Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Dear God,

It is a rainy, gray, dreary day but I know the rain is feeding the underground roots of everything as far as I can see.  Not only are you feeding for today, but you are also preparing for the next season to come months away.  As I look out, I feel thankful and hopeful!

Our spiritual life is like that as well.  Right now you are feeding our souls, minds and bodies with your spirit nutrients.  You are providing for us today and preparing us for tomorrow.  There is only praise for you, Loving God.

You are God;

there is none

like you.

All praise

to you,

dear God,

for every gift

of 2024

and there

have been many.

I offer you

my deepest devotion

and greatest love.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, December 30, 2024

Dear God,

We are near the end of 2024 and I am counting my blessings.  Although this has been one of the most grueling years of my life, I look backward and I see your living presence everywhere...in the operating rooms, in the retreat house, on the planes, in the car, in family conflicts, in tears and sorrow, in despair and hopelessness.  You have been the source of hope, insight and wisdom for me.  When I was in chaos, you brought me peace.

Even though life is not what I want it to be, I still see your hand daily in my life.  I awaken each morning to the newness of life.  My ability to rise and work, rest and read is because of you.  Staying in the present helps me keep my eye on you instead of looking in the rear to all the hard stuff or ahead with uncertainty.  What I have discovered is you are in my past, in my present and in my future even before I arrive.  This has been my greatest gift of this old year.

Thank you,

Merciful God,

for your

gracious presence

in my life.

And what

I know

for sure

is if

you are

in my life daily

then you

are in

every life daily.

May we

all give thanks,

dear God.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Dear God,

Even on a rainy, gray, nasty day, there is still so much to celebrate as we gather for worship.  We can still sing Go Tell It On The Mountain.  Faith enables us to sing, pray and praise.  

The ups and downs of winter weather can lead us up or down; yet, because faith continues even when all seems headed downhill, we can rise to new heights.  We can discover hope, peace and joy on the way up.

Teach us

to see

with eyes

of faith,

Loving God.

Thank you

for your power

to save,

rescue, help,

guide, bless,

inspire and love.

Faith opens

the door

to all

of these.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Dear God,

In the quiet of this morning I am staring out my kitchen window watching the white Christmas lights twinkle.  I never weary of gazing at them.

Those lights always take me to you, O Lord.  The more they twinkle, the more I am reminded of how your light glows just like that.  Sometimes it is a simple glow but other times it sparkles so brightly.  Either way it tells us that light is your concept and how the power of a simple light can transform the deepest darkness.  

Creator God,

your gift

of light

is the

best gift

you give.

It warms,

reveals, helps,

and guides.

How grateful

we are

every time

your light penetrates

our darkness.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, December 27, 2024

Dear God,

Butterflies and birds have an inner instinct to fly south when temperatures begin to drop.  They also know when to return.  Bears, lions and monkeys know how to give birth and care for their young.  The capacity to do what is natural to them is built in.  So, it is with us humans.

Sometimes we struggle to know what the right thing is to do.  Yet, deep within the soul there is whisper that challenges us to do the right and good and necessary thing.  If we follow that instinctive nudge, more often than not we too will follow the natural course of life.

Every living thing from humans to trees have the voice of God within them.  There is always a relationship, one that will suit them both well if followed.  Imagine the world if we all followed that voice!

Holy God,

surely within

us all,

we want

to do

what we have

the capability

of doing.

We want

to follow

the course

programmed within us

from the beginning.

As you

think of me,

you are

also thinking

of my neighbor.

Your good will

is not only

for me

but for

my neighbor

as well.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Dear God,

Christmas is not yet over.  The spirit of love, giving and hope continue on today.  I feel it in the air.  Just as Christ appeared yesterday, he appears today and will show up again tomorrow.  This is the promise of Christmas.  It is not a one-day event; it is an every-day event.

The fact that we can celebrate December 26 in the same way as Christmas day is a holy promise and reassurance of a birth, life, death and resurrection.  How blessed are we when we realize and acknowledge this.

As this day is ending and I feel sleep ready to overtake me, my heart is full of love and my mouth is full of praise.

Thank you,

O God,

for the gift

of this

Christ day.

