THUD... an Angel Message?

Sometimes our guardian angels get creative, and our headstrong cat delivers messages if I pay attention.  A few nights ago, Hei-Hei jumped up on the nightstand, and swatted something to the floor, in hopes I'd get up and feed him before dawn. 

THUD. 

"There goes my eyeglasses." I thought, rolling over and letting it be what it is.

The next morning, I laughed at the spectacles perfect landing...positioned on an angel hatbox filled with postcards from around the world.  A touch of heavenly humor...the cherub's eye was magnified through only one lens of my eyeglasses. It seemed like an angel reminder.  See the world through a single lens of divine love.  A magnification of God's celestial presence. 

Hei-Hei was on a streak.  Last week, while I was writing at my computer, focused on the screen, he tapped my shoulder several times at noon.  I didn't pay attention until I heard a THUD.  He swatted a rock off the windowsill, and was rolling it around the office floor. 

That did it.  I smiled at what caused the THUD.  A yellow hand-painted HOPE rock. It had been a special "find" underneath the picnic table at the lake in 2020.  HOPE.  The hungry cat's HOPE was soon  fulfilled. I thanked him for the HOPE angel reminder, and fed him lunch.     

 

Later, I turned HOPE over.  Psalm 31:24 was on the back.  I looked up the verse. The timing seemed important. 

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."
 

Hei-Hei's name means Window.  That was his name when we adopted him from the shelter four years ago. 

I realized how sometimes the angels create a THUD to get my attention.  A sign I could be more attentive to their helpful whispers throughout the day.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Monkey-Mind Exercise: An Angel Message

My ego mind is restless today, chattering like a monkey in a sea of endless distractions. 

 

I dug up this old photo a friend sent me on a Caribbean cruise vacation.  A playful little monkey took a shine to her, and rode on her shoulder at a wildlife park. 

One way to handle the monkey mind is to concentrate and be in the now.  To practice awareness of what you're doing.  And try to do only one thing at a time.  Eat breakfast without working the crossword puzzle. Begin the day in meditation and prayer.  Connect with your being.

 

Later today, more monkey distractions surfaced with a message. This retro optical illusion postcard of a woman? Or a chimp? It all depends on how you look at it.   Each moment the decision is yours as to where you place your attention. One brings peace, the other not so much so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, with the wave of monkey thoughts rushing in,  I got a stronger message.   For some reason, I heard, check the label on my lounging pants as I tucked them on the closet shelf. A favorite old pair--baggy and soft with  little owl designs, that I put on most evenings to relax.

 

 

  

I was glad I listened to the angel message.

As I read the label:  just be...  

I grabbed the magnifier to be sure.

 

Just be...

 

 

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Prayerful Hands of Peace: An Angel Message

 

A Time to Celebrate Trees: Angel Message

I was bundled up in my heavy fleece winter coat, the old one with the embroidered flowers on the lapel.  Hei-Hei, our cat, stared wide-eyed at my odd appearance, startled by the ball of fake fur on top of my beige stocking cap pulled down over my ears. He seemed perplexed, wondering if I had a run-in with a friendly squirrel, or else I was just plain nuts.   

It is a little crazy to live in Florida. To long for white glistening snows, fun sledding, and warm cocoa by the fireplace.  At heart, I'm a regular Nanook from the North.  A drop in temperature gets my blood stirring and out of the stuffiness of the house and into the fresh, crisp air. 

 So that day, I looked forward to visiting a special historic oak tree, rooted not far from the windy shores of Daytona Beach. 

Last year's major hurricanes made me wonder if the old oak would still be around. Four years had passed since our last visit.  A trail of shaded woods led through a patch of prickly palmettos, up and down sandy dunes, we trekked in search of the old tree. Then up ahead in the forest, there it was. The old tree was patiently waiting, as all trees must do. Heavy limbs twisted and looped like a thick pretzel formed by the winds over the years.  But something beautiful had created her into a natural archway.  A picture of beauty and grace that went far beyond physical sight.  

I was struck how the old tree bowed down to welcome all. 

Something stirred within as I accepted her invitation and stepped through the threshold, in hopes I could grow as graceful, under pressure of whatever change comes my way.  I patted her with thanks for the lesson, hoping a touch of  her patience, poise, and flexibility would stick on me.  Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

Another old tree down the path told a story-- two hearts etched in wood. 

This is heart month, and also a time to celebrate the New Year for the Trees. 

Angel messages from nature are good for the heart.  God is always speaking to us--trees, birds, clouds, anything that moves our heart and lifts us higher.  Maybe you've noticed lately that whatever you're focusing on soon pops up on your path, a quick manifestation of thought.  

Please remember that you are never alone.  You are always in the company of God's angels.  God is Love. And, the best is yet to come. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Objects Closer Than They Appear: An Angel Message

 

It must have been an angel tap. Yesterday at the bank while waiting in the drive-thru line, I happened to glance out my side-view mirror and saw a living portrait.  Our national symbol, Old Glory,  centered and framed in the reflection glass.  

I've seen the American flag many times, but this time was different. A humbleness touched something deep below the surface. The lone red, white, and blue flag gently waving  high above the city came to life in the sunlight.  My heart stirred as if wakening with such gratitude.  God Bless America! I pray God will keep His Hand on America and let freedom prevail.  

The bold print on the glass, OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR made a perfect caption.  A sign to keep praying for our country, now more than ever.  Let freedom ring.  The best is yet to be.

 The lyrics to God Bless America came to mind.  "God Bless America/ Land that I love/ Stand beside her/And guide her/Through the night with the light from above."   (Irving Berlin)

Love, peace, and gratitude

Rae Karen

The Art of Slowing Down: An Angel Message

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

 In Anselm Gruen's book, Angels of Grace, he writes that the Angel of Slowness would like to introduce you to the art of being.  There are many things we can rediscover by slowing down, and not always rushing to get things done.  Walk slowly, pay attention to every step, leave time for conversation, eat slowly, be deliberately aware of your actions.

An amusing reminder popped up while quickly surfing for a pic for this blog. The perfect road sign.

 

SLOW:  PENGUINS CROSSING

I decided to slow down and learn more about penguins.

Penguins can't fly, but because their wings are like fins they are excellent swimmers, easily flipping from one realm to the other, land to sea.  Always elegantly dressed in formal attire, penguins are ready to step out in style. Respectful, they walk in single file, often bowing to each other.  When the male falls in love with his prospective mate, he will give her a gift of a pebble. The couple works together in family matters. After laying their eggs, the females take off on an epic journey to the sea in search of food. The fathers stay behind to keep the egg warm while the mothers are away.  Two months later, the females return for a joyful reunion, just in time to witness the birth of their babies.

 

I'm thankful for the angel message to take it slow and easy today.  Patience must have its perfect work. You never know what may happen when you're fully present each moment. Things you may have missed in a hurry will brighten your day.  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

2023: The Year of the Water Rabbit

Often it may take time for the puzzle pieces to fit together.  A friend from Japan sent this colorful rabbit postcard card. It took me over a week to realize it was a New Year's greeting.

Meanwhile, rabbit synchronicity was at play.  The story of Peter Rabbit unfolded in the movie Miss Potter. Renee Zellweger's portrayal of Beatrix Potter, the famous children's author and illustrator of Peter Rabbit, stirred my thoughts to the wild rascally bunnies here.  

Where had they gone? I missed their playful antics. 

The answer caught me by surprise a few days later.  I looked up from the sofa. A wild streak of fluffy fur raced toward the sun-room to hide in the landscape bushes. 

 

A rush of joy at a welcome sight. The rabbits were still around, although seldom seen.   

Rabbit represents fertility and new life.  They're quick--adept at shifting gears from freeze-frame to rapid acceleration, in a heartbeat.

I wasn't as quick...until someone told me, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. 

 A light bulb went on in my head.

I dug out the Japanese rabbit postcard from the file box; thankful for an angel message from nature. Curious, I looked up the symbolism of rabbit. 

2011 was the last Year of the Rabbit. That's when we packed up and moved down to Florida to begin a new life. 

And, 2023 is the Water Rabbit, a year of hope. This is a time we'll have the ability to turn unfortunate events around despite their upbringing.  

I've learned hope is the work of the Holy Spirit when I let go and turn things over to divine wisdom for guidance.

As far as water...  We have plenty of it.  Our favorite lake is closed, the water level is too high.  I miss the happy morning fanfare of waddling happy hearts, eager for cracked corn. The ducks are gone. They've moved on.   The good news is the water level is holding...no flooding the houses by the lake.

So in 2023, take a hint from the Water Rabbit.  Keep having hope--whatever you're facing, know it can be turned around for good.  The hardest part is letting go of any ego preconceived outcomes. With peace and patience, God's purpose for our lives can unfold for the highest good of all, one day at a time.   

Peace, love, and Joy,

Rae Karen 

(photo: spring bunny in yard)

Suck It Up, Buttercup: An Angel Message

 Angel messages often come to us in flowers, birds, trees, songs--anything that catches the attention of our soul, and translates a lesson to make it easier to understand. 

It happened with the wild buttercup plant ...the hardy volunteer, seeded by the wind, and forced to bloom and grow up between the rocky border along our front walk. The Buttercup had passed all her tests.  She cheerfully bloomed in that tight hard spot, and blessed most days with creamy yellow buttercups filled with sunshine. 

With deep roots anchored in the narrow dirt crack, Buttercup's stem managed to grow tall and thick, gaining many new branches for more buds.  Then, a recent winter freeze hit hard.  The winds blew, and she shed all of her leaves in a sad little pile on the sidewalk.  Gently, I swept them away, and thanked her for being my teacher.  

The view from the sun-room centered on what was left of Buttercup.  Two bare but sturdy stems stuck out as a testimony of her past glory.  Although now stripped bare, her lesson stuck with me. I thought about clipping her down, but something always stopped me.  

The rains came, and then the weather warmed up. 

Yesterday as I passed her by, I looked twice.  She had new life-- little green leafs, fresh and eager to begin again.  Thank you, Buttercup for another lesson. 

 Buttercups are flowers of faith...the most adaptable plant in the garden. They can bloom almost anywhere.  

Sometimes we may find ourselves down and out, stuck in a small dark place, feeling dead and empty inside. Hopelessness sets in that things will never change.   

"Suck it up, Buttercup!" is a slogan on a pick-up truck in the neighborhood.  It always brings a sheepish smile.  A snappy reminder not to whine and complain during life's challenges.  Be like the faith-filled BUTTERCUP, and suck it up.  This too shall pass.

 And, just in case the lawn service gets zealous, I placed this angel to guard the precious buttercup.  Another reminder that God's angels are with us, too.  We just need to do our best, day by day, in gratitude for all the blessings we have.

Love, Peace, and Joy,

Rae Karen

Bloom Where You're Planted

Often we are forced to bloom with our backs against a stone wall. We've done everything in our power to make a change in our surroundings, but it just isn't happening. 

 It's hard to realize at times such as these that we are the change we're waiting for. 

Like the flowers, it's not about a new location. It's about a new transformation within us. 

We can wilt, letting off steam or wither, burning up energy needed for blooming. Or we can sweetly surrender and relax in the sunshine, letting our petals open naturally and on time.  

 So if change is slow in coming, ask to find peace right where you are, knowing that you're exactly at the right place at the right time. Your presence is there by divine order. Ask your Guardian Angel to help you accept what is for right now with gratitude and patience.  Time spent in meditation and prayer are Miracle Grow to help unfold the lovely petals of our heavenly purpose.  

The best is yet to be.  

Love and joy,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

(Photo:web)

A Helping Hand: An Angel Message

Yesterday on the drive home, a large gopher tortoise was up ahead.  In transit, his domed back and claw legs lumbered along the country road into our neighborhood. Since the hurricanes last fall, tortoises are seldom seen, so I was happy one was out and about in the sunshine.  

We braked to yield to this unlikely pedestrian, but he immediately froze in the road, unsure of the next move.  

Cars began backing up.  Without thinking, I sprang to the rescue. My fear for the lone tortoise's safety exceeded my fear of picking him up--something I'd never done.  I ran out in the road and gulped as he waited for the next move.  Many scrapes and scuff marks on his dusty brown shell proved he'd made it through other narrow escapes. 

He needed help to get across the road to safety.  My heart pounded, as I reached down. He was so big. Maybe he sensed my anxiety because he quickly tucked himself away inside his thick brown shell. He now looked more like a large domed serving platter, easy to transport across the road, without any fear of snapping at me.  When those clawed feet touched the grass, he picked up the pace, no doubt thankful for a lift in running his race.   

I waved to the patient drivers, and soon we all went our own separate way.  

But something had changed deep within me. A lifting of the heart.  And it happened simply because I got out of my own thick shell to reach out and help another.  

Sometimes we just have to do it afraid... 

Interesting to later learn, a keynote of tortoise is movement through pressure. 

Enjoy your day with your Guardian Angel.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

(older photo RKHauck of a different neighborhood tortoise)

(Tortoise - Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews)

Happy New Year, 2023: An Angel Message

Just when I gave up on the thrill of ever seeing a wild turkey roam the yard again, a stately pair strolled by on New Year's Eve. A good omen of gratitude, thanksgiving, and sharing.  Pale blue faces and rich brown plumage were a welcomed sight.  With new housing on the rise, and the thinning forest, spring-time had been their last visit. I missed the flock's happy gobbles on the driveway.

I was thankful that an angel nudge had sent me to the window in time to catch them stroll by the garden gazing ball.  A childlike thrill stirred my heart. They were safe in spite of all the changes in their environment.  My old friend, Sadie Turkey Lady came to mind.  After all, it's not everyday a wild turkey or two crosses your path. 

Turkey is a sign of a year of harvest. Turkey honors Mother Earth, and represents all of the blessings of Earth, and the ability to wisely use them to the greatest advantage. Turkey teaches a lesson on gratitude and thankfulness for all the good already here. 

May all life live in peace and harmony this year.  Have a Happy 2023!  The best is yet to be. 

Peace and joy and love, 

 

Rae Karen

Rat-a-Tat, An Early Wake-up Call: Angel Message

Nature has a rhythm...and early this morning she began to stir.  The loud call of a family of sandhill cranes echoed in the stillness, and our restless cat gently pawed me to get out of  bed.  I knew something was up when the loud drum of a woodpecker pounded in my ears.  I couldn't see him, but he made his presence known. 

Later, I spotted the little drummer from the sun room window.  A juvenile pileated woodpecker was at the top of the oaken power post out front. Long sharp claws dug into the dead wood to anchor his stance as he drummed out a message. Rat-a-tat. Rat-a-tat.

Woodpeckers are a rare sight here, but thanks to the angels, he patiently waited for me to return with my camera.  At the tip top of the jagged old post, he struck a pose in the sunshine.  A picture of youth.  Facing east, he greeted the warmth of the sun.  A wild fuzzy tuft of bright red hair dipped in golden rays, with the light of hope in his shiny eyes, he faced a new day in a tender moment of gratitude and quiet reflection.

A pileated woodpecker delivers a message that a new rhythm is at play within our life.  A signal to take your thoughts and give them action, regardless of the opinion of others.  It's safe to follow your own rhythm. 

Keep looking up.  The best is yet to be.

Love, peace, and joy,

Rae Karen