Hee-Haw, A New Neighbor!

 We have a new donkey friend, a neighbor up the street.  I love donkeys, and the drive to the Orchid Ranch to visit our favorite burrow is ten miles away. Not that Alahambre isn't worth going the distance.

But it is a real treat to have a juvenile donkey in the neighborhood. The first time Elliot and I saw this young Jerusalem donkey, he was focused intently on a goal. Food.  With his long snout poked through the mesh wire, he tried to snag a hardy weed outside the border. 

 We welcomed him with a fanfare of love, and he stopped weeding, stood up straight, and took a good, long look at us.  Our eyes were locked in a gaze that seemed to go far beyond time and space.

  Then, the energy shifted in a surprising long drawn out BRAY!  An overflowing burst of heartfelt cheer. 

 

Imagine how wonderful the world would be if we met each other eye to eye at the heart level. 

For fun, I looked up the symbolism.  "Be wise but humble in a new opportunity.  People are noticing you so you don't need to promote yourself.  Stubbornness can hinder."  

 And, I can't forget our dear old friend, Alahambre, who taught me to choose love over fear and not be afraid to pet his welcoming snout.  Love is always the answer. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Ref.  Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews

Our Story Begins Here: An Angel Message

The morning began in a whirl.  I suddenly found myself sweeping the back porch, moving furniture, plants, knick-knacs in an enthusiastic burst of energy.  The area was charged with a new lease on life.  After lunch, a quick run to Dollar General for cleaning supplies turned up a one-of-a-kind surprise.  While rolling my cart down an aisle, an angel thought popped in.   

Look for a new door mat for the porch entrance.  

I was glad I listened.  At the bottom of the heap, I found the last one.  A heavy-duty welcome mat with a bold faced angel message. OUR STORY BEGINS HERE. 

OUR STORY BEGINS HERE.  I laughed at a needed heavenly reminder.  I will experience what I carry with me out into the world. "Love is reflected in love." 

I hold the pen in the Book of Life today... A fresh clean page...ready to be filled.   If my story is negative, centered on fear and anger, drama will play a leading role.  If my tale is focused on love,  joy, peace, harmony, and gratitude that's what I'll get.   Grace will appear in amazing creative ways that delight the soul.

Each day is filled with blessings.  And, as I open the door, I will invite my guardian angel to help me live the best story for today.     

Enjoy your day as you step out with your guardian angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

While You Are Waiting: An Angel Message

 Cranes and storks are symbolic of new birth...new life.  Waiting can be one of the hardest things to do but I'm learning to let go and just appreciate each moment in gratitude.  I didn't realize how far I'd come until earlier this week.  On our way to the grocery store, Elliot stopped off at Ace Hardware to grab an item while I waited in the car.  A beautiful clear morning, I took in the sights around me.  Our local store has heart...a spindly tree in the parking lot is decorated with bird feeders.  I happened to look up at the tree top and was surprised to see the profile of a sandhill crane carved naturally by the tree itself!  The narrow large beak, big eyes and elongated neck seemed like an answer to a prayer as I've been on a quest to find unusual trees. 

A blanket of peace enfolded me...and I lost track of the time.  Two little wrens landed on the feeder, keeping me entertained.

Elliot was surprised to find me at peace as he apologized for taking so long.  The cashier was hung up on the computer, and so he, too, had an opportunity to practice peace and patience.

Enjoy your day with the angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Little Armored One: An Angel Message

This morning, after last night's storm, a rare and hungry visitor appeared by the driveway.  An armadillo!  Clad in a suit of armor, like the knight in days of old, he sniffed and clawed the ground in search of bugs. I was yet to learn he can smell a bug six inches below the ground.  His striped bony plated tail circled round the old oak tree.

Years since an armadillo stopped by,  I  grabbed my camera to get a photo of this deliberate messenger.  Quickly he scurried to the other side of the fence and blended with the shady vegetation.  I snapped the camera, the lens steamy, and the shadows made him invisible.   It seemed like a missed opportunity.   Do you want to be in the angel blog? I cheerfully called out, but he was on a mission.  Rather than give up, a thought came to ask the angels for help.  My ego chided, a waste of time.  But to my delight, that armored little critter soon peeked out from the backside of the tree, and came forward in the sunlight. Still sniffing, but I got a picture to share.  Not the best, but proof that I'd seen him, and angelic help is present. 

  Armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one."  A burrowing animal whose armor is a shield on its back.  It teaches how to protect yourself and when to let your defenses down. They can protect without causing undue harm to others.  When one appears it represents personal protection, discrimination, and empathy. 

As far as protection goes, isn't it wonderful that Psalm 91 assures angel protection for all who dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High. God's angels will guard and protect us in all of our ways, but we must be willing to abide in that higher consciousness of divine Love.   Our lower mind loves to sniff around here and there, digging deep for pests and feed on drama.  

Remember you are never alone.  You are in the company of your guardian angel. The best is yet to be.

Love, peace, and joy,

Rae Karen

 

A Label Checker: An Angel Message

Early Monday morning, I jumped out of bed, feeling unusually energetic.  Grocery shopping day... I  dug through the closet for something to wear.  At the far end of the dark closet, I found my mother's forgotten electric pink moo moo lavished in sequins.  I'd saved it many years ago for a beach cover up. Happy to have a touch of Mom's playfulness in hand, I held up the bright loose smock, asking Elliot, "Would you mind if I wore this to the grocery store with you?"   I was playfully testing him to see if he was paying attention.  

Half-asleep, he mumbled, If you want to...  

The bright happy colors reminded me of Mom although the moo moo wasn't quite a fit for my early morning mood.  Missing Mom something awful in that moment, I was about to return it to the closet, when an angel thought prompted, Check the label.  

I can't describe the overwhelming rush of JOY I felt when I read the words:   "Just Love"... FREE SIZE."   

WoW!  Sudden tears filled my eyes with such gratitude. I needed that simple message. It's the answer to every problem.    Just Love.

FREE SIZE 

 Love fits all sizes...

Enjoy your day with the angels, and I'm reminded that JUST LOVE  is tagged on my garment of flesh wherever I am.   

 

Love, peace, and JOY,

 

Rae Karen 

Do A Little Good Today: An Angel Message

 

Subliminally, angel messages may appear while doing the mundane, like brushing my teeth.  The other day the bold words on the minty green toothpaste caught my eye.  DO A LITTLE GOOD TODAY.  

But while brushing my teeth, I gave it only a passing thought. There are many little ways to do good, but my mind was racing though the day. And, it wasn't until this photo was uploaded, I could now see smaller encouraging signs on the tube. DOING GOOD EVERYDAY.  SMALL STEPS.  BRIGHT SMILES.  Wonderful reminders to start a new day if we stop long enough to think about it. 

Yesterday, an unexpected opportunity to do a little good appeared.  It happened on the drive home, a narrow road between two small lakes. Up ahead, around the bend ... something flat and brown was motionless in the middle of the road. Mistaking it for a paper bag, we drove by.  But, an angel message whispered, it could be a turtle.   

Elliot blocked the road from any possible oncoming cars, while I got out to help.   Now, I've only helped a turtle once by actually picking it up. In the past, I'd take a leafy branch and try to coax it across the road.   But little steps add up, so I'm learning, and yesterday I was surprised by my own reaction.   

A closer look revealed a round flat turtle, medium-sized turtle.  It hugged the pavement so tight, I hoped it was alive.  

Tentatively but quickly reaching down, I told myself,  you can do this.  Sensing my vibration, his  logger head popped out of a round flat shell. He was alive.  Two big brown eyes, and a strange nose, oddly shaped like a long tube, turned to look up at me, as if to say, what's up with you?

My heart was light as I reassured him, I was making sure he safely got to the other side before a car came.   

The next thing I knew, I had hold of his damp, moist shell, near the rear, to escape any wild snapping. The touch of that slippery shell was different from a dry dusty gopher tortoise.   I let out a nervous laugh as he sprung into action. Legs kicking, lunging forward, making tracks in the air, while I tried not to lose my grip in a mad dash across the road.     

The race was won.  I sat him down in the green grass by the marshy wetland.  The direction he was heading when spotted on the road.  Soon he moved on, satisfied to be back on familiar ground.  And, so did we, happy to do a little good today.  

And, I learned something new about the turtle, as well as myself.   The water turtle's unusual nose serves as an underwater breathing tube. He is equipped to survive in his environment.   No doubt those paddle-like legs were happy to be off the road and back into the swim of life again. 

DO A LITTLE GOOD TODAY.  SMALL STEPS.  BRIGHT SMILES.   The angels love to serve, and serve us well, bringing peace, love, joy, protection, inspiration, and direction.  With the angels by our side, life is rich with fresh visions and experiences beyond measure. We can be their assistants and do a  little good each day.   The best is yet to come. Love always makes a way.

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Bunny Hop: Angel Message

 

 Shortly after our morning meditation, we witnessed a precious sight.  A baby bunny appeared.  It boldly hopped along the sidewalk up toward the house as if on a mission. He kept coming forward... and then, there he was up close.  A sweet picture of wide-eyed innocence.

 We held our breath not to scare him away.   Those long ears and big round eyes peeked in the sunroom where we sat watching  him from the sofa.  Hei-Hei, our cat, was asleep in the chair and missed a rare opportunity.  

Soon the little bunny turned to leave.  His fluffy tail looked like a white powder puff as he hopped down the step.  Then he did something unexpected.  He stopped long enough to yank a tall weed out of the rocky flowerbed and nibble on the long green stem.  I chuckled, thanking him for his help.  The timing was amusing as I had intended to weed the edges of the flower beds the day before, but never got around to it.  

When animals appear up close and personal, they bring an angel message.  What did this unusual encounter mean?  Yes, rabbit is new life, fertility, but there was something more.  Timing, everything happens when it is supposed to...and, also rabbit is about overcoming fear. A message to try something new and get out of your comfort zone.  Begin a new rhythm to your life, one hop at a time. 

And, just now, I'm reminded 2023 is the Chinese Year of the Water Rabbit, a year of hope.   A time we'll have the ability to turn unfortunate events around despite their upbringing.  A time to focus on the unseen things of God.  God is Love.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Welcome Archangel Uriel, Ruler of the Summer Solstice

Welcome Archangel Uriel, ruler of the summer season. His name means "Light of God" and he brings an understanding of the Divine to humanity. The most radiant of angels, he has been called the "Flame of God."

The new Summer energies activate a powerful time within us to reach our spiritual goals.  They can:

--awaken great spiritual inspiration as our intuition become heightened.

--create an opportunity to connect with other light-minded souls.

--provide an opening to work harmoniously with the nature kingdom.

--release energies that create opportunities for confidence, strength, and hope.

--present an ideal time to renew the mind, and attune to the highest consciousness by merging the male and female polarities within to create a new birth.

Archangel Uriel can help to shed light as to why things are as they are. He enables us to trust in the Divine plan, so when things appear to be going wrong, we will understand everything will ultimately work out for the highest good and greatest joy. Archangel Uriel brings a gift of discernment by helping us find our inner light.  With his flame of knowledge, he can assist in cutting away any obstacles that are blocking our path to victory.

 

If nature is your teacher, you will surely learn.  At our favorite lake, the yellow water lilies are doing something new and different. These hardy flowers are coming up higher, reaching beyond the comfort of their green floating pads. High above the waterline, they joyously wave their yellow petals opened wide to embrace the sunshine of a new day. Yellow is the color of faith...and  we can celebrate summer by coming up higher in ours. We too can bloom where we are planted, with faith.

 

 

Love and joy,


Rae Karen

 

 

 

(Ref. Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews)

A Thud in the Night: An Angel Message

 A thud in the night broke my sleep.  Too tired to get out of bed, I hoped our cat was the culprit, or else a picture had fallen off the living room wall. Whatever, it could wait until morning.  Then a T-storm rolled in. A repeat of the night before.  Psalm 91 and prayers of protection went out for all.  Heavy rains pounded the roof, but again I found peace in the chaos by turning my thoughts to God.

This morning I smiled at a welcomed sight.  Our wood plaque, "The best is yet to come" was lying face up at the feet of a tall cherub statue near the front door.  Hei-Hei had knocked it off the counter.  The ominous thud in the night had been a bringer of Good News.  We all need an uplifting reminder during these dark times. The best is yet to come.  Do not give up.     

At dawn, Hei-Hei was out on the back porch, waiting to deliver part two of the angel message. 

The frisky cat had captivated the attention of a little treefrog who came in from the storm. While I was busy making oatmeal, Elliot chased after the bouncing frog, circling the porch, before finally ushering it out the back door. Safe and sound. 

A frog is always a happy messenger.  A powerful acronym, (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.  F.R.O.G. it!  The little treefrog stayed put and I got a photo to share with you. 

I'm so grateful for today's angel forecast.  Fully rely on God.  The best is yet to come.  Do not be deceived by appearances.

And, in hindsight, yesterday I'd grabbed a handout at our public library.  How to Take-it and Make-it, an Origami Frog.   Thankfully the instructions to connect with our angels are easier than folding a paper frog out of a green square.  And, our angels go with us everywhere and make our day a blessing when we remember their loving presence.  
RIBBET.

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

Overcoming Fear, Little by Little: An Angel Message

Last night a thunderstorm woke me from a restful sleep.  Lightning flashes, heavy rains, high wind.  Thoughts and prayers turned to the birds and animals, all life, with gratitude to His angels for protection.  I recited Psalm 91 in my head, and soon a long-forgotten hymn wafted in, a memory from childhood.  "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling to you and to me... Come home...come home... ye who are weary come home."  The soothing melody calmed my anxious nerves.  And, I envisioned waking up the next morning to the dawn of a new day, enjoying a bowl of oatmeal in the sun-room.  Thankful, the storm had passed...

And, what a wonder early this morning, Elliot and I talked about how the high winds had toppled over a large urn with a tall artificial tree, making a mess, strewing pebbles all over the porch floor.  In contrast, the hanging baskets of  dainty white geraniums and lacy vinca outside our bedroom window were still suspended on the garden pole without a single blossom ruffled.    

