Saturday, July 28, 2018

Old Methuselah: An Angel Message

DeLeon Springs, FL
While my brother and his wife were here this week, the angels guided a spontaneous ride to nearby  DeLeon Springs State Park.  The overcast sky looked like it could open up any minute with rain, but we went with the flow.  The clouds held back and we had a good time watching the natural springs pool that produces 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year round.

Old Methuselah
It began to drizzle and I recalled Old Methuselah, the 500 year-old bald cypress tree.  We headed down the 1/2 mile trail through a forest hammock that led to a flood plain to get a glimpse of majestic old Methuselah.  With no signs to direct, and the only four troopers on this adventure, a peaceful, gentle energy filled the air as we walked underneath a sheltering canopy of tall hardwoods. The home of the wild.  Before long, we were there.  At the end of the trail, Methuselah was still standing tall in the swamp, having survived all the logging through the years.   We give her a cheerful Hooray!


Turns out, a cypress tree represents death, life and resurrection, and often signifies the heavens are calling.  The towering cypress, majestically points toward the sky as a reminder for us to ponder the deeper meaning underlying our experiences.

My grandmother often used the expression:  "As old as Methuselah."   I never had taken the time to look up this Biblical patriarch.  A little research revealed that Methuselah, the son of Enoch was 969 years old and is the longest-lived human in the Bible.  He was related to Noah who built the ark.

I was thankful for our visit with Old Methuselah, and the angel message to ponder the deeper meaning underlying our experiences. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Down the Chimney There Arose Such a Clatter! An Angel Message


Nature speaks loudly at times.  Nothing is more unnerving than to be awakened by a loud CRASHING noise.  That's what happened one cold fall morning many years ago. I heard a loud crash downstairs.  Half asleep, my first thought was the heavy glass mobile in the living room had fallen off the patio door.  

But then it happened again.
      
Elliot woke up, and we whispered what to do?  A robber didn't seem likely.  Then a thought came about squirrels.  Recently we'd heard the scampering of little feet in the attic.  

Had a squirrel fallen down the chimney? 

 Grabbing our green terry robes, we ran downstairs. In the living room, a mournful whimpering was coming from the fireplace. Our interloper was alive!  The screeching noise had come from little claws digging into the metal chute to brake the long downward fall.  It had worked.

Elliot ran for his flashlight, and I did my best to comfort our frightened visitor.  Above the loud mews, I spoke lovingly. "It’s okay. We’ll get you out, but we have to find the best way. We're a little afraid of you. And you're afraid of us. So, we all need some understanding here." 

Shining the flashlight through the glass fireplace door, a gray squirrel huddled in the corner, crying.  

Elliot ran to the basement to work on a plan. 

Before long, he returned with a large carpet roll on his shoulder. 

 “So, we’re rolling out the red carpet,” I laughed, as he set the carpet on-end to make a tall fence from the fireplace to the sun deck.  

No detours allowed!   

Holding up my end of the rug, the maze was set.  I leaned over to open the fireplace door, expecting a mad dash to freedom, but no action.

From that vantage point, we saw not one, but two little gray squirrels, trembling, huddled together, in tears. 

To our surprise, with the door of freedom opened wide, the wayward pair stayed put.
    
To give nature a helping hand, we opened the deck door.  Cold, brisk air swept into the living room.  So cold that after a minute, we laughed, at the sight of our breath in the frosty air.  

But the squirrels still stayed put.  

St. Francis, the Patron Saint for Animals was called on, but those two big human faces peering over the rug must have made the journey high risk. 

In the chill, we stood in our bathrobes, waiting.  Time seemed to stand still.  Patience was ebbing as we asked the angelic beings for help.  Also, we asked the Holy Spirit for a holy relationship with the fearful squirrels. 

Soon, Elliot was guided to gently tap on the fireplace stove. 

That did it!

One furry gray head popped out. The cautious type, his brown eyes looked both ways before he took a leap of faith. Stop. Look. Leap. -- that was his technique.  Methodically,  one leap at a time, he made tracks on the designated path across the living room and out the open deck door.  Back in the fresh air, we smiled, as he slowly climbed up the deck railing, and carefully down the wood post, to safely return to the woods. 

One down!...we cheered.

Now, our focus turned to the last squirrel.  Alone, she shivered, too scared to move until Elliot was guided to pull the log grate forward with the iron poker. 

That did it!  Safer to leave than to stay,  a streak of gray fur shot down the red carpet lined path, leaped up on the deck,  like a Olympic gymnast she flew through the air and bounced onto a straggly tree branch. I could almost hear her joyful, "HIP HIP HOORAY!" as she ran for the goal.  Home.

Their special delivery wake up call that morning seemed important.  A quick research on squirrel symbolism revealed a need for balance between work and play, and to be prepared.   On that chilly autumn morning, little did we know that in a few months, we too would go tumbling down the chute in search of a new home in Virginia Beach.  

Postscript: Something amusing happened just now as I was writing the clattering squirrel blog.  I kid you not!  There was a loud crash in the living room!  I called out to Elliot from my computer in the den.  "Are you okay?"  He came out of his office and together we looked around the living room to see what had caused the disruption.  

The picture frame TV antenna had somehow fallen off the windowsill.  It must have hit the ceramic bowl of decorative rocks, knocking one onto the floor.  What joy when I turned over the smooth stone.  The word SMILE turned up!  I had to laugh. 
Smile Rock Hit the Floor

An angel figurine stands on high in that window, one that reminds me of my mother, now an angel.  Hmmm... kind of makes you wonder.  My brother is coming for a visit today!  Mom's no doubt smiling down on us.


Mom's Amazing Grace Angel in the Window
I'm smiling with my antenna up, and the SMILE rock on the windowsill.

Have a joyful day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Cold Mustard: An Angel Message



Sometimes if we are too hardheaded to let God's angel thoughts really sink in, something jarring may happen to bolster our faith.  There was a time when I was fearful about the future.  Elliot and I were suddenly forced to move from our comfortable home in a forested community where we'd spent a wonderful three years on the Occoquan River.  With two months to find a new place, pack up and move, we were trying to fully rely on God for guidance. The old was passing away and it was time to embrace a new flow. 

A prospect synchronistically unfolded to move to a different part of Virginia. While waiting for the details to coalesce, I began to worry.  With so many variables, how could it possibly work out?  In the waiting process, anxiety stirred while fixing sandwiches for lunch.  I made a big mess when I grabbed a large jar of mustard from the fridge.

BAM!

The 2-lb. jar slipped through my fingers.  It hit the kitchen floor with a powerful FORCE.  The lid shot off!

Suddenly cold brown mustard splattered my face, my left ear, and hair, and down the front of my shirt. The ceiling and cabinets were brown speckled.

Knowing there are no coincidences, I wondered, Why a mustard bath?  

Later that day, 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)

I thought about the imagery of a tiny mustard seed and the mountain as a metaphor for whatever obstacle to face--a health crisis, a relationship, financial stress. The mountain seems very solid, as it looms before us, impossible to move.

Obviously, I needed more faith. If I were relying on my own power, no wonder I worried.  The image of a mountain represented my fear that was stealing my joy. A little faith as tiny as a seed of a mustard was the answer. 

So rather than fear our future, I worked on having faith, trusting God.  If doubt would creep in, I would remember that chilling mustard bath.

 Before long everything came together in divine order.  We moved to a lovely home and we're on our way to a new chapter in the journey at Virginia Beach, a city where we continued to stretch and grow  over the next 11 years. 

Today,  I can't reach for a jar of mustard, at home or at a restaurant, without remembering the faith of a little mustard seed.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Why not choose faith...

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

(photo from the web)

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Gift of a Snail Shell: An Angel Message


Some nature messages from the angels are more subtle than others.  It's for certain though that what's yours will come to you, often in strange, but timely ways.  Yesterday, cleaning house,  a small object refused to be sucked up by the heavy duty vacuum cleaner.  To my surprise, it was the tiniest golden brown snail shell so small that I was reminded of the faith of a little mustard seed. 


Since the state of Florida is mostly built on a sandbar, little white seashells often appear when digging in the soil. Although, in the seven years we've lived here, I've never found one of these hard shelled spirals inside the house.  I wondered, why now?

Curious, I looked up the symbolism of snail: 

 Protect your vulnerable emotions and spirit.  Bring your Holy Inner Child out of the shell.  Look at the walls you have built around you."   (Animal-Speak Pocket Guide)

I got it.  The confirmation of a recent angel blog on breaking out of our shells to a new life was coming home once more.  "Bring your Holy Inner Child out of the shell."

With the perfect little snail shell in hand, I took a closer look, asking the Holy Spirit for help in breaking down any remaining walls I've made that block out God's love.  In gratitude, I want to slow down and see the love of God everywhere. 


Enjoy your day with the Angels.  God loves you.


Rae Karen



Monday, July 23, 2018

A Trip Down Memory Lane: An Angel Message


Yesterday morning, while having breakfast on the front porch, my attention was drawn to a 10-foot U-Haul parked across the street.  As they say, the universe is always conspiring on our behalf, so pay attention to what is going on around you.  Symbols appear for a reason.

The hard nosed rhino on the side panel of the U-Haul seemed deliberate.  It took me on a journey back in time.  Rhino is a reminder to take charge of your life.  To know yourself.

Many years ago, rhino energy was what I needed to move from Virginia to Georgia.  Instead of making plans, it was a time of letting go, and trusting the Holy Spirit to handle the details.  To my surprise, things came together effortlessly when I got myself out of the way. 

My girl friend offered to help me out.  She would drive a rental truck to Richmond where I would meet up with my niece who was moving to Atlanta, too. My job was to rent the truck, have it packed, and ready to go the next morning.  I gulped.  Me drive a truck! 

I had no choice.  I had to do it...AFRAID.  I signed the lease at the U-Haul Rental Depot and nervously climbed up into cab of the 10-foot truck, just like the one above without the rhino mural. Driving a truck was always a big fear of mine; it seemed to be a manly job that required a chromosome I didn't have.

 For extra courage, I brought my guardian angel driving ornament from my Honda along on the undaunting trip.  My sweaty hands were shaking as I aimed the key into the ignition. For company, I turned on the radio and slowly drove across the long U-Haul lot.  The angels of laughter were at play.  An amusing ad came on the radio just then, quipping:  Don’t talk to me! I’m paying attention to my driving! 

I burst out laughing, feeling buckets of fear melt away. 

I was doing it. 

 Merging in with traffic on busy Smoketown Road, my guardian angel ornament spun round, dangling from the truck's rear view mirror. White knuckled, I clutched the wheel for the longest five miles, but I did it

Or I should say, we did it!

So whatever fears you may be facing today, please find comfort that you are in the midst of great celestial loving company.  The angels are right there watching over you, just ask to feel their loving presence. I was so grateful for the reminder that all things are possible with God.  God loves you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen




Friday, July 20, 2018

A Wandering Caladium: An Angel Message


Today the cool weather prompted a return to the garden for a bowl of oatmeal.  The morning sun brought something new to my wondering eyes.  The heavy recent rains had encouraged a newcomer. A little caladium plant had sprung up on the garden path!  Her variegated leaf opened like an umbrella to greet the sunshine.  At first glance, I'd mistaken her for a tall shamrock, but a closer look, to my delight, revealed the papery thin caladium known for its bi-colorful leaves.

Curious, I learned that this beautiful plant is a member of the elephant ear family.  She also goes by the name, Heart of Jesus or Angel Wings because of the shape of her leaves.  A bed of forgotten, buried caladium bulbs had surfaced this spring in a special patch by the Blessed Mother.
Caladiums in garden today

Now, this little wanderer had made her way toward the patio in clear view from the umbrella table!

I'm so thankful for these tender, loving blessings that pop up just when least expected.  You never know what may appear on the path as a reminder to walk in faith and love for all life. 

Her appearance was just the boost needed to put down the bags of cedar mulch bought earlier this week to refurbish the path.  Our little messenger, gently uprooted, joined her flock of Angel Wings under the watchful eye of beloved Mary.  I realized, too, how everything has its perfect timing, all things working together for good.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Keep an eye out for wonderful messages from nature that come your way.  God loves you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen  

Monday, July 16, 2018

Red Canna Angel: Confide in Heaven


Seven years ago, when Elliot and I moved to Florida, some of my favorite flower bulbs joined us on the journey to the "Land of Flowers".   Stately red cannas had been the flower of choice for a garden patch on the farm in Virginia. They were planted in honor of Mary Magdalene.  Cannas, along with scented ornamental ginger, and bearded irises, were heading south to set down new roots.

This morning, what a delight.  I was greeted by a tall red headed beauty dressed in a maroon variegated leafy gown.  Yesterday's rain had not dampened her spirit, she had yet another bloom in the wings that had opened wide to greet the day.  

An on-line search revealed that cannas symbolize to Confide in Heaven. 

To confide is to trust or have faith in...I loved this message as cannas rarely bloom in the garden here so when one pops, I know it's a gift from the angels.  God is Love.

Enjoy your day with the angels.  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Friday, July 6, 2018

Changes of Life: An Angel Message




Over the years, I kept a "prayer" card tucked away in an old journal. Spontaneity brought it to my attention when in need.  Many years ago, the little message had turned up at a print shop.  I had gone there on a whim to have copies made, but it turned out more was going on as God knew my pressing need. 

A stack of this change prayer card card caught my eye.  I was thankful for the unexpected heavenly advice offered for free at the sales counter.  It was one of those precious times when I felt the touch of  God's presence moving through my life.  In a bit of fear, I'd just left behind my old life and moved to a different state working on an angel assignment in film production. With that job now complete and no longer having the security of my government salary, I found peace from these words as I wondered what was up next? 

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 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 every day.  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


The message brought great peace.  Never am I alone, no matter what.  The first step is always for me to calm any anxious thoughts and be still to feel the loving, peaceful Presence.  The way will open up, one step at a time, but I must be willing to walk in it.

God is Love.

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and watch for wonderful synchronicity to come your way.


Rae Karen


(artwork: web)

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Making a Splash - An Angel Message

                             (Wikimedia Commons)

Sometimes getting ready to make a SPLASH feels awkward, but you're going for it!  Letting go of a fixed flight pattern, you drop down in uncharted waters. Gracefulness will come once you get into the swim of it. The angels encourage us to enjoy life today, and its many, many wonders.  It's a time of great freedom. 

Happy 4th of July!

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen