Sunday, July 28, 2024

Dear God,

The sound of silence welcomes quiet meditation, contemplation and prayer.  It eases suffering, disentangles cluttered thoughts and offers peace in chaos.  Silence heals, helps and holds us.

And to think for years I needed to fill my space with noise, busyness and stuff.  That sufficiently kept me full of chatter that kept me bound to whatever was troubling me at the moment.  Why?

Today as I stepped out of my car to fill it with fuel, I saw a sign on the gas tank that read, "Pray first."  I looked again and realized it said, "Pay first."  For the weary mood I was in, the first reading was correct.  That extended an invitation to silence, to quiet prayer and you, my good and gracious God.

Thank you

for messages

that lead us

back to you.

Thank you

for today's reminder.

I needed it.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Dear God,

I did not expect a high school reunion to be the place where healing and restitution could take place and yet, it did.  In a small town in Indiana, USA.

The man was the last one to arrive following dinner.  He wandered straight over to me.  My friend stopped him from interrupting me while I listened to a fellow classmate.  When I turned around and saw him, I motioned for him to come over as I placed my arms around his neck and hugged him.  His opening words to me, "I have been thinking about you."

Over the next two hours in bits and pieces, he shared his family's earliest years, his parents drinking, their poverty with nine children and his embarrassing humiliation.  Describing his mother's awkward death as a refrigerator fell over onto her and his father's wonderment who would fix his breakfast, he apologized to me as my teenage boyfriend.  I listened carefully since I knew he is slowly dying with prostate cancer.  When he asked me for forgiveness, I gave it and whispered my love for him.  Shortly thereafter, he walked away thanking me and walking out of the restaurant to get back to his wife suffering with dementia.

All the way home I thought about him, our teenage time together and the amazing way you aligned the stars, opened the door to forgiveness and lifted a weary man's burden of over sixty years.

Only you

can lift

decades-old burdens,

dear God,

only you.

Thank you

for my

old boyfriend

and his desire

for wholeness.

Thank you

for blessing

both of us.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, July 26, 2024

Dear God,

Every situation in life can become an open door to the divine.  No matter how horrible, unjust or painful a happening is, it can open a pathway to possibility and hope.

When I pray for the people of Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, Israel and the Sudan, I pray for something better, something more hopeful, something that can promote healing.  But when I think about it, I sometimes wonder what happens to my prayers.  Do they rise to you, O Lord, or do they settle in with the people I pray for?  Do they last until the amen or do they hover longer?   

Do I hope my prayers will activate you to do something, dear God?  Do I pray for strength for broken people desperate for healing?  Do I simply want a general feeling of wellness for all who are hurting?  I think it is all these.  

I pray to connect me to those who suffer.  I want to be with them in spirit.  I want to lift their burden, ease their suffering and assist in making them whole.  I know I have no power to do any of these; at the same time, I want to unite my love with them.  I want to stand beside them.

Regardless of what power our prayers have, I do believe they can open doors, doors to you, O God, doors to you.

Holy God,

there are

so many

who are

in pain today.

They need relief,

solutions and healing.

Use our prayers

for their use,

I pray.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Dear God,

I love these moments we have together when just you and I dwell together!  As I sit at my desk, gaze out the study window and then write, I feel so very close to you.  It seems my heart joins yours in beating to a single rhythm.  How is such a thing possible?

Although you are all powerful and have created all that is, still these quiet, holy moments seem so intimate, so personal as if made just for the two of us. I love them, every one of them!

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the gift

of our

time together.

You bless me

in so

many ways.

I love you;

I truly

love you.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Dear God,

How majestic is your creation when flying at 34,000 feet!  The massive, artistic, white, puffy clouds speak mightily of your majesty in the heavens.  As I flew the two-hour flight to Detroit, I leaned into the small airplane window and listened and watched as I heard creation sing her praise to you.  So, I joined them in song.  With the loud whir of the engines, I knew the only one that heard me was you, so I smiled and sang until almost touchdown.

There are so many ways you reveal yourself to us, O Lord.  Whether on ground or in the sky, your voice can be heard as we listen with spirit ears.  Although I battle with fear when I fly, I always find you in the seat next to me.  Joy spreads across my face as I whisper my joy and praise to you as creator of all things!

Holy, holy, holy

are you,

God Most High.

Thank you

for accompanying me

on my 

journey home.

Thank you

for the gift

of your 

holy presence!

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Dear God,

All is quiet right now.  Not even the birds are singing.  It is almost like the time before worship as we enter holy space.  It is time for reverence.

