Welcoming the Spring Solstice 2026

 The Spring Solstice began yesterday with Archangel Raphael at the helm ushering in the resurrection energy of this powerful season.  Nature played a welcoming hand, full of surprises.  While  sitting by the garden in the sunshine, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a wild turkey trot by the side of the garage.  So unexpected, and beautiful, I held my breath.  The turkey was going for the birdseed. And I gently looked away so as not to frighten her.  When I turned again hoping she was close by, the turkey was long gone, but her joyful message of thanksgiving stayed with me.  A blessing of gratitude and abundance to celebrate Spring.

Here's a few photos of turkeys that showed up in previous years. 

The angels remind us that we are a blessing from God--we are blessed wherever we are. No matter how dire our circumstances may be, things will unfold in our favor.  We can only miss being a blessing by not believing we are worthy to receive.  In this new season, a season of resurrection energy, rebirth, and renewal, it's a wonderful time to celebrate a new beginning by opening our hearts to receive and be blessed, and be a blessing to others.  The world needs love now...and we will brighten our corner of the earth when we choose to recognize that every problem comes with a solution, shining right beside it in that moment of fear, anger, or guilt.  By choosing love, peace, and joy, the Holy Spirit will open the way in grace and goodness.  And, we will step back in gratitude and let Him lead the way. Divine love will always make a way.  Expect the best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen  

A Surprise Visitor on the Threshold: An Angel Message

 I'm always thankful for the angel messages that catch you off-guard, but are delivered at the perfect time.  On Wednesday,  I was in a hurry to run errands when I opened the door and spotted a surprise visitor at the threshold!  It's not everyday you find a tiny little ladybug on your front step, waiting on welcome.  And, this baby had yet to earn a spot on her shiny red wings.   

Synchronicity was at play.  Ladybugs are a happy sign that my mother in heaven is near, and these cheerful little messengers show up when most needed.

I welcomed the good luck symbol and message of grace and life eternal.   In French, ladybug means good God's animal; in Spanish, it means little Mary; in German, Mary's beetle, and in English she's known as ladybird. 

Waiting at the door, my thoughts turned to Mother Mary, and her faithful trust in our heavenly Father as she waited on the threshold for Christ to rise from the tomb, and open the door to life eternal for all God's children to receive.  This week is about resurrection, new beginnings.

May you feel the blessings of Easter-tide lifting you up this week, and always.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

 

Ladybug Valentine: An Angel Message

A sweet, unexpected valentine winged its way to brighten my day.  While standing in line at the checkout at Walgreen's, I noticed a little soft ladybug toy sitting alone on the counter. One-of-a-kind, it seemed oddly out of place.  The little love bug seemed too good to be true.  It felt like my mother's loving hand was reaching through the veil.  I asked the cashier if it was for sale.  He nodded and said with a smile, "Today is a good day for ladybugs.  Isn't there an old saying about when a ladybug lands on your shoulder it's the touch of a loved one?"

I nodded, amazed at this confirmation.  I wanted to share more, but the line was long, people were waiting.  On the way to the car, I read the little ladybug's name on the red heart-shaped tag.  Trixy!  Her birthday is October 13th. 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all.  It's so comforting to know that LOVE never dies, and our loved ones are watching over us always.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

   

God is in the Details: An Angel Message

When a ladybug appears, it always brings a message of joy.  Everything in the universe is connected by an invisible loving thread.  This became more apparent when a bright red ladybug flew into my mail box this week.  Closely looking at the postcard from Germany, I spotted the heart-shaped dots on its back.  The colorful ladybug's reflection brought to mind an unusual blessing that had recently happened out of the blue.  

Elliot and I had been sitting on a bench by the St. Augustine Inlet at Our Lady of La Leche Mission. A 208' monumental cross marks America's first Christian mission settlement, dating back to the 1500's. 

Enjoying the peaceful view, I happened to notice a little black spot on Elliot's arm.  Unsure as to what it was, he gently picked it up and turned it right side up.   

A closer look revealed a touch of sadness, as we stared at a lifeless little ladybug.

Not wanting to give up on our little love messenger, I softly spoke life affirming words to it as I  placed my thumb beside it on Elliot's hand. 

To our delight, those lifeless little legs began to move!  It crawled onto my thumb and stayed there! 

A warm feeling of gratitude and contentment washed over me as I watched it resting on my thumb.  I saw there were only two bright red spots on its dark shiny wings.  Ladybugs are reminiscent of my earthly mother, Mary,  now in heaven, and our beloved Mother Mary, Queen of the Angels.  

Watching over my ladybug visitor, I suddenly got the message.   

A red spot of love on each black wing represented both mothers who had lovingly been by my side during a season of visual darkness, giving me faith and courage.        

After a wonderfully long five minute communion of hearts, our dear angel messenger gracefully spread her wings and launched off of my thumb.  It was time to go.  What joy to watch her fly free in the sunshine, merrily on the way to spread more love and cheer. 

How comforting to know that Love heals all things.  Whatever comes, comes to pass, not to stay.  Divine Love is always with us in the midst of trials and tests.  Choosing love over fear, brings peace and healing, and makes room for God to shine through in the details.  God is Love. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

A New Spot: An Angel Message

The scented cinnamon broom by the fireplace could have been what ignited a spark that swept me into action yesterday.  A young neighbor, in need of some extra cash, pitched in to weed, plant new bushes, move African irises, plumbagos, and hibiscus.

A whole lot of shaking was going on!

After all the storms, the weathered Mother Mary garden statue, a gift from my son years ago, was also in need of some loving care. I carried her into the house and bathed her in the kitchen sink.  Soon her face brightened as her gray robe was restored to a pristine white.  Proudly returning her to the flower bed, I quickly yanked up the fleur-de-lys (iris) ornate grill to move it closer to the house.

When I showed my helper Our Lady's new location, he ran his hand over the grillwork, noting that the rust spots could use a touch of spray paint.  Then he noticed a different kind of spot.   "A Ladybug."  

"A Ladybug!" How had I missed it? I wondered, looking at the little orange spotted visitor resting on the base of the iris motif. I smiled, taking it as a sign of approval that Mother is happy in her new spot.

A Ladybug is like a beam of sunshine to me.  Her unexpected presence  always brings a smile.  I've come to see these joyful visitors as a calling card from my Mom, Mary, now my angel in heaven.  And, ladybugs are also associated with Mother Mary.

The appearance of a Ladybug heralds a time of luck and protection in which our wishes begin to be fulfilled.  And the symbolism of an iris is a new birth at hand, maintain hope, and sense of peace restored.*

This morning the Ladybug had flown home, but this beautiful hibiscus (also a flower of new creation) had bloomed with a smile.

Hibiscus flower of new creation

Irises and ladybugs, two of  my favorites.  I love how simple things unfold little touches of heaven when I  follow  inspiration and see what happens!  Now for that spray paint...

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

*Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews