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Two Little Girls to Love This is a story sent in by Andrea and the first thing she said in her letter was this story shows us that there are angels out there watching over us. Here is Andrea's story: |
About six years ago my husband and a co-worker set out in a winter storm driving from Edmonton, Alberta to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They decided to take this trip together because they wanted to see the sister operation to the business my husband was running in Edmonton and my husbands co-worker was from the Winnipeg area and wanted to see his family. So they started off on their adventure. They arrived in Manitoba safely. They went to see the sister company and then decided to drive on another 100 kilometers to see the co-workers family. |
Here is really where the story begins. This co-worker is one of 17 children. These people live in an average house without TV. I admire anyone who has taken the time to raise their children the old fashioned way where the children entertain themselves and each other. This really touched my husband. Not only did these people still have the majority of their family at home but they had taken on two foster children. My husband commented on what it was like sitting down for dinner that night with all of these people so down to earth and happy. It had a great affect on him. These people had a large family to feed. They had added the two foster children and now he too was being welcomed and fed! Over the two days he spent there my husband felt drawn to these two little girls sent to this house to be taken care of. When my husband returned home a couple of days later he said, “Andrea I have something I need to talk to you about.” He told me about these little girls and how he really wanted to adopt them. At that time I had a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a 1 year old child. I had explained to him that there was no way we could handle it on our salary and I was not sure how it would affect our kids. I understood what he wanted to do but I had to take our children into consideration. His biggest concern was that these two little girls would be split up. |
Time moved on and the years passed. These two little girls came into our thoughts often. Did we do the right thing or not? This question was asked too frequently. |
As the years passed this co-worker left the company and eventually so did my husband. Just over a year ago my husband had a meeting with one of the sales managers for the sister company that my husband had gone to see that winter day in January. My husband met with this gentleman over dinner one night and low and behold the higher powers were working. I am not sure how these little girls came into the conversation, but my husband must have been telling this gentleman about his trip. During that dinner I received a phone call from my husband on his cell phone. He wanted to introduce this gentleman to me over the phone. This was an unusual occurrence. I talked for a few minutes. I was really puzzled. |
This gentleman and his wife had adopted the two girls we were looking to adopt years before. They were not able to have children and had so much love to give. The girls are where they belong. |
I remember this gentleman telling us that on the first birthday that these girls had with them they hired all kinds of entertainment like clowns, balloon makers basically a carnival in their backyard and invited the whole neighborhood. |
We get updates frequently and have been sent pictures of what the girls look like now. See there is a higher being who looks after us!
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(from Andrea) |
The Light In a Grocery Store
| I tell this story not to boast or brag. I tell this so that maybe
someone might gain a little insight as I did. |
On a recent Sunday morning service, the sermon was on how we as
Christians, need to show the love of Jesus everywhere, all the time. Many
good points were made, and I felt like I had learned a few things. Many of the
points were confirmation to things that I already felt in my heart.
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About a week before, my wife had shown me a small writing that someone wrote about how we, as Christians, are to be like dandelions. We should stand out in the world, and spread our seeds all over. They are seen by all who pass by a yard. You can cut the grass, and they will be there tomorrow. Like the Word of God, dandelions cannot be eliminated. No matter how hard we try, they keep showing up, again and again. The Word of God cannot be killed either. Many have tried over the centuries, but it continues to thrive. That little writing struck a cord within me.
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After church, I stopped by a local grocery store. I was purchasing a
newspaper, and a couple of other things. As I was standing in line to pay
for the items, a rather short African-American woman walked up, and stood in line behind me. Before I had a chance to place my items on the conveyer, she placed hers there.
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“How rude,” I thought to myself, not being the type to say anything. She said
that they were getting heavy. I was wondering how long this could take, since
this was the express line. After a good worship service at church, now I was getting upset at almost everything.
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About a minute passed and I felt that familiar calm, and heard the
gentle whisper in my spirit. Be like a dandelion, love your neighbor, be a blessing to someone today. I looked closely at this woman. My eyes began to see a different person there now. Now I was seeing a woman like any mother in the world. She was buying food, not junk food, real food. She was dressed nicely, but not in designer clothes.
