Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Dear God,

Your love awakens us in the morning, holds us steadfast all day long and puts us to sleep at night.  There is great comfort in knowing this truth.

At any time we can revisit your promises and find faith staring us in the face.  There is no one who promises to be with us 24/7 except you.  Although you may be an invisible reality, you display your living presence each moment of each day.  Our eyes, heart and mind of faith makes this possible.

Especially at dark, lonely times we can dwell with you and know you dwell with us.

Holy God,

we are

not alone

because you

are with us.

Give us

keen eyes,

a trusting mind

and a

whole heart

full of love.

Then, of course,

fill our mouths

with praise

and thanksgiving.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 27, 2023

Dear God, 

Today I came upon a song by Josh Groban.  I clicked on it and sang along.  "When I am down and oh my soul, so weary, when troubles come and my heart burdened be, then I am still and wait here in the silence until you come and sit awhile with me.  You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.  You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.  I am strong when I am on your shoulders you raise me up to more than I can be."  I let my tears stream down my face, not bad tears but tears of gratitude, hope and love.

I thought of my beloved grandmother whose love of your son and all of us lifted me onto her shoulders so that I could see higher.  I thought of the many mentors, examples and blessed caregivers who allowed me to stand on their shoulders so I could feel held, safe and loved.  I felt stronger, more courageous and supported and in the process my faith grew, my confidence was greater and hope exponentially increased.  

Thank you

for the gift

of today.

Thank you

for every shoulder

upon which

I was invited

to stand.

Bless them,

O Lord,

bless them.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Dear God,

It is amazing to me how much love you put into everything you do for us human creatures!  From creating magnificent sunrises and sunsets, to making families of all sizes, shapes and colors to giving birth and rebirth to all in need of transformation.  From forgiveness to new life, blessing and inspiration, your love shines through everything!

I witnessed this today as the preacher spoke on courage, the choir sang from the Messiah and the scriptures came to life before our eyes.  Because I watched the whole service by Zoom, I saw the hundreds of those who heard your whisper of invitation to worship and subsequently dressed and drove to church.  I gazed upon so much love shining in the pews.

More often than not, we miss the subtle and not so small ways you reveal yourself to the world.  We do not anticipate so we do not see.  Yet, you give evidence to yourself anyway.  We see only the visible, a tiny piece showing itself.  

Thank you,

Holy God,

for your light

and your love.

We are blessed

beyond comprehension.

Help us look

beyond the obvious

to see you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Dear God,

 

There are really no truly dark nights of the soul because even if we can't see them at that moment, your light shines.  It may only be a tiny flicker or spark but nonetheless, it is there with us.  How do I know that for certain?  Because I trust in your promise to be with us always, 24/7.  We are never totally alone.

Sometimes we forget that and fear can overtake us.  We can feel captive to our circumstances and trapped in pain, sorrow and anxiety.  But if we pause for just a moment and take stock in what we know to be true, we can make our way back to Jesus' promise as he left the earth in physical form for eternity.  That hope alone can help us rise from the dark into the light.

Thank you,

Living God,

for the

bright light

of eternity.

Thank you

for your promise

of presence.

Thank you

for that reminder

in the middle

of the night.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 24, 2023

Dear God,

Last night before falling to sleep I listed all the gifts of my day.  As I expressed my gratitude to you, I realized there was a gift far more beautiful than all those I had shared.  That was the gift of your presence with me all day long.

When we are open and reflective, we can find many treasures given to us throughout our day.  From waking up in the morning to the sunrise occurring before our eyes, to food on the table, spending time with loved ones and the ability to work, serve, play, laugh and pray all bless us beyond comprehension.  No matter how amazing our day is, there is no gift greater than your living, loving presence with us.

Thank you

for the

gracious reminder

of your

holy presence

in our midst.

Thank you

for blessing

and inspiring us

all day long.

There is

no one

like you,

dear God,

no one.

Yours forever, Andrea

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Dear God,

"Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  This morning I read these words and so resonated with the love behind them.  Only someone with great compassion will offer this kind of wondrous gift!

One of the most amazing gifts you have given me is trust in you during difficult, painful times.  When all seems lost or temporarily stalled, you invite me and us to fall backward into your arms where you not only catch us but hold us for however long we need to be held.  Your sensitive, tender love embraces us in a way where we do not want to let go.  

Thank you

for green pastures,

still waters

and quiet restoration.

Thank you

for your

sweet kindness

and amazing compassion.

Thank you

for blessings

of comfort,

hope and love.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Dear God,

Today I worshipped at the Benedictine monastery, the first time in probably five years.  As we began to sing the psalm, I felt the hole in my heart filling back up with love, praise and joy.  The faith, generosity and hospitality of these sisters have changed, transformed me.  I am not the same.

As I drove home, I thought of the many graces you have given me throughout my many years.  One of the most meaningful has been the impact of the monastic communities who allowed me into their lives.  By opening their doors, their hearts and their faith, I have witnessed and received so much that I do not have adequate words to express my gratitude.  I cannot explain all the small and great ways they have inhabited my DNA.  

Even as I fell into bed tonight, I was still reflecting upon the gift I received from the beautiful monastic community.  But not only that, I lifted up my prayer of thanksgiving for your hand in bringing the monastery and me together.

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

thank you

for the

wondrous gift

of your 

living presence today.

Thank you

for worshipping

with us.

Thank you

for blessing

and inspiring all

of us.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Dear God,

Truly, O Lord, you have made me a gratitude person.  You have welled up within a large dose of thanksgiving.  You have been bringing to mind many individuals with whom I need to say thank you.  From family to friends to churches and monasteries and to acquaintances and kind people, you have revealed their many gifts to me and/or to my family.

So, I have been making my list and I am overwhelmed by your generosity of bringing so much grace to me through others.  A few days ago you led me to my husband of many years.  I started with him.  I expressed my gratitude for a number of things.  It felt good to let my appreciation spill over onto him.  That began my trek of gratitude visits.

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for all

your love.

Thank you

for leading me

to the well

of gratitude.

Thank you

as well

for directing me

to those

who have given

so much.

Bless you

and bless them,

O God,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, March 20, 2023

Dear God,

At the sound of your voice, I want to always say, "I will follow you wherever you want to go, O Lord."  I want to be ready, prepared and excited to follow you.

Although my heart, mind and spirit want to follow you, far too many times the rest of me wants to resist to follow my own will and way.  But I have had decades of just doing that and I know how little I receive by doing so.  Way to often I am a fool.

At the same time every time you have called and I left my bags unequivocally to go with you, I have never been disappointed.  I have never doubted nor been afraid.  I have found only joy, peace and more faith.

Teach me

your ways

over and

over again,

Loving God.

I want

to follow

every time.

Direct my eyes

toward you,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Dear God,

There is no better feeling that being awakened by you, Holy, Loving God!  To awaken in the morning is one thing but awakening from confusion, doubt or fear is another thing altogether.  How many times did I find myself in darkness only to be awakened to the light?  And when I was afraid you awakened me to peace.  And even more when all hope was lost, you awakened me to your love? Yes, there is nothing sweeter.

Often, we forget your power and the extent of your love.  We forget the uncommon, extraordinary grace that becomes ours when you awaken all our senses to your living, loving presence.  

Moments ago I became aware of the true gift of awakening each morning but even more so for all the awakenings you have given me throughout my life.  All you, O God, all you.

Praise to you,

Lord of Love.

Thank you

for awakening me

to your

special love

this morning.

Thank you

for reminding me

whose power

transforms my life.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Dear God,

Since I read the book, No Regrets, I have been reflecting on my last three quarters and wondering 

about my fourth quarter at the age of 76.  I realize we spend the first three quarters acquiring...family, friends, material goods, accomplishments and dreams and their fulfillment and the last quarter surrendering the same.  It is a sobering thought especially that surrender will include health.

Life is all about trust, isn't it Lord.  We are not guaranteed a long life or all our wishes given.  We just have to trust you and let you guide us through this life with a grateful heart.  Gratitude can be acquired but never surrendered.  

Thank you,

Blessed Lord,

for every gift.

Thank you

for gratitude

that never

grows old.

Thank you

for today's

life lesson.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, March 17, 2023

Dear God,

Even in the midst of snow and cold temperatures, spring is working hard to burst into being.  When I see small green stems surrounded by snow, I think of how the weather does not have the final word on birth, death and resurrection.  It is you, O God, who controls the cosmos.  When you whisper, "Rise up and live," all things can live again.

Perhaps that is why spring is so important.  It gives us a new chance to shift, change and live.  It reminds us that when all seems lost, at the end of the day we discover there is still a chance for transformation.  Even for me.

Thank you,

Merciful God,

for more opportunities

for new life.

Thank you

for the blessing

of snow

and cold weather

but also

for spring

and rebirth.

You are God

so trusted

to be praised!

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Dear God,

I love the song that goes like this:  "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole."  The moment the first note is played, I feel a calm come into my soul.  The song is reassuring, comforting and offers a healing ointment.

Did you whisper the lyrics and melody into the ear of the composer?  Was this your way to bring healing assistance to those needing help?  Was it a way to distract the weary to look beyond the trouble for something better?  

Every human soul struggles to find their way at some time or other.  When we feel confused, full of doubt, fear or anxiety, this song and many others can call to us to turn to the Great Healer whose desire is always to help or heal.  When we are attentive to faith at work, we can hear the call and come rushing.

Holy God,

thank you

for being

our healer.

Thank you

for hope

that is always

on your lips.

Thank you

for music

and every

other means

of healing.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Dear God,

How blessed I am with the covenant group you created 34 years ago.  You took four people, not strangers, just colleagues and made us family.  You truly became more our father and we your children.  Through the years you changed us, transformed us into more.

Although I am outgoing and an extrovert, I can still feel nervous around groups of people.  So when our covenant group committed to a journey of faith together, I wasn't sure how it would work out.  I didn't know how I could trust deeply in those who sat in the same circle as I.  And yet, with your spirit driving our sharing, praying, laughing, crying and wondering together, we became so much more.

My brother and sisters are the dearest people on earth to me.  Their faith, openness, courage, trust and hope have helped reshaped me as a person of faith.  They always challenge me in ways I do not allow others.  They have loved me in ways that I have come to love myself.  Their love has steadied me and they have always pointed me to you.  

How grateful

I am

to be part

of our

covenant group.

Thank you

for all

the lessons

of faith.

Thank you

for the blessing,

inspiration and love.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Dear God,

You invite us to begin and end each day with you.  If you are our first and last thought every day, we have opportunity for a beautiful, meaningful day.

I know the truth of this statement.  I have awakened with you and without.  On the "without" days I sometimes feel disoriented.  I stumble more and have troubles thinking clearly.  I also feel a sense of emptiness.  I can be lonely.  

On the other hand, when I start and finish with you, I have more strength.  I am happier and more fulfilled.  I feel blessed and see those blessings all around me.  I express gratitude more often and know where my joy comes from.  I feel close to you.

Thank you

for the invitation

to draw close,

O Lord.

Thank you

for early

morning whispers

and late 

night murmurs.

Only you

can bring us

such peace

and joy.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, March 13, 2023

Dear God,

You constantly make yourself known to us, Holy Father.  This morning I found you as I stepped to the bedroom window before the sunrise and saw beautiful snow on the ground.  Everything looked pure and wonderful and all I could think about was you.

Across 76 years you have come to me during times of great joy and deep sadness.  You have spoken to me in the middle of the day and the middle of the night.  I have experienced your living presence in tiny moments through my granddaughter chasing after an unexpected chicken came roaming in our front yard, during a rainstorm when the sun and rainbow appeared in the sky at the same time and when I heard the happy sounds of birdsong just before sunrise on Easter morning.  These are just a few joyous moments when I knew that I knew that you were in my midst. I will never forget them.

Blessed God,

all praise

to you

for all

your gentle whisperings,

amazing appearances

and gracious challenges.

Only you

can touch

and inspire

the human mind,

heart and soul.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Dear God,

Your ways are not our ways.  You take us in surprising directions.  Only when we have a sense of faith do we pick up on clues to revelations of eternity.

This was so today as I worshipped.  During the service the pastor baptized three babies.  In the liturgy he called us to remember our baptism.  Three small words, "remember our baptism" took me back to my own.  I was 10 years old.  I remembered sitting in the front pew with some of my friends.  While I do not recall the act of immersion, I do remember sitting in worship waiting.  It was a holy time.

The second time was in the River Jordan.  I had taken a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land.  There I baptized more than a dozen people.  Then I turned and asked my covenant brother Bill to reaffirm my baptism.  Yes, I recollected my own going down into the water, meeting you and rising up with my hands held high in the air as I celebrated our union.  What an incredible moment!

Reflecting on my baptism drew tears of joy, grace and mercy.  I will always remember my baptism because I will always remember you.

Thank you

for the

prized moments

of faith

we shared together,

you and 

I, today.

Thank you

for sweet surprises

of faith.

Thank you

Holy Father.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Dear God,

This morning snow covered the ground.  Tree limbs gently held every tiny snowflake.  It was a beautiful scene.

All around us you provide scene after scene of rare beauty.  We miss it if we don't pause to consider the revelation of your spirit in human life.  It is happening every moment.  When we are open and attentive, we will be amazed by exquisite scenes created by the one and only Creator.

