Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Dear God,

What better day is there to express gratitude than on one's birthday.  Today I turned 76 years old, 76 years.  When I was young, 76 sounded really old.  Now, not so much.

I am so thankful for every one of your wondrous gifts but none more than faith and your living presence.  Without these nothing else would be as valuable like family, friends, our home, health and emotional well being.  Your presence gives greater meaning to all of these.

When I count my blessings that are many, I begin and end with you.

Thank you

for revealing yourself

to me,

dear God.

Thank you

for making

your presence

so real.

Thank you

for 76 years.

I am blessed

and so

very grateful.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 26, 2022

Dear God,

When a scratch heals, we think nothing of it.  But when a torn muscle begins to heal, it is time to stop and think about all healing.  That scratch...well, it too is a miracle.

I could never imagine I would be able to drive hundreds of miles with a muscle torn from the shoulder.  Yet, I did and it is all because of you, Great Physician.  You desire to heal us all even though some healings never arrive before death.  However, I believe your gentle hand touches all.

Good God,

thank you

for your

healing power.

Thank you

for touching

my shoulder,

arm and 

bicep muscle.

Your love

is part

of your 

healing power.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea 

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Dear God,

This morning as I tuned in to the worship service by zoom, I sang the hymns and listened to the moving sermon of the preacher.  Inside my spirit I felt close to you.  It was then I looked around my dirty, dusty kitchen that I had not been able to clean due to the torn bicep muscle in my arm.  Although I don't like a dirty house, I realized that participating in the worship service turned my less-than-clean kitchen into a sanctuary.  

Your mystical power challenges the "what is" into something more.  It changes ordinary into extraordinary, things despairing into hope and loss into gain.  If a simple online worship service can do what it did for me this morning, then I can only imagine what great and glorious things you can do in other situations.

Almighty and Tender God,

thank you

for the 

morning blessing.

Thank you

for insights

that challenge

and inspire.

Thank you

for your nearness,

always loving

and constant.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday. September 24, 2022

Dear God,

This morning I woke up with bits and pieces of things.  I thought of a man who recently told us he was losing his short-term memory.  I thought of people in the path of the most recent hurricane.  I thought of my sister who still struggles with depression.  I thought of turning 76 years old today.  I thought of driving 268 miles with an injured arm.  

Strange to think of so many odd things and yet, each one drew me to you.  In my life of faith it seems all things odd and not so unusual direct me back to you.  I think of the ways you minister to people, helping them in small ways and big.  I think of hope and how it arises out of ashes.  I am prompted to pray for strugglers whose mission is simply to get through the day.  Today was no different.  I prayed for them all.

Compassionate God,

thank you

for thoughts

worthy of prayer.

Thank you

for bringing

all these

to me

this morning.

Thank you

for the urge

to pray.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 23, 2022

Dear God,

A breeze is gently blowing and leaves are silently falling from the trees.  I remember when the trees were bare, winter winds blowing.  But then, suddenly, miraculously it seemed, buds appeared and full leaves, berries and flowers.  They have gone full circle.  They are ready to leave the limbs, roots and branches behind.  "Unless a grain of wheat falls..." your son said.

I am so grateful for each season for surely, they call something to attention within us.  What is ready to bud or blossom?  What needs to let go?  Let down your roots, let them go deep to find nourishment.  What hinders you?   For those with faith, the questions challenge us to consider and reflect the season you are calling us into.

O Lord,

help us

meet the challenge

that comes

with each season.

Show us

the way.

Lead us

in your direction,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Dear God,

This morning as I sat quietly doing my devotions, I heard a bird sing.  I stopped what I was doing and listened.  I realized I had listened to that bird sing all summer along.  He and his friends blessed me so much as I heard the sweet melodies only birds can sing.

The songster prompted me to reflect upon all my summer memories, of flowers blooming, breezes blowing, the groundhog raising his head and long body out from under the shed, the laughter of family visits, my first kayak ride on the Mousam, the joy of friends driving through the crazy town of Ogunquit, the search for the right kind of saltwater taffy, early morning sunrises, renovating the century plus family cabinet, picking peaches and canning them, and staying at a lighthouse with friends, just to name a few.

What I recognized this morning was the need for reflection and expressions of gratitude.  If I fail to remember and give thanks, I lose opportunities to fully live life and offer my prayers of thanksgiving.

Loving God,

thank you

for the 

many gifts

of summer.

Thank you

for every blessing

and inspiration.

I am blessed

and full

of gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Dear God,

One of the most beautiful things you do for us, Living God, is give us memories that can be called up at any time.  Today was one of those times.

Today as I was dealing with my torn muscle pain, I remembered back 25 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Although it was quite an ordeal, what I recall most was your constant presence with me at the biopsy, diagnosis, surgery, painful recovery and blessed love that revealed itself in so many ways.  You whispered to me your loving kindness.  You grew my faith in unimaginable ways.  You deepened my trust in you.  You gave me the ability to survive and thrive.  You taught me many life lessons.

As I dealt with my pain today, I lived with my sweet memories of faith of the past and today too.

Loving God,

there are 

no gifts

greater than yours.

Thank you

for personal touches

that remind us

of your

living presence

and closeness.

My heart

is full

of gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Dear God,

In all things you invite us to trust you, to surrender our anxiety and fear into your hand.  You want to fill us with peace and hope in our time of difficulty. 

Today my bicep muscle tore a second time officially tearing it completely from the shoulder.  The pain was excruciating.  I tried to breathe through the pain until the spasm cleared.  I leaned on you, Great and Loving Physician.

But it was during the night while I was trying to get comfortable that I felt panicky and afraid.  But then I heard your gentle voice whispering to me to trust you.  As I called out your name over and over again, I felt the calm that comes when trust builds faith.  Within minutes I slipped into sleep and slept all night.

You are worthy

of our trust,

Compassionate God.

No one cares

like you.

Thank you

for your

kind invitation

to trust you again.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 19, 2022

Dear God,

Today I learned the value of compassionate care.  This morning as I attempted to take down a kayak and later grabbed hold of a tree limb to get out of the kayak, I tore my bicep muscle.  Swelling, bruising and pain persuaded me to seek care at a local hospital.  

For eight hours I lay on a bed in the hallway adjacent to the door where all emergencies arrived.  The hospital was packed with sick, hurting people.  Although I got exceptional, loving care, a radiologist failed to provide a full report causing me to stay three additional hours.  But it is what happened during that time that taught me a lesson in caring for others.

Every time the emergency door opened, I looked into the faces of injured and/or ill people.  From a tiny baby to an elderly lady, each person was in distress.  That gave me opportunity to pray, to reach out and to offer loving care through words of encouragement, small talk and smiles.  It was just a little bit of something, not much, but I realize you put me in the hall right in that spot for a reason.  Because I was right next to the staff restroom, you even gave me moments when I could offer a kind word to overworked nurses and doctors.  

I recognized your presence in the hallways today and I was very grateful.

Caring God,

you remind us

to reach out

again and again.

You give us opportunity

to make

a difference

in those

who suffer.

Thank you

for my

hallway location

where I

could not

only receive care

but also

give it.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Dear God,

What amazing beauty unfolded before us this morning!  Our first time on the Mousam River in a kayak  provided so many sights and scenes of wildlife, blue skies, forest, water like silk and quiet solitude.  Every time the paddle moved us along there was more and more to enjoy and celebrate.  

As we paddled quietly, I couldn't help but pray and praise.  I just kept thinking how you created all things.  The beauty drew me to you, like a sanctuary transports us to all-things heaven.  I just kept murmuring how beautiful everything was.

I realized once again how nature cries out your living presence.  If our spirits are open, we will see, hear, taste, touch and hear you.  We will know your presence.  We will draw close and like nature itself, we too will declare your kingdom here on earth.

Blessed are you,

Almighty God.

Thank you

for the 

exquisite joy

that comes

in knowing you.

Thank you

for creation

and all

her many gifts.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Dear God,

Today was the last day to work on the spiritual path for the season.  As I sat in the Adirondack chair and gazed out over the Mousam River, I thought of the many ways you have been present all summer long.  From the beautiful birdsongs to the morning rising sun to the blossoming day lilies, Siberian iris and Lily of the Valley, you have been every whisper, revelation, display, surprise and treasure.  My lips have sung your praise all summer long.

The spiritual path has truly been an experience of abiding love.  Ever since you challenged me to uncover a spiritual path hidden among all kinds of debris, invasive plants, dead trees, trash and layers of leaves, downed branches and limbs and deep roots, you have been revealing yourself to me.  Life lessons, spiritual and emotional questions and words of challenge, wisdom and conviction have bound me to you as we labored together.

So today I counted my blessings, so many of them.

Loving Creator,

thank you

for the gifts

of your

spiritual path.

Thank you

for teaching,

persuading, convicting

challenging and 

restoring me.

Truly you

are my all

in all.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 16, 2022

Dear God,

Today my friend told me about my retirement party because I could not remember it.  Yes, there are bits and small pieces of remembrance but the overall party I cannot recall.

The last year of my ministry was a year from hell.  I was very sick.  My husband and I were divorcing.  My dear friend at church ran into trouble that caused a tumble-down effect.  Situations were very painful.  While I was not sure whether I would literally live from day to day, I was aware of your presence that kept me going.

Sometimes it is important to look back and reflect upon life issues.  It is significant to explore the ways you were at work in our lives.  It is healing to know we not only lived through difficult times but how we were upheld, embraced and blessed by you and others who kept us going.  It is always important to express our gratitude and our thanksgiving.

I especially

thank you,

Living Lord,

for holding me

like a 

little child

while I

was lost,

sick and alone.

Thank you

for giving 

a part

of yourself

to me.

Thank you

for my friend

who is

a memory

for me.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Dear God,

It is in quiet moments like this one that I find my sweetest part of the day.  It is still dark outside.  Morning has not yet come to light.  It will but for now, it is just you and me.

I am full of gratitude, dearest God, for your kindness 

toward me.  I know your love for me which is a constant reminder of your love for all people.  I am warm and comfortable.  My cabinets are full of food, medicine and clean water.  Yet, how can I be happy and content when millions are hungry, cold and afraid?  

Lead me, Lord,

to be

living water

for someone else.

Help me

make quiet,

safe moments

for others.

Guide me

to the well

where I

hold the ladle

for others

to drink, 

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Dear God,

September winds are changing.  Temperatures are sliding.  Daylight hours are growing shorter.  Autumn is nearly here.  

The yearly rhythms are a thing to behold.  In Maine the seasons are revealed, all four of them.  I love the way one neatly slips into the next.  Each one has its own unique beauty and message.  Indeed, times are changing and I need to change with them.

Holy God,

creator of all

that is,

thank you

for the

seasonal changes.

Thank you

for speaking

once again

of infinite things.

Bless you,

Loving Father,

for all

your gifts.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Dear God,

I have often admired your creative, amazing handiwork especially when I harvest and can fruits and vegetables from the farm garden.  The colors, textures, shapes, tastes and scents all speak of the countless many ways you offer your best to us, your family.  Once I finish my work and place the jars on the shelves, I stand back and express my gratitude to you.

And this is just one way you bless.  Every day so many times from early morning to late night when I step out of my bed and look at the beauty of Saturn in the dark sky, I think of you.  That bright, beautiful, glowing planet shouts out your praise.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

You bless,

inspire, help

and guide us.

Daily you

reach out

to us

reminding us

of your

living presence

in the world.

Today I am

especially grateful.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 12, 2022

Dear God,

Historic moments give us opportunity to do something different.  They open new doorways to the future and to the now.  Even as we watch the celebration of the queen who died days ago, we watch with new interest two estranged brothers who have reunited for this special time.  It is possible to change.

Loving God, you give us chances to make changes in our lives, to alter the way we are doing something or opening cracks to possible relationships with those who are no longer close to us.  You nudge us forward in a new way.  You whisper hope and possibility.

Teach us

your way,

Holy and Compassionate God.

Show us

the way

to transformation.

Reroute us

toward you

and one another,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Dear God,

Eighteen years ago, on this horrific date in our nation's history, my granddaughter Charlie was born.  A miracle baby, her mother spotted when she was just six weeks pregnant.  Tests showed my daughter had ovarian cancer the size of a grapefruit.  We worried they would both die but that did not happen.  Both are still alive today.

I don't know why some people get miracles and others do not.  Sometimes I feel guilty sharing a miracle when others face tragic loss even after praying.  At the same time, I want to give thanks when I recognize a miracle.  Charlie and Jenni are miracles in my book.

Thank you,

Holy Father,

for the gift

of Charlie.

Thank you

for saving

the lives

of my

beloved family members.

May we 

always have gratitude

on our lips

for their rescue.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Dear God,

For more than a decade you have been calling me to create a spiritual path in the woods.  With the occasional help of some friends, I have worked in the dirt.  This morning was no different.  I looked over at the edge of the area near the river.  Your still small voice whispered this was the last area to clear, clean and beautify.  With my trusty pruners, I cut, pulled and carried limbs, debris and branches.  When I became tired, I put down my tools and sat down in a weathered Adirondack chair.  That was when I looked over at the area my friend and I had worked on and for the first time, I could see my neighbor's woods and the beautiful light shining deep through the branches.  Always before all I could see was the invasive plants, vines and bushes.  What a beautiful sight it was.

What I learned this morning was how important it is to wait on you, listen for your voice and then to act upon your invitation.  When I follow your lead, I discovered once again, I find the amazing gift just waiting to be revealed.

Thank you,

Amazing God,

for the gifts

of your spirit.

Thank you

for inviting me

into your

divine plan.

Thank you

for blessing me

once again.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 9, 2022

Dear God,

This morning I thought of sin and the ways we deal with it, our own, of course.  What brought it to mind was a project I am doing to renovate a dining room suite I recently bought.

When I first bought the set a few weeks ago, I used scratch cover to cover up the mars and scratches on the table and chairs.  But over a few weeks, the scratch cover faded revealing the imperfections once again.  I realized I needed to do something permanent, so I stained them.  It was in this process that I thought of my own mistakes, errors and sins.

I too try to cover my imperfections but all too soon they are uncovered.  That is the moment I understand I also need a permanent solution.  Although I can't just pull a can of stain off the shelf, I can pray, contemplate, surrender, clean up my act and forgive myself, all with your help.

Thank you

for this

morning's lesson.

Thank you

for the

old furniture

that taught me

an old lesson.

Thank you

for your love

that never

lets up.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Dear God,

When we find ourselves in between the past and the future, in that scary, unsettling place where we do not know where we are or where we are going, be there in that space with us, we pray.  We know so well the past.  In fact, we cling to it, good or bad, simply because it is familiar.  We want to stay there because we know it so well.  But you, O God, challenge us to move on or up or over. You remind us to continue the journey we once started.

You remind us we do not journey alone.  You are with us.  You invite us to take steps toward the future but never to sidestep the middle where holy opportunity awaits us.  You tell us there is something very special about this holy space.  You whisper hope to us.  You teach us to breathe in all the middle has to offer.  You tell us not to rush, to take in the offerings of this sacred space and to open ourselves to lessons to be learned in the middle.  You reveal your own presence to us.  Trust me, you say, trust me and all will be well.

Thank you

for middle spaces

that teach

and hold

and embrace us.

Build up

our trust

in you 

and ourselves.

Help us remain

with you

as we

settle in

before our

next move.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Dear God,

How do miracles happen?  

Throughout the years I have wanted a miracle for my sister who has suffered many painful events in her life but none worse than the killing of her son in a deliberate fire set by his troubled teenager.  I thought Debi would never survive.

Today in a phone call she said she was planning to sew again, already had purchased some supplies and was ready to begin following her surgery.  You and I both know that is a miracle.  Debi is a fine seamstress and has sewn for decades but following the death of her son a few years ago she simply stopped.  She could not do her favorite thing anymore.  But today was a new day, a day filled with hope and promise, a miracle really.

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the gift

you are giving

my sister.

Thank you

for awakening her

to the possibility

of beginning again.

All praise 

to you,

Holy Father.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Dear God,

How long will we be known by our sin?  You brought that question to me this morning.  How long?  

I had just been thinking about a handful of people that I remember in their sin rather than in your beloved estate.  Although some sins were committed a long time ago, I still regard them in that particular sin.  And what is worse, I still feel the old emotions around it.  How crazy is that?

That, of course, brought the deeper question to mind.  How long will you remember me in mine?  It seems that healing can only be effective when both sins are healed, not just one.  How can I expect you to heal me if I do not contribute to the healing of my brother and sister?

O Lord,

you do

not leave us

in our sin.

You open

the door

to forgiveness

and healing.

Help us

open the door

to others.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 5, 2022

Dear God,

I can hardly to stand to hear the news.  Mass shootings, violence in the streets, political chaos, threats and suffering all say we are failing to live up to the life you want to provide for us.  It is a reminder of our failure to be human, loving and compassionate.  It means we have lost or given away our ability to listen, understand and welcome.  Our feet are no longer flesh but made of concrete stuck right where we are in our desire to be right all the time wanting to make others bend to our way of thinking.  We forget we were never made to be gods.

We forget who made us, who loved us into existence, who walks beside us, whispers to us and reaches out to lead, teach and give.  We push aside all those gifts that transform us allowing us to let go of all that holds us back, keeps us down and makes us ugly, mean-spirited and unbending.  We grab hold of power to wield it over others.  We forget we are children of the Living God.

Let the rain

of your love

fall down

upon us,

Loving God.

Cleanse us

from every sin

that keeps us bound.

Release us

from our

foolish, foolhardy ways.

Make us new

once again,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Dear God,

The day has not yet dawned.  It is still dark outside.  But even in the darkness I know the light will come.

The images of light and darkness have long spoken to my soul.  In my dark times I truly feel the depths of darkness but in the midst of it, you have shown me how light still lives in the blackness.  Once you led me into a vision of deep darkness where I was invited to step inside a space even darker yet.  I was terrified but I knew you were leading me.  When the heavy door slammed shut, I was alone but not alone.  I knew you were with me.  I surrendered to you, fully surrendered since I knew there was no one else to turn to.  Only you.  I breathed in the air of your love.  I became content and satisfied to be alone with you in the deepest darkness I had ever known.  Minutes later you revealed a shaft of light that led me out into the brightness of the new day.  It was a turning point in my life.

