Woody Woodpecker: Angel Message

 

Yesterday, a nature messenger appeared out of the blue.  A large pileated woodpecker; one I haven't seen in a long, long  while. Its red-crested head, camouflaged by the leafy branches, drummed out a new rhythm on the tree trunk.   I hurried outside for a photo.

Whenever a woodpecker shows up, the message brings a gift of discernment: you now have a firm foundation to safely move in any direction following your own rhythm.  New mental faculties are awakening, stimulating new rhythms in your life.  

Change is in the air... and with the assistance of our angels and the Holy Spirit we cannot help but be at the right place at the right time. 

Remember you are never alone, no matter what...you are in the presence of loving angels appointed to guide and watch over you.   The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

A Fearless Blue Jay: An Angel Message

A blue jay came calling this morning...making a loud puckering sound. He landed by a mound of cracked corn for breakfast. It's been years since a blue jay has paid a visit.   In 2015, a resourceful jay swooped down from the tree to raid the cat food bowl on the back stoop. Repeating his daring routine, from the tree to the bowl, one nugget at a time while the cat napped on the patio. Jays are known to be fearless, and the bird-feeder was empty. A blue jay is known to easily adapted to whatever is necessary to survive.  Food is food when you're hungry.

When a blue jay appears, a time of greater adaptability is at hand.  Resourcefulness will soon unfold.  The blue jay can also help to connect with the deepest mysteries of the earth and heaven. But we must stay focused, and follow-through in order to feed our soul. 

Another message the blue jay delivers...is a reminder to finish what you've started before beginning something new. Don't leave projects dangling, bring them to completion.  (I have a long list.)  

Interesting that when a blue jay appears, it may reflect lessons in using your own power appropriately. A reminder not to allow yourself to be placed in a position in which power is misused against you as well. The Golden Rule is the best practice, treat others as you would like them to treat you.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

Holding On to Our Stuff: An Angel Message

 
Saturday, on my way out the library door, I grabbed a book on display, a last minute checkout.  Napoleon Hill's Action Activities for Health, Wealth & Happiness. 

 

Turns out, one story of the humane capture of monkeys in Africa had a lesson for me regarding holding on to possessions.  Here is how it works.  Food is placed in a container with an opening big enough for a monkey's paw to reach inside. When the chimp grabs the treat, it naturally makes a fist around the banana, nuts, or whatever the temptation may be. Now it's stuck because in order to go free, he must let go.  His fist can't pass through the opening.  The "trap" is too heavy to carry around, and the monkey sits there, holding on to the treat. Stuck by his own desires, he is then easily captured.   

The lesson is relatable.  Sometimes we can carry around our problems and stubbornly refuse to give them up.  When help is offered, we tighten our grip, afraid of the results if we let go.   Arrogantly thinking we know what's best, stops people from ever acquiring anything better.  It prevents many people from becoming who they might have been.  

The book points out, the monkey's paw can also represent our possessions.  Afraid to release what we have to those who could put it to better use, we hang on letting our possessions control us.  Like the monkey, we have to release our hold on things before the Universe can bring freedom into our lives.  Letting go and letting God is a hard lesson to learn, but if we don't, we'll never advance to the new life that could be waiting for us.  

The lesson ends with a suggestion. Think about anything in your life that inhibits your growth or freedom. Like the monkey, it occurs because you allow it to occur. 

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Yesterday's mail drove this letting go message home.  A notecard photo of a cute chimp with his fist free in a promo packet. Angelic timing.  It looks like the little monkey is free to be, having let go. When we lessen our stronghold on life often we may be surprised by an abundance, a thanksgiving table of all the good God has to offer.

 

Remember whatever you're going through, you are never alone.  You are in the company of God's angels. The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen     

A White-Tail Dove, Peace, Peace, Peace: Angel Message

 Yesterday morning, an unusual dove appeared.  I've seen white-tailed deer and cotton-tailed bunnies, but a gray dove, with a signature white-tail feather seemed like an angel messenger.  An amusing sign of peace. A white feather easy to track her path in the garden in the gray dawn.  I wondered about the other mourning doves, the smaller, slimmer ones. They got their feathers ruffled, shooing White Feather away from the plentiful corn. Not a problem, choosing peace, she let them be, moving to another cache of seed.  

A white-feathered dove is a rare sight--and, no time for me to grab my camera. I hoped for another chance to prove I'd actually seen her, and to let you see for yourself.  

Early this morning, what joy to see the peace dove again.  I was ready. Her white tail, a "tipping" point of light.  But, the focus through the screen door made the images grainy in the gray dawn.  But as the sun grew brighter, and with patience, the angels delivered surprisingly revealing the big picture.

More light had been shed after the photos were cropped. Little silver mirrors of light reflected off the round mica boulder.  A recent find for the Butterfly Garden. Curious, I looked up the symbolism.  Mica provides reflective qualities...regarding self-reflection. A lesson was forming and I read on:  "In each person you see but the reflection of that which you choose to have that person be."  In other words, faults in others are reflected first in self. 

 

I laughed a little...honestly, a ripple in my peace occurred while sharing the white-tail dove's visit at breakfast. Really? The angels have a sense of humorous timing...  A heads-up,  I realized I was losing my peace about a peace dove.  I needed to hold on to my peace like a white-tail feather, and not shake it off  in a huff.  Surrender to peace...like a white flag.

In closing, I recall an illustration about peace.  A dove roosts at home in a nest above two people in a relationship. But the first sign of disturbance, she must fly away, homeless in search of a home for peace.  A visual reminder for me to think peace before I open my mouth and leave the dove homeless. The Holy Spirit (the Dove) will always restore peace...It only takes a little willingness on my part to choose peace instead of the problem.  

Have a peaceful day with your Guardian Angel.  And, let peace prevail today.  The best is yet to be.

Love,

Rae Karen

Happy Be An Angel Day! August 22, 2025

August 22nd is National Be An Angel Day.  A special day to reach out and bless others.   Any small act of kindness brings a touch of heaven to earth.  

 

It takes a special someone

of a very special kind-

 

To touch our lives with tenderness,

warmth and love combined.

 

Your encouragement and comfort

you always seem to lend

 

It's what makes you so special

and such a true God-send.

 

So please accept this Angel

so you will always see

 

Just how special 

you truly are to me. 

       --Unknown

Happy Be An Angel Day!

Love and peace,

 

 

Rae Karen

Seeing the Connection in All Things: Angel Message

 Some people lift weights, but today another opportunity presented itself as a work-out. The second time this week to offer a lift.  Again, we were coming home from a garden center.  A big, heavy tortoise was crossing Main Street, at the edge of town, not far from the fire station. Traffic was at a standstill, yielding to this unlikely pedestrian.  The tortoise had crossed one lane, and was almost safely across to the other side, when he stopped. 

 A few days ago, the rescue, a lightweight turtle, had little resistance...but today I gulped, approaching the dusty, large helmet parked on the pavement.  When I reached down, he was heavy, giving a tug of resistance as I carried him. His logger head quickly ducked into his shell, but both arms and legs were clawing the air in a jerky motion, as I hurried to the other side. Once safely on the ground, he wasted no time, making tracks for the woods.   

Grateful to have helped, I wished him well on his journey.

Turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through the earth.  See the connection in all things.   It represents Mother Earth, longevity, and awakening to heightened sensibilities.  

Remember you are never alone.  You are always in the presence of your angels...ready to lift you up so you won't dash your foot upon a stone.  The best is yet to be. Have faith and keep doing your best.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

ref: Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews

(older photo of tortoise)

A Loving Change of View: An Angel Message

 A little change of view, a shift in perception, can make a big difference... opening up a new window on life... It may begin by making a small adjustment, like the aperture on a camera lens that expands and brings life more clearly into focus. 

A tweak here and a tweak there. 

The divine lens of Love comes into focus. 

That's what happened this week.  Thanks to an angel nudge, I looked out the bedroom window and decided to enjoy the view of the garden from inside the house.  I rolled up the blinds, and laid on the  bed in a new position, my feet at the head, my head at the foot of the bed. Facing the old oak, I stacked pillows to prop me up so I could look out at nature.  Straggly long branches hung close to the ground, blocking the view. I got to work, pruning and moving the bench, hanging pots, to let more light in. 

Satisfied, I went to lay down and rest looking out at the new view.  The statue of Mother Mary with arms opened wide, welcomed love near the old oak. Love must have been in the air for two little squirrels climbed down from their nest in the treetop.  The animated pair enjoyed a game of tag round and round the old tree.  Something more was going on than met the eye.  I could hardly believe the little sweethearts soon stopped to rest on the fence post together.  Side by side, in the shade of the oak, they began kissing and hugging.  A wonderful vision of love and affection.     

Squirrel is about balance, in giving and receiving, in work and in play. 

 

Love will always make a way.  Often it begins with a small shift, a little willingness to see things differently.  

Before finishing the blog today, I laid down to rest, looking out the window at the garden,  Papa Sandhill Crane had stopped by for a visit.  He stood still for the longest time staring at Mother Mary in quiet communion...   I quickly zoomed in for a photo of the window view, adding more color to life, and went to sleep.

 

As I was waking up, a short afternoon downpour nourished the parched garden.  Soon the sun came out again, and like a tree at Christmas, the old oak lit up with tiny little water droplets outside the window. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

Photo: an older squirrels photo at our previous home

Half-Way There: Angel Message

Early this morning, we were on the way home from the local nursery with a backseat full of purple fall plants. The beautiful Archangel plant, named Angelonia, should have been a heads-up.  

An opportunity appeared...up ahead on the main rural road close to home.   

 My heart sunk...  A turtle had safely made it half-way across the two-lane road--with another lane to go!  Driving by, I got a glimpse of his head desperately stretched out of his shell, trying to decide the best way to go.  An angel nudge prompted a quick u-turn in hopes that we weren't too late for a rescue.   

He was still there, stranded.  Elliot pulled off on the grass by acres of wetland.  Jumping out, I could see how much I'd grown to willingly handle a turtle with my bare hands. But, thanks to the angels, I've learned it's never about me, but how can I help? 

An oncoming car slowed down and waited. I quickly grabbed the turtle near the rear.  (The safest place to hold on tight.) His wet shell told me he was leaving the marshy fields behind. Frightened, he quickly retreated into his shell, making an easier transport.  A boxed turtle... ready to go.  We were off...

With a sigh of relief, I gently set him down safely across the road on soft green grass.  "Here you go!" I made sure he was going the direction he first intended.  With a loving pat on his shell, my turtle friend  was happily on his way, and a whisper of thanks to the angels to watch over him.

That loving exchange made my day... It's an uplifting feeling to help another in distress, and to remember the helping hands that were extended in our hour of need.  At home, our weathered, concrete cherub riding on a turtle's back serves as a reminder. We are never alone. We each have our own angel companion as we run our own race and listen for guidance. Victory is assured.  The best is yet to be.  

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

An Amen Evening: Angel Message

What a special treat...yesterday at dusk, an angel messenger appeared.  A young deer stood still by the fence in the pasture, gently framed by two trees.  Her ears perked, eyes gazing in my direction... waiting...listening...watching.  In the twilight field, a pale quarter moon shown, a fingernail in the sky. I was thankful for the visitation.  When a deer appears, it's often an invitation to gently follow in a new direction.    And, then, she was gone... a quiet amen to evening prayers.  The best is yet to be.

Remember you are never alone..."God has given his angels charge over you to guide you in all your ways."   All that you need is within...seek and you will find. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

(photo: previous deer visitor, 2023)

An Unlikely Encounter: Angel Message

On Friday morning, the angels of nature made a clarion call.  Timothy Tortoise had returned after a long absence.  Whenever a tortoise appears, I'm reminded that slow and steady wins the race.  His first stop--the butterfly garden, but when I grabbed my camera he was gone.   Then there he was making tracks on the hot driveway pavement, racing like a hare toward the street. Whenever an animal appears on your path making a spectacle, it's most likely a heads-up angel message for a situation coming your way.  

All was harmonious...until the sandhill crane family showed up confirming a fear.  Strolling across the lawn toward the house, I worried.  What if Timothy met up with them.  Junior is curious, and can be a pecker. Thank goodness, the tortoise was moving down the long driveway in the opposite direction.    

But then, something happened. Timothy suddenly made a U-turn--like an army tanker rolling across the lawn toward the sandhill cranes.   Watching at the window, I tried to veer him off in another direction,  asking the angels for help.  

But the tortoise kept coming closer until the cranes took notice. A touch of amazing synchronicity made me wonder, what was going on?  Timothy had stopped beside our large tortoise garden statue. The tortoise was his size and he rested underneath the tall buttercup plants surrounding the statue. 

Six-pair of amber eyes peered over sharp, long beaks aimed down at the gopher tortoise.  Scrambling through the mulch bed, Timothy made it onto the wide-terraced steps.  But in order to step down to flat land, he had to find a safe way or risk taking a tumble and tipping over on his back.  Wisely, he quickly kept at it, checking the long ledge for an opening, but there was none.  The cranes were waiting at the other end where he needed to exit.  He had no choice, but to face his fears head-on.     

The adult cranes had lost interest and moved a short distance away.  But  Junior was fascinated and frightened by this strange rock rolling toward his clawed feet.  He did a little jump, and took a protective Hulk stance. Wings raised upward and down, warding off trouble. 

When Timothy boldly rolled forward...Junior backed off.  The danger passed, and the tortoise was back in the race again, no harm done.  (The little video clip of Junior and Timothy is posted on the angel blog website.)

But more tortoise energy was to come...

 Late that evening while on the porch enjoying the garden lights, we were talking about Timothy's visit, wondering what was the lesson? 

What happened next shouldn't have been a surprise.  Thoughts are things.  They have energy.  

And would you believe... as if on cue... I heard a rustling movement.  I stood up to look out the porch. What was going on? In the glow of the lantern light, what a wonderful sight.  That large heavy helmet was rolling across the patio on his way back home to the woods!  A sweet note to end the day.

