Saturday, July 29, 2023

Dear God,

It's the cracks in our soul that allow love, reason and hope to drain when life is troubling.  When things don't go our way or we are victims of injustice, we can lose the great gifts you provide, O God.  If we are angry and cannot reconcile our pain, we make space for the gifts of faith to ooze out.  When such is the case, healing is hard to come, forgiveness is strained and peace is impossible.

On the other hand, if we crawl into our cracks with you, amazing things can happen.  We can find answers to our dilemma, hope for change and help from deep sources.  You enter our cracks with us, dear God, because you want to heal us, ease our tension and frustration and turn us right side up.  Anything can happen when we trust you.

Teach us

the way

of faith,

Great Healer.

Turn our pain

into peace

through the

power of

your compassionate love.

Then fill us

with gratitude

for your 

living presence

and loving help.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, July 28, 2023

Dear God,

There is so little we can control.  The humid heat and temperatures were extremely oppressive today.  We could hardly breathe outside.

 As I thought about that, I was more convinced that we have very little control in life.  You provide the very air we breathe.  Take it away and we are dead, without life.  Such situations confront us with greater questions about life.  If I have no control over the air I breathe, what else do I not have control over?

Such questions can lead us to you, Creator God.  We did not create ourselves.  Although sperm and egg meet, it is your power and love that merges them together creating life.  If oppressive heat can teach us, what about the rest of what is around us?  What do they have to teach?

Merciful God,

teach us

all the lessons

of life.

Open our minds,

souls and spirit.

Prepare us

to learn 

from you.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Dear God,

Reuniting with loved ones after a time apart rejuvenates the spirit, builds bonds and swells love.  There is nothing like it!

My daughter and son-in-law arrived today.  We gave each other warm hugs.  My heart overflowed with love.  

I realize I can look at this special event at face value or I can explore it from the level of divine spirit.  Love comes from you.  You created love; you are love.  We learn to love from you.  As you love us, so we come to love you and others.  Love is not tangible and basically is invisible.  We only know it from the heart and soul.  We are warmed by love.  We are healed by love.  We are forgiven by love.  We are created from love.  We are blessed by love.  It is the one essential element in human life.  We need air to breathe but we also need love to keep us alive.

Today I felt not only my children's love but also yours, Loving God.

Thank you

for human love

but also

divine love

which helps us

know human love.

Thank you

for your

loving spirit.

Thank you

for love

that wells up

inside us.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Dear God,

When we join with you, truly join you, we live in perpetual light.  Yes, we may have dark days but we know that we know that we know the light still shines.  

I remember flying one day.  On the ground the skies were gray, dark and ominous.  They seemed to threaten storms and severe weather.  I admit it was frightening since flying is not one of my favorite things.  However, when the pilot took us above the clouds, the sun was shining brightly.  The sky was blue and looked as peaceful as peace can look.

I learned a lesson that day.  What we can see at the moment may not be the whole picture.  There is more than meets the eye.  When seen through the eyes of faith, we can see the light even when it is dark.  That light is not just light from the sun, moon or stars but a light that perpetually shines.

Blessed God,

Giver of All Good Gifts,

thank you

for lessons

of faith.

Thank you

for invitations

that draw us close

to you.

Thank you

for reminding us

of the light

that never fades.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Dear God,

Sometimes we have to leave home in order to return home.  When we forget our roots or become bored or lazy or indifferent, we need to walk away, take a few steps on pilgrimage and begin to listen anew.  Your voice can reach us, your love can embrace us and your challenge can open new doors.  As we walk, our perspective can change, our demeanor can be transformed and our lives can take on new meaning and purpose.

There is no place like home but when we lose touch with the depth of home, we can lose touch with what is so important in our lives.  Our need to leave for a while is often a call for change and renewal.  When we can acknowledge your whispers to take a walk, we are ready for all the gifts to be found along the way.

I shall never forget my clergy renewal leave where I did leave home for three-and-a-half months.  During that time I heard your voice like never before.  I felt your presence as close as my breath.  You opened the door to my faith that had filled with cobwebs.  You invited me on a long journey and the lessons I learned and the love I received transformed me.  Although this happened 18 years ago, I remember like yesterday.  I am still filled with much gratitude, hope and joy!!!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the gift

of home.

Thank you

for taking us away

so we

can return afresh.

Thank you

for unexpected gifts

and lovely

turns and twists.

Yours forever, Andrea

Monday, July 24, 2023

Dear God,

Kind and caring people reveal your presence to us.  When we feel that kind of compassionate love, we know there is more than meets the eye.  We drink in and fill our cup to the brim.  Not only are we grateful to generous individuals but also to you.

Although our world is filled with self-serving, uncaring politicians and those who fail to extend a hand or heart to diverse populations, still there are people at the grocery store, in the movie theatre, on the streets, in the airport and at the park who still smile, reach out, say a kind word, offer a loving gesture or encourage us.  How thankful our hearts feel when an unexpected gift comes our way.  They simply bring you to us.

Blessed God,

we are yours.

Your love extends

far and near.

Thank you

for offering yourself

to us

through others.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Dear God,

When we open ourselves to you, you enter not only our mind and soul but also every cell.  Millions of cells welcome you into themselves because you bring belonging, love, hope, beauty and acceptance.  You say, "Good morning, my friend, I created you.  I love you."  Who would not love that kind of welcome?

There, engaged we dwell together.  You speak to us, sometimes a word of challenge, sometimes a word of hope and sometimes a word of conviction but always a word of radical love.  It is not like any old entry, rather it is a sacred encounter.  Such moments reinforce our belief in you and increases our faith.  Not only that, gratitude has a chance to swell, to grow inside us until we are ready to burst on the outside.

Thank you,

Mystical God,

for the gift

of your

living, loving presence.

Thank you

that we

do not

walk alone.

Thank you

for reminding us

of your

gracious, life-giving love.

Yours forever, Andrea

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Dear God,

I sit here writing thinking about you and the gift you are to my life.  I think of faith and the ways it transforms my life.  I think of your living presence, the breath of your spirit and the hope, peace and joy that comes with them.  I think of you unconditional love that never ends and manifests itself every day.

What can I say to all this, Lord?  How can I adequately thank you for your generosity?  I pray I will live my life expressing my gratitude daily.

Teach us

to love you back

for all

you give,

dear God.

Make us

grateful people.

Help us

give to others

as a gift

back to you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 21, 2023

Dear God,

The blueberries are ripening ready for picking.  How exciting harvest is!  Your plan for creation is one of joy, hope and blessing.  I can't wait to drive to the farm and fill my basket.

Seasons come and go, O Lord, and they bring such luscious fruit and vegetables.  In the winter we can only see such goodies in glass jars but now they are fresh on the vine, a gift from your generous hand.  Right now everything is growing, drinking in the rain and the sunshine, both gifts from you.  Within days I will can blueberry jam to give away to family and friends.  While I pick I will pray for those receivers who absolutely love blueberries!

O God,

thank you

for your

divine power

that makes

all things grow.

Thank you

for the blue

in blueberries, 

the black

in raspberries

and the red

of strawberries.

Thank you

for the

flavorful juice

of each berry.

Thank you

for the opportunity

to home can

and enjoy

in the wintertime!

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Dear God,

Summer is flying back so quickly.  Before we know it Autumn will be upon us.  Cooler weather, falling leaves and earlier night falls.  But even saying this, I hear your voice.  We do not live for tomorrow but for today.  If we are pondering weeks from now, we will miss the beauty and presence of today.

And so I look out the window at our summer flowers, purple and pink, yellow and white, mauve and peach, all so beautiful and radiant for today and I am thankful!

Thank you

for calling us home,

to this

present moment.

Remind us

to live

and appreciate today

and all

it has

to offer.

Forgive my

fleeting thoughts,

return me

to today.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Dear God,

Every inspiration comes from your amazing hand.  We may be taking a casual walk when we breathe in the scent of all that gives life.  We may suddenly feel more alive and grateful.  We may be inspired to walk a little quicker, pray a little longer or smile at a disgruntled soul at the grocery store.  We may feel faith increasing in our weary souls.

Inspiration comes because you know as humans we are not always capable of bringing wisdom to our own lives.  You know we can feel down or blue and not know how to step up but you do.  Your inspiring ways can help us not only take one step but two or three or four.  We are sometimes even able to welcome joy that puts a spring to our step and a smile on our face.  

Every day you give opportunities to be inspired.  It can be an hour from now or when we rise in the morning or even now, right now.

Holy are you,

Blessed God.

We give praise

to you

for the gift

of inspiration.

Thank you

for unexpected,

sweet surprises.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Dear God, 

You enter into our lives through any crack, moments of doubt, confusion, anxiety, fear and despair.  Quietly and gently, you whisper your love to us.  "You are mine.  I am with you always.  Draw near.  Drink from my well.  Eat from my hand.  Breathe my peace."   Such moments are not despairing but hopeful and full of mercy.  Our only need is to say yes.

We are foolish to think we are alone.  Although your presence is not always readily discerned, you are with us.  When we look at the white, sparkling stars of night, we realize darkness does not have the last word.  Your light is shining, radiating life, joy and peace.  We can enter into that light and become light ourselves.  We can open every pore of our being for the light to enter and remain.  Not only that while we are caring for ourselves, we can be caring for others when our light glows to others.

When we pause to ponder faith, we can come to the realization that faith makes all things possible.  Where darkness seemed so dark, faith opens the door to the light.  Where despair seems to rob us of all that is good, faith opens the door to hope.  Where chaos seems to suck up all that is helpful, faith opens the door to peace.  Simply spoken, faith opens the door to life.

Holy God,

Giver of all good gifts,

we pause

to give you

our thanks.

We thank you

for faith

and all

that comes

with it.

We thank you

for eternal power

that comes straight

from your hand.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 17, 2023

Dear God,

You remind us to remember...people, places and things.  In light of faith, you invite us to recall those people whose lives intersected with ours, people of faith and love and compassion who touched, inspired and challenged us, people we shall always remember.

Today while on retreat, together we made a yarn web and then began weaving those special people into our covenant group faith web.  We remembered the Carmelite sisters who for 18 years allowed us to join them every Wednesday for prayer and worship.  Their faith and witness changed us, deepening our love for you and challenging us to make changes allowing for transformation.  We wove in Nancy whose idea it was to form a covenant group.  Today we remembered, wove and gave thanks.

Thank you

for all those

who drew us

into their faith

and life.

Thank you

for the Carmelites

and for Nancy.

Thank you

for all

who bless us,

inspire and 

love us.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Dear God,

We held hands around the table.  Our covenant group with two spouses thanked you for your living presence and our opportunity to spend together in retreat.  We prayed, laughed, teased, told stories and planned our few days together.  We hugged one another as each moved to their separate space.

As I looked around the room, I remember one of my first conversations in our group thirty-plus years.  One member said, "It will be wonderful to have friends for fifty years."  I could not believe anyone would want to be my friend that long.  Yet, we have made it thus far thirty-four years.  

What a blessing love makes!  When it is agape love, it is even greater!  When we held hands in prayer before our meal, we were really holding hands with you, our Father.

Thank you

for loving us

so much,

dear God.

Thank you

for love greater

than our own.

Thank you

for touching,

loving and

inspiring us!

To you

all glory

is given!

Love, Andrea

    

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Dear God,

My, oh my, what you do to create family for us.  Strangers can become friends but they can also become family.  Susan, Bill and Jan became family a long time ago.  This group of three drew me in; really, we each drew all the others in and we emerged as family.  But really it is a group of five.  You drew us in and remained with us!

Throughout our thirty-some-odd years together we have built faith, trust and hope.  With your help we have helped heal and guide one another.   We have stretched and challenged one another.  We exist to tell the tales of faith and how you are at work in the world and in our lives.   We have journeyed through loss, sorrow, bitterness, chaos and pain.  You have lifted us up, convicted us, invited us toward deep waters, cajoled us into new and better levels of understanding and whispered new truths to us.  Always we knew it was your spirit within us!

Today we gathered for several days of retreat.  Who knows what you will do next?

Thank you,

Holy God,

for the gift

of your spirit

and the presence

of one another

in holy space.

Thank you

for calling each

of us

into your 

loving presence.

Open us

to your movement,

we pray.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, July 14, 2023

Dear God,

What a beautiful surprise it is to step into unexpected joy!  Whether in despair, doubt, fear, hopelessness or even contentment, there are those moments when we step into amazing joy.  It is like it has been waiting for us for a long time and we know that we know that we know it is your joy, the deepest kind!

You have offered me these precious times when I actually came out laughing.  I may have been in a dark place and found myself suddenly in the light.  When I come to the realization that it is your work, your help or your love's  mercy, warmth fills my soul.  I feel more loved than the world can possibly offer.  All I want to do is sing your praises and so I do.

Holy God,

author of all

good gifts,

thank you

for wells

of living joy.

Thank you

for all

my portions.

Thank you 

especially when

you surprise mef

along the way.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Dear God,

What greater gift is there than special time spent with you?  Whose presence is sweeter, more full of grace and can provide more joy, peace and hope than any other?  

When I pause to consider your presence in the world, I see nature, I wander into life-giving memories and I feed on spiritual food and drink.  I dwell timeless in a world where peace is always possible, where the breath of your spirit warms, nourishes and blesses.  I realize more fully how life can never be full without you.

Thank you

for realizations

that heal,

guide and bless.

Thank you

for touching 

our lives.

Thank you

for every gift

especially your

wondrous presence.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Dear God,

Harold and I sat in the hermitage for two or three hours pondering, praising and acknowledging the work of your hands.  This is not something we typically do but today was different.  It was the first time he had seen it since I finished the inside work.  He called it remarkable.  Later we both spoke of how nice the afternoon was as we shared together.

When people come together with you, it is always a good thing.  It always brings joy.  Even if there are hard things to discuss, good comes from it as two, three or more share burdens and prayers.  But when we share praise and thanksgiving, joy overflows.  Today was just one of those blessed days!

Holy, holy holy

are you,

God Almighty.

The work

of your hands

is always worthy

of praise.

We thank you

for holy moments

and holy conversations!

Blessed are you!

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Dear God,

Today I put the last thing into place in the spiritual hermitage built three years ago.  Now everything is set ready to be used for your glory, Lord.

As I looked all around the space, I acknowledged how you had led me to every item in it...the fabric for the quilt, the dishes, the antique cabinet pulls, the rocker, the mirror, the chairs...everything.  I sat and contemplated your goodness, all you had done, all you had given and the countless times you guided every decision about every part of the spiritual path.  Tears welled in my eyes as I remembered 15 years working on the spiritual path that was your idea from the beginning.  Full of joy and gratitude I stood and sang, "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father.  There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.  As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.  Great is thy faithfulness!  Great is thy faithfulness!  Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided--Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

What else could I do as I overflowed with love for you!

Thank you,

holy God,

for every gift.

Thank you

for your

holy leading.

Thank you

for allowing me

to work

with you

for your glory!

Yours, Andrea

Monday, July 10, 2023

Dear God,

It rained all day today, all day.  I couldn't get outside to weed, rake and clean up.  I thought of all those things I couldn't get to because of the weather.  Tomorrow is supposed to be very hot and I think of what I won't be able to do then either.

What persuades us to be so demanding, so disappointed when things don't go our way?  What causes us to wish for something different?  Why can't we simply live in the present moment and think of what we do have in the midst of what we don't?

Teach us

your way,

O God.

Help us

be content

while waiting

for our lives

to change

and grow.

Be our guide,

Holy One.

Who knows better

what we need?

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Dear God,

When we intentionally, honestly and wholeheartedly open ourselves to your holy presence, we feel no need to hang on to all our worries, fears, angers, prejudices and resentments.  In those moments there is a purity of heart, a loving longing to be with you and a desire to be fully present.  What can come of such a time is peace, reconciliation and discernment.  If lost, we can find our way.  If hungry, we can find food.  If broken, we can find wholeness.

Yet, we find ways to avoid quiet, solitude and peace.  We distract ourselves with everything else.  We busy ourselves with work, thoughts and nonsense.  We quarrel with our family, neighbors, political opponents, co-workers and anyone else who think and act differently than us.  We cannot find calm in the midst of all this.  So why do we do it?

Holy God,

draw us in,

hold us close,

whisper your love

to us.

Remind us

whose we are

and what

we have

in you.

