Are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement?

Joan Wester Anderson

By Joan Wester Anderson

Sometimes hard times occur through no fault of our own but are just a result of living in an imperfect world. God does not send suffering to his children, but as C. S. Lewis once noted, 'pain is God's megaphone.' It gets our attention. When these periods come, our job is simply to endure, getting through them the best we can.

People who are attempting to move closer to God will often find obstacles in their paths. There is a saying that if you're not doing anything for the kingdom, Satan leaves you alone. But if you're becoming an effective soldier, you find yourself under attack.  A members of my Wednesday night prayer group often jokes that if the weather is bad, the car breaks down, or a headache develops, it will happen on a Wednesday, giving us an excuse to stay away from our two-hour prayer time and the graces and spiritual insights that might have resulted. But the Bible confirms our observation: "When you come to serve the Lord," says the book of Sirach (2:1), "prepare yourself for trials." The solution here is to persevere. Relief will come.

Suffering happens, too, as a result of sin, freely chosen. Should we be surprised when children brought up on a steady diet of immoral movies and television programs act out what they see?  Should we be surprised when people dabble in the occult, settle problems through violence, abandon their responsibilities? One emergency room physician told me his personal theory: "if people simply lived by the Ten Commandments, we would have no health-care crisis in our country, because hospitals would not need to treat those suffering from gunshot wounds, victims of spouse or child abuse, those suffering from sexually transmitted diseases or drug overdoses, and so on." Instead, hospitals could use their resources primarily for those ill with diseases.

As God continues to try to get our attention, what lies ahead? Few people believe that the current era heralds the end of the world or the Second Coming; Jesus told us no one would know the day or the hour this would occur. But will there be a repeat of what happened when the Fatima prophecies in 1917 went unheeded? Or are we heading toward some sort of worldwide moment of truth or chastisement, when God's people may have to summon the courage to take a stand and get involved in society as never before?

Perhaps. But it's possible that there are more wondrous events ahead too. One pastor had a vision in which he saw himself in a crowded football stadium. Suddenly the Holy Spirit was beside each person in the stadium. Instantly everything stopped, because God was showing every person just where he or she stood on the pathway of life and eternity.

"They will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

***

Author and lecturer Joan Wester Anderson was born in Evanston, Illinois. She began her writing career in 1973 with a series of family humor articles for local newspapers and Catholic publications, and was a monthly columnist for two national magazines during the 1980s. She has published more than one thousand articles and short stories in a variety of publications, including Woman’s Day, Modern Bride, Virtue, Reader’s Digest, and the New York Times Syndicate.

Her 15 books include WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for over a year, has sold almost two million copies and been translated into fourteen languages. Published in fall, 1994, were the sequel to ANGELS, titled WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN, and for children, AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ME. Both books were written in response to suggestions from readers, and were followed in rapid succession by three more in this series. FOREVER YOUNG (Thomas More Publishers), the life story of actress Loretta Young, was published in November, 2000. The actress had read the angel series, and requested Anderson as her biographer. The two became close friends. Anderson’s book, IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS (Loyola Press) covers angelic activity primarily during the past decade, including stories of hope from the 9/11 and Columbine School tragedies. Her most recent books, GUARDIAN ANGELS (Loyola Press),  ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press) and ANGELIC TAILS, focus on amazing and tender stories of God’s answers to prayers.

Anderson has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw” and “Mother Angelica Live,” and was featured in such documentaries as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

Anderson is a Catholic and member of St. Edna’s Parish in Arlington Heights IL., a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and a former adjunct professor at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She and her husband live in suburban Chicago, and have five grown children and five grandchildren.

Website: http://joanwanderson.com/believe/

Copyright 2014 Joan Wester Anderson

'Angelic Tails' is a must read for all canine lovers!

Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions

By Loci B. Lenar

Angelic Tails is a wonderful collection of new stories that will touch a chord with all canine owners. I purchased an autographed copy of the book directly from the author, Joan Wester Anderson.

Joan takes a leap forward from her other books about angelic visitations (Where Miracles Happen) into an impressive theme revolving around man's best friend, canines. The accounts are uplifting and show how God can work through mysterious ways even with pets.

'Snow Angel' is one such heartwarming story. Joan writes in her new book that during a snowstorm, Linda Baxter and her daughter, Lesley, are saved by the neighborhood dog during a blinding blizzard. Praying for assistance, Punkie appears out of nowhere and guides them back on the appropriate path to their home.

Even more amazing is the story about St. John Bosco. Traveling at times in dangerous areas to help homeless children/teenagers, he was either robbed or assaulted. Praying for God's assistance, a large dog would appear and walk with John during his journeys. Joan writes that on one occasion, Grigo saved John from a shooter by running after the assailant. Later on, twelve men confront John with sticks. Before they could strike, Grigo suddenly appears and drives them away. Grigo would appear at St. John Bosco's side for thirty years as a heaven sent companion! Remarkable indeed!

This book is not only a great read for pet owners, but also for anyone interested in knowing how God can manifest his assistance and protection through canines.

I highly recommend purchasing Angelic Tails and reading all the inspirational stories; you will not be disappointed in this delightful book!

To order books, please visit the following link: Joan Wester Anderson

Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions

Angelic Tails: True Stories of Heavenly Canine Companions

This newly released book is by author Joan Wester Anderson, renown for writing books on angelic visitations and miracles.  The book is published by Loyola Press.

The following excerpt is from Loyola Press:

Angelic Tails is a collection of down-to-earth true stories from ordinary people who believe that God has graced their lives through heavenly canine companions. Each of the 30 stories challenges readers to reconsider their conception of angels—from the story of a former Air Force colonel whose golden retrievers served as his heavenly helpers in the Colorado wilderness to the account of St. John Bosco, who, for more than 30 years, was protected by an angelic dog as he walked the dangerous city streets. In the end, for all who see through the eyes of faith, this book is evidence that God can use even muddy paws and cold noses to fulfill his purposes in our world.

Joan Wester Anderson has been a freelance writer and public speaker for almost thirty years. Her fifteen books include the New York Times Bestseller Where Angels Walk (Ballantine Books, 1993) and Where Wonders Prevail (Ballantine, 1997), and she is a popular guest on radio and television talk shows. The mother of five adult children and grandmother of two, she lives in Prospect Heights, Illinois.

Visit her website: Joan Wester Anderson

Read more: Loyola Press

A Secret Communion on the Moon

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin Take Communion on the Moon - Guideposts.com

The following excerpt is from Guideposts.com:

By Joan Wester Anderson

Americans will never forget the first time human beings set foot on the moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin touched down on July 20, 1969.

Armstrong took the first step and said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” An entire planet probably trembled with a new awareness of God and His vast creation.

But more was happening during this amazing time. Shortly after the men landed, Aldrin radioed NASA and asked for a moment of silence so that “each person listening in (could) contemplate the events of the last few hours.” During this quiet period, Aldrin opened little plastic packages containing bread and wine, silently read a few verses of Scripture and received communion. “It was interesting to think that the first liquid ever poured on the moon and the first food eaten there were the Christian communion,” Aldrin said later.

Only the pastor at Aldrin’s Houston Presbyterian church—and a few NASA personnel—knew that communion was happening on the moon. To broadcast a private communion in a very public arena might create even more challenges. So Aldrin was asked to “keep it quiet,” which he did.

It was twenty years before the secret was revealed.

Read more: Communion on the Moon 

Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith

Corpus Christi Church - Photograph by Loci B. Lenar


Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith - Guideposts

The following excerpt is from renown author Joan Wester Anderson and can be read on the website of Guideposts:

By Joan Wester Anderson

One of my favorite fellow bloggers is Loci Lenar, who posts Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith. This blog documents current spiritual signs and wonders, happenings that make people sit up and take notice.

It’s a beautiful and colorful site—Loci is extremely tech-talented—but the content is even better because we are able to see it. For example, a lighted cross occasionally appears on Loci’s property, and he has posted photos of it on his site. No one has been able to trace the source of this light, but when we see it as an actual photo, it is far more impressive than just words. Loci also features a statue of Michael the Archangel, with stained glass glowing behind it. Again, there is no apparent source of light.

People contact Angels, Wonders and Miracles of Faith to ask for prayers, and Loci brings those requests to his spiritual adviser, Father Richard Tartaglia, of St. Mary’s parish in Denville, New Jersey.

Read More: Guideposts

***

The following excerpt is from the website of Joan Wester Anderson:

Joan Wester Anderson's 15 books include WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for over a year, has sold almost two million copies and been translated into fourteen languages. Published in fall, 1994, were the sequel to ANGELS, titled WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN, and for children, AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ME. Both books were written in response to suggestions from readers, and were followed in rapid succession by three more in this series. FOREVER YOUNG (Thomas More Publishers), the life story of actress Loretta Young, was published in November, 2000. The actress had read the angel series, and requested Anderson as her biographer. The two became close friends. Anderson’s book, IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS (Loyola Press) covers angelic activity primarily during the past decade, including stories of hope from the 9/11 and Columbine School tragedies. Her most recent books, GUARDIAN ANGELS (Loyola Press), and ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press), focus on amazing and tender stories of God’s answers to prayers.

Anderson has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw” and “Mother Angelica Live,” and was featured in such documentaries as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

Anderson is a Catholic and member of St. Edna’s Parish in Arlington Heights IL., a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and a former adjunct professor at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She and her husband live in suburban Chicago, and have five grown children and four grandchildren.

A Light in Her Life by Joan Wester Anderson

The following story by Joan Wester Anderson is published in the new updated edition of Where Miracles Happen.

A Light in Her Life by Joan Wester Anderson

One cold, overcast Saturday morning, freelance writer Sue Markgraf sat staring blankly at the TV. The children were occupied, and there were notes on her computer for her next writing project. She really should get on with it.

But a combination of fatigue and discouragement kept her from moving. Were her efforts really leading anywhere? Would she ever make a difference through her work?

Suddenly, an intense ray of light streamed through the window in front of her. It was brilliant, almost white, as if the very air itself were glowing from within. But how? The other windows still looked out on gray and gloom. Where was this light’s source? “I wanted to shield my eyes and look away, but I couldn’t,” she says. “I shifted on the sofa, but the light seemed to follow me.” This was no ordinary sunbeam.

Then in the center of this radiance, Sue saw a shadowy figure. She was drawn to its warmth, compelled to watch it. Although she didn’t hear actual words, she felt the figure speaking to her. “Go back to your story,” it said. “Peace is coming.”  

Awed, Sue drank in the light. She felt unworthy of its presence, yet exalted at the same time. “I forced myself to continue looking, to continue feeling,” she says, until the figure and the light shimmered, then faded away.

Since that time, Sue has continued to struggle with the meaning of the blissful vision. But she does feel more confident about her work and about God’s plan for her. “I know there is a greater force that has an incredible investment in me,” she says. “It pushes me constantly, yet it comforts me. I pray that it stays by my side always.”

***

The following biographical information is from Joan Wester Anderson's website:

Joan Wester Anderson has published 15 books which include WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS, which was on the New York Times best-seller list for over a year, has sold almost two million copies and been translated into fourteen languages. Published in fall, 1994, were the sequel to ANGELS, titled WHERE MIRACLES HAPPEN, and for children, AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER ME. Both books were written in response to suggestions from readers, and were followed in rapid succession by three more in this series. FOREVER YOUNG (Thomas More Publishers), the life story of actress Loretta Young, was published in November, 2000. The actress had read the angel series, and requested Anderson as her biographer. The two became close friends. Anderson’s book, IN THE ARMS OF ANGELS (Loyola Press) covers angelic activity primarily during the past decade, including stories of hope from the 9/11 and Columbine School tragedies. Her most recent books, GUARDIAN ANGELS (Loyola Press), and ANGELS AND WONDERS (Loyola Press), focus on amazing and tender stories of God’s answers to prayers.

Anderson has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America,” “Oprah,” “20/20,” “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw” and “Mother Angelica Live,” and was featured in such documentaries as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

Anderson is a Catholic and member of St. Edna’s Parish in Arlington Heights IL., a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and a former adjunct professor at Harper Community College in Palatine, Illinois. She and her husband live in suburban Chicago, and have five grown children and four grandchildren.

(Clipart supplied by Loci B. Lenar)

Copyright 2010 Joan Wester Anderson

Where Miracles Happen by Joan Wester Anderson

Where Miracles Happen - Joan Wester Anderson
Author of Books on Angelic Visitations

By Loci B. Lenar

Joan's updated book, Where Miracles Happen, is inspiring and touched my soul with God's spiritual presence. While reading Part One: Miracles through Prayer, I was captivated in Sue Markgraf's interesting testimony.

Joan writes that Sue had wondered if her hard work as a writer would lead to anywhere. After having the thought, Joan says, Sue saw an intense ray of light coming through the window in front of her.

Joan describes Sue seeing a figure in the radiance. Sue says, she felt the figure speaking to her, "Go back to your story." And then said to her, "Peace is coming."

Joan writes that since that time, Sue has continued to wonder about the meaning of the blissful vision.  However, she is now confident about her work and God's plan for her.

After reading the remarkable story, it was "perfect timing" for me to write a letter to my friend, Joan, and share my thoughts about Sue's vision.

Through providence and prayerful discernment, I believe that my testimony about the Miraculous Signs of Archangel Michael, which can be read on Christian-Miracles.com, sheds some light on God's plan.

In a spiritual locution I received on September 14, 2009, Jesus called all to join together and "pray for divine protection" in order to mitigate and extinguish violence throughout the world and to usher in an "era of peace."   The locution was also shared with my spiritual advisor, Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church.

Our Lady of Fatima also spoke of an era of peace in her 1917 apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. For further information on Our Lady's message, please visit the following link: World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

God indeed works in mysterious ways in connecting people at the appropriate time.

Joan Wester Anderson's book is certainly inspirational and Where Miracles Happen!

Heavenly Sign: Rainbow Emitted from Statue of Archangel Michael | Guideposts

Joan Wester Anderson

Heavenly Sign: Rainbow Emitted from Statue of Archangel Michael Guideposts

Over the Rainbow

Michael offers a colorful sign just in time for Feast of the Archangels

By Joan Wester Anderson

Hi, angel friends,

You may know that, in the Catholic calendar, September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels.

In fact, the entire month of October is dedicated to angels. I doubt they are more active during October than any other time, but it’s nice to have an entire month to think about the joy and the mystery of these very special beings.

I especially love Michael the Archangel, who comes to do battle for us. I wonder how often he and his fellow Archangels prevent accidents, encourage us and even keep us away from temptations, and we don’t even know it!

A friend of mine, Loci Lenar, recently found himself at the Church of St. Michael in Netcong, New Jersey. Being an angel fan like me, he stopped in to say a prayer.

He was immediately taken with the beautiful stain glass image in the front of the church, depicting Michael holding his sword. Michael was in front of a colorful window, with an even more vibrant rainbow behind him.

Loci snapped a few pictures. “In order to capture the rainbow colors seen on the stained glass behind the statue,” he says, “I photographed the image without using a flash, even though the indoor lighting was dim. The only light was from some church windows nearby—best described as faint.”

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

But if you examine the photograph, Loci points out, it appears as if Archangel Michael is creating a trail of rainbow colors as he lands on top of the serpent and crushes its head.

And yet there doesn’t seem to be a source for this rainbow. He observes, “The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.”

Check out the window at Loci’s site, and see what you think. Where is the rainbow light coming from?

See why I love angels?


Joan W. Anderson has been involved with angels for many years and has authored numerous angel books, including Guardian Angels: True Stories of Answered Prayers.

Visit her website or, if you have a question about angels, you can email it to her at: janderson@guideposts.com.

Caught By an Angel | Joan Wester Anderson

Caught By an Angel - Joan Wester Anderson

Krisellen Lang had lost her first three babies at early stages in her pregnancies. So when she found herself expecting yet again, it was hard to work up any enthusiasm. Why should she begin to love this child when it might never live long enough to be born? But Krisellen’s pregnancy was a result of in vitro fertilization, with four embryos transferred—and the hope that one would implant. When she went to her obstetrician for her first checkup and ultra-sound, she discovered that all four embryos had implanted! “It was as if God was giving me all my lost children back,” she says. The pregnancy proceeded normally, and her quadruplets, two boys and two girls, were born robust and healthy.

It was a hectic time, and eventually Krisellen’s marriage faltered. “Our divorce was mutual and amicable, and he is, and always has been, a wonderful father,” Krisellen says. But she was understandably fearful. How would she raise four children alone? She prayed as she never had before. God had heard her once, she knew, and brought her joy after suffering. Would He do so again?

She found a part-time job at a construction company, and her extended family pitched in to help care for the quads. It seemed as if she might just make it—until one morning when she stopped at a job site to measure the rooms in a house. Of course her four three-year-olds were with her, so she brought them into the house to “help.”

One of the rooms had a large hole in the center of the floor. Krisellen eyed it nervously. Giving daughter Addison one end of the tape measure, Krisellen directed the other three to stand up against the wall. They obeyed right away, and Krisellen started for the far corner. But when she looked back, Addison was dancing on her tippy toes, a recently-acquired skill. “Addison, stop, you’re going to trip…” Krisellen said, and then screamed. Addison had stumbled and was falling backwards through the hole!

Krisellen ran to the hole and looked down. Her daughter had fallen eight feet, and was lying face down on the concrete basement floor. Addison was completely still. The other children burst into tears. “Hurry!” Krisellen told them. “We have to get down there!” They rushed out of the house and clattered down the basement stairs. When they reached Addison, she still seemed lifeless. But as Krisellen gently lifted her head, the little girl began to vomit. “Her eyes were staring off to the side, and I couldn’t bear to look at them,” Krisellen recalls. “So I closed them and held her head so she wouldn’t choke.”

Krisellen called for the paramedics on her cellphone, and sent the other children outside to wait for them. When they arrived, they fitted Addison with a cervical collar and sped away, as Krisellen herded the children into her car to follow. Later, the paramedics told her that her daughter was completely unresponsive all the way to the hospital.

In the emergency room, Addison was examined, then whisked off for tests. “Are you sure she landed on her face?” the emergency room physician asked, puzzled. “Although that’s lucky—since she might be spared brain damage—she doesn’t seem to have any facial injuries.”

Krisellen would never forget the sight of her unconscious daughter, face down. And yet Addison had fallen backwards into the hole…

Something else was odd too. When the radiologist came out to give Krisellen the results of Addison’s scans and x-rays, he was baffled. “There are no signs of any injuries,” he told her, “not even a concussion. She may have some bruising later, and you can give her Tylenol for that. Otherwise, she’s fine. You can take her home now.”

Home? Krisellen was stunned. How could her daughter have sustained such a terrible fall, with no injuries? But here she was, walking down the hall with a nurse, smiling and chattering, looking completely…herself. How could this be?

It wasn’t until that evening that Krisellen learned the answer. She and the quads were saying their night prayers together, and they all thanked God for keeping Addison safe. Krisellen started to get up off her knees.

“Mommy,” Addison looked up. “Aren’t we going to thank the angel too?” “The angel?” Krisellen asked.“Uh huh. She was with me in the hole,” Addison said matter-of-factly. Krisellen started to cry.“Don’t cry, Mommy,” Addison told her. “The angel was very happy. She was all sparkly!”

Addison never did develop any bruises, but she did make sure that everyone she loved heard about her beautiful angel. And when she eventually moved into another bedroom, Addison asked for angel wallpaper. (Her sister, Blythe, wanted Barbie.)

Today Krisellen still recalls the event with awe. “I never should have exposed the children to such danger,” she says. “But I think everything happens for a reason. Perhaps God wanted me to know that I would never raise the children alone, that He would send all the help I needed.” And she believes.

© 2002 Joan Wester Anderson

See more of Joan’s stories at http://joanwanderson.com

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Throughout the bible we read about angelic visitations. Psalm 91:11-12 states, "For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone."

Joan Wester Anderson is gifted and blessed for her wonderful work in writing inspiring stories of faith. She has published over thousand inspirational articles and short stories in various periodicals, including Womans Day, Modern Bride, Virtue, Reader's Digest, and the New York Times Syndicate.

She has published 15 books including, WHERE ANGELS WALK, TRUE STORIES OF HEAVENLY VISITORS.

Anderson has also appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah, 20/20, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, and Mother Angelica Live, and was featured in documentaries such as “Angels–Beyond the Light” (NBC), “Angel Stories” and “Stories of Miracles” (The Learning Channel), and many videos. She was a story consultant for the television series, IT’S A MIRACLE, lectures in cities across the country, and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio talk shows.

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