Last but not least: An Angel Message

The last shall be first...

Remember the slow-growing brown amaryllis bulb that seemed like a dud?  All three plants had been planted at the same time in early November.  But this one (a striped variety) appeared to be cold and aloof to any loving care to help it grow up and bloom.

A lesson was unfolding about the wisdom of divine timing, and the power of faith when there is no evidence to keep on going.  The slow-growing floral apostle, dwarfed day-by-day, could have lost hope if comparing its success to those around her.  A lowly stub, alone, in the shadows of a rich red profusion of trumpeting velvety flowers in the pots on either side of it could be challenging. It could be easy to lose hope. Why not give up, it's not going to happen to me. I don't have what it takes... 

 Rather than quit, the faithful bulb teacher quietly worked within herself, doing her best one day at a time.  A work in progress, steadily her stalk grew stronger, rising up. 

Then, something amazing happened.  A rapid robust acceleration brought her to new heights, high above the other beautiful trumpeters.

There in that expansive view, she had room to stretch out and bloom.  Triumphant, orange-and-white starry petals opened wide, crowning the festive Amaryllis flower-box with a gift of Christmas JOY!    

I'm thankful for the lessons from the amaryllis this season.  The angelic reminder not to give up, no matter what.  For everything there is a season, so keep on having faith and doing the inner work, the best is yet to come.  We are all flowers in the Master's Garden.

 

In the Victorian Age, an amaryllis indicated success after a struggle. It is a flower that represents a job well done.  :-D

Love, joy, and peace,

Rae Karen

Guest Who Came By for Breakfast? Angel Message

 This morning a foggy mist blanketed the winter sky.   Elliot and I skipped our usual routine and had a bowl of warm oatmeal before meditating.  Creatures of habit, we were enjoying breakfast when I happened to look up.  

This young deer was grazing in the grass outside the sun-room.   Not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the morning meal, no attempt was made for a photo.  The gentle deer stayed so long, gracing the lawn with its beauty, that it seemed like a sign to get my camera.  If it were meant to be, he'd still be there when I returned.  

But he was gone, leaving the blessing of his visit.   

After breakfast, during our meditation, an angel prompted, open your eyes.   I was glad I listened. 

 Isn't he beautiful?

With the camera at hand, a couple of photos were easily taken from the window to share the angel message with you. 

When a deer appears, it is a time to be gentle with yourself and others.  A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born.  There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventure.  Some questions to ask yourself:  Are you trying to force things?  Are others?  Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself?  When deer show up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.  (Animal-Speak, T. Andrews)

An Angel Lesson from the Amaryllis

The angels brought a lesson on not becoming discouraged when things seem to be at a standstill.  The three amaryllis bulbs planted in early November appeared to be duds.  But it turned out, that below the surface, beautiful flowers were developing in an amazing way.  Meanwhile the unsightly onion-like bulbs planted in fertile soil, were faithfully watered, but day after day, the stubby brown tip of the bulbs stuck up from the dirt, with no apparent change in sight.  It would be easy to get discouraged.

Finally, when a tiny green shoot peeked out of one bulb--it was so insignificant, the whole effort seemed doomed.  Yet at that stage, if one were to look deeper, under the soil, you would see how the intelligent bulb is secretly making preparations for victory.  It is building an extensive and strong root system to support the upcoming sudden rapid growth of the tall sturdy stem, with its large red trumpeting flowers.  

Once the groundwork is ready, everything speeds up. The stalks grow tall with a joyful explosion of rich velvety red blossoms that appear in a matter of days.  Turns out, the ugliest bulb in the pot put on quite a show.  Its two strong green stalks were anchored to support eight wonderful big red blossoms.   While the slowest growing, shortest plant has yet to bloom, it now towers above the other two.   

Appearances are deceiving--that's why we can't rely on them.  

Prayer is like that at times.  Sometimes our prayers may seem as if nothing is happening.   Praying each day, with no outward sign of progress, we might feel like giving up.  Take heart, and remember the lesson of the amaryllis.  When our thoughts are rooted in God, don't think for a minute that nothing significant is in the works.  Although hidden, BIG changes are steadily taking place within.  Our understanding and perspective are silently being transformed.  Inner spiritual growth is actively at work for our highest good, for the renewal of our mind.  The end result is our blossoming realization that what God gives is truly ours, a gift of eternal love and life through Christ.

The Christmas flower is appropriately named for Mary, (the lily) the fairest flower in God's garden, who pondered many things in her heart as God performed a mighty work within her.   

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."  (Psalm 17:7) 

Enjoy your day with the Angels. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Heavenly Snowmen: An Angel Message

 The chill in the air is a welcomed relief, adding a touch of winter to the holiday season.   At a neighborhood garage sale, this cheerful wintry home-made sign brought a smile.

Snowmen

           fall from

                       heaven

                                  unassembled.

 Isn't that a wonderful thought...

A sky full of  white fluffy snowflakes tumble down from heaven, waiting for someone to bring them to life.

 Many warm memories of childhood winters were spent in the snow--building snowmen, sledding down the steep neighborhood hill, or having a friendly snowball fight with friends or my two younger brothers. Afterwards, our rosy cheeks tingled from the cold as we kicked off our clunky rubber boots on the mat by the front door.  Then warmed up with a cup of cocoa Mom had ready to serve on the stove.  

I've always loved the snow, and miss it here in Florida.  Recently something interesting resurfaced about snowflakes in a book, Snowflake Bentley, Man of Science, Man of God. Published in the late 1970's, it's the life story of William A. Bentley, who lived from 1865-1931, in Vermont and spent his life studying snowflakes. Here's what he had to say:

 "To be perfectly symmetrical, snowflakes must be outside the range of influence of other snowflakes.  When two snowflakes strive equally to occupy the same place at the same time, neither can have it, and both will be imperfect.  Snowflakes do not bloom into full beauty at once.  They grow, beginning with a tiny nucleus, and developing around this nucleus a geometrical pattern of amazing regularity. He found that they grow in changing habits. The finest snowflakes were not the largest."

 No two snowflakes were ever alike.  "Each snowflake is as different from its fellow as we human beings are from our fellows,"  Bentley told his mother one evening.  "But the comparison changes there.  For each snowflake, if allowed freedom to develop alone, is perfect according to its individual plan. It is one of nature's miracles."  

 "Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?" Job 38:22

Wishing you peace, joy, and love,

Rae Karen

Out in the Night: An Angel Message

 

On Monday night, as the sky began to darken, my inner child had a bright idea.  Take a drive to see the Christmas lights in the neighborhood.  So out into the night, Elliot and I hopped in the car for an adventure in wonderland.  It brought back forgotten memories of childhood when the family would pack into the car after dinner to see the glow of Christmas decorations.   

It was the majestic golden deer, with large antlers, that I'd seen standing tall in the sunlight that day that inspired our outing.  I wanted to see him sparkling in light near the entrance to the community.    

 

Deer also had crossed my path earlier that day.   On a spur of the moment trip to the store for red tree bows, I discovered the last deer ornament, a remnant from a Sunday sale.  

 

Deer always hold a special place in my heart...

I fondly recall the many white-tailed deer that came at night to eat the apples on the old tree when we lived on the farm in Virginia.  A deer sighting stirs my heart.  After all, don't the reindeer guide Santa's sleigh to bring Christmas gifts.  

The holiday sights in the neighborhood were festive, but more was to come.  As we turned for home, driving down the long narrow road, what to my wondering eyes should appear...  

Not one, but two small brown deer, they pranced in the headlights to bring holiday cheer.  

In tandem, they crossed the road before us, dashing through our yard.  Such a magical moment, we paused, but there was more to come.

 An angel thought whispered, Wait, there is one more.   

And, what joy when mother deer soon appeared out of the night, and followed her young fawns safely back to the forest.     

Only twice have I seen deer on the property, so the visit seemed significant.  So I revisited the symbolism of deer.
 

"If you encounter a deer, it wants to advise you to approach your life with precision but without pursuing rigid goals.  Turn over the guidance of your life exclusively to your higher self and follow its impulses with a great deal of dynamic energy.  There are certain times for certain steps in your life...* "

When a deer appears, it also may symbolize the lure to adventures.    I was happy the Christmas deer had called us out in the night.

Enjoy the day with your Angels. 

Peace and joy,

Rae Karen

 

  

 

 

Ref:  *Animal Messengers Regula Meyer

**Animal-Speak, Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews

The Missing Donkey: An Angel Message

We can all recall times when someone or something keeps coming to mind. Like a cameo appearance on the movie screen of your life, a thought stirs you to take an action.  It could be to send an email, or make a phone call, or say a silent prayer, or to go somewhere. The first time it catches your attention, you may be in the middle of a task. Then, over the next several days, it will gently knock on the door of your conscience, until you realize this is an angel thought, pure intuition of Divine Love offering an opportunity to be a blessing.   

On the eve of Thanksgiving, an angel message prompted, visit the orchid farm.  Our donkey friend had been coming to mind for several days.  Welcoming an outing, I grabbed some carrots from the fridge. The last time we'd seen Allahambra, he appeared to be feeling under the weather.  

Anxious to see him again, we hurried to his corral.  But it had been plowed clean.  Bails of hay were lined up by the fence.  

A stillness was in the air, as we called to him.  Sometimes he stays back in the woods, and trots forward to greet us.  But this time, there was no sign of that lovable Jerusalem donkey.    

We walked further down the field, to see if he was at another pen where we had last seen him.  But no bright eyed donkey answered the call to come get a carrot.   A pair of emus, in the next pen, stared when I asked them what happened to their donkey neighbor.   Belching grunts offered no clue as I watched one of the large ostrich-like birds sip water from a bucket.   

With no sign of our friend, Elliot softly asked if I wanted to go inside the orchid warehouse to find out about him. But something told me to just let it be.   If we needed to know, someone would appear to tell us, I told him. Maybe that Jerusalem donkey had finished his earthly work and gone home. 

 With these thoughts, we walked back down toward his old corral for one last try. 

When I looked up, I could hardly believe my eyes.  It was like a mirage. Allahambra was standing in the middle of his cleared lot, with a quizzical look.  Why all the fuss? 

My heart jumped for joy, in that moment of resurrection energy.  And, that sweet Prince, kissed my hand, after chomping down on the carrots I fed him.   I smiled, realizing that I'd lost all fear of feeding him up close and personal.   After all who can resist such an adorable loving face? 

At home, I looked up the donkey symbolism again.  "Be wise but humble in a new opportunity. People are noticing you, so you do not need to promote yourself.  Stubbornness can hinder."   If you're reading this now, the message is for you. 

 

 We all need each other now more than ever.  Is there someone the angels are encouraging you to reach out and bless today?

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Ref. donkey, Animal-Speak Pocket Guide by T. Andrews)

The Gift of the Moon: An Angel Message

Sometimes an angel comes so close that you can feel a slight brush of her wings touching your heart in the dark.  I had one of those moments last Friday night.  Unable to get to sleep, my emotions were churning, and my stomach was heavy.  I tiptoed out in the living room to rest on the old floral sofa by the window.

For some reason, I found myself facing west rather than east like I usually do.  A creature of habit, I found it odd.  Stretched out on the comfy sofa, the wisdom of that choice soon became apparent. A cloud lifted, and a bright yellow light shone through the treetops in the pasture. The last time I'd seen the moon she was crescent-shaped, hanging like a fingernail in the sky. Lately time has been elusive but I knew a sliver of the moon couldn't be a bright yellow light.  Watching the sky, I said prayers, and before long the light grew brighter.  Then, there she was-- my old friend, Bella Luna, shining like a big golden smile in the dark!  A half-moon full of radiant light    What joy...as it appeared to be an angel message to not despair during these dark times, but to have faith and keep on trusting that there is more than you can know at present.  

The next morning, what a surprise, to stumble upon The Moon Fairy by David Delamare, at the local farmers' market.   A comforting keepsake of the healing presence of the angels, and the message not lose faith in the dark.      

We thank the angels for their tireless devotion to help humanity accelerate our spiritual growth.  The best is yet to come.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

A Wood of Art: An Angel Message

 Last Saturday at the Farmers' market in town, this lovely country scene, etched on an ordinary log had been seasoned by a wood-burning artisan many years ago.  The old stone house, with the large tree in the front yard, was a nostalgic heart call of a simpler time.  The rustic covered bridge in the bend of the road, spoke of unseen adventures up ahead in nature. 

A one-of-a-kind bargain for $15, the flea market vendor said it had been a door stopper. 

With such an appreciation for the life of trees, the warmth of the log reminded me of the afterlife in some respects.  The tree lives on by the hand of the master craftsman who creatively carves out a wonderful new purpose.  I'd like to think that our lives are like that...every trial, every heartache, every suffering is tenderly etched in what becomes a beautiful work of art, yet to be seen.  In the end, when the ordinary board is turned over, behold we find our life has been a masterpiece in the Hand of the Creator.

I'm so thankful for these loving touches the angels bring into our awareness.  They always arrive just when needed the most, and inspire our footsteps to walk on and leave a path in which others may follow.  

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

Unfolding Like An Amaryllis: An Angel Message

Amaryllis bulbs have always been a favorite at this time of the year.  Several weeks ago, while shopping for flowers, a large skid filled with boxes of red amaryllis caught my eye.  Why not gift our friends with an amaryllis to brighten their holidays.  In a hurry, I was so taken by the red lion amaryllis blooming on the box, I missed the word BULB KIT.    

Back at home, I stored the boxes in the laundry room, planning to deliver them in December.  This morning, an angel thought suggested,  open one up and take a look inside.  I was glad that I listened.  

The plastic pot inside had instructions.  Yep, it was a kit.  A dry soil patty had to be soaked in a container.  But to my dismay, the large flower bulb looked more like a rotted onion.  A white stem peeked out of the brown bulb head, in need of light. Reminiscent of making mud pies, I began stirring the soaking dirt patty until it turned to pliable soil, just moist enough to do the job. My kitchen had all the ambiance of a laboratory experiment gone awry, but it was fun. 

While working the dirt, I got to thinking about faith.  That unattractive bulb didn't look like it had any potential on the outside.  It could never reach its potential as a radiant flower unless it was planted in soil and received light, warmth, and water to grow to maturity.  I could see that like the unfolding amaryllis bulb, our individual spiritual completeness unfolds gradually and effortlessly. We blossom through spiritual understanding, impelled by the support of God's warm embracing love, and the sustaining power of His living waters.  

Our spiritual growth isn't something outside of us that we need to acquire, rather it already is within each of us to be a perfect complete expression of God's Love.  

Now that the first amaryllis bulb was tucked in loamy pot in the sunlight, inspiration came to give the other two bulbs a helping hand.      

Later, I looked up the symbolism.  In the Victorian Age, the symbol of the amaryllis was, "success after a struggle"  or "a  job well done".  When gifted to an artist, it was a way to encourage creativity.  

I'm so thankful that the angels are here to give us a helping hand.  They love, comfort, guide and protect, eager for us to become all God intended us to be.   

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

The Eagle Landed: An Angel Message

 

This afternoon, while taking a break at the lake, Elliot and I were munching on pistachio nuts while sitting in the car.  For a minute, I couldn't believe my own eyes.  Was a bald eagle really flying over the lake?  Something I've never seen in all the years we've been coming to the lake. In that special moment, a breath  of expansive freedom rushed through me.  The majestic wingspan, white crowned head, and yellow beak, flying in our direction sure looked like a bald eagle, the symbol of America. 

A professional photographer was sitting by the lake, his high powered camera mounted on a tripod.  The magnificent bird flew by quickly, leaving room for doubt, and no time for me to get out my camera.  It all  happened so fast that soon it was out of sight.  Curious, we called out to the photographer, had it been an eagle?!

"Do you want to see it?" He offered.  Gladly we accepted the invitation.

So enjoy this peek at Keith Gardner's bald eagle. Isn't it beautiful?  The four-year old bald eagle had landed on the limb of a nearby tree, before taking flight again. It was a newcomer to him as well.  Keith has a wonderful portfolio of bird photos on Facebook. The one shown here of the eagle should be posted soon.

I looked up the symbolism of the eagle.  "Spirit vision and healing surround you.  Look at things from a new perspective.  Take a different path. Trust what you are becoming."   (Animal Speak, T. Andrews)

 The eagle had landed.  Prayers are needed for America to heal, and become one nation, under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all.  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Starry Surprise: An Angel Message

Outside the living window this morning, I was surprised by an unusual sight. In a star cluster of rich pink blossoms, a perky little pentas seedling greeted me.  Somehow the brave little volunteer had bloomed in a rocky place--between the gray landscaping boulders.  Pink is the color of divine love.   Her joyful countenance beckoned me outside into the fresh cool air.  I marveled how the morning's warm rays lovingly touched the crown of her radiant pink stars.  Standing tall in the sunshine of a new day, the little pentas had made it ..against all odds.

 Upon closer inspection, I could see the rain-stained FAITH garden plaque had been part of the bigger picture.  Faith grows in a garden... 

And, these star clustered flowers make a perfect resting place for butterflies and bees, both symbols of doing the impossible.

I was thankful for the angel message to listen and trust...even in the tightest of circumstances, all things are possible with God.  So keep having faith...and stay in the Light.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

More Tortoises: An Angel Message

 Last week, while eating lunch in the sun-room, I looked up in time to catch sight of  what appeared to be a large domed shell steadily moving out in the sun-lit pasture.   Seeing Timothy the gopher tortoise was just the boost needed at the moment.  His hollow under the tree had been quiet all summer, and we wondered if our good neighbor had moved to greener pastures.  With the field recently mowed short, he can cover his territory more freely now.  Later that afternoon, to my delight, another large tortoise appeared at the same time as Timothy.   They were about the same size, and each one was diligently going about their own business in opposite directions, but co-existing in peace.

Tortoise is a symbol of taking things slow and steady under pressure.  Right now there are a multitude of pressures we're all dealing with here on earth. Many opportunities that can bring a gift of spiritual growth if we choose to learn from the lessons that are presented.  They force us to come up higher in consciousness and reveal a part of us that is eternal, and untouched by anything external. 

More tortoise energy was in the air.  On Saturday, at the farmers' market in town, BIG BOY, the 20-year gopher tortoise, was there with his mate, Prasilia.  They enjoyed a lunch of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, in the company of curious admirers.  

With all the tortoise energy to share, I looked up the meaning once more. "Pressures are easing, and although movement is slow, it is steady.  Things will happen in the time and manner best for you.  Focus on essentials."

Unseen help is with us, the human race, even though not visible one can experience the loving influence of angelic presence in the midst of our darkest trials.  Love will find a way. 

With love and blessings,

Rae Karen

Animal-Speak Pocket Guide Ted Andrews