Balaam and the Talking Ass: An Angel Message

                                                       Balaam and the Ass 1626 by Rembrandt

"...ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee." (Job 12:7-10)
                               
Recently, I was led to an amazing Biblical account of a talking ass.

In Numbers 22:21-34, Balaam, a pagan prophet, was riding his donkey on a mission to see a king who wanted him to curse Israel.  The donkey stops when she sees one of God's Angels wielding a sword, blocking their way.  Crouching down, refusing to move forward, Balaam's temper flares and he prods the donkey three times with a stick. 

Then God opened the mouth of the donkey, and it spoke. "What have I done to you that you have beaten me three times?" 

What happens next is surprising.  Balaam answers the animal,  and the two have a debate!

When the angel is finally revealed to Balaam.  He gets down on his knees, begging for forgiveness.  The angel of the Lord tells Balaam if it weren't for his donkey, he would have perished by the sword, but his ass would have been saved.  In the end, Balaam took instruction from the angel and obediently proceeded on his mission to do the will of God. 

More stubborn than a donkey, this account reminded me of times when my strong-willed ego blindly tries to force her way forward without the benefit of seeing the big picture.  The lesson here is to pray and seek guidance within, and then obediently follow instruction. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 

  

Amazing Grace: A Message from the Angels

In memory of Mom's birthday, I'm resurrecting this older angel blog.  She would have been 102 this month. 

The summer of 2014 my faith was tested hard.  Mom had just turned 96 when overnight she lost the ability to speak clearly.  She tried hard to use the right words to express her desires, but they weren't a match.  I did my best to understand her requests.  Mom was always a good sport, smiling, she would shake her head, and try again.  I was thankful for the lessons I learned at that transitional time.  The most important was Love.  How communication is not so much about words as the love that inspires them.  It goes beyond symbols of form and touches heart to heart. Mom was still here to give and receive love.

One morning,  shortly after her mild stroke, I was sitting on the sofa alone at home, processing this sudden change in my mother.  How this vibrant fun loving woman so quick-witted and eager to bring joy to others, could suddenly be confounded in her loving expression.  With these thoughts in my head, I noticed an angel statue on the window ledge near me. I looked at the angel playing a harp, thinking to myself, Why don't you stop harping, and be grateful, for everything! The lavender angel had been a "find" years ago at a local thrift shop. A tiny battery switch was hidden inside the wood base.  I thought it would make her light up. But it didn't work.  Loving anything purple, I brought her home with me.

Now, concerned about my mother, something made me reach out for the angel with the harp.  I found myself turning her upside down.  Pushing the battery switch, I hoped she would finally light up.

What happened next caught me off guard.  It wasn't the angel who lighted, but me upon hearing three tinny sounding musical notes fill the air. The harp angel was a music box!  I laughed.  Curious, I tried again, hoping to hear the entire song.   

The angel's selection brought healing tears as she played my favorite hymn.  Amazing Grace!  (And, mother's.)

A touch of tender love enfolded me with gentle wings of grace and comfort.  I was not alone. More was going on than I could presently understand. The message was to keep trusting and having having faith. The lavender angel never did play the whole hymn again.  But, the amazing synchronicity of that celestial moment was life-changing. 

My hope is that you will be encouraged to stay strong during these unprecedented times of transformation.  We are not alone as humanity experiences a celestial speedup; the old is breaking down to make way for the new.  Outworn cherished ideals are being challenged, causing us to seek answers within, and be transformed by the renewing of our mind. The call is to come up higher in consciousness, recognizing God is Love.

So my friends, whatever challenges you are experiencing today, personal, local, global, remember God is Love.  God loves you.  His angels are here to help us stay tuned in divine Love.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

People Are Noticing You: An Angel Message

Missing our favorite donkey friend, Elliot and I took an impromptu ride out in the country to visit the orchid farm.     