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Were my thoughts very Christ-like before? NO! Was I projecting the likeness of Jesus? I was not projecting much of anything outwardly. Inside I was being judgmental and hateful. After a moment of reflection, I heard the
Holy Spirit say, “Buy her groceries.” I thought to myself, I have the money, but how do I this. Do I give the cashier some extra money, and tell her to apply it to her order? Do I tell the woman? How do I do this? Before I knew it I was paying for my things. A total of $4.18. The moment was here, and I was going to miss it real quick.
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I was handed my bag and my receipt. I stood in that place for what
seemed like an eternity. The woman stepped forward and turned her back to me, now facing the cashier. I leaned forward and tapped the woman on the shoulder and I asked her if she would mind if I paid for her groceries? She said “What?” I asked again.
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She said that would be a blessing. I told her that I don't know why
I was told to pay for hers, but I was. She said that the Holy Spirit was working today. I agreed with her. I paid for her groceries, and the checker told me it was a wonderful thing that I was doing. The total was $8.00 and change. I said that I was glad to be able to do it. The woman thanked me again, said God Bless you, and she left the store. Going our separate ways, maybe never to meet again.
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As I was driving home, I was overcome by this gentle, warm embrace,
that was so comforting, and loving. I felt that I had just experienced the loving touch of God. I had done something for someone, simply because it was a good thing to do. I was showing the love of Jesus to my fellow man. Doing a good deed, not looking for a return.
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I felt the voice of the Spirit, and responded with “Yes Lord.” It was an
uncomfortable position to be in for a minute or two. Not knowing how to
proceed was a bit odd. As I was driving home, feeling the warmth, and peace, I started to cry like a baby. I was so happy to have been spoken to by God. I was feeling the joy unspeakable.
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If Heaven is anything like that, I am ready to go right this minute.
The uplifted feeling has continued since then. All I have to do is think of
how I felt on the way home that day.
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As Christians, we need to know that we have been commissioned to be a
blessing for others. We need not wait for the prompting from the Holy Spirit
to do good deeds. We are to take the good news of Jesus to the world. Do it in
all you do. Be a dandelion. Allow Jesus to shine through for all to see.
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There are so many boundaries between people, color, denomination,
country, etc. How can we start to break them down, if we don't do something
to start the wall crumbling. This woman might have had a problem with white men. That day she might have seen a different side than ever before. We don't have to be told to do everything. Jesus told us that we need to see where God is working and go there. The Holy Spirit will take up residence within you, if you give Him a place to live. You will begin to hear His voice within you.
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You may ask, if I received any blessings after this? Yes I have. I
now have a better insight to the love of God and how he works. My relationship with Him has grown deeper. That is a blessing that you cannot buy, or put a price on. That may have been the best $8.00 I have ever spent. Again I tell this story so that maybe someone may learn from my experience.
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May the light of God always illuminate your path. (Mark) |
I Sure Hope That's an Angel |
I think ministering angels sent to watch over her my mother helped her and stayed with her until the emergency was taken care of.
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Something woke mom up. She couldn't remember who or what, but she knew she was to phone for an ambulance and so she did. Mom, at 83, lived alone and had just undergone her second hip replacement. Family members had been with her for the first few weeks but now everyone had gone home. Even as she dressed to go with the ambulance mom was wondering “why” she had called the ambulance in the first place. She seemed okay right now, so what was going on? She was checked at the hospital and told that she had a urinary infection. Regrettably this information was not passed along to her family doctor and perhaps those who saw mom did not recall the horrible effects of such an infection in seniors if it is not taken care of. The nursing manual tells us that, in seniors, a urinary infection may cause reversible dementia. If the infection is not treated it will become irreversible dementia. Mom returned home and perhaps had intended to do something about the infection but did not.
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Later I spoke with mom and when I asked her why she called the ambulance she kept on saying I should ask “them.” At the time I did not know who “them” were. Today I sincerely feel she was referring to the angels who had directed her to call the ambulance.
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Alarmed that something was not quite right but not knowing that mom had this infection, family members arranged to be with her and keep a close eye on her again. I headed back home knowing that my brother Don and his wife Lori would be arriving within hours. I knew that something was not quite right and I was worried about mom. Lori, a daughter-in-law arrived to be with mom and that night, Mom kept calling Lori to her room. This continued until Lori was exhausted. Finally Lori sat on the floor beside mom. She took mom's hand in hers and held it and then Lori rested her head on the edge of the bed too tired to move. |
Mom woke up again and looked over toward a corner of the room. She saw a man standing there and she said to Lori, “I sure hope that is an angel standing there.” Though Lori could see no one she did not doubt that her mother-in-law did!
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Later, my brother Don arrived and it was determined that mom should be taken to the hospital. It was good they had taken her in when they did. The infection was treated and soon mom was back on her feet. At 83, it is wonderful to see this beautiful lady, mother of nine children, healthy and with a sharp mind!
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It was Lori who later told me about the angel in the bedroom. When I heard about it I began to get the feeling about who had originally told mom to call the ambulance. I honestly believe that when our physical body is weakened our spiritual being is heightened. I think mom truly saw an angel that night as Lori sat there holding her hand. I believe ministering angels were sent to watch over her and two nights earlier this same angel woke up my mom and told her to call an ambulance. She did call the ambulance, but became uncertain as to why she had done so.
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There were two earth angels in the middle of all this, Don and Lori. They had to leave their family to fend for themselves and drop work to spend more days with mom. They sat with her and comforted her when things became disoriented for her. They would not leave her side until she was in good hands. But then again, I think she was in Heavenly hands all along! |
The Angel at The Foot Of the Bed (from the book A Little Door A Little Light")
Grandma Elizabeth had lived a long life. When she was in her eighties, she became very ill and was hospitalized. She was not expected to live. While in hospital, she told another relative repeatedly to “move away from the end of the bed. You're standing in that man's way.” No one else in the room could see a man standing at the foot of the bed. |
Then later she said to all of her family who was gathered in the hospital with her: “It's okay, you guys. You don't have to worry about me any more. I'm going to be fine. He just told me so.” And she got better after that. She lived to be 97 years old.
Was it an angel at the foot of Elizabeth's bed who gave her the good news? Did this same angel then return a number of years later to stand first at the foot of a grand daughter's bed and then to guide Elizabeth home? |
Some seventeen years after this incident when Elsa Smathers was living at the same residence as Elizabeth, an angel visited her. Elsa was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom. She awoke and felt a presence in the room. She thought it was grandma Elizabeth, but it wasn't. There was an angel at the foot of Elsa's bed. The following morning, grandma Elizabeth died. Elsa says she felt that the angel had come to accompany Elizabeth.
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This is one of many angel stories that you will find in the book A Little Door, A Little Light. The book is a available on a prepublication sale at Eagle Creek Publishers. When you visit there, you will also find excellent uplifting stories of goodness! |
Dad Came Back
by Nila |
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| | Reading the book, A Little Door, A Little Light, reminded me of something that happened to me 27 years ago. I was 28 years old at the time this happened. This is a story that I had not repeated to many as I was afraid they would think I was touched in the head.
| | My Dad passed away on September 9, 1972 at the age of fifty-two, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I was really tore up when Daddy died as he had tried to tell me that he was dying. I didn't want to listen to him talking that way so I made some joke about the devil not being ready for him yet. Well a few short weeks later he was dead. I felt so guilty because I hadn't listened to him and spent more time with him, even though I went to see him everyday.
| | It was about a week after the funeral and Joe, my husband and I had gone to bed and had both gone to sleep.
| | I have no idea how long I was asleep I just remember waking up and Daddy was standing at the foot of my bed. This in itself was wonderful because Dad had not been able to walk for some time before he died. He had on a very familiar pair of trousers.
| | Dad talked to me a long time telling me that everything was alright and was going to be fine. He told me again about Mother and some of her problems and it would be up to us girls to take care of her now. But he kept assuring me that everything was alright and he really appreciated all that Joe and I had done for him. Then he was gone.
| | I lay there thinking I must be dreaming but my eyes were wide open. I even pinched myself to make sure I was awake. I got up out of bed and went into the living room and thought about what he had said.
| | Here is another unusual thing. I know I never spoke a word out loud but yet we carried on a conversation.
| | He never came to me again but it was a very peaceful feeling that came over me when I really stopped and thought about what he had said and that he was ok.
