What a Christmas!

When we first got our cat Angel from the shelter, I loved taking pictures of her. I had joined ourhappycat.com and posted many photos for her cat hut. I guess she got used to being in the lime light. Life got busy and the photos stopped. Yesterday while taking pics of the squirrel, Angel jumped up on the bookcase by me and meowed. I didn't realize she was jealous until later when I sat down on the sofa to relax. "Look at Angel," my son said.

"Who could resist that pose?" I grabbed the camera and she waited for me to snap away.

Like Santa Claus, many feel this way after the holidays. Bowled over from all the festivities. The snow storm slowed things down and it was wonderful to have time to reflect on God's beauty in the stillness of nature.

Enjoy your day with the Angels,

Karen

Snowstorm

The old apple tree.

The meditation garden.
The Brazilian Nut Feast


Our cat, Angel, is on my lap as I write. What a winter wonderland outside the window. The old apple tree dressed in white fluffy snow looks so graceful with bended soft white powdery boughs. The snow on the bird bath is stacked like a white birthday cake in honor of Jesus' birthday. Everything is transformed into purity.

A bushy tailed squirrel had been coming to enjoy his breakfast several mornings last week. It was a breakfast for champions because he deserved a gold medal for his daring feat.

A thin straggly branch high up in a tree right outside the slider had a long sprig of wild berries. He took some strands of berries by stretching as far as he could on the limb. Then bent the spindly branch so he could curl it toward him to eat.

The last strand of black berries hung way down. Far beyond his grasp, he would scamper off. I wanted to help, but Elliot suggested leaving it to nature.

The morning before the snowfall, we watched him as he stretched so far it was a miracle. What determination. Hanging upside down by the very tips of his claws. Straining farther and farther to grasp the last fruit of the season. Fearing for his life, I silently imagined an angel holding him up.

Then somehow he grabbed that single sprig of berries, broke it off and hurried away. Elliot repeated that old adage. "See, you have to go out on the limb to get the fruit." A good reminder for us all.

With the worst snow storm in 21 years to hit the beach, I decided to reward the little fellah with a big Brazilian nut. He savored each nibble, twirling it between his little paws. "This little guy will be speaking Spanish in no time," Elliot joked, as we watched him eat. The squirrel's diet had been bird seed and sunflower seeds.

So nature is the best way to understand life at times. It speaks to us in parables of seasons through the antics of our animal and bird friends.

Many blessings,

Karen

A Belated Christmas Gift

I remember the excitement of our first Christmas at Virginia Beach in 1999. Snow flurries on Christmas morning! I grabbed the video camera and took a walk in a winter wonderland. I was so surprised. Snow at the beach?!

Now, many years and several snowfalls later, it hasn't lost its wonder. What joy to wake up this morning to a wintry snow scene. A belated Christmas gift from the snow elementals.

Watching the beautiful snow flakes, I got to thinking how amazing that no two are alike. Each one is unique. Just as each of us is a one of a kind creation of God. We each have a gift to share with the world. The gift of our divine Presence. Today the Angels are asking that we celebrate our gift and spend the day in joy.

Many blessings,

Karen

The Spirit of Christmas at the DMV

(clipart Doverpublications.com)

Recently we gifted our trusty blue Buick to a young family in need of transportation. So today, we found ourselves at the DMV transferring the license plates ANGLZS to our other car. The last place you want to go this time of year is the DMV. Walking into the building, we asked the Angels to be with us.

The Department of Motor Vehicles was packed, but the holiday spirit ran high. Jolly holiday tunes on the sound system. A young man behind us began bopping to Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, much to the embarrassment of his girl friend. So we danced a little and sang to lighten the wait. The place was festive. Poinsettias on the counter tops. Brightly wrapped packages trimmed the walls. Clerks in bright red Santa hats were busy waiting on customers.

A commercial came on the radio. Elliot and I listened not sure we could believe our own ears. "What God wants is for you to love one another. If we loved one another, there would be no more war. We are all one." During the holidays, the announcer said, "Reach out and hug someone. Share love with one another."

Earlier I had watched a shy woman approach an elderly man in line. He looked like her grandfather whom she missed very much. Teary eyed, she asked if she could give him a hug. He smiled, giving her a warm hug and some reassuring words.

