Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Smiling Faces: An Angel Message


Yesterday a loud thud broke the silence of our morning meditation. Playful little Hei-Hei had jumped up on the end table and pawed the collection of rocks in the pottery bowl. Somehow he managed to knock one out of the bowl and it had hit the hardwood floor. 

Curious, I looked for it after meditation and found the stone underneath the couch.  That hidden discovery brought a smile as that rascally kitten had chosen to plunk SMILE out of the bowl.

 I smiled, grateful for the reminder to smile throughout the day. It was a heads-up as there were moments of unexplained sadness that seemed to permeate the atmosphere. I found myself feeling teary-eyed for no good reason.



At lunchtime, another smile coincidentally came my way while eating at a nearby diner.  When I looked down at the menu, I had to laugh at an ad:  SMILE with CONFIDENCE.  UNIVERSAL SMILES.

 I pointed it out to Elliot. 

That's what the world needs most today.  A smile.  Years ago, an angel message conveyed the acronym for S.M.I.L.E:  "See ME in love everywhere". 

"Today we smile on everyone we see, and walk with lightened footsteps as we go to do what is appointed us to do.  We do not go alone."   (Lesson 123, A Course in Miracles)

Have a joyful day with the Angels, and let a smile be your umbrella.  :-D


Rae Karen


Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Casey and the Bear: An Angel Message


Teddy Bear Christmas Sticker

Saturday morning, I woke up and found a sticker on the leg of my pajama pants. I laughed, and turned on the lamp.  It did seem like one of those obvious angel messages. After all, how often does something like that happen?   Curious, I peeled it off, wondering about the nature of the stamp. Turning it around by the lamp, Elliot and I could see it was a child's Christmas teddy bear.  A sweet picture, it didn't mean much to me at the time.   I have a  desk drawer of stickers that I use to decorate postcards I send to children.  I hadn't seen it before.  But this little care bear must have gotten stuck on me while addressing cards last week, and had gone through the wash.

Later Saturday morning, it all came together when I found myself  on-line reading a heartwarming story about the rescue of a three-year-old boy who had been lost in the woods for two days. I don't usually read the news and wondered why I was hooked on this story. When I got to the last line, a light bulb went off in my head.  Having survived the freezing cold temperatures in wind, rain, and dark nights, little Casey Hathaway told the sheriff that he had a friend in the woods that was with him.  A bear.   

A bear! I love it!  Feeling a kinship with all life, what joy I felt that this little fellow had been protected by a bear.  Out of the mouths of babes!

I recalled a story I'd read many years ago about a hunter who got hopelessly separated from his party and was lost in the forest in freezing temperatures.  That long night, leaning up against the back of a tree, he thought his life was over.  Then, he saw an elk approach him, and gently laid down beside him, his massive weight warming the man's body during the night.  When the hunter woke up the next morning, he thought maybe it had only been a dream, he'd been hallucinating, but then he saw the elk's imprint in the snow where he had rested beside him protecting him from the cold.  The hunter had a change of heart, and never picked up a rifle again.  

Isn't it comforting to know that God's law of adjustment can come in many ways?  Miracles do happen.  And, angels may come in many guises in our hour of need. 

Curious, I later looked up the symbolism of teddy bears on-line.  These cuddly animals represent love, care, tenderness, and childhood. Teddy bear brings a reminder to open our hearts and become more caring and understanding of the situation.  "Perhaps there is someone in your life who may need your loving kindness, rather than your judgment."

A good message for all.  Enjoy your day and watch for the happy things of God and his angels to come to you.  Miracles do happen.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


Sunday, January 27, 2019

Feeling Stuck? This One's for You: An Angel Message



Animals, in unusual predicaments, that cross our path can bring messages of guidance, hope, and understanding just when needed the most.   So, I try to pay close attention and become the observer when these oddities happen as they are purposeful and come with intention from the angels.

For instance, a steady heavy rain began last night and has continued most of today. The plants and trees are getting a much needed soak.

Early this morning, I put out a bowl of cat chow for our favorite customer, Gus, the stray orange tabby who lives underneath our house.  To keep his food dry, I set it under a brown rattan chair on the back stoop, something I do for him on rainy days. But this morning, Gus apparently had more sense than to venture out in the deluge.

Later, when I looked out the backdoor window to see if he'd been by, I caught sight of something brown floating in Gus' white water bowl.

At first glance, it looked to me like a fallen leaf from the old camphor tree.  The more I watched the rain pelt the brimming water bowl, I began to see something unusual. 

That brown leaf began to take the form of a little tree frog.  His hind legs and front legs were stretched out.

A  floating frog in Gus's water bowl seemed like a deliberate message, and not a positive one at that.

I called to Elliot to confirm my sighting.

Together, we stood at the door window, watching the raindrops splash into the china bowl. "Is that a tree frog?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, as we stared at the little amphibian who appeared lifeless, with no means of self-propulsion, at the mercy of steady rain drops sloshing him about in the rippling water.

 I was getting a rather sinking feeling as F.R.O.G. is the acronym for (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.   This was not a good sign, I told myself.

I ran for my hooded rain jacket,  hoping he was just cold and resting from trying to make it happen all on his own.   

Gently, I reached down in the pouring rain, and quickly tipped the water bowl on its side.  "Here you go!"  I said, as he spilled out onto the wet ground. 

My heart took a big leap, along with that little frog, as I gratefully watched him pop up on his feet, and hop away on a brand new adventure. 


I was so thankful for the lesson to Fully Rely On God.  F.R.O.G.  Miracles do happen.

Later, I remembered, a quote I'd read first thing this morning: "Just be with what is."

So don't lose hope if you're feeling forgotten and stuck in a hopeless situation, just free float, rest in God, and watch what will happen.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen




(artwork: Ruth Caroline Eger from Rimskittle's Book, 1926)

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

White Irises in Today's Forecast: An Angel Message

As many of you know, irises are my favorite flowers.  Whenever one appears, it is a sign that I'm on the right path, so keep on taking a step in that direction, one day at a time. Temperatures have dropped here in Florida this week due to the cold snap.  When I opened the curtains on the porch this morning, what a  happy surprise!

Two snowy white African irises had bloomed. And,  three more tight buds, warming up in the chilly sunshine, showed promise of making a debut. 

Although the photos don't capture the essence of their beauty, the timing of these floral messengers goes straight to the heart.

These African flowers last only one day.  And, loving hot weather, they don't usually bloom in the winter.  In light of these circumstances, it seems their message is to make today count wherever you find yourself.   Show up and do your best regardless of the weather.  Don't waste today; respect others and show them how much they mean to you.  "Bloom where you are planted."

Iris represents faith and hope for a better tomorrow, and also symbolizes eternal knowledge.  White is the color of purity and innocence.  The purple marks represent spiritual intuition, and yellow is the color of faith.

I learned something new about the iris.  It's the birthday flower for February.  The month my son was born.  :-D


Have a joyful day with the Angels.  And, celebrate your gift of Life.



Rae Karen



Thursday, January 17, 2019

Red Shouldered Hawk: Angel Messenger

Last Saturday, I was startled to see a red hawk perched on the black cable in front of our house.  A rare sight, and he was intently staring down at me as I went to close the curtains on the glass porch door.  I knew something was up.

 My motivation for closing the curtains had been to avoid greeting any unexpected visitors that may drop by.   It was late in the morning, and I had been reading on the sofa, still wearing my comfy pajamas. A thought had suddenly come: Get up and close the curtains. Someone may be coming by.

What a surprise that it was a hawk visitation!

Hawk has always been a special angel messenger to me. A sign to pay attention to the big picture.  To get ready for an opportunity that may come your way.   Heeding the message, I got dressed to meet the day.  A few hours later, at lunch time, there was a knock on the door.  The guidance had been in divine order, and I had renewed faith that my inner-hearing was better than I thought.  Something I often need reassurance on.

Then yesterday, hawk synchronicity was at play when I happened upon this amazing story on-line while studying the weekly Bible lesson on Life.

In Guideposts, Ronald Pinkerton describes a near accident he had while hang gliding. He had launched his hang glider and been forcefully lifted 4,200 feet into the air. As he was descending, he was suddenly hit by a powerful new blast of air that sent his hang glider plummeting toward the ground.
“I was falling at an alarming rate. Trapped in an airborne rip tide, I was going to crash! Then I saw him--a red-tailed hawk. He was six feet off my right wing tip, fighting the same gust I was . . .
I looked down: 300 feet from the ground and still falling. The trees below seemed like menacing pikes.
I looked at the hawk again. Suddenly he banked and flew straight downwind. Downwind! If the right air is anywhere, it’s upwind! The hawk was committing suicide.
Two hundred feet. From nowhere the thought entered my mind: Follow the hawk. It went against everything I knew about flying. But now all my knowledge was useless. I was at the mercy of the wind. I followed the hawk.
One hundred feet. Suddenly the hawk gained altitude. For a split second I seemed to be suspended motionless in space. Then a warm surge of air started pushing the glider upward. I was stunned. Nothing I knew as a pilot could explain this phenomenon. But it was true: I was rising.

What a wonderful testimony to follow that still inner voice when faced with a crisis, and not simply rely on what we think we humanly know best in the midst of any threatening situation.

