Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Dear God,

Seventy-seven years ago today, you gave me birth.  You brought me into the world through my father and mother's love.  When I was young, I could never have imagined living this long.  As I awakened this morning remembering my birthday, I whispered my prayers of thanksgiving.

One of the amazing gifts of aging is that we are enabled to see life's blessings, call them what they are and express our gratitude.  We are blessed to live daily with gratitude on our lips and in our hearts.  We are able to say thank you and really believe and mean it.  We realize we could never manufacture all life's gifts and so it is easy to see your handprint on everything.  We want to express our gratitude, we want to say thank you, we want to pray our thanks and give praise.

Loving God,

thank you

for every day

you have 

given me life.

Thank you

for teaching me

to give thanks.

Thank you

for showing me

how to express

my gratitude.

All my love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Dear God,

When we look all around us, all we can see are blessings.  The morning breeze, children playing, the birdsong, the sunset and love being expressed through phone calls, texts and hugs.  All these are gifts from you, Eternal God.

When we take credit for every-day happenings, we forget the air we breathe comes from your hands.  We forget love was first created by you.  We forget our abilities through the human senses are amazing gifts provided by you.  Our skills and talents, our ability to think and create was your idea.  When we live our lives without gratitude to you, we are only seeing a miniscule of life's possibilities.

Thank you

for all

life's blessings,

O God.

Thank you

for reminding us

you were first

and you 

created gifts

even before

we were

thought of.

Thank you

for today's reminder.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 25, 2023

Dear God,

Autumn leaves are falling outside our study window.  I watch as a single leaf rides the breeze downward.  I can't help but be inspired by that which is doing the Father's will.  All winter they are hidden in the creative imagination of the tree.  Then suddenly in springtime they appear and before long unfurl themselves for the summer.  But in the fall, they change color and begin to wither and fall.  The sacred rhythm of the tree is fulfilled by your design.

Oh, to be like the tree, to be obedient to your will!  Even to follow the sacred rhythm of your call to humanity! When we awaken and listen, we too will hear the call.  The question is whether we will answer the call and do your will.

Holy Father,

open our ears

so we

can hear

your call.

Teach us

to listen

and follow 

your will.

Thank you today

for the message

of the trees.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Dear God,

Chaos and conflict do not have to be constant and forever.  They can open new doors to conflict resolution, imaginative cooperation and creative transformation.  When trusting in God to lead us, we can grow, heal and hope again.

Sometimes we get fed up with continuing troubles.  We grow weary, angry and despairing.  We try the same old ways of fixing things and get nowhere so we stay stuck.  

However, when we lean into you and trust you to lead us, we move to the outer edges of what troubles we face.  We are enabled to see from a different perspective.  We are empowered to work with you to use new ideas.  We are strengthened to step forward and change things.  Suddenly, with you are emboldened to say, "With God all things are possible!"

Loving God,

thank you

for moving us

to the edge

of our woes.

Thank you

for new eyes

to see.

Thank you

for courage,

guidance and help

to do

the impossible.

Love, Andrea 

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Dear God,

This morning I was taken by the words of the psalmist, "O God you are my joy and my delight."  I repeated them over again.  My heart was warmed and my soul felt blessed.  I too whispered the words of my own delight in you, my Savior and Lord.

Only one who has felt your awesome grace, your healing power or your gentle kindness can utter these words with confidence.  Not, of course, because we are special or have done anything good to be so blessed but just because you bless us daily.  As we recognize these generous acts, we can acknowledge you as the giver of the gifts.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for every gift

of life.

Thank you

for the psalmist,

the teacher.

Thank you

for his witness

this morning.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 22, 2023

Dear God,

When I awakened early this morning, I rose from my bed and looked out into the night skies.  One tiny star shone bright.  On one hand it looked like a very special star, like the star of Bethlehem.  On the other hand it looked like a radiant white cross.  Perhaps it was both.

I stayed at the window with my nose pressed against the glass.  I breathed my prayer of thanksgiving to you for reminding me how much your light means in the darkness of night and of life.

Holy God,

thank you

for appearing 

to us

at unexpected times.

Thank you

for your surprises.

Bless you,

dearest God,

for blessing us.

Yours, Andrea  

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Dear God,

It is hard to confess our shortcomings, sins and flaws; yet, how will we ever rise to greater faith, trust and courage if we do not face them?  A few nights ago I revisited an old wound, not yet reconciled or healed.  Negative thoughts took over my mind and I could not sleep but then these words came out of my mind in the wee hours of the morning:  "Lord, I love you more than I enjoy revisiting my bitterness and I want your will for my life."  On the surface it appears that these were my words but the opposite is true.  They were your words that came from my mouth.  As soon as I uttered them, they indeed became my own.  Within a couple of minutes I fell asleep.

I am always astounded by your compassion and love for your children.  I know it to be true but it always amazes me how you reveal your love for us when we are least worthy.  I felt your sweet presence as your words remained in my heart and mind.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

Thank you

for your

generous love,

O God,

even for me.

I love you

right back.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Dear God,

This morning as I listened to St. Teresa of Avila, St. Charles de Foucauld and St. Bernadette of Lourdes, I realized you call us to yet greater heights and deeper depths of faith.  What resides in us now is but a tiny seed but with spiritual water and food, that seed can become a great oak within us.  Why would we settle for a seed when we can become a tree and treasure of faith?

Every time I hear the saints as they speak during my devotional time, I learn so much.  I realize how small I am and in need of humility and faith.  I recognize their sacrifice and longing and I look inside myself and know that I want more of you.  Not because I want to hoard the gifts of faith but because I can be strengthened from the inside out to become more for others, strangers, neighbors, friends, family, all who need more too.

As I lean in to those whose prayers live on and on, I know you are more and more and so I pray and lean forward that I may reach those places just beyond where I am now.

Thank you,

dear God,

for your

amazing grace

and gracious love.

Thank you

for my

spiritual friends

who you

have brought

into my life.

Teach me

their ways

and yours,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Dear God,

When we gather for worship, we sense your holy presence.  Our prayers and singing combine to offer up praise, petition and prayer.  All during worship we know that you are present.  We not only feel it; we know it deep down inside us.  At the last Amen we rise to depart headed for home but we do not leave worship behind.  We do not leave you at church.  We carry you with us because you carry us with you.

What wondrous things we experience as we come together at church.  Although we may be strangers to one another, we are really brother and sister.  We are friend and neighbor because we seek the same One.  In finding you we find ourselves and one another.  In worship we become one, one with you and one with each other.  Such is the extraordinary gift of faith!

Holy are you, 

God Most High,

thank you

for every gift

of worship.

Thank you

for high,

holy moments.

Thank you

for blessing us

with your presence

not only

for worship

but also

for the

ride home

and daily life.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, September 18, 2023

Dear God,

New trees and bushes have been planted in my contemplative garden.  Now it is my responsibility to cultivate and care for the new plantings.  I need to water, weed and watch.  The new plants remind me that when you plant a new seed within us, we have work to do to care for our soul.

You know what we need when we need it.  You sow seeds in us all the time.  Sometimes we take notice and begin care right away.  Other times we are sloppy and haphazard.  There are times we completely ignore them and let them die.  But there are other moments when we gladly receive them and take excellent care of your divine work within us.

Lord, sow 

your seeds

in us.

Make us

fertile soil.

Help us tend

the garden

of our soul.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Dear God,

Today the preacher talked about the potter and the clay.  I breathed in his message of clay that is malleable, ready to be formed and reformed in the potter's hands.  Why would we want to be fired to remain the same forever?

There is something so hopeful to reflect upon the privilege of being in your hands, the intimacy, the love.  Why would we not want to be there?  We all need changing, maybe not today but surely tomorrow or the day after that.  Our hearts, minds and spirits need reworking.  Our thoughts, practices and beliefs often need reshaping and we know we are simply not capable on our own of changing ourselves.  But in your hands, anything and everything is possible.

Transform us,

O God,

transform our world.

We all

need change.

Not only ourselves

but our leaders,

our nations

and our world.

Please, Lord,

remake us.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Dear God,

When we are broken, only your compassionate mercy will heal us.  We may try all the world has to offer to cure us but we will remain in pieces.  It is your love that heals us.  It warms us opening us to all you have to offer.  When we are healed by you, no other surface healing will do.

My own heart has been broken many times.  Try as I may, I could not find the deep healing I longed for until I turned to you.  When I revealed my hurts and broken pieces, you scooped them up in your loving hands and you put me back together again.  Who else could possibly do it?

Praise to you,

Lord God Who Cares,

thank you.

Bless you

for bringing

all our pieces

back together again.

Thank you

for love

that offers

this miracle work.

Yours forever, Andrea

Friday, September 15, 2023

Dear God,

How do we clean up the world?  How do we eradicate lies, manipulation, greed, desire for power and corruption?  I know it begins with one, myself.  That I know for sure.  How can I ever expect the world to change if I do not change myself?

O God,

you are

the only power

that can change

the world

and me.

Remold and

reshape us,

O God,

beginning with me.

Make us malleable

in your hands,

I pray.

