My Christmas Angels

Angels

I believe in Angels; Angels in Heaven and Angels on Earth. This is a story about love and hope; about messages from above and the Angels that walk on our path each day.

The Penn Rose Quilting Guild is made up of wonderful women who share the love of sewing fabric together to make beautiful quilts. I could go on and on about the patterns, colors, and sizes of the each quilt, but there is something more unique about these sweet ladies.  So unique that it overwhelms my heart and often brings me to tears.

I am a member of the Penn Rose Guild. I am also in charge of hospitality and programs. We meet at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. I am the only member of our guild that belongs to St John’s. Each month, I do a committee report thanking the ladies for the delicious baked goods and to remind them of any special occasions in the future.

A step back to an earlier meeting. …

It was a meeting like any other meeting; an October meeting two years ago. After I gave my report; I took a deep breath and began to tell the ladies about a project my church does every year. The project is a Give a Heart, Take a Heart Tree. The red hearts have the first name of a child who is in need. A child who might not get anything for Christmas. I explained every detail then waited to see the expressions on their faces. My heart was pounding and I asked myself if this was the place to do this. Soon a hand went up and  a sweet quilter said she was interested. Then, I saw heads shaking, yes, and hands going up. My heart just about leaped out of my chest!

The next month, I brought in a small artificial tree and loaded  it with red hearts. Thirty to be exact. Each heart was taken from the tree. Their generosity allowed our church to reach more children.  We have continued the Give a Heart, Take a Heart tree with thirty- five gifts coming in this year.  Surely Earth Angels at work, making a difference.

Two times a year, the guild sews for a whole day making pillowcases for children who have cancer. Each child receives a pillow case with the prettiest fabric; dogs, kittens, superheroes, bunnies and much more.  The fabric is donated and the end products are simply beautiful. We are well into the hundreds and counting.  Those pillowcases go to Lehigh Valley Hospital which is part of the Philidelphia Children’s Hospital. The sound of the buzzing sewing machines always warms my heart. Once again, Earth Angels helping to brighten the lives of very ill children. Quilts for preemies are also made and distributed to local hospitals. They are gorgeous!  Sweet Angels busy at work!

We also make fabric bags for seniors who need walkers. These bags allow the patients to carry personal items as they maneuver around the nursing home.   Angels, Angels everywhere!

Safe Harbor, a homeless shelter is very near and dear to my heart. Each year, I speak to the ladies about the needs of the residents living at the shelter.  I have asked for gently used, purses which are then filled with small items for the ladies, blankets, sheets, sweaters, shirts for the men, coats, hats, gloves and scarves. These loving women have never let me down! I have and will continue to make trips down to deliver the welcomed items for as long as the ladies give them.

I even had one of my dear friends buy clothing for a little two -year old girl whose family had fallen on hard times.  My darling Angels, I love them all.  It is as if their hearts are entwined with mine and all those who need  help.

My heartfelt thoughts…..

I believe Angels are all around us!  They visit the sick, come to take our loved ones home to Heaven, and often times do miraculous interventions to save lives. I also believe in Earth Angels. I see them in my dear friends who give so much of their talents, their loving hearts, and warm smiles.

If you take a look around,  you will see Earth Angels too. They are nurses, doctors, teachers, volunteers at the food banks, friends, people you pass on the street, hospice volunteers and so many others.

Think about the people you meet every day. I promise you will see Earth Angels on your path.

With Christmas right around the corner, let’s not forget the true meaning of the season. Our Saviour was born on Christmas Eve. Think  about the Heavenly Angels that were at his birth and the Earth Angels who visited him.  How can you be an Angel to someone this holiday season?

Merry Christmas Dear Friends!

Cynthia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

listening, look up to Heaven with love in their hearts , Angels in Heaven smile down