"Touched by an Angel"

As many of you may know if you follow me on Facebook, or are in my virtual prayer group, The Master's Servants - Christian Women living with Chronic Illness,on even on this blog, (via my last post) I've been perplexed a bit these past months and wondering if I should continue in my various and assorted ministries. I have quite a few between this blog, my prayer group and my new website www.godsgirl365.com. I've really been conflicted about this as the months have gone on. Continued prayers have not brought a truly clear answer.

So I have continued to feel overworked and overwhelmed , which isn't usual for me. I'm pretty even keeled as the saying goes. It's not to say that I don't enjoy every one of these activities, but it's been a bit too much for me lately, dealing with ongoing MS health issues, our three doggies that we take care of daily, and other responsibilities I have around the house (which aren't many because of my dear husband and son, but I do still have some.) Also, the summer heat has begun, and I have felt the usual drain.

But I've always had a hard time saying it's too much to do, I always have. I mean before MS I used to be Super Mom after all. I reached out trying to get help but couldn't get anyone else to commit because of the time involved. I thought, ok, God wants me to continue on - status quo, so I did.

I felt invigorated from a sermon I heard from Dr. Charles Stanley a few weeks ago. and that urged me to push on, feeling it was God's will for me to continue to handle all three ministries, even if I felt overwhelmed by it. But still I was waiting and asking God to send me a sign that I was doing the right thing. He didn't disappoint, He never does.

Yesterday, I heard from a lady I hadn't heard from in over 2 years. She is a young Mom who's very young son, Anderson, suffered a aneurysm at the tender age of 6, back in June 2012. She reached out to the world via Facebook asking for prayer for her son, and had people all praying for her desperately ill son. God answered those prayers.

It's been a long journey for the young lad, but he's doing so much better than most anyone expected him to do. Here are a few shots from his journey. He's had to relearn just about everything, but being the trooper that he is, he continues to grow and shine. He had an awesome specially designed (by Mom) bicycle for Halloween last year, and has done some therapy on a beautiful horse named Dakota. He's also a local celebrity at the fire department, police department and city hall.  Everyone knows and loves Anderson and have been routing for him in this 2 year journey he's been on. He's been on quite a ride for the last 2 years. What an incredible spirit this sweet young man has. You can no doubt see the close connection between him and his Mom.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Shelley and I became online friends, and I became one of many I'm sure, from all over the world, that were praying for her and Anderson. I sent her ongoing encouragement through private messages, sending bible verses, pictures and songs to help encourage her as she faced this crisis alone (she was recently separated from her husband). I sent a homemade card with pictures of Anderson to the hospital. I told her I was praying daily, asking the Lord to spare Anderson's life, give her courage to face each new day and heal her son's broken body. Slowly but surely, Anderson was beginning to heal as you can see from the pictures above. Praise God!

Let's move along with this story......so, I told you I asked the Lord for a sign....Well, my sign came yesterday when I got a heartfelt message from Shelley. I hadn't heard from her in a very long time. This is just a small part of her message:

Dear Nicki,

You've been an important person in our lives since the summer of 2012 and you likely don't know this but I will sometimes quietly go to your Facebook page and take solace and comfort in the words you write, the sentiments you share and the special ways you find to communicate your love and faith in Jesus Christ.

I don't do much commenting or posting anymore because I'm so busy with my son but I find inspiration in just being a witness to your ongoing faith and strength so THANK YOU for being so openly faithful.

Wow, an angel named Shelley, was sent by the Lord to confirm my direction.That sealed it for me! "Psalm 91:11 says "For He will give his angels charge over thee,to keep thee in all thy ways".Just hearing those words from her, told me that I was reaching someone and God was confirming that I was on the right track. Thank you Shelley - Definitely a God-Thing.

The funny thing about the internet is sometimes you post something, and you just don't know whether or not you are getting through to anyone. It's like you're sending something into no where land, especially with Facebook or Twitter, or Google Plus. You can post a thousand items, and people can see them, but not say a word to you and you have no way of knowing who saw what and when unless they acknowledge it themselves. I noticed that I've had over 200,000 hits to my google account. Who knows who I've reached? I can't imagine how many more hits on Facebook? Better watch what I say, is all I can think.

Similar to the story I had a few months ago about the friend from childhood. He had been reading this blog for a while and not saying anything. I had no idea. You never know how your words can inspire or change someone forever. Be careful what you do and say. Seems like now a days everyone is watching or listening.....

I opt to be encouraging and uplifting every time I hit that send button. You just never know who is on the other side and what's going on in their life. We live in a virtual world. Many new friendships, good and bad are made through the internet these days. Chances are you may be able to really encourage and inspire someone with something very simple or the opposite could also be true. You could also hurt someone deeply. I choose to encourage. A great verse to remind you of the words you speak is from Psalm 19:14 "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

I'm happy to be able to encourage others with my faith. I feel that is truly part of my journey on this earth. That's what it's all about, in my mind. Jesus wants us to be His Hands and Feet on this earth if we belong to Him. I can't do that if my mind isn't right, if my mind doesn't meditate on His Word everyday. Many non-believers will never set foot inside a church. You may be the only Jesus they ever see. 

I know I can't pass along the goodness of Jesus if I won't have it in my heart. Unbelievers can spot a fake from a mile away. Are you passing along Jesus love each day? Are you inspiring others with the things you say and do? I was fortunate enough to have an angel on my shoulder for at least a day and it felt great. How about you?

My verses for today are in red above.

My prayer for today:

Lord God,

Thank you for your angels, who show up right when needed, according to your perfect timing.You know everything that is happening in the lives of those who love you Lord Jesus, you know when a word of encouragement is just what the doctor ordered and you know just who to send. 

Thank you Lord that you pay attention to every little detail of our lives. You are so in-tune and in-touch with everything that happens, it is truly amazing. Thank you Lord for always being there through the good and bad times that we face. Thank you Lord for healing little Anderson and bringing him to where he is now. Thank you for strengthening Shelley so she can tend to the needs of her son and has been able to be there with him through all of this. What a blessings that is! Continue to be with them and guide them Lord. Give their doctors wisdom and courage to make the right decisions. Watch over these friends of mine, Lord. Thank you for the privilege of praying for them these past two years!

In Jesus name, Amen