I'm so thankful for the abundance of unseen celestial help that is available to us.  God is Love and is All-Knowing and ever present.   Angels will bring whatever catches our attention to bring us a message of assistance.  How comforting to know that in the midst of great adversity, a way will open up if we trust and have faith in the guidance.  Psalm 91 is the prayer of protection that charges the angels to watch over us and lift us up to avoid the stones on the path, but we have a part to play by daily keeping our consciousness on high, in the Shadow of the Almighty.  Nothing is impossible with God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."
                    Proverbs 3:5
  
Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Hei Hei: A Window of Purr-fection

One clue will usually lead to another if we keep our eyes open along the way.  But it isn't until the goal is completed that we can piece together the events that lead up to a perfect picture.  For instance, last summer, I came across a vintage postcard of a cosmic cat looking in the living window of a house.  Loving cats in a BIG way, this card was a keeper. 


For the past year, Elliot and I have been in search of a furry feline to join the family, but it just wasn't happening for one reason or another.  

Last Tuesday, while out for an afternoon drive in the sunshine, Elliot suggested stopping by the local animal shelter to share love with the cats.  Spontaneity is the language of angels.  We knew something was up as we turned off the main road.  A BIG YELLOW HEAVY DUTY Road Grader was smoothing our way as we slowly followed it down the long dirt road to the wooded shelter.  Amused by the timing, we laughed, wondering if it was a sign that the road had been cleared before us to find and adopt the "right" cat.

It turned out that a cute six-month-old tabby male had been admitted the day before.  A perfect match as little Hei-Hei greeted us with bright eyes and eager paws.  The cuddly kitten had been named by a local mayor who had found the stray and given it her initials, after delivering him to the shelter for adoption.

His name has a spiritual meaning.  "Hei" is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (pronounced Hey). The shape of the letter Hei is like a window that is slightly open at the top and represents illumination. Light.

On our way home from the shelter, we passed by the large CAT Grader as it waited to turn farther down the main road.  From that angle we could clearly see CAT in big letters on the truck's cab! The universe is certainly playful. We laughed, heading home with our little Hei-Hei who has since opened a great window of joyful love, illumining our lives in purrrfection.

Would you believe a few days later, I got a postcard from Sweden, with the greeting Hej Hej which means Hey Hey in Swedish.   I love it!!

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Have fun watching for the happy things of God to come to you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Saturday, January 5, 2019

A Salute to Buttercup: An Angel Message


The wild buttercup growing against all odds--out of a crack in the stucco wall by the back door--continues to be a joyful messenger.  The buttery colored flower is a sign to develop better self-worth.  Because with proper self-worth, we can succeed in any environment as this flower so beautifully teaches. 

 On New Year's Eve, I opened the back door, hoping to see a bud in bloom.  It doesn't happen everyday.  Sure enough, a single sunny flower had blossomed like a golden crown atop the tall green leafy plant. Since seeded by the wind last spring, this persevering plant is now taller than I am! Like an old friend,  I speak to it in my comings and goings.


So thank you, buttercup angel messenger for bringing a message of hope in the New Year.  A lesson to keep on stretching upward toward the Light day by day-- that we too, have got what it takes to overcome all odds.  Spiritual power.

Buttercup also heralds a time of healing and understanding. It alerts you to opportunities for new life directions, and for sharing your light with others.  So feel free to express yourself as the power of your words will have greater power now when applied to healing.

Have a joyful day with the angels.  Watch for what unusual nature messages come across your path.   



Rae Karen





Note:  Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews, buttercup)

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Welcoming the Birth of a New Year: An Angel Message


On New Year's Eve, an angel nudge brought my attention to a lovely visual image on the dining room wall. The late afternoon sun had created a muted reflection of our stained glass purple iris, hanging high up in the dining room window!  To my delight, it had cast a floral backdrop where the carved wooden statue of the Blessed Mother stands on the fireplace mantle.


I'm always so grateful when these unexpected gifts appear although I didn't make the connection of Mary with the iris until this morning when I looked out the porch window.  Two white African irises joyfully greeted the sunshine of a New Year.  The other flowers were mostly at rest, but these two floral apostles seemed eager to usher in a powerful message.

 Iris represents a need to keep on having faith, for a new birth will soon be coming!  It brings with it a new sense of peace and well-being.  A message we can all use as we go through the travailing process!

 In reviewing the iris symbolism just now, I read that the iris is sacred to the Blessed Mother as Archangel Gabriel is often painted as presenting Mary with an iris as he announces God's plan for her to become the mother of Christ.

New Year's Morn - African Iris 
2nd Iris 
So keep smiling to Life and be not deceived by appearances.  Love more and fear less, is always the message of the angels.  More is going on than meets the eye.  Trust that God loves you and is working everything out according to divine plan.  A new birth is on the horizon, so as best as we can keep our prayers and thoughts on high, and remember that you are not alone.  He has given his angels charge over thee.



Love and joyful blessings for a wonderful happy, healthy, and uplifting New Year.


Rae Karen