Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Dear God,

Light is a powerful symbol for me.  It always directs me to you.

Because we are in the middle of the season of Advent, I already have my outdoor lights up, my mantle lights woven through a variety of snow people and my 45-year-old ceramic Christmas tree on the bedroom dresser.  Surprisingly, where each is located, they double and even triple the amount of light at nighttime.  The Christmas tree I made so many years ago sitting on the dresser reflects in two mirrors making three trees every night.  The patio lights reflect on two different study windows making so many twinkling lights.  I can't help but smile and give thanks.

Simple things in life do the same as we live life through faith.  A simple light moment can increase faith, hope and peace for me.  As I gaze into each light, I find myself looking at you.

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the gift

of light,

for each flame,

each reflection

and each 

inspirational moment.

You are

the author

of each gift

of light

and for that

I am grateful.

Thank you,

Blessed Father,

for turning me

to you.

Love always, Andrea

Monday, November 28, 2022

Dear God,

It has been crazy!  For the last several days I have been thinking of the white ceramic church that was given to us as a Christmas gift more than 20 years ago.  I haven't put it out as a decoration for many years because it was pretty big and I didn't really have a place for it.  But this year you kept bringing it to mind so I sought it out and brought it down from the attic.

When I opened the box to the church, I found the steeple had come unglued from the rest of the church.  Secondly, the teeny gold bell was missing from the belfry.  Thirdly, the light that fit in the hole in the back was missing.  And lastly, I had nowhere to put it even if I could possibly put it all back together.  That is when it hit me.  This beautiful church was a metaphor for the church today.  

In many ways the church has lost its mystical connection.  It cannot really sing your praise.  It has little to no light.  Finally, it has no place to offer a word of hope, love, peace or joy.  In so many ways she is failing to be all she was intended to be.

Those thoughts challenged me to bring back the luster, meaning and value to the gift given to us so long ago.  First, I reglued the steeple to the main part of the church.  Second, I found a teeny, brass jingle bell in my craft supplies.  I hung it on the teeny hook inside the steeple.  Third, my husband went in search of a light and cord that would fit inside the opening to the back of the church.  He was so proud when he came in the house carrying the find in his hand.  Finally, with everything restored, I placed the lighted church on the old, antique chest of drawers in the dining room.  When I turned out the lights in the dining room, the beautiful church glowed and gave shadows to the Hummel Joseph, Mary and child on a donkey.  I smiled and so did you.

Thank you,

Amazing God,

for gifts

that touch us

so deeply.

Thank you

for the Isenbergs

who bought us

the church

and gave it

as a gift.

Thank you

for the church

that still shines,

sings and praises.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Dear God,

In the early morning hours after devotions, I began to pray.  As I looked just outside, I saw the tiny white lights twinkling.  You said, "The light does not shine just up there or over there but rather everywhere."  Warmth filled my insides as I breathed in the warmth of your light.

It is the tiny things that often offer a message of divine importance.  As we listen, watch and wait, the message can come giving us just what we need when we need it.  I didn't realize I needed the early morning message until it came to me, once again from your loving hands.

Holy God,

thank you

for the gift

of light.

Thank you

for bringing

the light

to me

this morning.

Thank you

for early 

morning messages.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Dear God,

When I opened the vinyl box containing the Christmas lights, they looked like typical strands of clear lights until I put them up and night fell.  Somehow they became magical, mystical and beautiful.  As I sat in my chair and looked out, I felt full of hope, joy and peace.  The transformation was palpable.

That is what Thanksgiving and Christmas is all about...faith that transforms.  I am drawn to you and to the world, to family and friends and the stranger in the store.  My heart is softened, my mind cleared, my compassion awakened, my hope comes to life and my joy is full.

Transforming, Loving God,

thank you

for the power

of transformation.

Thank you

for faith

that changes everything.

Thank you

for love

that reveals

your divine presence

in the world

and in

my home.

Thank you.

Yours forever, Andrea

Friday, November 25, 2022

Dear God,

This morning as I lay on the carpet looking up at the dark night sky, my eye was drawn to one shiny, bright star.  As I gazed at it, once again I was drawn to the exceptional light in the darkness.  I thought of how faith is like that bright star.  When all is dark and depressing, faith can brighten things up and offer hope.

You caused me to think again how your light forever shines.  It is always to be found in the darkness.  It is your light, the only light that can transform us.

Thank you

for your

blessed light.

Thank you

for the way

you radiate light

in the world.

Thank you

or allowing it

to touch us,

every one

of us.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Dear God,

When I am praying prayers of thanksgiving, I cannot hate my enemy.  When I am offering gratitude, I cannot feel deprived.  When I am expressing my thanks, I cannot be sad.  Thanksgiving changes my life when I focus it all on you.

Today I spent time with family, some family I had not been with in a very long time.  I looked into their faces and felt such joy.  Under my breath I whispered my prayers of thanksgiving.  Although my grandchild looked and acted somewhat subdued, I was grateful she was alive having tried to recently take her own life.  That was when I realized the room was filled with your handiwork.  That not only gave me cause to pray but also to smile.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Thank you.

Heavenly Father,

for the gift

of Thanksgiving.

Thank you

for all 

the gifts

given just today.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Dear God,

Thank you for the yearly Thanksgiving Day celebration.  Why?  Because it refocuses our lives.  It inspires us to look at what we have, not what we don't have.  It challenges us to adopt a spirit of gratitude. It reminds us of blessings, large and small.

As I prepare the food to take to my daughter's tomorrow, I feel grateful for food, a stove and oven, for cooking skills and a desire to make favorite dishes for those I love.  I realize that gratitude changes my perspective and mood.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gift

of gratitude.

Thank you

for giving me

a receptive heart.

Thank you

for yearly holidays

that keep

reminding us

what counts.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Dear God,

Sometimes it is difficult to deal with all the uncertainty in the world.   With wars and natural disasters, mass gun violence and chaotic times with government politics, it is tempting to fall into despair.  Where and when will something happen next?

Yet, my faith rises up and declares that one who lives close to your heart can live with the certainty of your love, friendship, compassion, mercy and hope.  Living in daily fear and anxiety will only take us down further.  Relying on your gifts will lift us up beyond all that threatens us.

Holy God,

help us remember

your gifts

are enough

in today's

troubling world.

Help us

stay close

to you.

Free us

from anxiety

and fear,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 21, 2022

Dear God,

Today I watched as squirrels ran across the yard carrying nuts in their mouths.  Later I saw one digging in the ground tucking away the nut for a cold, snowy day.  I thought of how you created them with skills and instinct to do what they need to do to prepare for days when food is not so abundant.  That made me think of how you made us the same way.

You give us spiritual and emotional food for dark days, days when "food" is slim pickings.  You motivate us to prepare for those days as well.  The better we are prepared, the more we will weather hard times.  Just as squirrels are blessed, so are we.

Thank you,

Creator God,

for providing

for us.

Thank you

for the message

of the squirrels today.

Teach us

to listen

and learn.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Dear God,

I find I hear your voice more clearly in the silence than at any other time.  When I am quiet, when I let the world move while I stay still, I am able to be more present with you as you speak what is on your mind.  Although sometimes it may be difficult to hear what you have to say, nonetheless, my greatest desire is to be present with you.

Daily life offers so many options of what to do each day but first thing in the morning you and I sit down together with my circle of friends.  You speak and I listen as friends from centuries ago like the psalmist, St. Paul and other saints share.  As I listen, really listen, I open the door for my own faith to grow, for my love for you to stretch and expand and my desire to help others grow deeper.  If I am too busy with other things, I miss what you have to say and then a day is lost.  

As I consider the gifts you offer early in the morning and all day long, I am blessed, truly blessed by your living, loving presence.

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for the gifts

of every

day living.

Thank you

for your

extreme kindness

and gentle love.

Thank you

for our

early-morning gatherings.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Dear God,

There is evidence of your existence all around.  The air I breathe is borrowed oxygen created by your hands.  The love I receive from others is not something I can really define nor really create.  The exquisite beauty outdoors is not a scene I can fashion with my own hands.  The sun, stars and moon are only something I can enjoy, not in any way create.  All these are breathed into existence by your creative love.

Often, we take credit for all that is around us.  Yet, when we really get to the bottom line, we find we have little for which to boast for we do not have the creative imagination, divine power or agape love enough to do much of anything.  So, what we are left with is gratitude, for that we share partnership.  We can choose gratitude, giving thanks but real gratitude, a full thanksgiving inside is still one more gift from your hand.

Loving God,

thank you

for the earth,

her sun,

moon and stars.

Thank you

for daily gifts

which we take

for granted.

Thank you

for making 

yourself known.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, November 18, 2022

Dear God,

Sometimes when my back is hurting or I can't get to sleep in my bed, I will sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor.  I don't know why that works; it just does.

Early this morning when it was still dark, from my sleeping bag, I looked up into the sky beyond the tree branches.  There three different stars shined bright.  As I lay there, I watched them sparkle for several minutes.  I felt very close to you gazing at the light in the darkness.

I wonder if that was what it was like on the first Christmas morning.

Holy are you,

God Almighty.

Thank you

for holy moments

as I lay

on the floor 

looking up

at you.

Thank you

for the inspiration

and blessing.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Dear God,

I am overwhelmed with your generosity and grace.  As I daily sit down with my circle of friends (authors of devotional books) I listen to stories of faith, trust, surrender, wisdom and hope.  Although each person shares their struggle, your living, loving presence rises up to teach, challenge and bless.  There is no doubt in my mind that you are the one who leads me to each writer and their story.

How can it be that authors who come from dramatically different backgrounds, varying centuries and religious understanding can suddenly speak the same thing.  Faith, grace and compassion spill out as they simply tell their story filled with difficulty, challenge, hurt, fear, anxiety, pain and loss.  Yet, through it all, their trust in you, their belief and their witness open the door to faith in me.  How beautiful, holy and awesome!

Thank you

for your grace,

Loving God.

Thank you

for all

you bring

to me.

Thank you

for challenging me

to listen,

look and learn.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Dear God,

As I lay down to go to sleep and reflected upon my day, I thought of the completed tasks, the calls shared and the creative ideas that came and realized your print was on each thing, each person, each relationship, each idea and each thought.  Your presence and work were very evident as I turned my thoughts into prayer.  

So often we think of all we have done or accomplished throughout the day only to come to the realization how much you were part of our daily life touching, inspiring, blessing, helping and guiding.  The truth is there is nothing we do or are or are about that you are not part of.  

Thank you

for your touch,

your love

and your leadership

in our lives.

Thank you

for your

constant presence.

Thank you

for your love

that leads everything.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Dear God,

How can we fail to feel loved when we look around us at those who seek to bless our lives?  On my desk are pictures of loved ones, children, grandchildren, an aunt and a cousin not to speak of the bible and devotional writers.  Every one of them reaches out to me declaring their love toward me.

There are moments when loneliness creeps into us.  Perhaps there has been estrangement or disappointment that leads us to dark places.  There we lay in our puddles of sorrow and loss.  Yet, still when we lift our heads, we see creation waving back to us, strangers smiling at us in stores and church worship sharing the good news of your love for us all.  Those pictures on our desks are not just pictures but reminders of your love present in the world.

Thank you

for daily reminders

of your love,

Compassionate God.

Thank you

for reaching out

to your children.

Thank you

for touching

my life today.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, November 14, 2022

Dear God,

Who could not be awestruck by the amazingly beautiful, white, fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky?  As I gazed at the exquisite scene outside my study window, I remember there is a time and season for all things.  It is the season for fall and winter, for barrenness and rare beauty, how can we not sing your praise?

This is always the time of year you call us to greater faith and faithfulness.  Because winter is especially cold, all trees robbed of their leaves, you whisper to us to let down our roots, to seek for spiritual nourishment and to find and live out faith in a world that struggles to be faithful. This is the time to grow our depths with faith, trust, surrender and love.

Interesting how a single or many snowflakes can carry a message of faith!

Holy God,

thank you

for spiritual reminders.

Thank you

for constant lessons

of faith.

Grow our desire

for more

of you

in human living.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Dear God,

Your love is revealed in so many ways!  After a couple harrowing weeks, I talked with my friend who has prayed many times each of those days.  She prayed for my family as we navigated a frightening time.  She and others sought your help for my loved ones.  In her I saw you.

It is during difficult times that we discover your love.  Friends, family members and even strangers prayed for the safety and wellbeing of my grandchild.  Doctors, nurses and hospital staff used their skills and compassion to bring life back.  We saw your hand, your kindness and your love!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the gift

of new life.

Thank you

for your love.

Thank you

for coming

to us!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Dear God,

I find myself stuck in gratitude, gratitude for healing in my family, for the snow and season and for unexpected graces.  Everywhere I turn I discover more in which to be thankful.

So many times you have filled my heart with prayers of thanksgiving.  You have taught me to look at the beauty around me in nature, in family and friendships.  You have whispered wisdom and love to me reminding me that these two are gifts from your hand.  

 

Although I often take for granted your many gifts, you still bless and inspire.  For these and so much more, I am grateful to you.

Blessed are you,

God of All Gifts,

blessed are you.

Thank you

for love

that always

comes first.

Then grace

and mercy.

For all

of these,

I give you

thanks and praise.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 11, 2022

Dear God,

This morning in prayer, you brought to mind many blessings just from yesterday.  As each one surfaced, I realized your handprint was on each one.  After all, how can healing come without you?  How is a miracle a miracle without your print?  How is reconciliation possible for truly broken relationships without your mercy?  Truly this morning you revealed your hand at work.

All I can say is thank you, Loving Father, thank you.

Blessed are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for all

your blessings.

Thank you

for touching

this human heart!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Dear God,

I do not understand why some people receive many answers to prayers and others do not.  What about the Ukrainians, the Pakistani's and the Africans who are facing so many difficulties?  They are your people like all others.  Why do their prayers seemingly fall on deaf ears?

Recently my family has received many good answers to our prayers.  We have experienced healings, miracles, guidance, reconciliation and comfort.  But how can I celebrate all this grace when others are deep in suffering?

Compassionate and Merciful God,

touch the lives

of your

hurting family.

Bring them help,

O Lord.

Hear their prayers 

and answer.

Give them mercy,

love and help.

Aid your

suffering people,

I pray.

Love, Andrea 

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Dear God,

The wind is blowing and the leaves are dancing in the grass.  It is not only Autumn but also the season of the spirit.  The wind is like the breeze of your spirit and we are like the leaves capable of moving with that spirit.  We can always find a reason to dance to your spirit.

As the trees are clearing the dead leaves, so do you remind us this is the season for clearing for us too.  You want us to surrender, clear out the dead debris in our own lives.  Whatever we picked up over the summer, perhaps laziness, jealousy or fear, this is the season to let it go, really let it go.  And when we are able to release that which has bogged us down, we can feel free to dance too.

Holy Spirit God,

breathe on us.

Let your spirit

move in

our lives.

Free us

for the dance,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Dear God,

Thank you for democracy.  Thank you for the right to vote.  Thank you for challenging us to vote for what is right and good for all people.  For all people are beloved children, all.

As a nation we have done a poor job coming together.  We tout our way as the right way without listening to our brother and sister who differ in their views, beliefs and understandings.  We assume we know it all but there is only one who knows it all and that is you.  

Help us search for the truth and your will, O God.  Help us want what you want more than our own wishes.  Show us how to do this instead of looking for ways that simply plant your seal on our own desires.  For we need your way and will more than anything!

Nudge us

toward you,

Gracious God.

Help us

stand with you.

Guide us

to greater things,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, November 7, 2022

Dear God,

How do I thank you for saving my grandchild?  How do I adequately express my gratitude?  How can I praise you enough for so great a gift?

It is really my grandchild's story but then you know that Great Physician.  But I can offer my thanks, my heartfelt thanks.  

Thank you

for invaluable gifts,

Gracious God.

Thank you

for thinking

of us.

Please be close

to my grandchild

to help her

find her 

own way

back home.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Dear God,

In worship we find peace, hope and guidance.  We realize we are not alone.  We have opportunity to pray alone and with others.  We hear your word which provides something for everyone.  We sing, yet another affirmation of our faith.  We lay out our fears and anxieties.  We always take something home.

Throughout the whole Bible there is worship.  While it is about praise, confession and acts of forgiveness and love, it is also about uniting together as one.  We don't have to reveal our beliefs, political affiliations, backgrounds or how we feel about certain issues; we simply come together as one to worship.  And in worship so much happens, so very much.

Holy God,

thank you

for opportunities

to gather

in your name.

Thank you

for worship

that allows

for release

and surrender.

Thank you

for gifts

that are deeper

and wider

than any others.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Dear God,

Today I realize when something terrible happens, it is time to double up on trust.  Because we have no control over another's person's life, we cannot change their decisions however horrible they may be.  We may want to scream NO but we do not have that power.  

And so we turn to you for comfort, hope and help.  The only way to receive your loving grace is to trust.

Help us,

O God,

turn to you

in all things.

Help us

be courageous

and full

of loving prayer.

Help us

to trust you more.

Love, Andrea

Friday, November 4, 2022

Dear God,

Your spirit is ever with us.  Whether through tragedy or good times, your living presence is always with us.  While we may not see, hear, taste or touch that holy presence, we can hearken back to earlier days when we recognized your spirit helping or holding us.

In the days of Isaiah the people of God thought God was absent.  So when difficult times came, they remembered back to the many times God was present.  Those remembrances gave them hope, courage and peace.

As our world continues on a path of conflict, pain and loss, we can recall God's promise to always be with us and that knowledge alone can sustain us.  Praise God!

Holy God,

you are

ever present

to and 

with us.

Thank you.

Help us

call up memories

that will

calm our spirit

and help us

help our world.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Dear God,

How and when will our pain ever go away?  The Parkland School shooter just received 17 life without parole sentences in the murders of 17 students.  I watched the pain expressed by parents whose loss is inconceivable.  So much so, I wept with them. 

How do we help people who have suffered great loss?  How do we bring them peace and hope?  How do we eradicate those deep places where great suffering exists?  How, O Lord, how?

Bring peace

to your

weeping ones,

O God.

Lift their sorrow.

Release their pain.

Fill them

with comfort

and love,

I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Dear God,

For several days you have been nudging me to look around and count my blessings.  You have pointed me to my continued healing from surgery, the joy of Autumn leaves and to family members who have responded to upcoming Christmas events.  You have urged me to show kindness, to be intentional about reaching out to strangers in stores, gas stations and restaurants.   You have invited me to live in a season of gratitude.

Today as this new day begins, it is still dark outside.  For the moment it appears that all is hidden but within the hour all will be revealed.  But you ask me to count my blessings while still in the dark even before the light has come.  I like it.  I like it very much!

Thank you,

Holy God,

for inviting me

to look

with seeing eyes

while blind

to see

your many blessings.

Thank you

for the gifts

that are 

all around me.

Thank you

for faith 

and love

that makes

them all possible.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

My dearest God,

Just a moment ago I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude as people, situations and special authors flooded my mind, things that have blessed, inspired, guided, assisted and healed me.  I could not help but smile and lift up my voice to you in sudden murmurings of praise.

Unexpected gifts appear every day.  Just the exquisite color of the Autumn leaves can cause me to break out in praise and prayer.  Having survived yet another surgery blesses me beyond comprehension.  My heart is so full and my mind quieted in loving praise.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Thank you

for daily gifts.

Thank you

for making me

full of gratitude

and praise.

Love, Andrea