My throat was dry and I began making a clucking noise.  Hei-Hei sprang up on the bed as if he recognized the language.  "It's a turkey cluck!  I realized, as the cat gave me the strangest look. Getting out of bed, Elliot spotted the return of the turkeys! Only this time he counted twelve.  The family was safe and sound. To celebrate their safe passage through the storm, I hurried out the back door with a cup of cracked corn and tossed it on the grass before they arrived.  

It worked.  

Hei-Hei- sprawled out on the porch, watching the happy brood of 12  peck away at the corn.  God is good.  Not only were we safely delivered through the storm, but prayers were answered for the wild turkeys and our sandhill crane family.    

One more thing...

During the storm I thought about the tiniest lizard I'd ever seen. How would he fare, alone in the heavy rain and wind.  I'd seen him early that evening while watering the geraniums in their clay pots. A sudden rustle of leaves caught my attention.  A newborn lizard scurried up a geranium stem.  Near the top, he hung on tight as if the full red blossom were his umbrella.  Such a cute little creature, no bigger than my finger nail, I grabbed my camera.

The baby lizard stayed still as my eyes drank in how precious was this tiny little creation.   In that moment, I realized how much I'd changed.  Over the years, my dreadful fear of lizards had turned to love, and I marveled at how this tiny creature had suddenly appeared, out of nowhere to teach me that little things are big things to me. 

Lizards represent dream-time, a letting go of old fears to embrace a new beginning.  And, later this morning, as I walked by the pots of red geraniums on the wrought iron bench, I called out to the little fellow. I think Elliot thought I'd lost it.  But the baby lizard was there.  He peeked out from a geranium, safe and sound, ready to begin a new day.

I'm so grateful to believe in angels and receive the protection and blessings of their heavenly vision to see all things through a lens of divine love.  Faith grows in a garden.

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Turkey Trot: Angel Message

An angel tapped me on my shoulder and my day got off with a happy boost.  What joy to watch a family of wild turkeys trot down the driveway...hens, chicks and papa...gobbling on the run.  Nine in all.  Whenever a turkey appears, it's a sign to be grateful for all the good already present now, and be willingly to share with others. 

Turkeys are fast movers and can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 mph.  They can see in color and their daytime vision is three times better than a human.  An adult turkey has approximately 1,500 feathers and up to a mile away, you can hear a gobble.   The wild turkey was Ben Franklin's preference for the national bird because of its proud demeanor and protective instincts.  

 

I never imagined we'd live so close to nature that a parade of wild turkeys would come down the driveway and peek in the porch door.  But that's what can happen when guided by angels.  

 June is National Turkey Lover's Month.  A time for us all to be thankful for the many blessings we have.  And one of the biggest gifts, not to be taken for granted, is the joy and comfort of knowing we are never alone.  God's angels are with us.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Geranium Dream: An Angel Message

Last night's falling rain made for a deep sleep.   In an unlikely dream my good friend in New York and I were chatting at my kitchen table.   Joni, known for her culinary skills, compassionate ear, and positive advice is always ready to offer guidance.  A clay pot on the table held a blooming geranium.  To my surprise, Joni reached over and pinched off a green leaf and began to nibble on it during our conversation.

 "You may not want to eat the geraniums," I gently told her.  The plant looked dry with a few curly brown leaves.

I woke up, wondering about the symbolism of the dream.  When I opened the blinds, the first thing I saw were geraniums!  Did those newly potted pink geraniums hanging in baskets outside the bedroom window prompt the dream?

Curious, I discovered a geranium represents new happiness and vitality.  It signals a time to take advantage of new opportunities.  

And, even more surprising, Geranium means crane's bill.  In southern Africa, a variety is called stork's bill.  The stork is a symbol of bridging the spiritual and physical realms.  New birth.  Creativity. 

The geranium energy stirs the heart chakra into greater healing, and a renewed sense of joy in life. We  could all use a heavy dose of joy these days. 

But, there was more...  

In hindsight, synchronicity (the language of angels) was at play yesterday in preparation for revealing the bigger picture today.  While taking photos of the geraniums on the front walk, the sandhill crane family happened to stroll by.  As you can see, Junior is almost as tall as his parents now.   And I understood two of my favorite things were associated by name, and captured in a photo of that happy moment. I'm grateful to the angels for bringing opportunities for new vitality and a greater sense of joy.

And, yes, you can eat geraniums.  The leaves are edible in spring and summer, when soft and tender, and so are the flowers.  But, I'm happy to let mine be a blooming feast for the eyes. 

Enjoy your day with your guardian angel and watch for messages.   Remember you are never alone, and the best is yet to be.  New happiness and vitality are coming your way.

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Ref. Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews