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.

Perfect Timing is God's Fingerprint

The last time I wrote here, I'd just been on my third visit to the hospital emergency room where an MRI revealed that I needed a complete hip replacement.  It is frightening to find that a part of one's body is strangely worn and isn't working anymore.

Within three weeks of discovering I needed surgery I was in the operating room.  I felt the comfort of His angels all around me.  I was not afraid.

Recently I had a follow-up visit with the surgeon.  That's when I learned my surgery was to have been delayed until late October.  The only reason I was able to get in so quickly, and with one of the best surgeons in this part of the country, is because there was an unexpected opening.

Sometimes a series of events happen in such a way it is obvious people are praying and God is answering their prayers.  Perfect timing is God's fingerprint, my Friends.  There is no such thing as coincidence, no matter how often some folks claim it is.

Six months after surgery, I can run and dance--astonishingly, by the end of October, I was well enough to speak at a Women's Retreat and had the joy of performing drama for various events in November and December.

I am still thanking God for His miraculous intervention.

Have a lovely day--keep looking Up.  Dear ones, you know who you are...there are many many folks who are praying for you.  God is good and He is watching out for you.  

Lights out! -SkyWatch Friday

Time for another angel story! This one comes from Charlotte, who gave me permission to tell her story.

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One very dark night, Charlotte and her husband Bill were driving home through a mountainous region in California known as Malibu Canyon. In those days the road was extremely dangerous, sporting only two lanes, no guard rails or lights, with a sheer drop to the canyon floor below.

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They had just driven into the most dangerous area of the road, when suddenly their car lights went out! It was a moonless, wet, wintry night, and they could not see the road ahead. With their vehicle's lights off, the oncoming cars would not be able to see them coming. It was a situation which could end in the worst kind of disaster.

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Charlotte must have been terrified. She wrote, "...so I prayed for the lights to come on, and they did." Inexplicably the car's lights stayed on until they drove out of danger. When they were safely through the canyon, the lights went out again--forever.

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The next day, an astonished mechanic told Charlotte's husband Bill, there was no way the lights could have come back on again--the electrical was cut clear through.

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Charlotte believes there were angels holding those wires together, and writes, "...just hope they didn't singe their wings!"

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Angels are indeed watching over us!

If you love clouds as much as I do--join Skywatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Have a lovely day and Happy Skywatch Friday!

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Freeway Angel -SkyWatch Friday

Time for another Angel Story.  A few years ago, our good friend Ken was driving a truckload of pipe  down highway 16, Washington State.

A man pulled alongside, signaling something was wrong with his load, so Ken slowed and stopped on the shoulder of the highway.  The man also stopped and together they tightened down the ropes holding the pipes in place.  Suddenly Ken didn't feel very well and he had to sit down.

Then he lost consciousness.  Ken was having a major heart attack.  His helpful new friend called 911 and began to administer CPR.  Later the paramedics couldn't recall what the man looked like, or where he went once they took over.  He and his vehicle simply vanished.

Ken's family was heartbroken when the doctors told them tests revealed that there was no brain activity.  Ken was moved to hospice where they expected him to die. But my husband and I and hundreds of people all over the world were praying for a miracle.

He was in a coma without any brain activity for quite a long time.  Then came the day the family was approached about organ donation.  The doctors told them Ken would never recover because he was brain dead.  But the family decided to wait.  Weeks went by, we were all afraid he was going to die.

Meanwhile, his youngest daughter had been feeding him ice chips.  When she would place the ice in his mouth, he would swallow the water.  The nurses discouraged her from doing so, they said she was prolonging the inevitable.  But that dear girl kept on giving her Dad the ice.

I'm not sure how much more time passed, but one day when the family came to visit they found an empty bed.  They feared the worst.

Imagine their astonishment when they found Ken alive and well in the small hospice cafeteria, eating mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey.  He could walk and talk--he knew his family and he was hungry.

He actually had to stay in Hospice a few extra days because there was no paperwork in existence to check someone OUT of hospice!  We all had a pretty good laugh over that.

We still see him from time to time--he is healthy, hale and hearty.

If that man hadn't signaled something was wrong with the load of pipes, Ken wouldn't have pulled over.  He could have had a heart attack while he was driving.  Others could have been hurt.  If the man hadn't been there to call 911 and administer CPR, our friend might not have made it.

An angel?  I believe it is possible.

To be called brain dead one day and yet awaken with one's brain intact is miraculous.  God is still in the business of miracles! 

If you love clouds as much as I do--join Skywatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Have a lovely day and Happy Skywatch Friday!

Angels in the Sky -SkyWatch Friday

Two weeks ago yesterday, I was working on the computer when the smoke alarm went off.  At first I thought it was something in the kitchen, but then I realized it was our wood stove and there was a chimney fire.

I yelled for my husband to call 911.  Then I grabbed a bucket, filled it with water and doused the fire in the wood stove.  As I shut it up tight, a plume of steam raced up the chimney.  This was the best thing I could have done, I'm told, as the steam likely slowed the fire down until the fire trucks could get there.

In fact, the fireman told us the wall was minutes away from bursting into flame.  A miracle indeed.

A couple nights after the fire, I could not sleep.  I wandered the house, not knowing why I did.  I noticed an awful aroma in the back of the house--it smelled like rotten beetles.  It took me a bit to discover the aroma came from closet under the stairway, and when I opened the door there was smoke.  Apparently one of the breakers in the breaker box there had overheated and melted.  It was likely on fire, but contained by the metal box.  My husband was able to contain it and we were safe.  This was totally unrelated to the chimney fire.  Again, we were protected.

The next morning as the cleaning crew arrived, I saw some amazing clouds in the sky, so I ran outside to take a few pictures.  Later as I looked at the photos on my computer I was astonished to see what looked like two angels hovering over the trees.

Here is a closeup of them.  Astonishing, isn't it?  With the events of the past three weeks, I am just sure they are our guardian angels.

If you love clouds as much as I do--join Skywatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Have a lovely day and Happy Skywatch Friday!

Angels Overhead -Guest Heart Thursday

If you look closely you can see a heart hidden in the arms of the cloud.  What a beautiful day it was.  I was down at the park with my darling little niece.   We were in awe of the beauty of the skies.

Then she gasped and pointed upward.  "Look," she cried.  "There's an angel!"  She danced on her small toes as she added, "and his arms are open for a hug."

What a beautiful thing--to see through the eyes of a child.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Our Hearts Grieve

Monday, as events unfolded, I took a break to walk outside.  I was in tears, praying for the people of Boston--Asking God to cover everyone who's lives have been altered forever.

Astonishingly, my camera captured this angelic cloud overhead.  Indeed, I believe God has sent his angels to cover, protect and intervene in this situation. I don't know how it will end, but I continue to pray.

Our hearts grieve over the tragedy--this heartbreaking event has changed so many lives--those who died and their families and others who have been grievously wounded.  It may sound strange, but my heart also goes out to the families of the young men who chose to do this horrible thing.
 
Let justice prevail, yet let compassion overcome our great anger. 

Cloudy Angel

Sunday, on our way home from Carson, Washington State, we stopped in Stevenson at my favorite park.

It is where one can cross an oaken bridge to a little flower-strewn meadow.  From there, stone hewn steps lead to a small lagoon where the beach is strewn with blue rocks.  I once met a dragon there.  (grin)  It is a magical place.

The clouds were boiling overhead, but the river seemed calm.  A gentle breeze blew and I began to feel whispy drops of rain.  "Time to leave," I thought with a bit of reluctance, glancing toward the opposite side of the Columbia River.

I wasn't a bit surprised to see that cloudy angel waving at me!

Have a beautiful day!

Roses for Mumsie -Guest Heart Thursday

Every Valentine's Day, Daddy always found a way to get Mumsie a lovely bouquet of flowers and a big fancy box of candy.  Because this was Mom's first Valentine's Day since Dad died, I knew it would be incredibly difficult for her.  I wanted to do something special for her in his absence.

So, I found some flowers which were reasonably priced and chose the best ones I could afford.  I looked longingly at a huge bouquet of red roses, but knew I couldn't swing it.  I asked the clerk if they sold fancy boxes of chocolate and if not, perhaps she knew someplace nearby where they did.

I explained my plans to surprise Mom with flowers and a big box of chocolates and why it was so important.  Unbidden, tears lurked in my eyes.

As I was ready to purchase the flowers I'd found, the young lady excused herself for a moment.  I stood at the check out counter lost in my thoughts--when I heard her ask, "Does your Mom like roses?"

"Yes, she does," I said, looking up with a tearful smile.

In her hands the girl bore a beautiful bouquet of a dozen red roses complete with baby's breath and gorgeous greens.

"These are for your Mom," she said, putting them into my hands.  "And they're on the house."

I gasped and burst into tears and when I could find the words, I thanked her.  She was weeping as she hugged me.   

What an unexpected, precious gift of love for our beloved Mumsie--on a day I know she was dreading with all her heart.

Sometimes Angels are people doing wonderful, unexpected things for each other.  I am so grateful for Miss Molly and her lovely gift of flowers.  Mom was astonished--and when she heard the story, she was even more touched.  (And yes, I did find a really cool heart box filled with chocolates to go along with those roses.)  (grin) 

We can all be someone's Angel--and you never know who's watching.  Click on the heart below--this song touched me SO much.  Thank you to all the angels out there--with one simple kind act, you can change the world.

I wish each of you, a wonderful Happy Valentine's Day! 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday! 
 

Sissy's Christmas Angel

Time for another Angel Story. My darling Sister Clytie sent this one to me a few months ago.  Wow--sometimes angels are people, you know.  It is Spring, I know--but with our recent snowstorm, I thought this story to be perfect for a snowy wintery Spring day.

Sissy writes, "This story started a long time ago, but the interesting part happened more recently. I had been searching for an affordable digital converter box, as a promise to Victoria, for months. They were hard (nearly impossible!) to find, and the few that I did find were price prohibitive.

Then in November I found an ad in the newspaper for a converter box - at a very cheap price! I went to the store mentioned in the ad, and found they didn't carry them at that particular location. I checked 3 more stores in different towns, before I gave up.  Then, just before Christmas, I found another store ad! Again, though, the converter box was not available in any of the stores I visited. In all, I searched 6 stores - only to come up empty handed.

Finally on Friday, I stopped at one last Rite Aid ... and found a spot on the shelf for the box - but the shelf was empty. I waited at the service counter, and asked if they were going to get more in, or maybe one was behind the counter. Sadly, the clerk said they had only received a couple of them, which sold out quickly. They did not expect anymore. Ever.

I started to leave the store, when the pharmacist, who had been listening to my questions, came over. "Do you live here in town?" she asked. "No, I live in Wilsonville" - 10 miles or so away. She turned away, then turned back "I live in McMinnville" she said - 10 miles or so the other direction. I wasn't sure why she felt I needed to know this. Suddenly she said "I have one at home. It's brand new, in the box - I've never used it, and never will. If you can come back tomorrow, I want to give it to you."

I started to cry, telling her I would be back. She said her name was Pam.

This morning I went back to Rite Aid. It was a glorious day, and I enjoyed driving the winding country road. I tried to rehearse in my mind what I would say ... what if she forgot to bring it? I would hate for her to think I would be upset! I wanted to reassure her that it didn't matter - her offer alone was enough to bring joy to my Christmas!

I got to the store, took a deep breath, double checking my pocket to make sure the special card I had found for her was still there, and went into the store. I asked for Pam, and there she came, a huge smile on her face. She went behind the counter, and came back out with a box. Can you believe it, she actually apologized because the box had a tear in it!

I thanked her, tears raining down my cheeks. Then I handed her the card. She looked startled, saying "Oh, you didn't have to do that!".

"I know," I said. "Neither did you."

Pam will forever be my beautiful Christmas angel, who brought a joyous light to this total stranger, and I will never forget her generosity and beauty ... and how she taught me once again the true meaning of Christmas ... and faith.

I am so grateful to the angels in our lives.  They appear unexpectedly, bringing joy and leaving wonder in their wake.

You can visit Sissy at Random Hearts.  She is an amazing, talented, incredible person--I am SO privileged to be Clytie's big sis.  

Angel in the Night

Years ago, I lived with my grandmother in her basement.  In the summertime, Uncle Dale would gather excess junk wood from around the place to burn.  A hard worker, Dale was born with acute learning disabilities.  He is an unusual man, who learns by asking questions and watching others work.  He lived with Grandma, helping to care for her until she died.  Uncle Dale is amazing and I love him.

One long-ago evening, we built a fire out on the lip of the canyon.  We pulled big old logs next to the fire and sat, watching the flame grow brighter in the gathering darkness. 

That night the conversation turned to angels.  Dale told a fascinating story from his own childhood.  He was very young when he and his two younger siblings were left at home alone.  In those days they didn't have electricity and as the sun set and the air grew dark, Mom and their brother Lawrence became frightened.  The children huddled together beside the front window, waiting and watching for their parents' return.

But Uncle Dale wasn't afraid.  He told me he wasn't fearful, because there was an angel watching over them from a nearby tree.

I asked him what the angel looked like.  Uncle Dale's description was amazingly detailed.  The robes the angel wore were made of light.  You couldn't see the angel's feet, because beams of that rainbowy light scudded down the tree to ripple across the ground. The angel held a shining sword and he smiled down at Dale as though to say everything would be alright.  Curiously he says when he told his younger siblings not to be afraid, the fear which had surrounded them vanished.

I believe sometimes God allows children to see past the fabric of our everyday world, into  supernatural events, which adults often disbelieve, or ignore.

I am so grateful for Dale's story.  I often wonder how many times we have been protected by God's angels and did not know it.  Perhaps that sense of peace and safety as we travel down the freeway comes because His angels are watching over us.

This isn't the first angel Uncle Dale saw as a child--but that is another Angel Story for another day.

Safeway Angel

A year and a half or so ago, I badly injured my leg to the point the entire limb swelled and turned a lovely black and blue.  To walk was extremely painful and it wasn't getting better.  I finally decided to go to the doctor.  

On my way home, I stopped at Safeway pharmacy to pick up a prescription for pain.   As I limped painfully toward my car, I carried several full bags of groceries, along with my purse and camera bag.  I juggled the bags to get to my purse, looking for keys to open the trunk of my car.

As I approached my car, keys finally in hand, I noticed a dark haired, middle-aged man half running toward me at a fast clip.   My first fleeting thought was to open the trunk to put my purchases inside before asking the man what he wanted.

But suddenly, without my knowing how it happened--the car was between me and the man.  It was though I had been boomeranged to the other side by a giant rubber band.  I was moved by something outside myself.  It felt like a strong, incredibly large invisible force had taken me by the elbow and whisked me beyond the man's reach.

Eerily, the man paced back and forth -- his movements, mirroring my own, gave the feeling of a predator trying to discern which way I might move, or run, in order to counter it.  He had a frightening look of desperation in his eyes.   

Shaken, I stood still and warily asked what he wanted.  The man stopped pacing, pushed his hands against the passenger window and said his car had broke down and he needed some money.  I told him I didn’t have any money.