As I look out my kitchen window, I see so much beauty and I am reminded you created everything I see, the trees and flowers, the birds and grass, the sky and clouds.  Who would not want to pause and give thanks, to give reverence to our creator?

O God,

we do 

bring to you

our reverence,

praise and thanksgiving.

We are thankful

for your

amazing gifts!

Holy, holy

is your name.

Love, Andrea

Monday, July 22, 2024

Dear God,

No one can draw us to a heart greater than yours, Loving God.  You made us, planted a seed of your love deep within us and then whispered our name.  When we feel alone, lost or forgotten, we can remember and call to mind your generous gift.

Who does not need to be deeply loved right now?  Who does not need tender care?  Who does not need an eternal connection that offers hope, peace, faith, joy and wholeness?  We all do, Lord, no matter who we are, what we believe, how we behave, what color we are or whatever language we speak, we all need these rare gems.

Most Holy God,

for your

many gifts

Thank you,

for all

you give us.

We are blessed.

Sometimes we forget 

and need reminders

that you

are within us

and around us.

Whisper our name again,

please.

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Dear God,

Just when I nearly resigned myself to no change in the temperament in our country, a door swung wide open lowering the temperature and raising the possibility for hope.  Suddenly my lungs filled with cool air, my mind shifted and my soul said YES!  Oh, ye of little faith, I whispered to myself.

You have so much up your sleeves, Almighty God, and you share them with your people daily.  They may not be all we want them to be but still you are present showing us your mighty gifts.

Today I saw your loving treasures fall into our hands, spill upon us and bring hope to the surface.  How grateful I am!!!

Loving God,

we are

so undeserving

of all 

you give.

Thank you

so much.

All praise

to you!!!

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Dear God,

Oh, to step outside into a gentle, cool breeze after several weeks of stifling heat!  There is an aaahhh, ooo and ooohhhh response!  We close our eyes, take deep breaths, smile and melt right where we stand.  Why don't we do that when we are emotionally heated from the local, national, and international news?

Nature's gentle, cool breezes are a sign and invitation to the gentle breeze of your spirit, O God.  When we see, hear and feel one breeze, we need to pause, reflect and remember the countless times your spirit blew upon us and we stepped inside, breathing the air of freedom, hope and peace.  Your spirit breeze is even greater than nature's but one can lead us to the other!

Holy God,

thank you

for your

constant invitations

to join you

where the

spirit breeze blows.

Thank you

for today's invite

and the joy

I felt

as I

joined you

and nature.

Thank you

for the 

cool down

I desperately needed!

Yours, Andrea

Friday, July 19, 2024

Dear God,

This morning in the early morning hours as a misty rain fell, a sweet birdsong rose in the air just outside my back-room window.  While I read my devotions, the bird continued her song.  It had to be a song of praise because it continued.

Surprise messages of gratitude, hope and praise erupt all around us if our spirit ears are open.  If we pause long enough to listen, we are blessed, lifted up and peace can spread all around us.  Our breath slows, our mind eases and our bodies just drink in the tranquility we long for.

Thank you

for your

blessed message

this morning,

O God.

If the birds

have this much

about which

to praise,

how much more

can we offer.

Thank you,

sweet mercy,

for finding me

this morning.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Dear God,

It is when we are in deep despair that the door can open wide to hope!  Although things can look dark and daunting, it is only a vision of what may come but we play a part in the road to hope!

Anyone who has ever fallen into the abyss of despair knows the depths of its power, fear and hopelessness.  It is a raw place but fertile ground for something so much better.  Any who have fallen and found their way out know the extraordinary experience of gigantic movement into a brighter future.

Today is one of those days to look back and reflect on our past when death rose to life.  Impossible, we thought, only to find all things were possible.  It is also a good time to express gratitude and start the climb back up.

Blessed are you,

Almighty and Compassionate God,

you have touched

our lives

in ways

that are nearly

beyond comprehension.

Thank you

for lifting us up.

Thank you

for every gift

of a 

new future!

Love, Andrea

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Dear God,

Sometimes we lose our way.  We forget you are the author of hope and help.  You created conversion and transformation.  You possess power and strength and compassion and mercy.  You are creator of life on every level, space and time!

As humans we are linear thinkers, believers and doers.  There is no other way to say it.  We rely on our own human power.  Our perspective is limited, our vision impaired and our ability lessened when we count on our own talents, skills and belief system.  Why do we do so when we know there is something, someone greater.  Alas, we are human!

But, when we open ourselves to the possibility that suddenly presents itself, when we take that outstretched hand and we begin the journey again, it is like walking into a new world full of hope and potential.  Great things can and will happen when we reach back and take yet another step forward together.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for gentle reminders

of your desire

for our lives.

Thank you

for caring

even though

we are resistant.

Thank you

for waiting

for us

to catch up.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Dear God,

Sometimes we want to be angry, resistant and stubborn.  We cling to our own will and way.  We fight to keep certain feelings, attitudes and behaviors in place.  We defy you.  Nothing changes.  That's the point nothing changes.

Only when we release all these into your hands can we breathe again.  We know we cannot make ourselves or the world a better place when we hang on so tightly to the past.  The past does not have to be the present or the future.  In your hands is the relief we need.  Our conversion is in your hands.  Our ability to rise from our bed rests in your power and love.

Holy God,

no one

loves us

like you.

No one

wants more

for us

than you.

Thank you

for the constancy

of your

ever-living love.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, July 15, 2024

Dear God,

What is prayer but an opening to your heart?  When we pray, we acknowledge that we do not have the answers, the help or the hope we are longing for ourselves or for someone else.  In a posture of prayer, we connect with you, O God, or you connect with us for a time of honesty, pleading and closeness.  By praying we recognize our need for you.  We come to you in prayer because we know there is no one greater to whom we can join to lay out our burdens and know we are heard.

Prayer is a time of sweet mercy.  We can sing or dance our prayer.  We can cry, laugh or beg.  We can speak and also listen.  We can find, discover, learn, help and breathe in a time of prayer.  It is not just a matter of lifting our needs or the needs of others, it is a time to dwell, really dwell in hope, love and faith with our redeemer, comforter, friend, teacher and companion.  Is there any time sweeter?

Holy God,

thank you

for dwelling times.

Thank you

for prayer

that opens doors

and windows

to our heart.

Thank you

for living presence,

yours and ours.

Love, Andrea 

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Dear God,

Today I am thinking about tables, tables where I belonged, tables I was invited to and tables far away.  I remember my grandmother's dining room table.  As a large family, we sat at that big table where we prayed, shared our lives, teased one another, laughed together and played cards.  Everyone was welcome at Grandma's table.  

As a teenager we sat together at the Harvest Table in our family home.  We played games there, invited special people to join us for a meal and sorted out things for my mother's sorority.  It was a beautiful table that Mom loved.

For the last two decades I have spent much time at my old sewing table.  I have sewed quilts, potholders, Christmas bags, pajama pants and coasters.  Although the table is a $5 table I bought from the church when they were purchasing new ones, I love sitting at that creating table where I made gifts for family, friends and strangers.

And then there are the various tables where I sat in my hermitage, at a campground, a peace center, in Africa, Europe and America on trips and at church where I worshipped.  Every table in their own way was very special and I always sensed it was a table where you were present.

Blessed are

the tables

where you sit,

O God.

Thank you

for inviting us 

to your table.

Thank you

for every table

where everyone

is welcome.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Dear God,

So often we forget who we are.  When rejected, snubbed or hurt, we crawl back into a shell either believing we are valueless or afraid.  We forget we are children of the living, loving God.  We forget we are made from love, full of possibility.  We forget we are made from your substance of the greatest value in the cosmos.  We forget who we are.

But daily you remind us of our relationship.  You call to us.  You take our hand and invite us to take a walk together.  You murmur your love toward us and for us.  You invite us more deeply into your overflowing well of love, light and beauty.  Through constant experiences and moments you bless us with more love than we can get anywhere else.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for blessing us

with eternal love,

a love

that never

leaves us.

Open our eyes,

our minds,

our souls,

our heart,

all of us

to you.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 12, 2024

Dear God,

I woke up early this morning and while I lay in bed, I thought of many things but one word came coming to me.  Generosity, generosity, generosity.  Even though I thought of work I needed to do for the day, the word circled back.  Generosity.  It didn't seem to fit in with what I was thinking.  Even when I decided to go back to sleep, the word crept into my consciousness.  At some point I realized it was you talking.

I asked myself several questions.  Am I generous?  Do I need to be more generous?  Where am I generous or do I need to be generous?  I finally understood that generosity needs to be woven into everyday life.  I need to be generous toward others.  I need to be generous in my relationships with others.  I need to be generous in my thoughts, attitudes and behaviors.  Everything about me needs to be generous.

You instill

within us

the capacity

for generosity.

You move us

to be generous

to others.

We resist;

at the 

same time,

we hear

your challenge.

Make me generous,

O God,

make us generous.

Love, Andrea

 

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Dear God,

Sometimes we have to dig really deep to find peace in chaos, truth in lies and hope in despair.  Even then it is difficult but if we dig deeper still where faith resides, perspective, insight and wisdom will appear.

Deeper than faith is divine love.  There we find you, O God, waiting for us, waiting to love us and invite us to love others.  By the time we hit this rock-bottom treasure, we are desperate and desirous to gain strength, courage and determination.

There is so much chaos and conflict in our nation and world, O God.  We can fall deep into depression and fail to find what we need for the living of these days.  We do not ultimately want to react negatively every time we hear something that troubles us.  We want to settle into faith with all its richness, breathe in the air of hope and possibility and act with integrity, love and good purpose.  We want to follow your will that always leads with love.

Lead us

to goodness

and mercy,

Loving God.

We need you.

We need hope.

We need kindness,

compassion and love.

You have 

all these,

Gracious God.

Help us receive

so we

can give.

Yours, Andrea

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Dear God,

Sometimes we are called by our ancestors to speak a word of truth, hope or challenge.  Every morning in my devotional time, as I listen to the voices of writers, both ancient and current, I am called to reflect upon their faith and how it speaks to life in this modern age.  I am always mystified and inspired by biblical writers, saints and martyrs whose ancient word has something pertinent to say to today's conflicts and troubles.  For even in their age many problems were the same and faith emboldened them to speak out, act or challenge the status quo.

Today these spiritual heroes still speak.  The psalmist, St. Paul and Corrie ten Boom nudge us to break free from old beliefs that no longer offer pearls for consideration.  They challenge me in my own life of faith.  What old practices, dull perspectives and lifeless ways no longer provide help, guidance and hope in the present age?  I too have to consider what I need to release in order to grab forward what you are holding for me.

Lead me

to you,

Holy God,

I want

to listen

for you.

I want

to hear

your voice speaking.

Guide me

and all

of us

toward you,

I pray.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Dear God,

Love comes in extra small, small, medium, large, extra-large and more. We know this because we can describe our love of those around us in these measures.  I may love one thing more than another or someone more than another person.  The good news of it all is that our love can change and grow.  It can move in an instant or over the years.

The best news of all is that you planted the possibility of love within us.  We didn't just grow it ourselves.  You loved us first and gave us the ability to love others.  When we find ourselves in the midst of love, flowers grow, birds sing, waterfalls splash cool water upon us, and we breathe more deeply.  We can get caught up in so much hope, peace and joy, we can hardly contain ourselves.  

Your love came to me this morning so I am smiling and giving thanks!

Thank you,

Holy God,

for loving us

into being.

Thank you

for raining down

upon us.

Thank you

for splashing us

with your

wondrous fountain

of love.

We are grateful!

Yours, Andrea

Monday, July 8, 2024

Dear God,

Just out of the blue the word "conversion" came to me.  Always considered a religious word, today it brought comfort.  Conversion, an opportunity to let this go for that, to change from one thing to another, to adopt this, to create that, to alter my thinking, to transform.  All this sounds really good to me right now.

We do not ever have to be stuck because you give us the chance to be unstuck, not trapped.  You are always opening doors or windows to the future in our next moment.  I can change right now, in this instant.  

Sometimes we get locked into a certain way of doing things or believing; however, conversion is the occasion when we can shift things around.  When we invite you in or if we accept your invitation to join you in this life journey, we can convert so much of life in and around us.  When we allow this word, this concept or this way of being to become an integral part of our life, we can do things we never imagine.  And why not???

Holy God,

convert us

into willing beings

who want more

than what is

right now.

Change us,

transform us,

convert us

into that

something more.

Thank you

for the chance

to be different!

Yours, Andrea

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Dear God,

In reading the psalms this morning, there was a line, "All fountains come from you."  I paused and reread it again.  All fountains, hmmm.

I loved the line because suddenly I was filled up with times that fountains of living water found their way to my dry, weary soul.  When I felt limp, worn out and lifeless, that water revived and restored me.  I realized there was something very special about that water that was much more than agua.  When it came, it gushed like a forty-foot waterfall spilling out, over and around me.  I drank and drank until I was more than full.  It penetrated every living cell and brought me back to life.  

Only you

can fill us

with life-giving water,

Holy God.