Teach us

to walk

toward hope,

love, faith,

wisdom and peace.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Dear God,

It looked and felt impossible!  I had no one else to turn to.  If I wanted the job done, I had to figure out a way.  I did other jobs first and finally they were the only two jobs left.  I woke up a few nights and I thought about them.  I simply prayed and fell back to sleep.  Today I began with the drawer.  Within minutes I figured out a way to fix it.  It took about ten minutes.  One job down!

Later I drove down to the lumber yard and asked for help.  One guy said I would need to drill new holes in the antique chairs and get different screws.  I bought the screws and came back home.  I prayed again.  Then I thought about it.  I decided to try to do it without drilling using the old holes.  Again, within minutes the job was done.

Why did I think the jobs were impossible?  Why did I fret?  When I decided to pray, the jobs didn't seem as difficult and they weren't.  Leaning on you, praying and trusting gave me the courage to do the tasks and it worked!

Thank you

for making

the impossible possible,

dear God.

Thank you

for your help.

Thank you

for the

life lesson.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, July 7, 2023

Dear God,

We resist change!  We like things the way they are.  We push back when the idea of change is recommended.  We can even grow angry, stubborn and belligerent.

However, when life is despairing, don't we want change to come, ridding us of dark thoughts?  Don't we want spring to come following a particularly dreary winter?  Don't we want healing when we are sick of body, mind or spirit?  Only change can bring holy transformation.  

Life is all about change but we like it on our own terms; however, there is One who knows the best way for change to bring resolution to our troubles.  When we relent, let go and open ourselves, change can make significant difference in our lives.  When we seek you, we will find you waiting to help us, to change us freeing us up for our future.

Great Change-Maker God,

thank you

for reminding us

to count

on you.

Help us

to turn

to you

in every situation.

Change us,

remold us,

remake us,

we pray.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Dear God,

Inspiration can come at any time, any place and through anything.  A rainbow following a thunderstorm can bring a word of joy.  Light following a time of deep darkness can change perspective.  A song, a smile or an unexpected gesture can lift the heart and mind.  In so many ways inspiration can creep into our existence that can give gifts beyond measure.

Even now beneath my kitchen window a female cardinal is hopping along the grass in search of food for her young.  How does she know to do that?  How does she know where to find food?  Why does she feel responsible to provide for her babies?  And if she can know where to go to care for tiny birds, then we can be inspired to know you will reach out to us with genuine love and compassion.

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for inspiration

that can

build up,

stretch out,

provide for,

touch hearts

and give hope.

Thank you

for Mother Bird

this morning.

Thank you

for inspiring us

by your spirit.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Dear God,

For several days I let my devotions, writing and prayers slide.  I became spiritual lazy.  I gave priority to my work projects.  I realize that while I worked and failed to remain close, you stayed close to me.  Funny how that works.  I cannot escape you.  Why would I want to?

Today as I walked and prayed, read my devotional materials and sat with my circle of sacred friends, I felt the amazing beauty of what it means to have you by my side 24/7.  What a gift and blessing.  What a miracle!

Thank you,

Holy God,

for love

and presence

that never ends.

Thank you

for drawing me 

close today.

Please forgive

my tardiness.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Dear God,

We have great responsibility when we take seriously the reality that we are a citizen of the world, not just of our neighborhood, state or nation.  We are global citizens.  On a personal level that means I am not better than anyone else because I am an American.  My citizenship in the United States means I need to be an example of what it means to be a sister to all the people of the world.  I need to act responsibly, compassionately and humbly.  I need to lift up not tear down.  I need to treat all people the same, not better nor worse.  I am to love all, those far and near, those with different cultures, languages and ways of being.  

We often forget we are part of a bigger family.  We forget we were all created by the same God.  We forget we are neighbors to all.  We need to hold ourselves to a high standard.

Thank you

for my sisters

and brothers

around the world.

Thank you

for holding me accountable

for my practices

and behaviors.

Hold my feet

to sacred ground.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 3, 2023

Dear God,

On occasion fears and anxieties will plague me during the night.  My mind gets stirred up and I can't sleep.  Especially if alone, I imagine crazy scenarios of my not being safe.  Finally, I rise from my bed and go on about my day.

It is when dawn comes that I see my fear in the light of day for what they are, absurdities when I trust in you.  I realize then that the light is my strength and hope.  My fears fade in the light because I remember you are the Light of the World.  When anything is seen in your light, we see there is nothing that cannot be overcome with your power.  Fear fizzles when light comes.  

Thank you

for the blessing

of light,

for its warmth,

its truth

and its beauty.

Thank you

for gentle reminders

that you whisper

during the

dark night.

Remind us always

to remain close

to you.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Dear God,

Waiting seems so long, tedious and ineffective; yet, waiting gives us opportunity to pause, to reflect upon what we do know and to take your hand while we journey together waiting.  Out of all the spiritual practices, it may be the most important exercise of our life.  

Waiting is an active exercise.  During our waiting time, we can breathe in the air of your love.  We can practice trusting you more.  We can count our blessings.  We can do an inventory of our faith and how we want it to increase and grow.  We can take walks, gaze upon creation, smile at strangers, give our best to someone else and live in hope that is ever present.  Waiting is not lost time but rather a beautiful time with our creator.

Teach us

the value

of waiting,

O God.

Like Mary,

your mother

who waited

for your birth.

Like Peter

who waited

for your

Holy Spirit.

Like Paul

who waited

while in prison,

during shipwrecks 

and dire situations.

Like Job

who waited

during great loss.

Teach us

the value

of waiting,

O God.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Dear God,

What do we do when we don't know what to do?  When we are paralyzed by fear and anxiety?  When we are backed into a corner?  We do the only thing we can do; we fall backward into your waiting arms.

When I had breast cancer and was told I would die without surgery, I was filled with fear.  I could hardly breathe.  I had no control over anything.  I felt stuck in the middle of death.  Because I was so caught up in despair, I felt your presence calling me to let go, surrender with all of me into your loving arms.  And so I did.

Oftentimes there is no one to help us.  We do not know where to turn.  But if we pause for even a moment we will remember your countless promises to be with us, to help and guide us, to love us no matter our situation, guilt or troubles.  Your love and tender care are present with us for all time.  At that moment there is no greater promise of hope and help.  We can and must turn to you, not for ultimate answers as much as loving compassion.  Trusting in your love will bring comfort, a modicum of peace and the breath of your spirit to sustain us.

Thank you

for your

holy presence,

Merciful God.

We need you.

May we

surrender ourselves

into your hands.

Love, Andrea

Friday, June 30, 2023

Dear God,

Some days are simply miraculous days!  Today was one of those.  From the moment I awakened with the sun until the sun set and the moon began its journey across the sky inspiration came from many directions.  It was my devotional readings, the bird songs, Facebook entries, silence and the gentle breeze.  Seemingly out of nowhere came gift after gift.

At times I teared up realizing how life is such a gift.  I whispered my prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude welled up in my heart, mind and soul.  I wondered why so many blessings came to me.  I finally realized there is nothing I can do to warrant such generosity.  Yes, I can be a good person.  I can be a good citizen.  I can share and pray and help.  But still I am not capable of generating gifts or miracles.  They simply come as sweet gifts of grace.

Holy One,

thank you

for the loveliness

of your grace.

Thank you

for unexpected

and undeserved gifts.

Thank you

for your blessings.

Forever yours, Andrea

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Dear God,

For years there was no food here on Pleasant Street for the Monarch butterfly.  I wished for it, even prayed for it but to no avail.  But right now years later there are milkweed plants in the yard, flower gardens and vegetable garden on my own property plus other homes on our short street.  With so much food we are waiting for the butterflies to swoop in and feed.

How is it possible that where there was no food, now there is?  We didn't plant them.  They simply arrived right on time.  My prayer is that many of those amazing butterflies will come, feed and dance on the breeze.

The same thing is true for humans.  Where seemingly there is nothing, something comes.  It nourishes us, giving us courage and strength to dance with the wind as well.  The breeze and wind both come and are your spirit at work.

Thank you

for daily surprises.

Thank you

for your spirit

that blesses us

again and again.

Thank you

for reminding us

how nothing

can be changed

to something

right before

our eyes.

Love, Andrea