Calling out to greet Alahambre,  the Jerusalem donkey slowly trod over to the fence.   A little down in the mouth, it had been over a month since our last visit and a week of steady rain.

It didn't take long to cheer him up, a few loving pats, some soothing words, and our playful burrow friend was back to his old self.

 With plenty of food inside the area, he longed for a tall weed, growing outside the fence.  It was close, but just beyond his reach.

The laughter began with a little help from Elliot.  He picked the long stemmed weed and fed it to this lovable face that became energized!  His passion for greens mirrored my own for chocolate. One stem at a time, they restored his vitality, and we returned home feeling full of joy.

The message the donkey brings is humility.  Good advice for us all.  "Be wise but remain humble in a new opportunity.  People are noticing you, so you do not need to promote yourself.  Stubbornness can hinder."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



---
Donkey ref.  Animal-Speak, Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews

A Rainy Day Blessing: An Angel Message

Angels have such divine timing, synchronizing how to deliver the right thing at just the right time in just the right way.   Late Tuesday afternoon, in the pouring rain, an UPS truck pulled into the driveway.  Not expecting any deliveries, we were surprised to receive a large plastic envelope all the way from California.  The timely delivery was angelic in more ways than one.  Curious, I snipped away at the heavily taped envelope.  Inside was a small box, a loving gift from a friend.  A little Spirit Angel, with an open red heart, had come to bless. 

The words on the manufacturer's card read:

Angels are all around us
They care for us when times
are good or stressed.
Wrapping us in their wings
they whisper, You are Loved
       and Blessed.

I had been feeling stressed that day, more like a stranger to myself. 

The back of the card brought a smile as I read how this special angel had been created.  I could relate!

 "Each Spirit Angel is fired in an outdoor kiln.  Red hot, it is pulled from the kiln and placed into a pit with wood shavings.  The intense heat ignites a blaze giving this Spirit Angel unique flashes of color making it one of a kind."

What a comfort to know the Angels are here, helping us through these stressful times of global  transformation.  Our own one of a kind radiance will make us like Spirit Angels to Love and to Bless. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Refreshed and On the Right Track: An Angel Message

When an animal or a bird crosses your path, it is helpful to notice their behavior at the time.  What were they doing that got your attention?  In that respect, you can gain more insight into the message.

Yesterday afternoon, Elliot and I took a drive to the lake.  The clear waters were swollen from all the heavy rains this week.  We were the only ones around, until Elliot spotted a large brown bird  splashing near the water's edge.  From far off, he thought it was a hawk, but I assumed it was a duck because hawks don't usually wade out in the water.   

Curious, I got out of the car and walked down the road.   With the zoom, I could see Elliot had been right. 

A  red-shouldered hawk was drenched, from soaking her ruffled feathers, dipping up and down in the refreshing water. Nothing disturbed her, not my snapping away, nor the incessant sharp call of her circling mate.   The bright sun made it difficult for me to focus the LCD screen.   I asked the angels for help in capturing the special moment to share with you.

I was pleasantly surprised by the results.  And, thankful for the reminder that to ask our angels for help is to expect success. 

Hawk represents spirit vision and guardianship surround you.   Be patient and observe.  You will see the opportunities.  Signs are clear. 

An inspiring and timely message for us all. 

And, just like that hawk showed up, refreshing herself in healing waters, I am thankful for another reminder,--that we, too, must allow time for restoration and renewal.  There is a season for everything.



I must have been on the right track.  Because on the way home, a bend in the road revealed a large unusual object at the foot of a driveway.  An  antique train engine was waiting for the trash truck. Elliot reluctantly turned the car around to make a pick up.  The owner was in the yard, and gave me the thumbs-up.

That old red engine now serves a new purpose.  A  colorful planter on the back-porch!  And, a steady reminder to be like the Little Red Engine that Could.  A story about never giving up... To keep on chugging, as we stay on track up our own steep mountains.  Huffing and puffing, "I think I can.  I think I can! I think I can." 

With God and the Angels, we can succeed. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen
   

(Hawk ref. Animal Speak-Pocket Guide by Ted Andrews)

Fully Rely on God: An Angel Message

Around 7:00 p.m. last night, my son called.  His landlord had texted him that a tornado warning was in effect for his area.  We checked the forecast, thankfully the alert was lifted there, but it was heading north in our direction. 

Hurrying to seek refuge, Elliot and I spotted a little frog leap over a rain puddle and hide in the bushes outside our living room window. That little frog was a symbol of faith as  F.R.O.G. is an acronym for: (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.  

 While sitting on the floor in the master bedroom, an angel thought came to listen to Handel's Messiah.  Soon it  was blasting from my cellphone.  The Hallelujah Chorus, raised in celestial voices, triumphed over the thunder drumming along to the dynamic music. 

 I tuned in to feel God's eternal harmony embracing All in Love, and not buying into the effects of my mortal senses. Nothing could ever separate me, or anyone from the Love of God. 

 I could see how much I'd grown spiritually, no longer trembling in fear, but graced by a shield of peacefulness in knowing the power of Psalm 91, and the presence of angels.

When the tornado threat had passed, a heavy thunderstorm rolled in.  It was getting late and Elliot and I went to bed. 

 Before falling asleep, we lost our power. I tried not to focus on the freezer--full of food, as sheet lightning flashed and flickered outside the bedroom window.    

At 11 p.m. the storm finally calmed down when I woke up.  By the light of my cellphone, I tiptoed out to the sun-room to call Duke Energy. A sweet woman answered the call.  Only 124 homes were in the dark. I was happy the count was so low.   And, the damaged equipment would be fixed by 4 a.m. 

Elliot was still sleeping soundly, as I returned to bed, feeling grateful.  I envisioned the Duke Energy light-workers embraced by God.  Thankful for their dedicated service.  

A thought suddenly came to me that God is not limited by time.  He is Ever-present.  All Good. All Power. Infinite.  Supreme. 

These three little words came like a whisper, "God is Love."  A blanket of peace washed over me as I laid there in the dark, softly repeating that comforting truth to myself.   

What happened a few minutes later took my breath away...

 I heard the sweet hum of the air- conditioner starting up!   The appliances in the kitchen pinged!  Our power was back! And, it was shortly after 11 p.m., hours before 4 AM.   

"God is Love."  The tenderness of that holy moment brought a surprise wave of grateful tears as I bathed in the awareness that God is Love.  Like a tired child in the loving arms of a parent, I fell asleep. 

I'm so grateful for the Angels loving protection and service, and for the reminders that wing their way into our minds to fully rely on God,  not just in storms, but in day-to-day living by abiding in His Everlasting Love.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Progress, A Gift of Experience: An Angel Message

A few rainy days ago, the soggy sandhill family strolled down the drive bringing a gift.  Junior took a tall drink of water from our birdbath.  Then something wonderful happened.  Watching the foursome parade along the wet pavement, big wings flapped up and down, as they bounced above the ground getting a feel of flight.   

Soon the tall chicks would fledge.  Ever since this exotic red-headed couple arrived in March, along with their two fuzzy baby chicks, my wish has been to watch them grow up, and take flight together as a happy family.   

This morning, opening my eyes after meditation, Mozart was still ringing in my ears as I happened to catch a glorious sight of choreography.  Four pair of light, expansive wings, like angels,--the sandhill family flew in tandem,  lifting up beyond the wet fields.  With ease, their powerful wings soared above the limitation of the pasture fence.

 I can't explain my sudden rush of grateful tears that met their victory.  The gift of experience through patience, love and guardianship had brought progress.   No thunderstorms, tornadoes, fences,  or predators had stopped their daily growth.  The sandhills had taught a lesson on patiently doing our best, day by day.   

The gift of watching the sandhill family evolve is bittersweet...

