, Junme 28, 2020

Dear God,

I sat on the patio with my circle of friends, that group of spiritual writers who speak daily on matters of faith.  From early centuries AD to the 20th century, they all have something to say about faith or lack of it, the living word and the spiritual life.  I sit with an esteemed group of Christ-followers who continually draw me closer and closer to you.

This morning as I sat on the patio here at our Maine home, I listened to the birds as I prayed and it seemed they joined me in praying.  Their differing sounds and songs became a prayer rhythm.  Together we sang your praise and prayed for the world.

Loving God,
thank you
for holy moments
where all creation
joins in prayer.
Show us
the way
to you.
Make our
hearts attentive
to your voice,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Dearest God,

Meister Eckhart says we drink from our own wells.  And what is contained in our wells?

The truth of the matter is our wells are often empty, dry and dusty.  No speck of water.  At such times we are dry and lifeless ourselves with no water to drink.  How can we expect to be alive and fully charged without it?  But on whom do we rely to fill our wells?

So many times I had to fall to my knees in prayer begging for living water.  When I relied on myself alone, I failed miserably.  Only when I turned in your direction could I find the source I needed to rise up and walk.

Your water, your sweet water, your sweet, living water.  Is there anything that quenches thirst any better?  Nothing.  And there is nowhere to get it but from you.  It is living water because you are the living God who gives us what we need to eradicate our parched souls.  Living water, only living water can fill our empty wells.  To fill it with anything else is fruitless.  We will never have what we need.  Only with you can our wells be full to overflowing!

Holy God,
thank you
for the gift
of living water.
Thank you
for merciful love
willing to fill.
Thank you
for blessing us
when we
are weary,
dry and lifeless.
You are God;
there is none
like you.
Fill our wells,
O Lord,
please fill
our wells.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 26, 2020

Dear God,

It seems there is a battle for our soul in this world.  With so much bitterness and hatred, we are tempted to become less of what you have made us.

How much does it take for us to sell our soul to the devil?  What is the tipping point?  I look at our leaders in Washington D C and think at what point, what day, what hour, minute and second did they give away their goodness to follow evil?  I know that is judgmental and I hate that weakness in myself.  Yet, lies, exaggerations and reconstruction of the truth are evident in daily politics.  What do we do?

How do we keep our self safe from harm?  How do we draw closer to you and less to the temptations?  How do we fully commit ourselves to you and denounce all that causes us to stumble into the camp of evil?

Holy God,
we are
so reliant
on you
for faith
and life.
We need
your tender guidance.
We want
to follow you,
your will
and your way.
Help us.
We are weak.
Our heads
can be turned
so easily.
Take our hearts,
minds and souls
for your safekeeping,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Dear God,

You call our faith to stretch and grow.  You ask us to trust you to develop in us a deep, abiding faith that blesses, changes and comforts.  You remind us a stale, stagnant faith does not provide power, courage and hope.

It is your deep love for all your children that causes you to call us to change.  You want our faith to be deeper than the ocean, higher than the mountain because in this comes great things for human living.  You want us to be strong, wise and courageous.  You want us to lead, help and give to others when they falter and fall.

In today's troubled world you know we need more faith that we have today.  You know we have to be strong, insightful, helpful, merciful and loving.  We need to increase our faith day to day knowing you are the power behind our power to have a living faith.  And so you call us...to more.

Loving God,
thank you
for the gift
of faith.
Thank you
for stretching
and growing us.
Inspire us
to be
more trusting,
more loving
and more faithful.
Teach us
life lessons
during this
difficult time.
Bless you,
Holy Father.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Dear God,

All along the drive from Indiana to Maine, scene after magical scene flew by.  Creation at its finest was on display and I found myself saying aloud, "This is beautiful, so very beautiful."  All day long
I felt blessing after blessing as I drove through the states of Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Often we think very little of our surroundings.  We forget you created what is just outside our door or window.  We forget the majestic way you forged new life.  We fail to remember how you created seasons so that no scene is repeated, yet replayed year after year.  We are so distracted by our busy lives that we ignore what is just inches from us, a whole display of wonder, amazement and joy.

But not today.  I watched it all and whispered prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude.  I smiled, even sang as I drove along.  It was stupendous, a magnificent gift and I am so grateful.

Thank you,
Holy God,
for the gifts
outside our door.
Every day
you bless
with creation.
Teach us
to pause
and give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Dear God,

Today we were tested for Covid-19.  A few months ago we didn't even know what Covid-19 was.  Now we do, tragically.

How can a microscopic piece of biological material have so much power to destroy and even kill?  As humans we operate as small gods thinking we have so much power.  But this teeny, weensy object has more power than we.  It's a life lesson.

Almighty God,
lead us
to a way
to eradicate
this plague
that threatens
hundreds of millions
of people.
Help us, please.
Show us
the way
to renewed health,
helping one another
back to health.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 22, 2020

Dear God,

In this chaotic time in our world with a pandemic, protestors and politicians, it is easy to fall apart.  It is a difficult time of sickness of body, soul and mind.  So much needs to change.  We need to do things differently by following your lead.

Today I broke down and wept.  I simply could not keep all my frustration, fear and sorrow inside.  It just needed to spill over.  Our world needs to change.  Our nation needs to change.  I need to change.  We can only change with your help, O Mighty One.

Teach us
your way
and your will,
O Lord.
For your
are the
great change maker.
We need
your power,
courage and strength
to face ourselves,
to eradicate prejudice,
hate and sickness
of body,
mind and spirit.
Make us new
for your
and for
each other,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Dear God,

Working in the dirt opens my soul to you.  As I pull weeds, dig up old plants and spread mulch, I think of you.  Your creation speaks to the deepest part of me.  There I experience the beginning of things and the ending.  I experience death and resurrection as I work because the earth, sun and sky whisper to me of your handiwork.

Working in a garden is not just about plants, flowers and shrubs, it is about life and its lessons.  The garden whispers your name all the time and it draws me to your side.  It causes me to quiet myself and to listen.  For you are always reaching out, speaking to us.  We never have to fear being alone because you know us, you love us and you engage us daily.

Working in the dirt is a dirty job but one I need because it puts me on my knees and butt, right where I need to be at your feet.  I am grateful.

Thank you,
Holy One,
for putting me
in my place.
Thank you
for your
merciful ways.
Thank you
for speaking
to me,
teaching me
and correcting me.
I need it all.
I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Dear God,

"Wake up," the author said, "wake up."  We are asleep to many things in life.  We simply live in a fog.  We fail to awaken fully when it comes to faith and so much more.

What am I asleep to?  What do I need to do to awaken to faith?  If I am in a fog, I cannot see clearly.  I can't think clearly.  I can't act in a way that is fully God.

In this time of unrest, we/I have to be fully awake to deal with serious issues like racism, prejudice, hatred, bitterness and discontent.  We have to be shaken to our core in order to address our own inadequacies.  I do not want to sleep through this time.  I must wake up so I can learn of my own flaws and failures so I can change and be a change agent for others.

Awaken me;
awaken all
of us,
O Lord.
Show us
the truth
in ourselves.
Make us
to see,
hear and know
the truth
that will set
all people free.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 19, 2020

Dearest God,

Gifts from on high are like no gifts from below.  The moment I saw our new baby, our latest great grandchild, my heart swelled and nearly burst.  There before me was my granddaughter Gabrielle holding her sweet baby girl Emmy Lu.  All the love I felt for Gabrielle spread out and embraced her daughter.

This is your story of divine love, O God.  You made us, you created us to love, to embrace and to stretch that love again and again.  Your story is the greatest story in the world and to think you invite us into that love.  You welcome us in, make our love grow big and then give us opportunities to love more.

Thank you,
Heavenly Father,
for loving us
so much.
Thank you
for putting
your love
into our hearts.
Thank you
for spreading
your love
near and far.
Thank you
for blessing
Gabrielle and Emmersyn
with your
special love.
Thank you
for sharing it
with me too.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Dear God,

Leaning on you is the only answer in conflict, chaos and confusion.  As we remain close to you, we find comfort, strength and courage.  You help clear our minds, open a way in our situation and help us see the way forward.  Sometimes just leaning is enough.

It is so easy to lose our way, forget about you and do our own thing.  But it never fully works out.  We are so bent on living life on the surface rather than trusting and rising higher where we can see better, where we gain perspective and find new solutions to old problems.  Why we insist on our own bearings instead of yours is beyond me; yet, I am one of those who falls to temptation.

It is in the midst of finding you at a leaning post nearby that we surrender our own will and find you waiting to welcome us back.

Thank you
for your
gracious welcome home.
Thank you
for allowing us
to lean
on you.
Thank you
for remaining God
and letting us
return home
to a welcome
only you
can give.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Dear God,

She was born today.  A sweet bundle of divine joy!  Gabrielle is a now momma to Emmersyn, a beautiful little girl.  I can hardly believe it.

You are an amazing God for who brings more wonderful gifts than you?  First you blessed us with my daughter Jill and then Gabrielle, her daughter, and now Emmersyn, her daughter.  Your plan for creation astounds, Great God.

All throughout the day I prayed for her as she labored.  I felt the deep connection you created between us.  My love encircled that hospital that I could not visit because of the Covid-19 virus.  How can love be so wide and deep?  Only you make that kind of love.  It is the same love you love us all with and we are grateful.

Bless Emmersyn
and Gabrielle,
O Lord.
Thank you
for her
dear little life.
May she
know you.
May she
know your love.
May she
experience your grace.
Thank you,
O dear God.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Dearest God,

When we look through your eyes, we see ourselves and the world differently.  We see life as it is, beloved, created and cherished.  We see troubles; yet, we see them through faith.  We see hope, comfort and love.

As humans we see things from our own perspective.  All things are slanted.  They can look bleak, despairing and hopeless.  We are tempted to give up and give in to every negative feeling and belief.  You see more than we do.  You give more to every situation than we are capable on our own.  In the midst of every situation, you whisper our name.  You call us to you.  You reach out to us.

You stretch us to grow, mature and become wise.  You infuse us with inspiration, desire and faith.  You give us courage and as always remind us we are never alone.  You take our hand and invite us to begin again.

Holy God,
you are God;
there is none
like you.
Thank you
for the blessing
of faith
and spiritual
and emotional love.
There is
no affection
like affection
from on high.
Bless you
with praise
and glory,
Mighty One.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, June 15, 2020

Dear God,

When life seems dark and things are going astray, you call us from nature to speak to us of life and death, of doubt and certainty and of fear and love.  Through your creation we learn life lessons all the while the birds sing their amazing songs.

One only has to look at your creation to know such things, O Lord.  The color and texture and sounds and movement and beauty all scream of holy order and goodness.  A simple flower dancing in the wind can touch and move the human heart.  We may be grieving or suffering but that one gesture of creation can still a restless heart.  The song of one bird can cause us to pause and revel in your majestic display of your creation.  Together they offer an exquisite picture of your power and mercy at work.

Holy and Living God,
thank you
for creation
and all
its beauty.
Thank you
for its
life lessons.
Thank you
for graciously
giving us
what we need
in our time
of confusion,
chaos and suffering.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Dear God,

How do we follow your will in all things?  How do we know your will?

Our nation is still in turmoil over the pandemic.  Some think it is all a hoax, a big-time joke.  Others believe and have trouble leaving their home for any reason.  We look to leaders to guide us but who do we trust?  Epidemiologists?  Politicians?  Doctors?

How do we discern your will in the midst of this, O Lord?  You are the only one we can ultimately trust.  Lead us, Lord, lead us, I pray.

You are God;
there is none
like you.
Your love
is sure
and certain.
Your mercy
is for all
in every time.
We are
your children;
you are
our God,
the Great Physician.
Show us
the way,
O God;
please show us
the way.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Dear God,

The sound of the "barnyard" bird called to mind my grandmother's country farm home.  How well I remember the sounds of those birds calling out in the early morning on the farm when I stayed overnight at Grandma's house when I was a child.  How wonderful is the memory permanently etched in my mind!

Such memories bring me great joy.  My grandmother was and still is one of my most favorite people in my life.  A loving, giving, caring Christian woman, Grandma was much beloved by so many in her teeny community of 500 people.  Every time I think of her, I feel loved, cherished and warm.  Grandma made us all feel that way.

Even as the barnyard bird (I don't know what kind of bird it really is) caused me to think of Grandma, thoughts of my grandmother cause me to think of you.  She loved you so much and her example of love always directed me to you, the very author of love.

Thank you
for the
barnyard bird
who took me
to Grandma
and to you,
Merciful God.
What beautiful thoughts
to start
my day.
I am blessed.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 12, 2020

Dear God,

Why do we have such a hard time loving and accepting one another?  Why do we think everyone should believe/practice/live the way I do?  Why do we think our way should be the standard for living?

You made us as creatures of your own being.  You put a part of yourself in each one of us.  You made us in your image.  At the same time you give us space to grow and love and be the way we see fit.  We are not cutouts made from the same pattern.  There is a unique beauty in each one, yet, all family.

We cannot change without your help, Master Creator.  We need you to teach us how to live/practice/believe in love.

Show us
your way,
Wondrous Father.
Lead us down
paths of righteousness,
love and mercy.
Make us
of one heart.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Dear God,

So much of what I am reading is speaking about our inner voices, those voices who tell us what we believe about ourselves, each other and the world.  Voices that persuade us to think in particular ways.  Voices that make judgements.  Voices that determine good from evil.  Voices that hurt or heal.

Although I have spoken with you before about my own voices, I confess I still am troubled by them.  Mine are judgmental.  Mine get caught up in what is happening in our nation and who is to blame for so much trouble.  Over and over again my voices keep me stirred up, frustrated and angry.  If I continue to give so much validity to these voices, I will never find peace.

Holy God,
giver of
all good things,
yours alone
is the voice
I want
to hear.
Rid me
of my
inner torment.
Cleanse me
from within.
Set my path straight.
Lead me,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Dear God,

This morning I listened to Henri Nouwen and Meister Eckhart talk about peace.  As I listened closely I heard your voice speak.  I realized peace can only happen internally if we listen to your voice above all other voices that seek for intention in the human soul.  Only when we route out those other voices wanting attention can we hear the voice of reason and faith and love.

I must confess that I keep an argument going in my soul.  I get irritated, upset and frustrated.  Even though things may be calm for the moment, I continue the debate in my mind.  I keep myself stirred up.  I now understand how I listen to the voices of chaos, division and doubt.  As long as I give them my full attention, I can never attain peace.

O Lord,
holy and wise,
you are
the God
of love
and mercy.
You are
the giver
of peace.
Thank you
for today's
life lesson.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Dear God,

My granddaughter is listening to your call for justice.  She joins the protests for justice for black and brown people.  She believes only justice will bring hope, peace and joy.

What makes one stand up for a cause and not another?  What drives people to do your important work?  It seems change can only happen when enough people say yes to your call.

Sophie feels deeply.  She cares about what hurts others.  She wants peace for all people.  She knows suffering and pain.  She has experienced it herself and has observed others in pain.  She wants to change the environment so others can find and experience the deep peace only you can give.

Thank you,
Gracious and Loving God,
for Sophie.
Thank you
for her
tender soul.
Thank you
for her passion
to save others.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 8, 2020

Dear God,

Some things seem impossible.  I have so much arthritis but I keep on laboring in my flower gardens.  Although so much is overgrown, I still work at it.  But all day long I feel your presence helping, guarding and guiding me.

All the time you remind us your are the power in human life.  You can make the impossible possible.  You do it all the time.  It can be great events or small.  It doesn't matter because you are involved in all of them.  Whenever I reflect upon my life, I see all the many ways you have participated in my life.  I am so grateful to you, Lord of Life.

Thank you,
O God,
for the gift
of your
living presence.
We are
never alone.
You are always
with us.
You guide,
lead, help,
comfort and heal.
Thank you,
Loving God,
for your mercy
every time.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Dear God,

You give special gifts when we least expect it.  You grant us desires of our heart.  You bless us.

Two of my grown granddaughters expressed an interest in getting together today.  My heart was full.  I picked them up, went to a favorite restaurant and then drove to an apple orchard.  Driving deep into the orchard, we sat under a shade tree by a pond.  There we talked about the past and the future.  One is due to give birth to a baby within days and the other is ready to leave for college.

I was at the birth of each of these young women.  I remember their first cry.  I remember so much about them year after year.  I can hardly believe they are now adults.  Part of me grieves for their little selves.  The other part celebrates who they have become.

The fact that they still enjoy getting together, sharing their lives and spending time is such an awesome gift for me.  I love them so much.  They are both women of faith who trust in you.  They are loving, beautiful and kind.

You put these children into my life.  How happy I am to have walked with them for twenty years.  Together we have made and stored many memories.  You hand has been upon us all.  I shall always be grateful to you, Compassionate and Loving God!

You give us
to each other.
You make us
family but
also friends.
How can
we ever
fully express
our thanks,
dear God?
Thank you,
thank you,
thank you
for Sophie
and Gabrielle.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Dearest God,

There is a sweetness in faith, that wild love affair with our Creator.  As we open ourselves to the wonders that faith reveals, the more we find ourselves growing deeper in love, mercy, grace, wisdom and insight.  Although life still happens, disappointment comes and losses still occur, we have a saving net of love that catches us and gives us hope.

Although people of faith still waiver, doubt, give up, forget and fail, we still are held by a love so strong it will not let us go.  During dark times faith has a chance to grow, mature and stretch giving us another look at our life situation.  As we hold onto our faith, step out and reach for the future, we realize faith has not only held us, it has challenged us in ways that lead to life.

Today as I reflected upon the tentacles of my faith, I acknowledge how faith is full of miracles, healings, transformation, help and love that reveals itself in courage, hope and joy.  I am blessed!

Holy God,
author of faith,
thank you
for the wonders
of faith
that builds
and rebuilds life
around us.
Thank you
for the gifts
that comes
in the darkness.
Thank you
for the light
that reminds us
whose light
it is.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, June 5, 2020

Dear God,

A new family is forming, Loving God, and I am sure your hand is in it.

Strangers are locking arms together as they protest and march calling for radical reform.  Their hearts seem to be beating the same beat.  They cry out for justice for their black and brown brothers and sisters.  This family wants more together than they could want alone.

They want a better world, a better life.  They want it not just for themselves but for those around the world, especially in America.  They want equal rights, equal care, equal opportunity, equal kindness and equal hope.

As they march chanting the name of George Floyd, recently murdered by a policeman, they are demanding love, peace and joy for all.

Holy God,
thank you
for making
a new family
of caring folk.
Thank you
for those
who are willing
to put themselves
on line
to eradicate
injustice, hate,
prejudice and
everything else
that serves
as an obstacle
to true humanity.
Unite us
for good,
O Lord,
I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Dear God,

When will we begin to let go of white privilege and surrender into the "Father's love for all?" Inequality always hurts people.  We hurt each other.

Our nation is in an uproar, justifiably so.  Perhaps this is where we need to be because only in the midst of one more injustice too many, are we willing to change.  Oh, we need to change, Lord, we need to change.  We have needed to change for so long.

But we are weak.  I am weak.  We don't always know how to change.  But you do, Lord, you know how we need to change.  You know when your children are hurting and when your children are bullying.  We need you, dear Father, we need your help!  Please help us to change so your hurting children will hurt no more through the evils of racism.  Lead us, Lord, lead us, please.

You are God;
there is
no one
like you.
First you
are Father,
father to all
your children.
Second you
are Comforter,
comforter to all
who hurt.
Third you
are Redeemer,
redeemer to
redeem all
who have lost
their way.
Fourth you
are Power,
power that changes,
transforms, and reconstructs.
Finally you
are Leader,
leader to
all who
wants to follow
your way,
your will
and your truth.
Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Dear God,

The psalmist writes, "Sing a new song unto the Lord."  I take that to mean we need to reconsider the song we are singing and think about a new, revised one.

Sometimes I fall into complaining.  I don't like the way this is done or that.  A complainer's song is not inspirational, challenging or enjoyable.  It falls flat and says way too much about the complainer.  Other times I sing a song of joy, joy because of gratitude I feel for all you have done and are doing in the world.  Sometimes I don't sing at all.

Recently I read the psalm encouraging a new song.  As I write this, my song is a song of hope and joy.  I listen to the birds' song, a beautiful one.  In fact all spring long the birds have offered happy songs.  Their playful antics, mating call and providential care of their babies make their song all the more authentic.  I love to listen to them.  They cheer me up, give comfort and bless.  Perhaps my song needs to be like their song.

Blessed are
the birds
that sing
your praises,
Creator God.
Thank you
for them,
for their song
and their message.
Teach me
to listen
to all
your creatures.
For in them
I may find
my own song.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Dear God,

We cling to you, Mighty God.  You alone are God.

I cannot help but plead for the lives of people dying in hospitals, in the streets, in the slums, in homes and in institutions.  Our whole world is in chaos.  With the pandemic still claiming lives and wars claiming victims, we seemingly have nowhere to turn but to you, Lord.  We know in our heart of hearts there is still One that cares.  And to you, we cling.

Blessed are you,
Almighty and Loving God.
We turn
to you
for help
and healing
and guidance.
We need you.
Help us,
O God,
please help us.

Love, Andrea

Monday, June 1, 2020

Dearest God,

We need you.  We need to crawl up into your arms and let you hold us tight.  There is so much pain and suffering.  So many are sorrowing deeply, really deeply.  Racism is killing people on the inside and outside.  Racism is not your way.  It never was and never will be.

How do we stop it, Lord?  How do we rid the racism in all of us?  How do we come to the realization that racism to one degree or another resides in all of us.  If we are living privileged lives, then racism is inside us.  How do we change, O God?  How do we let go of privilege for equality?  How do we show love for all human beings that feel rejected?

Our world, our nation is in need of an overhaul, a faith overhaul, a love overhaul, a mercy overhaul.  We need you, Lord; we need you.

We are broken,

Heavenly Father,

we are breaking

each other.

Cleanse us

from within.

Make us new

so we

can become

authentic human beings

who love

and serve unconditionally.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Dear God,

We laughed.  We remembered.  We loved.

Transformation, that is what I witnessed all day long.  When a person steps out of the darkness into the light, they are a new creature.  They are divinely transformed.

Yesterday and today we rifled through a dozen or so photograph albums and through boxes and boxes of photos from the past.  All our pictures were of happy times.  Since our grandson has only one picture of his past, we are helping to fill in the cracks of his life.  Christmases, Thanksgivings, July 4ths, home visits, baptisms, graduations, family dinners...so many happy times.  I watched as my grandson regained some joy as he recalled beautiful moments.  He took pictures of pictures and smiled most of the day.

What I have learned is you are the power, compassion and love that reshapes, renews and restores us.  You have had your hand on our hurting grandchild for so many years.  At 32 he is finally coming alive once again.  You have remade this boy we love so much!

Holy, holy, holy
are you,
Lord God.
Thank you
for your
renewing and
transforming power.
We are grateful.
Thank you
for shining
your light
and love
on our grandson.
Thank you
for your
healing power.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Dear God,

They came.  After five years they came.

Our grandson was a victim of abuse as a child by his own parents.  He married a woman who continued with emotional abuse.  When they divorced, he spiraled downhill.  He hit rock bottom.  It took a long time to rise up from his tomb and to find light again.

Today he and his new fiancée came to visit us for the weekend.  I literally ran out the front door and threw my arms around them both.  I hugged and squeezed for a long time.

It is easy enough to drop to very low levels when life is spirally out of control.  It is more difficult to climb up and out of the dark hole.  And yet in your mercy and prayers from near and far, it is not only possible.  It is probable.  Our beloved grandson has found and is living in the light!

Praise to you,
Lord God,
for the gift
of faith.
Thank you
for the gifts
of strength
and courage.
Thank you
for giving us
second chances
and third
and fourth
and more.
Bless our grandson
and his wife-to-be.
May they
find joy
that only you
can give.

Love, Andrea