Before my bushy-tailed messenger scampered away, his little paws were folded in reverent prayer. A sweet reminder to pray for the world, and give thanks for all the goodness ever present in each waking hour. Stay in the Light...the best is yet to be.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
The past month, I've missed our sandhill crane family and thought the long-legged stately birds had moved on to greener pastures. They are the fourth generation of cranes we've watched raise their young. Junior's rust colored heart-shaped mask has finally turned red like his parents.
Early this morning, what joy to watch the soggy trio pick their way through the tall wet weeds and enter through the large gap in the pasture fence. They were back! Soaked feathers from heavy rains, the happy family hungrily pecked at the cracked corn on the pavement. Happy for a little sustenance...
Sandhill cranes are a welcome sign that it's time to participate in the dance of life. Cranes represent creativity and longevity. Sandhills also sound a warning, when a disturbance is in the ethers... Papa lets out a loud raucous call to pause and be vigilant. That's why these prehistoric looking birds are also known for guardianship. They have been around for millions of years.
Remember you are never alone. You have a guardian assigned by God to watch over you. During these times of unprecedented, rapid change, listening to the wisdom offered by our angels is most needed throughout the day. Their messages offer peace, hope, love, and provision. Keep having the faith and try not to be deceived by appearances. The best is yet to be.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Sometimes it just takes a sudden thrust to break a bubble of illusion. Mesmerism.
Saturday afternoon's sudden angel push had sent me in a whirl in the Butterfly Garden--moving large mica rocks, statues, benches, stepping stones, and solar garden lite orbs. That labor of love had helped to dispel my tiredness and work off some angst. The more I worked, the more energy I gained, just like my Grandmother always said.
Sunday mid morning, something amusing happened that caught me off guard. My two big feet were planted against the bedroom window as I laid on the bed to look out at the new garden face. Our tabby cat, Hei-Hei, lounged beside me on the bed. My feet on the pillow, and my head propped up on pillows at the foot of the bed. In an upside down position, I could clearly see the garden--grateful for the inspiration and transformation. The view of nature is always healing...and brings peace.
Then it happened... a little heart beat at the window looking in at me.
A bushy gray tail appeared... Two, big curious eyes peered in the bedroom window, looking inside. This friendly young squirrel had climbed up on the rocky window ledge to visit. It was one of those rare moments when time and space fade away... I looked into the bright eyes of this brave little creature. Hei-Hei, surprised to see a squirrel up close, jumped up to get a good look. In a quest for peace, I softly told him how the little squirrel was his brother who came to visit. I spoke softly to the little squirrel as he looked in at us, and then raised his little paw up on the window screen, like a hi-five. A striped tail nervously swished, hesitant about this rare encounter, but the unlikely pair were almost nose to nose in a peaceful exchange that lasted for a minute.
Squirrels are a favorite nature teacher of mine...so many lessons over the years. Lessons on giving and receiving, balancing work and play, preparing for the future, not giving up, breaking through limitations with euphoria.
This little neighbor of ours lives in the tree penthouse by the driveway. God is in the details. He knows the secrets of our hearts and how to mend and to heal. This was the first time a bushy-tailed squirrel climbed up on the rocky window ledge to say hello. Who knows...maybe he was looking for where all the cracked corn and birdseed are stored? Or, maybe the angels used him to crack a big hardheaded nut.
I looked up the symbolism after he climbed back down, returning home to the garden. "Squirrel: Balance your work and play. Prepare for the future, but do not get lost in preparations. Find ways to gather and to gift."
There wasn't time to take a photo in that moment of grace, but this squirrel on-line comes close in capturing the precious moment.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Photo: web
Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews ref.
Yesterday, sitting by the garden a little heart caught my eye--waving high up in the sky.
The last leaf on a spindly vine, the angel message was divine.
Love! Love!. Love! The little heart leaf seemed to say.
A touch of joy. Love stirred the air.
And, when I stepped back what a surprise.
The little heart was naturally framed by a bigger heart formed by the trees. 
I was thankful for the humble angel message that every little act of love brings powerful results. The world needs love now more than ever. Never feel like you are not enough...keep on loving with all you've got. And, just when you feel the need for a boost, angels deliver in amazing ways. Keep having faith. There is more going on than we can perceive with our five senses. Trust and be grateful that you are more than you can presently understand. And, God loves you. Teach only love...
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Not the best of photos, but a lesson too good to pass up...and an inspiring reminder of that old saying...If nature is your teacher, you will surely learn.
Last week, off in the distance, two strange red tropical flowers caught my eye. Oddly out of place, I wondered where the unlikely pair had come from? Turns out the flowers had bloomed from the large pot in the Butterfly Garden, a good distance away. I felt a tug on my heart as I followed the trail. Long, green tendrils climbed the JOY stake, skipped along the pasture fence, always stretching, hanging on. Then victory! Blooming in the Light.
In looking back, the beautiful plant's new home in the Butterfly Garden this summer wasn't as sunny as the patio where she'd been thriving, but wasn't front and center. And, then with all the rain and cloudy days this fall, I didn't notice the change in stature, or how she was coping/adapting to her relocation.
But in that instant, I got the message. Something I needed. Angels help us to pay attention when a message is coming our way. I'm so thankful for the lesson that bloomed in a surprising way--an unfading memory that clearly demonstrates that where there is a will, there is a way. Love will always make a way. Never give up. Just keep on str-e-tch-ing for the LIGHT with all you've got! And, have faith...the best is yet to be. Victory is assured.
Remember you are never alone...what lessons are unfolding for you...little insights that catch your eye and bring hope and joy to your day. Your angels are with you. Expect wonderful things to happen.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Recently this 1991 LOVE Christmas Stamp Ornament caught my eye at the neighborhood flea market... I love sending mail around the world, and was thankful for the reminder to stamp the world with LOVE year-round. To be more like Mother Teresa who said:
I am but a small pencil in the hand of a writing God
who is sending a love letter to the world.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
A spur of the moment visit to see the wild peacocks looked like a no-show. Elliot and I asked the angels for help. It's still molting season...but just when we were about to give up, a rare and special blessing caught our sight.
This beautiful white peacock...a picture of peace, rested in the warm sunshine near the rehab patio. Content to be during the long, molting season. A new, lacy white, plumage takes time to grow back, ready to fan once again in the budding, glorious spring. This condition isn't permanent... only a phase of renewal.
The spiritual meaning of a white peacock is divine grace, purity, and spiritual awakening. It's magnificent tail represents wholeness, expansion, and authentic self-expression. An encounter with a peacock may signify a time of spiritual transformation. A purposeful shedding of old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you. A time to let go of the past and embrace a new chapter of life with grace.
The white peacock encourages alignment with your highest truth and purpose. It's important to trust in the process of transformation and renewal...the best is yet to be.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
God's angels hover near and all about.
His Love surrounds you, of this be sure;
that I will never leave you comfortless.
~A Course in Miracles
Years ago I had a God box. An empty decorative box of lavender bubble bath that had been a birthday gift. A special place to tuck my keepsakes. Old photos, little mementos and prayers. I still have it somewhere...
At the flea market on Wednesday morning, a little blue box caught my eye: GIVE IT TO GOD.
I didn't notice the comforting proverb on the inner lid until I opened the prayer box at home.
SHE IS CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH
AND DIGNITY AND SHE LAUGHS
She laughs without fear of the future... With God as my strength, there is nothing to fear... I needed that reminder. I am never alone and neither are you. There is nothing to fear for God is ever present.
God's angels hover near and all about.
His Love surrounds you, of this be sure;
that I will never leave you comfortless.
~A Course in Miracles
Being a doubting Thomas, early this morning, I followed my ego's advice. Grabbing my camera, I hurried outside in the dark, hoping to recreate yesterday's amazing blessing of light. How a tiny flash bulb had ignited the whole garden, energizing all the solar orbs in the Marian Butterfly Garden.
More light arrived in a morning email from a good friend staying at Jacksonville Beach. Her beautiful photo of the full moon last night was filled with light. A colorful halo encircled the Supermoon and the cross of light beaming in the center. Wow. A heavenly picture of serenity... Moonlight created a silvery path of light in its wake on the sea. Let there be light...
Have a peaceful day, and remember you are never alone. You are in the presence of God's angels...why not welcome these heavenly visitants.
Too dark to tell if I had captured the moment, Elliot suggested using a flash--something I never do--Fumbling in the dark, I found the button to pop open the lid. But the camera button didn't click. I got a BUSY message on the LCD screen. I asked the angels for help, and tried again.
A shaft of bright light shattered the dark! The flash was working!
The garden appeared in bright light..but something even more wonderful happened in the process. That tiny flash of light had ignited all the solar-powered garden lights! The Psalm 91 angel, Mother Mary statue, and yellow butterfly bench were aglow after the flash had faded. Multi-colored garden orbs, twinkling in joyful delight, transformed the garden into a little wonderland, bringing rays of hope into the darkness.
Wow...Who would have thought?! Although the solar orb photos didn't show up in the dark, I welcome the powerful reminder. It only takes a little flash of light to brighten things up in our corner of the world, so keep on shining. The best is yet to be.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