You are

the light,

Holy God.

Thank you

for the darkness

where living lessons

are to

be found.

Thank you

for this

morning's darkness,

a reminder

of our 

time together.

I love you.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Dear God,

Fifty-two years ago today I went into labor and gave birth to a 10 1/2 lb. 21" baby girl.  When they brought her into my room following her delivery, women walked by my room and whispered about the big baby.  Yes, she was a big baby.  I felt every ounce pass through my birth canal but the biggest part of her was not her shoulders.  It was her heart.

Jenni has an amazing heart.  It beats with compassion, wisdom, love, understanding and strength.  She lets her heart be hurt when someone is hurting around her, including strangers near and far.  She reaches out to assist those whose needs are larger than her own.  She cares deeply.

And to think she is still my little girl.  I am blessed.

Thank you,

Heavenly Father,

for the gift

of my Jenni.

She blesses everyone

around her.

Bless her well

for she

will surely

share them.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 2, 2022

Dear God,

One day there was nothing but dirt.  But there was life.  A few years later a peach tree rose up out of that soil and the most luscious Canadian Harmony peaches appeared.  Today I washed, peeled, cut and canned those beauties.  One day when the snowflakes first fall, I will open one of those jars and remember the miracle.

But life is like that.  Always changing.  Always providing.  Today I am thinking and smelling peaches.  But I am always remembering times when changes came my way seemingly out of nothing.  But then, that is how you are, Almighty God.

Thank you

for the

amazing gifts

from your hands.

We are blessed.

I am

thinking of you,

Loving God,

and sending prayers

of gratitude.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Dear God,

I watch intently as squirrels fill up on cracked hickory nuts on our patio.  They are preparing for what is to come, fall and then winter, for scarcity and cold.  I wonder what I need to fill me up as the seasons change once again.

Interestingly, I look to the trees for my answer.  I know they will dig their roots deeper into Earth's soil searching for nutrients and minerals.  I need to deepen my roots in you, O Lord, where I will find living water and spiritual sustenance.  For the long winter months, for gray days, cold and snow, I want to prepare myself for whatever you bring my way.

Holy and Loving God,

thank you

for providing 

for our

emotional and 

spiritual needs.

Teach us

to receive

the message

of fall

and winter.

Make us ready

for whatever comes.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Dear God,

Your love comes to us from every direction...a stranger's prayer, a neighbor's kindness, a grandchild's hug, a note of encouragement or nature's kiss.  When our eyes are opened through prayer, we find ourselves in the middle of your love.

Decades ago many people declared, "God is dead."  Rarely today do we hear those words.  Perhaps we have discovered that was not so.  

When we attune our senses to the coming of the divine, we find you in ordinary, small ways.  But it is not always about finding your love for ourselves but being the love for someone else.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gifts

of your love.

Thank you

for all those

who have become

your love gift

to us.

Create in us

the desire

to be love

for the world.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Dear God,

We need your comfort, Loving God.  Our nation and world are filled with fear and anxiety over climate issues, war and political chaos.  We are like a boat without a rudder.

How do we find our peace?  How do we help our neighbor find peace as well?  

Be our peace,

O Lord,

be our peace.

Help us

trust you

so we

can live daily

in hope

and calm.

Help us

be peace

for one another.

Love, Andrea

Monday, August 29, 2022

Dear God,

How can we ever become one with you?  United wholly together?  What must I do to meld with you to the point of oneness?

I long to surrender myself wholly to you but I always hold something back.  Whether it is my will, my way or something else, I never fully give myself to you.  Yet, I know there is nothing more wonderful that to dwell with you.

Teach me

your way,

Holy God,

teach me

your way.

For I know

your way

is best

and lovely

and beautiful.

Help me

give myself

more fully

to you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Dear God,

This morning just before dawn I heard a bird singing her song.  She kept singing.  Finally, I heard a little bird far off reply back.  I thought of you as you call out to us each morning before we awaken.  You keep calling until we reluctantly respond.

What a beautiful thought!  But it is not only a thought but a reality.  You always call to your children.  You always want to hear our voice singing back.  You want our attention so you can offer your message of love, hope, comfort, encouragement and guidance.  You do not wish our day to begin without you.

Thank you,

Compassionate God,

for the gift

of your

amazing love.

Thank you

for your

constant call.

Thank you

for the bird

who sang

to me

this morning

and for

your voice

that came

with it.

Love, Andrea