Friday, August 28, 2020

The Cicada and the Palm: An Angel Message

Amazing how sometimes you can "pick up"  on some fleeting detail that catches your eye, and immediately know what it represents, without knowing how, and yet you just know that you know.   It happened yesterday at lunch while discussing an old book I'd been guided to reread. Gospel Messages from the Antarctic by George Paterson.  

But when something is meant to be, you've probably noticed, that somehow it wends its way across your path.  That's how, over twenty years ago,  I discovered George Paterson's book based on a thrilling expedition to Antarctica. I was eating a sandwich in my car at a fast food place with my Mom.   I can still see the book flattened in the middle of a busy four-lane road. The motion of cars and trucks stirring its pages, giving it new life.   

I was trying to curb the urge to chase after signs, so I looked, but did not leap... until my Mom pointed it out.  "Maybe that book is a sign for you."  I laughed because it was out of character for her to talk like that.   Waiting for a break in  traffic, I ran out in the road, and grabbed the faded blue book.  All the pages were intact, but it had taken quite a beating.  Gospel Messages from the Antarctic didn't seem like a hit to me. 

At the time, my life was a challenging journey so I winced when I read the spiritual stories in the book were based on another book, "The Worst Journey in the World".  It had been written by one of the men who went with Capt. Scott in 1911 to the freezing Antarctic Continent.  

So back to yesterday's lunch, while telling Elliot about rereading Gospel Messages from the Antarctic, and hoping to find a way to create an e-book for boys and girls, my thoughts were interrupted by a sudden appearance of a wide-winged insect flying by the sun-room window. I tracked it to the palm tree.   It seemed too good to be true to see a cicada in her new form. They are heard more than seen...and sound like sleigh bells ringing in the treetops, to chill the summer heat. 

This one had broken out of her hard shell, and to my surprise, landed on a long palm leaf swaying in the breeze. She clung to the frond, and I got a glimpse of her free spirit, swinging back and forth.  Elliot couldn't see the winged creature,  so after lunch, I went to take a look, not fully trusting my intuition.  


To my delight, a  transparent lacy winged cicada was happily swinging on the long green frond, enjoying the ride. The wind kept stirring the branch, so I gently held it still to take a photo for you.    



Her newly formed presence seemed significant so I looked on-line.  Cicada often represents personal change, renewal, rebirth and transformation.  Unlike the butterfly or moth, or other insects, that undergo complete metamorphosis, the cicada has no pupal state.  They transform from one fully-functioning state to another, in a small amount of time.  Below you can see the old hard skeletal shell hooked on a tree so the new creature can slowly wiggle out of a  narrow slit in the top of the hard headed shell, and emerge with wings.   

Her choice to land on the palm tree delivered another important lesson from nature.  

The stately palm, unlike other trees that branch out in many directions, only grows straight up. The trunk is elastic, and keeps the tree flexible.  During storms, the palm bends down low so as not to break in the wind.     

While humanity is going through a perilous expedition in uncharted territory, the good news is if we keep our focus on the indwelling Christ, we, too, will break out of our old shell and awaken to a new creature in Christ.  

Here are some things from Gospel Messages from the Antarctic, we can do to see with the eyes of  our heart so we may see Him.

1.  Humble our hearts before God and tell Him that we need His light to guide us 'home'.

2.  Resolve that so far as we know how to do it we will "run...the race...looking unto Jesus."

3. Ask God to open the eyes of our heart so that we may really see "the heavenly vision" for ourselves.

4.   Ask him to show us more and more what that vision means, and to give us grace to be obedient to it, whatever it may cost.    

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and remember God loves You.  

Love and peace,


Rae Karen 




Tuesday, August 25, 2020

The Power of One: An Angel Message

On our way out to take a walk this morning, an angel thought nudged, go take a look at little Gracie, our resident juniper bonsai on the back porch.  

Sure enough, a new story had sprung up in the miniature garden box.  

A big single umbrella capped mushroom had blossomed. The biggest one so far, and the only one present.    A closer look revealed how it was bent on leaning forward, stretching toward the light.  The tiny spider's spiral web was still intact on the bonsai's green bough.  By the way, I named her Faith, and she, too had expanded her web with wispy wings that extended her territory.  


What I took away from this endearing scenario was how important it is not to underestimate the power of one to make a change in the world. One juniper bonsai, one single mushroom, one tiny spider, one willing person, all creating a message of light together.  After all, one plus God is a majority, and that's the only thing that counts in the end.

Love and many blessings,


Rae Karen 

Monday, August 24, 2020

Catching Fish: An Angel Message


Lately it seems like something will catch my eye, only to discover later that there is need to go deeper. A clue to find, like an advent door on a decorative Christmas calendar.  Several weeks ago, this vintage snow orb music box was one of those things.  The monuments in Washington, D.C. were featured together in miniature: The Capitol Building, White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.  When you shake the globe, glitter falls like snow. And, the music plays the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

When I came home from the Farmers' Market, without thinking much about it, I set the patriotic orb  on the coffee table by the angel statue holding a star.  They were a good pair.   Our country needs our prayers right now for peace, harmony, and forgiveness.   


While working on the blog, an angel thought came to look up the symbolism of the actual placement of these historic monuments.  On-line, I caught a fish. An article on how they might have been strategically placed to form an image of a fish, cradled between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.


Reminds me of another surprising fish that showed up on our driveway in January.  A Fish symbol outlined by light. 



Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Three Wise Monkeys: An Angel Message

You never know what may cross your path, and catch your eye.  An angel nudge.  Years ago, my friend Edra showed me her key-ring with the three wise monkeys on it.   She laughed, saying it was a good reminder to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil wherever she went.  I never forgot that.  So whenever three monkeys appear, I think fondly of my friend, now shining bright on the other side.

This morning the hand-carved wooden monkey trio at the farmers' market brought a smile.  It felt like Edra had reached through the veil, and, like an angel, had tapped me on the shoulder. 

At home some research revealed the origin of the Three Wise Monkeys. A 2000 year-old symbol named sanzaru. In Japan "san" means 3 and "saru" means monkey.   In Japan, monkey is supposed to ward off evils.

Each proverbial principled monkey has a name:


MIZARU-  Sees no evil.  


KIKAZARU - Hears no evil


IWAZARU -  Speaks no evil

Also, Mahatma Gandhi had one exception to his lifestyle of non-possession.  It was a small statue of the Three Wise Monkeys.



The  sanzaru  have found a home on my desk by Archangel Gabriel, the Angel of Communications.  A message to be prudent with what I say, wise with what I listen to, and skillful with what I look at.  Always keep our spirit pure.  Avoid listening to anything that may cause us to act badly.  Avoid speaking without reason, and do not see evil actions as natural.  Three guidelines that will lead to  peace and happiness.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Friday, August 21, 2020

Mushrooming with Grace: An Angel Message


Earlier this week severe thunderstorms moved through central Florida bringing sudden destruction to several homes in DeLand.  Thankfully, there were no fatalities.

Thunderclaps and lightning bolts shook the house in our area, rattling my nerves as I prayed Psalm 91, and called on the angels for help. 

The next day Grace, our little bonsai on the back porch caught my attention.  The winds had tattered the spider web that had clung to her long branch. Otherwise, the bonsai garden had passed safely through the storm.

 Yesterday in the late afternoon, to my delight, the dainty spiral web was intact again, rehung from the juniper's green bough! And, the tiny spider was in plain view, resting in her renewed creativity. Her powerful lesson was on keeping the faith.  To never give up, no matter what. To get back up, and do your best.  Be like that persistent little web weaver, and keep on keeping on.    

This morning, yet another wonderful surprise was waiting under Grace, the bonsai.  Two new mushroom umbrellas had blossomed!  Don't you think one looks as though a feather is growing on its cap?  Feathers are a welcomed sign of angelic help. A comforting message that we are never alone.  God's grace is sufficient for us all.


I'm so thankful for these inspiring messages from nature that speak a truth in a universal language of Love. I welcome any nature experiences you may wish to share. We all grow as we weave our stories together in an ever-expanding spiral web of enlightenment that heals the heart. 

Love and peace,


Rae Karen  








Sunday, August 16, 2020

Winging Their Way to Victory - White Ibis

                         

This morning, the angels of nature presented a beautiful gift at sunrise.  A large flock of  two dozen or more white ibis, suddenly appeared in the sky, flying east in "V" formation.   It happened so fast there was no time for a picture, but this image gives a touch of the glory of that special moment. 

The golden sunlight, reflecting off their wide opened wings, spread a touch of wonder to a celestial blue sky.

 Mostly the ibis that cross our path are grounded, pecking for food in the pasture or at the lake.  So this rare V-flight formation was a beautiful symbol of what is to come.  A "V" formation signals new opportunities on the horizon, and their directional arrow < was pointing east, toward the sunrise.   The finale of their exhibition was a long stream of white wings, flying in single file, following the "V" sign, like an airplane ad banner across the blue sky.  Victory!

What joy to catch a glimpse of their awesome flight as we looked out the window watching them soar above the treetops.  A message, perhaps, to keep our own thoughts on higher consciousness to stay on course, and head for the horizon of a "new day". 

In her book, Angel Messages, Claire Nahmad, writes about the ibis:

"If the ibis draws close to you, a spiritual call is sounding your name.  You have been chosen to enter into a new and elevated spiritual understanding."

 A wonderful, inspirational message for us all at this hour.  Thank you, Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen 




(photo- wikimedia) 

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Spiritual Vitamins: An Angel Message


I couldn't believe it.   As you recall, a perfect tiny spiral web hung from Grace, the bonsai juniper, on Tueday.  Well, late Wednesday morning, on my way out the porch door with my watering can, I spotted something new and enlivening.  Five dainty little Japanese umbrellas had appeared over night!

In that precious moment, the little garden had quite a transformation of new life, for the fragile mushrooms had opened up in unison, giving the garden an oriental touch.  I could see the five had sprouted out of a little green mound of moss, an oasis in a box of tiny pebbles.

Five is a number of expansion, stepping outside of the 4-sided box, just like the wooden planter they grew in. 

To celebrate their presence, I found three tiny garden gnomes, tucked away as a future gift for our granddaughter.  The colorful trio suddenly had a new home in the miniature garden box.

I'm so thankful for these loving touches that come from the Angels of Nature to offer joy and hope and faith. We can't make them happen, but they are like spiritual vitamins.  Out of nothing, something can suddenly appear that nourishes the heart and soul and re-energizes the body.

Remember, God loves you.  So keep having faith that goes beyond any logic, and trust in His Word.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen







Wednesday, August 12, 2020

A Tiny Surprise from a Bonsai : An Angel Message

What angel messages from nature are catching your attention today?

With a big affinity for little things, nature presented an unexpected gift yesterday.  The baby brown anole in yesterday's blog prompted action to clean up the porch.  The low humidity and cooler temp. made it an ideal time to pick up my broom and get busy.  As you know, one thing often leads to another, and before long, I was on the move, rearranging potted plants and furniture. Little did I know this would set the stage for an afternoon surprise.  On my way out, our little bonsai tree in her new spot by the back door caught my attention in a BIG way. 

To my surprise a tiny circle web,  no bigger than a dime, was suspended from the middle of the  green bough of the bonsai juniper tree named Grace! I'd never seen such a little web, and was thankful for the lovely reminder of oneness.  Bonsai is a symbol of simplicity, harmony, and age.  The juniper represents the ability to overcome life's challenges. Something we're all working on right now, with grace and help from within and the heavenly host.

Staring at the perfect tiny spiral, intricately spun round and round by a masterful little weaver, I wondered about the angel nature message. 

What first came to mind had to do with size.  It matters not how big or how small our creation is.  The most important thing is to be constructive, and to create with love. The circle of life unites all with a single golden thread of light within each of us. 

 Spider energy brings a message to create...create...create.  When spider appears it's time to weave something new, with love. Trust feeling rather than seeing.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Love Will Make a Way: An Angel Message


Yesterday morning, while at my desk, I looked out the window, wondering what nature angel messenger may show up today.  There was no sign of wildlife anywhere, smiling I told myself, you don't have to have a blog everyday.  

What happened next caught me by surprise.  

At that moment, my eyes shifted,  and, there, inside the screened-in porch, a baby brown anole was looking my way, resting on the top of our Marian statue! It could have been my imagination, but he seemed satisfied that he had finally caught my attention.  The baby anole stayed on the Queen of the Angels for most of the morning, and in the afternoon he disappeared.     

Early this morning, taking a walk down the country road, a larger brown anole crossed our path.  He was hanging out on metal gated fence, looking out at the green pasture.






Before long, he sent out his love light, hoping to find a mate.


Returning home, I spotted a lonesome leaf in the shape of a heart.  It seemed oddly out of place on the driveway near the passenger side of our car. Playfully, I took it for a nature valentine from the angels.  Love was in the air.   A quick look at the surrounding trees confirmed the unusual leaf  hadn't come from any of their branches. 

"It must have blow in,"  Elliot said, as I picked it up.  "And, it looks like a heart."


The winds had delivered the heart leaf.  What a lovely thought.  

Love can blow into our lives when least expected, uniting hearts in the most unlikely ways. So if you are feeling alone just now, and discouraged that you may not meet your soul-mate, take heart that when two people are destined to be together, nothing can keep them apart.  Love will always make a way.

Love, joy, and peace,


Rae Karen


Sunday, August 9, 2020

Your Move? An Angel Message

This morning, after meditation, my eyes opened in time to see a large bird flying by the sun-room slider.  A red shouldered hawk had landed near the palm tree, seizing an opportunity.   His eyes  looked up at me for disturbing his morning meal with a photo op. The timing of this powerful messenger delivers a message to be patient and observe.  You will see the opportunities that come your way.  The signs are clear.  Spirit vision and guardianship surround you.


Soon, his wings fluttered to another nearby spot in the yard.  At first, it appeared the yellow-beaked hawk had joined a friendly board game with these two contemplative frogs near the front walk.  A reminder to Fully Rely on God.  (F.R.O.G) before you make a move in any direction.


Later, another surprise angel message appeared in the sunlight.  A reminder that whatever move you make to CHOOSE HAPPY.  Just like the neighborly boar, wagging her tail, while moving quickly through the yard on her way down the road.   I looked up the symbolism.  Boar is a symbol "to draw on the family strength and fidelity.  Hold true to your faith to maneuver through congestion."

What angelic messages from nature are heading your way today? 

Love, peace, and joy,


Rae Karen





Ref. Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews

Saturday, August 8, 2020

7-Up: An Angel Message

It may seem as though every time we go to the nearby lake, a bird is conspicuously standing out on the No. 7 water measuring rod, but that is rarely the case.  (Seven is a holy, peaceful number meaning spiritual instruction; completion, and perfection.)And, if one happens to show up, it brings a timely message.

A young cormorant was the bird of choice Friday afternoon.

"When a cormorant appears, it's a signal to dive deeper for answers and solutions.  A new birth is at hand.  Trust in your methods.  You will accomplish things now in unique ways what others cannot."


I didn't have my camera, on this mail-run, but asking permission to take a photo with my phone, slowly my feet came closer to his perch.

After the picture, his glossy black plumage took flight, and to my surprise, he didn't fly off, but splashed into the refreshing waters, creating a wave of wide concentric circles rippling out in the still clear lake.  A message to watch what we put out there because it expands to an ever widening circle of energy.

Early this morning, a sunlit Great Egret was perched on the 7-perfection pole, with his mouth opened as if he were talking to the fish.  As shared in the past, this elegant wader's message takes form in the "S" shape of his neck, signifying to rely more on Spirit direction than on the material realm.

 
The final touch of the morning came as Elliot and I went over to sit in the shade of a sheltering tree by the lake.  A bright yellow hand-painted HOPE rock had been lovingly placed on the wood beam under the picnic table.  The past week, I've been reading about working with the angels, and the color rays, especially focusing on the color yellow!
At home, I looked up verse Psalm 31:24 written on the flip side of the rock:

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

I'm so thankful for all of the angelic support and love that is available.  We each have our guardian angels, and the assistance of a host of angels that will help us go deeper, and come up higher in consciousness, if we focus on living one day at a time. The choice is ours to make.  It can be a time to be grateful for what we have, and to be happy for the simple, but most meaningful things in life.  We can find happiness, and help to brighten the world during these fearful, and intensely challenging times, if we keep our thoughts on high, watching and praying that the inner will be made manifest in the outer.  Earth will be translated into Heaven.  All is well.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



Cormorant - Animal Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Friday, August 7, 2020

Choose Happy: An Angel Message


Before my 96-year old Mom went to heaven, we often talked about what it may be like on the other side.  Before her final lift-off, I made a request, that if she could, to please let me know that she was happy when she got there. 

Imagine my surprise, several weeks after her passing, to receive an amazing gift in the mail. A friend had sent an angel figurine holding a bright star.  The comforting inscription on her heavenly gown, brought a rush of goosebumps and a big smile. In that moment, it felt as though Mom had reached through the veil and playfully tapped me on the shoulder.   

Perhaps they are not Stars,
but rather openings
where our
Loved ones
shine down
to let us
know they are Happy. 


Yesterday marked the 6-year anniversary of my mother's earthly graduation.  The day began with the wild pig running through our yard, tail wagging, on her way back home to the woods. It had been awhile since she was last seen.  "Mama" I laughed.   As I've shared before, Mom always had an affinity for pigs, having one as a pet on the farm where she grew up.  She also collected a wide variety of pigs in her curio cabinet--gifts from friends and family, over the years.

The angels of laughter were at play yesterday. Late in the afternoon, a little package was delivered to our front door.  When I opened it up, I had a good laugh, unrolling the bright big queen pig's message.  Choose HAPPY!   Unknowingly, my brother had sent it right on time.   Choose Happy.  I loved the reminder that our loved ones are happy, and want us to be.  Love never dies.  And, neither do we as spiritual beings.  Death is like kicking off a tight shoe (the body).  It's gone but you're still you, ready to begin a brand new chapter WHOLE HOG in the pink.  :-D


Love and joy,


Rae Karen



Thursday, August 6, 2020

A Question of Timing: An Angel Message


A thick patch of  weeds on the knoll out front needs attention. The zealous weeds have pushed up through the weed-resistant cloth ground cover.   The heat and humidity have put the project on hold.  Although the view-spoiler from the sun-room is a daily reminder to do something.  My ego advises, "Mow them down with a weed whacker.  Do the deep uprooting later." 

That all changed last night at dinner time. Something amusing happened.  The universe sent an unexpected "helping hand" that taught a lesson on how all things work together for good. 

This cute cotton-tailed rabbit hopped across the lawn and into the landscaped area.  It stopped to nibble on the grassy mound.  The levity of that moment brought a smile.  And, also made me grateful that no hasty action had been taken to spoil the hungry little rabbit's dinner. 

Rabbit is a sign of fertility and life.  When I looked up the symbol for more detail, what a surprise to learn it means to wait (which I'd done with the weeds, ha!) "Look for fertile signs.  If unsure wait. The answers will become clear within a month. Then movement is assured."

While waiting, the angels encourage us to spend time working with creative energy that brings  peace and joy. Paint, write, sew, dance, sing, create...create... create.   Add more color to your life by trying something new.  It doesn't have to be in a big way, but just a little willingness to expand your daily routine and add a touch of joyful expectancy.  We are all capable of letting moments full of light expand, spreading joy and love.  Sadness and sorrow can also multiply, covering the sky in our life with heavy clouds.  The rabbit brings a gift to turn light into life.  Resurrection energy is at hand.  Diving timing is always perfectly orchestrated when we are willing to yield.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen






(Animal-Speak, Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Angel Cloud Over the Lake: An Angel Message

"Watch with me angels, watch with me today."  
                                            --A Course in Miracles

Yesterday the Great Egret had once again returned to wade in the cool waters.  His elongated neck stretched upwards, was a call to look up.  The big white cumulus clouds like cotton balls were making images in the sky. 




A heavenly profile of an angel, holding a candle was flying by in her snowy white gown.  (Outlined in pink)




A wonderful reminder that angels are always near.  We may not always see them but we can feel and notice the effects of their loving presence at work in our lives. 

Love, peace and joy to you today.


Rae Karen







Monday, August 3, 2020

A Heavenly Forecast : An Angel Message

Yesterday afternoon, what a surprise to watch this large Red-shouldered hawk fly across the yard and land on a fence post in the rain.  His sudden arrival was timely as Hurricane Isaias had been downgraded, losing its wind power and moving farther east out to sea.  Thank you for all your prayers and meditations that helped to calm the storm here in Florida.  God is Love. And, we continue to work with prayers and the angels as Isaias moves north.

 When the hawk photo was uploaded, it brought a smile.  The hawk was perched on top of the rain gauge!  With his yellow beak looking upward, the angel message seemed to be a reminder to keep doing our inner work, and leave the results to God and His angels.  (Yellow is the color of faith.) 

In the evening, around sundown, the sky took on a beautiful golden "Kodachrome" hue that reflected everywhere.  Such peacefulness blanketed the earth, and the living portrait of a touch of heaven became even more perfect when a large gentle brown deer pranced by in the gold lit pasture. It was moving too fast for a photo, but left a heartwarming memory.   Deer is the gentle call to a new adventure...

And, with our many trials, we are being asked to trust God and come up higher.  Victory is assured.

Stay strong and don't ever quit. Angels are with you to help, protect, and guide. 

Love and light,


Rae Karen 

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Know What? You're Loved: An Angel Message


Yesterday at the Farmers' Market in town, the angels taught me a good lesson on how I don't always see the big picture.  A reminder that there is always more going on than meets the eye.

In the morning sunlight, I stopped at a vendor's table underneath a tree, to look over his collection of memorabilia. Loving nature, an unusual one-of-a-kind item immediately stuck out. A hand-carved wooden heart trivet, so I thought.  The dainty flowers etched in the center of the rich wood looked like a cheerful cheerleader with pom poms.  Encouragement was needed most, with Florida in the headlines.



What a surprise when the vendor, with a twist of his wrist, showed me what it really was. The wide outer circle popped up as a basket handle!  The multiple layers of inter-laced hearts all raised up to create a sweet little love basket!
It took all of those hearts, working in harmony, to create a receptacle for LOVE. I couldn't think of a better example of all the love that is being shared today.  Sometimes events may make us feel down, and flattened out, but choosing to love in the midst of fear, together we all rise up and create a basketful of blessings to share with the world.

And, know what?  The angels want you to remember that You are LOVED.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen 


Saturday, August 1, 2020

7 Great Egret: An Angel Message

When an angel message appears in nature, there is a sudden realization, an inner-knowing to slow down and pay attention. There are no random acts.  What you see is an outer reflection of an inward consciousness, on some level, that is sending a signal for you to go deeper.    To become aware of another lens in which to know the world around you, and to find peace with a greater understanding of God's Love. 


This morning on the way to the farmer's market, coming around the bend by the lake, far off I spotted a stately tall bird perched conspicuously on the water level post.  The appearance of the Great Egret in that unusual stance was an angel message to take a detour and spend time by the lake.  The sun was so bright that it seemed impossible to get a photo, so I thought, (which has happened before) but with the help of the angels I met with some success.

The Great White Egret brings a message of strong spiritual reliance. When the photo was uploaded, I could see a bold number 7 on the wooden measurement post. The long white neck of this elegant wader, curved in the shape of an "S", stood out as a reminder to fully rely on Spirit.  Seven is a number of completion and perfection. And it was a new sign on the marker.  With the tropical storm in the forecast for our region this weekend,  the 7 Great Egret was a comforting reminder to keep thoughts on high, knowing God is Love, and all is well. 



I'm thankful for these loving nature messages that encourage us to stand tall in the light during these times of extreme adversity.  How comforting to remember angels are here with us.  We are not alone.  When we still our minds from the outer turmoil and go within to find the peace of God, the inner is reflected in the outer, and we are blessed with angel messages that are lovingly reflected in the outer world.  Messages that bring strength and help us to grow spiritually day by day.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful day with your Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen