Little Things Hold Great Promise: An Angel Message

What a surprise when eating lunch at an outdoor cafe, an acorn fell from a high tree branch and hit my head in a resounding PING! What was the message? my friend and I laughed as I picked up the acorn, twig and all.

 

The next morning, what a surprise when I pulled  my patio chair out from the table. A little acorn presented in a more gentle, loving way, occupied my seat as if meant for me.  I laughed, looking up and accepted the gift.

 

 Without an oak tree in our yard, I wondered about the timely delivery. The answer soon appeared. A feisty squirrel chattered high up on the old oak next door.  His bushy tail flickered, giving Elliot and me the business as we enjoyed nature. 

 

"Do you want to be in the angel blog?" I playfully asked, knowing squirrel is about keeping a balance between working and playing, giving and taking. I hurried for my camera. He waited, perched on high, in a rowdy routine, chattering between chomps on a nut that afforded me a photo.

An acorn represents raw potential ...amazing how a mighty oak comes from such a small seed.  Imagine one little nut holds the promise of acres and acres of  acorns, as each oak shares its harvest, it is greatly multiplied.  

 

Squirrel as a gatherer, also prepares for the future by burying some of his cache,  but takes time to savor the fruit in the moment. 

I was thankful the squirrel had shared his fruit by planting an acorn in my chair that morning.  May I always be as generous.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



 

Breaking Free: An Angel Message

Years ago, I found this unusual photo on-line. A picture of concrete angels trying to fly made a lasting impression of just how hard it can be to defy gravity on our own. Heavy thoughts of doom, gloom, and guilt weigh us down. With the help of the angels, we can lighten our load, and break free to experience a more concrete reality of our higher state of existence as a spiritual being, a holy Child of God. 

Becoming lighter we can lift upward in thought, no longer dragging the weight of outgrown limitations from the past.  With gratitude for the blessings in each moment, we become more aware of the Infinite Love and beauty in all life that surrounds us.  

After writing this blog late one night, I found myself reaching for a book on angels, hoping for a closing quote. I must have been on the right track because the first one I came to was perfect. "Angels make God's goodness concrete."    

Angels show their love for God through their

service of other creatures, just as we are 

enjoined to show our love for God by serving

one another.  Angels make God's goodness

concrete, both in this life and in the life to come.

     --Rev George Maloney

Enjoy your day with the angels. They love you and wait for an invitation to join in your daily activities. With their loving help, not only will you will defy gravity and lighten your load, but life will be filled with wonder and grace as they make God's goodness concrete for you.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

Photo: web

Smile at Life: An Angel Message

Some angel messages grab your attention and make you drop everything and take notice.  Several days ago, something heavy hit the floor with a thud as I hurriedly shut the porch door in a rush to feed the birds. 

The cheerful yellow SMILE sign by the hallway door had fallen off the wall.  It laid face up. Smile in cheerful yellow writing stretched across the floor. We laughed at the timing.  That had never happened before, why now?  We were thankful for the not-so-subtle angelic reminder. Don't leave home without wearing a SMILE.  

Earlier a journal entry had been about smiling often that day. Smile before you wash a dish, smile at your oatmeal topped with blue berries, smile at the flowers, trees, smile before you begin a task large or small.  Smile, and make the world a brighter place.

S.M.I.L.E is an acronym for See Me in Life Everywhere.  

At the lake that morning, along with the usual muscovies, mallards, and sandhill cranes, another visitor took us by surprise.  This juvenile red hawk flew across the lake toward us, and landed up high on the cypress old tree to preen in the sunshine. 

Hawk is a messenger related to visionary power and guardianship.  The sky is the realm of the hawk. Hawks stir our imagination.  Whenever one shows up, pay attention.  A message is coming. 

                            
2024 is associated with the Door. New beginnings. Change. Transformation.  New doors will be opening and others closing. A time to dream big.  

Join me today in the joy and gladness of being.  Your face is a billboard, so smile. smile. smile.  The best is yet to come. You are not alone.  God's angels are with you to guide, comfort, and bring you peace and joy.  Walk by faith and not by sight.

Happy New Year!

Rae Karen

 

Christmas at Blue Springs

 

On Christmas day, a wonderful gift from nature popped up.  A tremendous herd of manatees bathed in the warm springs at Blue Springs State Park. A respite from the frigid waters in the St. Johns River.  Five years ago we'd ventured out on Christmas Day to be in nature.  An angel thought nudged to do it again, but early Christmas morning brought heavy rains.  After lunch, another nudge surfaced, the rain had stopped and grey damp clouds hung low, but we gave it a go. 

We were glad we listened.  Although the human crowd was sparse, the manatee count was high, over 200 of these gentle, peaceful creatures were cozying up in clusters to share space in the warm springs.  

The first one I spotted, slowly swam toward us on the observation deck. It came to rest so close to the deck I could see her bubbles. The big gentle gray creature enjoyed a lunch of green leafy vegetation.   

The large number of manatees gathered together on a cold Christmas Day was a call to revisit the symbolism.  Turns out, these peaceful creatures symbolize trust; trust in others to do the right thing.  Since manatees use all of their senses, they can be a reminder for us to do likewise in our daily lives.  Are we relying solely on one input, and not taking in as much information as we should. That message hit home, as we had listened for inner guidance rather than the weather forecast, and drove to the park, in hopes the manatees would be there, and we wouldn't be rained out.

Another thing about these gentle watery mammals is that they see well. A special membrane helps to clean their eyes.  A reminder to step back and clear our vision from time to time.  As this 2023 comes to a close, we may ask ourselves about our vision.  Are we looking at things too closely? Or not closely enough? 

 When you spot a manatee ask yourself, do I trust my feelings?  Is it time to seek gentler and warmer environments within your own life?   

Trust your heart.  Examine your trust in others, and follow your own sense of what's right.

The energy of 200 manatees is a wonderful experience.  Their powerful energy field, along with the presence of the angels, filled the Springs and ourselves with an abundance of joy and peace.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen  

(Ref. Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)

Merry Christmas

               

 Behold, a virgin shall bring forth a son, 

and they shall call His name Emmanuel, 

which being interpreted is, God with us. 

               ISAIAH 7:14 R.V.

 

May you find comfort and peace in the eternal truth that you can never be separated from the love of God, no matter what.  

Merry Christmas,

Rae Karen

                                    

       

Welcome, Archangel Gabriel on the Winter Solstice

Today we welcome the Winter Solstice and Archangel Gabriel, the governor of the season whose name means God is my strength. 

 

Archangel Gabriel is the heavenly Annunciator who brings glad tidings of new life. He was the angel who announced to Mary her miraculous role in birthing the Christ child. According to the Bible, Gabriel also appeared to Zechariah announcing God's plan for his barren elderly wife Elizabeth to conceive a baby. Their precious child would be John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ Jesus, The Light of the World. 

Archangel Gabriel helps to stir a greater appreciation for the divinity within each of us as the angel of Love and Hope. The winter solstice is a time to kindle our inner light in spite of the outer darkness. By spending quiet time in contemplation and meditation, we will awaken to our true divinity.

During this time of year, the angelic hierarchy draws closer to the earth, bathing the world in rays of divine love. This outpouring brings an expansion of consciousness beyond the physical world for those who still their minds and attune to the heavenly blessings.

Thank you, Archangel Gabriel.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


(Archangel Gabriel Artwork by Nanette Crist Johnson)

A Christmas Ball: An Angel Message

Something magical happens when you first plug in the Christmas tree.  A symbol of everlasting life, the evergreen branches and shiny lights warm the room with an unspoken peace.  A promise of miracles.  A Christmas tree angel enfolds each tree. 

 

Something wonderful is unfolding, both within, and without as we share love, peace, and joy. 

 

Over the years, our cat has taught me a lesson on patience and letting go when it comes to the tree. Instead of spending the holidays, guarding the tree, saying No! No! No!, our fragile ornaments were replaced with plastic ones.  

 

This year, I surprised myself when the tree was set up.  Immediately Hei-Hei lit up and pulled a shiny red ball off the lighted tree.  Rather than complain, I grabbed the camera, and enjoyed his playful Christmas spirit. What was even more surprising, that romp satisfied his curiosity. Now he's content to rest under the evergreen branches on a soft red flannel tree skirt.       

 

It's true, during the darkest season of the year,  the heavenly host draws closer to the earth plane in celebration of the Light of the World, the Christ. You can feel the angelic loving presence in the "atmosphere". To make the holiday festivities even more special, the angels hope for an invitation to join us as we go about celebrating the holidays with friends and family.

 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 

The Twelve Days of Christmas Carol

Have you ever wondered what a partridge in a pear tree has to do with Christmas?

The 12 days of Christmas started December 25th to The Epiphany on January 6th, the cycle of Christ's birth to his baptism. The song, The Twelves Days of Christmas, dates back to Medieval French troubadours, formally published by an Englishman, J.O. Helliwell in 1842.

Here's one interpretation of the Song:

12 Drummers Drumming - The 12 Articles of Faith

11 Pipers Piping - The 11 apostles, less Judas

10 Lords A Leaping - The Ten Commandments

9 Ladies Dancing - To recall the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance

8 Maids A Milking - The Beatitudes

7 Swans A Swimming - Gifts of the Holy Spirit: piety, wisdom, counsel, fear of the Lord, understanding, knowledge and fortitude

6 Geese A Laying - Six Days of Creation

5 Gold Rings - First five books of the Old Testament

4 Calling Birds - Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

3 French Hens - Three gifts of the Magi; or faith, hope and charity

2 Turtle Doves - Two birds sacrificed by the Jews at the birth of a son

A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Christ who gathers his young under his wings.

 

Singing is a fun way to get into the spirit of Christmas.  I grabbed an old songbook of carols, compliments of our local newspaper years ago. I sat on the sofa and sang some childhood favorites.  When finished, I felt a rush of joy.

"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You speak of God, unchanging.
You tell us all to faithful be. And trust in God eternally.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You speak of God unchanging."

 Enjoy your day with the Angels.  And make a joyful noise!


Love and peace,


Rae Karen


(Note:  Excerpts from Do You Know What I Know? by Jim Cook)

Filling Up with Christmas Cheer: An Angel Message

 Our small town is steeped in holiday cheer. I've never seen so many big inflatable Santas in boats, or trains, on roofs with sleigh and reindeer, a host of happy snowmen, busy elves-- decorate  lawns and rooftops.  

The water treatment plant has joined in the fun with a welcome Santa at the gate.  It was fun taking a night tour of the Christmas sights.  Joy is in the air as a holiday train blows the whistle traveling through the neighborhood.    

As wonderfully festive as these buoyant inflatable figures are at night, the next morning they all lay flattened like pancakes, strewn all over the lawns.   A daily fill-up is needed to get back into shape and rise up for an encore performance that night.  

This scenario reminded me to take time out to be filled with Spirit during the holidays. Daily maintenance is needed to refill our tank so we too can rise up, with renewed breath.  Meditation, prayer, scripture, good deeds, and loving kindness help me to stay centered. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we can make the world a brighter place right where we are each moment by sharing Love.   

And, it's wonderful to remember that we are never alone.  God has sent his angels to be with us to guide us in all of our ways.  

Love, peace, and joy as we celebrate the Light of the World.

Rae Karen

The Toano Angel

A vast system of angels make up a communication network traveled by both positive and negative influences. According to the Zohar, this network is an interface between the physical world and the Upper Worlds. Everything in the physical world is governed by angels, including every blade of grass, every creature in the sea, and mankind as well.

Because our five senses are so limited, the presence of angels is invisible, but their power doesn't go unnoticed. Positive actions bring positive angels. Likewise, negative actions (all blockages, turmoil, and distress) attract negative angels. The good news is we have a choice. Our behavior determines which angels are aroused in our world. Whenever we react, we open the door to negative angels. If we can stay positive and pro-active, we draw positive angels to us. It's as simple as like attracts like.

In looking back, car trouble on the highway can bring out the worse in me. Especially when the passenger in the backseat is my elderly Mom on a sweltering summer day.  The first day of her vacation to come and spend a week with Elliot and me at the beach. The trip began with the ambiance of what was to be a perfect day unfolding as we got an early start to beat the heat and heavy traffic on I-64. 

Speeding along, with almost half of a three-hour trip on the highway behind us, Mom was in the backseat, enjoying the ride, humming Rock of Ages along with the tape deck. 

Suddenly the car began making a strange noise. The gold Buick was losing power, slowing down. My heart dropped down to my stomach.  Mom getting stuck in the heat brought up some fear, but timing was good.  An exit was coming up right then! Toano, a place we'd never stopped.  Our trusty "Goldie" coasted down the ramp as we all cheered the car onward, calling on the angels. Something was up, Elliot laughed, as the old Buick rolled downhill right into a Golden Arches parking lot.  

Relieved not to be stranded on the sweltering highway, we thankfully enjoyed an early lunch inside an air-conditioned McDonald's while waiting for road service to show up. 

 An hour later, the Rocky Road Tow Truck arrived with bad news.  We laughed at the name...Rocky Road...  Turned out, Goldie needed a tow from Toano to a garage in Williamsburg.  Since there was only room for me and Mom to ride up front in the service truck, Elliot sat behind the wheel of our car on the flat bed truck. A small crowd of curious folks gathered in the parking lot, and we decided to have fun. I snapped a picture of Elliot with the car window rolled down, waving to a smiling crowd, but the camera didn’t work either.

“I can hardly wait to see the good that’s going to come from this,” I said, climbing up to ride in the Rocky Road cab.  Somehow Mom managed to get up the high step, too. Zooming along the back roads to the repair shop, my attention was drawn to an angel ornament swirling on the truck driver's  rear-view mirror.

“See, Mom, the angels are with us.” 

She laughed, holding down her wild windswept hair as we rode along the country road, playfully singing "Country road, Take me home to the place I belong.” 

At the repair shop, we got bad news. Goldie needed a new transmission. We all accepted what is, making the best of it. My brother in Richmond came to the rescue. We spent the night with his family and enjoyed an impromptu dinner at a wonderful restaurant. 

Years later, while randomly searching the web for angel pics, I came across a Toano Angel! What were the odds! I laughed, thinking of the angelic help we received that hot summer day in our hour of need. The synchronicity was a reminder to stay positive and have a smoother, happier ride through life with the angels. Yes, there will be bumps, but the angels are powerful shock absorbers.

Happy trials and trails.  You may want to take some time to reflect on how the angels have come through for you in the past. How wonderful that God has sent his angels to be with us. We are never truly alone. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

(Toano angel: web)

Thanksgiving Blessings: An Angel Message

 

 Every day is a day to be thankful, but this time of year my heart is especially full of gratitude for the many blessings, as well as the challenges (and there were many) that have come my way. Not just thankful for the wonderful relationships with loved ones, but for a precious experience that transformed my world by a new way of seeing.

This experience is not one that I take lightly. It is the gift of knowing the Holy Spirit as a real loving Presence in my life. I often reflect on just how different things would have turned out if I hadn't been willing to let the Holy Spirit show me that He is with me always, in all ways.

I know I would not be sitting here feeling such a strong, peaceful, loving connection with all life.

Trust is a big issue for me, so it was not easy to become a believer. I had to ask the Holy Spirit to let me see things differently, time and time again. Although He is invisible, I began to see the effects of His loving presence working through my life. And, this brought great joy and wonder.

My faith began to increase. I began to know that I of myself do nothing and to rest in God's love and let Him unfold my life according to His will, not mine. Many unexpected gifts exceeded my wildest expectations and I began to understand that every struggle and setback was always leading me to higher ground. Sometimes this happened more gracefully than others, depending on my resistance!

The more I called on the Holy Spirit, to let me have peace, instead of the problem, I began to notice my recovery-time sped up as I was going through a spiritual roto-rooter, cleaning out my ego stuff to make room for more light. My old limited thought system was being overhauled. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

So on Thanksgiving, I am remembering to give thanks that God created me in His image and likeness, as He did each of us. Foolproof in spite of my ego's misgivings.  What mercy!

Thank you for joining me on this journey home with the angels.  The best is yet to be.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With love and peace,


Rae Karen

To Let Go...An Angel Feather

Many years ago, while looking out the window, concerned about a loved one, I wondered, What could I do to help? 

 

To my surprise, as if on cue, a lone white feather glided by on a breeze, as if it had wings!  I looked up at the blue sky, but the feather appeared to come out of nowhere. My mood brightened with thanks for an uplifting and timely reminder. Our loved ones are in the constant care of a guardian angel. They are children of light. Trust.

 

My part in being helpful also came from the advice offered in this anonymous poem, a handout at spiritual support group.  

 
 

LETTING GO

To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means

I can’t do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off, it's the realization

I can't control another.

To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning

from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness, which means

the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another,

it's to make the most of myself.

To let go is not to care for, but to care about.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another

to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the

outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To let go is not to be protective, it's to permit another

to face reality.

To let go is not to deny, but to accept.

To let go is not to nag, scold or argue, but instead

to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires, but

to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and

live.

To let go is to fear less and love more.

--Author Unknown

To let go, is to remember, no one is truly ever alone. God loves us all.  We are children of light.

 

"He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Psalm 91)  

 

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

(photo from the web)