Just as there are tenders of the gardens in life, there are angels who are in charge of caring for our souls.
May 2011 find you in the midst of such care. And may you flourish in abundance as your spirit seeks. All glory to God and His Infinite Grace... where we find eternal solace and rest from the sufferings of life.
Happy New Year... May You Be Blessed.
"We were born to shine...
All of us here
Because we believe..."
Such is how God wants us to believe deep in our hearts. He sends his angels to sow the seeds of Love and Belief. Do we nurture those seeds to help them grow? Don't answer me, answer yourself.
God Bless You this Christmas Season... and Always.
Lovely Christmas Angel, Lady of Peace.
She stretches her hand to the animals and weaves gentle vibrations of love. The new-fallen snow glimmers and the fruit is sweet as summertime. The sense of tranquility surrounds every living thing. And all is well in the forest.
May your heart and soul be at peace this time of year. May any burdens you have been carrying feel lighter and less stressful. May you and your family know the goodness of each other's love and be comforted by that knowledge.
May your journey be bright as you press forward to the New Year. And may God hold you in His loving hands... always.
Merry Christmas to all...
Angels... Who are they? Where are they? Do you know any?
I've never seen one with wings and a halo. That does not mean they don't exist; it only means I have never seen one.
No - the angels I see are real, alive and in the flesh. They come at the strangest times. For example, I have a difficult time sometimes with crowds of people. Not people I know. Strangers! Walmart can give me a fright.
Not long ago I was in Walmart and I wasn't doing well. The store was packed with people and you know how it goes... the bump and no apology. What is the cost of courtesy? Nothing!
I began feeling frustrated and irritated. Soon I was beside myself in panic and the feeling of just wanting to run away. That was not an option, however, and I had to try to get a hold of myself. It wasn't working too well. So I found an aisle that wasn't loaded with people and began doing some serious self-talk.
As I am doing this I must have looked scared stiff. A lady I didn't know came up to me and asked, "Are you all right? Do you need help?"
I assured her I was fine (lying through my teeth) and thanked her for her kindness. A funny thing happened though. As she walked away I could feel the tension and stress leave me. It was as if she was just taking it all with her.
I'd like to believe it was the simple act of kindness and acknowledgement that relieved the panicky feeling. The knowledge that another human being sensed my unease validated something inside me. It almost felt like 'permission.' But once I had it I realized I didn't need it. It's funny how things like that work themselves out. That day, she was my angel in my time of need. The rest of the outing was just ducky, stress-free and I went home happy.
Angels... Who are they? Where are they? You just never know.
They're going to fuss. I can't help that. But good turns deserve at least acknowledgement if not applause.
Seventeen short days ago (seems like forever now), I was facing homelessness within hours. The previous week had been filled with literally dozens of phone calls. I found resources dry and empty. To say I was scared is an understatement.
As a last resort, I placed an ad on craigslist. I hated the idea of using it once again. My experiences had been horrible, if not terrifying. But there was nothing left to do, no more places to call. I was at the end of my rope.
That was a Sunday. I had a meltdown with my best friend on the phone that evening. He said I sounded pitiful. What a horrible thing to hear that. I couldn't bear to tell him the level of despair I felt inside, but obviously it came through in the conversation. As always, he said to leave it up to God, that things would happen. All I knew was that at noon on Tuesday I would be homeless.
Monday found the usual newsletters and such in my email inbox. And there was another one. I thought it might be junk mail, but opened it anyway. The subject line read - About your ad on craigslist. I had seen the spam that people send. I knew it was just one more.
Much to my surprise and delight, it was an actual response. But when they told me where they lived, I lost all hope. In the interim, between whatever resources I had and those of a friend, we bought two more days where we were living. That gave me until Thursday at noon.
Subsequent emails with my one responder looked encouraging. But I dared not hope too much. They were over an hour away. How would I get there? I had no more money to make a long trip like that?
I did what I was told by my friend - I prayed... and I requested prayer wherever I could find it. I was assured 'things were happening out in God's world." I was still holding my breath.
Then the email came that said we could talk on the phone. I was nervous to say the least. Her voice was soft and kind... and reassuring. She said that they would be able to come to get me. I stammered for words. I felt myself ready to cry. I heard myself saying, "But I have no money." The words were met with loving kindness. She assured me that we would "worry about that later."
By Monday evening I had a new place to go to on Thursday. As It turned out, Wednesday was a better day, and so on Wednesday evening, I met my new host family.
That was seventeen days ago. It's almost as if I can't remember a time not knowing them. I know, it sounds strange, but I swear, that's what it feels like. Like a hand in a glove.
By day two they were addressing me as Aunt Sally. And so the story continues for a couple more months. Since I've been here I have been afforded another opportunity to move to where I really want to be.
The sadness and disappointment was visible on their faces as I announced the news. Both of them extended their happiness for me. But I could see how they felt.
You see, I've always believed that water seeks its own level, that people get the people in their life that they are really looking for. Now I wouldn't have said that about three weeks ago, but then I had to be there to get here. And so even though that experience was painful, I'd gladly go through it again to be where I am.
My angels? Who are they?
They are a young couple, both laid off and struggling. But both with hearts of gold. They were looking for a roommate to help with expenses. But they were looking for someone who needed help, not just anyone who might be looking.
When I think of all the ads posted every day, I know this was Divine Intervention. I needed respite and someone who was respectful. I have found that and more. I don't see this as a temporary blip in this thing called my life. I see this as a lasting friendship despite the age difference. This was truly a meeting arranged by God.
I'd like you to meet my new niece and nephew, Tina and Paul. Like all of us, they have dreams, dreams that are on hold for the time being. But armed with goodness in their hearts and the love of God guiding them, they will find those things they desire the most.
I'm not sure if they desired me in their lives... but God saw fit to have us meet. I don't believe in coincidence. I call them God incidents. So if you have the hankering, will you offer up a prayer for my angels? Ask God to bestow on them all that they need... and maybe some of what they want.
Thanks for dropping by again. It's been much too long that I have been gone. I'll be back soon. Love ya.....
Do angels help us? Could that be possible? Why would they? Does God Himself send them to us? How do we know angels are around us?
So many questions that seem unanswerable.
But then I am reminded of a saying I was told long ago... "Seeing isn't believing - It's the other way around."
If we believe we will see the workings of angels, we will. Expect a miracle, however small, and it will happen. Do you see the work your angels have done in your life. If not, perhaps you might want to look closer.
Angels... they come in so many forms. I had an idea for a post here, but it fell by the wayside as I opened my email.
As the note came up I saw the most beautiful graphic. I felt confused and bewildered. As I read further it all became clear.
Someone had stumbled upon my site and as she put it, "felt it tug at her heart strings." It compelled her to send me a most beautiful award.
I sat stunned and felt the tears begin to flow down my cheek. What an honor! What a surprise! And isn't God great in his timing? It came at a time where I am struggling and feeling off center.
To you, MaryAnne, wherever you are:
I will wear this award proudly. I humbly thank you for your gracious gift. It is so beautiful and it inspires me to move forward in all my plans. Thanks again.
Angels... most of the time we see them in our friends and family, co-workers and acquaintances. But sometimes they are...
ANONYMOUS... exactly how we should strive to be and leaving good will and happy feelings wherever we go.
(scroll down to see it at the bottom of the page)
Where do the angels live?
High in mountain ranges in castles so beautiful. Places rarely seen by humans. But when witnessed, they take the breath away.
And why high and cold?
Angels are so warm from basking in the amber glow of God. It is their respite, their reward.
So the next time you fly, look downward out the window. Perhaps you will be favored with a glimpse of angel castles in the sky.
Lovely Angel, Agent of God...
She's radiant as she tends the Garden of the Soul. She is sent on a mission to cultivate the soil, water the young shoots as they appear and nurture the blooms as they raise their face to a Loving God.
Did you ever notice that one day your heart feels stressed and burdened and the next it's lighter than air? Perhaps if we worked harder to raise our hearts' faces we would know a sense of peace.
So keep coming, Little Angel. Remind me what the priorities are and let me see your shining face. Stand as the example for me to follow.
May we stay ever mindful of those who have served us in time of war and peace. May we ponder their sacrifices and hardships. May we humbly tell God how grateful we are for our freedom.
It is in the prayerful mind, the thoughtful mind, the grateful mind... that we find solace and freedom. Yes, the freedom we so easily take for granted.
Thank you to all who have served, those who continue to serve at this time and those who will follow in those footsteps. Without you - our true angels, all our freedoms would be lost.
May we bow our heads... and remember.
Ahhh... Summer!
Sand and surf, sunshine and gentle breezes. Even the angels enjoy the softness of the wind rippling through their feathers and the coolness of the water against their skin. It is a happy time, a time of regeneration and vitality, playfulness and laughter.
School is out soon. Be aware of the little ones that may cross your path. The angels do their best to keep up with them, but there are SO many. Each of us must do our part too. Because if we have told them once, we have told them a thousand times... that is our job. Their job is just to be kids, and by very definition, they forget. And if we can't get them to remember, then we must. It's our own little way of being angels on earth.
Happy Summer!!!
Have you ever considered music lessons? You never know when you may need them!
Many people believe we have a guardian angel that protects us. Today I'd like you to consider this - What if that isn't true? What if we have an army of angels? Sacred scripture talks about multitudes of angels. I have difficulty wrapping my mind around what that word could mean. But surely it might encompass the fact that we could, indeed, have more than one. It was just a thought... Happy Considering!
A part of me sits by the window
waiting for your return.
I wonder what my hurry is
and why it is I yearn
to know the seasons one by one
as quickly they pass by.
I'm never satisfied for long;
it almost makes me cry.
And yet when winter passes again,
I doubt I'll even glance.
No quilt of white will I view
on which to play and dance.
And even if by some strange fate
I hear the snowflake's drummer,
I'm sure at once I'd be entranced
by fickle thoughts of summer.
This could be a sad day, but I choose to feel happy inside God's grace. It's a day filled with nostalgia, both good and bad, and a day mostly of remembrance. I dedicate this post to my brother, Donald. Today would have been his 62nd birthday. He went home to meet his God the day after Christmas last year. For him, the pain of this world is over. And I'd like to think he finds eternal Spring in Heaven where every day is scent-filled with the loving aroma of God's Love.
When I was a kid this day was always very special for me. He and I were adopted out to separate families. They lived within half a mile of each other so we attended the same school. They brought us up to know we were brother and sister. And for as long as I can remember he was my saviour. On birthdays and holidays the two sets of parents would always make sure he and I saw each other. It gave us a much needed connection.
He protected me from the bullies on the school bus and in the school yard. And when I came of age, he welcomed me as part of his family Through heartbreak and broken relationships I could always depend on him for support and a shoulder to cry on. Those years lasted for only a short time though.
Geographic separation took its toll as we lived our lives in different ways. And when I returned to my hometown it was a bittersweet arrival. We had grown so apart that we were like strangers. But I always held the hope inside that one day, when we were old and gray and had nothing else and no one left, that we would return to the days when we were so close and perhaps enjoy the second childhool together.
But God had other plans and he was taken before that could ever happen. So these days, I just think about what might have been. And I recount the good times and the laughs and the twinkle in his eye as he used to tease me. Standing at 6'3", a hug from him enveloped me. Just a big teddy bear he was.
And so Spring springs eternal even with him gone. And I think about what other things I should do with my life... in my life... so that if someone else special to me finds their way Home I don't have to feel any regret for things undone, unsaid, unrealized, unattained... to this add one... love withheld, restrained.
Tend the garden, Donald. Open the gate and wait for us all. Love you... no matter what you may have thought.
Now off with you! Go hunting - Angel hunting.
In less than 30 days I will be embarking on a grand adventure. I will be moving to a place I have never been before to live with virtual strangers. When I say 'virtual,' I mean that in the literal sense as it is used in today's vernacular.
I met a woman online at a popular game site and we became the best of friends in a very short time. Her story of helping young girls through Girl Scouts of America captured my heart. I have traveled with her as she and her troop have tried to raise funds for an upcoming trip by selling their ever-popular cookies.
But the greatest capturer of my heart is her 4-year-old granddaughter who is totally convinced that I am the Snow Fairy. We happened to have our first conversation on a day when it snowed in South Carolina. For whatever the reason, her granddaughter, Anna, believed I sent it to them. And so the saga has continued and brought delight into my heart.
The graciousness and extension of her hospitality has come at a critical time in my life. When God is good, He is very, VERY good. At first I thought she was kidding. But as she talked I knew she was serious. My only question then was, "Is she the crazy one for being so kind, or am I the crazy one for even considering it?"
We are getting past my skepticism and today I feel an excitement and anticipation that I haven't felt in a very long time. A housing crisis has forced me to make quick decisions. In those times I go within to examine probabilities, unforeseen advantages and disadvantages, and the ever-present motives. No matter what I do, I try to be sure that my motives are pure. That way there is little room for regrets.
When I awoke today and felt this excitement, I knew without a doubt that my motives (and hers) are as pure as the driven snow that Anna believes I can conjure up in the blink of an eye. My friends have been telling me that Granny is a Godsend, an angel sent to help me in this time of need.
Today... I accept that as Absolute Truth and I look forward to happy days spent with the new angels in my life. You too have angels. Enjoy them, embrace them, cherish them, love them.
Yes, not so long ago I had an angel. His name was Barney. No wings will you see. Some come anonymously. But surely for me he was an angel.
Days slipped into weeks slipped into years and me and my angel lived happily ever after, as the old saying goes. I find myself missing him so very much today.
And so when I came across winged cats, I was astounded. I had never heard of such a thing. much less seen it. I know, I know. You think I've gone off the deep end, huh? Well I've included the pictures here for your perusal. Whether true or a figment of imagination, they are awesome in their own right. 
This is my favorite picture of Barney. It was quite a job for him to maneuver into this window, but once he did it, there was no getting him out of it.
And now for the Angel Cats, or so I would like to call them. According to Wikipedia, there are three causes for wing-like appendages. None of the explanations account for angel status, but I can dream can't I?
One explanation is that it is simply matted fur due to poor grooming.
Secondly, there is a skin condition which causes elastic skin. It's called feline cutaneous asthenia. Winged cats that are due to FCA can often actively move their wings, suggesting the presence of neuromuscular tissue within the wings, which is not present within clumps of matted fur alone.
The third explanation is a form of conjoining or extra limbs. These non-functional or poorly functional extra limbs would be fur-covered and might resemble wings, in which the wings were shown to be supernumerary limbs.
Below you will find incredible pictures of the winged cats. Judge for yourself, and then ask, "Could it possibly be.....?"
.gif)
I'd wager that if we hooked one of them up to an EKG machine that we would have proof that inside them beats a heart of True Love.
Inside their heart is planted a rose to remind them of the beauty of all that is Good and Right. What possible bad thing could arise from such fertile Love?
Sweet Angel of the Night creeps in throwing sleepy sand in our eyes helping us to drift off and rest. The sprinkles hit our eyelids and suddenly we yearn for slumber.
She hums a lullaby to soothe us and gently rubs our shoulders coaxing us into the welcoming darkness. There is nothing to fear as long as she is here. Nothing can harm us.
As we slowly release the day we feel a peace enfold us. Our dreams await beckoning to us to come and play. Our muscles relax and let go of the tension and stress.
And as we slide into the depths, we hold her hand as she guides us to the playground of the soul wherein lies our sense of childlike whimsy.
Pleasant Dreams!
