Friday, May 24, 2024

Dear God,

Silence is not just the absence of sound; it is the dwelling place of the Lord.  Whenever we consciously and intentionally pause to consider you, Most Holy God, we enter a place, a divine space where the impossible becomes possible, where faith is born and hope springs to life.  There is no more holy time than silence time.

We can walk the halls of silence, discover the reverence of meeting you and sing or dance the tunes of eternity.  We can breathe and release all that holds up captive.  We can see where we were blind and hear where we were deaf.  And when we are ready to step back into sound, we can leave behind all that no longer needs to be carried.

Thank you

for the

immense joy

of silence.

Thank you

for time

and space

to dwell alone

with you.

Thank you

for space

in which

to leave behind

what no longer

serves us well.

Yours forever, Andrea

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Dear God,

Nature is the doorway to your own loving spirit.  When we step through that door, we find refreshment, joy, peace, serenity and beauty, oh, so much exquisite beauty.  There we can dwell for as long as we desire.  We may walk through valleys and mountains, wade in mountain streams and ocean waves or just sit, breathe and smile.  We may drink from the wells of pure water or breathe in the warmth of the golden sunshine.  No matter where we walk, sit or fly, we meet you there.

And while we do all this, we can express our gratitude or dance our joy or whisper our prayers of thanksgiving.

Loving, Creating God,

how blessed

we are

for doorways

to your

living spirit.

Thank you

for every door

and window

to your heart.

Thank you

for quiet moments

that lead us

to you.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Dear God,

Thistles are beginning to rise up all over my contemplative garden.  I don't like it at all.  In fact, I hate those prickly weeds.  They stick in our hands and hurt.  But it is my own fault because I have not cared for my garden as I should.  I neglected it.

So like our spiritual lives.  Without gentle tending, we too have painful weeds that threaten to take over.  They too can scratch and like splinters, make way into our flesh creating pain.  They can cause all kinds of disruption in our lives.  Yet, spiritual gardening can be meaningful, helpful and transformative.

This morning I finally figured out how to use the formula to kill them.  I am praying it will take care of my spiritual thistles as well.

Thank you,

Compassionate God,

for weed killers.

Thank you

for providing

a way

to care

for all

our needs.

Clear our way

for beauty,

hope and joy.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Dear God,

Conversion.  I never liked the word conversion because it sounded harsh, brutal and unforgiving.  Sounds like something about which I have no control.  

But the word popped into my head today and I began to look at it afresh.  Conversion...change, transformation, letting go, new life.  For some reason today it seemed like something else.  Suddenly, I felt less threatened and more open to what conversion can do in my life.

I thought about the changes in nature. Here in the springtime, I am watching things change every single day.  The flowers are taller, the trees are fuller and the birds are busy having babies, feeding them and pushing them out of the nest so they can fly.  The truth is I like what I see.

I realize you are doing the same thing inside me.  You are changing my heart, my mind and my soul.  I like it too.

Compassionate God,

thank you

for the

amazing gifts

of life.

Thank you

for never

leaving us

the same

old way.

Like nature

we need

change too.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, May 20, 2024

Dear God,

Even when I begin to utter nasty, mean-spirited words about political candidates who lie, manipulate, threaten, abuse and scare us, you come to me in a breath reminding me they too are your children, much beloved.  Although it is hard for me to accept, I know it to be true.  I whisper, "O Lord, these are your children, those you love just like me, please be with them."

I have to confess this challenge is a hard one.  I don't want to love my "enemy" but your gentle reminder is one I need to hear, we all need to hear.

Teach us

your way,

Holy God.

Lead us

to you.

Open us

to your voice

and your will,

we pray.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Dear God,

Today I saw a Monarch butterfly in my garden.  So beautiful was she; for a few years none made their way to our home although we had lovely flowers designed to attract them.  I watched her land, pause, drink and then flutter away.  The gifts of creation still amaze and fill us with wonder.

I listened to her tiny message when she flew away.  We need to provide open, welcoming environments if we want amazing guests to come.  I thought about the spiritual life in the same way.  Closed-off environments leave no open door to your spirit.  We cannot expect divine visitors or adventurous journeys of faith without open spaces in our hearts, minds and souls.

So today I pause for just a moment in between writing and getting ready to visit a cousin in the nursing home to reflect upon moments when you gave me courage to open myself to your living spirit.  The journeys you have taken me on have been beyond my comprehension.  Such beauty, insight, fresh perspective, joy and peace came to me all brought by your loving spirit.

Thank you

for the tiny

orange and 

black monarch

you brought

to my

spiritual path.

Thank you

for her words

of challenge.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Dear God,

You awaken us each morning to whispers of love.  You begin our day by offering the best you have to offer, not because we are worthy or because of any good works on our part but because we are your children, every one of us.  

Even before we rise, you give us opportunity to take our first step of the day in faith and hope.  You show us the way to put one foot in front of the other.  You encourage us to step into the future of the day.  Although gray clouds may have gathered over us, you remind us the sun is always shining above the clouds waiting for the prescribed time the opening will come.  

Throughout our day you persuade and motivate and inspire us to keep on going to find joy and peace in our living even through difficult times showing us sweet moments of peace and beauty.  By bedtime we will know you have been present all day long waiting to put us to bed with more love and faith.

Thank you,

dear God,

for the gift

of early morning.

Thank you

for promises

of hope

all day long.

Thank you

for your 

eternal love

with us

day in

and day out.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, May 17, 2024

Dear God,

I am reading The Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen as one of my devotional books.  This morning it came to me that we can't expect to be welcomed home unless we are willing to welcome others home.  It is like wanting to receive love but withholding love from others.  I have to admit there are some I do not want to embrace in welcome.

O Lord, I long to have your arms around me.  At times I am desperately alone.  Yet, there are some I could not bear to embrace.  I do not want to welcome those who have hurt me deeply.  While I believe you love those as much as you love me, I just have great difficulty loving them too.  I need to have your compassionate heart beating in place of my own.

I fail

to love

at times,

O God.

I want

to have

a loving heart.

It is

just that

the risk

is too great.

Teach me

how to love,

Great Lover of Creation.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Dear God,

We are each called to rise to the high road you offer.  Whether in dealing with conflict or a temptation to take something or a desire to do something immoral, you call us to rise up higher and higher.  From that high place, we can walk a road that will lead to rewards, joy and fresh air.

We are often tempted to take the low road of critical judgement, to lash out at others with whom we disagree or to fall to low levels of immorality.  Sometimes even worse.  One thing we discover is that these rarely take us where we want to go.  We lose ground and joy.  We have a hard time finding peace.  And our problems never seem to resolve.  But even in the midst of any and all of these we still hear that still small voice calling us to rise up to air that is fresh, to living water that refreshes and to help that brings peace.

Holy God,

thank you

for the blessing 

of small voices

and high roads.

Thank you

for inspiration

that offers

insight, fresh perspective

and hope.

Thank you

for love

that embraces us

wherever we

find ourselves.

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Dear God,

We are like sheep that have gone astray.  This scripture passage is a meaningful way to describe our behavior in human life.  Truly we are like those sheep.  When we are away from you, we can become lonely, forgotten and afraid.  If we go too far, we lose our way to know how to return.  If we are one of the stubborn varieties, we may resist any nudging to turn around.  If we are open, the way is easy.

I just finished Henri Nouwen's book on The Prodigal Son.  So significant is it that I decided to reread it.  Who doesn't want to be welcomed home?  Who doesn't want to realize what it means to take what we have, squander it and know someone is waiting at home to receive us back?  Who doesn't want to be reminded even if we have been obedient, we can become resentful if enough good is not given us but still the One remains to embrace us?

I have much to learn from you, O Lord.  We have much to learn from you!

Loving God,

no one

waits on us

like you.

You remain

to welcome us home.

From the bottom

of every heart,

we give thanks.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Dear God,

Some rain must fall.  Nature needs rain to feed, nourish and cleanse the earth.  Some rain must fall.  Although we may frown when rain falls on our parade, we know we need rain for all the same reasons.

When I sit on the ground pulling weeds and clearing winter debris among the flowers, I realize how important the rain is not only for all growing things but for us humans.  We need living water, the kind that cleans off all the dusty crap that has accumulated inside and outside of our selves.  We need the water of your spirit that refreshes, revitalizes and renews us.  Without it we wither and shrink.  We grow lifeless and stagnant.  But with your living water, we are truly made knew.  Interesting what pulling a few weeds can do for us!

Holy God,

thank you

for soil lessons.

Thank you

for teaching us

as we work.

Thank you

for the blessing

of living water!

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 13, 2024

Dear God,

 Just now the mother bird popped back into her birdhouse to feed her young.  Just after battling with a worm in the dirt, she chews it up and then flies to her babies to give them what they need to live and grow.  The wonder of motherhood and creation's design for tender care causes me to give thanks.

But then I realize you care for us too.  You provide for us just like the mother bird.  The blueberries I ate two days ago, the water I drank a few minutes ago and the cereal I will eat at breakfast all came from you.  You are Mother Bird to us providing, giving and loving us.

Holy God,

thank you

for daily gifts

of food,

fellowship and love.

Thank you

for tending to

our needs.

Thank you

for blessing us

so we

can be

Mother Bird's too.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Dear God,

The earth, moon and stars are yours.  You made them all.  Creation is divinely designed. But we complain on a gray day or when rain falls on our parade or snow falls getting in our way.  But perhaps there is a better way.

When we see a tree, we need to think of the air it is providing, shade too.  When we see an open field, we need to think of food we eat.  When we witness a happy child, we need to think of joy we receive.  When we see a store, we need to think of clothing we can wear, a car we can drive to get us where we want to go, a bed in which we can sleep and find rest.  All these you have provided, O God, all you have provided.

Help us learn

to be 

grateful people,

Creator God.

Show us all

we enjoy

and benefit from.

Give us

thankful hearts

in which

to praise you.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Dear God,

When will we learn the lessons of faith?  When will we trust you enough to follow?  When will we take up our staff and begin the journey?

Sometimes life is hard, very hard.  Sometimes we are out of energy and hope.  Sometimes all seems lost and without purpose.  But then there is your voice, your love and your peace.  You are never dead or far out of reach.  You are here and now.  You long for us to buddy up beside you, to take your lead and to walk in hope.  Although we may not know the goal, purpose or outcome, you do.  You simply want us to walk with you until we discover our way.  Eventually we get to where you want us to be.

Help us

hear you,

O God.

Often we long

to leave

where we are

in order

to get

to where

we need 

to be

even if

we don't know

where that is.

Show us

the way,

take our hand,

and lead us,

dear God.

Love, Andrea

Friday, May 10, 2024

Dear God,

Today I worked among the various day lilies.  I pulled weeds, picked up winter debris and cleared around each plant.  Although no stems have yet risen from the middle of the leaves, I know they will come.  Why?  Because they listen for your voice, they wait for the call and they rise when given the charge.  They are obedient, joyous and faithful.

Sitting in the dirt, working for you, I too hear your voice to clear and clean my own life.  I have much clutter in my own soul, noxious weeds and invasive stuff.  I need to follow the lilies' lead to listen, wait and rise.  I am trying.

Thank you

for lessons

when we

are down

in the dirt.

Thank you

for reminding us

that we too

need clearing

and cleaning.

Thank you

for love

that is

the call.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Dear God,

I was upset, no, I was angry when I saw piles of leaves in the area where I planted a lovely, new flower garden bed.  I was sure the plants were dead.  After all, it is May, time for plants to stir and rise up from their winter home.  We had paid the leaf man to blow the leaves to a designated area but he had made a mistake, the second year in a row.

As delicately as we could, we blew the leaves to the side.  Although the leaves were wet, we picked at the ground and discovered those little stems were rising up.  Several made their way further up when we cleared most of the area.  They were/are determined to live and bring joy.

Nature always provides lessons for us to learn.  We may be covered up, heaped with worries, doubts and fears but underneath you are still at work in our lives.  You help us to clear the way for new life to rise once again.

Compassionate God,

you are always

with us

working, working

inside us.

You want

to help us.

Thank you

for making 

a way

for my flowers

and for me.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Dear God,

How do we know if you are present with us, helping and guiding us?  How can we know for sure?

A question we ponder so often.

When we are perplexed, doubting, or afraid, we call out to you.  We cry and plead for help.  When we don't see a miracle or complete transformation, we lose hope.  But we need to pause and reconsider.  When an insight comes, or a thought raises us from anxiety to peace or even a change of heart, we can know you have spoken to us.  Even a tweak in our perspective or handling of a situation can mean you have been at work within us changing us, assisting us or pointing us in another destination.  All these are signs of your living presence with us.

Far too often we are looking for signs in the sky when all we need do is look within.  While looking, we can find you.

Holy God,

you are always

at work

within us.

We are

never alone.

You wish

for our

greatest good.

No one

wants more

or better

for us

than you.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Dear God,

We arrived home today.  And I thought home is much more than a building on a piece of land.  It is a place of acceptance, warmth and joy.  It fills cracks, warms the soul and whispers love.  We don't have to feel afraid or be restless.  Home says welcome, blessing, peace.

My grandmother's home was that way.  The first view from a quarter of mile away slowed my breathing, made me smile and filled me with a grandmother's love.  I knew I was welcome, loved and accepted.  To step inside that home with all the sweet scents of pies baking and roasts cooking brought me joy like nothing else.  Although that ancestral family home was sold after nearly 100 years, I still remember and am caught up in family memories that still warm the soul and give peace to the mind.

Now in my own home in Maine, I find that same spirit, that same feeling.  What I realize is that the same spirit lives in both.  It is your spirit, O God, your spirit warms and gives peace.

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for the gift

of home.

Thank you

for all

its beauty,

wholeness and hope.

Thank you

for dwelling

with it.

Praise to you!

Love, Andrea

Monday, May 6, 2024

Dear God,

All I can say is I witnessed your grand creation design on my drive from Indiana to Pennsylvania.  Trees, shrubs and flowers were in their creative moods as I drove from cities to rural areas, from flat plains to colorful mountains and from beauty to more beauty.  I felt as if I were gazing upon Monet's floral paintings.

It is true all creation sings your praise, O God, and we are recipients of your amazing grace.  I couldn't help but whisper my prayers of thanksgiving and proclaim the wonders of your compassionate love for all your children.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for all

your gifts.

Thank you

for blessing us

day after day

after day.

Thank you too

for tongues

with which 

to offer

our praise.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Dear God,

Who can come to you, Loving God?  We are flawed, resistant and stubborn.  We do not always love our neighbor or our loved ones for that matter.  But still, you invite us to come.

This concept boggles my mind.  To imagine a god looking "down" on me, I can only see my imperfections and my inability to live up to what I believe you are looking for in your human child.  No matter how I examine it, I can see only my broken promises, failure to be my best self and lack of desire to be much better.  Why would any god want me near?

But that is the entire point.  You invite us because what you see is a beloved child, spots, smudges and all.  Your love extends way beyond our sinfulness and resistance to change and transformation.  You call out to us, open your arms and whisper, "come."

Thank you,

amazing God,

for the beauty

of our relationship.

Thank you

for keeping us close

although we 

are always

looking to hike

to the

far-off land.

No one

is like you,

Holy Father,

no one.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Dear God,

This morning as I sat with my circle of friends reading devotionals, I thought of my beautiful grandmother whose love embraced not only me but also her whole community of 500 people.  Her faith, her compassionate and her grace drew us all in.  She modeled a loving God whose embrace included all people.  She led us directly to you.

You were never a scary God to me, O Lord, for she showed me your gentle ways and tender care.  I discovered you as friend, comforter, teacher and helper.  I knew from the beginning I could trust you.  I leaned on you when trouble came, when sorrow took hold of me and when fear rose up within me.  I could celebrate with you my joys and triumphs.  I could rest in your arms at the end of my day.  

Thank you for bringing her to me this morning, O God.  What a lovely gift to offer so early in the morning!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the

precious gift

of my grandmother, 

whose life

changed my own.

Thank you

for all 

the time

I got

to spend

in her presence.

Thank you too

for all

she taught me

about you.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, May 3, 2024

Dear God,

The exquisite, buttery-yellow irises just popped open this morning.  As they stand tall, they seem to be in full praise of their creator.  Not yet fully open, they are working to open themselves to full presence in my contemplative garden.  I can't hardly keep my eyes from gazing upon them.

So much of nature reminds us, challenges us to rise up too, to stand tall and to fully praise our own creator who is the same.  They show us the way, inviting us into their wondrous beauty and great love.  They ask us to join them in the universal event of giving praise and thanksgiving.  Even as I sit here writing I want to break into song to express my own appreciation of your work in the world, O God.  Even in my depression, I know where to turn and who is speaking.  

Thank you,

Holy God,

for turning

my eyes

to the wonders

of nature.

Thank you

for inviting us in.

Thank you

for the

continuing challenge

to join you.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Dear God,

"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."  These words of your son came to me this morning as I found myself in sorrow from painful memories of the past.  As a human, Jesus knew we would periodically face loss and sorrow.  He knew that emotional pain has the power to rip apart the human heart, mind and soul.  He also knew we could dwell there for a long, long time so in this beatitude he offers us a change, a transformative possibility to heal with his divine comfort.

What I also realized is that our past can be our present and even be carried into our future if we don't change.  Your offer of comfort can be the healing salve that begins our healing journey if we desire it.  Why would we not?

Holy God,

every day

you offer us gifts.

Comfort is one

of those.

Thank you,

Blessed God,

for your

compassionate love.

Love, Andrea  

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Dear God,

The first person to whisper "Good morning" to us is you, O Lord.  You are fully awake, anticipating our rising and desiring to offer your good wishes, prayers and love first thing in the morning.  You do not wait until later but rather you want to reach out to touch us before anyone else.  If only we realized it, our whole day could be directed toward love, peace, joy, hope and goodness.  Beginning each day with you could dramatically change our lives!

We need change and transformation.  We need brighter outlooks and more hope.  We need the light not more perceived darkness.  We need more love.  How much more beautiful life could be if we whispered back, "Thank you, Loving God, for your wondrous greeting!  Thank you for starting my day on such a great note!  Thank you for loving me and everyone around me.  Since you were here for me this morning, how about us walking together all day? I would love that!"

Awaken me

to your

loving presence

first thing

in the morning,

O God,

for I need you.

I need

your love,

your affirmation

and friendship.

I need

your help,

your guidance

and your mercy.

Thank you.

Love, Andrea

  

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Dear God,

What will it take to help us come back together again?  In families, in the country and in the world?  How long are we willing to live as separate people with enemies?  

No matter where we look, we discover division, bitterness and even hatred.  With news reports from home and abroad, we are working hard to keep our division going.  Day by day, week by week, month by month, we utter rhetoric that divides us.  It makes our blood boil.  

Our former president Donald Trump wants to be president again so he can get rid of all who don't agree with him.  He lives every day spewing hatred so he can stir up followers to hate and many people do.  How is it possible?  Why do we follow such words and behaviors?  In what book of worship in any religion gives us the right or rule to attempt to destroy others?

This is not what you call us to do.  Your son said to love one another, not just our friends but also our enemies.  How can we stop, pause and reflect upon your will for our world and families?  How can we step forward while others take a step toward us.  Love will bring us together and will bind us together.  Isn't love better than hate?

Help us

tune in

to your voice

and tune out

all who

seek to

separate us.

Show us

the way

to love

once again.

Guide us

once again

to sing

and dance together

and to create

a world

that loves,

heals and

loves some more.

Yours, Andrea