Way Up, Way Up High: Angel Message

It's the simple things in nature that bring joy, especially when she communicates in a bold language that breaks through the illusion like a breath of fresh air.  A healing sign that you are never alone, something greater than you presently are aware of is doing a mighty work in your life.  Unseen, but not unnoticed, the message always leaves one feeling more peaceful, and gratefully grounded in the precious gift of now.

On Saturday afternoon, I happened to look up as I stood in the driveway.  Something new and different caught my eye.  A vision of giant yellow tufted flowers cheerfully waving in the sunshine, above the tree tops.  Surprised, I laughed, wondering about the unusual bouquet of giant golden spikes of light.  The happy sight lifted my spirits, and peaked my curiosity.   I went to check out the source.

Back in the woods, behind the house, I found an old pine tree embracing a change in season crowned in a vision of golden glory.  Pine trees never lose all their green needles. And, Evergreen is a wonderful symbol of immortality, the soul, eternity.  The evergreen of the soul, some call it. 

I was thankful for this angel messenger, not only for the reminder to keep looking up, but to keep shining and giving your all, no matter what the physical circumstances.  With the help of the angels, we can do this. 

Then, early this morning, another messenger delivered an up-beat message from on-high.  A juvenile red-tailed hawk swooped down and perched on the power pole, facing east. The direction of new beginnings.  Like the bald eagle on The Great Cross at St. Augustine, the hawk seemed to echo the message, Keep our thoughts on-high.  

The photo, taken from the sun-room window, turned out like a silhouette, but an angel thought directed my attention to the metal wires at the coil of the power pole. Gleaming in the sunshine, the silvery wires were bent in the shape of the Christ-fish. 

 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."  (Eccl. 3:1)   This too shall pass.  The best is yet to be. Be of good courage, pray,  and put your trust in God.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Rainbow Hands of Light: Angel Message

 

On our anniversary trip, the ocean sunset was so beautiful from the balcony, that later, around 7 o'clock, an angel thought prompted me to open our back door on the second floor, and look to the west where the sun was setting.  

I hopped up, and quickly opened the door wide, unprepared for a blast of brilliant light flooding the doorway. So bright, I couldn't look out, and retreated inside, shading my eyes.  That's when Elliot stepped up and joyously spotted a rainbow.  Look, you've got to see this!  A rainbow!

Not wanting to miss a rainbow, I snapped the camera, blindly toward the light, asking the angels for help to share a photo with you.

I was glad I listened to the angel guidance or I could have missed a golden pair of rainbow hands blessing the sky.  Then to my surprise, at the lower right-hand corner of the heavenly view, I saw the Great Cross was in the picture.  Across the miles, like an exclamation point, above the treetops.  

A rainbow is a reminder of our greatest gift--to be one with God. God loves you and has sent his angels to watch over you.  The best is yet to come.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

 

A Wonderful Angel Messenger from On-High

Last week, Elliot and I delayed the celebration of our 26th wedding anniversary by one day, and headed for St. Augustine the following morning.  The energy was on, and we were good to go.    Little did we know, the timing was in divine order. 

We arrived at our favorite healing spot in nature, and sat on a stone bench overlooking the inlet at Our Lady of LaLeche.  As I gazed up at the peaceful blue sky, to my surprise, I thought I saw a little bird. It was perched atop the Great Cross. A historical landmark of Spain's claim to Florida in the late 1500's.   The Cross, rises above the rest of the city, and can be seen for miles. 

In all our years of pilgrimage to this first Marian Shrine in America, this was a first-- a bird on top of the twenty-story gleaming cross! It seemed like a wonderful angel message from on-high.

I hoped it was true. What looked like a bird to my eyes appeared as a black speck, with a white dot for a head. To satisfy my curiosity, I got out my camera. An inner voice told me, it's an eagle. To good to be true, my ego claimed, it's an osprey (seahawk) with a white head, and looks like an eagle.  

Excitedly, the camera lens bounced, zooming upward, higher and higher, scaling the 208-foot beam standing triumphant in the sunlight.  

Then, I had it! 

 A bald eagle!  

What were the chances?

And, in that sacred moment, it appeared as if God was showing that America, represented by the eagle, would be victorious in the end. A wonderful omen of spiritual resurrection and rebirth for our country.  Also, the eagle represents Great Spirit who has dominion over all the earth, the cross of matter.

 

On a personal level, it was a comforting reminder.  Although we each have our crosses to bear, with Christ, we, too, are Overcomers. So be of good cheer, and don't be deceived by external appearances.  The best is yet to come. Keep thoughts and prayers on high. 

"But they that wait upon the LORD 

shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; 

they shall run, and not be weary; 

and they shall walk, and not faint."  (Isa. 40:31)

The clouds in the sky were dynamic, forming a mighty hand, reaching down to crown the Great Cross. Another heavenly image offering hope.  

I hope you will find these images as comforting as we did.  They are too wonderful not to share.  Please remember that you are never alone.  God has sent his angels to watch over you and guide you in all your ways. Never give up.  The best is yet to come. 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

 

Turkey Blessings: Angel Message

With all the sadness in the world today, I had a sudden boost of spirit this morning.   Returning home from the grocery store, what a surprise to find a flock of wild turkeys pecking around the front yard.  Seven.  The number of completion and perfection. 

The timing of their visitation was amazing. Yesterday the turkeys crossed my mind, sadly thinking they were gone for good now that the back woods is under heavy construction.  But against all odds, the happy brood returned.  Big, beautiful, young feathered harbingers of thanksgiving and gratitude.   A sign that there is more going on than meets the physical eye, so keep the faith, and give thanks for everything. 

I ran inside the house, grabbed my camera, and stood at the living room window to look out, so as not to frighten the skittish birds away.  LOL. One  turkey was especially close to the window, standing in a clay flower pot!  That was a first!  Maybe a signal to keep my feet planted in good soil and to keep growing toward the light to bloom. 

The turkey, sometimes called the earth eagle, is a of symbol of all the blessings that the Earth contains, along with the ability to use them to their greatest advantage.  A wonderful reminder that we are here to be a blessing, and to give thanks for all the Unseen Heavenly Help, physically out of sight, but certainly not unnoticed.  The best is yet to be.  

Peace and love,

 

Rae Karen

Turkey ref: Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews

Love Always Makes A Way: An Angel Message

Angels may use whatever we've got to teach us lessons on love, joy, peace and harmony.  Sometimes the most unlikely objects can become tools of transformation and renewal if we let them.

In that vein, something unusual happened yesterday, out-of-the-blue.  

Let me back pedal...  Years ago, I picked up a couple of Smurfs at a yard sale. A cute long-haired female with a happy orange flower.  And, her mate, a gardener Smurf holding a brown shovel with a red cardinal on it.  Being a nature lover, they spoke to my heart, and also filled a need for a memory of happier times.  

Back in the early 80's, my young son had collected Smurfs.  These whimsical small, blue, fictional humanoid creatures who lived in mushroom-shaped homes in the woods.  Their iconic Phrygian white caps represented freedom during the modern era. 

Last month, in a Fall letting-go mood, I cleaned out the house, with bags of stuff to donate.  The books went to the public library book store, and knickknacks to a local angel thrift.

A few weeks ago, while at the library book store, I was in for a surprise. The little blue Smurfette was standing alone on display, atop a bookcase. She looked so bright and sunny, yet oddly out of place for sale with a few holiday ornaments. I wondered how she ended up there?! Maybe I accidentally dropped her in a bag of book donations?  Rather than buy her back, guidance was to let it be as it is.  

Our next several trips to the library, I was curious, would she still be waiting? But there she was, brightening up the book store like a ray of sunshine.     

Then, a few days ago, while visiting the library, she was missing.  I wished I held on to her, but kept it quietly to myself.    

Now, this is where the story gets a little squirrel-ly... 

Yesterday morning, searching high and low for my missing garden shears, I opened a shallow, deep drawer on the counter, but no luck. Quickly I moved on in a hurry, leaving the drawer ajar.  Elliot came along, and tried to shut the drawer.  He had to yank it twice, rattling the contents, before he discovered the problem.  

He reached inside and grabbed the obstacle. 

Time stood still and I could hardly believe it! 

My little smiley faced Smurfette! I held her in my hand, as if finding a long lost friend. What were the odds?  She had disappeared from the library shelf and ended up in my drawer at home. 

Then, it dawned on me, the whole big beautiful idea. What I thought I had lost was with me all the time.  A sudden mist of tears caught me off-guard. And, here's the thing...  These vintage blue Smurfs are a rare find these days, over forty years later.  I'll admit it felt like the touch of an angel played a hand in the reunion.

Now, the search was on for her mate, the gardener Smurf.  I hoped I hadn't let him go.  The little red cardinal on his shovel was a reminder of a comforting saying: When a cardinal appears, a departed loved one is near.   A quick search, he popped up, holding his shovel, looking as smitten as ever with his flower gal beside him again.  Now the happy couple is back together on the kitchen windowsill. A wonderful reminder ... that Love is never lost.  Love always makes a way. 

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

 

Wings of Light: An Angel Message

The angels make their presence known by sharing God's love with us and pointing out things we may overlook...little love notes along the path.   

 

This morning at the local market, a Willow Tree figurine, called Free Spirit, was added to my collection. I believe the purpose of life is to discover our true spirit (Self) and live it to the fullest.

 

 

Then back at home, an angel nudge brought to light and older angel blog with a perfect poem to convey the point. 

 

"Whenever your mind wanders in the maze of myriad worldly thoughts, 

patiently lead it back to remembrance of the indwelling Lord.  

In time you will find Him ever with you--a God who talks with you

in your own language, a God whose face peeps at you from every flower

and shrub and blade of grass.  Then you shall say:  'I am free! 

I am clothed in the gossamer of Spirit; I fly from earth to heaven 

on wings of light.'  And what joy will consume your being."

                                                       --Paramahansa Yogananda
                                                        (WHERE THERE IS LIGHT)

 

To make a final point, this giant ornate pencil, another little treasure from the Market, brought to mind Mother Teresa's words.  "I am but a small pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."

 

Remember you are never alone on this journey. "God has given his angels charge over you to guide you in all your ways."  (Psalm 91)  Celebrate your life today by being fully present to all the wonderful things around you, and share the love by being you. 

Love, peace, and joy,

Rae Karen

Safe Passages: Angel Messages

Have you noticed how sometimes an angel lesson is unfolding as you go about your dailies?  This week we met up with turtles and a tortoise in need of a yield.   Since tortoise won the race with the hare, slow and steady is the message to victory. Also a reminder that Unseen Help is standing by to lend a helping hand so don't give up and be fooled by appearances.  Love will make a way. 

Not once, or twice, but three times in one afternoon these ancient shelled travelers appeared before us on the road. A repeated lesson on safe passage, making sure we got it.  

 

The first encounter was near the bend in the road by the lake. A big black freshwater turtle had unwisely chosen to stop and lie down, with only a few yards to go to cross over to the lake. Tired and weary, I had compassion for this strong swimmer, who was not made to be a road runner. 

 

From a distance, it seemed we arrived too late, flattened, and motionless it laid up ahead.  

 

But as our car approached, life stirred, as we cheered him to get going again.  That did it. He raised up and lumbered toward the lake, in a safe passage to his watery destination. A chain-link fence separates the road from the lake and I worried.  How would he navigate?  But, angels make a way, and these shelled reptiles have a long history; they existed for 220 million years.  A friendly herd, sometimes they stack up like dinner plates, one on top the other, on a narrow log, to share the sunshine. 

A lesson on safe passages was beginning to unwind. While waiting in the the car for Elliot to run an errand at the country store, I noticed the towering golden rain trees dancing on the breeze in their gowns of yellow blossoms.  Swaying to and fro in a blue sky, the only touch of autumn in Florida.

 

Feeling peace, my eyes were suddenly drawn to a large jeweled grasshopper-like insect called a lubber. Lubbers love to eat flowers.  Out in the road, almost safely to the other side, a  shiny orange Mustang pulled out of the parking lot, almost crushing the lubber.  A narrow escape... divine timing was at work. A glimpse of the unlabored motion of divine love in action, moving in harmony.

 

Heading home, back in the neighborhood, a large dusty gopher tortoise was crossing the entrance road, heading toward greener pastures.  We stopped the car and yielded, watching it munch on the grassy patch by the road. Again, all about timing...

 

Later I paused to reflect in gratitude for the many ways I've been helped and had a safe passage, a narrow escape.  I'm so thankful for the angel messages from nature. Love will make a way.  Trust.  The best is yet to be.

 

By the way, the old winged cherub still rides a turtle's back by the front door.   Weathered over the years, it still speaks boldly. A wonderful reminder that we, too, travel with our guardian angel.   "For he shall give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all yours ways."  (Psalm 91:11)   Slow and steady wins the race.  Step by step, enjoy the journey.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 (web photo - freshwater turtle)

Oh! My! An Angel Lesson

 Something was going on last Saturday.  A total surprise because it was least expected and popped up along the way when I was about town doing nothing special.  I'm so grateful that our angels take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.  They burst the bubble of illusion in a playful way and speak to our heart in a language we can understand.  It will be different for each of us, because we are each unique in our preferences.  But no matter what we value in this world, it can become a teaching device, if we let it.  I urge you to keep on asking the angels to join you along the way each day.

So on Saturday when I hopped out of the car to pay our water bill I was in for a surprise.  When I pulled down the lid to the drop-off box, and went to put in the envelope, I could hardly believe the special delivery before my eyes.  There on top of the large metal depository bin, a cute little red lady bug figurine was glued on a small white rock.   Mom was at it again. I beamed, holding the random act of kindness stone in my hand.

In that moment, my heart was brimming with love.  The "find" didn't seem at random. Time seemed to stand still, and I could almost hear my mother's laughter beyond the veil, as I stood there, shaking my head in wonder.

But, even more was to come... 

On our next stop at the public library, imagine my surprise to open a cartoon book at random, and see a cartoon sketch of my old chimp, Zippy. A gift from Santa on my 5th Christmas.  Something was up!

  

You can't make these things happen... but what joy to know there is always more going on. More than our physical senses report.  Sometimes we get a glimpse of the unknown. An inner knowing that our departed loved ones are nearby in challenging times like these.  The Light comes shining through the cracks... and we are blessed to realize that although we are in a physical body, we are more than the body, we are Spirit, and Spirit is in a state of grace always.  The best is yet to come.  What blesses  one, blesses everyone.  I hope you find this message comforting now and in the days ahead. You are never alone. You are always in the presence of God's angels.  God is Love.

Love, joy, and peace,

Rae Karen 

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)