Angel at the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Long ago a dear little girl told me the following true story.

She was on a trip, far from home.  As a treat the family stopped at an all-you-can-eat restaurant buffet for dinner.

They had a wonderful time.  There was a lot of laughter and goofing off whenever they would stop to eat together--but this time was extra special.  She had finished her plate, but was still hungry so she decided to get seconds--after all--it said "all you can eat."

As she stood in line, a tiny wrinkled man in a brown suit, wearing a dapper hat stood next to her.

When she glanced at him,  his eyes twinkled.  Holding her gaze, he said kindly, "My dear, someday you will need to make some hard choices in your life."  He told her she would need to choose wisely.

She glanced down for a moment, wondering what he meant.

To her surprise when she looked back up--he was gone.  There wasn't a trace of him anywhere--and there was no way he could have walked away without being seen.

An angel?  Perhaps he gave this small girl words of wisdom to remember in the future?

I am sure this must have been so.  He was an angel, clothed as a human, sent to give a special blessing to a tiny girl with a beautiful heart.  I have it on good authority she never forgot that meeting, or the advice he gave. 

Blessings to each of you this new year.  It comes full of possibilities and miracles.  God's helpers are all around.  You are not alone.

Wood Angels, Sweater Angels and Angels Knitting

I will always be astonished when God sends His angels to minister, often before we know our own need.  I should not be surprised--but I never cease to feel awe when He provides in miraculous ways.

A little over a month ago, two cords of firewood were dumped on my driveway.  I had a couple month's worth out back, but had been fretting over not having enough wood to get through the winter.  It was a sudden gift, when my adopted Bro Larry called to say he was coming by with that firewood!

What I didn't realize was a month later my main gas furnace would give up completely--during the coldest temperatures we'd had so far.  This old house, built in 1896, was incredibly chilly.  God  knew I would need that firewood and sent Larry my way.

Then just before the furnace gave out, my wee sister Wendy sent a Christmas gift.  "Open it when you get the box," she said.  "There's something inside I think you'll need." 

Said she with a giggle, when I called to tell her of my predicament and how cold it was, "Well, I have a feeling you are going to love what I sent to you.  She was right!  She had knitted a beautiful maroon and green blanket--wonderfully thick and warm.  Such incredibly perfect timing--I slept under that throw with two more blankets, on the sofa next to the wood stove.

The day the furnace gave out, I received a package in the mail.  It was a beautiful, soft, thick sweater from Dan and Judy.

When I thanked Judy for the sweater and spoke of the perfect timing of its arrival, she laughed and told me they'd ordered it several months before. 

God knew what was going to happen.  I lived and slept in that gloriously warm sweater for three weeks!

These dear ones were God's own human angels.  And the perfect timing was God's.  He provided before I was aware of the need I would have for the wood, that wonderful soft sweater and lovely hand-made blanket.

I thank the Lord for those who pay attention to the gentle promptings of God, for then miracles happen.

Trust in God--Look up!  Expect a miracle!  He cares for you.

Merry Christmas dear one!  God is good!