A Holy Cow Hello: Angel Message

Whenever a particular animal shows up unexpectedly, pay attention.  A lesson is unfolding...a heads-up...on the horizon.  

Our new neighbors, a small herd of black Angus cows, were feeding in the green pasture.  Two white cattle egret, steady companions, were standing guard, ready to deal with the pests in the field. 

  I called out a friendly welcome to the herd.  To my surprise, one big shiny black cow ran toward me, anxious to answer the call.  A sprig of grass between her teeth, she'd stopped eating to say hello. I'll admit the sight of this big animal galloping toward the fence stirred up a little fear.  

 

 But I held my ground and love soon overtook any fear as she came right up to where I stood, so close, I warned her about the barbwire.  Complimenting her sleek black coat glistening in the sunlight, two attentive big ears opened wide.  Hungry for a soothing word, those big brown eyes met mine in a curious exchange of oneness. I realized my cow friend had moved to a new environment, and was in need of love. 

Everyone needs love and encouragement these days.  So many changes big and small.  Our guardian angels can be likened to the white cattle birds that handle the pestilence that tries to disturb the peace in the pasture. And moment by moment we can be like the angels and offer a loving touch of kindness to those we meet. 

Love and peace, 

Rae Karen

   

 

Hang On To Rainbow Promises: Angel Message

This morning a surprising reflection from a sun-catcher caught my eye.  A wonderful sign of God's promise!  A small cheerful rainbow squared the right eye of the dolphin statue in the sun-room.  I hurried for the camera, and the colorful bow had expanded in a streak of rainbow tears down the dolphin's cheek.   

Although short-lived, I'm thankful to have seen the angel message to share with you.   A bolstering of faith.  More is going on than we can presently comprehend.  There are tears of joy and tears of sorrow.  Someone once told me that tears are a sign of a frozen heart melting.  Joy comes in the morning...

Rainbows were in the forecast this week.  Walking by the lake one morning, filling my pockets with fallen acorns for the squirrels, the water fountain sprayed a lovely rainbow in the sunlight. 

 

 

At the neighborhood Butterfly Garden pergola this morning, seated in a butterfly chair, I happened to look up.  The butterfly bench was wet so I was facing a new direction. What a surprise to see the ordinary plastic overhang was rainbow tinted.  Rows and rows of rainbow slats filled my eyes.  When I told Elliot, he looked up and saw the ordinary roof.  I realized then it must be my Polarized sunglasses that made a difference.  Seen through that special light ray lens, he laughed. Rainbow sunglasses--amazed at the transformation!  

 

Rainbows...Whatever you may be going through just now, please take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. God has got this.  His angels are with you to comfort, protect, and guide.  Take it one day at a time and let not your heart be troubled.   Just do your best to lighten up your corner of the world.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the world through a lens of divine love.  The best is yet to be.  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

Trust God: An Angel Message

Many years ago on a drive through a small rural town, this eye-catching model plane made my heart leap.  "TRUST GOD"  Just the angel message needed; I smiled at the humorous reminder that even when you feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants, God is with you.  Trust God.  Wherever I go God is... because I dwell in Him.  

 

The makeshift plane reminded of Psalm 91 and far greater wings that protect us when we abide in the Secret Place of the Most High.

 
In Psalm 91:4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.  Feathers liken God to a mother bird, under whose wings her young find warmth and shelter.  Wings and feathers suggest that God is both power and soft. When we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty.  The choice is ours...we have free will in the physical...but when we decide to take up residence in God and not just run back and forth like Henny Penny in times of trouble, we find constant protection in the light of the Lord and His powerful angels who will protect us in all of our ways. 

 

Psalm 91 is a powerful prayer of protection. I've learned over many years how Psalm 91 brings peace in the midst of trials.  Fears fall away as I remember God's promise of protection when I call on Him.  I find peaceful rest in the secret place of the Most High.    Psalm 91:11 gives assurance that His angels are watching over us when we abide and trust in God and not ourselves. God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  God will never leave us or forsake us.  God is Love.

 
Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed: An Angel Message

Sometimes when I'm too stubborn and hardheaded to surrender to God's angel guidance, I'll get a whack on the head to jolt me awake, and to remember that God is in control and that He loves me more than I know.  

 

This happened in a surprising, chilling way that I'll never forget.  The lesson of the mustard seed.  Many years ago, Elliot and I had to find a new home as the house where we'd lived for the past three years was going to be sold. It was panic time...two months to find a new home, pack, and move from our lovely little nature chalet in a wooded community along the river. 

Following angel bubbles...I was guided to make several calls to see if Virginia Beach was to be our next destination. Random, cold calls brought amazing results.  A house that had been vacant for a year would be available because of my prodding.  God was in the details.  Irises were even in the picture.   Everything began clicking together in amazing synchronicity.  During the rental approval process, I began to doubt and worry about the future.   

 

Something happened to interrupt my fearful thinking.  I'll never forget it.  I was making lunch and reached in the fridge for a large jar of mustard.  It quickly slipped from my fingers...hit the tile floor with a BAMM.  The jar lid shot off like a rocket spraying cold brown mustard everywhere. On my face, my left ear, in my hair, splattering down my T-shirt.  

 

In shock, I looked up.  The kitchen cabinets and ceiling were speckled in golden brown mustard.  

Cleaning up the mess, I wondered why it happened?  

The answer came later that day when I read Jesus’ words about faith in a book called The Spiritbuilder:

The disciples had been unsuccessful in performing a healing and wondered why.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matt. 17:19-21)
 

Mustard!  I thought about the imagery of a tiny mustard seed and the mountain as a metaphor for whatever obstacle we may face--moving, a health crisis, a relationship, financial stress. The mountain seemed very solid, and immovable, but faith was the answer.  Just a little tiny bit of faith that there is more going on than I can understand.  God is in control. 

So whenever a fear thought tried to creep up, I remembered the mustard seed, and turned my thoughts to the goodness of God, to keep having faith, not entertain fear.    

 

Before long, everything came together in divine order.  We were off on a new leg of our journey where we would continue to stretch and grow the next 11 years. 
 

I never forgot that cold clammy mustard bath. A reminder of faith ...soaked into my very pores.  Just a little faith, no bigger than a mustard seed is all I need.  The mustard seed is the smallest seed, and yet it will grow to be the biggest bush, a place where the birds will house.  

 

Today a jar of mustard still reminds me to have faith. God's got this.  Take it one day at a time in gratitude. Let not your heart be troubled...God loves you and has plans for you.  Trust in His plan.  Thank you, angels...for helping us to grow in grace. 

 

 Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

(photo from the web)

Time to Launch in a New Direction: Angel Message

Yesterday was all about divine timing...returning home from the spontaneous morning glory shoot in the previous angel blog, I was in for another surprise.  A red-shouldered hawk had perched on the tall pickle-ball fence, observing the area. A fitting example of striking out in a new direction--no more doing the same old, same old.   

I laughed, taking out my camera.  As I snapped the pic, the timing was perfect.  In that instant, I caught the young hawk in action, wings lifted high, preparing to launch off the pickle-ball fence, and into a blue sky.  Thank goodness, the angels were at it again...I couldn't have made it happen...such perfect timing with the camera.  I only needed to show up. Hawk has always been a special angel messenger to me. 

I'm so grateful that angels are with us...watching, guiding, protecting us on our journey.  They express God's love in the details.  The closer we commune with our heavenly companions, the more peace and joy and comfort we feel in knowing that we are never alone.  God has given His angels charge over us when we abide in Him.  By taking time during the day to appreciate the wonderful gifts that surround us, we gain strength and courage through our tests and trials.  We feel the grace and intangible spiritual gifts that are lasting...love, peace, joy, harmony... even in the midst of great chaos, peace is there in the stillness if we stop to look, and listen with our heart. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

Oh My! Morning Glories Galore: Angel Message

 On the way to the post office this morning, what a glorious surprise!!  Hundreds of blooming morning glories transformed the landscape overnight.  A profusion of wild pink morning glories had opened wide to greet the sun. In all the years we've lived here, not one single morning glory has shown its face on the pasture fence.  

Excited, I hurried back home for the camera to capture a sneak glimpse of heaven.  The warmth of the day created a misty vision--a celestial touch of divine love in velvety pink flowers.  The sun was so bright, I couldn't see through the blinded LCD screen, and had asked the angels for help to share the beauty with you. 

Grace prevailed... the angel guidance for the day had been to receive Grace.   Grace is a free gift available for us.  We are saved by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8)

The morning glory symbolism revealed a message.  Time for new beginnings--fresh starts. This fast growing vine, with its heart-shaped leaves, stirs the heart to more spontaneous activities.  Frequently this flower encourages a breaking down of old habits.  The same old ways of doing things will no longer work.  Leave behind mistakes of the past and embrace each day with enthusiasm like the morning glory greeting the sunrise.  It's time for fresh life energy and spontaneity. 

Interesting that its funnel-shaped petals represent that like a funnel that can either draw things in, or help to express things outwardly, we should ask ourselves how well we are, or are not, expressing ourselves effectively.  Is it time to be more spontaneous in our expressions?  To let our light shine.

The good news is Morning Glory is a sign we'll be increasingly able to draw upon and use our inner resources with greater effortlessness in the weeks ahead with great success. 

That's what I felt at first sight.  Morning glories lined the fence most of the way down the road.  Where had they come from?  Something amazing happened, bringing joy and beauty and lightness of being. A surprising yet spontaneous view of a new day. How blessed are we that God's angels abound with us on our journey to celebrate the gift of life.  We are spiritual light-beings made in the image and likeness of God. 

Have a joyful & peaceful day filled with grace and expect the best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

 

(ref. Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews) 

 

 

Saint Francis and the Angel

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, let me sow pardon.
Where there is doubt, let me sow faith.
Where there is despair, let me sow hope.
Where there is darkness, let me sow light.
Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.
O Divine Master, grant that
I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in the pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

          --St. Francis of Assisi

 

Today is the celebration of the Feast of St. Francis.   Francis had been a 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.  He praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. Many stories surround the life of Saint Francis and his love for animals. Stories about preaching to the birds or befriending a rabbit, and taming a wolf. 

In this painting, an angel appeared with a violin and a bow as a blessing for Saint Francis of Assisi.  The angel said he 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 a single resounding 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. 

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

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen  

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

Divine Afflatus, Heavenly Breath: An Angel Message

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.   (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

 

Enthusiasm defies gravity.  The original definition of the word meant "as being filled by divine afflatus (which is to blow upon or toward)." This little cherub, filled with with divine afflatus  blows a kiss your way.   

The Greeks spoke of ecstasy meaning to be "out of yourself" and enthusiasm "to be in God".  Happiness is an inside job. 

To be enthusiastic is a choice. Action follows thought.  A simple change in attitude breaks one out of the mold, and gives wiggle room in the now.  It can be a simple act...sing...dance...reach out to someone...blow someone big air kisses in prayer.  

 

Just by remembering the word enthusiasm brings a stirring within...an inner awakening bubbles up, an effervescence to life.   

 Today is the Feast Day in honor of Guardian Angels. May your day be filled with divine afflatus blowing joy, peace, love, and harmony.  You are never alone. How blessed we are to have a guardian angel accompanying us on our earthly journey. Rejoice!  The best is yet to be. 

 

Love and peace,

 Rae Karen

Wikimedia Commons photo:  Ugandan Sunset by Jason Clendenen Photography, free will use, without endorsement to this site.

Little Bird at My Window: An Angel Message

This morning the cutest little songbird surprised me.  I was at my desk staring at my laptop when an animated brown bird hopped along the windowsill and stopped by my desk. His playful antics and the odds of his rare visit made me smile.   Peeping in the window, upside down, his motions were quick and jerky, hopping across the outside window ledge so close I could have reached out to touch his soft feathers.  But soon he was off again, flying to the swing-set, hopping across the playhouse railing.  Fun in action.  

 

I was reminded of that old hymn.  His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.  

 

All is well with my soul seemed to be his cheerful message.  Synchronicity was at play for PLAY...and  WISDOM were the keywords for today's angel guidance.  Sometimes it's wise to take time out and allow for a little fun...to play and do something outside of the box.  Make room for happiness to catch you when least expected.  God is in the details, and He watches over you.  

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen  

You Are a Law Unto Yourself: An Angel Message

   

                       

Today I'm reminded of a powerful statement of truth: 

"Declare a thing and it shall be true for you."  

You are a law unto yourself. 

We must be a bouncer at the door of our thoughts admitting only those that are harmonious and good.  I see how my own thoughts attract my experiences.  If I tell myself that the grocery store will be crowded, the lines long, that's exactly what I get.  

I put it to a test and learned a powerful lesson.  One busy Sunday my Mom asked me to pick up a few items for her at the grocery store.  I began to stress.  The parking lot was jammed. Carts wheeling back and forth.   An "angel thought" whispered, what I decree (tell myself) will be true so why not expect the best.   

 

Entering the store in a line of shoppers, I made a decision. Everything would go smoothly.  The angels would go before me and make my path straight and clear. I wasn't just going to get, I was going to give...to be a blessing to others. I invited the angels to be with me.

 
And, you know, that's exactly what I got. 

 Yes, the store was busy, but a peaceful hush blanketed the aisles. And when I went to pay, there was no waiting line. I got what I declared.  It worked. 

 

 I had other errands to run that day, and each one was better than the first. People smiled and were loving, sharing a hug and a kind word.  Afterwards, I realized the day was a demonstration of what I declared and expected!  Harmony ruled in an atmosphere of divine Love. 

So, whenever I begin to complain that "I HAVE TO" do something, I try to remember to change my mind from dread by declaring "I GET TO" do it.  Grateful to be willing and able, brings joy.  I can do it.   And,  I can even do it in a spirit of grace and loving-kindness as I go about my duties with the loving support of the angels. 

Remember you are never alone.  Expect a happy outcome.  Put it to a test and see for yourself.  Your angels are with you to comfort, guide, and bless, so live in the quiet peaceful expectation of goodness and grace. They go with us wherever we are.   And, by thinking our thoughts are invitations for either love or fear is exactly what we'll experience. Thoughts are things.  They are energy.  I've found it helpful to remember everything is either love, or a call for love.  

Love and peace, 

Rae Karen



(postcard- zazzle)

Celebration of Michaelmas Day - September 29th

Today, September 29th, is Michaelmas Day in honor of St. Michael, and the mighty Archangels.  Archangel Michael is considered the greatest of all angels in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions. He is known as Holder of the Keys of Heaven, Chief of the Archangels, and Angelic Prince of Israel. He is Commander-in-Chief of the Heavenly armies, and fights for justice.  St. Michael has been honored from the earliest times in many countries.  

 

The Emperor Constantine built a magnificent church near Constantinople called Michaelion.  It became a place of pilgrimage, and many were cured in that church by the intercession of the Archangel Michael.  Constantine's successors erected 15 churches in Constantinople to St. Michael.

 

In Rome churches were built and dedicated to St. Michael dating back to 494.

 

In France, Archangel Michael appeared on Mont St. Michel where there still exists a famous sanctuary consecrated to him.

 

In Egypt, the Christians dedicated their food-giving river, the Nile, to St. Michael, and on the 12th of every month they held a celebration in his honor.

 

St. Michael appeared at different times to those who invoked his aid.  He assisted St. Joan of Arc in the extraordinary God-given mission to aid the French King to restore peace and prosperity to his kingdom and expel his enemies.  

Lord Michael is associated with the element of fire which symbolizes the burning away of negativity. Michael is the warrior whose light is triumphant over darkness. Often he is depicted with a sword of Light to cut away whatever is obstructing our life's purpose. He can help us face those aspects of ourselves that we have ignored or pretended didn't exist. He is the bringer of patience and happiness.

When my spiritual journey began in my late thirties, Archangel Michael helped me face my shadow. Within a short time, my life completely changed direction in an amazing way.  

 

 Thank you, glorious Archangel Michael for tirelessly serving humanity by quickening our spiritual awareness and helping us to be true to our divine purpose.

Peace and love,

Rae Karen

Face the Light: Angel Message

 Elliot and I got lost taking a ride to find a new thrift shop.  We almost gave up, thinking, oh well, it's not meant to be. But an angel nudge prevailed. And, we found the lovely boutique tucked away behind a shopping mall.  That's where I discovered a happy sea of smiling sunflowers.  Facing the sun, high up on a wall, their radiant glow brightened my day for just $6.   

That's the beauty of a sunflower.  It constantly turns its face toward the sun, a behavior called phototropism.  It faces west at sunset, and swings around to the east at sunrise to greet the morning light.  Golden petals bring a heartwarming message to be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities of happiness and health. To stay focused on the light, and have faith.  All is well.

I welcomed the sunflower reminder, an angel message, to be flexible like Gumby and turn my face toward the Light.  The best is yet to be.  We are Children of Light. 

 

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen