Waiting While Stuck: An Angel Message

Something amusing happened that brought a lesson on acceptance from our cat.  Elliot and I returned home from a morning spent running errands. We felt bad to find that Hei-Hei  had accidentally been shut up inside Elliot's office while we were out and about.   The office door is always closed to mischievous paws. Temptation to explore what is off-limits makes the playful kitten look for any opportunity to sneak by and slip inside in a flash, and the chase begins.    

On this occasion to find he had been trapped inside was puzzling.  Because the gray tabby sat on a reading chair, looking peaceful, and content.  Instead of shambles, the office was orderly, with no sign of chaos.   Nothing toppled off the desk, no papers strewn across the floor, or pictures knocked over.  

 What was up? His behavior was unusual.

A hidden clue surfaced a short time later revealing a bigger picture.  Elliot's furry little Valentine monkey had been moved. No longer on top of the drum where it belonged.  He found the big hearted chimp tucked behind his office door.  

 Hmmm....   

No doubt, fun-loving monkey business was at work during Hei-Hei's voluntary confinement.

 

You have to hand it to Hei-Hei, he marches to the beat of his own drum, making the best of a bad situation.   A lesson for me to look for ways to lighten up, find the fun little things around me in a moment of feeling a bit stuck. Choose love over fear.

Have a joyful day,

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

NEXT LEVEL: An Angel Message

 On Sunday afternoon, a large, bold sign on the feed store window caught my eye.  NEXT LEVEL.  

I was waiting in the car while Elliot ran inside to buy 50-lbs. of cracked corn.  I had a false claim I kept to myself.  Energy coursed through me, hyping me up like the rushing of spring. I tried to stay calm and find peace.  The NEXT LEVEL sign seemed like an angel prescription.   To rise above the temptation to believe that I was less than how God made me.  We are all coming up to the next level of consciousness.   

The timing was perfect as patience was needed for me to hold on to the truth of who God says I am, and dispel the illusion that I could be less than Spirit. Elliot had a long wait before he returned with help to carryout the heavy feedbag.      

Rather than hurry home, we spent time in nature.  

The feed store sign, NEXT LEVEL, soon played out again at a nearby park.  A lone ibis was a perfect illustration.  The tall bird stood high up on an old oak tree, above the rest of the flock near the lake. I was taking his picture when he struck a pose.  He lifted one pink leg while keeping his balance on high with only a leg to stand on. What was the message?   To give someone in need a leg up?  Or, to take action, while you still have a leg to stand on? 

 

NEXT LEVEL popped up again on an impromptu visit to see the peacocks at the rehabilitation center. Turning into the parking lot, four peacocks were easily spotted, resting up high on the branches of a large old tree. Long iridescent feathery trains draped the oak like Spanish moss swaying in a soft breeze. 

These royal birds with their golden feathery eyes are all about watchfulness.  

Taking it up to the next level, going higher, to get a more expansive view of life. Watch what you're declaring about yourself and others.

Zooming in, this standing peacock in a tree, began to shake and unfurl his feathers but then stopped.  I got his advice though on not letting our feathers get ruffled. Take it to the NEXT LEVEL, above the tide of human drama and emotions. 

God is always speaking to us.  While taking pics of the beautiful peacocks, a bus pulled out from the entrance into the building.  I got out of the way, and couldn't believe the timely marquis, JESUS SAVES.  I gave the smiling driver a thumbs-up, as he rolled by.

Jesus Saves.

 

By the time we returned home, I was on the mend, thankful for the healing. What messages are the angels sending you today? They wisely guide us to take life up to the next level...to come up higher where love and peace reign. Jesus Saves.

 Have a joyful day. God loves you.  The best is yet to be.

Love, peace, and joy

Rae Karen 

Seas the Day: An Angel Message

Angels can deliver any time, in any place, and with a good sense of humor. They love to catch us off-guard, tickling our funny bone to shake us awake. 

It happened on Saturday at the local farmers' market.  Our first morning back from a short trip to the beach, the sea was still rushing through my veins. Out of My Shell, and the angels' message on expansiveness was fresh in my mind.

I'd almost waited in the car while Elliot went to buy tomatoes from Louis.  The sun was bright.  The tree-lined park packed with vendors.  I wasn't interested in buying more stuff.  It's still fun to walk around.  See all the nostalgic items, unusual things that are hard to find anymore. Items that bring to mind the good ole days. 

Passing by a table nestled in the shade of an old cypress tree, I saw something amazing.  A mega GIANT seashell. LOL!  It stuck out on a vendor's table like a flag on a mailbox.  No doubt an angel special delivery. A zsst ran through me.  The seller, a gentleman about my age, reeled me in, hoping for a sale. Wide-eyed, I eagerly stared at the enormous whelk shell.  "This isn't real," I said, assuming it was white porcelain.      

The seller's eyes twinkled as he assured me not only was it real, but it was the biggest shell I'd ever see!

A doubting Thomas, I picked up the gigantic unwieldy Whelk to peek inside and see for myself.   It was the real deal. Someone had painted the exterior white many years ago. What a find!  The creme de la creme of gifts from the sea.  The Grand Mother of shells.  

Holding it close, I marveled at the creative work of the sea snail creature that once called this work of art home. A grand architect.   If you counted each spiral like you would the rings on a tree, the industrious sea creature must have lived a long, full life, always expanding and growing in the vast ocean.    

WOW I loved it, and the deal was sealed with a pair of glittery angel wing shells, and a Moravian star ornament for a grand sum of $17. 

 

Later on-line, I learned it was a TRUMPET Whelk. They can grow up to two-feet and live for 20 years. 

I was thankful to have this work of art fashioned by nature.  

Sometimes we may feel like we're going round and round, circling the same old surface, not making any progress.   The lesson of the Trumpet Whelk is worth remembering.  The trumpet sounds. Wake up! We're more than we know, we're coming up higher, expanding our consciousness, with each complete rotation, even though we may not recognize it at the time.

Now every time I look over at the GIANT TRUMPET WHELK on top of the bookcase next to the boombox, I laugh in amazement! What a find!  Far from the sea from whence it came.  A reminder to keep thinking BIG, and expecting grand things.  The best is yet to be.   

I love sharing these angel experiences with you.  What blesses one, blesses each of us.  My hope is that you, too, will begin to see an expansive view of the world around you.  You will begin to realize that angels are real and are here to help us grow in spirit, to remember our true identity.  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Out of My Shell: Angel Message

Last week at the library book store, an unusual blue book popped up. A trivia book for shell lovers by Peter Dance.  The bold title, OUT OF MY SHELL, made me laugh.  It seemed like another angel hint on expansiveness. Sometimes we outgrow our current shell and must expand to create a larger one.  

But even more synchronicity came a few days later.  

On Friday morning, before leaving St. Augustine to return home, an angel nudged, Go down to the sea and find a memento of your trip.  

I doubted I'd find much, many beach-combers had already sifted through the sands outside our hotel.  But the nudge was so insistent, down to the sea we went.  The hard-packed sand showed little promise. Although several pools of tiny shells glistened like jewels on the damp sand.  They were mostly broken or as tiny as a finger nail.  But then I saw the gift.   A white angel wing shell, among a flattened mound of tiny jeweled shells.  A keeper!

  

Then, a little further down the wide expansive beach, I found another treasure.  A flat sea-rock, sprinkled with golden flecks of shells the tide had delivered.  A pirate's delight, the rock shimmered like gold dust among shiny pink, purple, and white shells.  I'd yet to find a sea rock like this one at the beach.  A conglomerate of little rocks, all shapes and sizes, embedded in the large wet gray stone to add strength.   Each little stone a stone of remembrance.  We all have them if we reflect on our past and recall the way God delivered us and made us grow stronger in our spirit. 

 

Happy with the gifts from the sea, Elliot and I plopped down on a sand dune to inhale the salty sea air, and expand our lungs. White and gray seagulls stood in a row by the shoreline.  A flock of large brown pelicans sailed by on the morning breeze.  The soothing rush of the sea, the silky white caps rolling in, and our faces touched by the warm rays of the sun were healing balms.  And, like two contented sea turtles, we hunkered down in a moment's repose on the sandy shore of time.

So many gifts of nature to be treasured as a new day begins.  And, then it was about to rain and time to go home.

Have a wonderful weekend with your angels and the Holy Spirit. Remember you are never alone.  God loves you, and the best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

More Expansive Views of Gratitude: Angel Message

 Last night's full moon shining over the ocean illuminated the rolling waves.   The expansive distance between the two was too great to capture them both in a photo. 

This morning's sunrise in St. Augustine opened up beneath a pink, feathery cloud cover...filling the sky with brilliant light. 

 

 A change of scenery is good every now and then...   Shakes me out of a fixed routine...and into the joy of unexpected blessings that pop up thanks to the Holy Spirit, and the angels.  Have a blessed day.  The best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Shooting Stars in the Works: An Angel Message

The angels were at work again in nature.  Timing is a funny thing, and I was about to learn yet another lesson on patience. 

 A few weeks ago, while doing a spurt of gardening, I was tempted to cut back the tall Hawaiian Ti plant.  The colorful centerpiece in a flowerbed outside the living room window had lost its appeal.  Cold winter temperatures browned the colorful pink and purple leaves. I was ready for a change.  But... something held me back from clipping it to the ground.   Instead I picked off the dead leaves, and let the skimpy-looking plant be.

After heavy rains all last weekend, the sun finally came out on Tuesday afternoon.  

Coming up the front walk, I was in for a surprise.  The Ti plant stood tall in the sunlight, proudly showing off.  She  had bloomed in a sweet cluster of tiny six-petaled star-shaped florets!  "See I did it!" She seemed to say.  And, none of the Ti plants I've owned in the past have ever bloomed.  I didn't even know they could.  And, here she was, in her glory.  Tall pink shoots opening up little stars to reach up high for the sky.   

   

What a joyful boost! And, a reminder, eyes judge not.  My perception isn't always accurate.  A hidden mystery is at work below the surface,  helping each of us reach our inner potential, and to assure a happy outcome for all.  

It was also a heads-up on how I can be tempted to quit on something, not realizing the best to be is right around the corner so do my best day-by-day and press on, expecting good things. 

By the way, a quick look on-line referred to the Ti plant as a Good Luck plant. But we know that more than luck is involved in this wonderful mystery called Life.  God is in the details.

Love and peace,

 Rae Karen

 

Make Life More Joy: Angel Message

 

This morning at the lake I found a canister of fishing line strewn across the grassy shore.  A  known hazard to tangle happy webbed feet. I quickly reeled it in.   On the bold label the word FIERCENESS, All-weather, seemed an angel warning.  FIERCENESS is a strong and powerful word, reminding me of ferocious lions.     

When the picture was uploaded, I could read the small label in the pink side of the fishing line reel.  Make Life More Joy   

 

Make Life More Joy...  A wonderful message for these times we live in.  Our thoughts are mental images so angel guidance seemed to advice watch what your fishing for in life...  What you cast out will come back to you.   

In the afternoon, another angel message appeared downtown by the library.  Next door to the parking lot, a heavy duty construction site was underway.  A new apartment complex was rising upward.  The bold white letters, HIGH REACH, on a sky-blue construction crane made me laugh. The angels were at it again.  The crane is a powerful vehicle that lifts workers up to those hard to reach places to get the job done.   Places on high, not as yet accessible by stairs or elevators. 

I was thankful for the reminder. Angels are heavenly helpers that elevate our awareness to the spiritual realm of Life, to reach high, and remember that God is infinite Love.  Keep thoughts on high and expect the best.

Later when reflecting on the word FIERCE, Archangel Michael came to mind.  A fierce and mighty warrior whose light triumphs over the battle of darkness and negativity. Archangel Michael will help every seeker, on the path by cutting away obstacles that block their earthly mission.  If we become stuck Archangel Michael can lift our spirit higher, and help us find the light within ourselves,  if we reach out and make the call.  

Make Life More Joy by reaching higher today.

Love, joy, and peace,

Rae Karen

Expansiveness: An Angel Message from Nature

Sometimes the angels keep bringing opportunities to learn through nature.  Today I needed to pay attention to their lesson on expansiveness. To look for opportunities to expand my awareness and increase my understanding of the Divine in my life.    We are all more than we can presently know. 

A spontaneous visit to the local rehab where wild peacocks roam free proved to illustrate expansiveness. The self-conscious peacocks had come out of hiding. Molting season was over.  Proudly attired in a brand new train of iridescent plumage, rich in colors of bright purple and emerald teal, like never before.  One crowned royal beauty basked in the warm sun drying out from the weekend rain.  Then, in a joyful burst of expansiveness, out popped his magnificent feathers in an explosion of hundreds of bright eyes that shimmered in a happy dance of joy.   

But more was to come.  Late in the afternoon, the angels were at it again, when I was called outdoors to look at the unusual February moon.  Another beauty, glowed in a blue sky above the golden trees. Curious, I looked up the phase of the moon and learned something new.  When the moon is "bulging" outward but not quite full, it's called a waxing Gibbous Moon.  Each day the moon's light expands.  Here Bella Luna has 78% illumination but will grow brighter day by day until she is full of radiant light.  
I'm thankful for the teaching on expansiveness.  A note of reassurance and encouragement for our times.  When we pass through the dark night of the soul to remember the peacock and the moon. Don't lose faith.  Walk by faith and not by sight. Keep your peace that this too is a passing phase in our spiritual growth.  What we see is not the whole truth about our true identity.  The best is yet to be.  We, too, will shine again with the light of Christ.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

Never Force Things: An Angel Message

Yes, I'm often times headstrong, and stubborn, especially when I think I know best, and try to force an issue.  While working on the angel blog early this morning, I got caught in the act.   Our gray tabby jumped up and like a little tempest, sprang into action on my desk, gnawing my new laptop, swatting an ink pen around, making it hard to concentrate.  I got stirred up, determined to get my way, and finish the article.  Then a funny thing happened.  Suddenly it was as though an angel tapped me on the shoulder, bringing to mind what I was writing about.  Never force things. I sheepishly chuckled, and eased up.  The writing could wait. It was back to the morning routine of prayer and meditation.

 

Dr. Emmet Fox, an outstanding spiritual teacher, wrote many books that helped millions find inner peace. Here is his advice on Never Force Things.

 

"Never force things. Never bring heavy pressure to bear in a given direction. Never make up your mind that a certain thing must be done, or that it must be done now. All this sort of thing is dangerous, and is likely to land you in trouble instead of improving matters. It is really using will power, and is unscientific and unspiritual. It is looking to the without, whereas spiritual demonstration looks to the within. It is what engineers call centripetal action, and spiritual demonstration is always centrifugal."

He goes on to say, "What you really want is harmony and true expression at every point in your life. The actual way in which this comes does not matter so long as you get the thing itself. When you encounter a firm resistance anywhere, it usually means that you are on the wrong road and had better retreat and try another. Mental or material pushing will only get you farther down the wrong road, and it gives you a longer distance to retrace.

His final advice:  "Claim that God works in you, and that when He works He always succeeds; that He knows the best way and is inspiring you to take it; that He meets no resistance for He works with joy; and that you and your life are part of that."

 Never Force Things.  To my surprise, a playful angel image from childhood came to mind. Maybe you remember the straw finger trap gag in your birthday party favors bag?     

 

When you first put your fingers inside the cylinder and then try to pull them out, the cylinder weave tightens.  The harder you pull, the tighter the grip.  The trick was to not resist, but calmly and slowly push your two fingers closer together.  Voila! 

 

A fun metaphor to remember as a solution to any problem, relax my grip and Never Force Things.   

 

When we can relax, and let God be God, and follow His inner promptings, freedom is assured.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

photos:web

Opening to Divine Impulses: An Angel Message

Sometimes if we willingly turn toward a new direction, even in the most mundane circumstances, an old routine will be interrupted, and we will awaken to new things on our path. Happy things we may otherwise have missed.    The key is to listen for divine impulses and take action.

The weekly trip to our local farmers' market proved this to be true when Elliot and I made a choice to walk the busy vendors' loop in a new direction.  Veering right, rather than the usual left brought a reward.  In the shade of an old oak tree, a rare domestic breed of baby rabbits were on sale for Valentines' pets for $50.  A huddle of black furry bunnies, no bigger than my fist, peering wide-eyed in a large cage on a table drew me near.  

"Would I like to hold a bunny?" The vendor asked, offering me a cute little furry ball in his arms.

 "I've never held a bunny before," I said, "and, we have a cat at home."   It didn't seem fair to hold the little fellow and have to return it.     

Still, he held out hope-- so small and innocent, my first thought as I looked into the shiny eyes of the timid little creature, was about its needs.  How would it feel being passed to the arms of a stranger? 

But, a sudden impulse had me reach out to share love.  To my surprise, the bunny hunkered down close to my heart. Gently, I stroked its coat of jet black fur while softly speaking words of love.  The breeder got out his phone and showed the pictures of this rare breed of Silver Fox Rabbits.  Unlike other rabbits, their fur can change color according to the seasons like the Silver Arctic Fox does to camouflage itself in the snow. 

My attention was focused on loving this precious little creature in my arms for as long as I could.  Not only did my leather jacket heat up, but I could feel my heart soften, thawing out from the deep.  When it came time to reluctantly let go, my wish was for each Valentine bunny to find a happy home.  

It may sound rather silly, but I walked on feeling lighter, thankful for the priceless gift of love. And, for a heart healing I wasn't even aware I needed.      

In Animal Messengers, Regula Meyer writes:

If a rabbit hops into your life, it brings a message of fertility, and expansion.  "It tells you to expand your human essence, to remain fertile, to open yourself to divine impulses and to let them multiply." 

Every spring around Easter, rabbits are abundant.  An announcement for us, too, to awaken from winter sleep and begin to take part in life again.   To let the light in and spread joy and happiness.

I was thankful for the angel message through the bunnies: "to open yourself to divine impulses and to let them multiply."  

It makes a world of difference when we are open to sharing the light of divine love.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Remember you are never alone.  God has sent His angels to watch over you in all your ways.

 Love and peace,

 Rae Karen

photo: web

 

   

Happy Valentine's Day from the Angels

Remember that old song, "You've gotta have heart, miles and miles of heart? A Course in Miracles teaches that love brings up anything that is not like itself. Our task is not to seek for love, but to look within and find all the walls we've built to keep love out. Doubt, fear, worry, low self-esteem, and anger are some of the hidden blocks. 

 

Opportunities to extend love come in many disguises.   The goal is to keep extending love no matter what's going on. As soon as we stop extending and start defending, we've shut down the universal flow of Love.  Like a pinched garden hose, our love quotient becomes a trickle, and we are the first to suffer. With a little willingness on our part, we can ask the Holy Spirit, and the angels to help us see the situation differently. With God's help, it will turn out a win/win for all.

February is heart month, a good time to commit to being wholeheartedly present, no matter what's going on. Choose love over fear.  Follow your heart and live passionately. With love all things are possible. Even the worse situation can be turned around with love. Sometimes harsh words are a call for love.  Everything is either love, or  a call for love.

I remember finding this quote years ago: 

Learn to wish that everything should come to pass exactly as it does. 

 

What? That's crazy! I thought, but over the years, I must admit, there's wisdom in it, especially when I look back and can now see how not getting some things I really "thought I wanted" were in my best interest.  And, the situations that drove me crazy were healing catalysts for my biggest growth, learning more patience, love, and understanding. 

An important lesson I try to remember is that whatever I resist, sticks, like super glue. When I accept a situation without trying to change it, meeting it head-on (whoops...heart-on) with love (through the help of the angels and the Holy Spirit), I find a new level of freedom and joy.

Wishing you a heartfelt Valentine's Day with your Angels who eternally love you. 

Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

Are You Listening? An Angel Message

 An iris, a tree, a license plate or a friend, may convey God's message to me. God is always speaking,   but often I am so taken up with other things that I will not listen. More and more, I'm trying to stay attuned to the spiritual reality of life. To listen for messages from God's angels, and be grateful for the guidance received.

It happened on Saturday morning while at the town marketplace. I found myself at a table of old used tools.  Hammers, saws, screwdrivers, tools that had been used for construction.  Among the nuts and bolts on the Dollar Table, I picked up an old rusted industrial strength heavy metal hook marked 

"HIGH TEST". Immediately I got the angel message. Don't take the bait, hook, line and sinker.  I laughed, thankful for the heads-up that a big test was coming. I bought it for a paperweight on my desk.  

 

A reminder that whenever anything tempts to disturb my inner peace, no matter how egregious, rather than take the bait, quickly turn and swim away, asking the Holy Spirit for peace, before getting hooked, and reeled into an argument or heated debate. 

 

THERE IS NO FICTION.

 

Enjoy your day with your angels.  What is God saying to you today?  He is in the details and wants only the best for His Children.  God loves you.

 

Love and peace,

 

 

Rae Karen

 

A Royal Welcome: Angel Message

 

This morning I noticed the SOLID GOLD label on a new bag of cracked corn.  A perfect match for the Muscovy duck known as royal ducks, the flock that enjoys the daily morning feed.    

Usually the hungry ducks are waiting as we pull up at the lake ramp. Happily they run for the car before we can turn off the engine.        

Yesterday the wings of the morning were stirred by something excitedly fresh and different. Change was in the air.   As I got out of the car, with the canister of corn, and stood up, a lone duck appeared in the sky flying low over the lake.  Powerful wings flapping, heading my way, coming so close, I ducked down. 

WHOOSH!  Suddenly I was swept up in a down draft, a thrilling thrust of dynamic energy filled me with the exhilarating presence of flight. 

Click. A pair of webbed feet had landed on the car roof beside me!   

Wow! That was a first!  I turned around to see who'd  made such a grand entrance?

To my delight, it was Gray Baby!  A special duck I'd helped get through a rough patch the last time I saw him.

Unlike the other Muscovy ducks, he's mostly gray, and often shunned or pecked. A few days ago, he'd been snubbed by an aggressive duo. I tried to smooth his ruffled feathers by speaking loving words and naming him Gray Baby. I told him that God loved him. And, so did I.  Before long, his tail wagged, and he looked up at me. A heart to heart exchange of love had flowed between us for sure. 

The sight of Gray Baby, standing on the car roof, eye-level with me in the light of a new day was one of those angel moments. A wonderful reminder: "Love is reflected in Love."   That big lovable Muscovy had given me a royal welcome to make my day.

 

All went well.  Soon cracked corn was shared by all the ducks gathered round the old cypress tree at the water's edge.  And, I, too, had been fed with food for thought. A lesson on giving and receiving.  "Love is reflected in Love."  A reminder that whatever we send out, will eventually wing its way back to us. So choose love.

Oh, I almost forgot...when I looked up Muscovy in What It's Like to Be a Bird, their large wing feathers were used for writing quills.  And, our modern word "pen" comes from the Latin word penna, for "feather".   Sometimes people hunger for uplifting stories more than they do for food.  People are hungry for what you know.

Have a joyful day, and remember that you are never alone.  God loves you.  He  has sent His angels to help you through times such as these.  The best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Darkest Before the Dawn: Angel Message

 Maybe you've noticed your pets can deliver angel messages of guidance and encouragement in the dark hours of trials and testings.  The divine timing of these not so subtle deliveries can serve as a heads-up that more is going on than meets the eye so keep having faith and looking up. The best is yet to be.

It happened this morning.  Long before dawn, our cat Hei-Hei stirred the ethers by jumping up on the bookcase and swatting my prayer beads to the floor.  It turned out to be a double delivery when I turned on the lamp and saw Jesus on the floor.  A long forgotten prayer card of a peaceful Christ pointing upward and white doves circling His holy presence.  Curious, I turned over the card and read The Serenity Prayer which I know well. 

But I had an aha moment when I read an additional verse at the end.  

"But God, grant me the courage, not to give up on what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless."

 

SERENITY PRAYER

GOD GRANT ME THE COURAGE

TO CHANGE THE THINGS

I CAN CHANGE,

THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT

THOSE I CANNOT CHANGE,

AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW

THE DIFFERENCE.

BUT GOD, GRANT ME THE COURAGE

NOT TO GIVE UP ON WHAT

I THINK IS RIGHT, EVEN THOUGH

I THINK IT IS HOPELESS.

Our Hei-Hei had done it again, He had delivered an answer to my prayer.  

 Love and peace,

Rae  Karen

Be The Sunshine: Angel Message

 Something amusing happened on Sunday.  A little ray of hope that brightened my day, and it all came about some may say by chance, but I've come to see these random encounters as a God wink, a touch of Providence in timing.   Oddly enough, it had to do with ducks.

Four years ago, a blonde-haired woman and her mother would regularly drive to the local lake in a red SUV to feed the ducks.  She carried a bowl of yellow cracked corn and would shout at the waters' edge, "Here DUCKIES!"  Her fowl friends would clamor ashore from all directions to greet her.   Fondly, I silently named her the Duck Lady and learned where to buy corn feed for the ducks.   For some reason, she and her mother stopped coming to the lake, but whenever I saw a red SUV pass by, I wondered about her.

On Sunday I got my answer.

Elliot and I recently found a new park with a wide concrete trail circling a lake, in another town, eight miles away.  On Sunday as we walked around the lake, two women passed us by heading in the opposite direction on the path.  One wore a cheerful yellow T-shirt.  BE THE SUNSHINE!   We smiled, and I called out, I love your tee shirt.  Walking on, Elliot thought she looked familiar, something about her smile.  Maybe she was the Duck Lady, only this woman had brown hair.  

Not wanting to miss an opportunity to thank her, I turned back, calling out, "Are you the Duck Lady?"  She stopped, and as we gathered, in a moment's reflection the pieces fell together.  

"Thanks to you, I feed the ducks cracked corn, and know where to get it."  I told her.

Smiling she asked about the ducks, how many were there?  And also was happy to hear the update on Papa and Mama Sandhill Crane.  Her mother, also had on a yellow sun emblem T-shirt. She looked at us, and said, "I was just thinking about you yesterday wondering where you are." 

Really?  Goosebumps rippled.  

God is in the details.

The nature loving pair was happy to hear their duck family was being well-fed, and we all parted with big smiles...

Then, further down the trail, she turned, and called out with a big laugh,  "Now, you're the Duck Lady!"

"Duck Lady II!!!" I laughed, holding up two fingers.  

And, so I am thankful to begin each morning with a trip to the lake to greet a fleet of happy webbed-feet. Tails wagging, running toward me and my large tin of cracked corn.  

Later, it dawned on me that the Duck Lady showed up to feed me an angel message that sunny afternoon: 

BE THE SUNSHINE.

It's wonderful that God knows the desires of our heart, and will speak softly to each of us according to our needs, and His ways are not our ways.  But that makes it a grand mystery as we expect the happy things of God to come to us day by day.

Be the Sunshine.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen