Sunday, April 27, 2014

Angel Message from a Hummingbird

                                           (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)


Life is sometimes presented in such a contrast.  Elliot and I were enjoying the warm weather on Saturday when out of the blue, five jets roared in formation, flying low above the treetops across the street. Passing over our house, the decibels were ear shattering not to mention unexpected. Theo, our friendly stray cat,  took off with his tail in the air, hiding in the crawl space under the house.

Before long, nature sent a more gentle winged one.  There is something joyful about seeing a hummingbird close up.  He enjoyed sipping nectar from the tall orange spiked aloe vera blossoms.  I held my breath not wanting to frighten him away.   I read that these dainty little birds sometimes eat 50 meals a day!

Our garden guest also had a ruby throat and jewel colored markings (as in the photo).  It's amazing  something this small has so much will power to keep on going. It can reach a high speed as it takes off and can stop also immediately in flight. It can fly backward, forward, sideways or hover in the air. Hummingbirds cannot walk, but fly everywhere.  A reminder that if we really enjoy what we are doing we become light as a feather and life is rich with the sweetness of nectar.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is a wonder as they have been known to make a journey 2500 miles or more from Alaska to Central America.  Because of this feat, this fascinating bird is a symbol for doing that which seems impossible.  In Animal Speak, author Ted Andrews states: "It will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances."  

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and remember that you live and move and have your being in an "atmosphere" of Divine Love.

Love and blessings,


Karen

P.S. I was guided to look up the symbolism of aloe.  It is a plant used in the treatment of burns.  The message of the aloe: time to soothe the irritations we are experiencing.  Are we being too sensitive? Or are we ignoring our sensitivities?

Nature is always communicating but we need to listen.   

Sunday, April 20, 2014

For He Has Risen...


Happy Easter!


Love and blessings,


Karen

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Angel Message from A Dragonfly


(dragonfly high up in the tree)                                    
Yesterday afternoon I took a break and sat down in the den.  From the large window, I can see the treetops. It gives me a feeling of being in a tree house, surrounded by nature.  All of a sudden my attention was drawn to the tiniest detail.  With such an expansive view, I wondered how I could spot a dragonfly perched high on a branch tip?  It seemed too good to be true; as I have always had a fondness for these beautiful delicate creatures. 

 I grabbed my camera to make sure. Steadying the zoom, I was delighted to see it was a beautiful blue dragonfly!  It seemed quite content to rest in the warmth of the afternoon sun and enjoy the view of the garden, right up there with the blue sky.

I took several photos, but for some reason my zoom wouldn't magnify to full-throttle.  Out of quiet respect for my little friend, I stopped trying, not wanting to disturb her peace. This one would have to suffice.

The visit seemed so deliberate that I recognized it was an angel message from nature.   

I looked up the symbolism in Medicine Cards (by Sams and Carson).  Dragonfly breaks illusions.  It is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment, and communications from the elemental world.  Dragonfly always beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which you need to change.  Call on Dragonfly energy to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation.  See how you can apply the art of illusion to your present question or situation, and remember that things are never completely as they seem.

When I finished reading, dragonfly was still there. I thanked her for being a messenger.  It's amazing how the universe sends you  what you need the most.  The inner-connection I felt with nature in that moment made me feel an overwhelmingly precious touch of  tender love for all life.  God is in the details.  "Things are never completely as they seem."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,


Karen

Monday, April 14, 2014

Jesus of Nazareth - The Film


                                           (Wikimedia Commons)


During Easter week, Elliot and I like to watch the film Jesus of Nazareth. A 1977 British-Italian mini-series co-written and directed by Franco Zeffirelli, starring Robert Powell as Jesus. The story of his life is told in a simple and straightforward way by an all-star cast. There is no attempt at sensationalism.  "The story, in all its simplicity is allowed to make its own impact." (William Barclay, author of Jesus of Nazareth)

Last night after watching the film, I woke up in the middle of the night recalling a scene from the movie. Judas was talking to Jesus by the light of the campfire. He thought he knew the answer to Jesus being accepted as the Messiah. He only needed a hearing with the Sanhedrin to convince them of the truth. Jesus' eyes had as much impact as his words in that moment. Judas you are thinking with your head.  Think, with your heart.  

I was reminded of how Judas unlike the other disciples had no trade, but was a learned man who could read and write. He was ruled by the power of the intellect.  When the truth was finally revealed to Judas, he couldn't live with the deception, and took his own life, before he could witness the victory of the resurrection. 

It got me to thinking about how often I try to solve things with my own head and not my heart, yielding to the wisdom of Divine Love.

If you'd like to see this remarkable film, it's available on amazon.com and there are clips on youtube.

Love and blessings,


Karen 



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Sunday, April 13, 2014

Holy Week - A Time for Reflection

                                                  Wikimedia Commons
                                                 

This is Palm Sunday, the celebration of victory 
and the acceptance of truth.  
                                                  A Course in Miracles

Today begins Holy Week, the journey that fulfilled the mission of Christ. "I came that they may have life and may have it abundantly." (John 10:10)  The egg is a wonderful metaphor.  Christ demonstrated that we are more than we can presently perceive with our physical senses.  Within each of us, there is a pure consciousness just waiting to be born and soar to new heights.  Christ is the Way.   

May you feel His Love and the holy angels enfolding you this blessed week.

Love and blessings,


Karen 

Monday, April 7, 2014

A Crack in the Sidewalk - An Angel Message

                             
If you've never been thrilled to 
the very edge of your soul 
by a flower in spring bloom, 
maybe your soul has never been in 
bloom.
                              AUDRA FOVEO


Every flower is special in its own way.  Angels often speak in the language of flowers, at least that's how messages often show up in my life.  Even a crack in the sidewalk can be helpful in fulfilling a purpose; as demonstrated by one of my favorite free-spirited flowers, the purple Spiderwort.  When I looked out the front door this morning, what a surprise. There it was blooming on the sidewalk. I hadn't noticed it before.

 The lawn service had come on Saturday, but the angels had protected this little volunteer plant. The Angel of the Spiderwort seemed to be saying: Against all odds, I did it!  I found a way when it appeared there wasn't one. Now, look at me! I deserve to be regarded. (How could I miss it, in the middle of the front walk?)  Another sign, that God is the mystery, the substance of all Life.  

 So, isn't it comforting to know that even in chaos, there is perfection.  The need to keep everything perfectly under control can restrict spontaneity and creativity.  A break in the pattern can be purposeful, creating space to blossom.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,


Karen

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Amaryllis: An Angel Message



                                (A surprise in the garden 4/2/14)


Yesterday morning while watering the garden I had a pleasant surprise from nature.  A flower had bloomed that seemed oddly out of place; one not planted by me.  At first I thought it was a lily, but then closer inspection revealed an amaryllis!  Typically a flower mostly related to Christmas, it had surfaced in an appropriate place by the poinsettias.  Maybe the little gnome beside it had been working overtime.

It was one of those instances, where upon first sight, you recognize that there is more going on than meets the physical eye.  A warm feeling spread over me that the garden was doing just fine in spite of the recent upset. (see previous blog).  Curious, I looked for the symbolism, and found that in the Victorian Age the interpretation for an amaryllis was success after a struggle.  It's also a flower that represents a job well done.  When given to an artist, it's a way of encouraging creativity.

So, if you're reading this, take heart that your efforts are appreciated and when you least expect it, you will benefit from the blossoms of a job well done.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,

Karen

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Teach Only Love: An Angel Message


                             

Oh my, every day I get many opportunities to choose peace instead of chaos.  A peace pole stands in the meditation garden as a sign to keep the peace. Our angel of the garden statue stands with hands folded praying unceasingly. 

Some tests are both unexpected and extreme. I'm learning that all events are designed for my own good. Each one presents an opportunity to choose peace.  I may not get there at first thought, but that's all part of the learning.  My next door neighbor began felling his trees.  His over determination to take control of his life was a trait I've recognized at times in myself.  Soon he will be unemployed and is hoping to plant a vegetable garden in his shady backyard woods.  How painful to watch him tackle a large tree with his little hand saw that eventually got stuck.  



I prayed for the highest good of all, asking for the release of the tree spirit.  A friend of his showed up with a chain saw.  I tried to remain calm, not looking out the window, too distressed to watch.  

A loud CRACK! I hurried to the window, the felled tree landed on another tree and it collapsed over the fence and into our yard. 


Our Easter lilies, flowers and Mother Mary statue were buried in the leafy mass that covered the corner of our yard. 

All the loving energy over the two years, I'd spent co-creating with nature in the garden was suddenly in chaos.  I wish I could say I didn't lose my peace.  It was strange as I had a peaceful inner acceptance of "what is" in that moment.  Then my ego's sense of injustice prevailed.  I marched outside to talk to him about boundaries.  I let off a little steam, but my lovable stray tabby clung to my furry slippers, reminding me of love.  Teach only love and soon my anger gave way to compassion, and my neighbor and I parted in peace.  


Theo Teaching Me to Hold on to Love

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Love and blessings,



Rae Karen




Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Into His Presence: An Angel Message

(Artwork: Wikimedia Commons)

The Angel of Acceptance stands at the gate welcoming a new beginning.  Leaving the past behind is never easy; old habits die hard, but by choosing to let go, with grace, we can more easily cross the threshold to a brand new way of being in the world.  Yesterday's lessons served a purpose, painful or joyous, as they gave us strength and courage to move beyond our fears.

During this Easter season, Christ stands at the door of our consciousness, waiting for an invitation to enter and commune with us.  Peace is there; love is there; joy is there.  Being in His Presence is to experience spiritual fulfillment, now.


In this moment, we can pause and still our minds: 


 "Into His Presence would I enter now." (A Course In Miracles Lesson 157)   

Whispering these words, brings such a peaceful enfolding of Divine Love and Grace.

It's a practice that I find most helpful during the day no matter where I find myself. 


Love and Blessings,



Rae Karen