 A humbling moment, full of grace and gratitude. Things are not as they appear...more is going on than we presently realize.  Angels are with us.  I called out thanks to Timothy for his message of hope: No matter what you're going through...no matter how dark and fearful it may become, trust that God will make a way, against all odds.  Take it slow and steady, like the tortoise...do your best...and listen for direction.  Victory is assured.  All things are possible with God. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Treefrog in the Forecast: An Angel Message

 

The morning began with a promising angel message. Thanks to our curious cat, I stopped journaling to see what was up.  Hei-Hei's paws were reaching high on the sunroom window.  Through the steamy mist, I saw a welcomed messenger.  A tiny pale green treefrog on the outside looking in.  A newborn, transparent, and clinging to new life, he was a message of faith.   Frogs morph from tiny tadpoles.  They begin life swimming in a pond like a fish...Slowly, their tails fall off, and then they grow legs...(talk about drastic changes) in order to become a frog.  Maybe you can relate...I can.

I feel an angel boost whenever a frog appears, making a spectacle, especially during unsettling times. It's a powerful reminder to (F.)ully (R.)ely O.n (G.)od.  (An acronym for F.R.O.G.)  And, this little fellow appears to be making a V-sign!   Victory is assured when you let go and let God.  So FROG it...whatever the problem is...

Remember you are never alone...God has given his angels charge over you to guide you in all your ways.  During times of great transformation, it takes faith to be like a little treefrog, and fully rely on God, as we go through many changes in life.  The best is yet to be...

What angel messages are coming to encourage you today?  Pay close attention, and expect miracles.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

The Donkeys' Surprise: An Angel Message

This morning, it didn't take a mule team to drag me out of the house for an early walk before the sun heated up.  Only the hope that our donkey friends would be out and about.  Recently they'd been moved to an outer pasture off the main road.   We ventured down a gravel road in the sunlight to take a look... 

Far off in the field, grazing in the grass, the donkeys were having breakfast.  What a thrill to watch them hurry toward us, running across the pasture, without being called. Not a usual behavior at mealtime.   Big brown eyes filled with gentle love and peace greeted us.  Lots of love pats on those eager snouts poking through the fence.  We gave them lots of love pats, rubbing furry ears, and soft brows...a sweet exchange.   (You can see the video clip at the angel website, it's not available in email. )   

I thought about our loving interaction.  What if we greeted our loved ones with such enthusiasm at the beginning of each day. Today may we be as eager and ready to share a little love that may unexpectedly come our way. May we take time out to joyfully receive, like these donkeys nature has marked with a cross on their backs. May we love one another...

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Heart to Heart: An Angel Message

Last weekend, what a timely and loving surprise.  Roaming about the local flea market, this one-of-a-kind treasure was heaped on a bargain table.  The beautifully hand-carved large heart was the answer to a prayer.  Earlier that morning, I'd asked God to show me how much He loved me.   I thankfully grabbed up the keepsake at a give-away price of $3, feeling blessed.

The wooden heart felt good in my hand.  I admired how all the patient attention to detail had  lovingly whittled away hours and hours to create an amazing work of love.  The smaller heart carved in the center of the big wooden heart, had a story to tell.  The little branches etched within it brought to mind Jesus' words:  "I am the vine, you are the branches, without Me you can do nothing."  

And, both sides of the heart were carved with the same loving design.  With God all things are possible.  Our purpose is not to give into despair and let go of God's love, goodness and grace by trying to handle life on our own, thinking we know best.   It's important to keep faith and trust that more is happening than you can presently realize. 

Something else on the heart caught my eye the next day.  A finishing touch. At the very top   where the rope hangs from the heart center--a tiny "nick" differs from the other  splashes of joy nicks etched around the border of the large wooden heart.  Something small yet meaningful.  One little "nick" resembled the symbol of the Christ fish.  Swimming down toward the smaller heart, it's positioned below the metal ring where the rope is tied.   I was thankful for the angel message.  Hang on to Christ, no matter what.  

I was thankful again for the loving message.  Truly, it is only with the heart of God, we can love one another, heart to heart.  And, God loves all of His children equally...  What brings a blessing to one, blesses all.

Have a heart-filled day...and remember you are never alone...right where you are now...you are in the company of loving angels.  God loves you.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

Ref John 5:15

Bubbles or Troubles? An Angel Message

Years ago I came across Allen Klein's helpful book, The Healing Power of Humor where he describes our highways as daily distress ways.  A remedy he suggested was to keep a bottle of soap bubbles in your glove box.  When stuck in endless traffic, roll down your window, and starting blowing bubbles out the window.   A wonderful stress reliever to help accept what is in the moment, and have a little fun to let off steam.

I took his advice and one day while sitting in a major traffic backup on the highway, I remembered my bubbles.  With wand in hand, I felt silly but did it anyway.  I began blowing bubbles out the window.  I'll never forget the sight of beautiful glistening orbs drifting upward carried on the wind.  The bubbles broke the mesmerism of the cars surrounding me.   A smiling female driver parked next to me, rolled down her window, shouting, "I LOVE IT!"  We both shared a good laugh, and before long the cars began to roll again.  

When feeling stuck...be childlike.  Whatever's going on, didn't come to stay, it came to pass.  Give yourself a little wiggle room to lighten up.  The kingdom of heaven is within and is ever present... It's only a thought away.