When we

are thirsty,

you offer us drink,

not just

any drink,

but the drink

of eternity.

You renew us

to rise

and live again.

Thank you,

Merciful God.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Dear God,

The air is dry and dusty.  Excessive heat and humidity have been difficult since most homes do not have air conditioning in Maine.  But just a little while ago, a few drops of rain fell.  Strange and funny how a little rain can bring hope and respite if only for a little while.

We assume how everyday living should be, O God.  We practice being God as though we have the word on everything from politics to weather.  We grow angry if our way does not present itself the way we think it should.  Yet, why would we want the final word?

The more we trust you, the greater our opportunities can be.  When we release our supposed control over things, the more hope, peace and joy we find.  We even breathe a little easier.  Life is sweeter when we roll with the punches, soar on the spirit breeze and ride the waves of possibility.

Teach us

your way,

O God,

for we cannot 

do life alone.

We thank you

for offering us

your living presence.

Help us

to detect it

day in

and day out.

Love, Andrea

Friday, July 5, 2024

Dear God,

We fight so hard against events that cause us discomfort, stress and pain.  We get angry, sometimes resentful and oftentimes despairing.  If we are a people of the surface, this is all we will get.  We will keep circling around, never healing, never finding hope and never rising above the problem and its pain.

If, on the other hand, we regard the happening as an open door, we will discover creative solutions, new insights and perspectives and a deeper understanding of our ability to conquer, overcome or make new a wave for our future.  Every day we get to make a decision how we will respond to all that takes place in our lives.

Loving God,

thank you

for opening us

to new opportunities

for life,

joy and peace.

Walk us through

the hardships

that cause us pain.

Show us

the way

to peace.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Dear God,

How do you make love grow?  We can't always see love in the making but all of us are desperate for this thing called love.

There are so many ways you reveal your love to us.  You created nature that nurtures us every day.  The sunshine, rain, green grass, flowers of all varieties, shapes and colors, the moon and stars ooze with love.  You gave us family and friends, even strangers who bless us in unexpected ways with a smile, gesture or gift.  You provide us with purpose, a mission unique to each one of us, by giving us talents and skills to live out the mission.  

But even more than all these, I believe you whisper our name first thing in the morning.  You welcome us to the new day.  All day long you invite us to tarry a while in our imagination, on a walk or in our dreams.  You kiss us good night and cover us up making us feel we are back in the loving womb with a mother whose one great purpose in that moment is to cuddle, coo and inspire.  

How do you make love grow?  Oh, in so very many ways!!!

Bless you,

Gracious God,

for your

awesome love.

Thank you

for every gift.

Thank you

for giving us

a gift
of gratitude

by which

to say

thank you.

Love always, Andrea

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Dear God, 

We have the opportunity to skid along the surface of life, a simple path that doesn't really require much of anything.  By the end of our time, we will be able to look in the rearview mirror and see what life had been in our surface living.  

On the other hand, we can opt for something more.  We can choose to take a road that is not always simple or easy, sometimes even complicated but it can lead us to a more fruitful, transforming, exciting life that will be lived more in the depths, swerves, mountain climbing, turns and twists, downhill falls and potholes in the roads.  One look back and we will observe lessons learned, adventures made, creative slides, soaring high, swimming deep, sudden lifts and dramatic scenes, to name a few.  With many aha moments we can celebrate the beauty of something more.

Today is one of those days to make a decision which road we want to take.

Holy God,

you are

always calling

our name.

You invite us

to follow you

to many

unfamiliar places.

Lead us

where you

want us

to go.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Dear God,

So far I have already picked red raspberries, luscious sweet cherries and bright red strawberries.  I have made jam and this week will make muffins and coffeecake.  It is amazing to remember that just a few months ago while snowflakes fell, there was no fruit on the trees or in the fields.  They were all empty but for the hope they promised.

Every year while I reach up or down when picking, I think of you, creator of all that is tasty, beautiful and amazing.  Without you, there would be nothing, to eat, to see or to enjoy. And so when I am in the fields of your making, I sing praise, give thanks and smile a whole lot!

You are God;

there is none

like you.

You are

our provider,

sustainer, creator,

healer, comforter,

redeemer and lover.

Thank you,

Majestic God,

for every day

and every gift.

Love, Andrea 

Monday, July 1, 2024

Dear God,

Here in Maine we leave our windows open at night.  We listen to the sounds of night and the early morning birdsong.  Who can deny the wonders of creation whether in day or night?

There is something so comforting listening to the night and day speak.  They tell us of sacred rhythms and divine residence.  They can quiet the soul, bring peace to the mind and healing for the body.  It is only in listening that we catch the gentle nuance of the sacred in everyday living.  But more than all this it can transform our ability to reform, renew and restore our wholeness in gratitude, joy and solitude.

Holy God,

thank you

for the gifts

of day

and night.

Thank you

for sharing

secrets of

the cosmos.

You bless us

every day

with invitations

to revive

and revitalize us.

Yours forever, Andrea

Sunday, June 31, 2024

Dear God,

The recent Supreme Court decision brought a greater move to rid our country of democracy putting much more power in the position of president of the United States.  It appears any "official" act gives tremendous immunity to a president regardless of their power to destroy, harm or injure.  Truly, it was a sad day in our country bringing despair, sorrow and anger.  That's why the next day brought such a surprise!

I left home early to make the trek to New Hampshire where I planned to pick raspberries and sweet cherries.  Arriving at the early morning opening, I was shocked to see at least 50 cars already parked waiting to pick some of the sweetest fruits on the planet.  Carrying my cardboard boxes, I took my place at one of the loveliest, sweet cherry trees. I began to pick with grandparents and their grandchildren, families, old and young alike and single people.  

During the next three hours I moved from cherries to raspberries.  People were so friendly, inquiring of each other what we planned to do with our fruit, make muffins, jams and pies, most said.  We helped each other reach for the best out-of-the-way berries.  We just talked as we picked, often laughing or teasing.  It was amazing.  It was only about 15 minutes into my time there that I realized there was something more going on than a bunch of people picking berries at a rural farm.  People seemed to want to be there, connecting and interacting with strangers.  There seemed to be a hunger to give and receive kindness and friendship.  We wanted to smile, help others and breathe the air of nature.  It was when I was driving home that I realized what we were doing was making hope together!

Thank you,

Loving God,

for the gift

of your grace.

Thank you

for calling us

to the farm,

to compassion

and to love.

While picking berries,

we offered healing

to one another.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, June 30, 2024

Dear God,

It is really amazing how you work in human lives.  I was driving to an orchard and farm in New Hampshire.  As I drove through country roads, I was praying and realizing that I needed some change in my life, changes that required a release of my own will.  I had hardly finished saying aloud I wanted to exchange my will for yours when I drove by a veterinarian facility and there was a sign that said Obedience Training - Sign up inside.  I laughed thinking that was exactly what I needed...some obedience training.  

Thank you,

dear God,

for gentle reminders

in hidden places.

Thank you

for the 

inner journey.

Lead me,

always lead me,

to your side

and to

your will.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, June 29, 2024

 Dear God,

There is something so majestic, so mystical about listening for the silence in everyday living.  When I quiet my soul and say to myself there is so much more waiting for me, listen and hear, I realize you are speaking in me to me.  It is really a proclamation, not my own soul thoughts but your thoughts, your words waiting for me to join with you, to dwell with you for moments, minutes, an hour, a lifetime.

You have never disappointed me when I released my thoughts for your thoughts.  Growing weary of my own words, it is really a relief to pause, let go and open myself to you.  I need to do this daily.  I need to join your NOW in order to surrender my own moment.

Holy God,

thank you

for the beauty

of your voice.

Thank you

for calling me

to you.

Thank you

for allowing me time

to listen.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, June 28, 2024

Dear God,

Today I drove an hour to a beautiful orchard in southern New Hampshire.  Certain I would be one of the first to arrive, I was shocked to wait in a long line of cars to enter the farm.  By the time I got my box for picking raspberries and a larger one for sweet cherries, the heat was already rising.  But what a special treat it was to listen to the sounds of grandparents and their grandchildren as they picked the luscious fruit.  As fellow pickers, we talked and shared recipes for cherries, raspberries and strawberries.  It was a magnificent day listening and talking, smiling and sharing.  It was as if everyone there, young and old, was desperate to offer and receive special gestures of kindness.  Seemed like we were hungry for civility, openness, inclusion, joy, hope and peace.  I must admit I was taken aback by the goodness of the fruit pickers.

What I know was three and a half hours later in my car, I sang hymns in praise and thanksgiving for the great day I had already shared with strangers made friends around cherry trees and raspberry vines.

Loving God,

you offer

unexpected gifts

all the time.

Today was

so special.

I think

everyone there

felt their

hearts lifted

and their

minds cleared.

Today we

certain got more

than we expected!

Love, Andrea