THEY STAND AS SENTINELS

This beautiful painting is the work of Thomas Blackshear II and titled: Watchers of the light. Every man, woman, and child has the capacity to do great and wonderful things. We have the power to reach beyond our own capabilities, with the assistance of angels, to create a bright and prosperous future.

There are many people who have had the privilege of being in the presence of angels and witnessed their guiding light. There are angels who descend from heaven to assist us from beyond the veil and those who walk among us. They inspire, teach, heal, serve, love, protect, comfort, and bless the lives of those who are seeking worthy endeavors; they are watching over by day and guarding by night.

What do angels look like? They look like the soldiers who gave their lives today to preserve your tomorrows. They look like the poor man on the street who stretches forth his weary hand to soften another heart. They look like the little child who's innocent face is a constant reminder of what we are to become. They look like the person who gave their candle to a friend when the light was going dim. They look like the good samaritan who just happened to be there at the right time. They look like the neighbor who loves your children, as if they were their own. They look much like you and me, and they are always in the service of their fellowman. They are amazing pillars of light who are willing to do what others fail to see. They watch over by day and guard by night. By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day 

BUYING POWER

An elderly lady was shopping in a supermarket and noticed a mother pushing  her little girl in a shopping cart.  The toddler was screaming as they moved through the isles, but the mother managed to maintain remarkable composure.

 As the lady passed her, she overheard the mother calmly respond, “It’s okay, Janna, we’re going to be out of here pretty soon and then we can go home.” 

The child's crying did not stop. When the lady passed the mother in another aisle, once again, she heard the mother's reverent tone, “Calm down Janna. We’re almost done and then we can go home.”  The lady was amazed at the level of composure this young mother was demonstrating.  

She soon found herself standing behind the mother at the checkout counter, and the child was still out of control. Then she heard the mother softly response, “Look Jenna, all we have to do is pay for the groceries and we’re out of here, won’t that be nice?”

The lady was so impressed with the mother’s self-control, that she couldn't hold back her comment, “I admire how well you are handling your daughter, Janna's tantrum.” “Oh, thank you,” said the mother, “But my daughter’s name is Amber. My name is Janna.”

I empathize with this story. When I was raising my children, several times, I had to coach myself to endure to the end and hoped the end was near. Most parents can relate to similar experiences. The great moral to this story is: those amazing individuals who are capable of remaining calm, in the midst of chaos, are uplifting and inspiring to others. Children, as well as adults, learn through the consistency of calm responses and not from the sharp disapproval or criticism of their loved ones. By Linda  Sumner Urza, One fine day.

CALLING ON THE POWER OF HEAVEN

I have always believed in the power of prayer and I remember as a young girl having an intense desire to stay close to my Father in Heaven. I had an inner knowing that prayers produced miraculous results. It wasn't long before I learned that the more experience one had with prayer, the more they were able to draw on the power of Heaven. 

Later in life, a friend asked me how to gain miracles through prayer. I responded by asking her, "When you're seeking miracles in your life, do you pray for one?"  "Ah, well, no not really." She responded, at which I inquired, "How do you expect to get something you are not asking for?" 

I believe that prayers open the windows of Heaven and allows us to see the hand of God creating miracles in every day life. It doesn't guarantee a life of ease or one of perfection, but it will provide powerful solutions, lift heavy burdens and give clarity in a dark and dreary world.

It would be wonderful if everyone prayed to reach the full measure of their potential, according to God's will. We would begin to create a Heaven on Earth. All earnest prayers are indeed answered in due time. I waited eleven years to see the blessings come to fruition for one continuous prayer that was offered again and again. It was indeed worth the wait and I am still overwhelmed with joy, but I came to realize that the timing of this blessing was everything.

Matthew 17:20, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed... nothing shall be impossible unto you. By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day  (The picture above is that of my granddaughter, Ayla. The innocence in her face emulates that of a loving Heavenly Father.)