Thank you

for yesterday

and tomorrow

and the hope

you give.

I give you thanks.

Love, Andrea

Christmas Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Dear God,

How lovely it is to think of you first thing this morning as I awakened from my slumber.  This is my 78th Christmas and I am so blessed to celebrate your coming one more time!  In the dark quiet of the morning, I remember standing in the fields thirty years ago just outside Bethlehem.   I recall leaning down to walk inside the Church of the Nativity, going through the sanctuary and making my way down the steps to the memorial site of the birth of your son.  I remember kneeling down and touching the star and giving thanks.

No matter where we are on this holy day, we can celebrate your birth where we are because you were not only born in that one special place.  You have been born trillions of times in many places on this earth.  Every time our heart has been warmed, every time a miracle came our way, every time a prayer has been answered, every time we fell to our knees feeling your living presence, every time we finally understood something, every time we surrendered, every time we fell into your arms, every time you were born again.

On this holy day in this holy season, may we remember all your gifts to us.  May we allow you to be born again today in our hearts, minds and souls.  We want to give praise!

All praise

to you,

Holy God.

Thank you

for the rebirth

of the savior.

Remind us

to keep

our hearts soft

so we

are prepared

to allow you

to enter 

in again.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Dear God,

In this early morning hour no matter which way I turn, I see beautiful lights, colored lights and white lights set amidst the darkness really is a reminder of the true light that came into the world.  Whether they flicker off and on, radiate from one end to the other or simply shine brightly, I think of you.

Thank you

for this season

of light,

Holy God.

Thank you

for your light

that always

penetrates our

every darkness.

Help us

hold your light

so others

can see you

as well.

Yours, Andrea 

Monday, December 23, 2024

Dear God,

We seem to be living in the time of "not yet."  Christmas is not yet.  Women carrying babies are living in the not yet.  College students are in the season of not yet.  Many of us who are praying for answers, help or miracles live daily in the not yet.

The not yet time is fertile time of trusting and waiting.  Being patient until the fulfillment of time is never easy but always a time to draw closer to you, O God.  Although we do not like this time, it is probably good for us because there is even more waiting for us.

Not yet is your answer to our question of when.  

Help us

trust you

more and more,

O God.

Teach us

to wait

in the

not yet.

Show us

the value

of waiting,

anticipating and trusting.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Dear God,

Twenty-seven years ago on this day I lay on my couch in pain. Two biopsies had revealed breast cancer.  Because the cancer was very deep, they really had to dig to get what they wanted.  I was feeling frightened, worried and burdened down.  All I could do was pray, trust and lean into my faith.

What a difficult time that was!  I thought I might die.  Like Advent waiting, I too had to wait for surgery that was scheduled for the day following Christmas.  As each hour passed by I looked for signs of your living presence.  I found it in those who waited with me.  It was in the lovely Christmas tree adorned only with tiny white lights.  I felt it in the beautiful LLadro angel given to me two days early.  Everywhere I looked, I saw you waiting too.

Thank you,

Holy God,

for the 

wondrous gift

of your

living presence.

We never

have to 

look far

to find you.

Thank you

for all

the extra years

you have

given me.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Dear God,

It is a very gray day.  Clouds fill the skies.  It is quiet outside my study window.  Not much happening!  Yet, everything is happening.  It is just two days before the glorious celebration when the rays of the moon and sun combine to shine glory.  And not just in Bethlehem.

If we prepare our hearts, release worries from our mind and still our bodies, we too can find glory shining on us.  Christ is born again and again and again anywhere as we make ready.  The contrast between a quiet, gray day and bright lights shining from heaven upon every stable home is hardly conceivable yet it happens.

Prepare all

our hearts

and minds

for your coming,

Loving Savior.

We want 

to be ready.

Make our homes

a dwelling place

for Christ.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, December 20, 2024

Dear God,

Throughout the year I rarely make and bake cookies.  But when November and December roll around, the reality of Advent is revealed and I feel tugged to make haste into my warm kitchen.  Yesterday I made raspberry filled almond snowball cookies.  They didn't turn out quite right but they are still beautiful and yummy.

