A Lesson in Endurance/Resilience: Angel Messenger

Yesterday a beautiful sight from the bedroom window brightened my day.  The hardy prickly pear cactus shouted for joy in big yellow showy flowers out in the sandy, arid pasture.  She had survived the harsh winter, and grown stronger and wider in adversity, a symbol of fortitude and hidden beauty.   

Cactus adapt to some of the harshest conditions, and yet they flower in the most beautiful, delicate blossoms.  That's why the cactus represents energies that help manifest richness and beauty under all conditions.  An angel message to rediscover the elixer of life inspite of our outer conditions.  Cactus manifest life waters wherever one is parched. 

I learned, too, that the prickly pear cactus (opuntia humifusa) is a symbol of maternal love because it can endure and thrive in harsh conditions like the unconditional love of a mother.  Yellow is the color of faith, and cactus represents an endurance and strength to survive in new environments and situations. Strength and gentleness can co-exist. And, we are never alone, God has sent his angels to be with us in all of our ways.  Don't give up, the best is yet to be.  Take it slow and steady, one day at a time.  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

 

 

The Missing Cardinal Geranium: Angel Message

 Stranger than fiction?  First thing this morning I went to the Butterfly Garden with my daily cup of bird seed, singing the Doxology.  During the night, rain had filled the birdseed platter.  Everything smelled fresh,  renewed.  This week's heavy rainfall was the answer to Florida's drought, restoring the water tables.

I stood in the stillness soaking up the beautiful flowers, especially a large clay pot of new red geraniums. But to my surprise, one of the two plants was gone!  Completely uprooted, with a gaping hole!  A closer look at other potted geraniums held a clue.  Some of their red blooms had been pruned by hungry teeth. I was thankful the plants were intact, along with promising buds. A tell-tale sign deer had enjoyed a midnight snack on my new red Cardinal Ringo geraniums.   

It may sound strange, but I was happy those gentle creatures are still around--unseen, but not unnoticed.  With construction in the area, a little geranium here and there is fair game.  And, I was at fault for ignoring an angel thought to move the potted geraniums on the back porch steps at bedtime last night. 

Kind of funny though--as deer represents gently being guided on a new adventure.  And, geraniums are all about  new happiness and vitality; to take advantage of new opportunities.  The green sticks on the blossom-less plants stuck up like exclamation points on the angel message regarding a new adventure.  Besides, many Cardinal Ringo geraniums are in bloom, and the trimmed plants will grow, and blossom again.

But it was a mystery how one whole geranium plant was taken--that never happened before.  And why  only one Cardinal geranium left standing alone in that old clay pot.  

Later this morning, something strange happened...   When I went to plant the vincas in the Butterfly Garden.  Directly behind where I stood, I turned around by the geraniums pots. VOILA! 

The uprooted geranium plant lay on the ground intact, and ready to replant. 

 Puzzled, I thankfully, put it back in the pot where it belonged.  It's still a mystery how it reappeared out of nowhere.  Clearly this morning, the Cardinal geranium was gone, but that was only temporary.  It mysteriously returned again, ready to pick up life again.   God is good!

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

 

Drumming in Spring: Angel Message

 Following an angel lead paid off not only in timing but also price.  On our way to a major garden center for flowers, inspiration came to stop by Ace Hardware first. (A mom and pop store.)  Their flowers are usually outside on shelves by the front entrance.  Timing was perfect.  A new flat of red azaleas, and several hanging baskets were soon loaded into our car, far cheaper than at Lowes, our next stop.  In search of yellow marigolds, and white vincas we were at the right place at the right time there, too.  An employee was just marking the marigolds down 75 percent...and I got my pick.  

When potting the red geraniums, I had an aha moment! I found out the geraniums were called Cardinal.  "When a departed love one draws near, a cardinal appears."  Usually, the cardinal is a red bird, but in this instance, I had happy thoughts of my sweet mom who enjoyed geraniums as much as I do. It felt like a smile from heaven in a soggy garden.  Ringo 2000 Cardinal, on the plastic marker, was a clear sign to drum in springtime.  These spontaneous little touches of love warm the heart with a deeper understanding that our loved ones may be out of sight but not out of touch.  Love is eternal. 

I looked up the symbolism of geranium.  New happiness and vitality; take advantage of new opportunities. Are we hesitating? Now is time to act. To march to the "drumming" of a new rhythm.  Remember you are never alone.  God has given his angels charge over you.  The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

 

ref:  Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews 

 

 

Singing in the Rain: Angel Message

 

Relief from the drought came late last week. The wind picked up, the sky opened up, and the rains finally came pouring down in a joyful sound-- one I often take for granted. At that moment, I was sitting on the screened porch gratefully soaking up the symphonic rhythm of happy little raindrops. Immediately a lone frog began singing  in a loud voice in the nearby bushes.  The frog didn't care who heard him, he belted out  his song with all he had. He sang because he was grateful.  It didn't matter if his voice sounded like a creaking shoe. 

Amen! I laughed, thankful for the angel reminder.  The acronym for FROG:    FULLY RELY ON GOD. 

He responded in a chorus of triumphant CREAK! CREAK! CREAK! 

Last night, an abundance of rain replenished the dry earth, nourishing the trees, bushes, grass, and flowers.  A touch of playful synchronicity had happened earlier yesterday when this big-eyed green frog garden ornament took a leap into my cart-- one-of-a kind, at the Dollar General.  Ribbit!  Fully Rely on God. 

The keynote of frog is transformation through water and sound.  The call of the frog is the call of the waters.  The frog is a symbol of metamorphosis.  It changes from an egg, to a tadpole, to a frog.  Even after it becomes a frog, it lives close to water.  Emotions are associated with water.  

 

When moving like a tortoise under pressure, it's helpful to remember the symbolism of the frog, pictured in this statue, guiding the way.  And, to know that we, too, will move forward under grace with the help of the angels when we fully rely on God and take it slow and steady, expecting the best is yet to be.   And keep on singing your own harmonious song. It makes a world of difference. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

Easter Splashes of Joy: Angel Messages

During these challenging times we live in, I'm learning more to try to stay in the now of each moment. By being fully present in the now, wonderful things happen naturally when I have eyes to see and ears to hear, and expect the happy things of God to come to me.   

Early Easter morning, I went out to feed the birds in the stillness before the dawn.  That's when a startled cotton-tail bunny scampered across the driveway.  An Easter Bunny on Easter morning was a photo op not to be missed.  When I returned with my camera, Peter Cottontail was waiting for me.  Rabbits are about new life, fertility, and new beginnings. 

I caught sight of the Easter moon illumined bright over the pasture, and birds were singing to welcome  the new day--a sweet moment of serenity.  

But the best was yet to be...

Later that morning, while taking the cat litter out to the trash, I happened to look down at a startling revelation.  A long green straggly vine reached out toward me, presenting a little white rose. In that moment, it felt as if an angel had touched me on the shoulder.  "See!" 

Last week, I had noticed the old stump of a rose bush by the garage.  A sad sight, I took her for a goner after the winter freeze.  But was I wrong.  

Now on Easter morning, a glorious white rose reached out and touched my heart with the promise of resurrection energy.  To make sure I was seeing right, I traced the long vine back to the rose clump. My heart sank with compassion and admiration for her persistence.  Without a sturdy stem to support her buds, the rugged rose bush had made a way to bloom with all she had to work with. Amazingly she had created a long vine for her buds to reach out for the sun and bloom on resurrection Sunday.    

The roses on the bush had been yellow over the years.   Yellow is the color of faith. But on Easter her rose, and roses to be, were white.  A symbol of purity and spirit.  A tender touch of Mother Mary's grace, loving-kindness and compassion on Easter morning. The best is yet to be.  

As you can see, the stumpy rose stem was gone. Sometimes we may feel like we have nothing left to give...but Love will always make a way.  

