SAD SOUL written by Jerry Woods

This post is also by a guest writer - Jerry Woods!

When your heart aches

and sadness fills your soul

Is there anything in life

that can lift this heavy tole ?

There must be something in life

to brighten this dark soul.

Oh yes, my brother and sister dear...

A pretty smile, a kind word

a pause of time by someone near

To hear the cry of a sad soul

Even a stranger can send a message loud and clear

Fear not oh my sad friend

Because every dream and hope

has an angel near to touch your heart

and catch every fallen tear......

The Gift of a Kind Deed by Glenna Shryock

Several years ago, I had a fracture in my back. After yet another trip to the doctor in Terre Haute to check my extremely slow healing process, I stopped at Wal-Mart to purchase groceries and dog food. My back was hurting from being on my feet and pushing the cart. My spirits were low as I didn’t seem to be making any progress with recovery. As I approached my car, I wondered how much more my back would hurt after loading the dog food into the trunk. At that moment, a man with only one arm walked up, grabbed the dog food bag and placed it in my trunk. I was stunned! I finally recovered enough to quickly thank him as he walked away.

My heavenly Father knew my need. He sent an earthly “angel” who reminded me that we are all capable of showing His love to someone else, no matter our own personal situation.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

THE REAL GIFT by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I want to tell you a story that is priceless and old,
A story prophets of old, wondrously foretold.
Gabriel, an angel of God, brought Mary the news,
She was the one our Father was so careful to choose.
Her questions were many, but she didn't inquire,
Wishing only to do what the Lord would desire.
To Joseph...how could she possibly explain ?
Her family and friends...what about gossip and shame ?
Faithfully, she trusted and was wonderfully blessed.
Always knowing in her heart......His will is best !
As Mary and Joseph returned to the place of their birth
A multitude of angels stood watchful guard on Earth
A humble servant of God to behold,
As the magnitude of His love was about to unfold.
Walking all day, over a rough and dangerous road
Or on the back of a donkey, she was a treasured load.
Weary from traveling all day long...
...Birth pains were coming fast and strong.
I'm sure she was a radiant, beautiful sight,
As she prepared for that very first Christmas night.
The Inn was full, there was simply no room...
But the Baby would be coming very soon !!
Imagine Joseph's panic, as he pleaded for his wife,
And the approaching birth of this precious little life.
Jesus was born in a small, dimly lit stable.
The birth of our Savior...it's not a holiday fable !!!!
There were no jewels or fine cloth for Him to wear,
But blanketed with love, and hope to share.
Hovering all around, were the angels of the Lord
Rejoicing the birth of One so adored.
Iluminating the sky, with each shimmering wing,
Now, our voices should echo the praises they sing.
Even the animals had watched and anxiously waited
And joined with the angels as they celebrated.
Ponder the true meaning of this season
...The birth of Christ is the only reason.
Take a moment to bow and pray....
Praise God for the real gift of Christmas day.

Friends by Joyce Schafer

I have often thought that friends are special angels that God sends to help us and teach us here on earth. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them we have for a short time and some we have for a lifetime.
The first friends I remember making were in second grade. These two little girls and I were best friends all through grade school. We played together, had sleepovers and most importantly shared the same opinion of boys. They were Stupid! One friend was Catholic, one was Lutheran and I was Methodist. God was teaching me at a very young age that we are all His children.
Then in high school there were six of us that became really close. We met in Home Ec. Class. A class all of us were taking not because we wanted to but because our mothers insisted. Thankfully we had a wonderful teacher that made the class bearable. As everyone knows, as a teenager your life consists of a lot of highs and lows and we helped each other through all these phases.
By Senior year things really started changing and some of the six decided boys were not so stupid and started becoming couples, leaving little time for their girlfriends. Another valuable lesson was learned. Friends change and not all friendships survive.
As a young adult another special friend came into my life. She eventually got married and moved out of state. Lesson #3: friendships can survive long distances.
About this same time I met someone who has been my best friend for almost 40 years. This friend has been there for me through the bad times and the good times. The most important lesson I have learned is it is truly a gift from God when you marry your best friend.
My life has always been and continues to be blessed by friends. They truly are my angels on earth and I thank God everyday for sending them to me.