Such moments are holy moments when we feel the joy of the divine season.  Making cookies is one more gift of Advent when we feel the joy of your many gifts.  Although my kitchen is a mess, I smile because I love thinking of you and this most amazing time of the year!  When I make Christmas cookies I make them with you!

Loving God,

thank you

for the gift

of cookies,

for quiet time

in the kitchen

with you.

Thank you

for all

the gifts 

of Advent.

Thank you

for all

the blessings unfolding.

Yours, Andrea

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Dear God,

We never know when we shall experience the joy of Advent or winter.  Early this morning I drove to the grocery.  I looked up at the stars in the dark sky and felt your closeness but it was when I walked into the produce aisle and smelled citrus that I stopped, closed my eyes and took in a deep breath.  Orange, grapefruit and lemon scents were in the air.  I just paused and took several breaths smiling as I walked away to shop.

Citrus, those luscious winter fruits, bless so much on a cold, wintry day.  They are also the signs and wonders of Advent, special gifts at special times of the year.  We always walk by your gifts, O God, failing to see and smell surprises you are offering.  But for me today was different.  I didn't miss it this time!

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for the scent

of citrus.

How wonderful

it smells

and tastes.

Thanks for

meeting me

at the grocery.

Yours forever, Andrea

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Dear God,

I know what it is like to be down, really down.  I know what it is like to be up, really up.  I know what it is like to be pushed aside, shipwrecked and drowning.  One conclusion I can draw is that in any condition we find ourselves in, we are with you. 

When St. Paul said that nothing could separate us, he meant it.  Nothing can separate us.  Only when we lose faith and trust in you and ourselves can we feel the lost space as we drift apart.  Yet, even still, there is an eternal cord that holds us no matter how far we drift.  Hallelujah!

Thank you

for all

that holds us

close to you,

Loving God.

We are

never alone.

Thank you.

Yours, Andrea

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Dear God,

Something happens in the human heart when we join the journey in Advent.  An open heart, mind and spirit knows something profound will happen during this time.  As we grow still, listen and follow, we will see the face of God through nature, music, relationships, the arts and silence.  I can't explain how, when or where it will happen, I just know it will.  

Advent brings with it mystery and magic.  It helps us look deeper and wider into faith, hope and love.   It challenges us to spiritually and emotionally move from here to there knowing the movement itself will be an act of faith.  A step with you is always a gesture of faith, love and trust.

Help us

journey with you,

Advent God.

Take us

by the hand

and lead us

to the stable,

to the manger

and to

love divine.

Thank you

for giving us

this holy time

to walk

with you.

Yours, Andrea

Monday, December 16, 2024

Dear God,

Quiet solitude is with me this morning as I sit, wait, watch and listen.  The absence of sound allows for your voice to be heard.  How sweet it is to sit and wait with you.  Nothing has to be spoken because there is a lovely knowing, a oneness we share.

Every day offers us moments to savor and whisper our thanks.  When we are open and attentive, a door opens inside us and we see and hear divine murmurings.  There is no part of the day sweeter than such holy moments.

I love

our time together,

Compassionate God.

Thank you

for allowing

such time

to present itself.

Thank you

for this morning.

Love always, Andrea 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Dear God,

As I watched the night turn to morning, I realized there was yet another gift of winter.  When spring, summer and fall are aglow with color and texture, the trees are full.  But in winter, the barren branches let us see through them to different scenes.  Suddenly branches begin to dance with the gentle breeze.  The dark and light dance together in a spirit rhythm, all hidden during the other seasons.  What a wonderful gift to witness this morning!  

You are always full of surprises, O Lord.  You invite us into your living world.  You ask us to pause and reflect.  And when we do, treasure appears before our very eyes.  Look, look, look, you whisper offering us exquisite scenes of winter's unique beauty.

Thank you,

Gracious Creator,

for the gifts

just outside

our window.

Thank you

for your

gentle voice

murmuring invitations

to something more.

Thank you

for the dance

this morning.

I loved it.

Yours, Andrea

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Dear God,

Although I put up the fresh-cut Christmas tree almost two weeks ago, it is still blessing our home with its sweet fragrance.  In the early morning as I step out of the hallway into the living room, I catch a quick sniff and a smile spreads gratefully across my face.  I love the various scents of Advent and Christmas.

