Angel Unhinged

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This Angel Story was sent by my delightful Sister Clytie. Here is the story in her own words.

When I was first married, I drove a 1972 Datsun 2000 Roadster hard-top convertible. I rarely drove with the top down, because it entailed a great deal of work to get it off and stored. One of the hinges actually had to be removed with a crowbar, although the other side was so loose, it would sometimes fall down at odd times, with a loud "BAM!"

I frequently drove to Pendleton, Oregon, to visit my husband's grandparents - a four hour trip. On one occasion I was traveling by myself through the Columbia Gorge, my little car fully loaded for the weekend trip. I was tired, and the trip was long and boring, with no stereo or radio to divert my attention...

Suddenly, a loud "BAM!"

I woke up, realizing I had drifted off to sleep and was swiftly heading toward a very steep embankment, a vertical rock wall in front of me! I was shocked awake and shakily headed my little car back to the highway. I took the next exit and sat for a while.

Only after I had calmed down did I think to fix the hinge that woke me up. But it was already hitched!!! Astonished I looked at the other hinge - the one I needed a crowbar to undo, and there it was, hanging down ... undone. I had to use all of my force to push it closed again!

How did this happen?   I can only imagine an angel saw me falling asleep and flicked the hinge with an agitated finger to wake me up. I don't have any other explanation. In the entire time we owned the car the hinge on that side, only fell down that one time.

I, for one, am deeply grateful to God for His protection of my sister as she drove that lonely road. I think about what my life would be without Clytie in it, and I am bereft. There is something so wonderful and beautiful about the sweet relationship between sisters.

Angel in the Kitchen

Dad had just passed away.  Mumsie was standing in the kitchen weeping into the sudsy water of the sink as she washed the dishes.  She was filled with sadness and dark despair.

As she tells it, "I was in the kitchen doing the dishes, when suddenly I heard a HUGE voice saying my name, "EVA!"  

 I whirled around to see a giant angel standing behind me.  He wore orange and deep grey robes.  On his head was a helmet and in his hands he held a great sword.  He was enormous, at least twelve feet tall.  

"When I looked up into his eyes, he smiled a sweet, crooked smile.  Then he faded from my eyes.  Fear flew away and my heart was suddenly peaceful.  I knew that angel had been sent by God to strengthen me in my time of sorrow.  I am so thankful for God's gift of comfort."

Sometimes we are allowed to see those whom God has sent to watch over us.  When we are given that opportunity, it is a moment of unspeakable joy and surprise!

Dear Friends, no matter what terrible burden, or unmanageable situation you are facing just now, you are not alone.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 
~ Psalm 34:7 

Rocky Mountain Adventure -Guest Heart Thursday

Years ago, when our children were "tweens," my husband and our family along with his Brother, Sister-in-Law and their family were sightseeing in the Rocky Mountains near Estes park.

The cliffs along the road sparkled like diamonds.  We were in awe so we pulled to the side of the road to look at the bright  rocks of the steep hillside. 

The kids decided to climb the side of the hill.

Our middle daughter had climbed quite a ways up when the unthinkable happened.  She reached out to grab part of the cliff when a huge piece of the cliff came loose on top of her.  Later she said,  “I tried to push it to one side with my hands so it wouldn’t hit my cousins, but it was too heavy.”  Everything went into in slow motion as I watched the boulder land on my nephew, then bounce back onto my daughter. 

The giant rock hit both her shins and she flew backwards off the cliff, landing on her back in a cupped area of sharp rocks below.

The huge rock bounced down to land on my young niece, hitting her hard on the thigh as she slid down the cliff on her feet.  My daughter said at that moment she felt herself blacking out--but she was so worried about her cousins, she wouldn’t let herself go into the darkness. 

As she lay there, she was afraid to move because she hurt so badly.

I don’t remember how I got to her side, but suddenly I was there, my husband close behind, checking her legs, her back while my brother-in-law, once he knew his son was alright, carried his daughter to the edge of the road.

Miraculously the kids only sustained scrapes and cuts—there were no broken bones, no lasting consequences.  They insisted on going on to Estes Park.

On our way back, we pulled over to the spot where our children had so narrowly escaped harm.  There was the rock which had fallen onto the children--it was so big and heavy my husband and his brother together couldn’t lift it.  It was a miracle no one was seriously hurt.  We knew God’s angels had hefted that great boulder aside.  There was no other explanation.

Then the kids decided to climb the hill again.  It looked safe and they were determined to go.  After examining the hillside, we as parents felt this was the best thing to do.

After climbing to the top and back our daughter confided, “Best of all I conquered my fear and climbed that same cliff--all the way to the top.”

Later we went back and got that big rock—it rests my brother-in-law’s Garden—a reminder of God’s incredible mercy and grace, and the strength and loving protection of those Rocky Mountain Angels.

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

Those Boston Angels

It took an entire week to travel to the East Coast for a variety of drama performances. We were in the scariest and most dangerous part of Boston setting up for a performance that evening. While my family and the "Bish" went out to get some dinner, I stayed in the old building behind the set, carefully applying layers of makeup which would transform me into 99-year old Sarah.

A little later, I heard the heavy front doors open and slam shut, footsteps, whisperings.  I sat still, listening intently.  It wasn't the Bish, or my family.  Those doors were supposed to have been locked.  I instinctively knew something was wrong.   Whoever it was, wasn't supposed to be there.

Darkness and fear flooded the room. I began to pray. As time stretched along with the shouts of the intruders, I felt the prayers of angels joining mine . . . Then suddenly there was a terrified yell, running feet and the big metal double doors slammed shut.

Blessed silence.

I bent my head to thank God--I sensed the glory of the angels' garments scudding in bright streams across the floor.  It was breath-taking.  We kneeled together there, worshiping God, thanking Him for watching over me, this place, my family and our friends.

The evening’s performance was touched by the power of God. Later that night we finished striking the set, packing everything into the big trailer.  The  Bish and a few others joined us to rest and talk after a big job well-done.

Then I noticed the small boy perusing the empty auditorium, awe written all over his face.  “What is it?” I asked.

“I was wondering,” said he, question marks all over his face.  “Who are all these people standing around dressed in white?”  I was dumbstruck. 

They were the angels.  The ones God had sent to do His bidding.  Those Boston Angels, watching over us, keeping us from harm.