You Can Make it Happen: An Angel Message

When it comes to cracking the code to get to the birdseed, the baby squirrels out here in the country are more skillful than their city cousins.   Rather than climb a nearby tree to make a flying leap to the stash, these rascals, like Olympic champs, scale the shepherd's crook in record speeds with no time to lose traction.  One short leap onto the birdhouse roof, and the fun begins.  

Spinning round in playful circles, oh! what exhilaration while sampling the tasty birdseed.  Flexibility is the key to success.

Years ago, there was a time when I would get upset whenever squirrels tackled our bird feeder.  But, then I realized, they didn't know it was only for feathered friends.  I decided to let go of control, and let nature put in the balance.  All God's creatures are harmonious.  Whenever a squirrel shows up, it is time to balance work and play.  

As you can see, the squirrel's zealous attack on the bird feeder, spills out plenty of corn and sunflower seeds on the ground.  More than enough to provide a good meal for those unable to reach up that high. 

Sandhill family.

Flexibility and willingness to give it a go are what this squirrel can teach. Twisting and turning, you, too, can stretch to make it happen. Where there is a will, there is a way.  

  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Mourning Dove: An Angel Message

On Monday evening after dinner, while enjoying the outdoors, I noticed the tall old pine in the back yard had a bounty of bright new green pine cones.  Nature is abundant.  Not too far off, I heard the soft drawn out coo of a mourning dove, a sorrowful call like a lament...

"cooOOoo-woo-o"

A similar call to the owl, but more frequent and softer.

Before long, the soft flapping of gentle wings folded, landing high in the pine treetop.

Out on a limb, against a cloudless blue sky, a sweet mourning dove perched in the glow of even tide.

Her expression was curious and made me smile.  She appeared to be looking down from her lofty perch, wondering how to get back down to the ground.   

It wasn't a problem for her.

Before long, she let out a distinct whistle, and spread her wings in the blue sky heading off in a new direction.

Her unique whistle peaked my curiosity.  I wondered why mourning doves always whistle before taking flight?  Is it their way of announcing, "Get ready!  Here I come!"

A little research on-line turned up the answer.  The whistling sound comes from the air that vibrates the tips of their flight feathers as the mourning dove takes off.

What a lovely thought -- wings that automatically sing as you take flight.  

Later, I looked up the symbolism, in gratitude for her uplifting message:  "When the dove sings, we can expect life to settle.  We will move from the difficult cycle into one of greater rest and peace of mind.  Dove heralds a time of new cycles and new worlds about to open."

That's good news...as we all look forward to brighter days.   Let's take a lesson from the mourning dove and release what has passed, and prepare for a new birth.  Remember to give a little whistle in gratitude for the lessons learned, as we spread our wings and take flight in an upward direction.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen

Up and Down: An Angel Message

Yesterday afternoon, the only action at the lake was a playful pair of ducks swimming in the refreshing waters.  It was amusing to notice they were sharing a moment of different views.  One, heads-up; the other, heads-down. 

Up and down...they splashed around.   A reflection for life today, if we listen to the fluctuating outer world view. 

Watching the ducklings at play, was a reminder to have fun in the now.

Like water off a duck's back, don't let negativity weigh you down.   These web-footed paddlers bring a lesson to sooth our emotions by seeking emotional comfort and protection.  Stay in a comfortable environment.  Difficulties will be easily handled.  Trust and keep your thoughts on high.  Don't let any criticism ruffle your feathers.  Try to remember that everything is either love, or a call for love. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



(Duck ref.  Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

A Dear Gift at Dusk: An Angel Message

At twilight time, a peaceful hush blanketed the threshold of another day fading.  Last evening, in gratitude, I looked out the living room window.  At the far end of the pasture, something new caused a stir of excitement.

  A large animal's broad brown back was toward me, head bent low, grazing in the quiet field next door.  Joyfully, I hoped our neighbors had added a donkey, like Allahambra, to their menagerie. 

That thought quickly dissolved into something just as precious...

A tall lone deer lifted her head, doe-full eyes intently gazed in my direction.

 The first sighting in the neighborhood.

Spellbound, I did my best to zoom over the field toward her peaceful presence.  The gentle deer held her graceful pose, wide-eyed, looking my way. 

In the awkward struggle to steady and focus, I called on the angels for help in capturing this sacred moment. The camera lens bounced up and down, beeping a signal for more light every time I pressed the photo button.

Then as quickly as she appeared, I watched her gracefully leap the tall pasture fence in a single bound.   Her white tail waved a friendly good-bye, as she pranced to the other side of the road. 

Later I learned that my new camera is not ideal in low light.  After all my constant clicking, only one photo had been uploaded.   But in the end, that was what I needed to share with you. 

I was thankful for the deer's message to move gently into new areas.  Times are changing and so we have an opportunity to reinvent our life and where it is heading, with the help of Christ and God's angels.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen
    

The Cherub and the Tortoise: An Angel Message

Many years ago, at a garden center in Virginia Beach, an unlikely "dynamic duo" brought a burst of needed enthusiasm.  A tortoise and a cherub! At that time, my life was somewhat a tiresome race, with many hurdles, and I was doing my best to stay in it.  So finding this surprising victory symbol brought a gleeful smile.  After all, the slow-moving, humble tortoise had won his race, against all odds, by doing his best, lumbering toward the finish line.

I knew it was a keeper.  Toting the concrete cherub-and-tortoise statue to the garden cashier, I  was thankful for the loving reminder that we, too, have angels who have "our backs" and gently encourage us to keep on going, and never give up.  To run our own race, in victory.  

Last week tortoise energy popped up again.   The large ancient-looking gopher tortoise who lives in a hollow next door taught me a lesson.  He must have listened to the angel riding on his back.  

To my dismay, on Saturday, the property owner came barreling through the pasture, riding a shiny new orange lawn tractor... 

I worried about the old slow moving tortoise...

Would he stay hunkered down in the safety of  his sandy hollow, protected by the trees?  

I sent up a little prayer for the angels to keep him safe. 

 Dirt and sand kicked up a cloud of dust as that loud machinery circled round the trees, coming closer and closer.  

I hoped that hard-shelled tortoise wouldn't take flight from fright, and unwisely make a run for it across the pasture.    

But, it seems I need not have worried.  

Yesterday afternoon, I happened to look out the window at a joyful sight.  A big beautiful brown mound of slow-moving armor was out and about, freely roaming the freshly cut pasture, munching  on the greens in the sunlit pasture.  And, me learning to use my powerful zoom camera.  

Tortoise is symbolic of being successful in moving under pressure.  But, as my thick-shelled new neighbor taught me, divine timing is the key to victory when running a race. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen 

A Newer Vision Unfolding: An Angel Message

On my birthday, Elliot and I took a ride to the orchid farm to try out my new camera.  The coi fish pond was brimming with delicate purple lotus flowers.  

Beyond the soulfulness of pure saturated light and color,

as best seen in the myriad flowered faces of Nature,

is the beautiful face of God

smiling down in blessing upon us.

--Narana

I had forgotten that another name for a lotus is a sea rose.  A lotus symbolizes divine birth, purity, an opening to greater spiritual awareness.  The unfolding petals suggest an expansion of the soul.  Lotus bring the message that higher knowledge is available if we choose to open up to it.  This flower alerts us to a newer vision that will be unfolding soon.

While rooted in the mud, its flowers bloom on tall stems that make it appear as though the lotus is floating above the dirty waters of attachment and desires.   Drops of water easily slide off its beautiful petals, also symbolizing detachment.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

Down the Tortoise Hole: An Angel Message

Synchronicity is amazing, often making you shake your head in wonder at the timing and point-on accuracy of the encounter.

Yesterday at lunchtime we experienced one of those joyful synchronous jolts that mirrored our thoughts.   Since home-sheltering has been lifted, Elliot and I began tackling a big gardening project.  Three large stone flower beds, bordering the front walkway, laid vacant, with not so much as a plant, the view,-- a big void filled with dirty sand.

So the other night, I got busy with my hand shovel, digging buckets of sand out of the flowerbeds in preparation for the flowers.

The next morning,  dainty yellow lantanas, gold-and-maroon faced flowery plants, and bright red pentas from the local nursery, had transformed that barren area into a beautiful spring garden. 

At lunchtime, while admiring the new cheerful view from the sun-room, an idea came to me.  Why not retrieve our garden statue from the old house? Timothy the large brown tortoise would be happy here, and serve as a reminder that the tortoise won the race.  What happened next caught me by surprise.  A large brown tortoise was heading in our direction, lumbering down the grassy stretch by the driveway! 

Elliot laughed. "Looks like Timothy has come to us!"

What were the chances?  The timing was funny, like the angels often orchestrate to help us lighten up. 

Wasting no time, I ran out the backdoor, hoping to head the tortoise off at the pass. 

But, when I got there, that big brown shelled traveler was no where in sight.  I didn't know he could move so fast! 

My eyes scanned the pasture  next door, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.  Then, I heard it. 

A slight rustling in the underbrush in a stand of trees near the other side of the fence.

The wind shifted the trees branches, and there he was. As big as a platter, hunkered down in a sandy hole in the shade.  Resting from the hot Florida sun, he looked quite content to just be in the shelter of the trees.  Softly, I congratulated him on his wise choice.  Playfully, I then offered him an opportunity to come out.  His photo would be featured in an international angel blog.  But that lure to fanfare didn't move him one inch.  Respecting his privacy, I said good-bye, letting him be at peace. 

Late that afternoon, on our way to the car, I was curious if he was still there.  The tortoise was hard to spot, unless you knew what you were looking for, as he blended in with the underbrush and trees.

 But there he was, having dug himself a deeper hole. Florida has tortoises that can dig big deep holes, and burrow long tunnels underground. Their shovel-like front legs earn them the name gopher tortoises.

Our "down-the-tortoise-hole" encounter sent me digging for more information on our new neighbor who was digging his place as much as I was ours. 

"When tortoise appears, we have usually been experiencing many changes and burdens, and although it may not seem so, its appearance now indicates that the dawn is slowly approaching.  (An encouraging message for us all right now.) They remind us to carry on, moving and facing things steadily and slowly in our endeavors.  Pressures are easing up now and progress will be slow but steady.  Things are unfolding in the time and means that is best for you.  Focus on the essentials and try not to force anything." 

I was so thankful for the uplifting message.  After all, the tortoise won the race with the hare.  So take it slow and steady and you, too, will be victorious like the tortoise did under pressure to cross the finish line. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  What animals are crossing your path today?  You may be in for quite a surprise.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen


(Ref. Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)






photo:  Wikimedia Commons

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

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)

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

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

     

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