Just then a security guard noticed what was happening.  By then the man, who'd also seen the guard, had bounced away from my car to accost another customer.  As the guard walked closer, the man quickly took off running across the  parking lot.

After speaking with the security guard, I headed home.  Interestingly enough, I actually drove past the man who’d frightened me.  He was riding along the highway--on a bike.  

I feel sure the man had followed me from inside the store where he’d seen me buy the prescription for Oxycodone.  It is highly likely his motive was to rob me.

The sensation of that invisible force, effortlessly moving me out of that man’s reach, still haunts my thoughts.  I am sure an angel scooted me to safety, then brought what was happening to the security guard’s attention.

I am so grateful for God's protection!!

Ting-Bumper Angel

25 years ago, Mums and I, along with my tiny baby daughter, were traveling up I-5 through Washington State, on our way to speak at a Ladies' Retreat. 

Suddenly, a small blue car sped out of nowhere to play near ting bumper with the back of my Volkswagen Bug.  Having no ax to grind, I obligingly moved over.  As we watched the teenage boy aggressively spin through the traffic ahead I observed, "That kid is going to get someone killed."  I could see other drivers around us felt the same.  Vehicles in the lanes around the teen would not let him through. I shook my head.

Just then my little daughter began to scream.  Mom tried to comfort her, but to no avail.  Nothing helped!  So we took the next exit.  I thought maybe she was hungry and needed to nurse.  

However, as soon as we parked the VW, she stopped crying and gave us a BIG toothless smile.  She didn't want to nurse and was as happy as a clam, waving her plump little arms and giggling into the air.  Mumsie and I were both mystified.

But when we drove back to the freeway, traffic was at a standstill.  "There must have been an accident," I said.  As we drew closer, I felt a little ill--there, mashed against the median was that small blue car.  Rescue vehicles were just arriving on the scene.  Drapes covered the driver's side door.  

Cars we'd traveled next to for miles were crunched and broken, scattered along both sides of the freeway.  If we hadn't pulled over when we did, we would have been right in the middle of that terrible accident. 

Mum and I were shaken to the core.  Looking at the people, some of them standing beside their crushed vehicles, I realized the three of us had escaped a horrible fate.  It was a very close call.

Later we smiled over the thought of a big ole' angel swooping down into our tiny Volkswagen Bug.  Catching my wee baby's attention, the angel must have told her to cry like the dickens and to not let up until we'd pulled off the freeway.  As soon as we were out of danger, I'm sure my baby received a big warm angel hug.  Perhaps she was smiling and waving goodbye as the angel flew away.

Miraculously our lives were spared.   All three of us had a lot more left to do here on this earth!   

I believe God often sends His angel messengers to protect those He loves.  I am so grateful for His protection on the highway that day.

Parking Lot Angel

 

We often traveled to California when we were first starting out.  In those days we didn't have a  trailer to haul all our drama equipment, props and sets--everything was stuffed into the back of our big old tan van.

Our Van broke down as we were returning from a two-week tour performing in California.  We pulled into a big empty parking lot to assess what we should do.  It was late and obviously we couldn't drive any further.  My sweet husband rented a motel room a few blocks away, for our three small children and I, then left to see what could be done to get the van running again.  He was able to get the part we needed just down the road. 

He was lying underneath our vehicle on a piece of discarded cardboard, working to cinch the new part down onto the engine.  He soon discovered he needed someone to hold the piece he was working on, from above.   He was about to give up in frustration, when he sent up a prayer.

A few minutes later, as my husband grimly wrestled with the impossible task, he heard a voice.  "Looks like you need some help there, young fella."

Alan said he thought at first it was an old farmer.  My husband could see the man's friendly smile--tooth-white in his brown seamed face--from where he lay on the parking lot.  Then a weathered, sun-warmed hand reached down, to hold the part in place.

A moment later the job was done.  My husband quickly climbed out from under the van, to thank the elderly man who had helped him.

But strangely enough--in the middle of that huge empty parking lot--the helpful old man was nowhere to be found. 

An angel?  I have no doubt in my mind.  Angels seem to show up exactly the moment one needs help.  They seem quite ordinary, until they vanish without a trace.

Biker Angel - Guest Heart Thursday

This Angel Story comes from our wonderful neighbor Jerry.  He is a tough Vietnam Vet with a very big heart.

As Jerry tells it, he was riding his bike on the freeway, when he came up on a huge gang of scary looking bikers on Harleys.  They were going under the speed limit, holding traffic back behind them.  No one wanted to pass this group of mean looking bikers for fear of what they might do.

But Jerry decided he wasn't going to put up with that, kicked his bike into high gear and drove up through the middle.  The bikers parted as Jerry made his way through.  Then he was off and away.

Awhile later, when he stopped for a break, who should come riding up, but that same group of tough guys.  The bulky leader stalked up to Jerry and growled, "Who was that big guy you were riding with?"

Jerry told the man he had been riding alone.  But the biker insisted Jerry hadn't been alone and made it clear, if the large, well-muscled fellow Jerry had been riding with hadn't been there--things would have not gone very well for Jerry. 

Another incredible story of God's protecting angels at work!

This is the first time I've posted this blog on Guest Heart Thursday.  Can you see the big heart just over that big angel's shoulder?  For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

Sissy's Prayers

We were returning from five-day trip to Spokane.  We had an eight hour drive ahead of us.  But near Noon, we noticed the heat of the engine was rapidly rising to the critical line.  We were able to add coolant before any damage was done--we were SO close to blowing the engine--we could hear the radiator bubbling and blowing.

A couple hours later, after lunch with friends, we were on the road again--but somehow we missed our cutoff and we were lost.  As we were finding our way, a woman in the lane next to us pulling a trailer of her own, nearly took us off the road.  She was holding her cell phone to her ear--she didn't seem to notice how close she'd come to becoming another statistic.

We arrived home safely.  Ah, it was so good to be home!

This morning I called Sissy to see how she was doing.  I was astonished when she asked if something had happened around Noon and then again around 2 p.m.?  I was speechless.  She'd had a heavy heart and a need to pray for us right when we were in danger.  So amazing--a beloved Sister's prayers--the powerful intervention of angelic forces.

I caught one of those angels in the skies--can you see her?  She followed us all the way to Oregon.  All the while she flew alongside, I was reminded we were traveling safely in God's hands.  Little did I know Sissy's prayers were winging their way to heaven.  Her heart was with us as we drove that long road home.

Angel in the Airport

Naomi and her 18-month old grandchild were waiting in the airport lobby.  They were there to greet a loved one who'd been away for some time.

Naomi watched the tiny child as she played.  She looked away for an instant.  When she looked back her grand baby was missing!

She could not see the little girl anywhere--she searched in every nook and cranny, asked everyone if they'd seen the little girl, but no one had.  Fear pushed it's ugly head into her heart and panic began to reign.

She closed her eyes and began to pray.

Suddenly there was a gentle tap on her shoulder.  Naomi opened her eyes to see an short elderly lady in a pastel flowered dress, looking into her eyes.

"Don't be afraid," said the old woman, with a kindly twinkle.  "Look just over there, your grand baby is playing behind those planted palms."

Naomi could not see the child, but even so, dashed to the potted plants.  There hidden from view behind the pots, sat the baby playing quietly.  Naomi gasped and caught the child up in her arms.

She turned to thank her benefactor. 

But the little old woman was gone.  There was no way she could have vanished so completely in the short time it had taken to run to the child.  When Naomi described her to people in the lobby--asking if they'd seen her--no one had.  No one remembered a woman of that description even talking to her.

An angel?  I think so.  They often appear as human as you or I--yet they vanish in a twinkling of the eye.

Angel Stories

I hope to have Angel Stories up and running next week sometime!  God bless you all!  Thanks for your patience!