I put out a request for people to submit short stories to me, sharing their experience of encountering an angel – something that forever changed their perspective and beliefs. I had originally said that I was going to select three to share here, and mail a copy of my book to them. But what happened was amazing! I received over 50 submissions, and so I've decided to publish seven instead of three. Plus, I will be selecting some to read at the beginning of our weekly Dig It! podcast each week. And, I'm going to email a pdf version of my book to everyone who did not receive the paperback because I feel incredibly honored that you shared your story with me.

I have been blessed with the guidance of Jesus and spirits throughout my entire life, which has lead me to the work I do today. Those are stories for another day. Today, I want to share the heartfelt stories of others who have all had incredible experiences of their own, and want to share them with you. Open your minds, open your hearts, and know that we are all loved, and together, we can change this world.

When God Gave Me a Rose

I was 14 years old. There was a lot going on in my life for a 14 year old – nothing terrible, just typical 14 year-old girl problems. At the time, it was the end of the world for me. Other kids can be really mean. Anyway, I went to bed early that night and prayed to God asking Him if he was real and if He was really listening because I needed help. I felt so alone. I asked Him to put a rose on my nightstand to prove to me He was real. I told Him that if He did that for me, I would never question Him again. I cried myself to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up and there was a beautiful red rose on my nightstand. I immediately thanked God and told Him that I would never question Him again and told Him I was sorry and asked Him to forgive me. Then I burst into tears. I settled down and dried my tears and went downstairs. My dad was at the kitchen table drinking coffee and he looked up at me and asked if I had been crying. I told him yes and started crying uncontrollably again and blurted out to him about my prayer the night before and the beautiful red rose on my nightstand. He smiled and told me that he put it there. I was so confused.