I begin each morning by plugging in both the mantle and tree lights, then I sit down on the floor by the tree and pour water into the basin.  When I am finished, I look up from a seated position to enjoy the 9' tree from the unique angle.  With white lights glowing, glass, ceramic, tin and yarn ornaments move slightly when the furnace kicks on.  I just sit and smile, taking in the exquisite beauty, scent and all giving thanks for all the holiday tree offers.

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for the

amazing scent

of my

Christmas tree.

Thank you

for all 

her gifts,

lights, ornaments,

beads, angels

and even

artificial snow.

I love 

it all

because it

directs me 

to you.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, December 13, 2024

Dear God,

I am so grateful we do not automatically move from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  I am grateful for Advent.  Advent gives us time and opportunity to reflect upon blessings, gifts and inner treasures.  Daily we can pause, look around and count those joys you have provided.

At this very moment I see gifts in front of my eyes. The tree outside my study window has red berries that the various birds enjoy.  Not only does it provide food for winged friends, it gives me joy to watch their joy in lighting on a branch, looking around and then feasting on the free gift.  I look next door and see rising evergreens that I absolutely love in the winter season especially.  I see the statue of my favorite saint, Francis of Assisi.  Oh, the gifts he has given me has been many across the decades.  Without moving from my seat, I see and celebrate three special treasures.   Tomorrow I could name many more.

Living in thanksgiving and gratitude especially during difficult seasons of loss and sorrow pays great dividends.  Focusing on gifts instead of pain lifts our spirit, lets us know we have more that we realize and gives greater perspectives on life.  It provides hope, peace and joy.

Thank you

for Advent,

Holy God.

Thank you

for time

to reflect,

to consider

and to

give thanks.

Thank you

for all

your many gifts.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Dear God,

I look all around my library-study-craft room and stuff is all around.  Paint, beads, ribbons, fabric, bells, glitter and half-finished Christmas ornaments.  On one hand it is a mess.  On the other hand, it reminds me of creation.  It is the makings of something new.  

I wonder if it was like you on the first day of creation.  Did you look around and see all you could use to make the cosmos and each of us?  Did you imagine what it would be, the colors, sizes and shapes, textures, liquid, mineral and everything else?  Did you share your immense joy with the first humans?  Did you tell them of your great delight?  

As I look once again at the mess before me, I know it is the stuff of creation and I smile along with you.

Holy God,

thank you

for all

of creation.

Thank you

for the blessing

of creating.

You are God;

there is

no one

like you.

Yours, Andrea 

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Dear God,

Advent is such a special season because you extend an invitation to come close.  You invite us into your spirit that exists deep in mystery.  All we need do is open ourselves, say I want to come and then allow ourselves to drift into love's core.  Since we all want and need love, it is the place to be during the Advent season.  I can't always explain what I feel and know during Advent; I just know and feel a closer relationship with you.

I love hearing Advent stories from the bible, stories of Zachariah and Elizabeth, Mary, Gabriel, the shepherds and others.  I love stories written by Richard Rohr, Henri Nouwen, Joyce Rupp, and many other authors.  I love to read my own stories, stories of my childhood, at my grandmother's home and special gifts given and received.  I love all these because they always wind around until we find the stable and bed.

Advent refreshes my soul and saves me once again from the doldrums, hurts and old wounds.  It gives me a sense of anticipation and new beginnings.  I always know something, someone is coming once again.  In some respects, I am like a little child waiting.

Thank you,

O God,

for the love

of Advent.

Thank you

for this

holy season.

Thank you

for inviting us all,

even me

to the stable.

Love, Andrea

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Dear God,

Some days I question my worth.  When I feel down, forgotten or marginalized, I automatically think maybe I am not worth anyone's time.  Why would anyone want to be with me?

Yet, my soul whispers to me the truth of who I am.  I am first and foremost a child of God.  I am beloved.  I look like you because I am made in your image.  As one of God's own, I am valuable.  

Sometimes we fall for the world's messages that often lead us down dead-end paths.  We forget who we are.  But if we pause, take a deep breath and listen for the most valuable words spoken, we will hear your voice once again reminding us of who we are.

Blessed God,

thank you

for your

loving messages.

Thank you

for reaching out

to us.

Thank you

for loving us.

Yours, Andrea

 

Monday, December 9, 2024

Dear God,

How beautiful it is for the two of us to spend this time together, Loving God.  We talk and listen.  We love and be loved.  We share awe and wonder together.  We cry and laugh.  In these moments we are one.

And to think we fail to spend time with you.  Seemingly we have time for everyone and everything else but not with you.  Yet, where do we find the richest experiences in life?  Always with you.

Guide us through our days, O Lord.  Help us to think of you first thing in the morning even before opening our eyes to the new day.  Help us begin with gratitude for what has already come.  Help us keep you in mind all day long as we make decisions and handle difficult situations.  Then at bedtime may you be the last one to hear our voice returning to gratitude.

Thank you,

Gracious God,

for special,

holy times together.

Thank you

for making time

for me.

Thank you

for guiding me

back to you.

Love, Andrea

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Dear God,

It has been almost 30 years ago you introduced me to silence, something I had feared all my life.  But with the diagnosis of breast cancer, I felt powerless and out of control.  You invited me to step into the darkness with only you present.  With fear and trembling, I stepped over the threshold.  I heard the heavy door slam shut.  I stood in place and finally whispered back, "I am willing to be here with just you, Lord."  Then I closed my mouth and listened.  I don't know how long I stood there but those next few minutes changed my life forever.

Some of my life's greatest lessons have come in the darkness void of sound or words.  You introduced me to silence where I have learned to dwell especially in hard times but even in good ones.  It is silence where I see and hear you, where you convert and transform and where you love and challenge.  Today as I sit with my fingers on the computer keyboard, I think of the silence, your greatest gift to me.

Loving God,

thank you

for the beauty

and wonder

of silence.

You bless me

so much

during those

holy moments.

May I

always have gratitude

on my lips.

Yours forever, Andrea

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Dear God,

Last night I believe I heard angels sing as the cold, wintry air blew in my open bedroom window.  The front porch chimes tinkled and I listened as the late-night sounds appeared.  So glorious to know the neighborhood is asleep, Christmas lights are glowing and night owls are hooting.  It is a world most of us know nothing about when we fall into our beds, pray and fall into slumber.  

Several times I have awakened late into the night to go to the bathroom and find several deer grazing in our front yard.  I stay quiet and watch as if I am the only one awake to see the beauty unfolding in front of me.  I murmur silently as I offer up my prayers of gratitude.  I feel so close to you, nature and the mystery of Advent!

Thank you,

for surprising moments

where your spirit

comes to us

face to face.

Thank you

for filling

our lungs

with holy spirit breath.

Thank you

for Advent love.

Yours, Andrea

Friday, December 6, 2024

Dear God,

A few days ago, bundled up in my winter coat, hat, gloves and boots, I stood outside to allow the bitter, wintry winds to blow upon my face.  Winter, I thought to myself, has come again!

I confess winter is my favorite season!  During the spring, summer and fall, I enjoy everyday beauty but I know the most exquisite beauty will come later when temperatures drop, cold winds blow and snow falls gently upon the ground.  No matter my mood or situation a smile will spread across my face just imagining the wonder of winter.

There is something unique and inspiring about this season of the year!  My soul awakens, my mind is sharpened and my spirit is ready to dance.  For this season is filled with mystery, long shadows and sacred surprise.  The whole of my being knows this is the spirit's holy time when minds, spirits and souls begin to breathe in anew the breath of your mystical spirit.

Alone with my thoughts, hope and peace, I welcomed the season into my being once again!

Thank you,

Wondrous God,

for the 

special gift

of winter.

Thank you

for what 

awaits us.

Thank you

for this

glorious, holy moment.

Love, Andrea

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Dear God,

While I waited for my coffee in the drive through at Dunkin Donuts, I noticed an old, abandoned bird nest in the tree.  Woven with plastic, sticks, paper and assorted other debris, I marveled at the wonder of a bird's search for odds and ends to make a home for their babies.  What a wonder!

The interesting scene made me think about how you provide odds and ends for us to remake our own hearts, minds and souls.  You provide everything we need, something new but more often than not, remnants of other things, beliefs, thoughts, memories, even discarded things.  Like the birds you give us what we need to build a new home for healing, hope and peace.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for all

your surprising gifts.

Thank you

for leading us

to what

we need.

You are

our greatest gift.

Love, Andrea 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Dear God,

Part of the magic of Christmas is the opportunity to discover new perspectives.  As I sat in the therapist's office listening to his words of challenge, encouragement and affirmation, I could feel my brain neurons dancing.  What appeared first to be darkness turned to light.  I breathed in a new hope and peace.

You can do so much for us when we truly lean in, listen to your words and feel your love.  Advent and Christmas afford us the chance to step onto fresh soil where birth and life can begin again.  Truly it is remarkable especially since this wintry season seems bereft of life.  But not so, not at all.

Thank you,

Creator God,

for all

that is new.

Thank you

for bridges

to healing

and hope.

Thank you

for every gift

of the season.

Yours forever, Andrea

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Dear God,

Early this morning I couldn't help but be captured by the only star in the sky.  Standing in the dark and looking up I felt like one of those children on the front of a Hallmark Christmas card.  I was caught up in awe and wonder.

But this is Advent.  Surprise, mystery and gifts are to be expected during this holy time. As I gazed upon the diamond in the sky, I thought of the Bethlehem star and how bright it was to capture the attention of the shepherds.  So much so that they ran to find the unexpected treasure.

I wish I had that kind of faith to see a star and follow it where God leads.  I am working on my faith this Advent because I want a shepherd's heart.

Holy God,

thank you

for the

bright star

on the

dark night.

Thank you

for the blessing.

Make me gaze

in wonder too.

Love, Andrea

Monday, December 2, 2024

Dear God, 

With a slight layer of snow on the branches of the ornamental cherry tree, I watch as a variety of birds dine on the tiny red berries.  What provision you give to the birds of the air.  While many birds fly south, cardinals, blue jays and purple finches along with some others frequently show up at the beautiful tree.

As is always true, nature reveals so much about you and provisions for humankind. Winter is especially marvelous because we have to look far and wide between barren branches, messy gardens and spectacular white, fluffy clouds seated in robin egg blue skies.  If we are open, willing and quiet, we will discover a word, a phrase, a truth, a beauty or a mystery.  It is all out there just waiting to be found.

Thank you

for our

cherry tree

and all

the beauty

it offers

all year long.

Thank you

for feeding

the winged creatures,

squirrels and chipmunks.

Most of all,

we thank you

for the gift

of your spirit

hidden in

every treasure

in nature.

Love always, Andrea

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Dear God,

The first day of Advent is one of my favorite days of the year.  Although I have celebrated 77 years of Advent, it is always new and fresh to me.  It is the announcement from the people on the ground to say God exists to come again.

Advent is the promise of God not only to come again but also to remind us that hope is alive.  Even though there are many forces of darkness, evil and ugliness present in our nation and world, still none of these can hold hope back.  It is a divine gift intended to lift people up from their black holes, despair and fear.  God comes close to us so we can draw close to God.

Loving God,

thank you

for this

great day!

Thank you

for reminders

of your

living presence

every day.

Fill our hearts,

mind and spirits

with your hope,

we pray.

Love, Andrea

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Dear God,

A 2l-month old baby died in her crib.  Her parents screamed, "Why? Why did our Leona die?  The coroner said her little body was perfect, no signs of infection, illness or trauma.  So why did she breathe her last, O God?

As a pastor we are expected to have answers to life's great questions.  But I don't.  I wanted to but I could not.  I could only offer words of comfort, gestures of love and promise of God's presence in suffering.  

As I lead the memorial service in the bitterly cold weather, I leaned on you to provide hope and a modicum of peace.  At the end we blew kisses to Leona and to you, dear God.

So many

are broken,

Heavenly Father;

so many

are suffering.

Help each

of us

to lean hard

on you

for you

are our

only anchor 

of hope.

Bless us

with your peace,

I pray.

Love, Andrea