The Art of Slowing Down: An Angel Message

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

 In Anselm Gruen's book, Angels of Grace, he writes that the Angel of Slowness would like to introduce you to the art of being.  There are many things we can rediscover by slowing down, and not always rushing to get things done.  Walk slowly, pay attention to every step, leave time for conversation, eat slowly, be deliberately aware of your actions.

An amusing reminder popped up while quickly surfing for a pic for this blog. The perfect road sign.

 

SLOW:  PENGUINS CROSSING

I decided to slow down and learn more about penguins.

Penguins can't fly, but because their wings are like fins they are excellent swimmers, easily flipping from one realm to the other, land to sea.  Always elegantly dressed in formal attire, penguins are ready to step out in style. Respectful, they walk in single file, often bowing to each other.  When the male falls in love with his prospective mate, he will give her a gift of a pebble. The couple works together in family matters. After laying their eggs, the females take off on an epic journey to the sea in search of food. The fathers stay behind to keep the egg warm while the mothers are away.  Two months later, the females return for a joyful reunion, just in time to witness the birth of their babies.

 

I'm thankful for the angel message to take it slow and easy today.  Patience must have its perfect work. You never know what may happen when you're fully present each moment. Things you may have missed in a hurry will brighten your day.  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

2023: The Year of the Water Rabbit

Often it may take time for the puzzle pieces to fit together.  A friend from Japan sent this colorful rabbit postcard card. It took me over a week to realize it was a New Year's greeting.

Meanwhile, rabbit synchronicity was at play.  The story of Peter Rabbit unfolded in the movie Miss Potter. Renee Zellweger's portrayal of Beatrix Potter, the famous children's author and illustrator of Peter Rabbit, stirred my thoughts to the wild rascally bunnies here.  

Where had they gone? I missed their playful antics. 

The answer caught me by surprise a few days later.  I looked up from the sofa. A wild streak of fluffy fur raced toward the sun-room to hide in the landscape bushes. 

 

A rush of joy at a welcome sight. The rabbits were still around, although seldom seen.   

Rabbit represents fertility and new life.  They're quick--adept at shifting gears from freeze-frame to rapid acceleration, in a heartbeat.

I wasn't as quick...until someone told me, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. 

 A light bulb went on in my head.

I dug out the Japanese rabbit postcard from the file box; thankful for an angel message from nature. Curious, I looked up the symbolism of rabbit. 

2011 was the last Year of the Rabbit. That's when we packed up and moved down to Florida to begin a new life. 

And, 2023 is the Water Rabbit, a year of hope. This is a time we'll have the ability to turn unfortunate events around despite their upbringing.  

I've learned hope is the work of the Holy Spirit when I let go and turn things over to divine wisdom for guidance.

As far as water...  We have plenty of it.  Our favorite lake is closed, the water level is too high.  I miss the happy morning fanfare of waddling happy hearts, eager for cracked corn. The ducks are gone. They've moved on.   The good news is the water level is holding...no flooding the houses by the lake.

So in 2023, take a hint from the Water Rabbit.  Keep having hope--whatever you're facing, know it can be turned around for good.  The hardest part is letting go of any ego preconceived outcomes. With peace and patience, God's purpose for our lives can unfold for the highest good of all, one day at a time.   

Peace, love, and Joy,

Rae Karen 

(photo: spring bunny in yard)

Suck It Up, Buttercup: An Angel Message

 Angel messages often come to us in flowers, birds, trees, songs--anything that catches the attention of our soul, and translates a lesson to make it easier to understand. 

It happened with the wild buttercup plant ...the hardy volunteer, seeded by the wind, and forced to bloom and grow up between the rocky border along our front walk. The Buttercup had passed all her tests.  She cheerfully bloomed in that tight hard spot, and blessed most days with creamy yellow buttercups filled with sunshine. 

With deep roots anchored in the narrow dirt crack, Buttercup's stem managed to grow tall and thick, gaining many new branches for more buds.  Then, a recent winter freeze hit hard.  The winds blew, and she shed all of her leaves in a sad little pile on the sidewalk.  Gently, I swept them away, and thanked her for being my teacher.  

The view from the sun-room centered on what was left of Buttercup.  Two bare but sturdy stems stuck out as a testimony of her past glory.  Although now stripped bare, her lesson stuck with me. I thought about clipping her down, but something always stopped me.  

The rains came, and then the weather warmed up. 

Yesterday as I passed her by, I looked twice.  She had new life-- little green leafs, fresh and eager to begin again.  Thank you, Buttercup for another lesson. 

 Buttercups are flowers of faith...the most adaptable plant in the garden. They can bloom almost anywhere.  

Sometimes we may find ourselves down and out, stuck in a small dark place, feeling dead and empty inside. Hopelessness sets in that things will never change.   

"Suck it up, Buttercup!" is a slogan on a pick-up truck in the neighborhood.  It always brings a sheepish smile.  A snappy reminder not to whine and complain during life's challenges.  Be like the faith-filled BUTTERCUP, and suck it up.  This too shall pass.

 And, just in case the lawn service gets zealous, I placed this angel to guard the precious buttercup.  Another reminder that God's angels are with us, too.  We just need to do our best, day by day, in gratitude for all the blessings we have.

Love, Peace, and Joy,

Rae Karen

Bloom Where You're Planted

Often we are forced to bloom with our backs against a stone wall. We've done everything in our power to make a change in our surroundings, but it just isn't happening. 

 It's hard to realize at times such as these that we are the change we're waiting for. 

Like the flowers, it's not about a new location. It's about a new transformation within us. 

We can wilt, letting off steam or wither, burning up energy needed for blooming. Or we can sweetly surrender and relax in the sunshine, letting our petals open naturally and on time.  

 So if change is slow in coming, ask to find peace right where you are, knowing that you're exactly at the right place at the right time. Your presence is there by divine order. Ask your Guardian Angel to help you accept what is for right now with gratitude and patience.  Time spent in meditation and prayer are Miracle Grow to help unfold the lovely petals of our heavenly purpose.  

The best is yet to be.  

Love and joy,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

(Photo:web)

A Helping Hand: An Angel Message

Yesterday on the drive home, a large gopher tortoise was up ahead.  In transit, his domed back and claw legs lumbered along the country road into our neighborhood. Since the hurricanes last fall, tortoises are seldom seen, so I was happy one was out and about in the sunshine.  

We braked to yield to this unlikely pedestrian, but he immediately froze in the road, unsure of the next move.  

Cars began backing up.  Without thinking, I sprang to the rescue. My fear for the lone tortoise's safety exceeded my fear of picking him up--something I'd never done.  I ran out in the road and gulped as he waited for the next move.  Many scrapes and scuff marks on his dusty brown shell proved he'd made it through other narrow escapes. 

He needed help to get across the road to safety.  My heart pounded, as I reached down. He was so big. Maybe he sensed my anxiety because he quickly tucked himself away inside his thick brown shell. He now looked more like a large domed serving platter, easy to transport across the road, without any fear of snapping at me.  When those clawed feet touched the grass, he picked up the pace, no doubt thankful for a lift in running his race.   

I waved to the patient drivers, and soon we all went our own separate way.  

But something had changed deep within me. A lifting of the heart.  And it happened simply because I got out of my own thick shell to reach out and help another.  

Sometimes we just have to do it afraid... 

Interesting to later learn, a keynote of tortoise is movement through pressure. 

Enjoy your day with your Guardian Angel.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

(older photo RKHauck of a different neighborhood tortoise)

(Tortoise - Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews)

Happy New Year, 2023: An Angel Message

Just when I gave up on the thrill of ever seeing a wild turkey roam the yard again, a stately pair strolled by on New Year's Eve. A good omen of gratitude, thanksgiving, and sharing.  Pale blue faces and rich brown plumage were a welcomed sight.  With new housing on the rise, and the thinning forest, spring-time had been their last visit. I missed the flock's happy gobbles on the driveway.

I was thankful that an angel nudge had sent me to the window in time to catch them stroll by the garden gazing ball.  A childlike thrill stirred my heart. They were safe in spite of all the changes in their environment.  My old friend, Sadie Turkey Lady came to mind.  After all, it's not everyday a wild turkey or two crosses your path. 

Turkey is a sign of a year of harvest. Turkey honors Mother Earth, and represents all of the blessings of Earth, and the ability to wisely use them to the greatest advantage. Turkey teaches a lesson on gratitude and thankfulness for all the good already here. 

May all life live in peace and harmony this year.  Have a Happy 2023!  The best is yet to be. 

Peace and joy and love, 

 

Rae Karen