At 12:12 we were at the counter, listening to Ave Maria as our tags were being transferred. I looked to my right. At the next counter, an old friend was being helped. We hadn't seen her in over a year. We reached out for a hug in the middle of our transactions. The spirit of Christmas was alive at the DMV. We were surely in the presence of Angels. And I'm not talking about the cherubic stocking holder at the front counter.

Wishing you a loving, joyful Christmas season. And remember to invite your Angels to be with you wherever you go.

Blessings,

Karen

The Peace of Christmas

Be at peace just now. Rest and still the mind. Avoid the angst of crowded malls and spend time in quiet stillness in nature. Whether it be admiring a beautiful sunset or watching the surf roll in. Or gazing at the flickering flames of a warm hearth. Enjoy the moment in gratitude for all the wonderful gifts of the Creator. The message of Christmas is simple. A child is born in a lowly manger to be the Light of the World. May the Christ be born in each of us as we draw close to His presence during these holy days.

Many blessings,

Karen

The Light of Christmas

This week while in the car, I heard a talk show on the radio. The speaker told how some folks want to wait until they have all of their light before stepping out. "It doesn't work that way," she said. As you step out and trust, you are presented with a shaft of light. Each time you do so, you get another shaft of light. And another. By sharing our light it is increased. We are shown to be trustworthy.

Yesterday as I was driving along, a song came on the radio. "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you."

As you decorate your tree, may the lights be a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Many blessings,

Karen

Snow!

When I woke up early this morning, the blinds were shut but there was such a quiet hush and a stillness in the air that comes with a snow fall. "It feels like it snowed." I told Elliot. He laughed like I was nuts. And it didn't seem very likely but I got out of bed and opened the blinds. The ground was covered with a beautiful white frost. It had snowed! I felt like a child with the best surprise. Maybe the two years in Fairbanks, Alaska had helped to hone my senses to the snow angels.

Here's a picture of our iris fairy in her snow cap watching over the pansies.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Karen

Angels of Grace

(photo from the web)


Last weekend my good friend Pat passed along to me her collection of angel books. The timing couldn't have been better with my upcoming talk at the ARE Edgar Cayce Forum on Angels in Everyday Life. I found one book especially helpful. Angels of Grace by Anselm Gruen, a German monk. His book introduces 50 attributes of God in angelic form. I took a suggestion from the Introduction and made my own deck of these angel cards. With the New Year coming soon, he recommended drawing an angel and trusting that the one you picked is the very angel you need for the New Year.

The book is a wonderful reference with practical everyday applications. I was so inspired by the idea, I prepared a basket of Angel cards for the Forum attendees to choose as an angel for the 2011. The more we open our hearts to the angels, the more we become aware of the loving presence that enfolds our lives, moment by moment.

By the way my Angel was The Angel of Courage which I definitely need when speaking in public.

Blessings,

Karen

P.S. Although the book was published in 1998, it is available on amazon.com

On Eagle's Wings

Yesterday as we turned down the street to the lake, I saw a rare treat. A beautiful bald eagle flying toward us. He was so close I could see his majestic white head and yellow beak. I had my camera and quickly jumped out of the car hoping for a good picture. The door locks were sticky and it took several seconds before I could spring out. I calmed down remembering if it was meant to be I could take my time, the eagle would be waiting. To my surprise, as I got out of the car, he turned around and circled overhead several times making sure I caught his best side.

This was the first time we saw a bald eagle at the lake and the timing was perfect. Something had been deeply troubling me. And seeing it out of the blue was a positive sign to trust that everything would work out perfectly. Later that evening I read in A Book of Angels by Sophie Burnham that angels sometimes appear as birds. I feel certain that this was so with the eagle.

Then this morning we smiled as we listened to the weekly Bible scripture on the radio.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Many blessings,

Karen

Healing Angel Vision

I want to share a beautiful vision I had last month on the morning we left for our trip to New York. I was very worried about a friend battling cancer. I decided to pray instead and get above the dark clouds of despair.

I began to think higher thoughts to lift the veil of consciousness. In my third eye I saw another friend dancing by me carrying a tambourine. She was leading a multitude of angels in the heavenly clouds in her white feathery wings.

Then came another friend in wings.

And several more friends from my spiritual study group passed by in a long line of celestial helpers. They all had wings as they wended their way round and round on white clouds, like tiers on an etheric wedding cake.

The vivid vision was in color and seemed to be a glimpse into the heavenly realms. Soon more and more angels came parading by, taking their position on white clouds spiraling upward, until the cake was filled up with angels.

The last angel stood on top of the cake. I was surprised when he blew a trumpet.

I knew then it was Gabriel. Then Jesus appeared beside him on top of the cake. It was all so unexpected and offered such promise to believe in things yet seen. I had been worrying that my friend had passed over and I saw her, too, as an angel. We were all angels which is what the Edgar Cayce readings say--our Higher Self is our Guardian Angel that never fell from Christ consciousness and still stands at the Throne of God.

I felt so much better. I shared my vision with Elliot and a funny thing happened on our way to New York that day. We stopped for dinner in Seaford, Delaware and then took a walk to a nearby Dollar Tree to stretch our legs after the long drive. There on the shelf in the store I saw a band of white porcelain angels. One especially caught my eye. The one with the trumpet. A reminder of my vision that morning. I bought the band to join us on our trip to see Elliot's father for his 90th birthday.

Whatever challenge you may be facing today, be comforted in knowing that you are more than you seem. You are a child of the Most High. An Angel in God's procession of Love.


Blessings,

Karen

The Geese Flyby: An Angel Message

A springlike winter day prompted a drive to a nearby lake to watch the birds. Dozens of mallards and puffins kept us entertained, diving in and out of the water in search of breakfast.  A graceful blue heron soared above and touched down on the shore waiting for food. It turned out to be a simple time to sit back and enjoy nature. 
As we were leaving, I heard a distant call of a flock of geese approaching.  Hoping they would fly by we waited, but they veered off in a "V" formation heading north over the woods.  "Shouldn't they be heading south?" I asked Elliot, feeling a touch of disappointment. I love the rush of geese flying by.  For an instant you're caught up in the freedom and expansiveness of the flock.
"Oh well, some other time," I thought as we turned to walk back to the car.
Then I heard honking, the flock was flying back toward us, in a double "V" formation!  They flew just above our heads, so close I could see their faces.  Waving and cheering, we sent them on, thankful for the blessing.
A double V formation makes the letter "W".  The message of the geese is about writing like  Mother Goose and her nursery rhymes. The goose energy aids in communication through the use of stories. A goose feather was a writing tool.  In Ted Andrews' book, Nature Speak, the "V" formation is very symbolic. It reflects by its shape an opening to new possibilities, like an arrowhead it points to new ideas. A sign that we are about to begin a new path. Greater vision physical and spiritual will occur.
The morning geese taught another lesson.  If a heart's desire seems to be coming our way and suddenly takes a turn, don't be disappointed.  Let go of your attachment, and if it is meant to be it will wing its way back, bigger and better than you can imagine.
I didn't have my camera because I ignored the angel nudge to bring it along.  :(

May your angels inspire you with new ideas that fed your soul today.


Rae Karen

Managing Your Own Health Plan

With health care such a looming issue, our angelic friend, Pat Davis, set a goal last fall to share the research she gleaned and the experiences she gained in being more proactive toward living a healthier life. One year later, her book, Managing Your Own Health Plan, is now available. It encompasses the four aspects necessary to living a balanced, peaceful, happy, healthy life.

When I opened the book yesterday, I happened upon the chapter, Establishing a Spiritual Practice. Pat shares a sample prayer to pray before retiring at night:

"Dear God, I humbly and gratefully thank you for the use today of your most precious gift, my life. I ask for Your forgiveness for any and all mistakes I may have made, as well as any and all omissions of service I might have rendered life, had I been more alert and more harmonious.

I ask you to be with me in my dreams tonight and clear away the fears that keep me from understanding, trusting, and following my divine guidance. If there is a message you wish to give me, please help me to understand clearly and remember it when I awake in the morning.

Send your angels to guard me through the night, and keep me safe. Be near me when I awake, and bless all those I love.

Let there be peace in my community and family. Let it begin with me. I ask for the removal of all obstacles to the healing of my body and the development of my soul.

Thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen!"

Pat's book can be ordered on her website www.lifetimediscoveries.com

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to reclaim their health care and make wise choices between alternative and conventional therapies.

Enjoy your day with the Angels,

Karen