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| | Nila refers to the Eagle Creek Publishers publication of A Little Door, A Little Light (1999) Please click on Eagle Creek to locate that book.
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Tucked in by An Angel
by Ruth |
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| | This happened in the late 1990s. It was winter and one night just after I'd gone to bed, I felt the blanket being tucked in around my cheek and neck. It was a light tuck, enough to keep cold air out. I thought it was my husband, as he usually goes to bed a lot earlier than I do, especially since I've become addicted to my computer. Anyway, it wasn't him, because his arms didn't move under the covers afterwards, and besides, just after this happened, he snored. I even asked him the next morning at breakfast if he'd done it, and of course he said no. He didn't even know what time I came to bed. I know it wasn't my imagination, I felt it, It did happen. I know angels are real and I sincerely think that perhaps my angel was giving me some extra care that night.
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| | Ruth
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| Is there power in prayer?
| | Debbie Blevins knows that God answers prayers and often He sends angels to help. She had two experiences that reinforced that belief when her father was hospitalized. | |
| Angels at my Father's Side
by Debbie | |
| | Debbie says, "My dad, Samuel, is doing great since his surgery and the events that took place during his recovery reinforced my belief in angels and prayers."
| | Shortly after his surgery, Debbie's father, Sam was doing well so Debbie decided to go home. About six that evening, Debbie's mother called her from the hospital and said that Sam had quit responding to the treatment. Debbie wondered out loud if she should go directly to the hospital but her mother said "no, you go on to school, but call me when you get back."
| | Debbie was so upset at the school that she decided to leave early. Upon leaving the school, several mothers stopped her, asking about Samuel and Debbie told them that he needed their prayers. Deb returned home and got her things together to make the 50 mile drive back to the hospital. At about that time her brother called and let her know that their father had taken a better turn and was now doing well. He had been taken off the ventilator and his heart was beating on its on, no longer relying on the machine. At that moment Debbie had a very strong feeling that all the prayers were being answered.
| | Samuel was taken out of intensive care, and Debbie was left to care for her father while her mom went to classes. The classes were about how to care for Samuel!
| | At that point Debbie said, "I am not a nursing person and I was scared."
| | While Samuel was under his daughter's care, he asked for a drink of water. In the middle of drinking it he started coughing and gagging. Just as Debbie was going to ring for the nurse, he stopped coughing.
| | Samuel looked at his daughter and asked her "who is the woman standing next to me?"
| | Debbie knew there was no one in the room with them, still she looked around. "I don't see anybody, dad."
| | He said, "The woman standing between you and that table!"
| | Though Deb didn't see anyone, she suddenly knew her dad was seeing an angel. Her dad looked at her and back at the location that the angel had been and asked "where did she go?"
| | Debbie was serious when she said, "she probably had went back to work."
| | Of this incident, Debbie remarked, "All the time that Dad was gagging, I was praying to God to please not let my Dad die. God sent the angel. Dad has done wonderfully since then."
| | Debbie's dad had a full recovery. Friends later suggested that maybe drugs caused her dad to see the lady but Debbie says she knows better. Her prayers were answered. "The doctors did the surgery but it was the grace of God that my Dad has recovered."
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Heaven Sent
by Liz |
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| | In the fall of 1999 I enjoyed a whirlwind tour of Ireland and England with an unexpected overnight stay in Amsterdam when the remnants of Hurricane Floyd wouldn't allow us to land in Shannon. The trip was incredible.
| | My daughter, Robin and I met in London for a short 4-day stay in London and decided to rent a car and tour the Cotswolds, northwest of Oxford. I have never seen anything so lovely. All the pictures you've seen of the English countryside don't do it justice.
| | We tried to do too much in too little time and the night before we were to leave, we decided to try one more Bed and Breakfast instead of turning in the car and staying close to the train station. We were told it was very close, but in fact was more than half an hour south of Bath.
| | We drove around and around in the dark and couldn't come even close to the place we were supposed to reach. The gas gauge was below empty (as were our stomachs) and my daughter was close to tears thinking we would be stuck on this deserted back road and not make it to the train in time to get to the airports in London for our flights out.
| | Suddenly, we saw headlights coming out of a hidden driveway and Robin flicked her lights and stopped the oncoming car. As I say, she was close to tears and tried to explain our predicament to the woman driving. To our dismay, she started to laugh. Then she said, "You're looking for my next-door neighbor! Follow me and I'll take you to get gas and then I'll lead you back to the Beeches."
| | Our relief was profound and it wasn't until later that we realized the chances of meeting someone at that precise moment, who just happened to be the nicest person imaginable, were practically nil. Just a fortunate coincidence? Who knows?
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| | Liz
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Grandma and the Twins
by Dawn |
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| | I miscarried, in week 13 of my pregnancy. It was my first pregnancy, and I lost twins. What made it especially hard was we had watched my mother-in-law pass away just 11 weeks earlier, after a recurrent bout with cancer. Two weeks before she died, we had shared with her that we were trying to start our family. Her comment was, "I don't think I'll be around to see this one."
| | Exactly three weeks after my mother-in-law's death, in another state, her second grandchild was born. We were there to witness that also. It was truly a bitter sweet moment. Then, a few days later, we knew we were expecting.
| | The day after my miscarriage was a Sunday. As we were getting ready to go to church, I was feeling overwhelmed, grief stricken, confused, and wondering 'why?' Then a thought abruptly entered my mind. My mother-in-law had two grand kids here, one of which she never saw, and now she had two with her in heaven. I had a picture of her rocking away with my two babies in her arms. It didn't take the pain away (I still am anxiously looking forward to seeing all 3 some day) but it seemed to be OK. They were with grandma, and taking care of one another. God does have a plan in all things. And, she did get to see them, after all.
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| | Dawn D.
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| | Postscript
| I conceived again not too long after my miscarriage, and the daughter I would not have had otherwise is truly a gift from God. She is very gifted in numerous areas, sensitive, and already has a big heart for God. She is just 12 and already an accomplished artist, a published writer, and loves to sing praises. It seems God 'made it up to me' with her, and the following two children I have now. Some day, I will be reunited with the two babies I never held. My three who are with me now will join us when it is their turn. I love to think of the day I will wrap my arms around all five of my babies.
Dawn D.
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In Memory of Krissy |
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| | On June 3, 1997 a sweet, lovely child, Krissy, at the age of 7 1/2 died in a Canadian hospital. Krissy had a relapse from leukemia and she was at the British Columbia Children's hospital. By mistake, a chemo agent was administered intrathecally to Krissy instead of intraveneously. There have only been about twelve cases of this happening worldwide and in 95% of these the result has been fatal. (see Journal of Pediatric Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, 1998) As a result of this mistake, little Krissy died.
| | After her death, Krissy's mom, Joanne Walker, felt a need to write something in remembrance of her daughter and at times Joanne said it felt as though Krissy was guiding her mother with some of the thoughts. This poem first appeared in the Ronald McDonald newspaper in 1998.
| | In memory of little Krissy, Angels on Earth publishes that poem for you:
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| TO HEAVEN I'VE BEEN LED
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| Please mom and dad don't weep for me
As I'm with God and oh, so free
I've had the chance to love you so
You've had the chance to watch me grow
| We've done some things together
And I've done some things apart
But know that I'm forever
Your daughter in your heart
| So let me share with you once more
The paths that I have tread
And let me reaffirm with you
To heaven I've been led
| TO HEAVEN I'VE BEEN LED
BY GOD'S DEAR BLESSED SON
IN HIS WARM ARMS I SEEM TO KNOW
MY WORK ON EARTH IS DONE
| I had the chance to count the stars
And ride on stormy seas
I had the chance to touch the bark
Of a majestic tree
| I felt such joy to feel the wind
And smell a rose so sweet
To plant a garden and see seeds grow
Then curl beneath my feet
| I learned to laugh and love my friends
You helped me to be wise
But most of all as I reflect
God's love shone through your eyes.
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| | Krissy was taken home by Jesus on June 3, 1997. Her mother says, "I really felt that Krissy was helping me write this and that she wanted to encourage all of us parents that their dear ones are safe and secure in the loving arms of God and Jesus, his beloved son."
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| Thanks Joanne - I know Krissy through your loving eyes and now I love her too!
Ellie.
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