As I gazed out the study window, I watched as a sizable bird landed on the snow on top of St. Francis' head.  Perched and comfortable, I grabbed my camera and began bringing it in to closer view when the winged creature flew away.  Although it was a missed opportunity, nonetheless, the scene was awesome.

Each morning as we open our eyes to your creation, we have marvelous chances to see through your lens.  As we take in the exquisite beauty, we draw closer and closer to you.

Thank you,

Creator God,

for the

amazing beauty

of your creation.

Thank you

for the scene

outside my

study window.  

You are God;

there is none

like you

and I

am grateful

I had

a holy moment

to remember.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 10, 2023

Dear God,

One of the greatest gifts you have ever given me is my covenant group. As we retreated together today, I looked into their faces and thought of the many gifts they have given me, gifts like trust, hope, wisdom, faith and acceptance.  In the world today, where can you really find such gifts?

Thank you

for the gift

of our

covenant group,

Holy Father.

Thank you

for Susan,

Bill and Jan.

What beautiful people

they are!

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Dear God,

Today is Janice's birthday.  She is 54 years old today.  I wished her a happy birthday.

But what I discover is a child's birthday is best for the child but the bestest for the mom.  I returned to the day of her birth, my first prayer for her, my hug and kisses.  I realize what a gift I was given when she was born.  She still lives and is happy.  That knowledge alone blesses me on her birthday.

You have a way of blessing us again and again.  No day goes by without you offering us a gift.  Today was the renewed gift of my daughter's life!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the

loving gift

of Janice.

Thank you

for the memories.

Thank you

for blessing me too!

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Dear God,

The way of peace really comes when we listen and follow your gentle whisperings.  Whether we are troubled by personal issues, family problems or world conflict, the way to peace is always your way.

So why don't we wholly rely on your way?  We are creatures of habit wanting or needing to be self-sufficient.  We want to captain our own boat.  We like our way best.  But why not try the way of divine power and love?  It gives us hope, courage, strength, affirmation and determination.  When we try it all on our own, we almost always come up short.  

Thank you,

O God,

for the

amazing gift

of your way

and will.

Thank you

for giving us gifts

beyond measure.

Thank you

for guiding us

to the 

good life.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Dear God,

This morning as I prayed during my devotional time, I heard a familiar sound I have not heard for nearly 40 years.  It was the sound of a bird, the kind that seems to love living on a farm.  I wondered how it was that he was here in a residential neighborhood.

Of course, it was a gift from on high!  With my tender heart right now, you sent me the sweet sound of memory from my grandmother's farm, the woman I loved most in all the world, Grandma Hughes.  A symbol of love, compassion and faith, she warmed my heart, modeled faith and taught me by example many life lessons.  I will walk with this gift all day today and maybe even tomorrow.

You are

the God

of gifts,

surprises and love,

Living Lord.

Thank you

for bringing 

my grandmother

to me today.

Thank you

for all

your many gifts.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, March 6, 2023

Dear God,

 During quiet times you call us to evaluate our life.  You ask us to count our blessings.  You offer us opportunities to "Be still and know you."  You reach out your hand and invite us on a sacred journey together.  During our walk you whisper your love to us, your encouragement and your challenge to change and grow.  What times are had when we trust in you!

Thank you,

O God,

for each

of these.

Thank you

for holding on

to me

as I wander

in thought

and contemplation.

Teach me

once again

your will

and your way.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Dear God,

I have not abandoned you nor stayed away intentionally; I just was too weary to write.  I am sorry.

One of the most beautiful gifts you give to us is your living presence and promise to always be with us.  We may walk on our path alone for a period but we know that you will welcome us home when we return. That hope gets me through on difficult days.

Thank you,

Loving Father,

for not 

abandoning me.

Thank you

for waiting

on me.

Thank you

for your

steady presence

in my life.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Dear God,

There is so much pain and sorrow right now caused by needless war, personal tragedies, natural disasters, political chaos and life-threatening poverty.  So many are affected by loss, uncertainty and real woes.  There is only one who can fill us.

As I look out my window and see the gorgeous day, I think of the One who created the skies, the clouds, the sun, moon and stars, the trees, bushes and flowers.  I see your fingerprints on the colorful birds, playing children and the statue of St. Francis who loved every creature, great and small.  I feel the gentle breeze and I know the spirit behind the breeze.  Aahh, yes, I know there is one who can fill every soul.

Thank you,

Almighty God,

for the scenes

outside my window

reminding me

of the One

who wants

to fill

every heart.

Help us see,

truly see

with eyes of faith.

Fill us 

with gladness

with which

to praise you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, March 3, 2023

Dear God,

Why do we carry so many worries and anxieties, Lord?  Why do we bear so many burdens?  Why do we allow fear to paralyze us?  Why?

You say, "Do not worry.  Do not be afraid!"  Yet, we dismiss or dilute your words in favor of going on our own without you.  We walk solo without divine power and sacred hope.  We remain in our puddle of difficulty.

But when we fall at your feet pleading for help, you are there replenishing our courage, strength and hope.  You want to give us resources to assist us in our travail.  You want us to trust you, to find more power than we can muster on our own.  You want to wrap us in love that keeps us going.  And when we do, we look up and out and we step forward without fear and trepidation.  We know you are not only God of the cosmos but our God who cares even for the baby lambs.

Thank you,

Almighty God,

for the invitation

to trust you.

Thank you

for blessing us

with all

we need

to live

and thrive.

Rid us

of all

that holds us back,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Dear God,

In a 24-hour period we had warm sunshine, 50-mile-an hour wind gusts and wintry sleet, rain and snow.  It was like winter chaos; yet, when we pause to consider the creative spirit at work, we see your hand.  Although we may complain or sometimes awe at what we see, still we know we are looking into the face of the holy creator.

All that is to say, every day you reveal yourself through nature.  When the first snowflakes fall from an early winter sky or we catch sight of spring in those first buds on trees, bushes and flowers, we can't help but know we are meeting the creator once again.  Summer flowers, flying geese in the sky or magnificent autumn leaves all cry out, "Praise to my creator, today and every tomorrow!"

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for the gift

of nature

for her beauty,

her messages

and her inspiration.

Thank you

for every season

and how

each and all

reveal you

to us.

Glory to you!

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Dear God,

To find home where you are instead of rushing to get to a particular location is such a great mystical experience.  Although I arrived home last night to Indiana, this morning as I lay in bed resting, I realized I was home all along the way.  For every insight, scene and thought that rose up, I felt home with you.  I didn't let rushing thoughts, troubles or tasks tear me away from the holy wonderment or refreshment of breathing in home.

So often it seems we struggle to get to our destination.  Our minds are full of things we have to do, places we have to go and personal worries we carry.  We forget we have already arrived when we turn to lean on you.  When we pray for your will and way, when we surrender or when we take steps toward you, hope and peace enter those concerning spaces in our minds, hearts and spirits.  That is when we know we can take off our coat and hat, find a seat and revel in the fact we are home.

Bless you,

Holy God,

for unexpected blessings.

Thank you

for getting me home

while we

enjoyed home

along the way.

You are God;

truly there

is no one

like you.

Forever yours, Andrea

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Dear God,

Sailing along through the wide space of Pennsylvania, you spoke aloud through my own voice.  Five major losses and sorrows in my life and lessons learned through them.  I was astounded by the succinct way you revealed my most difficult times and the gifts that came through them.  I wept as I thought of the many ways you had blessed my life while I grieved my losses through life.  

It was if I was sitting in a college class and the professor was writing on the blackboard.  It was right there before me, clear and evident.  As I continued to drive home, I thought of nothing but you, your compassion and wisdom, love and understanding.  You helped me see what was veiled.  And not only that.  You showed me what I would do when I got home.  Such a powerful movement of your spirit guiding me into the future!

There are

no words

to adequately convey

my gratitude

to you,

Loving Father.

Day after day

you bless,

inspire and 

guide me.

Thank you

for the drive

and the contemplation

and prayer.

You are

my everything!

Love, Andrea

Monday, February 27, 2023

Dear God,

I left early this morning for Indiana.  Driving through Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania, I gazed out my window to see your creation.  Whether snow or rain, clear or gray skies, lots of traffic or little, I sensed your creative presence.  How beautiful your world is!  Mountains and valleys, lakes and streams, pastures and city streets all give evidence of your handiwork.

The hours of driving give us opportunity to share together.  In the stillness of the space, I could only express my gratitude for every gift.  Eyes to see, ability to drive, lovely day, people to love, hope in my heart, faith ever-flowing, on and on so many gifts from your hand. By the time I arrived to lodge for the night after 577 miles, you had filled me with so many good things.

Thank you,

Gracious and Loving God,

for your

holy presence,

for your

watchful eye

and tender care.

Thank you

for guiding me

along the road.

Thank you

for lessons learned

along the way.

Yours, Andrea