Hi, Pamela. Thank you so much for including me on your blog. I was excited to get the email about opening up to guests about their lives and faith. Our walks are vast and varied while remaining connected with the thread of salvation. I’ve been a Christian for thirty years. There were no shouts and trumpets. No visitations from angels or flashes of light. Only a conversation between me and God about where I’d been and where I wanted to go. Since that moment, my life has been not only on paths, but roads, highways, and even wandering through the woods. The only constant was that no matter where I found myself, Jesus was beside me. 

I’d like to share a story about my first mission trip to Appalachia.

I’ve visited inner cities, worked in food kitchens, and collected food and clothing. Then an opportunity arose to visit West Virginia. The primary focus of the group was similar to Habitat for Humanity. Those who were able were assigned to rescue a nearly uninhabitable house.

 (*Note to reader* Many, including me, have a vision of what unlivable is. Most have no idea of how some people live. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking. It taught me not to feel guilty of the blessings I’ve been given, but never to take them for granted.) 

My “job” was to be a version of housemother, cooking for a group of about thirty and handling any problems that arose. This was in my wheelhouse. No problem. I’d also agreed to help with vacation bible school and other outreaches because why not, I was doing “the Lord’s work.” 

You know what, Pam. Wrangling thirty Christians is not much better than herding cats. We’re not perfect as believers, only saved by grace and mercy. I found myself stressed and wondering what I’d gotten into. My temper was short. Exhaustion led to discouragement, which pointed the way to self-pity. After another clash of someone messing around in “my” kitchen—not God’s kitchen—I left and went for a walk. 

A few minutes later, I found myself on a wooden bridge leading into the nearby park. I stopped and leaned, looking down into the water, questioning my decision to come here. I wasn’t making a difference. I hadn’t accomplished any “missionary” things, i.e., leading people to Jesus. In fact, I was probably getting in the way. 

After a full bathing in woe-is-me, a younger woman approached asking if I was okay. My response? “Of course,” with probably a bit more attitude than acceptable. She only smiled and leaned next to me. 

We ended up in a long conversation. The gist? What does the Lord require of you?

Is it to make sure everyone has and appreciates your food? He fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish. 

Was it to be everywhere doing everything? Be still and know He is God. It wasn’t my job to be everywhere doing everything. He is the One who is in control. One of my favorite verses came to mind. What does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? I wasn’t doing any of this. 

We eventually said goodbye. I don’t know who this woman was. I never got her name. But I learned more from her than from any person I’ve ever met. I went to minister to others. Instead, I was ministered to. I learned more about walking humbly. I learned that it’s not about me. 

That was many years ago, and I returned to this place often in the following years. I never saw her again. But the lesson I learned carried me to a better relationship with God and other Christians. Do I sometimes forget? Yes, I do. But when it happens, I turn around. Because you see, I realize it wasn’t because He left me to my own devices. No. It’s because I wandered. 

Because of some medical issues, it’s been a while since I’ve been back to this town. But this November, I’m returning with a small group to distribute 240 Thanksgiving baskets to those who need them. Do you want to bet I’ll be looking for her?

Hebrews 13:2 New King James Version: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.

*Update: We distributed 260 Thanksgiving Baskets this year and received enough donations to refill the food pantry. I had concerns since the signups last year for baskets were about 150, almost double this year, but I kept repeating loaves and fish. 

Although I did not run into my Angel Lady, God certainly provided!

Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

D. V. Stone is known for her engaging and captivating storytelling, often weaving elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure into her novels. Her official website, dvstoneauthor.com, serves as a central hub for fans and new readers alike to explore her literary works, learn about upcoming book releases, and gain insights into her creative process. The site typically features detailed book descriptions, author blogs, and exclusive content such as interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at her writing journey. Additionally, visitors can find information on where to purchase her books, sign up for newsletters, and connect with DV Stone on social media. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to her stories, dvstoneauthor.com offers a comprehensive and inviting space to immerse yourself in the world of DV Stone’s imagination.

Thank You, SO Much, DV for sharing your awesome story with us today! Boy, angels have sure been getting some recognition on here lately LOL!

I hope you enjoyed DV's message as much as I did, friends and that you'll come back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold every 2 weeks for another beautiful, faith-filled message.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and remember... You are never alone because angels surround you.

Have you ever gone through a bunch of old files and documents only to find some that you'd forgotten you'd written?

That's what happened to me and I thought I'd share one with you today.

The Bible talks about "entertaining angels unaware," and that God gives His angels charge over us. Back in 2024, on a cold, wet morning the 2nd of February, I was on my way to work in order to run end-of-month statements that hadn’t been done on January 30th because I had to bury my dog of 14 yrs who’d been put down the day before. I despise cold, wet weather and prayed for God’s hand of protection to be upon not only me and my husband -who was about three minutes ahead of me- but every driver on the road at that time. No sooner had the words left my mouth when taillights came into view. A car had left the eastbound lane of Interstate 10, spun through the median and was sliding backward into my westbound lane!
 
Unable to switch lanes, all I could do was hang on and pray, “oh, God. Oh, God,” when the back end of his car hit the back door on the driver’s side of my car, throwing me into a tailspin. When my car stopped spinning, I was facing oncoming traffic, and my car had died.
 
It is a sheer miracle that no one hit me head on! One on-comer barely had time to swerve into the median to avoid hitting me. Had he not been so observant, his full-sized pickup truck would have climbed all over the front end of my car. Others would come within mere feet, stop and stare a moment, then switch lanes and go on about their business.  On top of that, I called 911 twice and was put on hold!

After finally reaching the Louisiana State Police, it took a full ten minutes to get my car started and moved out of oncoming traffic.
 
There’s no doubt that even though the accident occurred, God’s hand was all over that car and His angels were encamped all around me.

Have you ever experienced something like this that reassured you God has His hand on you and His angels are looking out for you? Share your story in the comments!

Until next time take care, God Bless and remember to give gratitude to God and the angels for they many ways they protect us from seen and unseen forces.
PamT

In previous posts I mentioned Suzanne Giesmann, her book on Mediumship and her "Messages of Hope" podcast. What I didn't bring up is the fact that Suzanne has a free app called, The Awakened Way.

This wonderful hub is filled with gifts of eBooks, meditations, and daily messages from Spirit. There is also an "inspire" button that you can pray for guidance and touch and it will bring you to a previous daily message. Kind of like opening a devotional, the Bible or a Bible app to a random passage. 

Yesterday, I asked in prayer for a sign that I am on the right path in my journey to grow my writing/editing/coaching business. I hit the inspire button and up popped a missive about dealing with holiday stress...

"The holidays are not the issue. Your thoughts around them are." (paraphrased)

This doesn't apply to my question, I thought, but kept reading. Lo and behold, the note went on to say something like, "let go of those old, negative thought patterns and make room for new, fresh, exciting, truthful ones." (paraphrased)

Ok! Message received loud and clear so I went on about my day.

Later, after a bout of rain showers cleard up enough to take my dog out for a bit, I looked down on the carport and saw a heart-shaped water spot. 

Suzanne always ends her daily messages with, "you are so loved," so I took this as a sign that God heard my prayer and answered. Not only through the message but with this heart. 

At the moment I did not have my phone with me so I went into the house and came back out to snap the one you see here. Note: the blob on the left side is a paw print LOL! Here's the cool thing though, the next time we went outside after still more rain, the heart was gone.

Signs and synchronicities are all around us, folks and no, IMHO, it is not wrong to ask for one when you need it. In fact, Suzanne and other spiritual teachers say all the time that our "unseen helpers" (as Dr. Jesse Duplantis puts it) are always willing to give us one.

I've written about this subject before in This and This post. I hope this encourages you to open up, ask and look for the signs you need from God when feeling unsure if you're on the right path to creating the life of your dreams.

Something to think about!
PamT
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
"Coaching in Pj's" ™

Hello Again, Friend,
​
I never considered having a guest post on this blog but when I received Jamie Saloff's newsletter, I was so inspired I just had to share it... I think you will be too!

Enjoy...
PamT
​

During a recent call with my BFF she mentioned the increased negativity she had been experiencing all around her. She asked, "Have you noticed how whether phone associates or checkout clerks, everywhere you go, people just seem to be carrying an underlying anger and disgruntled attitude?" Although I had sensed this overall feeling that seemed to have blanketed the nation, I stated that I had actually been pleasantly surprised by how friendly and helpful everyone had been, despite this invisible chaos.
 
I think this opposing experience surprised her, though we agreed on one point, that she felt this had to do with an energetic of negativity surrounding us all.
 
"Oh, like the Ghostbusters goo?" I asked. (She was unfamiliar with this movie, so I explained.)
 
In Ghostbusters II, the guys discover a river of goo flowing under the city which they determine is reacting to the "New York State of Mind" (which is generally negative) and which is creating the paranormal and chaotic events in the city. They do tests on the goo showing how it not only reacts to negative feedback but also positive reinforcement. In order to "save the day" as it were, they decide they need some positive symbol to uplift the New Yorkers' attitude on this ominous New Year's Eve. So they spray the Statue of Liberty with the goo. The goo, in combination with upbeat music, frees the statue to walk the streets and has the New Yorkers cheering and laughing. Of course, this is just what the Ghostbusters needed to shift the energy their way.
 
"You should write about this in your newsletter," my friend said. "Naw, what do I know about positive energy?" I told her. But after we talked, I realized I couldn't get it out of my mind, and a list of ways to uplift your energy and create a more positive atmosphere began to form in my mind, as follows.
 
1. I had just finished reading Kyle Grey's book Angels Are With You Now (which I really enjoyed). In it, he writes that he must first raise his own vibration before he can help others raise theirs. He offers many insights in his book on how to connect with angels and a meditative prayer that includes surrounding yourself with golden light. He then also makes an effort to connect with those around him in a positive way by smiling, saying "hello," and by being generally friendly. Meditation is not always my best course of action, but if it is yours, try Kyle's golden light.
 
2. After I met my husband-to-be, Tim's father, Bill, helped me greatly with learning about spiritual gifts and practices. One of the things he seemed to drill into us all the time was something he called "mouth confession." He would catch us saying negative things and warn us that the more we said them, the more likely they would come true. And of course, if we spoke of positive things, the same was true. So are you constantly speaking negatively about yourself, your family, your community, and more? Start looking for the positives and you will begin to turn things around for yourself and for those around you. And no, it isn't instant, and yes, you have to keep at it. It's always a work in progress.
 
3. One day while at a stop light, I looked over and saw a black man walking down the sidewalk. He didn't just walk, he had a rhythm to his walk that seemed almost as if he might be listening to music. I tried to walk that way a time or two. You can't be unhappy and walk with a jive in your step. In the same respect, we live on a lake near a playground. I often see parents and their children walking there. It seems the parents always walk slower and chat with their counterparts while the younger children skip, run ahead, then back, twirl around, laugh, and talk excitedly about where they are heading. You have to have a high energetic to be like those little kids. Try it sometime.
 
4. I used to love wearing ankle boots. They made me feel empowered. When I cleared my closet some years ago, I only kept clothes that I loved and that made me feel good about myself. What you wear, including the colors, textures, and fabrics they are made of, helps to raise your vibration. If your clothes make you feel good, the rest of you will feel better as well. When I received chemotherapy and could barely walk up the stairs due to feeling so weak, I would make that climb simply so I could put on my makeup. It took me two to three times longer than normal to do so, but being able to see myself in the mirror looking better than a washed-out ghost, encouraged me. Even how we stand (shoulders back or slumped, head held high) helps raise our energetic presence.
 
5. Chatting with a friend once, I said how I sometimes wished my life was a musical so I could dance in the aisles of stores. She said, why don't you? Well, I am probably not going to do that—though I know some people might. I have some favorite musical YouTube videos I love to watch that make me smile. This is my favorite.
 
6. The other day while grocery shopping, I had stopped in the main aisle waiting for the side row to clear. Suddenly a little girl about three or four years old came down the aisle from the opposite direction. Her face beamed with the largest smile and her whole countenance appeared lit up. She and I met eyes, and I felt as if her beam of light touched me. I began to smile as well. When you smile, do you light up a room like that little girl? If not, keep at it.
 
7. Lastly, I want to leave you with the thoughts from Michael Jackson's song, "Man in the Mirror." Since it's not likely we can really spray the Statue of Liberty with happy goo, Michael Jackson sings: "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change." We can't always change others and it can be overwhelming when we look around and see all the things that need fixing in our world. But if we start with ourselves and do what we can to uplift our own countenance and energetic, we will, like that little girl at the grocery store, shine our light on others and make the world a better place.
 
Whether via a golden light, happy music, a strut in your step, or by offering a smile and kindness to those who you encounter, we can uplift our energy and the more we do so, the happier we all will be.
 
                                                              ~ * ~     ~*~     ~*~
 
Jamie Linn Saloff is a Lily Dale trained intuitive. Author, teacher, story weaver, spiritual counselor, seer of visions, pathfinder, for over thirty years Jamie’s taught how to reignite your heart by listening to your body groan and your soul weep. She is the author of twelve books including her Marvelous Messages™ series. To book your private session, visit her on the web at https://www.MarvelousMessages.com.