Tuesday, May 5, 2020

A Song in the Night: An Angel Message

The other night I was awakened from sleep by the call of a distant bird.  The song is a familiar one, that I have read about, but never had the pleasure of hearing.  Whip-poor-will...Whip-poor-will...it sang out in the night air.   At first, I thought it was my husband snoring, softly whistling through his nose, but when I listened closely, he was playing a different tune.

And, soon the Whip-poor-will called out again in the dark. 

His call reminded me of another bird from childhood who sang out its name, too.  Bob White...Bob White.. Memories of my grandparents' farm in Virginia crossed my mind.  I fell back to a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, I was curious to learn what a whip-poor-will looks like.  A search on Wikimedia Commons brought up an unexpected image of an ancient looking bird that is a member of the night hawk family.

Elliot reminded me of that old song, My Blue Heaven, ...when Whip-poor-will calls and evening is nigh, I hurry to my blue heaven. 

In Animal-Wise, "the whip-poor-will advises to stay alert to something unexpected. Because its song is this bird's outstanding characteristic, exploring the use of sound and music may be important to some activity or endeavor right now.  The whip-poor-will reminds us that there are times to sing forth our own unique song.  You will be heard and you will be responded to."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Sunday, May 3, 2020

A Gentle Call to a New Adventure: An Angel Message

To celebrate our regained freedom, Elliot and I took a spontaneous ride on Saturday.  Sheltering at home for Florida residents had expired on April 30th. It was great to be out and about again.

Traveling down a rural road, the timing was good, as we were in for a rare treat.  Up ahead, a beautiful brown deer and her baby fawn were crossing the empty road. The little fawn, the youngest we've ever seen, was wobbling behind mom.  In awe, we watched them disappear down a path in the woods. Slowly approaching in the car, to our delight, mother and fawn had stopped to nibble on the grasses near the edge of the forest.  Rather than run, they both stopped, turned around and looked at us in wide-eyed innocence.  What a beautiful moment.  And, me with no camera.

That precious encounter seemed especially significant on our first outing in weeks.   Silently sending them love, I recalled when deer appears, it is a sign that you are gently being called on a new adventure.

While writing the blog, an angel thought suggested searching Wikimedia Commons for a photo of a deer and fawn.   To my delight, this one popped up, somewhat capturing that rare moment. 

 

I looked up the symbolism of the deer.  Deer is also a time to be gentle with yourself and others.  A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born.  Ask yourself these important questions:

Are you trying to force things?

Are others?

Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself?

When deer appears there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors of adventure to you.  Follow the lure to new studies.  Move gently into new areas.  Practical pursuits bring surprising rewards.

On-line, I also learned that a baby fawn is messenger that you are learning to create a sacred place within when the rest of the world seems noisy.  Silence and meditation are important.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen





(Photo by A G 91 leo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49366351)

(Deer reference, Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews; Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Thursday, April 30, 2020

A Concrete Messengers: An Angel Message

Sometimes in the midst of life's activities, a glaring, in-your-face angel message pops up on your path. A hard-to-miss messenger that you may quickly acknowledge as you step over it while hurrying to complete your agenda. 

That's okay.  Angels are patient.  They wait in the wings, certain that sooner or later you will come around and understand the full message.  Who knows?  Maybe that's what divine timing is all about.  A loving message to be more patient with yourself, and to let things grow and blossom at your own pace.  

Looking back, I can see that now.  Something special happened on moving day at our new house.  

The wide-terraced steps leading up to the front door had been swept clean except for a small leafy twig on the path.  In trying to quickly brush it out of the way, I was in for a big surprise.  

It held its ground, firmly rooted.  I bent down to get a closer look.  Instead of a footloose, fancy-free green leafy twig, I was eye to eye with a friendly little patch of shamrocks.  Tiny cheerful yellow blossoms were in bloom.   Shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day were a wonderful welcoming gift, and seemed too good to be true.  Hunkered down, against all odds, they were doing it!  Thriving in a small hole about the size of a quarter.      

Admiring such faithful perseverance, I joyfully called out to the movers hauling furniture up the walk.  "Watch out for those little shamrocks.  They're growing out of the cement!" 

One of the movers passing by took a look, saying, "That's a good sign."

"There's your next angel blog." Elliot smiled, carrying a box.  

That afternoon with the move complete, the timing had been perfect.  President Trump called for a national state of emergency.  We were grateful for all of the angelic workers that had delivered us safely to our new home in time to hunker down.  

During our time sheltering-in, bigger and brighter things paraded outside our window:  red tailed hawks, wild turkeys, rabbits, long-legged, red-headed sandhill cranes and their cute chicks.

The little shamrocks were occasionally noticed, but mostly overlooked.  

Until yesterday.   While watering the red geraniums pots, my attention was drawn to that steadfast patch of bright green shamrocks sticking up on the front walk. 

Stooping down, I took a closer look.  One little yellow bud was about to bloom.  I smiled, remembering that yellow is the color of faith. 

It seemed important to look up the symbolism of a shamrock. In the Language of Flowers, a shamrock is the symbol for lightheartedness.  And, Saint Patrick compared the three leaves on the plant to the Holy Trinity:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  

Last night before going to bed, I found myself standing in the dark, looking out the living room window, something I rarely do.  

The soft glow of the triple globe lantern in the yard cast a light on the front walk.    My heart was at peace as I gratefully looked out at that little shamrock cluster, huddled together, growing stronger  day by day in a sea of concrete.   

In that reflective moment, I found myself as one with the spirit of all life, and especially those dainty little flowers standing tall in the night shadows.  Like them, I hoped to break through hard times while in a tight fix, comforted by the presence of a cluster of family and friends on the journey.  To keep having faith and trusting God.

As I was expressing thankfulness for their powerful lesson written in concrete, a sudden movement on the sidewalk brought a tearful smile.   I watched a lone little frog hop down the front walk, taking one bold leap at a time. 

 I could hardly believe the timing.  

With an overflowing heart full of gratitude to God and the angels, I went to bed, fondly recalling that F.R.O.G is an acronym to (F)ully (R)ely (On) (G)od.   

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  What nature messages are winging their way into your life?  When you become expectant, the angel messages will increase in volume, bringing a welcomed touch of lightheartedness to your day.    

Love and peace,


Rae Karen





Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Abiding in the Shadow: An Angel Message






Last evening, while out on the patio, enjoying the beautiful sunset, my attention was drawn to an encouraging reminder of unseen celestial help offered to each of us.

Standing tall by the back door, in the evening sunlight, the prayer angel had cast a perfect shadow on the wall.   A reminder to me that when we abide in the Shadow of the Almighty, angels watch over us.  While taking the photo to share with you, I noticed another uplifting message of transformation.  The BELIEVE garden butterfly beside her.

Have a joyful day with the Angels.


Rae Karen

     

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Angel of Encouragement: An Angel Message


Last night I unpacked a large basket in our bedroom, the last remnant from our recent move. This special purple iris notepad had been quite a find at a thrift shop years ago.  At the time, I couldn't believe it had two of my favorites--our black-and-white cat, Angel, and purple irises!  I loved it.  Even more amazing, we once owned a blue-and-white striped sofa like the one shown. 

The unusual tailor-made find had been one of those memorable angel blessings.  Little did I know years later it would be used for the Flower Angel Messenger cards, a gift from a dear angel friend.

With the iris cardholder on the night stand last night, I happily remembered our cat Angel and the nine wonderful years we shared together. 

This morning, I woke up around 6:00 a.m. and found myself turning on the lamp, to randomly select a flower angel card.

To my delight, it was the Angel of Encouragement, -- with the white iris as the flower messenger.

It has been years since I picked a card, so imagine my surprise at how perfect the selection.  Iris!

And, encouragement is just what is needed most at this hour on our planet.

Here's some of the guidance offered:

"The guidance coming to you through this image is for you to persevere in your efforts to grow spiritually and to transform fear into love.  The white perfection of this flower image tells you that all change is possible when seen in the light of divine perfection.  The center path of gold leading into the depths of the flower is symbolic of your life path of awakening and taking you into the heart of the Universe."

Thankful for the encouragement, I got up feeling refreshed.

While sitting in the sun-room, I caught sight of the first hummingbird I've seen here.  Her emerald throat glistened in the morning sunlight as she sipped the nectar from a bright red hibiscus, the only bloom still on the bush.  As I grabbed my phone, she flitted away and I remembered with a grateful smile, hummingbird is all about joy. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels. How blessed we are to have their loving presence accompany us on our journey.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen




Monday, April 27, 2020

Giant Grasshopper: An Angel Message


The sunset was especially beautiful last night, but it was this little creature looking in the sun room window who stole the show.

I thanked him for the visit, recalling that a grasshopper always hops upwards or  forward, never backwards.  Life becomes difficult when we refuse to move forward.

 This morning, to our surprise, when I opened the vertical blinds, the grasshopper was still there in the same place.  Having spent the night, he stayed most of the morning content to be at the window looking in.  I took his photo for the blog and when I began writing about him, I looked up at the sun-room window, but he was gone.  I smiled--now that I was sharing the good news about leaps of happiness he could move on.

His patient and steadfast vigil made me research the symbolism of grasshopper today.  The heading brought a smile.  LEAPS OF HAPPINESS.

Turns out that the grasshopper's strong legs help it make a giant leap 20 to 30 times their length.  "A signal that if we want to manifest our hopes and dreams, we must get off our haunches, and take a leap of faith. Now is the time to take a chance, to jump in.   This is sometimes difficult, but the appearance of grasshopper promises success even if we do not recognize or know in what way things will work out.  Grasshopper brings a promise they will--and often suddenly.  These creatures have an instinct for finding places exposed to the sun, a knack for being in the warmth of the light.  Now is the time to trust our inner voice for what is right or sunny for us." 

What loving angel messages are coming your way today?  What do you see outside your window?  A message may come in many ways, the mail, internet, TV, songs, --you name it, but it will come if you expect it.  Why not expect the happy things of God to come your way today?

Love and peace,

Rae Karen





(Ref. The Animal-Wise by Ted Andrews)





Wednesday, April 22, 2020

A Rabbit Noticed My Condition: An Angel Message




Last evening, as the sun was setting low in the field, Elliot went to the garage carrying some cardboard boxes.  That's when he saw something wonderful. 

Two cute little rabbits were grazing in the pasture.  One timidly ran off when Elliot appeared, but the other one stayed.

With phone in hand, I hurried, hoping to see my first rabbit in our new neighborhood.


From the porch, my eyes scanned the pasture, but there was no sign of a rabbit. Its brown fur blended in with his surroundings.

 It wasn't until the evening sunlight shifted ever so slightly, making those two big ears glow that I saw him resting in the field

 Calling out a friendly welcome, the little rabbit looked my way and was content to just be, nibbling on the grass by the fence.  

I didn't want to come too close, and ruin the wonder of the moment, the joy of the invisible suddenly becoming visible. Although my camera couldn't go the distance, that memory is a lasting one so near to Easter. 

His gentle, innocence reminded me of a comforting poem I saved years ago. 

A Rabbit Noticed My Condition

I was sad one day and went for a walk;
I sat in a field.
A rabbit noticed my condition and came near.
It often does not take more than that to help at times--
to just be close to creatures who
are so full of knowing,
so full of love that they don't chat,
they just gaze with their marvelous understanding.
                    --St. John of the Cross
                       Love Poems from God


Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.  Thank you nature angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen


(photo: wikimedia commons)






Tuesday, April 21, 2020

An Angel Weather Alert: An Angel Message

Yesterday morning an ominous sky turned black as night.  I couldn't recall,  not even in  our history of hurricanes, when it was so dark during the day.  Watching from the sun-room window, a sudden burst from a heavy cloud dumped needed rain on the lawn.  Hearing an occasional rumble off in the distance, the view had definitely changed from the sandhill crane who had stopped by over the weekend, peeking in and pecking at the window to the angelic music coming from a CD.

Now, the winds began to pick up. 

An angel thought nudged, Check the weather forecast for your area.  Picking up my phone, I took a look.

WOW.  I couldn't believe it.   A TORNADO WARNING! in effect for our county, with the potential of spawning from the thunderstorm. 

Heading south-easterly, it would reach our little town in 8 MINUTES!

Thankful for angel guidance, and with no time to spare, Elliot headed for the piano, filling the house with Amazing Grace.  I stood at the window and prayed Psalm 91 out-loud, claiming that we abide in the Shadow of the Almighty.  I asked the angels for protection for everyone, the birds and animals, all life that may be in its path. 

As in the past, we then played Handel's Messiah CD full blast on the stereo.  That heavenly-rousing Hallelujah Chorus, has gotten us safely through other dire weather conditions. 

Before long, the rains stopped, the clouds gave way to blue sky. After lunch, we had a grateful walk in the sunshine down the country road to the mailbox.

Prayer works! Psalm 91 is a  powerful shield of protection during the storms in life as we abide in the consciousness of God's Love, and not just run there at the first sign of trouble.

Many people were praying, and there were no fatalities,,and minimal damage.  The tornado touched down in Sanford, and then went out to sea.

Thank you Angels for all your loving protection and guidance.  In hindsight, I remembered the sandhill cranes are symbolic of noble guardians and protection. 

I'm so thankful to know that angel messages come just when most needed if we are willing to quiet our mind and listen. 

Love and peace,


Rae Karen










Monday, April 20, 2020

Checking and Pecking In, A Sandhill Angel Messenger

Something was up early Saturday evening.  While I was making dinner, Elliot called out, Come take a look! Dropping my potholder, I made a bee-line for the sunroom.  

What I saw was a first, and had a touch of angelic influence as I'd been wanting a close-up pic of the sandhill crane family who frequent our yard.  And here it was.  Either Papa or Mama Crane had stepped into the flowerbed and was looking in the window.   


That big sweet bird stayed for quite awhile, and to our amusement began gently pecking on the windowpane, perhaps hoping to get a better glimpse of us, too.  Angelic music was playing on the CD, so maybe the sandhill was picking up on the celestial vibrations, and  drumming along to the music.   Anyway it was one of those rare sweet moments of oneness.


 
The window visitor was so deliberate, I looked up the symbolism again.  Sandhills are high flyers and always announce their presence with loud calls. (So true, they have a unique guttural squawk!)   Because of this, they are often considered noble guardians, calling out loudly to forewarn.  If they are appearing in our life there is usually something that we should watch out for, and take care of more carefully.  When they appear, there is usually some hidden protection around us.  It is sometimes a sign that we may need to be the hidden protector of someone else. 

I took it as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is ever present, and we are all always in the company of unseen loving angels, so just keep the prayers going, reaching out to share love and light.  To radiate love rather than absorb fear, since we can't do both simultaneously.  The choice is ours in any given moment.   

Nature is a wonderful teacher, full of surprising touches.  

Sandhills are also known for their enthusiastic mating dance—jumping up and down like two big bouncy  ballerinas, as they face each other, long feathery wings aflutter, tossing sticks in the air….so whenever they appear it is a sign to remember that life is a dance and to enjoy every step.  

Something I need to remember just now…

God is in the details.  This message is for all of us.  The angels are our loving guardians, watching over and guiding us during this dark night of the soul.  It is in the darkness that we often discover that we are Light.

Love, peace and happiness, 


Rae Karen 



Friday, April 17, 2020

How Now, Brown Cow? An Angel Message

A soft cool breeze on this sunny morning brought an irresistible invitation to take a long walk, something I haven't done since moving to our new neighborhood, steeped in nature.

Cows, horses, and a goat were munching down on the lush grasses, a gift from recent rains.  This beautiful young cow had such a sheen to her chocolate coat that I was hoping to get her attention.  But she was content to just be, enjoying her breakfast that she had no need for fanfare. 

Cows are symbols of birth and motherhood, power, fertility and abundance. They have a strong connection with Mother Earth who nurtures us all with her plenitude. 

I'm learning more and more each day to be thankful for each precious moment, and to look for the blessings.  God is Love.

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and remember you are never alone, you are in the presence of angels who love you and watch over you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen




Thursday, April 16, 2020

A Surprising Hitchhiker: An Angel Message

Last night's much needed rains delivered a surprise this morning.  With a break in the weather, Elliot and I were getting into the car to pick up our mail, when he discovered a special delivery.  Opening the driver's side of the car, he was taken aback by an amazing sight. 

As I climbed in on the passenger side, I heard him, exclaim, "Look!  A brown frog!" 

I got out to take a look, expecting to find a fat frog in a puddle by the car.

To my surprise, a baby tree frog was clinging to the inside car door jamb! 

Somehow he was alive, safe, holding on tight with his tiny suction-cup fingers and toes.  He must have hunkered down in the heavy rains during the night. 



The greater mystery, how did he get in there?!

At least Elliot saw our surprising passenger before shutting the car door again.

 With a friendly little prod, our little hitchhiker took a leap on the driveway, and was off on his next adventure.  We laughed, remembering the acronym for F.R.O.G  is: (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od!

The entire life of a frog is a symbol of transition.  The tadpole must lose its tail and grows legs to become a frog so it can navigate both on land and in water.  A reminder that those things we lose during transformation bring an opportunity to become something better. 

So during these times of tremendous change, it is a wonderful reminder to keep fully relying on God.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



Monday, April 13, 2020

Suck it up, Buttercup: An Angel Message

Recently while out for a walk, I noticed an unusual decal on a mini-truck parked at the clubhouse.  "Suck it up, Buttercup."  Anything with buttercup on it grabs my attention.  I laughed, recognizing an angel message as the slogan hit home. 

Suck it up means to deal with it.  You have to do it. 

My wild buttercup plant sprang to mind. Instead of growing out in the garden with plenty of dirt to spread her roots, the wind had seeded her in a narrow crack in our stucco wall by the back door.  She had to suck it up to survive.

 Somehow she had managed to not only grow, but cheerfully thrive over the past two years, spreading her leafy branches with even more buttery blossoms. She had almost reached the top of the door.

Her cheerful blooms had greeted me most mornings at the backdoor as I fed a bowl of chow to our feral feline waiting at the stoop for breakfast. 

It was hard not to smile at her sunny presence.

 Against all odds, she had managed to survive, with  just a little dirt in the crack, plenty of sunshine, rain, and an occasional spritz from me as I watered the garden.

Shortly after moving,  I  heard some bad news.  At our old house, roofers had hurriedly tossed down the old shingles and crushed the buttercup plant! 

Maybe the move had been  a mistake? I tearfully thought.  Look what has happened.   I remembered how that strong buttercup had withstood all kinds of storms over the past two years.  She was a testimony to the power of faith during the seasons of life.

"Her blooms were knocked off," my son sadly told me, who has taken up residence there.  And, her branches broke off.

My thoughts turned to the worse, as I imagined her just a twig in the wall.

Silently, I thanked that buttercup for coming into my life, for all the gifts she had given me.  Her teachings by demonstration, on perseverance, joy, and to grow toward the light day-by-day.

Shortly after seeing the buttercup decal, my son surprised me with a text photo he had taken that morning.  To my delight, that amazing buttercup had resurrected with five yellow blossoms! 


So I'm trying to learn another lesson from my buttercup teacher.  To suck it up, and realize I have more inner strength in my spirit, as we each do, to endure, and shine through these hard times, if we will keep our focus on the light, and share our joy day-by-day.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen