Monkey-Mindedness: An Angel Message

 Are you feeling a restlessness, a lack of control in your own thinking? Confused, unsettled?  The angels point out your inner critic--the part of our brain connected to ego--is directing the show.  The monkey- mind stifles creativity and prevents you from moving forward with confidence.  Loud, and incessant, it must be heard--easily distracted to get anything done.

Now more than ever, the monkey-mind can leave one feeling like you have a 200-pound gorilla on your back, weighing you down, and stealing your joy in the moment.

We can shut down the monkey-mind, but it will take vigilance.  First step is to become aware that it is trying to vie for your attention.  Then, calm down. Stop and take a deep breath.  Focus on being fully present in the here and now.  You are in the presence of angels.  Breathe... invite the Holy Spirit to let you have peace instead of the problems that are weighing you down. Let go.  Stay in the now. You will begin to feel a lessening of tension, a loosening up, a stirring of lightness.   Smile and relax.  The best is yet to be.

An optical vintage postcard clearly illustrates the choice is ours as to whether or not we let the monkey- mind overshadow our portrait.  Chose to ask the Holy Spirit for help and watch what happens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Photo: David Livesay)

Happy Father's Day! An Angel Message

(faded old photo of Dad and Me)


On Father's Day today, an old angel blog resurfaced by surprise.  I'm sharing it in memory of my wonderful father, Raymond, in heaven.

 

In 1971 my first husband and I were returning to Virginia after his military tour in Fairbanks, Alaska. We hadn't been home for two long years.  After a long drive cross-country, when we walked in the door, Dad was not there. Mom didn't want to worry us on the trip home, but Dad was very ill in a veteran's hospital in Maryland.  We went straight to the hospital with Mom.  He was so happy to see me when I walked into his room. It was the happiest day of his life, he hugged me.  My relationship had always been rocky with him, but our heart to heart reunion was healing that day on many levels.  I wrote him a long letter asking for forgiveness and thanking him for being my father. 

 

 A week later we learned Dad was in intensive care, and wasn't expected to live much longer.   I remember watching him lay in his hospital bed, hooked up to monitors, each heart beat beeping on the screen.   I wondered about my letter.  Had I waited too long to send it?  Dad died that night at the age of 56.

My heart dropped when a few weeks later, my unopened envelope returned, stamped deceased. More tears flooded from that blow than from his passing. Guilt gripped me.   Why had I waited so long to express my real feelings? I couldn't even talk about the letter without welling up.   Friends and family reassured me that my father knew I loved him.  It was ten years before I could talk about the undelivered letter without breaking down in tears.

On a brighter note, in 1999, I woke up on Father's Day before dawn. Eyes closed, I began thinking about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is strong in me. I let that powerful thought sink down deep in to my mind. The more I silently repeated The Holy Spirit is strong in me, the stronger the loving Presence became.

Then, to my surprise, my father's face appeared in my mind's eye.

It was so unexpected.

I began reflecting on his life. The gifts he had given me. Life. Creativity. Humor. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, if he really put his mind to it.  Fly a plane, build a brick patio, upholster furniture, restore an antique mummy case grandfather clock.   He was a journalist, military leader, computer systems analyst, and a free thinker.  Madison Avenue was a trap. He wasn't religious, but he believed God was a Supreme Being. When I was a child, he seemed to be an angry man. I didn't understand the war memories he hid deep within that earned him The Purple Heart.

After much reflection that morning, I found myself welling up. "I love you, Dad. I am glad that you were my Father. That I am the person I am. I thank you for all the gifts you gave me."

Then I remembered. It's Father's Day! 

So that's why I saw you.

My heart filled with peaceful gratitude. When my husband, Elliot woke up,  I shared what had happened. We talked about my father.  Dad had been frustrated by the times he lived in. An Aquarian, he was often misunderstood, fifty years ahead of his time.

What happened next caught me by surprise. 

A framed picture of Christ on my nightstand suddenly toppled over, and the table lamp came on.   Suddenly the dark bedroom was filled with light!

A rush of goosebumps brought fresh tears.

In that moment, Dad was with us. 

 "I know you're here, Dad. I love you!"

Then later my logical mind kicked in.  "Maybe the picture triggered the lamp switch when it fell down?" I wondered.

But Elliot had heard the lamp CLICK as it turned on.  He smiled. "Accept the gift."

I laughed... I can't think of a better gift.  Love is never-ending and extends beyond time and space.  Happy Father's Day!

Leave nothing unsaid.   Words matter.  Write to family and loved ones, let them know they are important to you.  

 

Happy Father's Day!


Rae Karen 

Wake up, Alice! An Angel Message

Earlier this week, Elliot and I stopped by Sunflower Park for a photo of the pocket watch from Alice in Wonderland.

Angel thoughts can appear as a recurring theme on your path, in amazing and creative ways that make you stop and wonder, what is going on?  An infinite  life force is always conspiring on our behalf that goes far beyond our five senses.

Nine years ago, Alice in Wonderland  symbolism played a hand when our life was about to move in a new direction.

Out of the blue, characters from Lewis Carroll's adventure popped up in unlikely places, that grabbed our attention. 

On a return road trip home early one morning, the drive-thru was backed up at our local McDonald's--a place we passed by often but never went inside.  Not in the mood to go home and make oatmeal, we had decided to grab an egg muffin breakfast on the run. When we sleepily stepped inside the golden arches, what a wake-up surprise.  Alice in Wonderland was featured in a big way.  The motif included the inner workings of a giant  clock, with large hands ticking away on the ceiling.   The late harried rabbit was featured on a pedestal encased in glass.  Time was the center piece, the daily grind.

Then in 2011, on a winter trip to Florida, the angels guided us to Sunflower Park in the heart of downtown DeLand.  To our surprise, a giant pocket watch with a plaque was a permanent display in the quaint little park. "I'm late.  I'm late for a very important date."   His admonition always brought me a touch of guilt--like I'd forgotten an important meeting.

That winter while house-hunting to see what may be available, in one place, Alice and Wonderland was  featured on the back splash tiles above a kitchen sink.  Not that the house was a right fit, but something was up. 

Back in Virginia, the rabbit hole adventure continued to play out.  At the public library, I ran in to run our books, on the way out, I grabbed a magazine off the free rack.  The cover had this painting of the Pentecost and a featured article, "You Will Receive the Power."

Jean Restout II Penetecost Painting, 1732

 On the ride home, I wondered why I'd grabbed a Catholic magazine, but to my surprise another article, BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE, referred to Alice in Wonderland. The synchronicity, the language of angels, brought a smile as I read:

"At one point in the story, Alice says: "There's no use trying, one can't believe impossible things." But the Queen disagrees, saying: "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." The article went on to say that it is the Holy Spirit who helps us to grasp and believe truths that are impossible for us to accept on the basis of logic alone.

I knew this was true whenever  I had stopped and asked the Holy Spirit to judge things for me because I don't truly know the meaning of anything.  Time and again, this yielding would bring peace and the bigger picture would be revealed in such a way as not to put me in greater fear.

With all the Wonderland clues, we watched the Disney movie.  The ending stood out in particular. Young Alice is tired of the magic of Wonderland, and wants to go back home. The angry Queen of Hearts and her army of playing cards are coming after Alice.

 Her only hope is to make it to the door up ahead.

Alice frantically grabs the knob and turns it hard, but the door is locked!

 "I must go home!"  Alice cries, fearful that she is doomed.

To her surprise, the doorknob speaks,  "But, you are already home."  He tells her.

Doubtful, Alice looks through the keyhole.

To her amazement, it's true!  There she is asleep in the shade of the old tree!

Alice knows what she must do!  Shouting through the keyhole, she tries to awaken her sleeping self. "ALICE! WAKE UP!"

The card soldiers are gaining ground. 

"ALICE! WAKE UP!"  Again she shouts.

In the next scene, Alice opens her eyes and finds herself in a safe place that she never left, except in her dream.  The trip down the rabbit hole to Wonderland wasn't real, it was only a dream.

I like that imagery.  Whatever fears may be chasing me down, I must see them as an opportunity to wake up to the truth about me.  The Holy Spirit is the answer to the dream of separation from our loving Creator.  He will help you to awaken and have a happy dream.

"Let me see this differently."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Get Swept Away with the Scents of the Season

Entering Publix grocery store yesterday, I silently invited the angels to be with me.  A wonderful fragrance filled the air.   I caught a whiff of my first cinnamon broomstick!  Grabbing one out of a barrel, I got whisked away to the deli counter for an egg salad sub.

Now our home is enriched by the aroma of cinnamon buns, without the added calories.  Taking a photo for the blog, I noticed the message on the broom wrapper:  Get Swept Away with the Scents of the Season.  

Aroma has something to do with memories.  Scents can evoke powerful emotions.  My mom always made cinnamon buns on Sunday morning for my brothers and me before sweeping us off to church.  Years later, I learned that cinnamon is a fragrance associated with the Holy Spirit.   

I love all of the wonderful smells that add to the holiday season.  Last night, I discovered a green pine candle tucked away in the den. The scent of a Christmas tree brings another gift of joyful family traditions.


Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,



Rae Karen

Making Room for Him: An Angel Message

                             

The Angel of Exploration was my random angel card.

The Course in Miracles card below made a good companion.  Expanding consciousness.

The Holy Spirit will, of Himself, fill every mind that

so makes room for Him.  

                                A Course in Miracles

Lately, I've been feeling like a bottle of champagne ready to explode, only the tight wire mesh is fastened too tight.  It must be loosened to pop the cork.  Today, thanks to the Angel of Exploration,  I'm open to discovering an expansion of my being, transcending the tight physical body to make space for the Holy Spirit to abide.  I want my joy back. Holy Spirit is the call to joy.

The flowers are in bloom; red roses, yellow daisies, deep pink hibiscus. God's grace in the now is sustaining every blade of grass.  All life.  It is holy ground when I accept into my own consciousness that God's grace is in this moment, active right here, right now.  And that God's grace in the eternal now is everywhere, flowing into all human consciousness as divine inspiration, love, abundance, good health, every good thing.  For God is everywhere and there is no room for anything but Goodness, Divine Love.

I must learn to see with God's eyes and not be deceived by appearances.  My physical senses deceive me with their false perceptions, but God's gift of vision is available in every instant.  If I can only remember to be still and listen, giving God the glory as I open up to receive and let it flow.

That's the work--translating earth to heaven--dissolving the ego mind with the help of the indwelling Christ.

Let today be the beginning of a new journey--exploring God's Love in all things--seeking and finding--knocking and opening. With absolute certainty that God is, we cannot fail to know the Truth.

Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,

Rae Karen

 (Fractals Artwork - Wikimedia Images - Alexa Szlavics)

Wake Up!

Our adorable little tuxedo cat is a good teacher. It's hard to ignore her when she wants breakfast before sun up. Her tenacity in getting what she wants is inspiring and it works. If jumping up on my stomach and laying down to rest, purring loudly against my face doesn't stir me, I feel the gentle touch of her paw on my cheek. Followed by a wet lick on my nose. If that doesn't work, she gets more aggressive, taking a running leap and charging the covers. Mostly though, she is loving in her quest to be fed. With droopy eyes, I'm grateful that this little ball of fur is helping me start the day with a smile on my face. It's hard to be angry when showered with adoration and affection. In the end love does conquer all as I stumble in the dark to get her breakfast.

I could take a lesson from her when seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be persistent. Keep at it through the day, inviting that loving Presence into everything I do and say. What a difference a day could make.

Angelic Blessings,

Karen

The Starry Nudge: An Angel Message

(Photo from the Hubble, The Globular Star Cluster 47 Tucanae)

There is a still inner voice that knows me better than I know myself.

Not the me I see in the mirror, but my spirit that is eternal. 

It knows what I need to do to heal but so often that voice is drowned out by the din of the world.  Distracted by my five senses, I forget the real part of me that is greater than all of this. The part that is One with all Life, the part that is made in the image of God, the part that is forever.

Often I struggle to figure out a problem on my own. Then something happens to remind me to ask for help.  If I stop and ask the Holy Spirit to let me see things differently or let me have a word of knowledge or understanding, I will get it. Although not in the way my ego expects.

Last night I was concerned about a problem. Before bed, I remembered to ask the Holy Spirit for help. I had moved away from an awareness of His Presence for awhile and missed our interaction. I awoke in the middle of the night and lay in bed saying prayers for Haiti and loved ones, remembering God and His angels.

After a while I was nudged, Get up and look at the stars.

Less than enthusiastic about leaving my warm bed, I ignored the nudge and snuggled down under the covers.

As I tried to go back to sleep, the nudge came again.

Get up and look at the stars.

My ego made more excuses. Were the stars out? Maybe it's cloudy.

Tired, I stayed put.

But again, the nudge.

  "Get up and look at the stars."

This must be important, I thought.  Reluctantly, I put on my heavy robe and padded barefoot down the hall to the living room.  From out the double wide picture windows, I caught a glimpse of the vast sky.  Bright stars twinkled in abundance above the tree tops.  It was so beautifully expansive, I wanted to be a part of it, so I stepped out on the cold wooden deck.

In the starry stillness of the light, I was suddenly awestruck as things came into their proper perspective. God is so much BIGGER than any of my problems. I need to listen and follow His guidance in order to find the peace and splendor of the unfolding way.

With a grateful heart, I returned to bed feeling peaceful. Angels are like stars. Often we don't see them until it gets dark.

While searching for a photo for the angel blog this morning, I found an article in my old files, Divine Order in the Universe by James Mullaney (former director of the Buhl Planetarium and the DuPont Planetarium.) In 1994, he introduced the term the photon connection.

"It's the amazing realization that when you see a star or other heavenly body, you are in direct physical contact with it via the photons of light it is emitting. Pieces of something that were once inside that star are entering your eye and ending their long journey across the vastness of space and time on your retina! Little wonder sky watchers throughout the ages have had illuminational, spiritual, and even out-of-body experiences as they partake of the "rapture of the deeps."

I am so thankful I followed the nudge. Next time, I will hopefully be more willing to obey.

Angelic blessings,

Rae Karen