I wonder, will they still frequent our driveway now there is no need to come and go through the large hole in the pasture fence?

With grace, the cranes can now heed the call to the quest, and in a moment's notice fly free together with only the sky as the limit. But, it is good to remember, that in the meantime, God always make a way for us to navigate until we earn our wings.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Bonsai! An Angel Message

Early yesterday, Elliot and I ventured out to the farmer's market. The morning sky had a touch of heaven, with golden light and white clouds shaped like majestic mountains.  The county fair grounds were abuzz with farmers selling potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, bananas, strawberries, and oranges.   Colorful flowers, lush green plants,-- memorabilia of all kinds were on display.

Having quickly loaded up with fresh produce, we were making tracks for the car, when Elliot was suddenly inspired to make one last stop.  He pointed off in the far distance, saying, believe it or not, we may be able to find toilet paper over there.  It's probably a mirage, I laughed, down to our last three rolls, it was becoming a necessity.  Following him to a table, to my surprise, two large sealed bundles of toilet paper were stacked up.  We were leaving one for someone else, when the vendor told us she had more.  We were on a roll... and bought another for family.

Feeling grateful, making our way to the car,  I spotted an assortment of bonsai trees in the last row.  Half-price, each had been harmoniously choreographed in a homemade wooden box, landscaped with gravel and moss.  One little bonsai touched my heart.  I've always wanted a bonsai tree, and recently received a gift of a kit to grow my own which takes years. I didn't know that a bonsai is a potted plant (such as a tree) dwarfed (as if by pruning) and trained to an artistic shape.

Impatient to wait so long, that special bonsai now has a new home on our back porch.  This morning listening to the rain,  I admired the company of the little juniper bonsai.   The curved trunk seemed to bow down in humbleness.   I decided to name her Grace.




Later, on-line, I learned that the bonsai symbolizes simplicity, harmony, and age.  The juniper tree is a symbol of power and strength and represents the ability to overcome life's challenges. That's certainly what we're all experiencing right now.   What comfort and peace to know that with God's grace, and a little willingness on our part, we, too,  can be over-comers.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace to you,


Rae Karen
     

Turtle Digs: An Angel Message

On Saturday, it had rained hard in the afternoon and early evening. At dusk, from the sun-room window, I happened to see this shiny wet backed turtle out in the front yard.  His behavior was interesting.   Rather than sheltering under a bush, he was digging in a bald sandy spot in the middle of the lawn. 

Slowly and methodically, I watched him scoop out sand to create a comfortable place to rest.  Night was falling as those powerful back legs shoveled away while he anchored himself to the ground with his front legs.   

I must confess that his choice of location brought a sense of peaceful gratitude.  And, I was thankful that Elliot and I had recently postponed sodding that bald patch.  Everything is in divine order. 
 

The turtle's actions were so deliberate, it must have been an angel message.  I wondered what was the lesson? 

In revisiting the turtle meaning, I learned that in many societies, turtle was a symbol for Mother Earth. The shell represented the world which turtle carried on its back. Turtle's appearance always indicates that a new world is opening, and with it new opportunities.  Turtle indicates that our more primal senses are awakening physically and spiritually. 

When turtle appears, we are reminded that it is time to connect to our primal senses.  We have gone within our shell, and now we must come out.  The ideas are ready to be expressed.  If we express and act upon these ideas, we will succeed.

At bedtime, I looked for him once more. 

That trusting turtle had settled in his chosen place under the night sky.  After saying goodnight,  I went to sleep, content to have such a distinguished guest.

This morning,  I peeked out the window first thing, but the turtle had moved on, leaving only the imprint of his digs as a reminder of his stay.   

The race continues... and like the turtle, we keep pressing on to victory.   

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Masks on Parade: An Angel Message

Raccoon family photo by Chuck Tague

Heavy rains yesterday, and most of last night, delivered quite a surprise this morning.  Calling out to me from the window, Elliot had spotted a rare sight.  I was just in time to glimpse an adorable  raccoon family.   In tandem, the babies, in their cute little masked faces, paraded behind big Mama. Down the driveway, six long striped tails, sticking up in the air, disappeared behind the garage, making fast tracks for home, returning to the forest. 

A striking feature of the raccoon is the mask that it wears. 

In the book Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews writes that raccoon is associated with knowledge of transformation through masks.  That's why they are known as an expert of disguise and secrecy. 

The raccoon holds the knowledge of how to change our faces.  Do you need to present a different face for greater success?  Are you hiding your true self?  Are others hiding their true self? 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Do You See What I See? An Angel Message

In the middle of the night, I thought I heard the song of a frog calling.  

This morning, while filling up my watering can, I saw something unusual in the rock garden pool. 

A strange green lump was sticking up in the pond that was now blanketed in dainty green vegetation, all of the same kind.   

Clothed in a garland of tiny butterfly shaped plants, the little brown frog was a perfect candidate for an angel blog.  I'd been meaning to drain the pond, but ran out of energy with the new move.  Now having compassion, I thought about gently spraying him off with the garden hose, only something made me stop.  I'm glad I did.  

When I returned with my camera, the frog was patiently waiting, in stillness, his humped back laced with fine greenery.  His expression was not a happy one.

I got down eye level with the little frog. 

That's when I could see the clear path in the watery green patch that he created by going back and forth trying to find a way out.      

He made a sudden splash toward the steep slippery plastic wall.  I knew then he needed a helping hand up.    

When I told Elliot, he assured me that little frog could leap out, not to worry. 

But another strong angel wave told me otherwise.  "No, he needs help!" I said, searching for a long stick to set the captive free.    

To my surprise, Elliot grabbed a nearby garden shovel.  "Here, we go!"

In one loving scoopful of watery green vegetation, it was happening.  

The willing brown frog, still clad in sprigs of butterfly vegetation, patiently rode the long-handled shovel.  

Higher, and higher, to great freedom.  

 I could sense a smile, watching the gleam in his eye, as he rode the old garden spade, like a  gentleman taking an elevator to the top floor.    

Effortlessly, lifted out of troubled waters, what joy to see the little frog now safely perched on a large garden rock near the pool.   

Inspired, I did a little more research on frogs.  They signal transformation through water and sound.  The frog is a creature of metamorphosis as it changes from an egg, to a tadpole, to a frog.  And so frog is a symbol of coming into one's own creative power.  If a frog has hopped into your life, you may need to get in touch with the water element.  Are you becoming waterlogged, bogged down, or drowning in emotions? 

I was thankful for his timely visit today.  F.R.O.G. is an acronym for (F)ully (R)ely (O)n (G)od.   During these months of tremendous global transformation, like that frog stuck in the monotony of a small stagnant pool, we, too, will be delivered into expansive new waters of life.  So keep the faith and patiently focus on fully relying on God.  Like frog, we can sing our own song in the night, knowing there will be an answer in divine order.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

Hawk Watch: An Angel Message

Last week, a red-shouldered hawk landed on a tree stump next door.  I grabbed my new camera and tried to zoom in over the pasture.  The lone hawk was intently preening his feathers, so it was hard to focus and get a good picture. But, an angel thought came to me that this hawk was getting ready for an important date, and wanted to look his best.

When the uploaded photos were enlarged, his facial expressions were so amusing that I imagined him coaching himself.   

Get ready!  An opportunity is coming!

Keep watching. It can happen.

I believe....I believe...

In the afternoon, I  happened to look out the window... what a surprise...perfectly posed on their respective tree stumps, they met eye to eye.  It had been worth the wait.

Whenever a hawk shows up, I try to pay attention.  Hawk brings a message of spirit vision and guardianship, a sign for me that angels are present. Whenever a hawk shows up, you will see the opportunities.   The signs will be clear.  So be patient and observe the big picture.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen