Monday, April 29, 2013

What About Me? A Message from the Angels

All the world is our mirror, so when I spotted this young woman posing for a picture with her cell phone, I watched in amusement.  Behind her is the vast magnificent ocean as far as the eye can see, endless waves of sparkling sea, but she is distracted, focused on the technology at hand, with her back to the real beauty surrounding her and her unseen companions.

From the hotel balcony, I watched her strike many different poses looking for the perfect photo.  She stuck out as the only one on the wide sandy beach. Her presence reminded me of how often I get caught up in me, forgetting the wonder of life that enfolds each moment in gentle love and understanding. 

That's the way it is with the angelic realm and us.  We often gaze into  man made gadgets rather than embracing the world of nature, hands-on.  The Angels are always speaking, but do we listen?

The Angels are patient.  It's all okay.  At no time are we not learning.  And lessons come in many guises.   The message for me that sun filled morning:  Don't become too self-absorbed that you miss the miracles on the journey.  There is always more going on than meets the eye.  Stop. Look. Listen. Appreciate.
 
I had a good laugh this morning when my attention was drawn to the magazine rack in the living room.  An old unread issue of a spiritual magazine was buried under a book, only the subtitle was visible: "IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT  'ME." 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Blessings and love,

Karen

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Lesson from the Nature Angels

                                               (Mr. Paws resting in the Camphor Tree)
 
 
A garden is a quiet spot to watch and learn from nature.  Something unusual happened this morning. I observed a bold blue jay sweep through the air flying low by the back porch. It seemed a strange thing for him to be doing. They usually keep their distance.  Then I watched in amazement as he swooped down and picked up a nugget from the cats' bowl on the stoop.  Mission accomplished, he took off before the cats saw him.  I laughed at the idea of a bird eating cat food.

Although it was kind of amusing.  With the  two stray tabby cats that have adopted us, we no longer fill the bird feeder.  In an effort to protect the birds and squirrels from these feisty tree climbers, the full bag of birdseed is in the laundry room. 

So, I watched the daring jay return later for another treat. This time he was even more daring,  landing by the bowl, waiting and looking around.  Both cats woke up and spotted him. He took flight without his goal.  Putting himself at such risk, he had to be real hungry or else the tasty nugget was well worth the danger.  Or maybe it was cat karma? They'd stopped his food supply so he'd help himself to theirs.
 
The angelic message was perhaps to just relax and let nature take its course.  Put the birdseed in the feeder. Hang it high in the other tree and let it all be whatever it is. Sometimes our best attempts to control circumstances actually hinder rather than help a situation. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,

Karen

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Grow in Grace

 
When a dear friend sent me this artwork from the web a few days ago, I was moved by the tender sacredness of life and the responsibility we each hold in our hands.   God's grace is sufficient for all things.

 Mine was put to the test early this morning while working in the garden.  I was holding a potted pink azalea from Easter, getting ready to plant it in the meditation garden out back.  Suddenly, I heard barking and whirled around.  Two pit bulls were facing me.  Never having seen them before, I had a moment of fear as they glared at me, barking.  Then some part of me took charge and I found myself speaking softly in a cheerful voice, saying I love you.  What are you doing here?  I love you.....
 
 I kept this up as they stood a few feet away, looking at me a little confused. The next thing I knew they'd gone off after a cat (who artfully dodged underneath the house at a rapid speed.)   The dogs disappeared as quickly as they came, but I was so grateful for the angels' strength to surrender in grace.  Love does conquer all and I'd learned another important lesson about fear.  It only has the power I give it.
 
Enjoy your day with the Angels.
 
Blessings,
 
Karen

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sunrise...a Glorious Birth

                                                                                    Photo by Rae Karen



Grace comes into the soul, as the
morning sun into the world; first
a dawning; then a light; and
at last the sun in his full and
excellent brightness.
      THOMAS ADAMS
 
 
 
 
I've found this to be true regarding the existence of the angelic host.  The more I can open up my heart and mind to embrace their reality, the more I can feel their palpable love in my energy field.  Cultivating feelings of harmony draw them close. Beautiful flowers, harmonious music, orderliness, and sweet floral scents, along with an open invitation to join in the  activity of our lives brings more joyous sunshine into the day.
 
Enjoy your time with the Angels and help to spread their love around wherever you go in both thought and deed.
 
 
Blessings,
 
Karen
 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Saint Francis and the Angel


Saint Francis with an angel playing the violin
by Guercino (1591-1666)


Saint Francis of Assisi received a blessing when an angel appeared next to him holding a violin and a bow.  The Angel said it would play for Saint Francis as the angels play before the throne of God.  Then, the angel drew the bow across the violin string, making only a single note.  The beloved Saint was filled with such joy by that one sound that had there been any more, his soul would have left his body. 

Many stories surround the life of Saint Francis and his love for animals. Stories about his preaching to the birds or befriending a rabbit, and taming a wolf. 

The recently elected pope from Argentina is the first to chose the papal name Francis, the name of the rich young man from Assisi who renounced wealth and founded the Franciscan order of friars in 1290.  Saint Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God.

Just as Saint Francis was blessed with one musical note from an angel, we , too, can receive blessings from God. 

May your day be filled with music that fills your soul.

Blessings,

Karen


Friday, April 19, 2013

Angels in Time of Need



As a child I had a hard time understanding how God could allow His only begotten Son to be crucified on the cross.  Christ being so good and loving, made me wonder what God would do to me if that could happen to sweet Jesus.  The sorrow and agony of the crucifixion overshadowed the joy of the resurrection.

 For years as an adult, I wrestled with this same question.  Then  recently I came across an essay written by Joel S. Goldsmith called The Easter Message.  It helped to  satisfy my longing and reinforce the important teaching of Christ: "My kingdom is not of this world."  There is great liberty if one can take this to heart.  It means the kingdom of God is within.  It is a high state of consciousness, the Christ mind.  We touch on this communion through prayer and meditation. Closing out the outer world, and dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

As Joel relates in his essay, when all earthly help had abandoned the Master, it must have been heartbreaking to Jesus.  Had his mission failed?  Who would carry on the message that he delivered? What was it in him that hadn't been able to convey the full meaning to his followers. His devoted disciples were all asleep.  Not able to stay awake for an hour to support him?  His three years of teaching and training them seemed to have fallen by the wayside.

And what about the throngs who witnessed the many healings and miracles of Christ's love? They  turned on him in fear. Was he trying to destroy their religion?  The Romans, they could have cared less what happened to this man named Jesus. 

But the most amazing thing happened. When all the earthly security fell away, God sent an angel to be with Christ in the garden.  To strengthen and comfort, to help him complete his mission with grace. To do the impossible.

 That's what can happen to us, too.  That's the message of Easter.  Release all the false security we place in this physical world, in people and things, and rely on the love of God, and be still.  The kingdom of heaven is within.  It is a spiritual kingdom that transcends the laws of the material world.  In this high state, we can glimpse the angels.  God's messengers of eternal love and grace, and we become aware of our true Identity as a holy Child of God, spiritual beings, made in His image and likeness.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  We give thanks for their divine intuition coming to us as  divine Mind's pure Thought.  Love always conquers fear.

Blessings,

Karen
 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Saint Raphael on High


Photo from Wikimedia Commons

I found this beautiful photo of Saint Raphael and since this is the season that he governs I wanted to share it with you.  The word Saint comes from the Latin sanctus which means "holy."  Angels as well as human of supreme holiness are called Saints.  Archangel Raphael is also the Archangel that oversees travel and since we will be taking a trip, it's comforting to know his energies will be with us.  As I began writing the blog, my attention was drawn to a little booklet on St. Raphael by Angela Carol.  I found this passage she quoted very comforting.


"An Archangel is like a revelation, a divine message, living and communicative.  Let us ask of all the Archangels...these beings of Light...the true Light regarding the Divinity and Incarnation of Christ, regarding His glory and grace, and all spiritual things.  The super natural light is so precious in the practice of virtues...that the Archangels who receive this light from God want nothing else to radiate it and to make our souls more fruitful in grace.  This is their happiness:  to announce to us the glory of God in the supernatural mysteries, for our instruction and to exhort us in a most intimate manner, penetrating to the depths of our souls as no human being can--no matter how learned.  Let us open our hearts to these living lights of God and let them stir up our wills to a new and expansive activity and zeal of soul."    (Sh. Sauve', SS, L'Ange et L'Homme Intime p. 16)

It's wonderful to know that the Angels are among us. When we open our heart and our mind to receive their guidance, protection, illumination, and love, peace enfolds us and we move with grace.


Blessings,

Karen

Sunday, April 7, 2013

"Angels in the Outfield" - Stetson University



The Angels of DeLand are keeping busy.  Tonight Stetson University is hosting a fund raising event at their ballpark.  The movie Angels in the Outfield will be shown outdoors under the night sky. Just bring your lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy the show.  Contributions will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Although it's an old movie, the message is timeless and Disney does a great job of hitting the message home.  Angels are all around us, just believe and watch the miracles.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Blessings,

Karen




 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Forgive Everything...

Thursday morning this van pulled up at a traffic light. The fuzzy decal message, Forgive Everything, is from my shaky hand as I try to steady the camera now that we're in motion.  So it is with forgiveness, often it has a shaky beginning as we let go of our resentments, offenses, and bruised egos.  "How could they?"  Why I never...!"  Have you heard of such a thing!"  The nerve!..."  The ego's constant barrage holds us at bay. 

Forgive Everything is the Christ's message.  His petition was offered at the height of unfathomable injustice.  "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do."

The hardest person to forgive is usually ourselves.  The Angels can help us get a clearer understanding of our true identity as a Child of God.  Our spiritual innocence and purity is beyond reproach as God's creation.   He is the author and not we, ourselves.  We are spiritual not material.  I love that image.  It clears away the mist and lets the Light in. 

Blessings on Angel wings,

Karen