 

Unless ye be like little children,

you cannot enter the kingdom of

heaven.   --JESUS

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

 

 

photo: on-line

The Iris and the Unicorn: Divine Timing

Unicorns sprang into mind this morning when I found an old iris journal...one I'd saved all these years because of the bold irises on the hardcover.   Inside was an inspirational quote I'd copied from a pamphlet that had given me hope at a time of major transition.  Elliot and I had moved back to the beach and were living in a motel for over a month, looking for reasonable housing so we could get our furniture out of storage.  The handwritten quote: 

"Those that love me will I renew even as the strength of the unicorn,

as the flight of the eagle, and thy days and thy habitation

shall be called blessed by those that know ye."

 Edgar Cayce Reading 0716-002

My journal went on to record a bit of amusing synchronicity surrounding the unicorn that happened later that morning.  At the laundry mat, someone had won a plush little unicorn and displayed it on the coin-operated toy vending machine game. To my surprise, the unicorn had a tag, Good Stuff.  I laughed at the timing, grateful for the angel message. Good stuff is coming.  The little unicorn stayed behind to gift another.   

 

A short time later, we were guided to the perfect apartment through a series of synchronicities that played a part in such a unique find. Two blocks from the ocean, reasonably priced, and in walking distance to a spiritual place where I'd work one day, and give volunteer talks on angels.  A place we called home for seven years.    

One more thing about unicorns.  You're probably familiar with the famous unicorn tapestry series at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The beautiful panel shown here is a picture of patience as you admire the intricate handiwork in the details.  The tapestry depicts the unicorn in quiet submission.   Patience is worth the wait... The captive unicorn, woven into a timeless panel, is at rest-- content to be, although in confinement.  

 

If you look closer, his chain is loose and he could break free and leap over the fence, but that isn't part of the divine plan.   The tapestry is coded with symbolism, all part of the big picture.  The unicorn represents Christ.  Every little flower has meaning.  But the tallest flower, a purple iris,  grows at the gate entrance and is front center in the floral scene.  Iris is a sacred flower for those who revere Mother Mary. A flower that draws us to higher inspiration and intuitive purity.  Iris signals a new birth is at hand.  Maintain hope, and, a sense of peace being  restored.  The best is yet to be.    

Remember, you are never alone... God has given his angels charge over you...  Watch and listen...ready to obey.  Love will always make a way.  

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

The Golden Rule: An Angel Message

                         

I'd forgotten about The Golden Rule until recently.  This vintage golden "ad" ruler for a button company was tucked away in a kitchen drawer. I remember a small golden ruler I got in Sunday school class, inscribed: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."   Recently, angel thoughts about The Golden Rule had been coming up so finding the old ruler was timely. Our world is becoming more discordant, and rude, lacking courtesy and civility toward one another.  

 Jesus put it simply:  "Do to others as you would like them to do to you."  (Luke 6:31) 

 A simple rule, easy to memorize, but a hard standard to measure up to in our what-about-me world. It's not about being perfect, but willing to set a golden standard for living your life.  No matter where you are, or what you're doing, every conversation makes a difference.  Bringing more light to the world, or adding to the darkness. What if we were to pause and silently reflect on how I might feel if someone treated me this way?  And, then respond accordingly.  

I know I don't always measure up in living the Golden Rule.  It's very humbling, and sometimes impossible to remain quiet when my ego is about to explode and fly off the handle.  Patience and inner strength is needed to still be kind when you're feeling misunderstood or mistreated or excluded.  But those are the moments when grace can shine through...with the help of the Holy Spirit and the angels.   

 

Every interaction brings an opportunity to build a bridge to higher ground.  Maybe today someone will frustrate you.  You may feel overlooked and forgotten, but that's the moment of choice to return to the heart of the Golden Rule and put it into practice.  To live it.   Just imagine, what a different world this would be if everyone practiced The Golden Rule.  It would answer most, if not all, of the world's problems.

The angels encourage us to pray for divine help to practice The Golden Rule as the day begins.  We can ask for wisdom to remain silent when it is not necessary to speak.  To have grace, by letting our words bring healing and not harm. God is Love.  And, so are you.

Love and peaceful blessings,


Rae Karen

Good Year Blimp: An Angel Message

Out of the blue...a wonderful sight appeared on our way to the post office on 8/8.  The Good Year Blimp sailed along the sky at a fast clip above the treetops.  And, I'd ignored the angelic nudge to grab my camera on the way out the door. Soon the Good Year Blimp was out of sight.  A quick glance at the car clock revealed  divine timing: 12:12.  And, it happened on 8/8--known as the Lion's Gate. 

Here's an older photo I took of the Good Year Blimp to help you see the good news.  Expect miracles...  The best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

A Surprise Hawk: Angel Message

 

I don't know who was more surprised, me or this red-shouldered hawk camouflaged by a bushy tree.  After heavy rains in the early evening, I went out to greet the bedraggled sandhill cranes.  The family of three were strolling down the driveway looking for sustenance.  That's when I saw this large hawk posted on the pasture fence.

Hawks are guardians and messengers.They can see seven times better than humans. A hawk is patient and will spend three-fourths of the day perched somewhere, watching over the surroundings for subtle movements. They wait for the best time to strike out at an opportunity.  Hawk's appearance signifies a time of greater strength and vision that will help our present endeavors.  Now is the time to trust your perceptions, and gallantly move forward with them. 

What signals are the angels sending you today?  God's angels speak through nature, whether outdoors, or just noticing a picture in a magazine or an ad that stands out with a message.  Expectancy brings results...and like the hawk, stay patiently posted...and wait.  The best is yet to be. 

Have a blessed day and remember you are never alone. God has given his angels to watch over you...

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Flickering Fireflies: An Angel Message

                          
 This week, a quiet evening on the porch looking out on the peaceful Butterfly Garden, the glow of changing colors on the solar orbs brought to mind... fireflies. Where had they all gone?  Our conversation turned to fun childhood memories. An adventure, running around barefoot on the farm.  The sun setting over the potato field, what joy to chase the little flickering lights. And, how they'd tickle my hand with a faint glow.  Soon I had a jarful of twinkling little lights like stars clinging to the blades of grass. The darker it got, the brighter the fireflies shined.  Before going to bed, I'd open the lid, and watch the stream of fireflies flicker away in the night, bringing sweet dreams for a brighter day.         

 

Looking back, thoughts are things.  The lively firefly discussion brought results.  My son suddenly saw one! A firefly flew by the porch in a flicker of greenish light.  A happy moment to witness fireflies are still around. 

 

Whatever we focus on we attract, right?  A few days later, fireflies suddenly flickered again only this time on my laptop screen.  An article appeared on how they've been lighting up the summer skies in the Northeast due to a wet spring. More good news!  

 

The firefly energy was stirring the ethers...

Curious to learn more...I discovered a firefly is a small beetle that gives off light usually from their hind end.  A flashing light sends out a signal in the dark to attract a promising mate.  If interested, she responds in a similar rhythm.  To see a firefly means it's time to trust in your own rhythms, both physical and spiritual.  Your  hopes and dreams will begin to manifest, and you will be able to inspire others. Fireflies are a reminder that there are others out there in the dark who will respond to us--who are like us--that flash with similar creative rhythms. 

 

A firefly looks like an ordinary beetle during the daytime... but at night, they light up and sparkle, a little star of hope.  These tiny lights sparkling in the dark reflect the many opportunities available to create the seemingly impossible.  A reality of wonders. Ideas begin to flash around us, offering spiritual inspiration and hope during times of darkness. 

 

I'm so thankful for the nature messages that come from our angels... Don't despair, be like the firefly... full of bright ideas, flickering with enthusiasm, and full of a childhood sense of wonder.  Lighten up in the dark.  The best is yet to be. Keep on shining your light.

Love and blessings,

Rae Karen



Photos: on-line

Ref: Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews

A Message on Transformation from a Peacock

Yesterday we let go of a trunk full of donations at the Angel Thrift Shop in our old neighborhood. Having lightened our load, an impromptu angel nudge suggested why not visit the wild peacocks at the physical rehabilitation center in town. Usually the peacocks are plentiful, perched on high with colorful feathery-eyed plumage draping down from tall  oak limbs.  Or, strutting their stuff around the parking lot, stopping to fan and shimmy those magnificent tail feathers.  Always a treat--a sudden explosion of dynamic energy that makes your eyes pop wide open.  

But yesterday as we made the turn into the nature center, the beautiful peacocks were missing.  The road around to the back of the building was void of any peacocks. Then in the shadows, I caught sight of this fellow on the steps to the power facility. His turquoise head highlighted by the sun's rays.      

As he came towards me, I could see the problem. His beautiful long train was missing. Molting season once again. It  happens every summer.  A test of vanity and humility to lose such an  exquisite and beautiful part of yourself.. to go from extraordinary to plain old ordinary.  And, although your feeling lighter without the heavy tail feathers dragging behind you, you miss the fanfare of so many admirers. Peacocks tend to lay low during molting.  They settle down in the bushes, and patiently wait for a new crop of beautiful, long feathers to grow back in time for the spring mating season.

It's worth the wait...

My royal blue friend eagerly put his best foot forward to meet up with an opportunity.  Taking his photo, I laughed as he dramatically turned his head and held a pose, making sure I captured his best side, crown and all.  

I was thankful for the angel's message on transformation.   In life, we pass through many different seasons--shedding the old to make way for the new, growing and expanding through various experiences.  Those wonky in-between times often test our patience as we wonder who we really are?  But come eternal spring, we will wear our robes of glistering white-- bright as the noonday sun, and shine.    

The best is yet to be... In the meantime, I took a hint from my peacock friend, to make sure I put my best foot forward, and greet every opportunity that may come my way.   The best is yet to be.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Looking to God and Away from the Problem: An Angel Message

During trying times, I've found peace by shifting my anxious thoughts long enough to focus on a painting that bolsters my faith and brings courage to endure.  Like this one.  Several years ago, Daniel's Answer to the King popped up on my path.  I learned the story of Daniel's miraculous survival in the lions den from my childhood Sunday school teacher.  You probably know how the story goes.  Daniel was 80-years-old when he was unjustly thrown to the lions. Envy among his peers made them trick the King into signing a decree that they knew Daniel would disobey because he was faithful to his God.  The decree had the kingdom make no petition to any God except the King during  a 30-day period or be thrown in the lions' den.  Daniel knew the decree, but was faithful and continued to kneel and pray to his God three times a day in front of a window, facing his homeland. When Daniel was arrested and brought before King Darius, the King was angry with Daniel's opponents who had tricked him.  A decree was irreversible and sadly the King had to obey his own decree.  The last words he spoke to Daniel was that he had faith that Daniel's God would deliver him from the lions' den.

 

Because of Daniel's long history of trusting God, he knew to turn his back from the hopeless human condition and stand at the window and pray to God while held captive in the den.  He kept his focus on God, and not on the growling lions...

 

There are times in life when we are unfairly trapped in a terrifying situation with no apparent way out.  The fierce, hungry lions circling round in our mind may look like a health challenge, loss of a loved one, financial struggle, or relationship betrayals. But, like Daniel, we can choose to turn away from the fear and look to God for the answer.  To rise in consciousness above the human condition. Thoughts are things and what we put our attention on will magnify and grow.  Choose to focus on God and not the problem, holds the key to open the door.   God will make a way...

 

When it's hard to still the mind to pray or meditate, I've found peace by opening a spiritual book and reading a few pages. The author's consciousness is like a medicine restoring and uplifting my soul.  A favorite scripture to overcome fear is the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my shepherd..."

 

Psalm 91, a daily prayer, also brings peace. God's insurance plan for our lives the psalmist  guarantees the company of angels when we abide in God.  God will protect us like a baby bird tucked safely under his feathery wings. 

 

It only takes a little willingness to break the chain of negative thoughts and create a pinhole of light to penetrate the darkness. So the Holy Spirit can enter and bring peace... And we find we are able to relax... and breathe easier.  Right in the midst of our fearful images, we are comforted with a palpable feeling that we are not alone.  We are in the presence of God's loving angels. We are not left alone in the dark but are loved dearly. A  peacefulness comes over us, bringing a lightness of being. God has sent his loving angels to close the mouths of our fearful lions, ready to swallow us up. And, like Daniel, victory will come in the light of a new day. 

 

 Daniel  told the anxious King the next morning:

 

 "My God hath sent his angel, 

and hath shut the lions' mouths, 

that they may not hurt me..."   

Daniel's experience with an angel in the lion's den paints a picture of courage and faith in the face of terror.  A reminder to look to God, and not entertain the fearful lions in our trials.  Picture   yourself in Daniel's place in the den of lions painting (Daniel's Answer to the King, by Briton Riviere). See yourself like Daniel... back turned away from the prowling lions, (fearful thoughts) as you stand faithfully at the window of light in prayer and peaceful expectancy.  Prayer works miracles...God will make a way. 

 

Love and peace,
Rae Karen

 

Ref: Artwork: Daniel's Answer to the King, Briton Riviere (1840-1920)

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: An Angel Message

 This morning I was surprised when an old proverb came to mind; one that I hadn't heard in years: 

 "A stitch in time saves nine."   

What? so unexpected, I had to reflect on the meaning.

 One stitch is faster than nine, so sew up a small tear with only one stitch, before it becomes a big hole in the fabric and will take 9 times more energy and time to repair in the future.  

The random stitch in time proverb, brought to mind a thick strand of unusual ZigZag stitches. Last evening, I opened the sunroom blinds hoping for rain.  A big yellow spider was suspended between the bushes outside the window.  She had woven an intricate web with thick white silky ZigZag stitches. The unusual stitches looked a little bit like writing. And it turns out, our eight-legged weaver is known as a writing spider.   And, yellow is the color of faith, I always say.  A garden spider symbolizes creativity, patience, and transformation.  

I'll admit, I wasn't always good with spiders. They were scary... but over the years as I've come to understand that God's love is in all life, I appreciate how a garden spider will often appear close up and personal just when I need an extra spiritual boost.  

A garden spider carefully spins her web. One strand at a time. And, she has everything she needs within to fulfill her creative purpose.   The web orb symbolizes how everything is connected by one long strand.  We are not alone...

When a spider appears it can be a reminder to embrace change and trust in your innate ability to weave your destiny with faith.   

 Create! Create! Create!    The psalmist writes..."we spend our years as a tale that is told."   

Spider teaches that we spin our years as a tale that is told.  Weaving the world around us by our thoughts, words, and deeds.  We are the "writers" of our own destiny.  

The garden spider brings a loving angel message to pay closer attention to your surroundings and your inner thoughts.  Create with love and not fear...and make your world a better place.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 


 

Digging Cosmos Flowers: An Angel Message

 

When I bought the tall colorful cosmos flowers last spring at the town market, I had an expectation that they would look like this picture. But my vision fell short when their feathery, fern-like foliage drooped, and turned brown over the hot summer.  The cheerful daisy blooms were few and far between standing on straggly tall stems hardly like the starry burst of colorful flowers I'd hoped for.   So much so, that yesterday I was going to dig them up and let them go. Their claim to be heat and drought resistant wasn't helping, yet something held me back.  And, I took another look, deadheading old blooms. Many little buds were holding a promise for the Cosmos future.  

Thoughts are things, as we know... so imagine my surprise early this morning when I went out to the garden.  My cosmos plants were dug up during the night, and now lay in a neat row by the hole they once occupied. The little fairy on her bench had been tossed out of a clay pot onto the garden path.     

As I stared at the uprooted cosmos, they appeared in good condition...salvageable.  My idea to dig up the Cosmos had been answered. The rest was up to me.  An angel message was coming to light.  The power of words and actions to create.  Thankfully, I grabbed my spade, and soon completed the job I'd postponed all summer.  The garden bed was replenished with a large bag of miracle garden grow and a prayer of gratitude.  I apologized to each little flower for my falling short as I tucked each one into the fresh flowerbed.  (The heat was no excuse... it was a matter of choice.)  

Since this happened, and it's the first year I've planted Cosmos, I found the symbolism helpful. The Cosmos flower facilitates a linking of the heart and mind; a message to work with both when expressing your creativity. Cosmos also has a dynamic affect on the throat stimulating into activity any creative expression which has been lying dormant.  What a perfect angel message.  Watch our thoughts, words, and actions.  A reminder that good is always present...when seen with the lens of God's Love and the expectation of great hope and faith.  And, of course, the help from our angels, unseen but not unnoticed.

Thank you, God.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

ref: cosmos, Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews

photo: web 

The Gator and the Dragonfly: An Angel Message

This week our librarian friend asked if we'd ever seen a gator at the local lake. Her question brought back an amazing experience.  In the summer of 2020, an angel "blip" suggested an evening drive to the lake to get out of the house and spend time in nature.  We were glad we listened.  The sun's golden glow created a spotless mirror on the blue lake.  A beautiful reflection of stillness, peace, and serenity.   An abundance of nature: palm trees,  tall yellow waterlilies in  bloom at the far end of the lake.  A family of vigilant red-headed turkey buzzards watched the lake from the boat ramp.  And, our favorite sandhill crane couple and the ducks stood still, watching the lake...in expectation.  

Something unusual was going on... unseen...  It was too quiet...

Then, I saw it.  Off in the distance, a slow steady movement... an unusual object floating in our direction.  A pair of two big eyes peeking up out of the lake, the brown log of a body submerged. A gator!  A gator at the lake seemed like a nightmare, shattering the beautiful serenity.  Danger was lurking for the unsuspecting. Eight years of visiting the lake never turned up one gator.  Now that we moved close by, there it was lurking in the mirrored lake. What was the angel message?   So unbelievable, I wanted a photo to prove to myself it was true.  I actually saw what I thought I had.  I got out of the car, asking the angels for help as I gazed at the LCD screen, zooming in.  Bright sun made it hard to focus, but with the camera pointed toward the floating eyes, I snapped away, hoping for the best.     

We were grateful for the heads up.  Danger lurking when least expected.  

 

Back at home, what a surprise!  The angels had made a special photo delivery...  The gator was not alone, he had a passenger!   A delicate winged dragonfly peacefully rested on the leathery raised brow of the  gator's left eye.  The safest place to be... free from any fear of snapping jaws.    In that special moment of reflection, it appeared that two polarities had harmonized, gliding together in sunlit waters.  What were the odds?  I knew dragonfly represents the illusion and the power of light.   And, these beautiful insects have been around for millions of years...and are known to have the largest eyes of all insects.  Eye to eye seemed like a theme...

When a dragonfly appears:  "Life is never quite the way that it appears, but it is always filled with light and color.  Dragonfly can help you to see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth.  An angel message very much needed in 2020 as it is today.

Curious, I learned alligator represents primal energies of birth, motherhood, and initiation.  

 

The powerful imagery of the gator and the dragonfly together delivered a message of faith and courage.  When our eyes are fixed on the Light, we will have a smoother transformation, regardless of the fearful conditions that appear to be around us, a way will open up for us to have victory when we go with the flow under the direction of our angels.  And, let there be light.  

Remember you are never alone.  God has given his angels charge over you to guide you in all your ways. .

Love and peace,

Rae Karen