Sunday, May 30, 2021

Dear God,

This morning I participated in worship through zoom.  Small pictures of parishioners appeared on my computer screen.  As I looked into their faces, what I witnessed was their faith.  One was a retired rural midwife, a generous, loving, caring woman who gives to so many in so many ways.  Another was a man who was once a police officer but now serves as our pastor.  Deeply committed to outreach, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor and tending to our flock, he daily wears and carries his faith to others.  A bright, disabled by a stroke, gentleman, an international hymn writer still writes poetry, liturgy and music offering it to the church and world.  All these bless others day after day.

When I look into the eyes of others, I see what you see, people who have a deep-down faith and take it gently into society where they model the love of your son.  

Holy, holy, holy

are you,

Lord God.

Thank you

for the blessing

of faith.

Thank you

for Barb,

Ed and Brian.

All children

of yours,

they touched

my soul today.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Dear God,

Today it rained all day.  Gray clouds, drizzle and a cold breeze kept me from working in the yard.  Yet, as I ate breakfast at the kitchen table, I looked outside and counted my blessings.  I watched as two tiny bird mates carried nesting materials into the small white birdhouse.  They chirped away communicating to one another perhaps the joy of their work and upcoming celebration.

Far too often we miss miracles unfolding all around us.  We fail to witness the gifts of your spirit.  We forfeit opportunities to see your sacred, holy work.  When asked if we have ever experienced a miracle, we would simply reply no.  Yet, miracles continue to come into our lives.

Blessed God,

thank you

for the reminder

of your

amazing work.

Thank you

for today's

singing birds.

Thank you

for their participation

in your

holy work.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 28, 2021

Dear God,

There is a theme in my life that I believe you put there.  You have charged me with the process of transformation.  I led women's spiritual retreats for three decades.  Always they were about transformation.  I renovate furniture, my home and old things.  I have been clearing, cleaning and giving new life to my woods where a spiritual path winds through it leading both to the Mousam River and to your spiritual hermitage.  In every case you have inspired and moved me to remake, reshape and renew.  Although I don't always have the skills to fully and beautifully change things, you whisper things to me to show me how and where and when to learn.  I do what I do because you ask me to.

I have had a number of people who tell me how much energy I have, how close I am to you and how I creatively inspire in my work.  However, you and I know I am no one special.  My gifts, skills and talents are no greater than anyone else's.  I do not have a deeper inroad to you than others around me.  One thing is for sure.  I love being your handmaid.  I love working with and for you in everything I do.  It is true I am blessed as I listen and follow.

Thank you

for allowing me

to partner

with you.

Thank you

for leading me

and giving me

the joy

of following.

Thank you

for the gift

of this 

morning's whispers.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Dear God,

A grandchild who has found herself in deep darkness so much in the last few years is finally beginning to see the light.  Although it is a day-to-day journey with many ups and downs, it appears there may be a rising up.

Family, friends and even strangers have prayed for this beloved teenager.  We have pleaded with you to help her navigate the way forward.  We are beginning to see the fruits of our prayers.

Even though doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and social workers are incredible helpers, we still need more.  Your help has made all the difference.  Thank you for sending each person to assist this precious loved one.

Thank you,

Comforting God,

for blessing us

with this

beautiful grandchild.

Thank you

for rescuing her

time and 

time again.

Help her

see the future

in a 

new light,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Dear God,

There is beauty; then there is beauty.  In this amazing springtime beauty is all around.  Flowers, bushes and trees display colorful shapes and textures.  It is easy to enjoy all this season brings.

But that's not all.  There is a rare beauty that goes beyond the visible springtime array of color.  There is the gentle whisperings of where, how and why of such beauty.  Those murmurings take us to you, Creative God, because all has come from your hand.  Without air, sunshine, water and warm temperatures, nothing would exist.  There would be none of it.  

When we pause for just a moment, we can be blessed by the beauty of all creation not just what is visible before us.  We can feel gratitude and thanksgiving for springtime but also for the Creator, you, Wondrous God, for all you give us.  Blessing joins beauty together giving us pause and cause to express our wonderment, appreciation and love.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for your gift

of creation.

Thank you

for your hand

in all

we see,

taste, touch,

hear and smell.

We are blessed

and you

are our

greatest blessing.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Dear God,

It is so hard to forgive and move on.  It is difficult when nothing changes.  It is painful when lives could be so much more and yet they are not.

Why do we insist on staying the same and being unhappy?  It is a conundrum.

Lord, please

help us

put faith

to work

in changing us.

Show us

the way

to a 

better life.

Forgive me

when I

fail to change.

Love, Andrea

 

Monday, May 24, 2021

Dear God,

In the cool of the early morning, I walked for the second day in a row.  Interestingly, as I walked I noticed yards that needed mowing, trees that needed pruning and weeds that needed plucking.  As I concluded my journey twenty nine minutes later, I realized on this beautiful sunny day, I had looked for the negative rather than the positive.  Sadly, I missed the beauty of your creation.

Why do we often look at the underside of life instead of the topside?  Why do we gorge ourselves with negative perspectives instead of positive?  Why do we miss so much of what is good in life?

Forgive me,

O God,

for forfeiting

the opportunity

to celebrate

the beauty

of springtime.

Forgive me

for looking

for flaws

instead of

the majesty

of all

you have created.

Forgive me

for robbing you

of praise

as I walked

among colorful flowers,

majestic trees

and blossoming bushes.

I am sorry.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Dear God,

It was as though your sweet spirit was falling upon us as lilac blossoms fell from the tall bush in the gentle breeze at worship.  Our outdoor service was wonderful seeing friends after a year of zoom.  The lilac blossoms, one of my favorite, made it all the sweeter.

More and more you remind us we do not have to have stained glass windows, several choirs and the best digital equipment to meet you in worship!  You are with us whether we are many or few.  

Thank you

for the blessing

of worship

this morning.

I loved

being showered

with tiny

white blossoms.

I loved

even more

being stirred

by your

gentle spirit.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Dear God,

This morning I sat on the patio to read my devotions and pray.  Instead of closing my eyes during prayer, I kept them open.  When leading retreats I called it an open-eye prayer.  I looked all around me as I prayed.  I paused and listened as the birds sang their songs, felt the warm sun on my skin, smelled the lilacs behind me, saw the ferns dance in the wind and tasted of your sweet grace.

It was a wonderful time sitting with you, listening for your word and breathing in your living spirit.  I felt loved, cared for and blessed.  I thought about many of the ways you give us yourself each and every day.  The thought inspired and touched me.

Thank you

for the blessing

of precious moments.

Thank you

for your

wondrous creation

and all

it has

to offer.

Thank you

for you

and for

allowing me

to be part

of you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 21, 2021

Dearest God,

How great is your love, O God, how great is your love!  I am not only taken by your incredible creation but by love of friends and family!  All this comes from your hand, Loving God, your hand.

When I was home to visit family, I loved it when my 16-year-old grandchild put his head on my shoulder and said, "Grandma, I love you so much."  When I returned to Maine, I found a Mother's Day gift from my daughter waiting for me.  When I opened it, the gift revealed scripture stones that Janice said to use on my spiritual path.  We don't usually talk about spiritual things and yet, she knew the gift would especially touch my heart.  Another of your gifts.  A text from my middle daughter yesterday simply stated, "Charlie had a great week!"  A very bright, articulate, transgender grandchild struggles with depression and anxiety but this week he celebrated a really good week.  All gifts from you, Lord, all gifts from you.

Thank you

for the

loving gifts

you brought

to me today.

Thank you

for love

that is revealed

every day.

Thank you

for every 

bright spot

created by

your hand.

I love you.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Dearest God,

At this moment I am writing at my kitchen table.  A vase of lavender lilacs sits nearby.  The scent has permeated the room.  As I breathe in the sweet aroma, I am once again taken in by your generosity of color, shape and texture.  Not only is the smell fragrant, each tiny blossom is uniquely beautiful.  I can't help but sit and gaze at their beauty.

We could select similar wonders each day to share and give thanks.  But then that should not surprise us.  Your creation is beyond words to describe.  You have given us so much.  When life seems hard and we feel nearly immobilized, we need to remember how everything appears dead in winter but returns to life in springtime.  When we acknowledge by faith that all this is your work, we can find hope once again for our own situations.  Help us, Lord, we are not always capable of remembering.  Instill within us a homing device that returns us home to you every time.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for my 

kitchen table

and my vase

of sweet lilacs.

I am grateful

for them both.

But more

than that,

I am grateful

for faith

that gives me recognition.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Dear God,

I hate the horrible fighting in every corner in our world.  Innocent people as always are being stricken.  Many are dying.  When will we ever stop killing one another?

Lord, only you can change the interior of our hearts and minds.  Only you can excise bitterness and hatred from our DNA.  Only you can reshape and remake us.  We need a do over urgently.

How can we sleep at night forgetting all who are being hurt in our world?  Don't we have a responsibility to love and care for one another?  Although I can't physically help many people, I pray for them and their leaders but still I feel angry and sad by all the sorrow.

We all are capable of hating, dear Lord, even me.  I admit I hate President Trump with every fiber of my being because of all he has done to harm so many at home and abroad.  Yet, when hatred wells up within me, I recognize I am no different than anyone else.  I too need an exorcism.  I need you.

Cleanse us

from within,

Holy Creator.

Make us new.

Give us love

even for those

who persecute us.

Help us

figure out

how to live

as loving people.

Love always, Andrea

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Dear God,

Today the day was cloudy.  A little misty rain fell from gray clouds as I sat in the airplane waiting for take off.  I knew what lay ahead in just a few minutes.  I smiled.

Years ago my heart was broken.  I felt lost, lonely and forgotten.  I had to board a plane for a flight to Maine where I would gather up precious items that were mine from my broken marriage.  It was stormy outside, the dark gray clouds mimicking my own dark soul.  I looked outside as raindrops slid down the small plane window.  I wept as the plane began to climb.  Within minutes we broke through the clouds where blue skies reigned and the bright sun's rays spread.  I found hope realizing the sun is always shining even when dark clouds is all we can see.  I learned a lesson that day.

Holy God,

thank you

for the gift

of hope

that is

always possible.

Thank you

for today's reminder.

Thank you

for faith

that speaks

again and again

and again.

Love, Andrea

 

Monday, May 17, 2021

Dear God,

Your creation wows and startles!  This morning as I sat in the back room of our 200-year-old home, scents of lilac spilled into the room.  Before I knew it the whole house was filled with the delicate, beautiful, sweet smell.  I closed my eyes and just breathed it in.

It makes me wonder how and why the cosmos includes not only sights and sounds but also scents that bring joy and blessing.  Although it is wondrous to gaze upon an amazing, lavender lilac bush, it was not enough for you to provide just the beauty; you included a scent that would dazzle.

Occasionally when you remind me to count my blessings, I think about such things and I am always inspired to sing praise.

Blessed God,

thank you

for creation's

many gifts.

How can we

ever thank you

for all

you give

to us?

Today I

am filled

with great love

for you.

Love always and forever, Andrea

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Dear God,

I sit and watch the gentle rain fall turning the yard, trees and bushes many shades of green.  I gaze upon the flowers reaching to the sky for sunshine, warmth and rain.  Varieties of flowers clothed in purple, yellow, lavender, white and pink are popping up and out all over.  It almost feels like everything is responding in praise to their Maker. And to think this happens every spring, summer and fall.

Even though it is familiar and predictable, it all still seems a miracle to me.  What once was quiet, clear and empty during the season of winter has become alive, dancing and merry making.  I feel my own pulse quicken as I think of the majesty of your work and my ability to see, hear and sense it all.  Even when my life comes to an end, the seasons will continue and the joy you make daily will continue.  But in the meantime, I am singing my own song of praise.

Holy and

Living God,

thank you

for the gift

of life,

nature and human.

When I

watch it unfold,

I can't help

but think

of you.

Thank you

for giving

a song 

to creation

and letting it sing

right now,

right here

before my

own eyes.

Thank you

for my

own song.

Love you always, Andrea

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Dear God,

Will we continue to fight until the last person alive falls?  Will we destroy ourselves, our nation and our world over disagreements of every kind?  Are we willing to give up precious lives just to declare we are right about something?

You have made us out of your own sacred substance!  You called us to breathe in your air and rise up.  You told us to love one another.  You did not tell us to hate.  You did not tell us to fight to the end.  You did not tell us to destroy.  And yet we do.  Will we never learn?

I hate all the fighting!  I hate it!  I have traveled to the Middle East four times.  I have been to holy sites.  I have walked through a refugee camp.  I have listened to their stories...the Christian story, the Muslim story, the Jewish story.  Yet, when I asked questions about the future of their children, each one said the same thing.  They all want peace for their children.  Yet, there is still bitter fighting and innocent children are being killed.  Dear God, will we always walk away from loving our neighbor?

Remind us

of why

we are here,

Living God.

Teach us

the way

of love

once again.

Forgive our

evil actions,

our lack

of regard

for our neighbor.

Show us

the way home

to you

where we

can sit

at your feet

to learn

from you

how to love

and make peace

for all people,

all, not

just some,

all.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 14, 2021

Dear God,

I received the most wonderful note from a grandson who has struggled for a long time.  At the hour of his 30th birthday he wrote telling me he had turned his life around and was doing great.  Tears slipped down my cheeks when I thought of how he finally rose up and claimed a new life.

It is not easy to change, to surrender old, ugly habits and to grab hold of something fresh, new and life-giving.  Sometimes we wait a very long time before we trust you to help us.  But when we do, when we breathe in the air of change and find goodness, beauty and confidence, we know that we know that we know you have been the power under our wings.

Eternal and Compassionate God,

thank you

for rescuing

my sweet grandson.

Thank you

for offering him

a new road,

one that leads

somewhere new.

Thank you

for your

many gifts!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Dear God,

The yellow and purple iris stands tall, exquisite and beautiful in my contemplative garden.  Every year it is faithful to rise up out of the soil and finally unfurl revealing every tiny detail of its incredible beauty.  

Your creation brings to us many life lessons.  Consistency, faith, determination, willingness and praise come to my mind as I study this rare beauty of creation.  It speaks to me reminding me of all the qualities you require to live a faithful life.  And to think, for years I missed the message.

You give us all we have with the intent each will share a spirit message with the children of creation.  If our spirits are alert, our souls willing and our minds ready, each message will come all day long, day in and day out.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for the gift

of the iris.

She is beautiful

in so

many ways.

Thank you

for the joy

I receive

at her coming

every year.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Dear God,

You begin each human day with each of us.  You are there when we stir in the early morning hours and you are the last to bid us goodnight each evening.  All day long you walk with us, talk with us and hold us when we need holding.  Your living presence is the one constant in our lives.

If we could daily live up to this belief, our lives would be simpler, easier, happier, more meaningful and filled with peace.  Yes, hurtful events will come.  We will have losses and experience sorrow.  Life will happen to us.  There will be challenges; yet, with your powerful, loving, living presence we will endure all things just with the knowledge of that presence.  We will know there is One who is constantly with us holding us up, giving us strength and faith and nudging us forward.  What more could we possibly want?

You are

our all-in-all,

Gracious God.

Your presence comforts,

blesses, assures,

helps, teaches,

loves, tends,

guides and 

holds us.

We are grateful

with all

our hearts.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Dear God,

When I arrived home, I stepped into the kitchen looking out the window onto my contemplative garden.  What I witnessed saddened me.  My beautiful serviceberry tree had split.  Half the tree lay on the ground.  Apparently another part of the trunk had fallen earlier and someone had dragged it to the back of our property.  The last part of the tree is leaning and will soon fall.

For years we have enjoyed this beautiful tree but now that I think about it, I realize it was destined to fall when it gained height and width.  It never did have a single trunk secured deeply in the soil.  It was always four trunks growing upward and outward.  When it became too heavy, stormy winds cracked it sending it to the ground.

As I gaze out upon this beloved tree, it speaks to me of spiritual things.  If we are not fully rooted deep in the soil of faith, when life storms strike, we too will be uprooted and left bereft without benefit of spiritual nourishment and living water.  Our roots will be exposed to the elements and our life will slowly ebb away.

On the other hand, if we confidently dig down deep and place our roots there, we will stand secure.  No matter the hardships, obstacles or difficulties, we will weather any storm.  You help us, constantly feeding those tender roots, nourishing us with your own hand.  We do not have to fear or be anxious for your promise of presence, care and love will hold us for eternity.

Thank you

for the gift

of my

serviceberry tree

and the lessons

she has

taught me.

I will miss her

but I

will remember

her message.

Thank you

for faith

that teaches us

in every circumstance.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 10, 2021

Dear God,

Who can save us from our fears and anxieties?  Who can change the forces inside us that informs our fears?  Who can bring calm, peace and hope?

I have a fear of flying, not the gripping kind of fear I used to have but an unsettledness when the plane revs up and charges down the runway.  It is at that moment that prayer moves my fear to the sidelines breaking the spell fear has on me.  How can that happen without you?  It cannot.

O God, sometimes we let the forces of this world conquer us, robbing us of the peace and serenity you promise us.  When we let it happen, it can immobilize us to the point of disability to live life normally and  meaningfully.  We give up any joy that wants to surface.  But truly with you, all things are possible.  We can overcome any obstacle that threatens us.  We can and we do with you.

Almighty and Compassionate God,

thank you

for the

loving power

you use

to help us.

Thank you

for breaking

the power

of fear

with the power

of love.

Teach us

over and

over again

how to

trust you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Dear God,

Because my friends left late while vacationing at our home, I could not worship in person at my church.  So, my husband invited me to zoom with him at St. Luke's.  And then I realized why my friends left later than expected.

It was your desire I join worship with the two pastors who gave the message around mothers.  Through them you invited me to consider all those who have mothered me.  Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by all, both male and female, who have tended to my soul, sometimes weary, sometimes worn, broken and hurting, at other times celebrating, rejoicing and praising. 

There is no one like you, Ever-creating God; only you have the power and desire to bring people into our lives.  You touch, inspire and bless us through others whose loving care changes us, transforms us and renews us.  I will always be grateful!

Thank you

for all

my mothers,

Blessed God,

those I know

and those

I do not know

by name.

Thank you

for every gift

they brought me.

Thank you

for working

through them

to bring me You.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Dear God,

The quiet of the morning brings my spirit to life!  In the silence I find the sacred.  I drink in the wonders of your creation knowing in it, I discover you.

This morning it is the yellow magnolia tree that stands just outside the kitchen window that speaks to me.  The huge blossoms are just beginning to unfurl and for the first time in years there are many buds on the tree.  What is it that changed all that?  

Perhaps it is the reward the tree experienced after a year of difficulty in the nation.  Because I was not in Maine to take care of it, it sat all alone without tending.  And when I was there, I tended to other plants, bushes and trees.  Yet, this year, it is blessing like never before.  My heart swells in gratitude and praise.

Thank you,

O Lord,

for my

exquisite, yellow

magnolia tree.

How beautiful

she is.

Thank you

for every blossom

intended to bless.

Love always, Andrea

Friday, May 7, 2021

Dear God,

All winter long I looked at the leavings of purple and yellow iris in my contemplative garden.  For all practical purposes they were dead.  The remnants reminded me what once was there but they also gave me the promise of new blossoms in spring.  Today the green stems stand tall reaching for the sky while the buds drink in the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of the gentle rain.  One day soon they will unfurl and reveal their exquisite beauty.

Springtime gives so many gifts.  My beautiful iris is just one of creation's many gifts.  When I gaze upon my fully-grown flower garden, my eyes too are lifted upward in a gesture of thanksgiving.  I can't help giving thanks because even the movement of my heart toward yours is a generous gift of your spirit.

Amazing God,

thank you

for your

wondrous generosity!

Thank you

for all

your loving gifts.

Thank you

for faith

that gives me eyes

to see

and praise.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Dear God,

Do our prayers make a difference?  Do they change anything?  Do people feel our prayers?  Every time I pray for every person be it child, man or woman, I earnestly pray my prayers do something to alleviate suffering around the world.  

Right now I am praying for the people of India and Brazil with their horrible Covid situation and for the families who lost children particularly girls outside a school in Afghanistan.  I feel for these people like family.  Do my prayers make a difference in their lives?

Holy and Loving God,

you gave me

a heart

for others.

That makes me

want to pray.

My prayers

are acts

of love

but do

they make

a difference?

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Dear God,

I am terribly troubled not for myself but for three other people.  I cannot identify them, but you, O God, know them well.  They are your special children.  They hurt right now so very much.

After my devotions this morning, I prayed for these three.  Almost immediately the word "hopeless" came to me.  I fought back.  I spoke back as if in a spirited prayer.  "The word "hopeless" is the devil's word!  The word "hope" is God's!" 

I realized there is always a force that works to break us down, empty us out and steal all that is hope.  Yet, the last word is always yours.  Hope always follows hopelessness.  Thank you God!

Blessed are you,

Powerful and Loving God.

How good

it is

to come

to you

in our

troublesome moments.

Thank you

for your

constant presence.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Dear God,

Trusting you can give us power, courage, confidence, hope, direction, guidance and help.  It can instill within us an ability to do what we think is impossible.  Trusting you can build faith, wisdom and even a new life.

Trusting you can assist us in creating a new day not only for our own self but others as well.  Trusting you

can make us a leader for good.  It can change our DNA.

Help us

trust you,

O God.

Show us

the way

to trust.

Build in us

faith and hope

so we

can trust 

more and more.

You are God;

we are

your children.

Let trust

rise up

on the wings

of faith.

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 3, 2021

Dear God,

I want to be part of your story, O Lord.  Without you and faith in my life, I would be part of a story not worth telling.  

Yesterday I dug up another decades-old marble in the land that is centuries old. It was my 41st marble.  My husband and I are just two temporary inhabitants here in Maine.  As I have cleaned and cleared debris outside my two-hundred year old home, I have discovered many objects from a child's rusted stove to a toy soldier to broken glass and pottery, barbed wire and a silver spoon.  Each of these has a story.

But the story

I want 

to be

part of

is a 

life-changing story.

One that includes

miracles, mysteries,

healing, insight,

redemption and hope.

What good

is a story

without it?

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Dearest God,

My grandchild dreams of taking her own life.  At age 16 she is extremely bright with a 4.0 average at school.  She is articulate, caring, beautiful and holds much promise for the future but her inner demons, whatever they are, fight to claim her life.

How do we battle the horror and terror that exists in her mind?  How do we help transform her?  She is getting much help from her psychiatrist, group counselor and personal counselor.  My children spare no expense in providing the best care they can find.  How do we save her, O God; how do we save her???

Compassionate and Mighty God,

you created all

your children.

You made Charlie

very special;

yet, she

is troubled.

Please save her,

dear God,

please save her.

Love always, Andrea

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Dear God,

Just this moment as I was thinking of your kindness, you brought to mind one of the greatest gifts I ever received.  It was evening on December 25, 1997.  I was feeling exhausted, afraid and anxious. The next morning I was scheduled for a radical mastectomy.  As I lay in bed next to my husband, he put his arm around me and began singing hymns to me.  His love and yours sunk down deep into my soul quieting my spirit and helping me slip into sleep. I will always remember that tender kindness at a time when I desperately needed comfort and peace. 

I can think of many times when you came to me offering help, guidance, insight, healing and hope.  By the way they came to me, I knew your hand was in every instance.  I felt such incredible blessing just knowing you were with me, loving and caring.

Regularly we need to pause and reflect upon your compassion on us.  We will be surprised by the countless many times you quietly came into our presence blessing us with yours.

Holy God,

your gifts

are greater

than any

earthly gift.

You touch us

in wide

and deep ways.

Help us remember

and give thanks often.

Love, Andrea 

Friday, April 30, 2021

Dear God,

Light, that radiant, glowing, warm, beautiful and comforting substance that heals, blesses, gives hope, calms and helps.  Early morning's first light is like a gentle surprise as it breaks into the darkness and opens a door revealing the beauty of a new day.

The first thought that comes to my mind when I think of light is hope.  Often great difficulties seem like really black darkness that sucks the life out of us.  When we go to bed, sometimes we carry the darkness with us.  If we hang on to it, it takes root in our soul and grows.  It threatens and abuses, leaving us in despair.

When the light comes, perspective can change.  It is like breathing in fresh air, bringing in hope and peace.  And we know that the light is not just a change in the darkness but rather your living presence appearing, offering to take the darkness with you.  If we release it, we feel that great sense of freedom, liberation from that which stole life from us.  Only then can we experience the healing miracle that light offers.

Blessed are you,

Mighty God,

for you

are power,

grace and love.

Thank you

for your light

that makes us new.

Thank you

for reminding us

you are

the light

of the world.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Dear God, 

How can we ever dispute your hand in creation?  As we gaze upon the wonders of Spring, we can find love in so many ways, the way flowers rise up year after year, trees bud and birds mate and tenderly care for their young.  

When I watch outside the window, I smile and offer gratitude.  When I sit on the ground on the hill plucking out weeds and debris overlooking the river, I whisper prayers of praise.  Even when I watch the trees dance in the wind, I know your spirit breath is blowing, moving the world and humankind. 

I am blessed.  We are blessed.

Ever-Creating God,

thank you

for the gift

of your creation.

It mesmerizes,

awes and inspires.

Thank you

for all 

you give

through the seasons.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Dear God,

In normal time (Chronos) we can count seconds, minutes and hours.  We can set the clock and timer.  Both will give us precise time.  But Kairos time is vastly different.  It is not even counted the same way.

Kairos time is the time we spend with you.  It is not that time stands still, it is just "Presence" time.  I have spent "time" in Kairos time, time that felt like seconds with you that in ordinary time was three hours.  How can we reconcile this time or is it even necessary?

Although I understand very little about Kairos time, I do know it is a time of insight, miracles, healing, wisdom, holy time.  The air seems different, emotions are different, the sense of space is different.  I can't explain it; I just know it is mystical, meaningful, full of faith and love.  So many gifts reside inside this precious time.

Holy are you,

Almighty God.

Thank you

for moving us

beyond the ordinary

to the extraordinary.

Thank you

for revealing yourself

to us

in amazing

and wondrous ways.

Love, Andrea