God's Angels and Sharing the Shelter

Angels descending, bring from above,

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

~Fanny J. Crosby

God's Angels

I don't think you ever forget the moment you sell your first book.  All the ones afterward pale in comparison.  In 1995 I sent "God's Angels" to one publishing company and found a rejection letter in my mailbox.  I sent it out again and the owner of the publishing company called. My heart was pounding and I could hardly concentrate on his words.  I did get the gist of it, though -- "we want your book and would you write three more to make a series?" 

Not only was I excited about the sell, but I was excited about getting the book's message to children around the world. The book was born out of a Vacation Bible School program I had written -- An Angel for Me.  It seemed like every magazine I picked up and many books I read were about angels. God was left out, while the angel received all the glory for miracles, protection or provision. 

The source of Truth, God's Word, tells us that the angels only move at the command of God. Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will (Psalm 103:20-21).

This week when I found an angel wing shell on the beach, I was reminded of God's faithfulness and His love for me. When an angel is looking out for me, it's because of God's deep love.  The angels only move as God commands. They protect (Daniel in the lions den), minister (Jesus after His confrontation with Satan), and show us mercy through God's plan (Peter released from jail).

With those tiny wings, washed up on the pure white sands of the Gulf shore, God reminded me once again that He loves and cares for me.  He cares enough to remind me He's commanding angels to protect, minister, offer mercy, and guide. Today I feel the breeze from the wings of an angel.  I feel its breath in my face as he whispers, "Yes, God." I feel the angel's encouraging hand on my back, urging me forward in mercy and into God's continued plan for my life. 

The cool breeze whips around me, but the sun is warm on my bowed head as I thank God. With Fanny Crosby, beloved songwriter, I sing, "Angels descending, bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love."  In my heart I hear the rising crescendo of her chorus...

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song.

Praising my Savior, all the day long. 

(Fanny Crosby - 1820-1915)

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Sharing the Shelter

Link up your sheltering ideas -- a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage or teach, or another sheltering idea you'd like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. Use them to go shelter!