Similar to the birth of a new bebe, we welcome the New Year with all the hope that potential can bring.
May 2010 bring you more than your heart's deisre. May it bring you Truth and Honor. May Peace, Love and Tranqulity follow you this year. May you know Abundance and God's Comfort. May you feel the Angels Descending all around you and know you are a Child of God.
Happy New Year... May You Be Blessed.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.'
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
Luke 2:8-20
I wondered half aloud, "What do angels eat in Heaven?"
Perpetually nourished by God's loving Grace I imagined there was no need for such mundane things. God's presence alone was enough.
Hebrews 13:1-2 tells us, "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares".
The angels translated here refers to messengers of the human variety So then my focus changed. "What do angels eat on Earth?"
How creative we humans are. Over the simplest or most elegant servings of angel food, we can find love, laughter, kindness and compassion. Join me now in a feast for the eyes. One warning though - some angel food can add inches to your waistline.
This will be my first Christmas without my angel, Barney. What? No buying of catnip or more batteries for the laser light that he chased for endless evenings? My heart weighs heavy when I think of it that way. But things have come full circle. My very first post here was about Barney. It was just a few months ago, but it seems like forever since I've seen him.
To anyone else I suppose he was just another black cat. But for me he was a delightful companion who gave me comfort and laughter and little kitty kisses when I needed them ( and when I didn't lol ).
No matter where he was, if I stirred from where I was, or even looked like I was going to stir, he was there following my every footstep. He had to investigate everything. His curiosity was perpetual and limitless. Many times I fell because I didn't want to step on him. The winding around my feet never became comfortable. But I'm happy to say that only twice did I nip his toes under my feet. He let out a God-awful merooooooow and was off hiding for an hour or so.
We had our rituals. We'd only eat together. And although he loved to stick his nose in my plate to see what was hanging around there, he would never lower himself to eat people food. He would lick the tuna juice that I would save from a can of tuna, but do you think he would actually eat the tuna itself? Oh, no... he had his standards!
Each day there would be some sort of exercise for him. He sure loved the laser beam. He never did quite figure out it was a light. And as for toys, he never bothered much with those things. He'd rather hear the sound of crumpling paper and chase that around. Or maybe a good old brown paper grocery bag. That would provide him with hours of fun plus a place to hide.
He also had a plastic disc that was shaped like a tire. Inside it was a ball that he would make spin around the inside about 200 mph. When he got the urge to do that while I was sleeping I would wake to that sound. Until I got used to it I'd wake up in a fright. For some reason it sounded like water running. But after the 800th time I knew it was just him playing.
He had this other odd habit too. He would sit in the corner and just stare. It seemed as though he was looking at something. For the first kabillion times I went to look. I figured he was checking out some spider making a web. But I never found anything. And it wasn't just in one place we lived either. It was every place. There would always be some corner that was exclusively 'his.' A friend suggested one time that perhaps he did see something... something beyond our realm... something that maybe only animals could see. I asked Barney but he wasn't telling.
For a time I had him playing fetch. That's the problem with cats as opposed to dogs. Dogs get the idea that if they want to keep playing they have to bring it back. Cats never get that part. But Barney did. I made a big thing out of it and he would prance up to me ten feet tall and proud and lay his prize at my feet! Yeah.. he was my best bud all right.
But God had other plans. And, in the summer, just days before his 19th birthday, Barney crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be in the light of God for the coming eternity. He was so sick, poor fellow. The loving part of me was happy that he wouldn't have to feel pain any more. The selfish part of me wanted to keep him forever and ever.
Weeks passed it seemed and I couldn't go a day without crying. And I was even able to pet other cats and not feel the need to crush them in my mourning. But when I saw this picture I felt the pain once again of missing him and his antics. I felt the loss of feeling his little body stretched out next to mine as I rolled over in the night. And I felt the heartache of knowing I would never again feel his kitty kisses.
It's strange what the holidays do to a person, huh? All the remember-whens seep in and compete for attention. All the warm fuzzies come back and let you know what you have really lost. All the good memories come back in a flood it seems and you feel as if you may drown from the weight of that sea crushing down on you.
What better time of year to try to remember who lost the most for each of us? What better time to celebrate the birth of a King? What better time to know how precious our time is here and that life is worth the living... just because He lived... and continues to live?
Dust off your angels today. Bring them out into the light once again. Be glad you had them if only for a brief time. Celebrate the memories they left with you and know that one day you will be together again.
I met an angel yesterday. Grace verified it. And I am pleased with that.
What you surrender to owns you. I choose to surrender to Grace and all the angels in my life. They all have my best interest at heart even when I'm unsure - especially when I'm unsure.
Find your angels today. Hold them tight. Never let them go. In their arms you are sheltered and loved. Now go! Tag! You're it!
I want a quiet respite. A time where I don't need to perform, or be what is expected of me to be, a time where I can just 'be.'
I seek out the oasis in my life and welcome the calmness. Rippling waters flow on their way to nowhere. Birds sing in eloquent melodies. Light is filtered through the leaves of nearby trees, softening the glow.
I wait for the angel to come in the tranquility of the moment to soothe my spirits and center my soul. It is then I can return to my 'normal' life and go on regenerated, cleansed and renewed.
In the blink of an eye our hearts can be transformed. It's that perfect word said at the perfect time by the perfect person.
You never know when it may happen. You may never know exactly why. But the one thing you are left knowing for certain is that you will never again be the same.
May your angels reach out and touch you. May you open your heart to new feelings and adventures. May you be transformed... forever.
Happy Thanksgiving!
More wisdom has been imparted, more burdens shared, and more spontaneous laughter has occurred over a simple cup of coffee than all the board room negotiations and diplomatic conventions combined.
Angels are your neighbors, your friends who drop in to check on you and the loved ones you live with.
Be a Dear and put the coffee pot on. I'll be right over. Don't forget the cream and sugar!
Winter is coming all too soon. Let us reflect upon the passing autumn bright with its reds and golds. Let us be thankful for the richness and warmth of the colors as the stark white of winter yearns to come forth.
Remember the falling leaves... swirling in the twilight as the harvest moon rose to meet the darkness. Remind yourself of the briskness of the first frost and the herald of the foliage.
And then just let it pass... it all passes sooner or later. Look ahead to new fallen snow, children's laughter at Christmas, and the coming of the new year.
Sway back and forth in your mind with the leaves and know the gentleness that the Autumn Angel brought with her. Let go of her hand and bundle up for the winter.
Could we but see from God's viewpoint, the presence of angels would astonish us. Our eyes are dimmed by our heart's desires. Too busy are we to choose to seek out the angels in our lives. Too much time is spent looking inward when, if we but took the time, the angels which flock to us would be seen.
What does your heart desire today?
How I wish I could see an event like this... Angels ascending to the throne of God. How glorious a feeling that must be.
I would just be happy to be a witness.
How comforting is it to know that angels watch over us day and night? In good times and bad, through illness and health, and while working and playing. How God must love us to bestow such goodness on us.
Do you thank Him every day?
God gives us angels to mend our hearts and minds. They lift us up. They encourage us. They tell us the truth even if it means our feelings might be hurt. We know they would never do anything maliciously.
They laugh with us. They cry with us. They share our victories and divide our burdens. They give wings to our dreams and make our hearts soar to levels we never thought we could achieve.
They work with us, live with us and play with us. They share every day of our existence. They sometimes know things before we do.
Who are these mysterious angel creatures? I like to call them Friends.
You nod your head. You smile and think, "Cute sign." But do you Believe!?!?
The unexpected phone call from someone you were thinking about 'just the other day.' The notion you get in your solar plexus that tells you to drive on a different street, only to find out later that there was an accident at the very intersection you would have been at. The feeling that seems to 'just come over you' to take an extra twenty out of the ATM and you realize why when your child announces the need for just that amount for a school project.
Coincidence? I prefer to call them God-Incidents. His angels surround us, guiding us, keeping us out of harm's way. You've heard of Stop, Look and Listen. Stop for a moment, just a moment. Look around you for the angels. Listen for the whisper sound of gossamer wings beating at the speed of Love.
Perhaps then you will believe...
What land is this where angels tread
to see the face of God?
Where do they go in lands afar
behind the blue facade?
Are voices lifted, singing well
of graces and of love...
and do they seek upon His face
those virtues I speak of?
Just once I'd love to see the blue
where that desire lies.
And then I'd know I could release
and shed this life's disguise.
Till then I'll walk on mortal soil
And scan the Heavens blue
and wish upon the wishing star
before my time is through.
Sweet Bebe Angel... where do you come from? What is it that you see that is so interesting? How is it that you landed on an old dirt road?
There must be a person needing comfort close by. I'll bet they need tenderness and softness. Why else would you appear?
Yes, God sends his very best to those who most need it. Oh, how I wish he would send you to me.
Spiralling unseen, the angels are ever on guard seeking to protect us from harm. Their work is never ending and never done. Untold minions toil in realms unknown and hold our interests close to their hearts, keeping us safe by night and by day.
Until you find a stray feather or two, you may not be convinced that angels exist. Such is the psyche of mankind. Proof... we need proof.
Faith is a difficult thing to define. And yet, it's the very thing we need to endure and prosper. Insofar as we have come thus far, let us believe we shall journey even further... on angel's wings... if we have to.
Today's post is longer than the usual 2 seconds... pardon the length, but I'm sure you will enjoy the angel materializing out of 'thin air.' :)
The translation is 'An Angel in the Sky.'
Native American culture believes that the white buffalo is the precursor to worldwide harmony. This white buffalo named Miracle was born on the Heider family farm in south central Wisconsin. Since that time thousands of pilgrims have journeyed there to get just a glimpse of the angel they believe it to be.
If all of this sounds a little crazy to you, consider this: The chance of a white buffalo being born makes your odds of winning the lottery look good, Miracles likelihood, according to the numbers from the National Buffalo Association, is somewhere in the range of 6 billion. Consider also that the only other documented white buffalo this century died in 1959. His name was Big Medicine. He lived for 36 years.
In Native culture, the arrival of the white buffalo is comparable to the second coming of Christ. They believe it will bring about purity of mind, body and spirit, and unify all nations, black, red, yellow, and white.
The Heiders had never heard of the legend of the white buffalo. But thousands of pilgrims visiting each month since the birth have shown them the great scope of Native beliefs. They have turned down countless offers for Miracle and see no end to the crowds that visit. They want no profits from the birth, but have a collections bucket put out for well wishers to donate to the security fund and are awaiting a $4600 electric gate to help keep Miracle safe.
Angels come in all forms. Miracle speaks to thousands of souls.
American Progress
(c. 1872)At a time when America wasn't even a hundred years old, painters like John Gast knew that this country needed and was under the protection of angels. Is it so different today?
For each advance we have made there have been setbacks and sorrows. For every rich man there are hundreds of poor. For every good deed... well, you get the picture.
Petition the angels to come once again at a time when we sorely need them the most. Ask them to bring comfort and healing. Ask God to bestow on us that which we had and threw away.
It is NEVER too late.
After the Great Horror of September 11, 2001 angels came in many forms. Those who died received their angels right away. Those left behind found theirs in many different forms.
It has only been eight years. Let us not forget what happened or why. Let us come to know peace in the wake of all events such as this. Let us find our angels and get comfort to live beyond the horror.
In a dream he came and as he watched over the city, in the distance he could see the full moon. Inside the darkness of the night he saw the jagged edges of suffering. He bowed his head in the iridescent glow and prayed for humanity, that it might save itself from its own destruction. Sent to gather information, his heart was heavily burdened by the knowledge he had gained. He hoped that if he prayed hard enough eyes would see and ears would hear. And in a flash... he was gone, unseen, unnoticed, unrecognized.
When an angel gazes into a pool it is mesmerized by its own reflection. Leading a life of perpetual praise to God and helping where it can, it is not absorbed in itself. To lead that kind of life is something we can only aspire to and wish for. It is a life of self-sacrifice and boundless energy given over to service to others. Do we give enough? Or are we in such a race to gather material possessions that we forget what is really important in life? Perhaps one day we can face the mirror and be enthralled as well because we haven't seen the image in a while. It is certainly a goal to strive for in our lives.
She walks gracefully in the garden and nurtures the flowers. Her favorite is the rose filled with passion and awe. Barely stopping to rest, she waters them and pulls out stray weeds. Her work is never ending and her patience equally matched. Their beauty is reflected in how she carries herself and tends the garden without complaint. Their strength shows in her capacity to love.
I wonder if angels wonder.
I read that angels do not possess the one thing that we as humans adore - the power to choose. It bothers me to think that they could be void beings. Look at all the good they do. It's hard to believe that they would have no thought process at all.
Perhaps their concerns are different from ours. Perhaps being elevated in status they do not have to indulge in wishful thinking or daydreaming. Maybe their minds are simply filled with praise for God. It would certainly make sense to me if it was like that.
In the meantime I will think... and dream my dreams... and wonder...
Although there are conflicting accounts as to the exact story behind the teddy bear and who precisely was the first one to create it, there is absolutely no doubt for whom it is named. Our 26th president, Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt is the bear's namesake.
My curiosity deepens however at the notion of growing up and not having one. I wonder what children did before 1902. Who exactly helped them through the dark nights? Who soothed their feelings when they fell down and skinned their knees? Ah yes, such mysteries of the universe haunt my soul.
Many a tired and hurting child have been loved and comforted by their teddy bears... little angels lined in faux fur resembling a true bear but harboring no teeth to gnash away at the fragile skin of such young things. Yes, truly angels in their own right.
Where is yours?
Angel or no angel? Who's to say? See what you will. Believe what you will. My job is presentation. It is up to you to decide for yourself.
In letters dated 1951 to William Doidge, a first world war soldier, a man named Doug claimed he had seen an Angel before the accident that killed many of his comrades who were training for the D-Day invasion.
Doug further asserted that he and a companion, Chuck, witnessed a pontoon bridge collapse under the weight of armored vehicles, killing over twenty soldiers.
On the eve of that disaster Doug said that he and Chuck had seen an Angel hover where the men would later drown. The letter states: "The whole thing took on the shape of what I can only describe as an Angel. I could see what looked like a long white robe. It had no feet and there were shapes like wings behind its shoulders."
Although Chuck died on Omaha Beach, Doug's letter and accompanying film seem to reveal the image of an Angel to us.
Twice on Sunday... it's a good thing.
