My visit to Angel Kisses in St. Charles, IL

"Whoops.  Looks like I'm a little cash poor today.  I could charge this."

The man asked me, "Well, how close are you?"

I opened my change purse and showed him about 78 cents.  "Nope.  A little far to go."

"Tell you what.  Next time you stop by, you can pay me."

"But I'm rarely out this way."

"No worries, just pay when you can.  Blessings to you."

This just happened.  I know.  Who DOES this anymore?  What shopkeeper trusts you to pay when you can?  Where was I, in Mayberry?  On Walton's Mountain??

Angel Kisses is a teensy shop in St. Charles, a far-western suburb of Chicago. I travel out that way once a month to see Dr. Crackybacky (my chiropractor, who has a completely different last name for reals), so when I overheard some pals talking about the shop (one is a healer and life coach, the other a reverend and overall awesome, psychically-gifted lady), I made sure to take a little detour after my physical adjustment. Turns out, I got a bit of a spiritual adjustment inside the non-descript, humble store. Because this place is infused with spirit, literally glittering with good angel vibes.

Before I entered, I asked God to point me in the right direction during my visit.  I specifically asked for a way to really, truly, lose about 10 to 15 pounds that have been my nemesis for over two years, that laugh at me in the mirror, and taunt me anytime I glance at my closetful of vintage clothes, about a quarter of which are straining at the seams when I try them on.  "God, please help me, from this point on, please help me to really lose this weight.  If there is something magical, spirit-based, that I need to help me, please direct me!  Thanks!!  And thanks again!"

Inside the shop, the first thing that "thwacked" my interest was the little prayer card for St. Raphael.  Archangel Raphael.  The angel of healing.  Hmmmmm... perhaps there are some medical issues that need looking into that are keeping me slightly chubby?  It wasn't just a little urging to purchase the card, it was a "soul call".  I also found a small angel medal for Raphael.  I placed them on the counter, and followed the sound of the "Holy Mary Mother of God" novenas that were running on a recorded loop.  The music brought me to an altar area with a beautiful statue of Jesus in the center, arms raised in supplication.  A veritable chorus of other statues surrounded him, crosses and crucifixes decorated the back wall behind him.

As I lowered down on the kneeler, I noticed a prayer to the Holy Spirit, printed out nearby.  This I prayed, then was, again, "urged" to look up - at the most lovely statue of Mary I may have ever seen.  Her eyes seemed so very loving, so very "real".  Not just painted or glass, they had a soul or spirit inside them.  It was then I also noticed a smaller statue of Christ to the other side of the larger one.  This had a sign that read, "Please do not move this statue.  It moves on its own."

Peace and calm and an almost golden-rose sense of love emanated from this statue;  I can't explain it any better than that.  I knew at that moment, that my prayer will be answered, that the power to accomplish my goal is inside me, because God works through me.  It's all cyclical, it all moves and works for my highest good.

If you're in the area, if you're in search of quiet and peace, of spiritual connection and assurance (not to mention a nice array of Catholic medals, jewelry, gift items and, of course, angels), please pay a visit to this unassuming little shop.  For therein lies a delicate-yet-powerful energy.  And there's definitely enough to go around to all who enter.  http://stcharles-il.patch.com/listings/angel-kisses-of-st-charles

I'm off now.  Seems I have a small bill to settle...