Monday, June 29, 2020

Enthusiasm: An Angel Message

                               


Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
                                  --Emerson

The Greeks spoke of ecstasy meaning to be "out of yourself" and enthusiasm "to be in God".   Imagine the dynamic thrust of enthusiasm needed to propel a Humpback whale out of the dark ocean depths, and into the light of a brand new vista-- all in a single flip.  

Enthusiasm is a choice that we get to make. A decision.  Sometimes it begins by singing, or dancing.  Reaching out to a friend.   Painting a picture.  Following your passion as best you can.  It's so easy to get in a slump these days.  But the angels advise that just by remembering the word enthusiasm can bring a stirring within.  An awakening that begins to bubble up and take hold, bringing joy and gratitude into great action.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

(Photo from Wikimedia Images)

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Seek and You Shall Find: An Angel Message

When a squirrel shows up, it usually has to do with balance.  Are we working too hard and not taking time to play?  Are we taking more than we are giving?  If so, find ways to gather and to gift. Be prepared is also the message the squirrel brings.

Most of this week, a little squirrel has been crossing my path.  Our bird feeder had been empty for several months so as not to tame the sandhill cranes.  Now that the family has moved on, yesterday I watched a hungry little squirrel scale the pole to the feeder hoping for a crumb. He left, empty-handed.  

With compassion, the feeder was once again filled with yellow corn kernels and sunflower seeds.  But the full house had no activity until early this morning.

What fun to see that rascally squirrel share breakfast with a bright red cardinal.  There's a wonderful saying, "When a cardinal appears an angel is near."  Cardinals bring a message to add more color to our lives, and to remember that everything we do is important.
The topper of the morning came with the arrival of two young wild turkeys grazing in the pasture next door. A welcoming sign of abundance and thanksgiving. God loves you.

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and expect the wonderful things of God to come to you today.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen
















Saturday, June 27, 2020

A Time of Awakening: An Angel Message



This morning, before getting out of bed, an angel thought came to mind.  It concerned this angelic proclamation poster that I bought and had framed many years ago.  It seemed to be a timely message back then, but even more so today.  


MEN OF THE EARTH.
BROTHERS IN ETERNITY
SHAKE YOUR SOULS. AWAKE.
THE HOUR SO LONG WAITED FOR
THE PROMISED HOUR HAS COME.
OVER THE DARK FIRMAMENT OF SUFFERING HUMANITY IS RISING.
THE MORNING STAR HERALDING.
THE DAY WHEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THAT MAN'S MOST SACRED DUTY IS TO BE MAN. 


THAT IS.


TO MANIFEST LIFE, INTELLIGENCE, TRUTH AND LOVE.
THERE IS NO HIGHER AIM.
NO VASTER PROBLEM.
AND YOU WHO REALIZE THIS
WILL BREAK THE FETTERS WITH WHICH IGNORANCE & FEAR HAVE BOUND UNCONSCIOUS HUMANITY WILL STAND UP FREE.
AND KNOW YOURSELVES TO BE THE ETERNAL MANIFESTATION OF THE UNMANIFEST WITNESSES OF THE ABSOLUTE.
SONS OF THAT GREAT ALL WHOM YOU CALL GOD."


It's comforting to know that we are not alone during this celestial speed-up.  The angelic realm is available as we wake up to our true Identity.    


Love and Light,


Rae Karen

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Jiminy Cricket: An Angel Message



Certain songs from childhood become a part our dreams, our hopes, and our wishes.  Last week, out of the blue, I found myself searching for Jiminy Cricket singing When You Wish Upon A Star.  I found a gentle stirring in my heart, a healing from those long forgotten words.  An angel thought suggested a blog, but I didn't pay much attention.

Yesterday morning, with broom in hand, sweeping the front steps, a little brown cricket suddenly hopped out of the flowerbed.  He landed near me and seemed to wait until I was sure that he was a cricket and not a grasshopper.  It had been years since a cricket crossed my path.

Crickets have lots of folklore and myth mostly about the power of belief and stirring the intuition. 

The male cricket sings by rubbing its wing bases together.  The song of the cricket is of good cheer, especially in relationships.  Our believing is about to be rewarded.  Cricket heralds an awakening of sensitivities and the finding of light within the dark.  Trust your own intuition, as it is more accurate than you may believe.

Here's the link if you'd like to hear Jiminy. 
When You Wish Upon A Star

Keep on believing and never give up..."like a bolt out of the blue, faith steps in to see you through."

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen






(photo: web)
Cricket ref. Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Morning Nature Messages

Getting a late start to the farmers' market at the fairgrounds, the hot, humid weather caused a change in plans.   Instead, a short walk through the neighborhood proved fruitful.

A beautiful bird circled the grassy meadow as the cows and horses were munching on breakfast. The scissor-tailed swallow-kite gave me several chances to take a pic but I wasn't quick enough.  The kite's timing was good.  It brings a message to be adaptable and flexible now.  Use the skills that you have available to you.  New skills learned more easily.  



Off in the distance, a sleepy-eyed calf standing in the shade of a tree, was the only one interested in our passing visit.      


The cow brings a message of nourishment.  This is a time of fertility and new birth.  Nourish yourselves and others.  Be as productive as you can be. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



photo: on-line
Ref. Animal-Speak Pocket Guide by Ted Andrews

Monday, June 22, 2020

You've Got Mail: An Angel Message

What messages are the nature angels sending you today?

An old lifeless tree limb, visible from our sun room, has become a focal point for bird mail.  On some mornings, a red shouldered hawk faces the sunrise to preen.  Or, turkey buzzards unfold their wings to dry after a swim in the lake.  Old black crows may swoop in, cawing out a warning.  You never know who might stop by.  That old trunk of a tree is a favorite local perch, and to think that I had once considered it an eyesore.   

Now I can see the timing of each arrival delivers a message that reflects what's happening in our lives.  This morning, I was thinking about an unfinished project from years ago.  I recently started in on it again, with some frustration.  Wondering if I should just move on, and begin something new, I looked up from the sofa.  

To my surprise, a majestic white bird was standing on top of the old perch claiming a blue sky. 

From the distance, I couldn't tell what it was. A crane, heron, ibis, or cow bird.

I asked the angels for help.  The camera lens bounced in magnification, but I got it.   


In the Florida Birds book, I discovered she is a Great Egret.


On-line, I learned this elegant bird emanates a message of great compatibility and heaven sense.  She stayed just long enough for me to understand the need to keep watch on high.  I could see from her "S" shaped neck, to let (S)pirit guide. 

Enjoy the day with the Angels. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Turtle to GO! An Angel Message

With the summer officially beginning yesterday, nature turned out to celebrate the solstice in a big way. 

 A small hand-carved turtle at the farmers' market caught my eye. "Turtle to go!" I smiled at the vendor, tucking it in my bag along with the tomatoes and squash.  
Synchronicity was at play.  On our way back to the car, a giant tortoise was on the loose in the marketplace!  The biggest I've ever seen, over 125 pounds.  

His dinosaur snout and pigeon-toed feet began moving toward me.  Being a tortoise fan,  I went over to greet him.  That's how I met BIG BOY, an 18-yr. old African Spurred Sulcata Tortoise (the 3rd largest species in the world).  His owner had raised him since a baby.  The tortoise has a life span of 150 years.  So guardian arrangements have been made for his future.

The personable BIG BOY was out of his shell, basking in the limelight.  I gave him a friendly pat on his beautiful domed back that looked like wood.  "He can feel that," a young girl told me.  His shell is like the enamel on our finger nails, sensitive to the touch.   


Meeting up with BIG BOY was just the boost needed.  The tortoise wins the race...so take it slow and steady, one day at a time.

At home, I looked up the symbolism once more.  "When a tortoise appears on the path, we have usually been experiencing many changes and many burdens, and although it may not seem so, its appearance now indicates that the dawn is slowly approaching  Carry on, moving and facing things steadily and slowly.  The tortoise has been around a long time and reminds us that though the responsibilities have been great, we will succeed in time."

The little hand-carved tortoise is on the mantle as a reminder to keep trusting God.  Love will make a way.


Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Happy Father's Day!


Rae Karen





(ref. Ted Andrews, Nature book)

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Happy Summer Solstice: Welcome Archangel Uriel!



Welcome Archangel Uriel, ruler of the summer season. His name means "Light of God" and he brings an understanding of the Divine to humanity. The most radiant of angels, he has been called the "Flame of God."

The Summer Solstice begins today, a high energy day. Archangel Uriel works with the spiritual energies in nature. Today marks the longest day, and the shortest night of the year.

Ted Andrews writes in Nature-Speak, that the summer solstice marks the high point of the "Year of the Soul." For a brief time, all four planes of life are aligned with the physical, and there is a more direct flow of spiritual energy available. This marks a time in which separateness can yield to unity in any area of our lives.

This is also when the forces of nature reach the peak of their annual cycle. Transformation is the keynote. During this season, it is easier to communicate with the angels and devas.


It's also a wonderful time of harmonizing the masculine and feminine within ourselves to promote a greater expression, a high birth. It is known as the time of the mystic marriage within. The linking of the male and female, the bridging of the pineal and the pituitary (crown and brow chakra) to open up to a new realization of who we truly are. 


By understanding the natural rhythm of the seasons, we learn  that Autumn releases energy through purification in preparation. Winter releases the forces of love, the feminine energy. Spring releases the force of will, the masculine power, and summer releases the Power of Light
The new summer energies activate a powerful time within us to reach our spiritual goals.

 Call on Archangel Uriel for help in understanding why things are as they are.  He enables us to trust in the Divine plan, so when things appear to be going wrong, know that everything will ultimately work out for the highest good and greatest joy. He offers the gift of discernment by helping us find our inner light.  Archangel Uriel can assist in removing obstacles that are blocking our path to success.

Happy Summer Solstice!  


Rae Karen


Friday, June 19, 2020

View - Rain Gauge: An Angel Message

Holy Spirit can use anything as a teaching device for returning our minds back to God.  Yesterday afternoon on a walk, I saw an  unusual object mounted on the pasture fence.  The word VIEW caught my eye.

The clear cylinder tube was a rain gauge.

 Turns out, it was always there on our side of the fence.  The recent heavy rains had reached a high mark on the gauge. With a future blog in mind, I took a pic.

Before 7 am this morning, I had a nudge. Check out the photo on my camera.  

It wasn't very good.  And, I found it odd to be taking another photo.  Why not wait until the sun was brighter?  Little did I know I was being called on a mission. 

In the early morning light, as I walked out the door, I wondered about the timing, maybe a beautiful bird would appear and I'd be ready. 

But as I focused the camera on the VIEW RAIN GAUGE, I saw the bigger picture. 

Something was alive in that clear plastic tube.  An ant!

I wondered how long the little fellow had been paddling hard to keep his head above water.  Not sure how to free him, an angel thought quickly pointed out the gauge could be unsnapped from its holder. 

Presto!

The large ant, along with  3 1/2 inches of rain water, were poured out on the ground.  The ant was home free.  I noticed a large wet anthill by the fence.  Kind of amusing, as I imagined his peeps had been praying for a victory. 

Ants represent industriousness.  The message they bring is to pursue your work for the common good.  If your efforts are true, the rewards will follow.  Build from the ground up, no shortcuts. Be patient.

These days most of us can probably identify with that struggling ant, working to keep his head above water, while stuck inside a small container.   A clear view of the outside world, but no way visible way to get out and claim it.   The encouraging angel message this morning, was not to give up. Be patient.  Keep doing your best.  A helping hand will come along...

Love will make a way. 

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



(Ant ref. Animal_Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Balaam and the Talking Ass: An Angel Message


                                                       Balaam and the Ass 1626 by Rembrandt

"...ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee." (Job 12:7-10)
                               
Recently, I was led to an amazing Biblical account of a talking ass.

In Numbers 22:21-34, Balaam, a pagan prophet, was riding his donkey on a mission to see a king who wanted him to curse Israel.  The donkey stops when she sees one of God's Angels wielding a sword, blocking their way.  Crouching down, refusing to move forward, Balaam's temper flares and he prods the donkey three times with a stick. 

Then God opened the mouth of the donkey, and it spoke. "What have I done to you that you have beaten me three times?" 

What happens next is surprising.  Balaam answers the animal,  and the two have a debate!

When the angel is finally revealed to Balaam.  He gets down on his knees, begging for forgiveness.  The angel of the Lord tells Balaam if it weren't for his donkey, he would have perished by the sword, but his ass would have been saved.  In the end, Balaam took instruction from the angel and obediently proceeded on his mission to do the will of God. 

More stubborn than a donkey, this account reminded me of times when my strong-willed ego blindly tries to force her way forward without the benefit of seeing the big picture.  The lesson here is to pray and seek guidance within, and then obediently follow instruction. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 

  

Monday, June 15, 2020

Amazing Grace: A Message from the Angels

In memory of Mom's birthday, I'm resurrecting this older angel blog.  She would have been 102 this month. 

The summer of 2014 my faith was tested hard.  Mom had just turned 96 when overnight she lost the ability to speak clearly.  She tried hard to use the right words to express her desires, but they weren't a match.  I did my best to understand her requests.  Mom was always a good sport, smiling, she would shake her head, and try again.  I was thankful for the lessons I learned at that transitional time.  The most important was Love.  How communication is not so much about words as the love that inspires them.  It goes beyond symbols of form and touches heart to heart. Mom was still here to give and receive love.

One morning,  shortly after her mild stroke, I was sitting on the sofa alone at home, processing this sudden change in my mother.  How this vibrant fun loving woman so quick-witted and eager to bring joy to others, could suddenly be confounded in her loving expression.  With these thoughts in my head, I noticed an angel statue on the window ledge near me. I looked at the angel playing a harp, thinking to myself, Why don't you stop harping, and be grateful, for everything! The lavender angel had been a "find" years ago at a local thrift shop. A tiny battery switch was hidden inside the wood base.  I thought it would make her light up. But it didn't work.  Loving anything purple, I brought her home with me.

Now, concerned about my mother, something made me reach out for the angel with the harp.  I found myself turning her upside down.  Pushing the battery switch, I hoped she would finally light up.

What happened next caught me off guard.  It wasn't the angel who lighted, but me upon hearing three tinny sounding musical notes fill the air. The harp angel was a music box!  I laughed.  Curious, I tried again, hoping to hear the entire song.   

The angel's selection brought healing tears as she played my favorite hymn.  Amazing Grace!  (And, mother's.)

A touch of tender love enfolded me with gentle wings of grace and comfort.  I was not alone. More was going on than I could presently understand. The message was to keep trusting and having having faith. The lavender angel never did play the whole hymn again.  But, the amazing synchronicity of that celestial moment was life-changing. 

My hope is that you will be encouraged to stay strong during these unprecedented times of transformation.  We are not alone as humanity experiences a celestial speedup; the old is breaking down to make way for the new.  Outworn cherished ideals are being challenged, causing us to seek answers within, and be transformed by the renewing of our mind. The call is to come up higher in consciousness, recognizing God is Love.

So my friends, whatever challenges you are experiencing today, personal, local, global, remember God is Love.  God loves you.  His angels are here to help us stay tuned in divine Love.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Sunday, June 14, 2020

People Are Noticing You: An Angel Message

Missing our favorite donkey friend, Elliot and I took an impromptu ride out in the country to visit the orchid farm.     

Calling out to greet Alahambre,  the Jerusalem donkey slowly trod over to the fence.   A little down in the mouth, it had been over a month since our last visit and a week of steady rain.

It didn't take long to cheer him up, a few loving pats, some soothing words, and our playful burrow friend was back to his old self.

 With plenty of food inside the area, he longed for a tall weed, growing outside the fence.  It was close, but just beyond his reach.

The laughter began with a little help from Elliot.  He picked the long stemmed weed and fed it to this lovable face that became energized!  His passion for greens mirrored my own for chocolate. One stem at a time, they restored his vitality, and we returned home feeling full of joy.








The message the donkey brings is humility.  Good advice for us all.  "Be wise but remain humble in a new opportunity.  People are noticing you, so you do not need to promote yourself.  Stubbornness can hinder."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



---
Donkey ref.  Animal-Speak, Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews

Saturday, June 13, 2020

A Rainy Day Blessing: An Angel Message

Angels have such divine timing, synchronizing how to deliver the right thing at just the right time in just the right way.   Late Tuesday afternoon, in the pouring rain, an UPS truck pulled into the driveway.  Not expecting any deliveries, we were surprised to receive a large plastic envelope all the way from California.  The timely delivery was angelic in more ways than one.  Curious, I snipped away at the heavily taped envelope.  Inside was a small box, a loving gift from a friend.  A little Spirit Angel, with an open red heart, had come to bless. 

The words on the manufacturer's card read:

Angels are all around us
They care for us when times
are good or stressed.
Wrapping us in their wings
they whisper, You are Loved
       and Blessed.

I had been feeling stressed that day, more like a stranger to myself. 

The back of the card brought a smile as I read how this special angel had been created.  I could relate!

 "Each Spirit Angel is fired in an outdoor kiln.  Red hot, it is pulled from the kiln and placed into a pit with wood shavings.  The intense heat ignites a blaze giving this Spirit Angel unique flashes of color making it one of a kind."

What a comfort to know the Angels are here, helping us through these stressful times of global  transformation.  Our own one of a kind radiance will make us like Spirit Angels to Love and to Bless. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen





Friday, June 12, 2020

Refreshed and On the Right Track: An Angel Message




When an animal or a bird crosses your path, it is helpful to notice their behavior at the time.  What were they doing that got your attention?  In that respect, you can gain more insight into the message.

Yesterday afternoon, Elliot and I took a drive to the lake.  The clear waters were swollen from all the heavy rains this week.  We were the only ones around, until Elliot spotted a large brown bird  splashing near the water's edge.  From far off, he thought it was a hawk, but I assumed it was a duck because hawks don't usually wade out in the water.   

Curious, I got out of the car and walked down the road.   With the zoom, I could see Elliot had been right. 

A  red-shouldered hawk was drenched, from soaking her ruffled feathers, dipping up and down in the refreshing water. Nothing disturbed her, not my snapping away, nor the incessant sharp call of her circling mate.   The bright sun made it difficult for me to focus the LCD screen.   I asked the angels for help in capturing the special moment to share with you.

I was pleasantly surprised by the results.  And, thankful for the reminder that to ask our angels for help is to expect success. 

Hawk represents spirit vision and guardianship surround you.   Be patient and observe.  You will see the opportunities.  Signs are clear. 

An inspiring and timely message for us all. 

And, just like that hawk showed up, refreshing herself in healing waters, I am thankful for another reminder,--that we, too, must allow time for restoration and renewal.  There is a season for everything.



I must have been on the right track.  Because on the way home, a bend in the road revealed a large unusual object at the foot of a driveway.  An  antique train engine was waiting for the trash truck. Elliot reluctantly turned the car around to make a pick up.  The owner was in the yard, and gave me the thumbs-up.


That old red engine now serves a new purpose.  A  colorful planter on the back-porch!  And, a steady reminder to be like the Little Red Engine that Could.  A story about never giving up... To keep on chugging, as we stay on track up our own steep mountains.  Huffing and puffing, "I think I can.  I think I can! I think I can." 

With God and the Angels, we can succeed. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen
   

(Hawk ref. Animal Speak-Pocket Guide by Ted Andrews)

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Fully Rely on God: An Angel Message

Around 7:00 p.m. last night, my son called.  His landlord had texted him that a tornado warning was in effect for his area.  We checked the forecast, thankfully the alert was lifted there, but it was heading north in our direction. 

Hurrying to seek refuge, Elliot and I spotted a little frog leap over a rain puddle and hide in the bushes outside our living room window. That little frog was a symbol of faith as  F.R.O.G. is an acronym for: (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.  

 While sitting on the floor in the master bedroom, an angel thought came to listen to Handel's Messiah.  Soon it  was blasting from my cellphone.  The Hallelujah Chorus, raised in celestial voices, triumphed over the thunder drumming along to the dynamic music. 

 I tuned in to feel God's eternal harmony embracing All in Love, and not buying into the effects of my mortal senses. Nothing could ever separate me, or anyone from the Love of God. 

 I could see how much I'd grown spiritually, no longer trembling in fear, but graced by a shield of peacefulness in knowing the power of Psalm 91, and the presence of angels.

When the tornado threat had passed, a heavy thunderstorm rolled in.  It was getting late and Elliot and I went to bed. 

 Before falling asleep, we lost our power. I tried not to focus on the freezer--full of food, as sheet lightning flashed and flickered outside the bedroom window.    

At 11 p.m. the storm finally calmed down when I woke up.  By the light of my cellphone, I tiptoed out to the sun-room to call Duke Energy. A sweet woman answered the call.  Only 124 homes were in the dark. I was happy the count was so low.   And, the damaged equipment would be fixed by 4 a.m. 

Elliot was still sleeping soundly, as I returned to bed, feeling grateful.  I envisioned the Duke Energy light-workers embraced by God.  Thankful for their dedicated service.  

A thought suddenly came to me that God is not limited by time.  He is Ever-present.  All Good. All Power. Infinite.  Supreme. 

These three little words came like a whisper, "God is Love."  A blanket of peace washed over me as I laid there in the dark, softly repeating that comforting truth to myself.   

What happened a few minutes later took my breath away...

 I heard the sweet hum of the air- conditioner starting up!   The appliances in the kitchen pinged!  Our power was back! And, it was shortly after 11 p.m., hours before 4 AM.   

"God is Love."  The tenderness of that holy moment brought a surprise wave of grateful tears as I bathed in the awareness that God is Love.  Like a tired child in the loving arms of a parent, I fell asleep. 

I'm so grateful for the Angels loving protection and service, and for the reminders that wing their way into our minds to fully rely on God,  not just in storms, but in day-to-day living by abiding in His Everlasting Love.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


Saturday, June 6, 2020

Progress, A Gift of Experience: An Angel Message

A few rainy days ago, the soggy sandhill family strolled down the drive bringing a gift.  Junior took a tall drink of water from our birdbath.  Then something wonderful happened.  Watching the foursome parade along the wet pavement, big wings flapped up and down, as they bounced above the ground getting a feel of flight.   

Soon the tall chicks would fledge.  Ever since this exotic red-headed couple arrived in March, along with their two fuzzy baby chicks, my wish has been to watch them grow up, and take flight together as a happy family.   

This morning, opening my eyes after meditation, Mozart was still ringing in my ears as I happened to catch a glorious sight of choreography.  Four pair of light, expansive wings, like angels,--the sandhill family flew in tandem,  lifting up beyond the wet fields.  With ease, their powerful wings soared above the limitation of the pasture fence.

 I can't explain my sudden rush of grateful tears that met their victory.  The gift of experience through patience, love and guardianship had brought progress.   No thunderstorms, tornadoes, fences,  or predators had stopped their daily growth.  The sandhills had taught a lesson on patiently doing our best, day by day.   

The gift of watching the sandhill family evolve is bittersweet...

I wonder, will they still frequent our driveway now there is no need to come and go through the large hole in the pasture fence?

With grace, the cranes can now heed the call to the quest, and in a moment's notice fly free together with only the sky as the limit. But, it is good to remember, that in the meantime, God always make a way for us to navigate until we earn our wings.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



Thursday, June 4, 2020

Bonsai! An Angel Message


Early yesterday, Elliot and I ventured out to the farmer's market. The morning sky had a touch of heaven, with golden light and white clouds shaped like majestic mountains.  The county fair grounds were abuzz with farmers selling potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, bananas, strawberries, and oranges.   Colorful flowers, lush green plants,-- memorabilia of all kinds were on display.

Having quickly loaded up with fresh produce, we were making tracks for the car, when Elliot was suddenly inspired to make one last stop.  He pointed off in the far distance, saying, believe it or not, we may be able to find toilet paper over there.  It's probably a mirage, I laughed, down to our last three rolls, it was becoming a necessity.  Following him to a table, to my surprise, two large sealed bundles of toilet paper were stacked up.  We were leaving one for someone else, when the vendor told us she had more.  We were on a roll... and bought another for family.

Feeling grateful, making our way to the car,  I spotted an assortment of bonsai trees in the last row.  Half-price, each had been harmoniously choreographed in a homemade wooden box, landscaped with gravel and moss.  One little bonsai touched my heart.  I've always wanted a bonsai tree, and recently received a gift of a kit to grow my own which takes years. I didn't know that a bonsai is a potted plant (such as a tree) dwarfed (as if by pruning) and trained to an artistic shape.

Impatient to wait so long, that special bonsai now has a new home on our back porch.  This morning listening to the rain,  I admired the company of the little juniper bonsai.   The curved trunk seemed to bow down in humbleness.   I decided to name her Grace.




Later, on-line, I learned that the bonsai symbolizes simplicity, harmony, and age.  The juniper tree is a symbol of power and strength and represents the ability to overcome life's challenges. That's certainly what we're all experiencing right now.   What comfort and peace to know that with God's grace, and a little willingness on our part, we, too,  can be over-comers.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace to you,


Rae Karen