Saturday, October 31, 2020

Dear God,

Years ago I attended a spiritual retreat at a monastic home in Illinois.  My covenant group and I spent time in prayer, holy listening, sharing our lives, doing devotions and in silence.  It was a glorious time spending time with my spiritual companions and dear friends.

Before we left I saw something that caught my eye.  The sisters had taken twigs, wire, beads, sequins, and stars and had made a version of Creation.  I bought it, brought it home and placed it over an old-fashioned light that sits on my desk.  As I write, my gentle movement causes the "creation" to move and glisten in the light.  I look at it and am drawn to you.  I can't help but want to give praise!

Thank you,

Holy God,

for every gift

this side

of heaven.

I am blessed.

Did you

hear me say,

I am blessed?

I am blessed

because of you

and by you.

Thank you,

Holy One that Created Creation;

I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Friday, October 30, 2020

Dear God,

Have I told you how much I love our early morning time together?  Have I expressed my full gratitude for my "circle of friends," all those saints who sit with us each morning like St. Teresa of Avila and biblical writers, for example?  Have I spoken enough prayers of thanksgiving for the holy, sacred time we have in the early morning dark?  Oh, how I love it!  

How I love watching the dawn come!  I love looking out my window and watching the moon move across the sky and finally vanish on the horizon.  I love the dark and the light because they are the same to you, to me too.  I love the quiet, the sacred silence where no distraction means vast space for prayer listening, meditation, contemplation, joy-giving, blessing-making, hope-shaping, just to name a few activities we do together.  My heart is always filled.  My mind is mostly changed because I need that so much of the time.  My soul is cleansed.  There is no greater time than this special time each day.  It is holy, holy, holy!

Blessed are you,

God of my faith.

Thank you

for allowing me

to dwell

with you

in the

early morning hours.

Thank you

for our quietude.

Thank you,

thank you,

thank you.

I love you so much.

Yours, Andrea   

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Dear God,

I haven't heard my husband laugh that hard for a long, long time.  Sometimes we just lose our ability to laugh, to fill up with joy and let it overflow.

But today was his birthday.  He received 15 calls, two from people he hasn't heard from in decades.  Two precious persons he helped bring to the US during the fall of Viet Nam in the 1970's.  Surprised and very pleased, they talked for oh so long.  But the best call came from a daughter who has been estranged for nearly a decade.  He sat back in his favorite chair and reflected on his calls until well after midnight.

I suppose, dear God, you had a hand in those calls.  At 85 Harold is lonely at times, feeling forgotten.  Yet, he goes on but he didn't have to on his birthday.  Not only did he receive calls from family and friends, I suspect he felt he got a call from you too.

Thank you,

for laughter

and joy

and gladness,

Gracious God.

Thank you

for giving 

these gifts

to Harold.

Thank you

for every call.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Dear God,

Yesterday I developed Covid symptoms.  I felt fear so I made an appointment to be tested.  As I walked into CVS, the nurse, garbed in all kinds of PPE, invited me to test myself giving me careful instructions.  Within minutes I walked back to my car and waited for the results.  During those 15 minutes I wondered what I would do if I was infected.  Many questions flooded my mind.  Would I have mild symptoms or severe?  Would I have to be hospitalized?  Would I be put on a ventilator?  No answers came.  A prayer came instead.

Thank you,

O Lord,

for leading us

back to you.

Thank you

for medical professionals

who help us.

Thank you

for a negative result.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Dear God,

This morning St. Teresa of Avila spoke from the 16th century about singing God's song.  I read her words and then read them again.  I am not sure why singing your song comes up regularly for me. 

Your words always heighten my awareness of the spiritual path.  When I get lazy or obstinate, I step off your path preferring to take another one.  Perhaps that is the time I choose to sing a different song like, "I Did it My Way."  Funny, I don't even like that song; however, I sure do sing it often enough.

St. Teresa piqued my spiritual awareness this morning.  She spoke directly to my heart.  In her loving, gentle way she challenged my song and my singing.  Although I hung my head, I realized it was yet another invitation to rethink my own song and how much I really prefer singing yours.

Sing your song

to me,

O Lord,

and help me

sing along.

I long only

to sing

your song.

Forgive my

recalcitrant ways;

remold me,

Lord,

I pray,

then put

your song

on my lips.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 26, 2020

Dear God,

There is great victory when good triumphs over evil!  Today federal, state and local agencies worked together to rescue missing and exploited children and arrest human traffickers and those who would misuse and abuse children.  

O God, you presented little children as precious gifts and so should we.  They deserve our loving care and utmost respect.  When we fail to teach, honor and love our children, we fail to love you.  

But today there was victory!  And we return to you to give thanks!

Blessed are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for allowing good

to overcome evil.

Thank you

for rescuing 

our children.

Thank you

for blessing families.

Thank you

for all

who work

to do good.

Love, Andrea 

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Dear God,

"From this darkness will come the light."  You spoke these words just minutes ago as I looked out into the early morning darkness. 

As your words rolled over and over in my mind, I remembered countless dark times when the dark was so dark, it was hard to imagine any light coming.  And yet, it came, at first in tiny slivers and then a little more until the darkness was but a distant memory.  And it was you who brought the light, who was and is the light today.

Every day darkness threatens.  It can come in so many ways.  It can cause us to lose hope, even take us down deep into despair.  But, you, O Loving God, whisper your nearness.  You invite us to come closer, to pray, to meditate, to trust, to listen and to wait patiently.  Although we can find ourselves in deep darkness, we can recall your words long ago.  "Even the darkness is not dark to you."  There in the darkness we find the light, your light, O God.  And even if we do not see the light, we know it.  Until the light comes itself, we are content in the darkness because we know we are not alone; you are with us.  We wait together until the darkness lifts.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Whether in darkness

or in light,

you are 

with us,

Holy God.

You bless us

again and again.

Truly, you are

the light

of the world.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Dear God,

Joy is one of those things that can swell in the human soul.  It can start out as a bit of happiness but before long it can grow to much larger dimensions and last for a long, long time.

Today joy grew in my 85-year-old husband.  He looked forward to having his youngest son and his wife and son come to visit.  A bit apprehensive because the relationship can at times be a little caustic, nevertheless, he wanted him to come.  

After lunch and a zoom visit with his son's college-aged daughters, we began to play a board game.  Within minutes everyone was laughing and teasing.  By late evening, that bit of happiness had turned into an eternal-kind of joy.  As they drove away smiling and waving, Harold said, "I think that went well, don't you?"  With the smile on his face and joy in his heart, I simply whispered a prayer of thanksgiving to you, Great Joymaker.

Blessed are you,

Amazing God.

You create possibility

for joy

and then

you grow it.

You feed

your children

a diet 

of happiness,

joy and gladness.

Your love

is evident

when true joy

is present.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, October 23, 2020

Dear God,

There is beauty in small things.  Sometimes we look for big things to wow us.  But really, it is the simple, small things that awe us instead.  

The psalmist speaks of streams and pastures, simple things of creation.  As we sit by a stream or a pasture, our eyes can fall on wondrous beauty, the way the water makes its way over smooth stones or wildflowers growing at the edge of a field.  As we listen and look, we have the amazing opportunity to meet you in our midst.  Beauty is not just what is around us but also inside us.

Today I was drawn to the Autumn leaves and the rain falling to the ground.  In its simplicity I sensed peace and joy and gratitude.

Holy God,

Designer of Creation,

thank you

for the gift

of small things.

Keep our focus

on simple things.

Let gratitude

well up

within us.

Love, Andrea 

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Dear God,

Sometimes we learn things when we get lost.  We always imagine getting lost as a negative, bad thing but maybe not.  There are lessons to be learned when we are lost.

I got lost today.  I have no sense of direction.  I can point out north, south, east and west on a map but I cannot figure out which direction in which I am headed or how to get back to where I need to be.  But you gave me a little lesson in being lost today.

I thought I was headed home from a small town not far away.  But when I ended up at a dead end, I realized I had made a wrong turn somewhere.  I whispered a small prayer and decided to just look around as I drove.  What beautiful roads I traveled on today!  The leaves were beautiful.  A pond, golf course, a park, historical downtown and all the scenes around me gave me opportunity to pray and give thanks.  Being lost today meant travelling down new roads, seeing wondrous landscapes and enjoying some quiet peace.

In the spiritual life you teach us insights, wisdom and direction while we wander in circles, dead ends and one-way streets.  You invite us to pray, to lean on you and to listen instead of talk.  During such moments we learn new things but we also get the chance to dwell intentionally with you.

Holy and Merciful God,

thank you

for today.

Thank you

for sweet,

quiet moments.

Thank you

for new roads,

new friends

and new opportunities.

Thank you

for allowing me

to dwell meaningfully

with you today.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Dear God,

Some things we simply cannot do on our own.  We may want to accomplish something but our will and power to do it is weak and sometimes very fragile.  We are nearly paralyzed.

When we get really honest with our self, we find our flaws and weaknesses.  We can live inside those and never change our situation.  But there is a better way; there is a power that will undergird us.  There is one who can help us do the impossible.  There is a way out and a way up.

You, O Lord, are the power to help us overcome.  You can put energy behind our weakness that can become strength.  You can transform us as positive, powerful people designed to do your will.  We can rise to greater heights simply because you are filling us, feeding us and leading us.  When we place our trust in you, we really can do so much more.

Forgive us,

Lord, when we

forget to

ask for

your help.

Forgive us

when we act

like gods ourselves.

Forgive us

when we

operate as

self-sufficient people.

Forgive us

when we fail

to remember

your past faithfulness.

Forgive us

when we

leave you out

of our lives.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Dear God,

I confess I have fallen into the trap of sin.  I admit I cannot stand our president.  I think he is a liar, a manipulator and an insensitive buffoon.  I grow so angry at times that I become ugly, mean and cruel.  When I go through the bouts, I cry out to you for my own soul's well being.

That's when you invite me to turn to nature to learn, yet another life lesson.  When I watch the leaves let go of their safe place and fall to the ground, I see their vulnerability and willingness to die to live again.  You teach me how important it is to let go and trust.  No matter the situation or condition, the answer is the same to let go and trust you.

Lord, please

forgive my

errant ways.

I want

to be more

like you.

I hate myself

when I

fall victim

to hatred

and bitterness.

Please help me

rise up

to the light

and let

the light

change me.

Thank you

for your

loving care.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, October 19, 2020

Dear God,

Just this morning the psalmist spoke about looking into our personal history to see the faithfulness of God.  I read that portion from Psalm 107 several times.

And so I did reflect back upon my own personal history...breast cancer, divorce, estrangement of daughter, danger following knee surgery, murder of my nephew, betrayal by brother and deaths of both parents shortly thereafter, daughter's ovarian cancer, another child's drug addiction...I could go on and on.  In every situation you walked the journey with me.  Daily, moment by moment, you reminded me I was not alone.  You lifted me up, whispered your love to me, gave me courage, guided my steps, healed and helped me, gave me wisdom, held my tears, encouraged me, gave me living water, increased my faith and shone light in my deep darkness.  And these are only a few of the blessings I received in times of loss, sorrow and grief.

Holy, Living God,

there is

no god

like you.

You are faithful

and true.

You breathe

your breath

into us

when we

cannot breathe our self.

I praise you.

I thank you.

I bless you,

my Lord,

Redeemer, Comforter

and God.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Dear God,

Who do we trust when we are ill, worn out or troubled?  Who do we turn to when we cannot effect a change in our health, nation or family?  Who do we cry out to when we are failing?  Only you, O Lord, only you.

Today my arthritis hurt so bad in my shoulders, arms, fingers, feet and toes.  Although I turned to bedrest and Advil, still I hurt.  My body was totally worn down. I didn't feel well enough to sit in a chair and worship by Zoom.  At one point I just wanted to cry but there was one I knew I could cry out to who would hear my plea and come straight away.  I was not disappointed.

Those times when we fall low, we can turn to you.  We do not have to wait.  We do not have to get better first.  Even if our mood is sour and irritable, still you wait for us to call to you.  You come reminding us we do not have to despair for we are not alone in our suffering.  You are the gentle spirit in the room.  You are the living water, spiritual food and compassion. All day long I knew you were with me.

Holy, Living God,

we are yours.

Our trouble

is your trouble.

You want

to heal

and help.

You whisper strength,

hope and peace

to us.

We are

made well

by your

living presence.

For you

are always

our hope.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Dear God,

You use the trees to teach us the art of "letting go."  They make exquisite leaves in the springtime, color them in the fall and then as the weather changes they begin to let go.

As I consider the spiritual life, I see the parallels.  As pilgrims of faith we need to watch, listen and learn from nature.  We too have new growth, hold on and later we have to release, to surrender, let go.  It is when we continue to hang on that we stunt our growth and begin to die.

Yet, the process of life is one that gives life not death.  Learning to bud, blossom and let go, we grow on so many levels.  We find joy in new insights, tender wisdom and death that leads to resurrection in new areas of life.  

Great Teacher,

thank you

for teaching us

the good ways

of life.

Thank you

for the process

of letting go

because there

are lessons

to be learned,

new growth

to be had

and more joy

to be experienced.

Help us

trust you

more and more.

Thank you

for trees

that teach.

Love, Andrea 

Friday, October 16, 2020

Dear God,

We can't see the light of the stars without the darkness.  It was very early this morning when I began praying.  I had turned out the light in my study and looked outside when I saw a beautiful array of white, glowing stars tucked inside the black darkness.  I paused my prayer and watched as the stars twinkled.  I whispered my prayer of thanksgiving to you for the amazing scene before me.

The spiritual life is like that as well, isn't it, O Lord?  Without the darkness we can't always see the light.  In some of the worst times in our country when all seemed dark and lost, we saw your light shining in strange places.  It was a time for faith, for growth, for love and mercy, for kindness and prayer and loving ways.  As we reached for you, we reached for one another.  We offered strength, courage and comfort to one another.  We were the light for each other.

We are living in another darkness right now and it is hard to see the light.  With a pandemic, an insensitive, uncaring and horrible president, economic downturn, high unemployment and great division, we look for the light.

You are

the true light,

Loving God.

You are

the one

great light

that always shines

even if

we are

not able

to see it.

Help us,

O God,

to see

the light

and be

the light

for one another.

Love always, Andrea

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Dear God,

All of life is in your hands.  If we acknowledged that the moment we awakened, how different we may spend our day.  We would continually express gratitude.  We would ask for your guidance in leading our way.  We would anticipate your goodness being revealed.  

Although we accept the importance and value of individualism and treasure our freedom to be "me," there is something more valuable and meaningful to be part of your greater plan for every day living.  Life is always bigger with you.  We see more.  We have greater insight, more courage and power and, of course, hope.  We pray for larger answers to small prayers because a prayer for me is never better than a prayer for us.  Your will and your way opens us to a vast cosmos filled with possibility.  And there is room for greater joy, peace and gladness.  We become less selfish, self-centered and self-serving.  We become more like you.

Thank you

for your love,

Compassionate God.
Thank you

for including us

in your life.

Thank you

for faith

and all

it teaches.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Dear God,

How did I get so blessed to have a circle of friends with which to sit every morning?  You brought them all to me, O God; you brought them all to me.  Gospel writers, saints, contemporary authors each have something to say in our morning circle.  Sometimes it seems we all pray together.  At other times we tackle fear or weary but always do we speak of faith.

As we both speak and listen at the same time, your word is revealed.  It brings challenge and yet comfort and hope.  It tugs at my heart and always stirs my soul.  My mind is stretched and converted as I find you among them.

Holy God,

thank you

for the gift

of faith.

Thank you too

for bringing together

this wondrous array

of faith-filled people.

Thank you

for bringing them

into my heart,

my home

and my soul.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Dear God,

You bring strangers together and give us cause to pray for them.  Although they are strangers to us, they are children to you.  In prayer we become something more.

As I sit with you in prayer, strangers come to mind.  I pray because I sense your leading for me to pray for them.  As such I now pray daily for the homeless, refugees and immigrants.  I pray for lost, missing and exploited children.  I pray for people whose requests have appeared on Facebook.  I pray for those impacted by the Covid-19 virus.  I pray for those strangers-friends who find their way to us through this daily chat with you, Loving God. I don't know what happens to anyone through our prayers, I just know praying for those you have given to us is a blessing and privilege.

Holy God,

we are

not really strangers

when we

come together

through prayer.

You bring us together.

You make us family.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, October 12, 2020

Dear God,

Yesterday we sat in fold up chairs on an asphalt parking lot to worship.  Wearing masks and barely murmuring sacred hymns, all twenty five of us had a deep sense of the divine.  It really didn't matter where we were, in a park, in the backyard or on a parking lot, still your living presence was deeply felt.

During this pandemic you are teaching us lessons of faith.  What we used to do, the way we used to do it and how we did it was important.  But now, in order to keep people safe, we are adapting, changing the ways we do things.  You remind us that where two or three people are, there you are in our midst.  But it is also true that you are with even one of us.

As we listened to the readings of the scripture, the morning message, the prayers, the music and the greeting, we realized we were the people of God worshipping, fellowshipping and loving together just as you intend no matter what.

Thank you,

Most Holy God,

for the gift

of worship

and the gift

of adaptability.

Thank you

for giving us opportunity

to grow

and change.

Thank you

for your presence

wherever we are.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Dearest God,

What do we do for broken-hearted people? How do we comfort them?  How do we help them heal?

It is so difficult spending time with my sister who seemingly ages more every time I see her.  She still grieves for her beloved son who died in a fire set by his adopted, troubled teenage son nearly three years ago.  Although she is putting one foot in the front of the other and spending time with his other two sons, still she's broken in so many ways.

I call my sister, "Pal."  We have called each other that for decades.  It really is a term of endearment.  I love her very much and it pains me to watch her hurt so deeply.  But what do I do?  How can I help her, Lord, how can I help her?

Teach us how

to be healers,

Great Physician.

Teach us

the way

of comfort,

mercy and healing.

Show us how

to give hope

and eradicate pain,

please, I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Dear God,

I look out my study window and all is quiet.  The trees stand tall, full of changing color.  And I think of my creator.

You give us moments to pause in daily life, to look around and to see what you are doing.  In this quiet moment I watched as you turned the darkness of night into the light of day.  I watched as everything was black but over minutes your colors came into view.  I look and think of all that exists in the great silence of faith.  And I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Today I have a full day of work, raking leaves, cleaning parts of the house and painting the master bedroom but through it all, I pray I will whisper sweet murmurs of appreciation for this beautiful fall day filled with possibilities of faith and love and devotion.

God of grace and glory,

thank you

for all

the benefits

of faith.

Thank you

for giving us

a deep well

of gratitude.

Thank you

for your kindness

and mercy,

your beauty

and compassion.

Keep prayers

of thanksgiving

on my lips

all day,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 9, 2020

Dearest God,

"Sing a new song to the Lord," I listened as the psalmist spoke this morning, "Sing a new song."  What a challenge but a very good one.  If we are singing a song of bitterness, you invite us to sing a song of gladness. A song of despair can become a song of hope.  A song of hatred, a song of love.

How many times have you taken me to the psalmist?  How many moments have you wanted me to review my song?  How often have you encouraged me to make a change in my tune, my lyrics and my message?  No one cares more about my song than you.

Just a few days ago I was singing a song of frustration when you came to me and before long, I was singing a song of joy.  You can change our song because you can change us.

Thank you

for my song,

O God,

for giving me

a song

to sing.

Thank you

for opportunities

to change

my song.

Thank you

for your power

that can change

all things.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Dear God,

Hope is always available through you.  When we feel ourselves falling, drowning or gasping for air, we know where and to whom to turn.  When we breathe in a full gulp of air, we breathe in the essence of love, mercy and comfort.  Hope is born at that moment as we keeping breathing in the air of heaven.

In this chaotic, divided nation, it is easy to lose hope.  It is easy to fall into fear, hopelessness and despair.  But you do not offer these, O God, no, you offer just the opposite.  With you we find every resource we need.  The air of your spirit will revive, renew and restore us.

The challenge is to keep our eye on you, to trust you and to find your daily word for us.  As we listen carefully we can find our way to peace and hope and courage and strength and even joy.

Hope-Giving God,

teach us

the way

to trust.

Show us

the way

to hope

and peace.

Give us

inner strength

for our

daily journey,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Dearest God,

There are three things that can lead us directly to you:  frustration, anger and resentment.  They can also lead us down a dead end path, a side road or over a cliff.  I've tried all three ways.  Never ended well.

I have to admit today, I felt all three emotions.  I wanted to scream, to give way to saying things I knew would not get me what I longed for nor take me to a happy place.  I wanted to release my feelings on those who pricked my soul.  Before I could do that, I heard your gentle voice calling me to draw close.

You can step between our feelings and urgings to do what we know won't work.  You invite us in to you, to your side so we can hear your voice and feel your embrace.  You want to take our feelings and transform them into emotions and practices that will lead to a positive outcome.  You want to help us and guide us to better answers and solutions.  You want to fill us with your compassionate mercy knowing it is the way to our hurting souls.

Bless you,

O God,

for your kindness.

Thanking you

for giving

us pause

to reflect,

consider and stop.

Teach us

the better way.

Help us

trust you,

surrender our hurts

and heal.

Thank you today

for your comfort.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Dearest God,

Early in the morning a few days ago I sat with my circle of friends in devotional reading when it was finally time to pray.  Even though it was dark outside, you invited me to turn off the light in my study.  When I did I was delighted to see the dark night skies with white twinkling lights but then seeing how the day was beginning to dawn with new light.  I prayed and kept my eyes open taking in the light that is you.

The insight that came was that in dark days we must remember how the light comes faithfully.  We do not have to sit in the darkness; we can breathe in the light and radiate it ourselves.  We can find hope in the light and the warmth of your sweet mercy.  We can let the light into ourselves, deep down into every DNA cell and there it can live and breathe and have life.

Thank you,

dear God,

for your light

that gives life.

Thank you

for light

that gives insight

and wisdom.

Thank you

for light

that warms

and heals.

Thank you

for blessing

even in

the midst

of darkness.

Love, Andrea

Monday, October 5, 2020

Dear God,

Your light always shines brighter than the darkness is dark.  O God, these are dark times, a pandemic, economic uncertainly, political division, unrest and infighting, families split over political beliefs, and even more.  Yet, we know your light shines bright.

You remind us of this truth.  You whisper to us, "I am still the light of the world."  And it is true but we forget when we fall or are tipped over by all the craziness.  We too need to whisper to ourselves and to others, "We are light too or at least we can be.  Shine, shine!"

Open our eyes

to your 

light today,

Gracious God;

open our eyes.

Help us 

see you.

Remind us again

to live

in the light

and to

be the light

to others.

Help us,

O God,

help us

see and be

the light.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Dear God,

Although we cannot worship together in person yet, your spirit still speaks to us through Zoom gatherings and Facebook Live.  A year ago we could not have found this a meaningful measure and yet, you have provided for us.

This morning I felt calmed and glad to be in worship.  Sitting in my pajamas and robe, still I felt your presence speaking, challenging, guiding, helping and blessing.  Who would have thought such a thing was possible?

As I listened to our priest offer the morning message, I felt such gratitude for his willingness to be open to new opportunities for worship, for his creativity, his love for you, his desire to serve and his gift of blessing us.  I realized just how much you are with us in every circumstance and change,

Thank you,

Generous God,

for leading us

in worship.

Thank you

for teaching us

the benefits

of change.

Teach us more,

Holy Spirit,

teach us

to be transformed.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Dear God,

There is a sweetness in rest!  When our bodies are weary to the bone and seemingly have no energy whatsoever, you call us to rest, to release, to let go, to surrender and to give in to divine rest, the kind that  seeps down deep into our bones to heal us.  There, in that deep place, you reside with us.

Last Wednesday I gave myself to your divine rest.  I was so exhausted for driving over a thousand miles home.  I could hardly rise to go to the bathroom and get myself something simple to eat.  Even though I hurt from arthritis pain along with the deep weariness, still I found your living presence with me.  And so I took deep breaths filling myself with you.

Thank you

for divine gifts,

Holy God.

You bless us

when we

are low

and weary.

You whisper

to us

words of

compassion,

love and mercy.

You tend

to us

like a shepherd

cares for

his sheep.

You are God,

the Great Caregiver.

Love, Andrea

Friday, October 2, 2020

Dear God,

I long for an Autumn heart.  I want to be willing to let go like the trees who hold onto their leaves for as long as possible and then one day they simply let go of what has been part, a beautiful part of them.  Whether red or gold, green or brown, the ugliest or the most beautiful, they simple disengage and surrender.  It is because they know it is time, they know in whose hand the leaf will fall and they know in a few months the process of rebirth will begin again.

Oh, to have that Autumn heart that will trust that much, that will know the time and will release, only to be reborn later.  I want to be like the trees.  I want that much trust.  I want to be willing to surrender instead of holding on forever.  Although painful at times I want to believe and live as though even I can be reborn, again.

Loving Creator,

teach me

the lesson

of trust

once again.

I want

that Autumn heart.

I want

your will

for my life.

Show me

the way,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Dear God,

You create the seasons to teach us life lessons.  As we move from one season to the next, you invite us to transition as well, to let go and to grab hold.  You know how much we need transformation in our lives.  Stale souls lead to stagnant faith so the seasons come and go whispering to us the need for change.

More often than not change seems hard, demanding.  We stiffen up, resisting the call.  We want change from those around us but not always within our own self but you know, O God, how change can bring about healing and hope, peace, insight and promise for a new future.

It's all about trust, isn't it Great Change Maker; it's all about trust.  You want us to let go of all that threatens our growth and to grab on to your powerful, loving spirit.  You want us to trust you in all situations because you know more about us than we know about ourselves.  You truly know what is best for us.  You know what will heal us giving us space, strength and courage for new ideas, new perspectives and new ways to be.  You know trusting you will deepen our ability to see as you see, do as you do and live as you live.

Holy God,

your ways

are always better

than ours.

Teach us

this lesson

over and 

over again.

We are

slow learners

and resistant

to change.

But ultimately,

we know

you know best.

Help us

trust you more.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Dear God,

I am overwhelmed by your merciful love that surrounds us, holds us and blesses us.  As I rested today after driving over a thousand miles in 36 hours, I thought of you, gave thanks for traveling mercies and breathed in your spirit as arthritis pain and exhaustion threatened to darken my mood.  I knew I was in your presence as you slowly healed my weary body.

I don't know what it is that I love more about faith.  Is it the unconditional love that makes it real?  Is it grace that knows our flaws and yet blesses anyway?  Is it the vision that we see that encompasses more than we see at first look?  Is it the healings, miracles, guidance, comfort, insight, wisdom or mercy that is woven into it? Or is it the relationship that is built on trust and hope?

Who can

doubt you,

O Lord?

As I 

reflect upon

your gracious compassion,

I am moved

to tears

and thanksgiving

and praise.

All that

is good

comes from you.

Thank you

for blessing me

with your presence today.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Dear God,

You brought us home safely.  You guided our journey home.  What amazing scenes were on display on the route, changing leaves of so many shades of red, orange, yellow, gold, green and brown.  And I knew that the original creator had done your work once again.

How can we look at the changing seasons and not know the creator?  How is it possible?  It is as if every leaf was separated and painted, unique from all the rest.  The picture of the Pocono mountains is still etched in my mind as I consider the creative artistry of your hand.  Gratitude wells up in my heart even now as I celebrate faith that informs my vision.

Blessed are you,

Marvelous Creator.

Thank you

for the 

ride home.

Thank you

for amazing pictures

outside our

car windows.

Thank you

for faith

that makes 

it all

the sweeter.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 28, 2020

 Dear God, 

This afternoon I listened to music and just wept.  It was classical music, country tunes and songs performed by unlikely contestants on The Voice and You've Got Talent.  While the music genre changed over and over again, what did not change was the way your spirit sunk down deep in my weary soul.  I heard you over the musical notes and sounds, whispering your words of peace and hope and thanksgiving.

I didn't realize how much I needed a respite from the worries of this life.  It was only when the tears began to fill and spill that I recognized how full my soul was of anxiety, fear, doubt, sorrow and anger.  I desperately needed a release, a surrendering of all that plagued me.  And when the music suddenly came when I inadvertently clicked on a friend's Facebook page, I let it come.  I let it penetrate my body, mind and spirit.  I was open, so very open to your touch.  So I let go, really let go.  And when I was empty, you filled me with you.

Bless you, Lord,

for knowing

my needs

before I

knew them.

Thank you

for time

to release,

let go

and drink in.

You are God;

thank you.

Love, Andrea 

Sunday, September 27, 2020

 Dearest God,

I turned 74 today.  I remember when Grandma Hughes turned 74 and my mother and now me.  Where did all the years go?  I am now the oldest generation.

It is such grace to have lived these many years.  When I reflect upon the decades of my life, one thing stands out most of all.  And that is you have been present with me every decade, every year, every month, every day.  The countless days and nights you have been with me nearly takes my breath away.  And I think why, why me?  There's nothing special about me.  My faith is small, pea size at times.  I fail to listen and follow.  I fill my day with busyness and scoot you to the side and yet, all my nights and days have been filled with you.

No gift is greater.  No thought richer.  No moment more meaningful than this truth.  

Loving God,

thank you

for enriching

my life

with you.

Thank you

for making

your presence known

to me.

Thank you

for teaching me

how to

find you.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 26, 2020

 Dear God,

Today I cleaned the hermitage and put it all back together after the electricians and carpenter finished their work.  I stood inside, looking around, marveling at the work done on your behalf.  Tears filled my eyes as I began to sing, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound..."

Twelve years ago I could not have imagined what you would do on our land.  I could not have foreseen what transformation would take place.  Nor could I have envisioned a spiritual path and hermitage but you, O God, you saw it all.

Every person who worked on your holy land shared what a privilege, what an honor it was to work there, to contribute.  Each had their own experience of spirit of faith.  Although they did not always use the word, it was clear, it was a spiritual experience.

Only you

are God;

there is none

like you.

Thank you

for the hermitage,

spiritual path

and faith.

Thank you

for blessings

that have come

and will come

to all

who gather there.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 25, 2020

 Dear God,

Only you give real peace, peace that can last a long time, peace that changes things.  Your name is synonymous with peace.

Our nation is in chaos, O God.  It has turned in upon itself.  It has become divided, crazy, mean-spirited, chaotic and lost.  This president began sowing seeds of dissension when the Women's March in Washington drew more people than those to his inauguration nearly four years ago.  How could we lose so much ground so rapidly?

We need to turn to you, Almighty God, for you alone can give us peace and hope and guidance.  Forgive us when we totally rely on ourselves and forget what you offer every day.  Forgive us too when we spout words that disappoint, hurt and damage others.  We forget the light that dispels the darkness.  We forget you.

Blessed are you,

Loving God,

for your way

is always better

than our own.

We need you.

Help us turn

toward you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 24, 2020

 Dear God,

I have not forgotten you.  Getting ready to leave our home for Indiana overwhelmed me and I didn't take time to sit down with you.  Although I prayed throughout the day, I failed to take the time to intentionally be with you.

I miss you when I fail to write.  I miss our silence that is not the absence of sound but space for spiritual conversation.  I miss listening for your guidance, waiting for your word and your grace that makes it all happen.  I forfeited meaningful opportunities to sit in your presence.  I am sorry.

Holy God,

thank you

for your

compassionate grace.

Thank you

for not

forgetting me

when I

forget you.

Teach me

again and again

until I learn

your way.

Love always, Andrea