Tortoise and the Pink Periwinkles: An Angel Message

 

Something amusing happened yesterday that I want to share with you.  When Elliot and I got home in the afternoon, as we pulled into the driveway, what a surprise.  A large tortoise was making tracks by the garage.  It's been ages since a turtle/tortoise sighting here, and his timing was good. "Slow and steady wins the race."  

In the short time it took to get out of the car, our hard shelled messenger had disappeared.  Then… the wild pink periwinkle flowers began shaking back and forth behind a low bush by the garage door.   

 

A head peeked out from under the green leafy bush.  LOL. The tortoise came out in the sunlight to take a bow.   Apparently, he wanted to be in the angel blog. :-D

I thanked him for the encouraging message to keep on moving in a slow and steady manner. Don't quit no matter what!  Just like a tortoise carries his home with him, so do we carry the house (consciousness) of God with us wherever we go.  We live and move and have our being in Him.    Nothing can ever separate us from the Love of God.

Happily, I moved the garden hose so the tortoise could make a smooth exit and be on his way to victory.  His arrival was just the tonic needed to break the mesmerism of any fear or doubt.

Later, for fun, I looked up the symbolism of periwinkles.  In German, it is known as the Flower of Immortality, and the color pink is divine love.

Remember you are never alone. God will never leave you comfortless.  He has given His angels charge to watch over you. Rejoice.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

The Inchworm Song: An Angel Message

Sometimes an angel message may come as a song.  That's what happened earlier this month.  A long forgotten childhood melody played in my mind while sitting on the sofa looking out at the woods.   A sweet refrain, I wanted to know the title.  After humming a few bars, the words, "Inchworm... inchworm..." were a helpful clue.  The mystery song was then easily found on youtube.   

The Inchworm Song, was sung by Danny Kaye in the 1952 movie, Hans Christian Anderson.  Funny, I don't recall the movie, but the song's angel message was a timely one.  The little inchworm is so involved in measuring the marigolds that it completely misses out on the beauty of each individual flower.   

The song brought a sheepish grin because lately I've become more analytical at times, making comparisons, and falling short in counting my blessings right here and now, day by day, and there are many. 

Then a short time later, the lesson came again in a playful way to make sure I got it.   

On a morning walk to the mailbox,  suddenly before my eyes, a tiny little green creature dropped down from the blue sky on a fine silk thread.  I laughed at the synchronicity.  The tiny inchworm hunched its back, and then stretched out again, expanding its trajectory while swinging on a soft breeze.  Curious, I looked up at the sky.  It didn't appear to be anchored to anything material above it.   No trees...power lines...

Inch by inch, the tiny inchworm dropped down, enjoying the ride, while fully supported by an invisible force from above.   Not wanting to disturb its important mission, I held the camera LCD screen up close as proof it had actually happened.  I wanted to capture the moment as the little creature swung like a pendulum back and forth before me.   

When the photos were uploaded, the little inchworm appeared to be larger, and farther away than it  originally was--close enough for me to touch it.  

But here I go again--measuring like the inchworm in the song, instead of appreciating the wonder and timing of that comforting, loving, and inspiring angel moment.  

 Enjoy the Inchworm Song

Love and blessings,

Rae Karen

Ruminating Again? An Angel Message

 

Sometimes you may find your thinking stuck in a loop, replaying a conversation in your mind, wondering if you could have responded better by saying this or that... Or it could be an idea that you keep rehashing trying to figure out all the different ways it could work out.  Like a gerbil on a wheel, the mind keeps spinning--ruminating on it.  

Cows are good at rumination.  That's how they are made.  A cow has four stomach compartments and can store food, so it can naturally return later to chew on it again (chewing the cud).  This is what happens, figuratively speaking, when we keep going back and chewing on, or wrestling with an unhealed issue. It can be about a person (or yourself), focusing on what they did wrong, rather than the all the things they have and do right a large percentage of the time.

 Constructive thinking is helpful, but when it becomes extreme, it can be hard to listen for answers because our thoughts are spinning around in rumination. This blocks the flow of pure intuition (angel messages) that pass from God to us 24/7.  

Psalm 46:10 offers a solution.  "Be still, and know that I am God."  When we take a moment to turn our whole heart to God, we gain a loving sense of the Infinite.  Divine Mind is always peaceful and has the inspiration we need in each moment.  A little willingness to allow the divine to guide us will help to interrupt the cycle of rumination. And, with God, we can trust that the answers will benefit not only us, but others in our dilemma as well.  As a result, we will find ourselves thinking more clearly with a new perspective and most of all, peace of Mind.  

Peace and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

   

Upon Quiet Reflection: An Angel Message

 Elliot and I were out and about before 8:00 a.m. eager to go to the annual town/community garage sale today.  Turns out, the best item was free, a gift from nature.  As we rounded the familiar bend in the road, the lake was unusually amazing.  The still quiet waters were like a spotless shiny mirror, reflecting with great clarity blue sky and green trees.  The peaceful scene was irresistible, and so we stopped to reflect on the wonder of a new day, along with a pair of sandhill cranes enjoying the serenity of the lake.  We thanked the angels.  Bargains could wait...this was the real reason for getting out so early.  Shopping would have to wait...

When this graceful image was uploaded, I could see the sandhill had posed with a "leg up". His stance appears to be on the fringe of a keyhole portal...heaven and earth merging in oneness-- the outer reflects the inner, and the inner the outer.  Peace is reflected in peace.  Gazing at the serene photo, I got an angel clue.  The key to finding and keeping my peace is to still my mind and stay watchful for any disturbing thoughts that try to stir the calm waters. Crane is about creativity.   

Today I give my mind a rest and find peace in gratitude for each moment.  "Watch with me, angels..."

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

A Little Armored One! An Angel Message

 Lately, the bird-feeder, filled with seed, had sat idle-- no cheerful red cardinals, peaceful doves, or little songbirds had come to visit. Even the feisty squirrels retreated, no longer swinging upside down from the wood feeder, chomping on sunflower seed.  Missing the animals, I could see the stark contrast of an empty world without the joy and love of our furry and feathered friends, both at home and in the wild.  

With this thought in mind, early Sunday morning, I sent up a prayer for the animals in gratitude for all the love they bring into our lives.  When I opened my eyes, what a surprise. Outside the window, at the far edge of the woods, a strange critter roamed the lawn.  

 An armadillo!  A first in the yard.  The angels must have been at work.   Hurrying for the camera, nature was patient, but he was on the move, rooting in the damp grass for breakfast, so the pics are blurred. 

It's not everyday one sees an armadillo.  The sighting seemed like a significant message so I revisited the symbolism. 

Turns out the armadillo is not only about personal protection, but discrimination and empathy.  The name is Spanish for "little armored one." 

Its overlapping bony plates are covered with horns, but the underbelly is ordinary hide.  So an armadillo is most vulnerable when they expose their undersides (or inner workings).  If threatened, it will roll up into a ball to protect its vulnerable parts. This animal can teach how to carry your protection with you, and how to use it only when necessary.  They can protect themselves without causing undue harm to another.  People who are extremely empathic will have an armadillo as a power animal.  

The armadillo hasn't been seen again, but that same afternoon, to my delight, there was a lifting.  Cardinals flew to the feeder, a squirrel scampered across the yard.  And, at the lake, nature was gathered in full force, as I gazed across the still waters to a peaceful sight.  A rookery of white ibis  roosting on tree branches by the lake. A lovely omen.  When an ibis appears, it's a call to a new and heightened spiritual understanding.  

And, I was thankful for the reminder how wonderful to take my cares and concerns up in prayer.  It's so comforting to know that we are not alone.  Our guardian angels are with us no matter where we are.  We can find peace in the stillness and rest in God's everlasting love.  We can breathe in new life and ask to see the world through the lens of divine love. 

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Ref.Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)

A Graceful Surprise: An Angel Message

 

Earlier this week, an angel message prompted us to make a quick stop by the lake on our way home.   I was glad we did.  What a surprise to find a Muscovy mama duck shepherding six cute little ducklings.  Six is the number of harmony and domestic adjustment.  

Mama was keeping a low profile--guiding her precious ones through the shallow waters, among the safe shelter of the reeds.  The family was in one accord, obediently following Mama. Bobbing up and down like fast shifting corks, the lightweight fuzzy cluster flowed in unison, often being forced to rearrange their order due to the gentle rippling tide.  Instinctively her young brood knew to stay together, and close by Mama's side.  Her strong web feet paddled like rudders on a boat, navigating them through the varying waters.    

 No other birds were around, and the grayness of the late afternoon, gave the lake a quiet, cozy peace that blanketed the moment's joy.   In two month's time, her brood will have their wings and take off on their own, but for now Mama must stay vigilant for their protection.

The sighting seemed significant. Ducks are usually born in the spring.  Again, the symbolism of  the duck is about comfort and protection.  The duck's connection to water makes it linked to the feminine energies.  Water is necessary for all life on earth.  Ducks are graceful upon the water, smoothly gliding along the surface, while paddling hard to navigate the waters. We can take a lesson from duck and learn to learn to handle our own emotions, by moving gracefully through the varying waters of life.  Ducks can sometimes remind us to return to those parts of ourselves, or the activities that we feel safe and comfortable in.  Don't be like a "duck out of water". 

 

The angels remind us that we, too, can navigate the waters of life by remembering that we are never alone.  God has sent His angels to watch over you.  Watch, pray, and stay vigilant for His direction to guide you.  God is Love. And, He will never leave you comfortless. You are here for a divine purpose. Trust that there is more going on than you can presently understand...and take it one day at a time in gratitude for both the good, and the harder lessons being learned at this tumultuous time.  These circumstances are forcing us to come up higher, and with Grace we'll be there.  

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

  

 

    

A Call for Love: An Angel Message

 

Last weekend, Elliot and I took a drive to the orchid farm.  We were long overdue in visiting our  Jerusalem donkey friend, Allahambra who lives there, with a couple of large emus, and a free roaming pet pig.    

When he spotted us walking across the field, he eagerly ran to meet us at the fence, letting out an  ear-splitting bray— ears pent back--nostrils flared,  in such a woeful HEE-HAW that my eyes misted.   Rarely am I  greeted with such an overpowering display of heartfelt affection.   Patting his smooth snout, we gave him lots of love, but, in a matter of minutes, the clouds opened up, and it began to rain.  We opened our umbrella, hoping to prolong the visit, but that wise donkey turned back to the woods for shelter, as we stood there watching him, laughing that he had more sense than we did to get out of the rain. 

 To make up for the short visit, we went back again on Saturday.   Calling out to him, the donkey looked up from the far side of his area and slowly trotted forward.  No big fanfare this time, but that was okay.  He was happy to have company, and enjoyed being fed the tall grassy weeds from our side of the fence.   

 A mother and her two young daughters by the fishpond had been watching our friendly exchange with Allahambra.   They came over with a surprised look.   The mom said, the last time we were here, he yelled at us! 

Right on cue, Allahambra began braying loud at them, giving them the royal welcome.  Smiling, I told her that meant he’s so happy you came to see him.  His heart is wide open to receive love.

The mom smiled, seeing the friendly brown donkey through a different lens.  Love.  She reached out and petted his brown trim coat, no longer afraid.  Her daughters joined in, picking the tall grass, and handing him a treat over the fence.  Their sweet innocent voices called out, “Here donkey, this is for you.” 

 Allahambra basked in all the loving attention.  A miracle had happened.  A shift in perception--from fear to love.  His seeming loud obnoxious call was not in anger, but a call for love. If only I could remember that everything is either love or a call for love... what a peaceful happy day it can be.

 Besides, who couldn’t love a face like this!

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Have I Told You Lately? An Angel Message

 Yesterday lots of cows and cowbirds had paired up in the pasture.  All were enjoying a morning meal together...the cows grazing on the damp green grass, and the watchful birds gobbling up the insect pests stirred up by the cows roaming the field.  When I zoomed in close, it seemed as if the little white bird was whispering in the big black cow's ear, "Have I told you lately that God loves you?" 



Have a peaceful day with the Angels.

Love and many blessings,


Rae Karen



 

From Vinegar to Honey: An Angel Message

 Last evening's heavy rains brought out several dark soil stains leading up to the front door.  This morning, an idea came to loosen the dirt with an application of cleaning vinegar.  I surprised myself by getting busy before eating breakfast. The unusual timing brought an unexpected gift.    

 Honeybees were buzzing the bright buttercup blooms, having a sip of nectar. I didn't know bees were so active early in the morning.  But I welcomed the sign. 

 

 Buttercups, over the years, have come to symbolize faith, and the bee represents doing the impossible. Things may seem impossible by sight, but not by faith-- whatever the appearance of things might be, we are always joined to the invisible, but very real presence of Christ within. His life is ours and He will uphold us.  So the angels encourage us to keep counting on Him--with God all things are possible.

Nature makes learning a joy, and I'm going to try to be more attentive when a nudge comes to do this or that...  Timing is everything.  A short time later, I discovered the bees had fulfilled their mission and were off on a new adventure.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

A Rainbow Blessing

Today Elliot and I decided to be spontaneous and break out of our normal morning routine.  So, long breakfast, we were out the door on a walk before the sun had a chance to heat up.   Elliot spotted this giant pig cloud, facing east,  over the cow pasture--its face lit up by the sun. 

 

But there was more to come.  Turns out, the sudden change in our schedule brought a blessing.  A beautiful rainbow! 

Here the colorful rainbow appears to make a slam dunk into the basketball hoop!

Haven't seen a rainbow in the longest time, but there it was, and it hadn't rained.  My angel card for today is Blessing.  "By focusing on the blessings that your spirit had brought to you or someone else, you are better able to learn from the difficulties in your life rather than seeking only to survive them.  "Lift your eyes from the mundane and fearful toward the evolved and enlightened."

Happy Labor Day!

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

A Wild Boar, or Two: An Angel Message

 Almost a week had gone by with no sign of our 200-lb. broad-backed 'neighbor'.  Elliot and I were beginning to think that wild boar had moved on to greener pastures.  Then, a few days ago, my heart leapt at a happy sight.  It was early morning, and a peacefulness blanketed the air. Sunlight was shining through the treetops.   I happened to look up from my morning reading in time to see him.  Prancing by the sun-room, his straggly black tail wagging, as always.  That wild pig was so close to the window, I could see his shiny black coat glistening with morning dew.  I was happy to know 'Sal' was still around.  

His visit got me to wondering...maybe I've been house-bound too long.  How else could a wild boar stir a touch of joyful anticipation in my life?   How often does one see a wild boar? especially in their front yard?  The idea seemed to fulfill a deeper desire--that out of the mundane something wild and new can suddenly forge a path into our lives.

Sal seems content with his lot in life, making the best of it, moving swiftly on purpose in his comings and goings, to and from the woods. A rogue, free to be, and intelligent enough to maneuver safely without causing an uproar.  Yet with courage to step out of the safety of the woods for a purposeful  adventure.  Turns out, boar people don't like waiting around for things to happen in their lives.  When a wild boar appears, it can  be a signal to be honest in all we do, and have the courage to face the problems in our life that seem dreadful or uncomfortable.  (Stop procrastinating, especially on projects.)  Boar represents abundance/courage/power, and on the flip side, stubbornness/conflict/disorder.

With all the wild boar energy, I shouldn't have been so surprised to find a one-of-a-kind hand-carved boar  like Sal at the farmer's market today.  It came from Africa...

My angel messenger card for today was Introspection, and featured a connection with nature.   Earth is a reality of choice.  Each day, each moment we are presented with choices.  The planet, like ourselves, is primarily water, and water is symbolic of transforming the spirit, searching for God within.  Nature comes to tell us that it has an important gift for you that will encourage your spiritual awakening.   

What angel messages have been coming your way recently?  Expect a gift that will encourage your spiritual awakening.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Visiting Cardinal Brings Love and Comfort: An Angel Message

Yesterday's trip to the grocery store turned out to have a hidden healing gift.  Before heading to the check-out, I grabbed a September Pocket CROSSWORD Puzzle book.  Later, at home, stretched out on the sofa, ready to work the first one, what a surprise to see this comforting ad on the inside cover.  "Forever in My Heart".  It was one of those special moments when an angel (my sweet mother) seemed to tap me on the shoulder. 

Elephants have always been a favorite of mine.  I met Nancy at the D.C. Zoo, and then when we lived in Virginia, the four elephants at the Norfolk Zoo were on our list to visit on Sunday afternoons. Elephants are known for their excellent memory. 

But like the ad says, "Even the never forgetful elephant needs a gentle reminder sometimes. And that's what this colorful cardinal has come to do.  Perched high on the elephant's trunk for a bird's-eye view, it sings praise for a much missed loved one."

Last spring, with many red cardinals visiting the feeder, I learned something new. Not only do they represent a need  to add more color to your life, and that everything you do is important.   But that if a red cardinal appears, an angel is near, a departed loved one. 

So the full page ad: "Your spirit lives forever in my heart," featuring this rare couple lifted my heart with these words:  "The cheerful cardinal shares a "hello" from Heaven and lets you know your loved one is safe and  happy."

Even though

we are apart

Your spirit lives

forever in my

heart.

Try to remember today, that you are never alone.  God has sent his angels to watch over you.  You'll be surprised when messages wing their way into your life. Love is eternal.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen