A Shield of Grace in Trouble: An Angel Message

Sometimes a friend will share an experience that sticks in your mind.  A little arrow prayer to  keep handy in your spiritual toolbox or put into a daily practice.  

 

Many years ago, my good friend, and a recent widow, was on her morning commute driving along Interstate-4. It was a beautiful sunny day that filled her thoughts with gratitude for all the blessings she had. The previous year had been one of the most difficult since her husband had passed away after a long illness, and she was on her own.   In the traffic, Joanna had a moment reflecting on how far she'd come, feeling hopeful for the future, feeling as if she'd gone through a dark tunnel of grief, and had come out in the sunlight again.  

She was exiting off the highway ramp behind a top-heavy dump truck laden with large black rubber tires and garage debris when suddenly the tires began bouncing out of the dump truck. Tumbling in mid-air around her.  She watched them loom close, bouncing off to the right and left of her compact car. But never touching it.  Joanna marveled that it was as if an invisible shield of protection had been placed around her.

 
A miracle... That amazing experience was a reminder of Psalm 84, her favorite.  "The Lord is a sun and a shield." 

 
Joanna attributed her protection that day to the flowing thoughts of thankfulness to God in the now on her commute.  Her gratitude had kept her on-high, and miraculously provided a shield of grace protecting her from any imminent danger. 

Thanks to Joanna's wonderful testimony, I've come to personally take Psalm 84 to heart, often quietly reciting it throughout the day. 

 

For the LORD God is a (my) sun and shield: 

the LORD will give grace and glory:  

no good thing will he withhold from them 

that walk uprightly.  

 
A powerful shield of grace and glory against any ego dumping that may try to bounce off and disturb my peace. Thank God, we travel the road driving under the loving influence of His angels.  We are never alone... The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace, 

Rae Karen

Art:Angel Standing in the Sun

Angel Nightly Review

With the acceleration of change unraveling our world, the angels reminded me of the importance of doing a nightly review at the end of each day.  I'll admit my ego balked having had a not so peaceful day, and not wanting to atone for being impatient and testy.  The exercise begins before going to sleep to review the activities of the day. Start with the last one, and go backwards as if you're unwinding your memory reel. Try to be fair with yourself, and look at ways you could have acted better practicing humility and patience.  And be sure to give yourself credit for all the good you did during the day.  By doing this nightly review you'll become more aware when you begin to fall short during the day feeling impatience, anger, jealousy, guilt, fear, and judgment, and choose again to be loving, kind, and forgiving, and patient with yourself and others.

After practicing this every night, you'll begin to notice when your ego starts to react badly during the day, and will be able to catch yourself.  By choosing more harmony, you may remain silent when it's not necessary to speak, and keep your peace.

The hardest part of this bedtime review may be staying awake. It doesn't have to be a long-drawn-out process, just check in, and reflect on the major highlights of the day.  Your intuition will bring to mind the events that were the most meaningful in your spiritual growth and happiness.  Remember to also give thanks for all the goodness already present and the opportunity to come up higher.  Often we've been so busy during the day that it's easy to overlook the many little blessings that came our way.  Opportunities to both give and receive.   Remember you are never alone. God has given his angels charge over you. All is well.  The best is yet to be.

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

Look up and See: An Angel Message

 A wispy twirling angel dances on a fluffy cumulus cloud--a vision of hope.  Out of the clouds of confusion and worry, suddenly a sign from above appears to brighten the day with a message to keep on looking up, the best is yet to be. You are never alone...


Love and peace,


Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photo:web

Welcome Archangel Raphael!

 This morning a beautiful sun is rising, golden rays glowing bigger and brighter, like a sparkler it shines through the new leafy green branches of spring. Then suddenly a burst of bright, brighter, an even more radiant orb of golden beams radiate in a fullness of glory, splashing across my desk and lighting up the forest. Hallelujah! Spring is finally here.  A time of new life and resurrection energy.  Welcome Archangel Raphael, the ruling governor of this season.   Raphael's name means  Divine Healer' or 'God Heals. Raphael can help us seek the gift of healing, and show us ways to heal ourselves in nature and through universal divine energy.

The winter season, under the leadership of  Archangel Gabriel,  brought feminine energy to the earth through the water element.  Now the fire element, the masculine energy is most active. The keynote is resurrection, as we see in nature how dormant life reaches upward and outward, from darkness into the healing light of new beginnings.

This season's powerful spring-time energy can  be used to:

--Initiate a new order within your life.  The veil between the physical realm and the spiritual is thinner with opportunities to access spiritual energy from the higher realms.  

--Burn off the old dross to make room for new creative seeds to sprout and take form in expression.  

--Release healing energies, especially through working with nature. Spend time outdoors tuning in to nature's many gifts. Meditation and prayer also help to open the gate for new beginnings.

Welcome Archangel Raphael!  Please help humanity in healing our differences in a way that promotes harmony and peace on Earth.  May the energy of resurrection surge through each of us bringing in a  state of higher consciousness attuned with Divine Love. 

 Love, joy and healing grace,

 

Rae Karen 

(Ref. Nature Speak, Ted Andrews)

photo: Great White Egret at St. Augustine

An Angel Message on Remorse

                                             

When asking the angels for a blog topic, I was surprised the word "remorse" instantly came to mind.  I wanted a different message, one more uplifting.  Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition:   act of biting again; a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs; self-reproach.

The act of biting reminds me of chewing and re-chewing our old issues, not willing to let the past be what it was, a blessing that brought us to where we are today.  Sometimes the ego will bite us again with some event from the past, trying to offset our day.  The angels point out how useless it is to fret over yesterday.  No one who journeys here can escape the lessons they have come to learn.  Our past is all about learning, understanding that each circumstance, if we choose to let it, can be a step up higher on the ladder of consciousness. God never changed His Mind about us; we are created in His image and likeness, a spiritual spark of Divinity.

Today is a brand new beginning.  The angels encourage us to let go of all remorse.  "Do not delay, or it will cast a shadow over the dawn of  a new day to be filled with joy.  Begin anew with fresh eyes, see everything and everyone with the lens of divine love.  You'll see what you invite, and, so you get to choose if your day will be happy or filled with fear."

The angels want us to know that our thoughts and actions are important, so choose wisely as they affect the whole.  It is said that when a butterfly flaps its wings, their energy flows thousands of miles away.  So it is with us, everything we think or do extends and multiplies outwardly.  A silent blessing or thought of love toward others is a positive vibration experienced throughout the cosmos.  Love always makes a way. And, the best is yet to be. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

 

(photo:web)

A Penny: An Angel Blessing

Pennies have always been special to me. I regret to hear the US Treasury is planning to discontinue the lowly penny.  It may not seem to hold monetary value, but I've come to see the penny is rich in bringing a message of hope to trust in God.  It's fun to spread messages of hope.  Sometimes I'm guided to toss a penny here and there as I go about my day.  To find a penny is a heavenly sign from the angels that everything is in divine order--so try not to worry.  It will all work out...eventually.  Keep the prayers going.

I fondly recall a time in 1999 at the Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach. I was up in the beautiful meditation room on the top floor enjoying an expansive view of the ocean. While sitting alone that day, I closed my eyes in meditation, and asked for clarity about my life's purpose.

A healing energy is always present in that special place. Nothing significant came to mind, but I had a feeling of peace.  Afterwards, I opened my eyes.  Looking out the panoramic window at the roof garden terrace, I was grateful to be there. Tall graceful angel statues, lush green vines, large garden rocks, and the beautiful ocean view were a touch of heaven on earth. On a whim, in the empty room where I sat alone, I spoke out loud, "God, if I see a penny out there, I'll know You really are listening to me."

Gazing out the window, my eyes scanned the garden terrace in hopes of seeing a penny.  But there wasn't one.  It didn't seem very likely anyway...

But, to my surprise, a thought came. Leave a penny for someone else.  When I tried to open the balcony door to place my penny on the roof terrace, the door was locked. So much for my plan...

As I turned around to go back to my chair, I couldn't believe my eyes.  In the row behind my seat where I'd been praying, I saw a shiny penny on the chair cushion.  "Thank you, God!" I grinned, cherishing the little penny now in my hand.   

In that incredible moment, the veil seemed thin. The angels were close by. Feeling much lighter, I decided to look at the open Bible displayed on the table in the meditation room. I hoped the weekly highlighted scripture would add insight.  The Bible was opened to Psalm 92.

  And, I read these words out loud: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high.  To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. "

I was grateful for the message. God is ever present and to give thanks to God for Life is a most worthy purpose. Everything will unfold at the right time according to His plan.  Everything is in divine order.  The best is yet to be. 

Wishing you a day filled with peace and angelic blessings.

 

 

Rae Karen

A Bubble of Happiness: An Angel Message

"Today I will place a bubble of happiness around me."

 With everything unraveling in the world, we may feel flattened and helpless. The best advice the angels give is to be fully present in each moment, filled with gratitude for the good already present.  Every negative has a positive.  We may not understand it at the time, and that's where faith comes into play.  Happiness is always a choice, an inside job. By having child-like trust and faith in the unseen realm can bring amazing results and make our spirit grow stronger through patience and perseverance.   Keep the prayers coming.

Sometimes doing something silly and fun can help to lighten up.  Blowing bubbles, waving a wand, and watching the beautiful iridescent orbs float through the air can bring moments of joy. Bubbles, although fleeting, make a lasting impression of miracle manifestation. Just like a beautiful bubble, our lives are uniquely beautiful, a different expression of light being refracted in the moment.  

Whenever my laptops idles too long, a stream of happy bouncing bubbles dance across the screen. An angel reminder to take time out for some fun to bubble up, and also a reminder to send happy bubble thoughts to loved ones and friends.  

 

  

I picture  a bubble of happiness around you today.  Have a blessed and joyful day.  The best is yet to be.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

(ACIM, Today I will place a bubble of happiness around me.)

A Natural Blend - Woman in Garden

 It never ceases to amaze me that just when needed, but least expected, an angel message will show up in the perfect medium at the perfect time to reach my heart and open my eyes to the truth.  I am never alone. My guardian angel is with me.

Many years ago while visiting Elliot's Dad in a rehabilitation center near West Hampton, New York, Elliot and I enjoyed a lunch break by touring the quaint little town.  The first thing I stumbled upon, after the delicious pastry shop, was a walking map with a trail to see the historic trees in the town.   Soon, we were off the main street, and down a back alley passing by a bookstore in a little white frame house.  Propped against the white picket fence was an array of artwork for sale. 

That's when I first saw The Woman in the Garden. It was love at first sight as the painting drew me into the garden as the artist had captured how I often feel when tending to the flowers in nature.  His sweeping green brush stokes had softly infused the young woman's garment into a blend of oneness, as if her material image was beginning to fade into gentle spirit.  In reverence, her head humbly bent down low in communion with a lovely little flower cupped in her hand, amid the explosion of colorful blossoming flowers all around her.  And, then it dawned on me, years later, that she too is a beautiful flower in the Eye of the Artist in the garden of divinity.     

It is the marriage

of the soul

with Nature

that makes the 

intellect fruitful,

and gives birth to

imagination.

   HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Over twenty years later, The Woman in Garden by Frederick Frieseke, still blooms on my office wall; a reminder to listen to the whispers of my soul and the angels and stretch my faith envelope to receive what is meant to be.  In reflection, at that time, Elliot and I were downsizing, and it didn't seem wise to buy a sizeable artwork with no real place to put it.  We were at the cross-roads, ready to move.  Besides, the painting was probably too expensive, and wouldn't fit in our car...  But as I started to walk away, an inner voice assured me to trust.  This was meant for me. Funny thing, the price for the framed artwork ended up being only $2.  The owner's daughter was selling her things and the money was for her college shoe fund.  My feet, had followed the special tree map, and the angel's guidance had led me to return and receive the gift.  I was so glad that I listened and put my foot down one after the other.  You can't make these things happen.  

Remember your angels are with you.  They know the plans God has for you, and they will help you fulfill your divine purpose.  The hard part is to have faith in the Unseen, and follow your inner guidance, intuition.  You are not material, you are spiritual.  You are a special flower blooming in God's garden.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

(top photo from web)

A Happy Restoration: Angel Message

 Our hopes were high that the extremely windy weather the past several days had helped to dry up our favorite nearby lake. This afternoon we made a spontaneous stop to check it out.  The parking lot was accessible! The picnic table and park bench were on solid, soggy ground, and the trees were only standing in puddles where we used to spread the cracked corn each morning. The amazing sight was a wonderful sign of restoration and renewal in time for spring.

 

Our timing was especially good because a young woman drove by smiling and pointing down the lane, Baby Ducks!

We took a walk to see for ourselves.  Sure enough, mama and her babies were resting on the warm, dry pavement, enjoying a sunbath, now that the storms had passed.  

Rather than disturb their peace, I got a photo from a distance, and we walked back down the road to the car.  With the drop in temperatures, and gusty high winds, this week had been challenging for the little family.  My heart went out to them in need of a quiet rest.

The lake had been inaccessible since Hurricane Milton last fall.  Today was the answer to a prayer for all of our friends, both feathered or not, to once again begin a sweet communion at the waterside.   

It's a comfort to know that no matter what we're facing, unseen heavenly Help is available.  Don't quit...the best is yet to be.  This too shall pass.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Thoughts are Things: An Angel Message

Intention leads to action and action to results, often in the most surprising ways.  I recall a time I needed more color in my life.  I went with turquoise, a reminder of morning walks at the beach.  The rush of the waves, the call of the gulls as the sun glowed, an orange ball lifting up from the watery horizon. I've always loved the sea.  The mystery of her hidden jewels that glitter the wet sands delivered by the morning tide.  My turquoise intention brought into focus an unfinished crochet project--an aqua afghan that was soon finished and brightened the foot of our bed. Turquoise throw pillows and a large wooden plaque of a dolphin, leaping on high, made a splash of joy on the beige bedroom wall. 

Turquoise was on my mind, and thoughts are things.  So I shouldn't have been surprised to soon learn about a  fascinating turquoise hairy-sea-creature that had been washing ashore at St. Augustine and Vilano Beach. These amazing little creatures are called "Blue Buttons".  

Their scientific name has a poetic ring.  Porpita porpita.  An ancient Greek word for brooch--a decorative jewelry attached with a pin that clasps shut.

Blue Button looks similar to a jellyfish, but is not one. It has two main body parts. A flat circular disk is the "float" and a whole colony of hydroids are the hairy branches that look like whirling tentacles. So in a sense, each "float" is like a small boat, no bigger than an inch, that supports many passengers on a voyage through the vast sea. 

A passive drifter, the Blue Button, must rely on water currents and wind to carry it on the waves.  It has no power to direct a course, and must navigate by surrendering to the rhythm of the tides.    

I was thankful for the angel message that drifted inland.  During these unprecedented times on Earth, Porpita porpita serves as  a reminder to let go and let God.  Don't try to make things happen that are beyond our control.  Relax in the immediacy of the now and gratefully drift in the flow of God's infinite Love.  He knows your every need.  

I found this lovely passage in Gift from the Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh.  

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. 

To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith.  

Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches.  

Patience and faith.  

One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach, 

waiting for a gift from the sea."   

 

What messages are washing ashore from your waves of thoughts today.   Make friends with your Angels, and watch how their loving touch will brighten your day. You are never alone.  God loves you.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

 

(Top photo:  Bruce Moravchik, NOAA,

Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

 2nd photo - Facebook St. Augustine) 

                                                    

Going Bananas: An Angel Message

The bright yellow "banana canoes" available for rental on the St. Johns River appeared to be  an amusing angel message when I first spotted the company logo.  emotion.  I laughed at the playful reminder to control my emotions.  When out paddling on the river our emotions need to be balanced.   To suddenly jump up and rock the boat could mean an accidental cold swim with gators.

"Emotion" got me to reflect on the power of our emotions.  They are our tides and currents that we choose to navigate down the river of life.  Strong reactions can stir up up big waves that will keep swelling out of control, and engulf me until I pause and go within to quietly listen to God.  Usually it's fear. Fear of loss of control, fear of failure, of not getting it right, disrespect.  In the midst of the emotional churning, I can choose again.  I can ask to see the situation differently instead of obsessing over ego attacks on my peace of mind. 

 

Yellow is the color of Faith and the banana boat logo was a big "heads-up" -- Rapids ahead!  Don't take the bait and let your emotions drive you bananas. To stay calm and keep paddling. 

Keep on Paddling
  Tourist Paddling by a Gator at Blue Springs
 

A strong reaction to any situation is a sure sign that the ego is in control and would rather be right than to be happy.  Angel thoughts, pure spiritual intuitions passing from God to humankind, are a reminder that everything that comes our way is a lesson we need for spiritual growth and grace. An opportunity to rise up higher...the very situation we find outrageous and stressful can become a booster lifting us up above the din of the world.  In the still quiet place within we can willingly turn the situation over to the Holy Spirit, without judgment.  Love is reflected in love.  Surrender...  With loving acceptance of what is, we are open to a clearer and higher view that both blesses and heals, and sets us free to soar in grace.

May your emotions remain peaceful like a mirror on a serene lake as you paddle through your day. The best is yet to be.  Love will always make a way.

 

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

A Cardinal Drew Near: Angel Message

 A new day began with a surprise.  A little red cardinal flitted here and there before landing on the gardening crook.  A red cardinal is a sign that a departed love one is near.  For me, a reminder my mother's love is close by keeping an eye on things.  

The cardinal also brings a message of renewed vitality through recognizing self-importance.  They remind us that regardless of the time of day or year, we always have an opportunity to renew our own vitality and recognize the importance of our own life roles.  A sign to add more color to your life and remember that everything you do is important.

I was so happy for this rare visit...brightening my day with a splash of color, and the loving reminder to keep sharing love.

Remember you are never alone.  You are in the company of angels who love you and protect you and guide you.  The best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen