Sunday, December 27, 2020

Dear God,

In the early morning hours today, I sat in my chair tucked in between the lighted Christmas tree and living room window.  Before sitting with my circle of friends reading my devotions, I just gazed at the tree, breathed prayers of thanksgiving and smiled.  It was then I heard the sound of ancient, far-away bells.  I closed my eyes and listened.  There was no reason for bells, for there were no bells on the tree but then they didn't need to be there for bells to ring.

Christmas offers mystical, holy moments to the ear attuned to the sounds of your spirit.  I don't really know why I have experienced so many.  I am not special.  I fail in so many respects.  At the same time, I have a deep longing for you.  I believe you speak today in oh, so many ways.  I anticipate your spirit movement.  I am ready when it comes.  I am full of gratitude to you.  Still, me?

Holy God,

thank you

for coming today.

Thank you

for the 

Christmas bells.

Thank you

for every blessing

of the season.

Receive my thanks

and praise,

I ask.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Dear God,

You call us to adaptability, flexibility and obedience for life is not well planned by humans.  You call us to wait, to listen and to follow.  When we are able to float upon a spirit breeze, our lives find purpose, meaning and joy.

Yesterday was Christmas but nothing like it used to be.  No family, no hoopla and no traditions; yet, you were here.  I spent the day in the stable, listening for the sounds of Christmas joy and peace.  I found them again and again.  I learned I did not need all the usual Christmas sights and sounds for Christmas to happen.  It found me.

Thank you

for the gifts

of 2020,

for change,

the ability

to listen,

to surrender,

to act

and to give.

Thank you

for every blessing

that came unplanned.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 25, 2020

Dearest God,

I watched as the ornaments gently danced on the Christmas tree.  In the glowing, twinkling lights, I thought of you, of Christmas and what it means, of grace and hope and joy come on earth.  I think of the Christmas star, how that radiant light brought shepherds and wise ones and ordinary human beings to the manger and still does.  I felt my own heart swell with love as I too sat surrounded in the light.

This is what you do, O Lord.  You fill us with light.  You embrace us with light.  You literally light us up with your light.  You make us light if only for a moment as we are captured by Jesus, a baby, a man, a friend, a guide, a savior.  In the living room of a home on Timber Lane, you came and dwelled this morning.  You still do.

Holy, holy, holy

are you,

Great God of the Cosmos,

holy are you.

Thank you

for Christmas,

for a manger,

a human mother

and father,

shepherds and sheep,

all who

see the star,

who hear

the angel voices,

and come running.

Holy are you,

Loving Father,

holy are you.

Love always and forever, Andrea

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Dearest God,

Early this morning I sat by the lighted Christmas tree.  I gazed into its 9' interior and watched as ornaments moved however slightly.  The breath of your Holy Spirit can do that.  I sensed your presence and smiled.  "I love these holy moments with you, O Lord.  I love these quiet moments for just the two of us.  I love being with you."  I breathed as I sat ready to journey into my devotions.

Quiet, holy moments can happen at any time.  They come unexpected, warm the spirit and bless the soul.  Although my intent is never to get a gift for myself, it seems that is what always happens.  My only desire is to bless you, to give you thanks, to praise your name, to offer my love and devotion and to give you the deepest part of my self.  But we can't do all of that without receiving love back.  It is your way.

Thank you,

Gracious and Loving God,

for this morning.

Thank you

for blessings,

so many

of them.

Thank you

for love

given so sweetly.

Love always, Andrea

 

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Dear God,

No one can stop Christmas from coming!  For you, O Lord, drive us to our knees at the manger not because you demand it but because you want us to get deeply close to your merciful love.  And right now we need all the merciful love we can get.  The world is hurting; it needs the kind, quality and quantity of love only you can give.

You are always pouring out your love on us, dear God.  We don't always see it but it is there.  We can't always see it because we are blinded by all kinds of things that get in our way.  In the quiet with eyes of faith we are enabled not only to see it, but hear it, feel it, touch it and eat and drink it.  It's all there...at the manger.

Heavenly Father,

let the 

angels come

and sing.

Let them

stir our hearts

and inspire

our souls.

Nudge us

to sing

with them.

Come, Lord Jesus,

come now,

today and

all our tomorrows.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Dear God,

Last night I saw the star, Jupiter and Saturn close together forming a star to the naked eye.  As I sat on a dark, country road, I thought about the shepherds seeing the star and hearing the voices of angels singing.  I felt I wanted to go to the manger too.  But then I realized I was at the manger.

The great joy is knowing we can dwell at the manger any time we want, not just Christmas day.  All Advent long I have felt close to the manger.  I feel your living presence when I listen to Christmas music, give to others, wrap gifts for family and friends, make special deliveries to those whose names you gave me, finish Harold's story book, make candies and goodies for family, drop money in the Salvation Army bucket, sit by the Christmas tree, read my daily devotions, worship, pray, watch Christmas movies and read Christmas novels and when I see Christmas lights twinkling.  Even when the snow falls, I move closer and closer because I see your hand in all of it.  

Holy God,

I am grateful

for this

very special season.

Thank you

for your nearness,

your love

and your mystery.

I long

to dwell

with you always

no matter

where I am

or what

I am doing.

I love you.

Always, Andrea

Monday, December 21, 2020

Dearest God,

I am like a little child looking forward to Christmas but not in the same way.  I am wrapped in Christmas right now, the spirit of love and giving, of hope and tentative peace and of possibility and mystery.  It's all sacred space whether I listen to Christmas music, take food to the local food pantry, read a Christmas novel, watch a Christmas movie, pray for front line workers and all who are afraid or sit in my overstuffed chair beside the tree watching the lights twinkle and the ornaments dance at the slightest chance of air moving.  I couldn't be any closer to  heaven or the North Pole.

This holy time is so special, so filled with awe and wonder.  Even in the midst of a chaotic year, losses, division, disease, separation, anxiety and fear, yet, even still...there is room for Christmas.  As I listened to Christmas music, you wooed me inside the tunes and lyrics to dwell with loved ones who sang with me more than 20 years ago.  Funny how memory can open its doors allowing us in for a treasured time of warmth, beauty, love, joy and faith.

I feel like I am in the middle of Christmas but lost knowing how to help others whose suffering and pain is so deep and wide.

O God,

lover of all your children,

lead us

to each other.

Help us

take the spirit

and wonder

and mystery

of Christmas

to others

who hurt

so much.

Help us heal

one another.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Dear God,

As I sat in the overstuffed chair beside the lighted Christmas tree at 5:00 a.m. reading my devotions and praying, I looked over through the living room and study to the tree lights reflection on the windows.  It appeared the light of Christmas surrounded both rooms.  I felt engulfed with Christmas light.

It is the small things that make the greatest inspiration.  Even now as I write at my desk in the study, I see the outside Christmas lights reflecting in front of me.  Tiny, white, twinkling lights all point me to one place and that is to the Light of the World.  I smile when I see them, feel them, am touched and blessed by them.  They speak and shout and sing all at one time:  "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace..."

Thank you

for the blessing

of light,

its glow

and radiance,

its warmth

and hope,

its beauty

and peace.

Thank you

for blessing me

this morning.

I am yours,

Lord,

Light of the World,

I am yours.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Dear God,

This morning yet another wonderful Advent surprise came to me as I drove to Fort Wayne to drop off Christmas gifts at six locations.  I put on music from an Alfred S. Burt cantata our church did years ago.  I sang with the choir and choreographed a little play about an angel.  It was a wonderful Christmas service.

I found myself in the company of the choir after more than 20 years.  Not once or twice but three times we sang together and felt the wondrous mystery of Christmas as I drove 150 miles.  I felt the joy, the light, the hope, the warmth and the love.  Periodically, tears would form and slip down my face as I experienced one of the great joys of Advent with you and precious friends from long ago.  I sensed your great spirit filling my car with every joy of the season.  I felt wrapped, simply wrapped in you.

Holy God,

your blessings

come at

unexpected times.

You transform

the moment

with living spirit.

You pour

out your spirit

in ways

beyond comprehension.

You gave me

a rare gift today

and I

am overflowing

with gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 18, 2020

Dear God,

More and more people are becoming ill from the virus.  More and more are dying.  Front line workers are completely exhausted and most ICU units do not have enough staff.  People are desperate.  What do we do, O Lord, to help them?  How do we show love and support?  How do we strengthen them?

My heart cries out for people who are sacrificing themselves to help others.  As they watch a president who has called the virus a hoax or something that will go away soon or no big deal, front line workers then see more and more patients who did not heed the countless warnings to prevent Covid because they trusted their president.  How can we help them carry the burden?

Blessed are those

who give everything

to help 

the sick,

the troubled 

and the dying.

Blessed are those

who volunteer

to help

the hungry,

the homeless

and the lost.

Blessed are those

who give

in service

to others.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Dear God,

This morning I sat in the living room with only the lights of the mantel and Christmas tree.  As I sat inches from the tree I scanned the ornaments.  So many memories of places I have traveled, items I have created of stained glass, flannel, cotton and metal, antique ornaments from my parents, some given me by special friends and yet more I have purchased.  Sitting or hanging on branches amidst twinkling white lights, I am drawn to you, the only reason for it all.

Advent, Christmas and Epiphany mean so much more than lights, trees, gifts, specialty food and music.  For me it is really about the journey, a pilgrimage of faith.  When we enter this holiday season, I enter into a holy season filled with mystery, hope, magnificence, angels, saints, prayer and presence.  My heart is full and my soul is fulfilled in its longing.

Advent God,

thank you

for the 

wondrous journey

of faith.

Thank you

for holy times

and seasons

for special reflection,

contemplation and joy.

Thank you

for gratitude

that stretches

and grows.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Dear God,

Overnight it fell like manna to the ground.  Snow covered our neighborhood.  When I look out my study window I simply see a white ground cover but in the midst of the white, there are millions of uniquely created, exquisite snowflakes.  Each has your divine handprint.

I love snow for so many reasons but mostly because those tiny flakes whisper to me about you.  They point me to you.  They sing your song.

Holy God,

help each

of us

to sing

the song

of faith.

Teach us

your way.

Blessed are you,

Gracious God.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Dear God,

Right now, O Lord, our world needs hope.  Three hundred six boys were stolen from Nigerian schools.  Their captors say they intend to punish them for participating in non-Muslim schools.  A few years ago they stole about the same number of young girls that they married off to Muslim soldiers.

How can this be?  How can children become pawns in evil's hands?  Why do we torture others for learning?  Who can deliberately hurt children?

They are your children, Merciful God; you know their whereabouts.  While others search for them, these young boys are terrified.  Please, Loving God, please lead officials to their location.  Rescue them, save them, heal them, please.

We are

a broken people.

We fail

to follow you.

We forget

we are

all family.

Bind the wounds

of their parents,

O God.

Bring them together

with their children,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 14, 2020

Dear God,

There is a quiet place where you dwell in the human soul.  There is a waterfall of grace, streams of living water, green pastures, mountains of mercy and deserts of blooming life.  There we can go at any time, day or night, any season or time of difficulty or peace, makes no difference.  We can enter in joy or sorrow, hope or despair, anger or peace.  We can go to complain or to celebrate.  With you they are all the same.

There is no greater delight in my soul than dwelling with you although I admit I am not always a gracious dweller.  I forget my manners, humility and forgiveness.  I fail to fully be your child.  At the same time, I do love to enter your sacred space to be with you.

Memories of dwelling times fill my heart to overflowing.  The experiences we have had together are full of insights, wisdom, joy, dancing, loving, sharing, laughing, weeping, overcoming, conquering, softening, praying and being present.  There is not enough time left in my life to tell them all but you, O God, you know each one, every detail, each uphill climb, every learning, each dread overturned to courage, every despair transformed to hope, on and on it goes.

There is none

like you,

Gracious God,

none like you.

Thank you

for your

dwelling place.

Thank you

for invitations

deep and wide.

You have

my heart

full of gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Dear God,

I love the period of waiting in Advent.  I love the anticipation.  I love the time spent making gifts, shopping, baking, praying, giving, loving, preparing, meditating, serving, planning, reading, being silent and listening, not necessarily in that order.  This time set aside is valuable, inspiring, hope-giving, quiet, and joy-filled.  Although the world is in chaos, division reigns, people are getting sick and many are dying, others are hungry without jobs, and everything seems uncertain, Advent gives us opportunity to move into a holy, sacred space where all are welcomed, all are loved, all are blessed, all are free and all are inspired.  

We can move into that divine space to do whatever we need to do in your presence.  We can weep, shout, question, doubt, pour out our problems, get angry, rest, drink from the well, eat spirit food and receive the gifts of your spirit.  The more open we are, the more willing we can be and the more we believe, we can walk into Christmas with more hope, peace and even joy.  We can find light and take it with us.  We can leave behind what we chose to surrender.  We can store up every blessing and gift to step into Christmas and the new year.  Perhaps we can even step into the future with your promises.

Holy and Loving God,

thank you

for Advent

and everything

it offers.

Thank you

for inviting us in.

Thank you

for blessing us.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Dear God,

As I sat here at my desk, my eyes were drawn to a picture of Marcy, Helen, Teresa and Teresa, Carmelite nuns now residing in Oldenburg, Indiana.  They are the last ones of the Carmelite Order that resided in Indianapolis for decades.

It is not just a picture.  These women are a testimony to the living presence of your spirit in the world.  As I worshipped with them every Wednesday for eighteen years, I was invaded by your living presence week after week.  Their faith captured my heart as I watched them, lived with them for a few days and listened to them during morning prayers and worship.  Their witness changed me, transformed my way of thinking, believing and practicing faith.  They lived love and grace and it spilled over and onto me.

As I reflect upon the gifts of the season, I realize I don't have to wait for Christmas day to unwrap them.  They are already here, unwrapped.  These four women and all their sisters who passed into joyous eternity touched and inspired my life forever.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gift

of Advent

and the ways

it directs me

to all

your wonderful gifts.

Thank you

for the sisters

and their faith

and all

they did

to bring me

new life.

Thank you

for the awareness

of them

this morning.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 11, 2020

Dear God,

There is no one like you, none on the face of the earth.  I remember my grandmother who was godly, caring and loving, perhaps the most loving I have ever known.  Yet, even she does not compare to you.

On lonely days there is no one like you to talk with, to tell my troubles to, mine and the numbers of so many others in the world.  I speak and you listen.  In your compassion you give comfort, a listening ear and loving wisdom that comes when I truly listen with all I have.

On days of celebration where I find you all around me, there is no one like you.  I whisper my prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving.  I share my smiles, laughter and great joy.  Sometimes I even dance to share my gladness.

On any given day, there is no one like you.  Thank you.

My heart 

is full

of love

for you,

my creator,

redeemer and friend.

I love

our time together.

I love you.

Always, Andrea

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dear God,

There is so much sadness in the air.  So many are suffering.  People are getting sick and dying.  Families can't even be with their loved ones while they die with Covid.  Others are strapped for money to buy food, pay rent and take care of themselves.  The list goes on and on.  O God, when will the suffering ease?

We need you, Great Shepherd of the Flock.  We need your tender care, mercy and love.  We need someone to hold our hand and help us through the difficult time now and what is ahead.  Everyone needs to know someone, somewhere loves them.

Come Immanuel, come and sing to your people.  Sing of hope, peace and comfort.  Come, Immanuel, and bring us your guidance.  Guide us to green pastures and flowing fountains.  Come, Immanuel, and tell us the story of Christmas once again.  

Loving God,

help all those

who are

in pain.

Help those

who cannot see

hope for today.

Help those

who need you

for life today.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Dear God,

Every week our covenant group meets by conference call on Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m.  Every meeting morning we dwell with you and one another.  We enter into silence, listening for your voice, then we have a devotion and prayer.  Afterward, I feel like the ancient storyteller who talked about being anointed with oil until dripping.  I am full to overflowing with gratitude.

As I count my blessings, my covenant group rises to the top.  You brought us together more than 30 years ago, made us a group, put your living spirit in us, inspired us to go and grow deep and filled us with love for you and one another.  It was so this morning as we shared together.

Our conversation caused us to pause to consider how we can carry the burden of hurting people in our world, those in poverty or close to it, victims of injustice and oppression, those who are living in chaos caused by poor national and international leaders, families who have lost ones to Covid 19, front line workers who are giving their all, sometimes their lives, and people who are pained by one thing or another in our world,  We felt their closeness as we shared and prayed.

When I think of all your gifts, I am overwhelmed and humbled.

Living Lord,

thank you

for my

precious covenant group.

Thank you

for their trust,

love and mercy,

honesty and integrity.

Thank you

for all 

your gifts

but especially

this one.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Dear God,

Years ago I came upon a cheap, gold clock with a frosty face.  A frosty lover, I bought it not realizing it played Christmas music the top of every hour.  As I was writing you this morning, it played once again,

                                 "O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

                                   O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

                                   Come and behold him, born the King of angels;

                                   O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,

                                   O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord."

The mystery surprises of Advent and Christmas bless me over and over again.  I know every day you will come to me in one way or another.  Maybe it will come in the light shining in the darkness early in the morning.  Perhaps it will be a Christmas memory that comes bringing me special joy.  Or like this morning, you will come in a beloved Christmas hymn.  

Loving God,

thank you

for morning grace.

Thank you

for this morning's 

Advent gift.

I love

this season

but more

than that,

I love you.

Yours, Andrea

    

    

Monday, December 7, 2020

Dear God,

It is strange how Advent season can call people home.  I mean people of our past, persons who were beloved, family, friends, even strangers who somehow imparted joy and meaning to our Christmas celebration. 

My grandmother always returns.  Although she has been gone more than 30 years, her spirit of love, faith, hope, beauty and blessing come to me every December.  I remember her farm home, her cooked meals, her violets, her raisin pudding and her smile.  She always said she loved us all the same when we grandchildren pressed her to tell us who she loved the most.  I love it when she shows up at Christmas.

Then there is my mother.  Although we were never close, we loved snow.  Whenever the first flakes fell, we called each other and celebrated.  I always think of her when the snow falls.

There are so many who played significant roles in my life during Advent and Christmas.  So December is the month when I revisit loved ones and give thanks.

Holy God,

you bring

loved ones

to us.

You bless us

in the season

of mystery.

You give us gifts

no one else

can give.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Dear God,

We are all talking too much and listening too little.  When we pray and do all the talking, we leave no room for you to speak to us.  In our nation way too many are speaking way too much and few are listening.  How can we ever hear your voice if we are controlling every moment of the conversation?

You created us with ears as well as a mouth and voice.  You intend us to use them, not ignore them. I must confess I am guilty of speaking too much and listening too little.  I want to tell you what I think and to go further, I guess, no, I want you to listen and agree.  I am wrong.  

In the depths of my soul, I want a clean and listening spirit.  I want to make all the space you need to speak to me.  I want to listen.  I want to know what you want of me.  I really want to hear your correction as well as your love.  I want to dwell with you instead of expecting you to dwell with me on my own terms.  I need you.

Holy Father,

speak and

I will listen.

Challenge and

I will listen.

Correct and

I will change.

I want you,

O Lord,

I need you,

our nation 

needs you,

our world 

needs you.

Speak to

us all,

God of Grace and Mercy,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Dear God,

After I put my 9' Christmas tree up in the living room, I leaned into the Frasier Fir and whispered, "We are going to spend some wonderful time together."  When I touched the branches and breathed in its scent, I was drawn to you, Holy Creator.  

Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are all mystical times that still play out in my life.  They are not just holidays with a history; they are living moments with the Master of Great Mysteries.  When I step inside them or they move inside me, I find myself in your living presence as if these holy moments are happening for the very first time.  Like a child opening gifts on Christmas day, I revel in the glory of the season, of the day-to-day wonder.  I find myself spilling out gratitude all day long.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

You draw us

into yourself

and give us

a peek 

at the mystery

of creation.

You join 

us together

with the

ancient shepherds,

wise ones, 

saints and angels,

Mary and Joseph,

an innkeeper 

and animals.

You invite us

into the

smelly stable

to meet

the awesome wonder

who is Christ.

My Christmas tree

whispered back

not only

the memories

but also

the future hope

for days ahead.

I am blessed.

I offer all

I have

right now

to you,

Majestic and Holy God.

Love, Andrea

Friday, December 4, 2020

Dear God,

This morning I drove to Lowe's at 6:15 a.m. to select a Christmas tree to bring home.  In the 60-second drive there I noticed a bright white, radiant star in the dark night sky.  I kept staring even once I arrived at Lowe's and parked the car.  The Bethlehem star, I kept saying to myself, it could be the Bethlehem star.

It really makes no difference what twinkling star is radiating its joy in the sky to me.  Each and every light transports me to the stable manger.  My heart swelled thinking of what joy your light brings me.  I whispered my gratitude as I went inside. 

Back outside again in the Christmas tree section, Jerry, an employee, held up trees for me to inspect.  Just  two  strangers under the starry night where your divine spirit was present.  Holy, sacred, beautiful, what a joyous moment!

Holy God,

you bless us

with your spirit

in so

many ways.

Today it 

was Lowe's, 

tomorrow it

could be anywhere.

All praise

to you,

my savior,

redeemer and friend.

Love from your daughter, Andrea

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Dear God,

Tonight I stepped inside a bleak darkness when I heard a medical center CEO share how six of their front line workers had committed suicide.  I multiplied that by thousands across the country and the numbers took my breath away.  I broke into tears and went to my study so tears could find their way home.  All I could think of was how many front line workers, those who had taken their own lives and those whose lives were taken by Covid have died and all I could do was cry.  When my husband tried comforting me, I simply said, "Then who will weep for them and their families?

In that darkness I thought how the current president had downplayed the virus calling it a hoax, a Democratic trick and nearly inconsequential when he told reporters that his youngest son had Covid for about 20 minutes and then laughed.  How had that impacted those who took their lives?  When even their own president betrayed them, what pain they must have felt as they gave all they could to sick and dying patients who when dying had another patient ready to take the bed.  Pain flooded my soul.

O God, you make our hearts hurt for others.  You connect us in deep ways too deep for us to understand.  You give us cause to pause and consider the sorrow so very present in our nation and world today.  Besides praying, what can we do but weep?

Help us

bear the burdens

too heavy

for so many

to carry,

Great Shepherd.

Reveal to us

ways we

can help others,

O Father.

Show us

the way

to the hurting.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Dear God,

Winter affords us opportunity to journey into the deep, deep places where we can dwell, rest and find spiritual nourishment.  I know I talk about this all the time but it is perhaps the most important part of my spiritual journey.  After all, you are the one who put longing and hunger in my soul.

Christmas is not just about gifts, music, Santa, chocolates and stockings.  We return to this mystical season because we long for more than these.  They just give us a pathway to your living presence.  There is something that happens in the human soul this time of the year.  We may think it is just about these five things but no, it is more, so much more.

We long and hunger for spiritual food when we are empty, for living water when we are thirsty, for light in the darkness, hope in the chaos and love in loneliness.  All year long we work, sleep, eat, clean, drive, care for others, and do, do, do but it is not enough to feed the soul.  So when November and then December roll around, we feel that gentle gnawing inside that holds hope there is something more and soon it will come.  Yes, indeed, soon it will come.

Loving and Merciful God,

thank you

for this

blessed season.

Thank you

for the season

of wholeness

and fullness

of spirit.

Thank you

for long nights

and short days

for these

are the times

your spirit

speaks so profoundly.

Love, A ndrea

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Dear God,

I stepped inside this day with a smile on my face.  In the dark hours of this morning, I found joy in December 1, Advent time.  Every year I do the same thing.  My situation has not always been a happy one, one year I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Another year my oldest teenage daughter decided to go live with her father.  There have been other years of hardship but this day always brings solace, hope and love.  I find comfort in this day.

Some may not need a time of preparation for Christmas but I do.  I need to make space in my soul for your living, breathing spirit.  I need to clean out all the dark corners too.  I want to be ready, prepared, settled, cleansed and open to your coming.  I need you to come.

Living, Loving God,

thank you

for the season

of Advent.

Thank you

for reminding us

of the need

for spiritual growth

and renewal.

Thank you

for making way

for Jesus

to come

to me

once again.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 30, 2020

Dear God,

Today is the last day of November.  Tomorrow begins winter in my eyes, a time of quietude where roots rest in soil, where shrubs, trees and plants slow down and where rain, snow and wind can come and go having their say, reminding us now is time for rest for human souls as well.  Even as I write it, I take a very big deep breath and let it slowly go out.  Yes, it is time for slumber, solitude and soul tending.

There is no doubt about it, O God, this is my favorite time of the year.  I look forward to October and November coming because I know December is not far behind.  My soul counts the days, my lungs began to pull in deeper breaths and my mind begins it slow down.  You will provide more time to dwell together, you and I,  We will talk and listen, less talking for me and much more listening.  Ah, yes dwelling time, dear God, dwelling time!

Holy, holy, holy

are you,

God of the Cosmos.

Thank you

for this season,

for change 

and transformation,

for more light

in the darkness,

more hope

in despair,

more peace

in chaos.

I love you,

dearest God,

I love you.

Forever yours, Andrea