 

Take a lesson from the Easter Rose, and remember God is the strength in which you can trust.  The best is yet to be.  Keep having faith, and remember you are never alone.  You can never be separated from the love of God.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

For He Has Risen!

Victory, the Awakening Christ!  For He has risen indeed!

May the joy of Easter fill your heart today! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(artwork:web) 

 

Keeping the Pace: An Angel Message

While out for a drive, this giant concrete tortoise grabbed my attention.  An amusing combo of the tortoise and hare fable. Those  pink bunny ears and yellow peep glasses, create quite a spectacle on parade for Easter week.   Moving under pressure, wearing a jelly bean necklace, the giant tortoise is a reminder to keep a steady pace and don't get discouraged.  Keep your ears attuned on high, and see the peeps through heart shaped glasses.  You, too, will cross the finish line in victory. It's always darkest before the dawn, so keep having faith and press on! The angels are with you every step of the way. 

 

By the way, the brown cotton-tail rabbit is back grazing in the grass.  I got a peep of him early this morning.  Have a blessed Holy Week.  Good Grace! The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

A Humble Donkey: Angel Message

  Our Jerusalem donkey neighbors were out in the pasture yesterday anxious to greet us at the fence. You can see the brown "cross" on their backs.  

Just now wondering what to write about the donkeys, an angel thought reminded me that tomorrow is Palm Sunday.  The day Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey, triumphantly arriving as King of Peace.  Historically, to enter a city on a donkey signified a sign of peace, rather than a conquering king arriving on a horse.  Jesus was showing meekness and humility, even while the crowds were shouting praises and spreading their garments in the way in his honor.  He knew he could do nothing without the Father. 

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday.  A spiritual week to be still, and ponder the miraculous gift of eternal life Christ offered to the world. We are immortal children of God by accepting this gift through Christ's obedience to His Father's will.   Death is swallowed up in Victory. 

 Join in singing the "Old Hundredth" (known as the doxology):  

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Praise him all creatures here below.  Praise him above ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen."  (Composer Louis Bourgeois, 1551)

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

 

Welcoming the Spring Solstice 2026

 The Spring Solstice began yesterday with Archangel Raphael at the helm ushering in the resurrection energy of this powerful season.  Nature played a welcoming hand, full of surprises.  While  sitting by the garden in the sunshine, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a wild turkey trot by the side of the garage.  So unexpected, and beautiful, I held my breath.  The turkey was going for the birdseed. And I gently looked away so as not to frighten her.  When I turned again hoping she was close by, the turkey was long gone, but her joyful message of thanksgiving stayed with me.  A blessing of gratitude and abundance to celebrate Spring.

Here's a few photos of turkeys that showed up in previous years. 

The angels remind us that we are a blessing from God--we are blessed wherever we are. No matter how dire our circumstances may be, things will unfold in our favor.  We can only miss being a blessing by not believing we are worthy to receive.  In this new season, a season of resurrection energy, rebirth, and renewal, it's a wonderful time to celebrate a new beginning by opening our hearts to receive and be blessed, and be a blessing to others.  The world needs love now...and we will brighten our corner of the earth when we choose to recognize that every problem comes with a solution, shining right beside it in that moment of fear, anger, or guilt.  By choosing love, peace, and joy, the Holy Spirit will open the way in grace and goodness.  And, we will step back in gratitude and let Him lead the way. Divine love will always make a way.  Expect the best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

A Fable Comes to Life: An Angel Message

 On Sunday after the skies cleared, a cotton-tailed rabbit appeared by the mulch bed! A welcoming sign of spring, new life, and fertility.   During the pond excavation, the rabbits had disappeared.  Now things were returning to normal as the brown bunny contentedly munched on the grass like old times.   

A surprise visitor showed up... I could hardly believe a large black turtle ambled across the lane.  An answer to a recent question, where the turtles had gone?   A happy sight, moving along under pressure, he was back.  And, somehow he had managed to climb out of the steep walls of the overflow reservoir. A feat of itself. 

The bold mossy backed turtle crossed the lane, and was marching toward the unsuspecting rabbit.  The odds of capturing a turtle and a hare together on film was one of those angels messages in nature.  I grabbed my camera, and let the close encounter roll.  

 In the childhood fable, the tortoise/turtle wins the race with the hare.  Turtle represents moving under pressure--a reminder that all you need you have with you.   You will persevere.  Keep having faith.

In Animal-Messengers, I learned that turtle also represents Mother Earth, a messenger of love.  Love is the power that nourishes all life on this planet. It is this power that gives your life new direction and makes new creation possible--but slowly. Do not rush anything, and keep solid ground under your feet. The best is yet to be. 

In closing, remember you are never alone. God has given his angels charge over you.  And, try to take time to appreciate nature each day.  Listen and watch for loving messages coming your way.  The song of a bird, a budding flower, fluffy white cloud formations, or snowflakes drifting on air.  Whatever it may be, it will speak God's language of love to your heart. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

P.S. If you're reading this angel blog as an email, please click on the website below the text to watch the movie.  

 

 

 

(Ref. Animal Messengers, R. Meyer )

His Helping Hand: An Angel Message

Dear Friends,

I discovered a forgotten prayer card in an old journal.  Over twenty years ago, when my life was in a state of trusting day by day, this card came to me in an unusual way.  I had stopped by a printing shop in Atlanta to have a color copy of Jesus knocking at the door enlarged.  A reminder that Christ is forever knocking on the door of my consciousness, hoping for an invitation to enter, and give me peace.

To my surprise, the shop owner had a stack of free prayer cards on the counter.  The woman's picture on the card was full of worry, and I could relate as I had no idea what the future may hold  for me.  Having quit the security of my government job, and making a major move to another state,  I had humbly yielded to what was beyond my control.

So finding this card today seemed significant, a gentle reminder that brings peace and assurance that at this hour of uncertainty our  time is in His loving hands.  God is All in all.  God is Love.  

Do not look forward to the changes

and chances of this life in fear,

rather look to them with full hope that,

as they arise, God will deliver

you out of them.

He has taken care of you before.

Do hold fast to His dear hand,

and He will lead you safely through

all things; and, when you cannot stand,

He will bear you up in His arms.

Do not look to what may happen tomorrow...

the same everlasting Father who cares for

you today will take care of you tomorrow

and everyday.  Either He will shield you

from suffering, or He will give you

unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then, and put aside all

anxious thoughts and imaginings.

                        -Amen

Author unknown

Angels abide in your presence, may you find peace in the stillness today as you seek the Kingdom within.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

This Too Shall Pass: An Angel Message

                         

 Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Years ago, I found this keeper on-line. The image of the little mallard on the edge of a slippery water fall made an impression. He is bent on prayer watching a mad torrent of rushing water pass through his rubbery orange feet.  He is not moved, but stands firm. 

 

An angel caption came to mind. "This too shall pass."

It's comforting to remember that whatever we're dealing with today, it has come to pass, not to stay.  

 

Change is the only constant. Everything in life is both coming and going like the rushing tides of the sea throughout time.    

 

"This too shall pass," is a calming reminder not to get swept away in the world's drama.  With the help of the Holy Spirit and the angels, we can find peace moment by moment. Peace not only for ourselves but for the world. 

 
Feet represent dominion, where we place our feet is holy ground.  So  we can choose to stay centered by going within, and fully relying on God's loving guidance.  We can stand firmly planted on the Truth, and not go over the waterfall.  When our emotions begin to rise, we can try our best to let them roll of our back like water off a duck's back. And, like this humble blue-headed mallard, choose to stand still, and come up higher in prayer to let go and find peace in the midst of trials. But it's not always easy to do...that's where grace comes in.  And there will be other opportunities to get it right. 

 

As you go about your day, remember you are never alone.  You have a guardian angel with you, always ready to love, protect, comfort, and direct your steps. The best is yet to be. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

 Photo from web