Crescent Moon Up In the Sky: Angel Message

Last night, as I was closing the drapes in the living room, I happened to look up and caught a glimpse of  a yellow moon sliver aglow in the night sky. With an air of excitement, I accepted the angel nudge to come closer, and stood outside in the stillness to share a photo with you.  

The camera zoom didn't capture the yellow crescent radiance I could see at a distance, but through the zoom lens, I tried my best to steady the focus. Finally, I could see the bigger picture; the whole perfect sphere, most of which was presently hidden in the dark.

Eager to learn more about the symbolism of a crescent moon, an on-line search this morning revealed good news.  It represents illumination and wisdom. When a crescent moon appears, something good is about to happen. If you are going through hard times, the crescent moon indicates hope. Help is going to come, and you will enjoy life to the fullest, just as the moon goes through its phases to reach full radiance.  The crescent moon is a sign to prepare for a new phase of your life, one filled with goodness and prosperity. So keep looking up.  The best is yet to be. 

 

Remember you are never alone, you are always with your angels.  Expect good things to come your way today.  Trust that there is more going on than what your naked eye can see. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Under a Canopy of Blooming Vinca: Angel Message

 On our walks we often took a short cut that links the middle of two long streets in our neighborhood.  I've always been fond of this breath of nature, a place where you can feel the presence of angels.  Then last year, we met a new friend along the bunny trail.  A cute young feline appeared, happy to greet us.  He seemed to have taken up residence in that special patch of nature. On our walks, the mottled orange-and-gray kitten would usually pop up to greet us. And, we followed his white furry tipped tail that pointed up along the stone path.  Kitty liked to stop in the shade of the trees for time out.  Love pats, and happy purrs.

Over the summer with the hot weather, our walks were few, if any, but I always made the call for angelic protection for all the little animals, and the folks that live in our neighborhood. 

Recently with cool temperatures, we were back on the block.  Something wonderful had happened over the summer. The short-cut had been transformed into an amazing Bunny Garden.   A beautiful place of childlike wonder-- sprinkled with garden plaques, bunny and rabbit statues, and lots and lots of colorful flowers and plants. 

You couldn't look at all the beauty, and not feel happy. If God smiles in flowers, this was a big GRIN.  An arbor, lush pink begonias in hanging baskets, a stone bench tucked in the shade of a tree. A welcoming place to stop and rest in an oasis of peace.   Kitty completed the picture.  He woke up from napping on the warmth of a large garden stone.

Over the weeks now, Kitty has been on my mind, especially during bad weather. I wondered about Kitty's story?  Did he belong to someone?  No one was ever around to answer my questions.  And, we couldn't take in another cat. 

He seemed content to be, so I asked the angels to please watch over him.  The friendly cat was always close by, not straying far from home in The Bunny Garden. But sometimes finding him was like searching for Where's Waldo in a child's picture book.

Recently, after a bad thunderstorm, Elliot and I stopped by Bunny Garden the next day. Kitty wasn't around, but I had a feeling he was okay. An angel thought nudged, he lives underneath that thick canopy of bushy red and purple vinca.   The flowerbed with the flat rock border.

Soon there was a rustling of the flowers.  Kitty popped out from the blooms, and sleepily approached, passing by the Welcome to the Bunny Garden sign. My inner child smiled as I tried to imagine the wonder of being held in a protective canopy of bright cheerful blooming flowers.  Faith grows in a garden.        

Yesterday, my prayer to know where Kitty belonged was answered.  A lady who lives in the corner house with a view of the Bunny Garden brings him indoors every night.  That was a relief.  

Bunny is about new life, resurrection energy, and that's what happened to the bunny trail.  A reminder to make our little corner of the world a brighter place because we care.  Look for ways to add more color to our lives and to share the beauty of nature and the precious gift of God's angels who never leave our side.  

Have a joyful day with your angels.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

 

It Warms the Cockles of My Heart: Angel Message

I am learning more and more nothing happens by chance. Sometimes the element of surprise overwhelms the senses of concrete logic as a divine lens opens the aperture to reveal a bigger, brighter picture.  

It happened yesterday with an ordinary seashell.  Somehow the day before, I had overlooked it when carrying a handful of shells to the porch that my son had left on my desk from his trip to the sea.  

Now the lone shell had my full attention. 

Upon close examination, nature had naturally carved out two holes like eyes, and its hinge looked like a brown beak.  I was holding a bird's head! A gift from the sea.    I laughed, looking twice. 

Earlier, I had revisited a longstanding bird writing project that never got off the ground.   It held no energy anymore, so I thought.

Now, filled with curiosity, the type of seashell seemed an important part of the angel message as I leafed through the guide book.  I found it, and let out a little laugh.   Heart clam! from a family Cardiidae that are named Cockles or heart clams. Cockles are found in all the seas around the world.  A happy feeling filled my heart as I held the unusual bird shell in my hand.  An angel thought whispered an old saying, "It warms the cockles of my heart."    

Curious, I looked that up, too. The expression dates back to the 1600's, and means to give someone warm and happy feelings.  

That's what the angels do.  I am so grateful for our heavenly angels who generously entertain and bring joy, love, peace, and protection into our lives to share.  Remember you are never alone.  You are in the company of God's angels. "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."  (Psalm 91)

Love, peace, and joy,

 

Rae Karen 

Stone of Remembrance: Angel Message

On Sunday, Elliot surprised me by suggesting a ride to Barberville.  Years ago, I spotted the huge colorful emporium at the crossroads, but we didn't stop then, anxious to get home after a road trip. 

Once we arrived, the magnitude of the famous yard sale was amazing. The parking lot was full and we parked on a side street by the emporium.  First thing, I saw getting out of the car was a statue of a large painted tiger.  A shiny purple stone gleamed on the tiger's head.   I recognized the random act of kindness.  Some thoughtful, caring person had painted the stone, and left it on the tiger's head, in  hopes it would be found and brighten someone's day.  

Purple is my favorite color, but not wanting to be selfish, I let it be for someone else, and went to explore the emporium.  

The multitude of whimsical art: life size animals, dinosaurs, fountains, colorful birdbaths, planters, pottery, carved wooden statues, rows and rows.  Nooks and crannies... Each piece began as a thought in the creative mind of the artist.     

 

Wow...sensory overload kicked in at the overwhelming sight of three acres of cheerful, fun creativity. 

Wending our way through rows, and rows,  we found not one metallic sunflower.   Sunflowers are a favorite as they always turn their heads to face the light. 

I learned something about myself that caught me by surprise... 

I wasn't as materially magnetized to things as I'd been in the past. Back at the car, I glanced at the tiger statue.  Was the purple rock still there?  

I knew it was mine as it warmed my hand from the heat of the sun. That's when I was shown the message.  The yellow flowers had bloomed in the dark... rooted in a purple planter.  Purple is the color for spiritual, and yellow, for faith.   

It's funny how things play out... in search of a metal sunflower, I discovered a symbol of light delivered by an unknown angel in a generous act of lovingkindness.   A shiny stone of hope for me to remember to share the light.  I'm so grateful for the presence of angels in our lives.

Whatever you are facing today, the angels encourage, look to the light.  The best is yet to come.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Emporium photo: Web)

One Thing Leads to Another: Angel Message

Mom enjoyed hosting our childhood birthday parties.  Her "Go Fish" game brings back fun memories. In preparation for the party, she had a fishing pole rigged for each guest.  To catch your fish, you had to keep pulling on the long string to reel in the party favor gift.  The mystery of the unknown made it fun.  

More and more, life seems like a game our loving angels are playing with us.

One thing leads to another...if we follow their playful clues. 

It happened this week.    

On September 5, I suddenly found myself cleaning out a junk drawer in the living room. Sifting through the stuff...Manatee 52 card deck, checkerboard, chess pawns, Boggle game, pocket flashlight, and a box of tealights scented in surf and sea.  I began to lose interest. 

Then, I found a small folded paper.   A note on Hawk's personalized paper.  Born in Iowa, the Hawk-eye state, he was nicknamed Hawk.  Through the years, I came to love Hawk like a father. He was Mom's closest and best friend at the retirement home. Elliot and I spent lots of holidays and weekends with them.

Finding the note seemed significant.  He'd jotted down info about a red garnet stone pendant; a Christmas gift for her many years ago.  When he passed on, she gave it to me.    

An angel now nudged, go look for the garnet.  Curious, I dug Mom's old jewelry box out of the dresser, and sat down on the bedroom carpet.  

I'd forgotten the delicate peacock motif on the lid, a reminder to be watchful.   

Before long, I found the pendant, but the clasp on the delicate chain was broken. 

 "Oh, well, that's okay, Hawk," I said.  

To my surprise, the air stirred.  

Music began to play!  Bracelets and earrings shifted in the bottom of the jewelry box! I let out a happy startled laugh.  I  had forgotten it was a music box, too.   

How did that happen?!  I wondered, amazed at the timing.   The unfamiliar Asian tune should have played once the lid was lifted.  Yet...it had been opened for a while before it rang out a happy tune.

But there was more...  

A hidden jewel.  

At the bottom of the peacock jewelry box, I found a fortune cookie message I saved many years ago:

"The best is yet to come."   

A wonderful message of hope during these dark days.

And, the day before, Elliot and I were both been feeling Hawk's energy around us while out for a drive.  

Imagine our surprise the next morning as we read outloud, God Calling for September 6.

Your Loved Ones  September 6

"Your loved ones are very safe in My Keeping.  Learning and loving and working, theirs is a  life of happiness and progress.  They live to serve, and serve they truly do.  They serve Me and those they love.  Ceaselessly they serve.

But their ministrations, so many, so diverse, you see no more than those in My time on earth  in human form could have seen the angels who ministered unto Me in the wilderness.

How often mortals rush to earthly friends who can serve them in so limited a way, when friends who are freed from the limitations of humanity can serve them so much better, understand better, protect better, plan better, and even plead better their cause with Me.

You do well to remember your friends in the Unseen.  Companying with them the more you live in this Unseen World the gentler will be your passing when it comes.  Earth's troubles and difficulties will seem, even now, less overwhelming as you look, not at the things that are seen but at the real, the Eternal Life.

"And this is Life Eternal that we may know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent."

Learning to know Me draws that Kingdom very near, and in Me, and through Knowledge of Me, the dear one there become very near and dear."

The timing was angelic, and yes, we believe loved ones are very close to us although unseen, their love comes pouring through to bring hope and faith.   "The best is yet to come."

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Stand Tall: Angel Message

 

Early this morning, sitting on the porch, I gazed across the driveway.  Underneath the oak tree, something new and different had sprung up overnight.  A strange pointed plant stuck up like a flag on a mailbox. A signal of an angel message? 

Curious, I hurried to take a look and laughed at the little miracle. The shoot of a houseplant called mother-in-law's tongue. Its sharp pointed leaves also merit the name Saint George's sword.  It seemed like a special note from my mother as she had an old-fashioned butter churn full of these hardy ribbon plants. 

A search on line revealed the message of  Saint George's sword or mother-in-law's tongue: Stand tall, and continue growing despite unfavorable circumstances.  

That's exactly what happened here.  Many months ago, I'd tossed some dead plants underneath the tree until yard trash debris day. This little root must have missed the haul.  It's now standing tall,  and growing despite unfavorable circumstances. 

 And, what joy to know our angels speak to our soul in a heavenly language of synchronicity. Little unexpected perks designed to capture our hearts by using the things we love and enjoy to stir our minds to higher thought. To reveal a glimpse of the Unseen Realm.  The holy angels know how to help grow our faith, and to help us trust more in their presence.  They help us remember God's Love, and how precious our life is in Christ.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

  

 

Gifts from the Sea: An Angel Message

Have you noticed an angel theme building in your life?  This past week the sea has come rushing in, not that I've been down to the shore.  Saturday, at the flea market, an estate vendor was selling a large glass bowl of seashells: Sand dollars, starfish, angel wings, purple scallops, and coral. I was thankful I caught a wave at a give-away price of $5.  

 

At home, each shell was gently arranged in a decorative bowl on the porch table. The various shells brought back my own early sunrise walks collecting shells many years ago.   

When I grabbed my reference book to look up this unusual shell, I had to laugh.  It's called a Turkey Wing.  How perfect is that?  Yes, I am grateful for the abundance of gifts from the sea, and for the soul who combed the sands to find them.

 

But, there was more... 

 

Inside the reference picture book, I found a long-forgotten postcard. A sunflower with a comforting message of hope and faith during these trying times. 

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," 

declares the Lord, 

"plans to prosper you and 

not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

 In the afternoon, a trip to the library answered the call to the sea again.  I found Anne Morrow Lindbergh's soulful book, Gift from the Sea, for sale at the Bird Nest bookstore. 

 

I recall a time when a very large shell bubbled up in the shallow surf at Virginia Beach.  The answer to a prayer.  Elliot and I had financial issues.  Walking the beach, I asked God if He loved me, to let me find a whole whelk shell.  Not one fractured from the pounding surf. 

 

Time passed, and I forgot all about my request.    

Then, one morning, walking in the shallow surf, I stopped to face the horizon.  A powerful wave rushed in, and quickly receded, revealing a sandy floor.    

I looked down at my feet, the watery sand bubbled.  Out popped the tip of a large whelk shell.  "Thank you, Holy Spirit!" I laughed, holding the biggest whelk shell I'd seen. Perfectly whole, with a glossy inner glow, in spite of a blackened exterior.  

But, there was more to come... 

 

A short distance beyond, another fast-moving wave bubbled up the wet sand at my feet. Another big whelk shell,  almost a twin to the first.  Both big and dark from being buried so long. Yet the inner shells were untouched by any outer pressures. 

 

My heart was so grateful as I walked home with the double for your trouble blessing.  One for me and one for Elliot.

 

Whatever you may be dealing with today, please know that you are not alone.  You are dearly loved and treasured by God who never has stopped loving you.  All things are possible with God. 

When you hold a seashell close to your ear, and listen... The soft sound of the surf comes rushing in,  stirring memories of home.  Although the shell appears to be vacant, the Spirit within is eternal. 
 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

Reflections on a Super Blue Moon

I'm finding an expansive view of the heavenly realm helps to heal the soul and bring peace to a weary pilgrim.   Once again, I found myself alone in the quiet of the morning, looking up at the Super Blue Moon.  The silence was so deep all I could hear was the sound of my own breathing as I focused the camera. 

Through the lens,  the full moon appeared as a ball of light encircled in blue, pink, yellow, green,  and violet. What was going on?  Was it humidity reflecting off the lens?  Logic tried to figure it out, but my spirit was enjoying the show...and, I had asked the angels for help in getting a good photo.

I was seeing a side of the moon I'd never seen before, her causal body. 

When the camera setting was adjusted from Auto to Manual, the zoom sped across the night sky, bouncing the lens as I held tight to meet up with an old friend.  Now, Bella Luna was up close and personal.  Craters and all. A vision of beauty in the night.

Admiring  her effulgent glow, it's hard to believe the moon has no light to call her own.  Yet all of her radiance is a reflection of our bright, beautiful sun.  

If you're feeling a little compacted these days, stargazing in your backyard is a simple, healing way to break free and behold the bigger picture.  Something wonderful happens as you step outside, and look up.  

When I consider thy heavens,

the work of thy fingers, the moon

and the stars which thou has ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

                                          --Psalm 8

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

Keep on Shining: Angel Messages

Thank you for all your prayers for Florida.  What a roller coaster ride we're all on these days and I'm so thankful for the angelic help that abounds.  And the power of Psalm 91.  We were blessed to be safe with little rain and wind, nothing like the other hurricanes.

To prep for the storm, potted plants, garden statues, patio cushions were moved from the porch into the house.  Afterwards, I flopped down on the bed to rest.  That's when a lacy ethereal creature struck an unusual pose outside the bedroom window. 

A delicate damselfly! She hugged the metal crook of the empty flower basket pole. I watched her put on a light show. She would fly off the tip of the rod, and soon return, hugging the post.  Over and over again, I watched her come and go in a deliberate dance that seemed like an angel message.  Finally, I got up to take a photo to share with you.    

  

Later some light was shed on her visitation. Damselfly is often considered a harbinger of change, transformation, and adaptability.  A sign of encouragement to break free from self-imposed constraints so we can embrace the power of lightness and flexibility in our lives.

Damselfly is kin to the dragonfly which reminds us that we are light, and we can shine very powerfully. It's up to us.  

And, early this morning, the super blue moon was shining through the bedroom window. With much objection from my flesh, I pushed through, and went out to take a photo before the clouds rolled in.  

A bit of synchronicity happened later when I opened the Bible at random. Verses on light were highlighted in yellow:  

"Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."  (Matthew 5:14)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."   (Matthew 5:16)

During these dark times in human history, remember Jesus the Christ said, "Ye are the light of the world." 

Let your light shine.    

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

Today's Forecast: An Angel Message

At dawn this morning, as I stepped outside to roll the trashcan down the driveway, three baby bunnies grazed by the oak tree nibbling on cracked corn.  They didn't mind the whirring wheels of the trash barrel.  

I was amazed at the stillness in the air.  The  horizon glowed in pink and orange creating a touch of heaven in the air.  Just think, if I had put the trash out last night, I would have missed a golden dawn.  Today the weather forecast for Florida isn't so peaceful. A tropical storm or hurricane is in the winds, depending on the cone of uncertainty.  

Times like this Psalm 91 helps me to find peace in the storms.  God is never uncertain. God never changes.  A higher truth, we live, and  breathe, and move in an atmosphere of divine Love.  We abide in the eternal noon. 

The angels are with you, watching over you, and God has you tucked underneath his sheltering wings like a mama bird covers her chicks.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

Quiet Reflection: An Angel Message

Lakeside visits from our sandhill crane family aren't as frequent, and I miss these stately prehistoric-looking birds that have inhabited the earth for 60 millions years. An epic line of creative longevity.   

Recently, I caught a glimpse of Papa Sandhill standing in quiet reflection.  Soaking his feet in the cool, shallow waters among a cluster of tall yellow lilies.  A comforting picture of peace and stillness.   

I remember Christ's teaching when it comes to worrying about tomorrow. (Matt. 6:28) 

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet, I say unto you, That even [King] Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

A comforting reminder that God knows all of our needs and provides daily for our sustenance when we abide in Him.

What is your guardian angel whispering to you today?  In the midst of turmoil, it's good to be still, and reflect on God's grace and mercy, to feel peace in the moment of outer chaos.  To dwell in the inner silence and be thankful that all is well with your soul.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

Lesson from a Late Bloomer: An Angel Message

 Early this summer, while Elliot and I were in Mount Dora for lunch, I spotted lush, bushy BIG marigold plants--laden with old blossoms begging to be dead-headed.    Planted at the entrance of a prestigious lakeside hotel parking lot, the flowers had been neglected.  

The gardener in me kicked in...  

From experience, I knew each deadhead secretly held an abundance of seeds ready to blossom into new life.  With a grateful heart, I took each precious one as if handling Mary's gold. Deadheading was a win-win.  I had rich seeds to plant in my garden. And, the hotel's marigolds had more energy to produce new blooms.  

Well sadly, as often the case with the best of intentions, the marigold seeds were left in clay saucer to dry out on our front porch.  Then heavy winds and driving rain blew most of the seeds away. Even then, I delayed the planting, making excuses. Blazing heat, high humidity, a new flower bed needed digging. 

Then one day it all came to a head while sweeping the porch, I got shaken awake as I stared with remorse at the few seeds in the dish, patiently waiting for a chance to bloom.   

Laden with guilt, I got busy. Why hadn't I taken the time or energy to give the little marigold seeds a lease on new life?  Although late in the season, quickly I tucked them in a large terracotta pot with wild buttercups, and said a little prayer of forgiveness.  

When the seeds sprouted, it warmed my heart.  To make up for lost time, the plants soon grew tall with lush green leaves, but no buds.  Then a short time later, the forgiving blossoms began to pop out. Big  golden marigolds buds opened in the sunshine. Sadly I realized the harvest could have been more plentiful--fields of golden yellow blooms, but the decision was left in my hands.    

Nature is always teaching. And, this was a good lesson.  How often I began a good work full of great promise, gathering all the necessary resources, and yet something happens, the desire wanes, and the seeds lie fallow, never planted in good soil.   

Just now I looked up the symbolism of Marigold.  The flower is tied to Mother Mary. It is a flower of fidelity and longevity.   It reminds us to the coming of important dreams. They remind us that sacrifices made will be for the best, although it may not appear so at the time.  

The angels encourage us to finish the good work that God has begun in us.  With their help, we too will bloom where we are planted.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

Marigold ref.  Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews