
(Artwork by Nanette Crist Johnson)
The Source replied:
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Last weekend, Elliot and I took a drive to the orchid farm. We were long overdue in visiting our Jerusalem donkey friend, Allahambra who lives there, with a couple of large emus, and a free roaming pet pig.
When he spotted us walking across the field, he eagerly ran to meet us at the fence, letting out an ear-splitting
bray— ears pent back--nostrils flared, in such a woeful HEE-HAW that my eyes misted. Rarely am I greeted with such an overpowering display of heartfelt affection. Patting his smooth snout, we gave him lots of love, but, in a matter of minutes, the clouds opened up, and it began to rain. We opened our umbrella, hoping to prolong the visit, but that wise donkey turned back to the woods for shelter, as we stood there watching him, laughing that he had more sense than we did to get out of the rain.
To make up for the short visit, we went back again on Saturday. Calling out to him, the donkey looked up from the far side of his area and slowly trotted forward. No big fanfare this time, but that was okay. He was happy to have company, and enjoyed being fed the tall grassy weeds from our side of the fence.
A mother and her two young daughters by the fishpond had been watching our friendly exchange with Allahambra. They came over with a surprised look. The mom said, the last time we were here, he yelled at us!
Right on cue, Allahambra began braying loud at them, giving them the royal welcome. Smiling, I told her that meant he’s so happy you came to see him. His heart is wide open to receive love.
The mom smiled, seeing the friendly brown donkey through a different lens. Love. She reached out and petted his brown trim coat, no longer afraid. Her daughters joined in, picking the tall grass, and handing him a treat over the fence. Their sweet innocent voices called out, “Here donkey, this is for you.”
Allahambra basked in all the loving attention. A miracle had happened. A shift in perception--from fear to love. His seeming loud obnoxious call was not
in anger, but a call for love. If only I could remember that everything is either love or a call for love... what a peaceful happy day it can be.
Besides, who couldn’t love a face like this!
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Last evening's heavy rains brought out several dark soil stains leading up to the front door. This morning, an idea came to loosen the dirt with an application of cleaning vinegar. I surprised myself by getting busy before eating breakfast. The unusual timing brought an unexpected gift.
Honeybees were buzzing the bright buttercup blooms, having a sip of nectar. I didn't know bees were so active early in the morning. But I welcomed the sign.
Buttercups, over the years, have come to symbolize faith, and the bee represents doing the impossible. Things may seem impossible by sight, but not by faith-- whatever the appearance of things might be, we are always joined to the invisible, but very real presence of Christ within. His life is ours and He will uphold us. So the angels encourage us to keep counting on Him--with God all things are possible.
Nature makes learning a joy, and I'm going to try to be more attentive when a nudge comes to do this or that... Timing is everything. A short time later, I discovered the bees had fulfilled their mission and were off on a new adventure.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Today Elliot and I decided to be spontaneous and break out of our normal morning routine. So, long breakfast, we were out the door on a walk before the sun had a chance to heat up. Elliot spotted this giant pig cloud, facing east, over the cow pasture--its face lit up by the sun.
But there was more to come. Turns out, the sudden change in our schedule brought a blessing. A beautiful rainbow!
Here the colorful rainbow appears to make a slam dunk into the basketball hoop!
Haven't seen a rainbow in the longest time, but there it was, and it hadn't rained. My angel card for today is Blessing. "By focusing on the blessings that your spirit had brought to you or someone else, you are better able to learn from the difficulties in your life rather than seeking only to survive them. "Lift your eyes from the mundane and fearful toward the evolved and enlightened."
Happy Labor Day!
Love and joyful blessings,
Rae Karen