Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Dear God,

Each day you afford us the opportunity to be a receptacle of light.  When we say no, we add darkness to the world.  We carry darkness to those around us, friends, family, neighbors and even strangers.  We can spread darkness by gestures, behaviors, lack of caring, insensitivity, and despair.  We can sprinkle it as we drive, walk through the grocery aisles, ignore those who need help, insist on our own way and fail to be a good citizen.  Day after day of our own darkness can lead to whole families and communities being surrounded by darkness.  Why would we want to do that?

When we say yes to your offer to carry the light, we can brighten every person and place we travel.  We can share warmth and radiate light for their paths.  We can bring joy, hope and peace to the weary and the worn.  We can provide a way for those who think there is no way.  The light, your light, can transform people and communities in the most beautiful ways.  Why wouldn't we want to be part of your light for the world.  We can be like the light shining in the darkness on the hill for all to see.

Holy God,

teach us again

how to receive

your light

and become

that light

for others.

Shine on us,

Compassionate and Merciful God.

Warm our hearts,

clear our minds,

enlarge our faith,

increase our trust

and rebuild

our willingness

to love

and serve.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Dear God, 

When we long for living water and do nothing, we are often disappointed.  We blame you thinking you should do it all.  But that is not so.  If we do not let down our bucket into the well, we can expect to remain thirsty.

Why do we expect you to do it all for us, dear God?  Why are we spiritually lazy and emotionally ineffective?  Our relationship with you is a partnership, each expected to do their part.  You are present with us 24/7; however, many times we are running in different directions anticipating you will be present working for our good when we are not even present with you.

On the other hand when we walk hand in hand, when we listen, really listen with faith, we will hear you calling our name.  Although our answer may be delayed or not what we had desired at that particular moment, we can find peace and hope in our waiting.  We can learn to trust again and how to surrender into your hands.  Waiting can offer us much more than just an answer to our prayer.

Loving God,

teach us

your ways

once again.

We sorely

need you.

Thank you

for every

life lesson.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, June 26, 2023

Dear God,

More and more I realize the significance of surrender in the emotional and spiritual life.  If we work hard to keep everything about ourselves intact, we leave no space or time for growth or renewal.  There is also no place for new information or spirit.  We are like an unopened hot box that has no real value.

On the other hand when we let go, really let go into your waiting arms, there are infinite possibilities.  All those things we thought could not be changed are shifted allowing for something else, something more wonderful, healing and powerful.  It may not be easy, although it may, but the fruits to come will be remarkable.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for your

amazing work

in our lives.

Thank you

for opening

new doors

and windows

to your spirit.

Thank you

for healing

and help.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Dear God, 

Thank you for worship at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis today.  Although I was not present physically, I was clearly there emotionally and spiritually.  During the final hymn entitled, "Guide My Feet", you drew me back to the cathedral in Ghana where we danced in the spirit for nearly a half hour. There was such joy there that I tucked the memory away to remember always.  In fact today when Indianapolis Hoosiers were singing the song, I danced with you in my kitchen.

There are so many ways you bless our lives, O God.  Today was another one of your gifts.  Not only was I caught up in worship, I relived a precious memory dancing with the people of Ghana and with you.

Thank you

for the

blessed memory today.

Thank you

for the spirit

of faith

in your church

not only

in the 

United States

but also

in Ghana.

Thank you

for your people

living lives

of faith.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Dear God,

If we do not pause and slow down, we will continually be caught up in anxious moments.  Whether personal, family, community, national or global worries, our bodies and minds will remain in anxious response.  At the same time when we pause and reflect upon whose cosmos this is and who created us, we have opportunity to slow our anxious reaction to trust in the only One who can give us the kind of peace that will assist us in living in chaos.

It seems no matter what our concerns are, trust in the Creator is always a good choice when considering how we will respond to difficult times.  When we breathe in, quite literally, breathe in the air of God's compassionate love, we find room for calm and peace.  Slowing down gives us opportunity to consider the power and help that is available 24/7.  Those few seconds of thought and faith can completely change how we will react and live.

Thank you

for your

loving power,

Compassionate God.

Thank you

for slowing us down,

for time

for reflection

and careful thought.

Lead us

to calm,

faith and hope,

we pray.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, June 23, 2023

Dear God,

There are so many ways you choose to restore and renew us.  If we daily anticipate your Holy Spirit movement, you will show us the way.

This week I have been working on an antique hall tree for my spiritual hermitage I bought several months ago.  I had to buy WD40 to unstick the frozen, rusted screw holding the stand together.  Then I had to wash it all down cleaning years of cobwebs, dust and dirt.  I plan to stain the wood, polish the brass holders and oil the entire coat stand.  

While working on this project you have shown me the ways the hall tree is being renovated is much like the work you do in restoring, renewing and revitalizing us.  We too have "stuck" places in us.  We need regular cleaning and special care to renew us, bringing new life.  We need the care of a carpenter shepherd whose work is never done and whose love is revealed through every compassionate act.

Thank you,

O God,

for the

antique hall tree

that is

today's teacher.

Thank you

for reminding us

that we too

need restoration

and renewal.

Do your work

on us,

dear God,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Dear God,

There are so many ways you choose to renew and restore us.  If we anticipate daily your Holy Spirit movement, we can find ways where you show us the way.

This week I have been working on an antique hall tree for my spiritual hermitage.  I had to buy some WD40 oil to loosen a rusted screw on the bottom.  I also had to wash down the entire tree ridding it of years of cobwebs, dust and dirt.  I plan to stain it, clean the brass coat holders and oil the entire stand when it is finished.  In this whole process I think of the ways the coat stand is being transformed from a dirty, scratched, tarnished hall tree to a beautifully renovated coat stand.  Although it is a simple stand, it is providing a way to understand how it is you renovate and refresh us.

Thank you,

O God,

for the 

antique coat stand

that is

the teacher

for today's

life lesson.

Thank you

for reminding us

that we too

need restoration

and renewal.

Do your work

on us,

dear God,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Dear God,

You help us overcome our fears.  You lead us to trust and peace.  Only you can do this, Miracle God.

No matter the fear, when we trust you, we can triumph and enter into peace.  Why we don't start out with trust and peace is beyond me.  We always go it alone first and find fear and anxiety waiting on us.  Crazy, absolutely crazy.  Yet, when we pause to realize who is with us, who can be trusted and who will tackle the fear with us, we find peace and calm.  I so found this to be true today.

I was not excited about having a root canal.  I always heard it was very painful.  At the same time I really wanted to trust you for this unpleasant experience.  When I walked into the waiting room, I found you already there.  Beside my chair was a bowl of dark black, smooth stones.  With it was a sign entitled, Healing Garden.  I read the words of invitation to relax, sit back and meditate.  Immediately I fell into the invitation and did as it said.  By the time I climbed into the dentist's chair, I was completely at peace.  Although the procedure was an hour longer than expected, I continued to breathe in the air of your peace.

Holy God,

we are

never alone.

You are

always with us.

Thank you

for the 

healing garden

and the

your healing spirit.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Dear God,

I was having trouble unscrewing a screw in the fan when I got upset and frustrated.  I wanted to get the last of six fans cleaned.  No sooner was I angry when I heard your words in me.  "You are on God's time."  God's time, of course.

Why would we think we are on any other time but yours, O God?  Our seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and years are determined by you.  You know how long we will live; we do not.  Why are we so caught up in time?

The words of Ecclesiastes always comes back to me.  "There is a time and season for all things under heaven."  And so I slowed down and got the screw out.  I smiled.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Forgive us,

dear God,

when we fail

to remember

who it is

who knows us best.

Teach us again

your lessons

for our lives.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, June 19, 2023

Dear God,

One of your greatest gifts to us is rest, rest that inspires restoration, renewal and rejuvenation.  Rest heals, helps and holds us in our weariness.  In some ways it brings us back to life.

I have been so tired from working at two houses and a spiritual path, traveling both by car and plane and trying to keep up all that needs to be done wherever I am currently.  I so enjoy all that I do but I tend to overdo and then pay the price.  I forget that I only get one "holy temple" in which to live and have my being as the Bible says.  

When I finally lay my body down, I sense your healing hand on my body and hear your gentle whispers to rest.  As I breathe in the quiet peace, I always think of you.

Holy God,

thank you

for the peace

that only

you can give.

Thank you

for rest

that gives life.

Thank you

for compassion

that leads us

to joy.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Dear God,

An ordinary event can become an extraordinary experience simply because you are with us.  Today I took my husband out for a Father's Day meal.  He chose a 2 lb. Maine lobster.  Over the course of an hour he ripped and tore, lifted sweet meat to his mouth as melted butter ran down his chin and closed his eyes savoring every morsel.

Oftentimes we receive life as an ordinary event.  Yet, when we consider your holy presence and your love, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.  All our senses are heightened and we are enabled to see, taste, touch, hear and smell more.  Our delight is increased and our gratitude added to our sacred moment.  As I observed my husband, I realized I was also watching you at work.  

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for all

the gifts

of life.

Thank you

for your

loving power

that transforms.

Bless you,

O God,

for all

you do

for us.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Dear God,

Today I pulled tomatoes from the vine then lifted the vine to my nose.  As I breathed in the sweet scent of summer tomatoes, I thought of my grandmother who planted tomatoes every year.  I spent a few minutes just closing my eyes and remembering her truck patch.

It is mind-blowing to me that not only did you pick an amazing color for tomatoes, you gave them a scent unlike anything else.  The experience of holding and smelling brought gratitude to my lips.

And the tomato is just one thing out of billions you have created O God.  As I use all my senses, I think of the wonder of your love for all creation and give thanks.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for all

the gifts

of creation.

Thank you

especially for

the tomato,

my favorite vegetable.

You are generous

in every way.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 16, 2023

Dear God,

Today you invited St. Teresa of Avila to join our circle of friends or did she invite me?  What is the power of the saints, dear God?  Can they reach into the future centuries later to touch and stir our hearts?  Does their faith, love and compassion have a special power from on high?  Do they still have power to move us?

This morning as I read the first few pages of the book entitled, "Teresa of Avila, The Book of My Life," I felt drawn into the pages of her life.  My heart was stirred because I am confident that she has more of what I long for.  I welcomed her into our circle and opened my own heart to her.

Thank you,

Holy Father,

for the gift

of Teresa.

Thank you

for her gifts

of faith,

hope and trust.

Thank you

for welcoming me

into her circle.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Dear God,

When we open ourselves to pray for others, we open a part of ourselves that is closed off at other times.  
We take inside the hurts of others, their sufferings, concerns and fears.  When we pray for strangers on the other side of the world, it is like we transport them into our own heart and mind.  There we surround them with love and compassion as we utter their needs before you.  In that moment it is as if you, they and I are one held in love and mercy.

You alone, O God, open the human heart to others and their needs.  You stretch us to care and to love.  You invite us to pray, to "be with" and to offer ourselves to hurting souls.  Your divine power causes something to stir within us.  You how us the way to be one with the world, one with love, one with compassion.

O God,

thank you

for stirring

within my

own heart.

Help me

love others.

Open all

to your

empowering and

loving spirit.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Dear God,

No one can change the human heart like you, Compassionate God.  You know our hearts far more than we know our own.  We are fickle, foolish and resistant but you know how to massage our hearts allowing room for more love, acceptance and forgiveness.  You can fill us with mercy and grace allowing our hearts to take on new hues of understanding and perspective.  You can even recreate our hearts for greater goodness and beauty.

As I reflect back upon my seventy-plus years, I can see where you transformed me.  You took my hard heart and softened it.  You took my closed heart and opened it.  You took my unforgiving heart and persuaded it to be forgiving.  Again and again you did your creative work to renew, restore and revitalize my heart.  I will always be grateful!

Loving God,

thank you

for your

amazing work

on the 

human heart.

Thank you

for changing us,

for making us anew.

Thank you

for new hearts

with which

to love you more!

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Dear God,

Today just seems like a good day for a blessing inventory! Every morning I start my expression of thanks for the beginning beauty of the day.  Whether raining, snowing or sunshining, it makes no difference, it is always beautiful.  Throughout the day, when gentle breezes blow or flowers dance in the wind, I offer my whispers of gratitude.  When I hear my children or grandchildren's voices, I smile in thanksgiving for the sense of hearing.  With medicine in the cabinet, fresh water in the faucet and food in the frig, I erupt in praise.  And for a comfy bed at nighttime where I can fall back and sleep peacefully, I know where to turn to give thanks!

You provide it all,

Loving God.

You bless

and bless

some more.

Thank you

for all this,

dear Father.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, June 12, 2023

Dear God,

Life lessons come from the strangest places!  It was while assembling Adirondack chairs that once again I heard your voice.

For some reason I have difficulty taking many pieces along with a list of instructions and putting together an item.  The thought is always daunting.  Although I have a master's degree, I still have little faith that I can do it.  Yet, my friend Cindy simply pulls out the instructions and parts and begins the process of assembly.  She is good at it.  She is confident.  I marvel.

Life is so much like that.  Many days we wake up to many pieces.  Sometimes we have instructions and sometimes we don't and we have to figure it out.  We can go it alone and struggle sometimes to the point of tears or anger or we can trust in you to help us find out how to pull it all together.  I have tried both ways.  One works and the other does too but poorly.  However, when I turn to you and trust, there is an added joy in the process.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for life lessons

that come

in unexpected ways.

Thank you

for the chairs

and especially

my friend Cindy

who often

in unknowing ways

teaches me

about you.

Thank you

for your love

that knows 

no bounds.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Dear God,

There is something about riding above the clouds that speaks of being close to the Holy.  No, I do not believe you live just above the clouds; I believe you live above and below the clouds, beside them and all around them.  I believe you are present in all places and times.

But there is something very special about climbing higher into the skies and looking below.  The view from the sky is vastly different than from below and it is a constant reminder that your view is always deeper and wider than our own.  It is a challenge to acknowledge you know more than we do.  It is a call to stretch our minds and trust the God of our faith during troubling times.  While we are mired in our mess, you are way out front whispering to us to step forward in faith to find the answers and way out of our distress.

I probably need to return to the skies more often as a way to grow my faith more!

Holy God,

thank you

for the lessons

I learn

in the air.

Thank you

for your love

that stays connected

to us

at all times

and all places.

For surely

you are God;

there is none

like you.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Dear God,

Your presence is like no other presence in all creation!  We can experience the presence of loved ones, friends and family, but still they do not give or fulfill like the presence of your divine spirit!

A friend or family member cannot set the sun to rise or the moon to follow.  They cannot create the gentle breeze or flowing rivers.  They cannot make the spring to bloom or the winter snow to fall.  They cannot fill the human heart with love in the same way you can.  Your presence is like no other, Almighty Creator and Lover of the Cosmos!

Blessed are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for your

holy presence

and your

gracious love

that is

deep and wide.

Thank you

for feeding us

your spirit.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, June 9, 2023

Dear God,

Your word gives us life.  You invite us to love one another because you know your command to love fills us with life. 

Every day you and I sit together.  You speak and I listen.  Your word, your words enter into my being and bring me to life.  When days are difficult or I feel less loved, your word makes its way into me and it literally stirs me to life, to love and to joy.  But that is your plan and has been from the beginning of time.  You make us.  You put yourself in us.  You give us the capacity to love, to stretch and grow and to come alive.  Today I am especially glad!

Thank you,

Holy Creator,

for your

creative work

in my life.

Thank you

for putting yourself

into me.

Thank you

for your

divine spirit.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, June 8 2023

Dear God,

Nearly sixty years later I had breakfast with one of my best friends when I was in high school.  We remembered, laughed and celebrated even planning an overnight with our other best friend next summer at our 60th reunion.

How does love stay alive for so long, O God?  How can we pick up where we left off as teenagers?  It is your love that remains and sustains us and our relationships.  

Thank you,

Loving God,

for making us

to love.

Thank you

for filling us

with divine love.

For all love

comes from

your kind

of love.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Dear God,

When I read about your light, I am filled with memories of your light shining upon me and those I love.  Because I have known darkness, I know the great value of light and not just any light but your light, Great Light of the World.  Only your light can penetrate deep darkness!

I remember my breast cancer, a grandchild's suicide attempt, a pending divorce, my nephew's murder and my sister's deep despair; all these brought darkness of the deepest kind.  I struggled to find my way through murky waters but in every case, you came as the light breaking down every barrier and obstacle that blinded me.  Not only with me but I have seen what your light has done for others clearing the way for new beginnings and wells of joy.

Perhaps we need the night in order to truly appreciate the day!

Giver of All Good Gifts,

thank you

for the light,

for its power,

its warmth

and its love.

Shine upon us,

O God.

Make your 

light known.

Shine through us,

I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Dear God,

You fill our hearts with love for those who have touched our lives!  Grandchildren are an automatic infilling of love for me.  I see their faces having seen them as newborns through teenage years to college age.  How can love increase so much?

But it does, O God, because you are the creator, the inventor of love.  You show us love and then give us the capacity to be loved and love others.  As we love we fill the world with love around us, a smile here, a gesture there, a gift, an affirmation, an inspiration makes the difference.  But we cannot love fully or be fully loved without acknowledging your love for us!

Thank you,

Loving Father,

for all

your gifts

to us,

the greatest

of love.

Thank you

for allowing

our hearts

to well up

with so 

much love

spilling over.

You are God;

truly, there is

none like you.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, June 5, 2023

Dear God,

As I write the birds are singing outside my study window.  They seem to be inviting all to sing too.  Having just written about a miracle in our family, I find myself joining in.  

"Joyful, joyful,

we adore thee,

God of glory,

Lord of love.

Hearts unfold

like flowr's

before You,

Op'ning to

the sun above.

There is

no joy

like yours,

O God.

No joy

like yours,

Love, Andrea

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Dear God,

We rarely have the opportunity to live inside a miracle.  Yet, it seemed a miracle today at my granddaughter's graduation party.

C is everything a parent would want in a child.  She is exceedingly bright, compassionate, wise beyond her years, discerning, loving and articulate.  Filled with promise she will bring so much to every table.  Still she struggles with deep depression.  She diligently fights it with all she has learned from behavioral, sensory and other therapies.  At times life has been unceasingly difficult.  As loved ones we were not always sure she would rise up and live.  But today we saw evidence of all she has done to celebrate her life achievements.

There are some things that simply cannot be done on our own.  We need help, divine help and you, O God, the God of all Mysteries, have helped this beloved child.  You have shone your light in the dark cracks.  You have spoken words of hope where only despair lived.  You have stayed present when all seemed far away.  Literally you saved C as she worked painstakingly to save herself.  And we who gathered witnessed the great miracle!

Thank you,

Holy God,

for the gift

of C.

Thank you

for her brilliance,

her life

and her love.

Thank you

for your

bright light.

Continue to

save her,

dear Father,

when she

is far away.

Thank you

for the miracle.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Dear God,

I find myself dwelling in the passages of time.  As children and grandchildren grow up and change and I ask myself where the time went, I realize the changes all around me.  One look in the mirror confirms my own change over time.  And I am always left with questions about my own life.  

I have had 76 years to make a better me, a better faith, a better love, a better mercy and a better way.  But have I really?  Has my life really changed anything?  Have I contributed to the betterment of those around me?  Have I touched or inspired others for good?  Have I made any difference anywhere?

O God,

let not

my days pass

without loving someone.

Open my heart

to those

whose lives

are broken

and crushed.

Help me become

more than

I am

for others,

I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, June 2, 2023

Dear God,

There is a sweetness to faith when insights come seemingly out of the blue.  But then we know the "blue" is you.

So often my heart longs to hear your voice, to see your face and to know you better.  When I run out of ideas, lose control in difficult situations or simply forget who I am, I find myself running to you.  Where else can I go in such times?  When I find myself in your presence, I discover not only Father but Wisdom, Comforter, Guide, Teacher and Lover all wrapped into one.

Merciful God,

thank you

for being

easily found.

Thank you

for speaking

in the blue.

Thank you

for the discovery.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Dear God,

I have watched them grow from a baby being born from their mother's womb to graduating from high school.  At times I held them when they were afraid and praised them when they triumphed.  I listened to their teenage woes and their hopes for their future.  My grandchildren, so precious in my heart, have reached a new intersection, making way for college and life as adults in a complicated, chaotic world.

Where did the time go?  I know, of course, a minute at a time.  While I was breathing, they were growing and changing.  While at times very close and others standing back, I prayed and cried for them and their moms and dads.  I wanted all to be well and joyous but life is not always lived that way.  

Whether saying hello or goodbye, I know there is One who has stayed with them every moment, who has seen them through every trial, One whose love has no measure of time or space.  You have given them life, dear Father, and seen them through till this day.  My heart is full of gratitude to you.

Thank you

for your

loving presence

at all times,

Gracious God.

Thank you

for your

gentle attention

especially to

my grandchildren.

Bless them,

O Lord,

I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Dear God,

I heard your gentle invitation and so I slipped from my bed onto my knees.  As I listened to Andrea

Bocelli and Celine Dion sing The Prayer, I wept.  I wept for our world.  I cried for every child and adult on the planet.  My tears gave way to sobs as I reflected upon the deep hurts ever so present around the globe.  Wars, poverty, inequities, injustice and hatred keep people in great pain.  I asked you to let the prayer be for each one.

Thank you

for inviting me

into the

world's pain,

O God.

Thank you

for two voices,

one message

and a prayer.

Bless you, Father.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Dear God,

I gazed outside my airplane window as we flew in the skies toward the Midwest.  A bright, yellow sun, white, fluffy clouds and robin egg blue skies drew my eyes away from my novel.  Although I know you are no closer to humans in the sky than you are on the earth, still my faith is stirred, my imagination piqued and my love is deepened as I travel and look over the cosmos below.

How different the view is from above!  Perspectives change while looking across the wide expanse below.  Even flying in a plane zipping along at hundred of miles per hour is surreal.  Yet, all I can think about in my gazing is your creative and loving hand.  After all, it is all your creative handiwork. Creation is really its best when we can view it through your eyes and express our gratitude.

Holy God,

thank you

for the

exquisite views

from the air.

Thank you

for the

gentle whisperings

in an

airplane cabin.

Thank you

for the

wondrous gifts

of today.

Yours, Andrea