Love, Andrea 

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Dear God,

Early every morning I sit with the saints.  Teresa of Avila, Bernadette of Lourdes and Charles de Foucald speak of fears, anxieties, doubts, desires and faith.  Sharing their struggles, I listen, really listen.  I want to know the deeper way to faith, ways to truly surrender every little thing and ways to be a living witness to a world gone crazy.

At the same time I will never be like them.  I am not full of courage like them but I want to be.  I am not full of trust like they but I want to be.  I am not full of faith but I want to be.  Simply being surrounded by them, included in the conversation and walking the journey with them inspires me so much.  I know the only way to truly know them and you is to be broken down into little pieces that can be put back together by you.

I am not

a saint

but I am

a sinner.

How do

I climb

their mountain

of faith?

Show me

the way, 

O Lord,

show me

the way,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Dear God,

Joy is not happiness; it is so much more!  When we say we want our children to be happy, we are hoping for something much too small.  Joy is what we should want because joy comes from down deep where faith resides.  Joy is all-encompassing.  

For maybe the first time ever, we are seeing joy on the face of our granddaughter.  Plagued by deep, black darkness, we could only imagine and pray for joy for her.  She walked a very lonely road even though we all loved her so much.  But now in a brand-new life away from a restrictive, non-accepting state, she has found her way to joy.

Today we saw a picture of her at a sunflower festival.  Surrounded by new-found friends, she is smiling the kind of smile that stems from eternity's kind of joy.  Praise be to you, God of Great Love!

Thank you,

dear Father,

for giving

our dear granddaughter

a giant dose

of your

amazing love.

Thank you

for erupting joy

in Charlie!

Thank you

for gifts

that are

never-ending.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Dear God,

The tips of the leaves are turning color.  In a few weeks fall colors will spread across the countryside.  Autumn trees set against a blue sky remind us of your amazing artistry!

Those tiny tips are nature's reminder to us that it is time to reflect upon our own lives and our need for transformation.  You call us to remember stagnancy brings decay and death.  Spiritual, emotional and psychological stagnancy can take a tremendous toil on us.  

As in all of life, when we watch for signs, we are enabled to consider where we are in our own life's journey.  We can discover ways to change and make a better life equipped with your loving support and grace.

We give you thanks,

O God,

for the gifts

you give us daily.

We are blessed

beyond measure.

Remind us

to pause,

look and listen.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 11, 2023

Dear God,

A miracle has taken place!  Hope has replaced despair!  Peace has eradicated fear.  Love has usurped hatred!  Life has dismembered death!  

Our granddaughter celebrated her 19th birthday today!  Nineteen years, so wonderful!  A few years ago, even a few months ago, she sought death.  Her depression was deep, her anxiety full and her hopelessness complete.  Her black world could see no future.

But all that changed!  As she left a state where people are marginalized by color, belief and gender status, she was welcomed into a college of students from around the world.  She is living again, no, she is thriving, thrilled to find friends, acceptance and joy, the deep-down kind!  Yes indeed, a miracle has taken place!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for your

loving, tender care.

Thank you

for your hope

for us.

Thank you

for not

only saving

our granddaughter

but remaking her.

Blessed are you,

Loving God,

for the

glorious gift

of life!

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Dear God,

Whether we feel empty or full, you still make space for your presence to abide in us for we are never free of you.  You always fill us with yourself because we are made from your substance, your love and your life.  We are because you were first.

What a magnificent thought in which to ponder.  We are made of you.  We are not separate from you although sometimes we feel you are absent from us.  However, we cannot escape you.  

Whether we are celebrating a high moment or low, you are with us.  When we desire to rejoice, our praise can reach the heavens but even if we are in the bowels of despair, we can reach higher and higher because you are with us.  This knowledge alone gives peace and hope.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

When we place

our trust

in you,

our perspective changes.

We are changed.

Thanks be

to you,

Eternal God!

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Dear God,

Hours ago I wrote about the jungle garden in our backyard, our contemplative garden that was let go for a whole summer.  I am still thinking about it.  As we wait for the landscaping company to give us a bid to clean up, I look out and see St. Francis still standing tall.  For a while he was lost among the tall weeds.  After we cut some back, we found him right where he has always been.  

Such gentle reminders steer us back on course.  They remind us of your living presence sometimes hidden from view.  They call to us like the psalmist to pause and give thanks.  "The Lord is my shepherd..." we cry out.  Indeed, you are our shepherd.  We need reminding.  We need to feel the pull back into the fold.  We need to reorient.  We need to return.

Thank you

for St. Francis

who never

left us.

Thank you

for his

loving reminder.

Thank you

for blessings

that are found

among the weeds.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 8, 2023

Dear God,

When we returned home after a long summer away, we were astounded to find tall weeds, mostly 6 and 8 foot high.  The view outside our study window is like a jungle.  But what could we expect?  We couldn't find anyone to care for the landscaping and the worst happened.  Now, we have to hire a company to come, dig up, clean and carry away, redraw edging and replant.  What a nightmare!

However, the grounds brought a powerful message!  Any garden left unattended will give away to unwanted weeds and debris.  The garden of the soul is no different!  If we do not tend to caring for our soul through silence, surrender, listening, prayer and contemplation, we will run into the same problems.  

We will run amuck and face even more serious issues.  We too will have to reach out for help!

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for the message

of the weeds!

Thank you

for calling us

to attention.

Help us reevaluate

our priorities.

Lead our way.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Dear God,

Any day and every day is a good day to assess your rich blessings!  Today was just such a day!

As I look at my desk, I am surrounded by family pictures, children, grandchildren, a cousin and an aunt.  As I look into the eyes of each one, I see blessing.  I reflect upon their gift of love, uniqueness and inspiration.  I wonder how I became such a recipient of such gifts!  

But then my mind turns to you.  Your gifts are so many!  Your love is amazing, plentiful and unconditional.  Your guidance brings wisdom and help.  Your support offers an embrace like no other.  Yes, today was a good day to count my blessings!

Thank you,

Gracious and Loving God,

for every gift

of life.

How blessed

we are.

Remind us

to be grateful!

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Dear God,

How beautiful was our trip home from Maine.  The countryside, the meadows and mountains all called out your name.   How could I not want to praise you, give thanks and express my heartfelt feelings of appreciation?

When I drive the thousand miles home, it seems everything around me points me to you.  The trees high atop the mountains seem so close to heaven and yet the river streams flowing along the riverbanks seem to know where they are going too.  Do they both hear your voice?  Do they listen and follow your word?  All I know is both call to me to pray and give thanks.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for the gift

of your

living presence.

Thank you

for every reminder.

I desire

to be

one more thing

that people see

and feel pointed

to you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Dear God,

How can I forget you?  How can I forget to pray or to listen?  How can I forget to sit, wait, pray, listen and follow you?

Sometimes my mind is scattered thinking of things that need doing.  I get busy and the day swiftly passes.  By nightfall I realize I forgot you during the day although everything I enjoyed was from your hand.  Because I am drowsy and tired, I slip into sleep hardly before I even said thank you.

Forgive me,

Good Lord,

forgive my

inerrant ways.

I long

for you

and you only.

Help me,

guide me,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Monday, September 4, 2023

Dear God,

As we drove through the Pocono Mountains on our way back home, I could only think of you.  Who paints the morning?  Who makes the forests reach for heaven?  Who creates the mountains, lakes and rivers?  No one provides awe-inspiring scenes like you, Great Artist of the Cosmos!

Although I was driving, when I saw something beautiful, I thought of you.  When I saw the mountains, I thought of you.  When I viewed placid lakes, I thought of you.  When I gazed upon colorful trees, flowers and bushes, I thought of you.  No matter where we turn, O God, you are there.

Thank you,

Eternal God,

for the gift

of your

living presence.

Thank you

for revealing yourself

through nature.

Thank you

for being

as close

as our breath.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Dear God,

Some trees are beginning to turn color.  It is early but with climate change, what can we expect?

As the weather wreaks havoc with storms, wildfires and floods, it is a call to draw near to you.  It is a challenge to listen for that call and come running to you, to leave everything behind and look straight ahead.  Sometimes it is terrifying.  We can hardly breathe but there is no one who can help us more than you.

The call for change is here right now.  We can no longer go on the way we always have.  We have to be ready to change, to be transformed, to leave behind yesterday's way for a new beginning.  However, this is where the rub comes in.  We want to cling to yesterday.  We don't want to grab for tomorrow.  Yet, this is exactly what you are whispering to us.  Surrender, you say, let go, trust me.

Teach us

your ways,

O Lord.

There is

no better way

to go.

Thank you

for always

meeting us

where we are

and taking us

where we need

to go.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Dear God,

It is raining again.  Maine has been deluged with moisture all spring and summer.  But even as the rain starts to fall, the birds are seeking shelter in the bushes and trees.  They are our teachers this morning.

When difficulties come, we too have a shelter where we can find refuge.  If we go there first, we have opportunity to find safety.  The psalmist reminds us you are our rock and our refuge, a present help in trouble.  When we check in with you first, no trouble is too big for us.  We can rely on your tender care and loving support.

Compassionate God,

you are always

what we need.

You await

our arrival.

Your call

to us

is generous

and helpful.

Your love

welcomes and 

surrounds us.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, September 1, 2023

Dear God,

This morning the temperature dropped down into the 40's.  I felt the cool breeze brush against my shoulders through the window beside my bed.  I smiled as I awakened.  I thought how beautiful it is to love you when it is hot and when it turns cold.

Every day is different.  It begins and ends differently.  The days are full of activities, prayer, silence, acts of mercy and well, everything else.  Each moment calls me to prayer, to faith, to love, to service and to gratitude.  Each call is a divine touch.

Thank you,

dear Lord,

for each day.

Thank you

for special invitations

from you.

How blessed

I am

to be part

of your life.

Thank you

for including me!

I love you.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Dear God,

Prayer is all about loving.  The more we pray for people, family, friends, neighbors and even strangers, the more we grow to love them.  We can't help but care.

Numerous times you have asked me to pray for those I do not like, do not respect and do not want part of my life.  Perhaps that is why you invited me to pray.  As the days, weeks, months and years go by, my prayers have grown more compassionate.  My compassion has increased as I prayed.  Although my prayers are for others, they have a boomerang effect because they circle back to me making me softener, more understanding and more kind.  As I pray for others my prayers end up blessing me too.  Funny how that works!

Holy God,

let my prayers

bless you.

Let my 

growing love

for others

become an

increasing love

for you.

Let me

always say yes

to your invitations.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Dear God,

Fall is in the air.  Soon Autumn leaves, red, gold, yellow, orange and brown will appear showing us the magnificence of your amazing artistry.  Angels and saints will rejoice as we move again into a new season of hope, joy and peace.  

In the change of seasons, you invite us into a new season of being.  You invite us to change like the leaves, to surrender what was into what can be.  You want to renew us, giving us new life.  During this liminal time, you invite us to reflect and be glad for your help, love and wisdom from the old season.  You invite us to deepen our faith, restore our strength and courage and open ourselves to conversion and challenge.  Something new always awaits us.

Reveal yourself

to us 

once again,

Creator God.

Show us

your way

and your will.

Help us

follow you

into this

new season.

Prepare us,

make us ready

for all

that is

to come.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Dear God,

Early each morning you fill me with reasons to praise you.  For the gifts of a good bed and a good night's rest, for the sun ready to burst forth into the room, for the cool, fresh air coming through our open window, for our home and for divine love that put me to sleep and woke me up this morning.  Even before I rose from my warm bed, you filled me with thoughts of you.  What can I do but murmur my heartfelt thanks, O God?

When we are open to you, when our hearts, minds and souls desire, long for you, we are blessed to receive you.  All day and all night, you give gifts of nature, people and experience.  You whisper your undying love to us and invite us into a deeper relationship.  We skip along throughout the day catching glimpses of your beauty and goodness.

Who would

not want

to offer up

prayers of thanksgiving,

O Lord?

For you provide

sustenance for

our day,

food for

our minds,

hearts and spirits.

You are God;

there is none

like you,

Loving God!

Yours, Andrea

Monday, August 28, 2023

Dear God,

Your ways are greater than our own.  You surprise us with your grace leaving us with messages of eternity.

As I sat outdoors eating fresh fish from the restaurant, I smelled the sweet scent of jasmine.  Looking around and even walking to the fence, I could see no flowers anywhere.  A few days later in our home, I smelled fresh baked gingerbread, yet there was nothing in the oven.  What were these scents and where did they come from?  I concluded they were the sweetness of faith.

Your love extends beyond our own, O God.  For no reason outside of love, you bless and inspire us.  You let us know you are thinking of us.  You not only reveal yourself, you cast your warm light upon us reminding us of the wondrous relationship we share.  You give us gifts, divine gifts.

What can

we say

but thank you,

dear Father?

Your love

is deep

and wide.

You teach us

to be open

and receptive

to your love.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Dear God,

Worship is designed to draw together the divine and the human.  It is a coming together of hearts and minds.  It opens a doorway where we can come and go meeting together in the middle.  What a beautiful, sacred time we can experience when we open ourselves to the offering of worship.

Faith is all about love revealed.  When we acknowledge your love for us, we are enabled to love back in gratitude and thanksgiving.  Worship is an outgrowth of faith.  Because we love one another, we naturally want to join together in worship, offering up our appreciation and praise.  What do we do when we love?  We want to express our joy.  Worship gives us that time and space.

Thank you, 

dear God,

for faith 

and worship.

Thank you

for love.

Thank you

for giving us

opportunity and space

to love,

to serve

and to worship.

Yours, Andrea