More Ladybugs: An Angel Message

Ladybugs are at play again.  Yesterday's mail brought an offer for a ladybug rosary!  The picture of the red ladybugs, each one had seven spots, caught me by surprise.  I grinned in amazement.

I  knew Ladybugs are associated with the Blessed Mother, but I had no idea there is a ladybug rosary.  And, as I've shared before, ladybugs often appear as a sign of love from my Mom, Mary, now on the other side.  The sight of the colorful photo of the rosary brought such joy -- an abundance of ladybugs.  The little red beetle with its bounty of black spots, is a sign of good luck. In French her name means "good God's animal;"  in Spanish it means "little Mary;" in German, "Mary's beetle," and also Lord God's beetle;" and, in English, she is also known as "ladybird."

But more was to come.  Before 7 a.m. for the last two days, I've been on my knees, pulling up bags of thin long vines and straggly weeds in the garden.  This house has been home for the past 8 years, and our backyard is like a park, one that is in need of some tender loving care.  It felt good to get down and work with nature, combing out her tangles and thinning out overcrowded areas.  Gardening keeps me centered in the now, the beauty of the quiet sunlight, the song of the birds, and the cicada symphony ringing in the treetops.  Clipping along, I discovered not one, but three bright ladybugs on different bushes.   I smiled, and greeted each one, thankful for her precious blessing.

Enjoy your day, and be expectant of the loving angel messages that wing their way to you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


(photo:  web)

Passing On, How to Prepare Ourselves for the Afterlife: An Angel Message

My dear friend Joanna and I often met for lunch at a quaint restaurant in town. The Olde House Cafe had a garden patio where we would wile away the afternoon pondering the secrets of the universe.  In 2016, Joanna's inquisitiveness about the afterlife ended up in an uplifting book she wrote, Passing On, How to Prepare Ourselves for the Afterlife.  

Some of the questions she attempted to shed light on:

Do we meet up with loved ones after we pass on?

Do we take form as a physical entity or are we pure essence?

Do time and space exist in the afterlife?

What are the characteristics of the afterlife-- is it as joyful, loving as forgiving as those who have undergone a Near-Death Experience claim?

Last week, I found her book, Passing On, tucked away in the hall bookcase. I wondered then about the timing.  We'd had a little disagreement.  I hadn't seen my dear friend for over a year.  Our phone calls had dwindled to an occasional email, a birthday card.  Joanna, a prolific author, was in healing mode while steeped in writing several projects.  Our paths took a different direction.

Then, yesterday an angel whim guided me to do a Google search.

My dear friend had passed on 7/ll.   A wave of conflicting emotions hit me at once. Joy for her graduation, sadness for the loss of her physical presence. 

No wonder I'd felt such a strong urge to drive by her house when in Daytona Beach last Wednesday. The little bridge crossing had been closed, under construction.  My wish to stop by to give her a spontaneous hug had been blocked.

Now I understood why... Joanna had already crossed over to the other side.

Joanna Romer

What a rush of conflicting emotions I had reading about her passing.  Joyful that she had moved on, graduated, finished her work, and let go.  Earthly sorrow to miss her warm laughter and compassionate nature, and all the inspiration we shared over the last eight years.

"Just As It Should Be,"  is one of the many chapters in Passing On that brings understanding.  Everything is perfect as it is.

This played out as I reread a passage I'd quoted in an amazon book review of her first book, Widow:  A Survival Guide for the First Year published in 2012.   Tearfully, I was amazed how that beautiful experience painted the cover of Passing On.  Just as it should be.

"The sun is beginning to sink now, and the light over the ocean is beautiful.  I can't see the sunset here--I'm on the ocean side--but I know when I walk over the little wooden bridge toward the river, I'll see it.  I'll be doing that very soon.  Our recovery is a bit like that--we can't quite see the dazzle of color that we know is us--not quite yet, but the inner light is changing.  We can feel something new and different emerging.  We know that eventually we're going to walk over that bridge into a new and glorious self."





Love and Light,


Rae Karen

Old Methuselah: An Angel Message

DeLeon Springs, FL

While my brother and his wife were here this week, the angels guided a spontaneous ride to nearby  DeLeon Springs State Park.  The overcast sky looked like it could open up any minute with rain, but we went with the flow.  The clouds held back and we had a good time watching the natural springs pool that produces 19 million gallons of water a day at 72 degrees year round.

Old Methuselah

It began to drizzle and I recalled Old Methuselah, the 500 year-old bald cypress tree.  We headed down the 1/2 mile trail through a forest hammock that led to a flood plain to get a glimpse of majestic old Methuselah.  With no signs to direct, and the only four troopers on this adventure, a peaceful, gentle energy filled the air as we walked underneath a sheltering canopy of tall hardwoods. The home of the wild.  Before long, we were there.  At the end of the trail, Methuselah was still standing tall in the swamp, having survived all the logging through the years.   We give her a cheerful Hooray!

Turns out, a cypress tree represents death, life and resurrection, and often signifies the heavens are calling.  The towering cypress, majestically points toward the sky as a reminder for us to ponder the deeper meaning underlying our experiences.

My grandmother often used the expression:  "As old as Methuselah."   I never had taken the time to look up this Biblical patriarch.  A little research revealed that Methuselah, the son of Enoch was 969 years old and is the longest-lived human in the Bible.  He was related to Noah who built the ark.

I was thankful for our visit with Old Methuselah, and the angel message to ponder the deeper meaning underlying our experiences. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Down the Chimney There Arose Such a Clatter! An Angel Message

Nature speaks loudly at times.  Nothing is more unnerving than to be awakened by a loud CRASHING noise.  That's what happened one cold fall morning many years ago. I heard a loud crash downstairs.  Half asleep, my first thought was the heavy glass mobile in the living room had fallen off the patio door.  

But then it happened again.

      

Elliot woke up, and we whispered what to do?  A robber didn't seem likely.  Then a thought came about squirrels.  Recently we'd heard the scampering of little feet in the attic.  

Had a squirrel fallen down the chimney? 

 Grabbing our green terry robes, we ran downstairs. In the living room, a mournful whimpering was coming from the fireplace. Our interloper was alive!  The screeching noise had come from little claws digging into the metal chute to brake the long downward fall.  It had worked.

Elliot ran for his flashlight, and I did my best to comfort our frightened visitor.  Above the loud mews, I spoke lovingly. "It’s okay. We’ll get you out, but we have to find the best way. We're a little afraid of you. And you're afraid of us. So, we all need some understanding here." 

Shining the flashlight through the glass fireplace door, a gray squirrel huddled in the corner, crying.  

Elliot ran to the basement to work on a plan. 

Before long, he returned with a large carpet roll on his shoulder. 

 “So, we’re rolling out the red carpet,” I laughed, as he set the carpet on-end to make a tall fence from the fireplace to the sun deck.  

No detours allowed!   

Holding up my end of the rug, the maze was set.  I leaned over to open the fireplace door, expecting a mad dash to freedom, but no action.

From that vantage point, we saw not one, but two little gray squirrels, trembling, huddled together, in tears. 

To our surprise, with the door of freedom opened wide, the wayward pair stayed put.

    

To give nature a helping hand, we opened the deck door.  Cold, brisk air swept into the living room.  So cold that after a minute, we laughed, at the sight of our breath in the frosty air.  

But the squirrels still stayed put.  

St. Francis, the Patron Saint for Animals was called on, but those two big human faces peering over the rug must have made the journey high risk. 

In the chill, we stood in our bathrobes, waiting.  Time seemed to stand still.  Patience was ebbing as we asked the angelic beings for help.  Also, we asked the Holy Spirit for a holy relationship with the fearful squirrels. 

Soon, Elliot was guided to gently tap on the fireplace stove. 

That did it!

One furry gray head popped out. The cautious type, his brown eyes looked both ways before he took a leap of faith. Stop. Look. Leap. -- that was his technique.  Methodically,  one leap at a time, he made tracks on the designated path across the living room and out the open deck door.  Back in the fresh air, we smiled, as he slowly climbed up the deck railing, and carefully down the wood post, to safely return to the woods. 

One down!...we cheered.

Now, our focus turned to the last squirrel.  Alone, she shivered, too scared to move until Elliot was guided to pull the log grate forward with the iron poker. 

That did it!  Safer to leave than to stay,  a streak of gray fur shot down the red carpet lined path, leaped up on the deck,  like a Olympic gymnast she flew through the air and bounced onto a straggly tree branch. I could almost hear her joyful, "HIP HIP HOORAY!" as she ran for the goal.  Home.

Their special delivery wake up call that morning seemed important.  A quick research on squirrel symbolism revealed a need for balance between work and play, and to be prepared.   On that chilly autumn morning, little did we know that in a few months, we too would go tumbling down the chute in search of a new home in Virginia Beach.  

Postscript: Something amusing happened just now as I was writing the clattering squirrel blog.  I kid you not!  There was a loud crash in the living room!  I called out to Elliot from my computer in the den.  "Are you okay?"  He came out of his office and together we looked around the living room to see what had caused the disruption.  

The picture frame TV antenna had somehow fallen off the windowsill.  It must have hit the ceramic bowl of decorative rocks, knocking one onto the floor.  What joy when I turned over the smooth stone.  The word SMILE turned up!  I had to laugh. 

Smile Rock Hit the Floor

An angel figurine stands on high in that window, one that reminds me of my mother, now an angel.  Hmmm... kind of makes you wonder.  My brother is coming for a visit today!  Mom's no doubt smiling down on us.

Mom's Amazing Grace Angel in the Window

I'm smiling with my antenna up, and the SMILE rock on the windowsill.

Have a joyful day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

Cold Mustard: An Angel Message

Sometimes if we are too hardheaded to let God's angel thoughts really sink in, something jarring may happen to bolster our faith.  There was a time when I was fearful about the future.  Elliot and I were suddenly forced to move from our comfortable home in a forested community where we'd spent a wonderful three years on the Occoquan River.  With two months to find a new place, pack up and move, we were trying to fully rely on God for guidance. The old was passing away and it was time to embrace a new flow. 

A prospect synchronistically unfolded to move to a different part of Virginia. While waiting for the details to coalesce, I began to worry.  With so many variables, how could it possibly work out?  In the waiting process, anxiety stirred while fixing sandwiches for lunch.  I made a big mess when I grabbed a large jar of mustard from the fridge.

BAM!

The 2-lb. jar slipped through my fingers.  It hit the kitchen floor with a powerful FORCE.  The lid shot off!

Suddenly cold brown mustard splattered my face, my left ear, and hair, and down the front of my shirt. The ceiling and cabinets were brown speckled.

Knowing there are no coincidences, I wondered, Why a mustard bath?  

Later that day, I read Jesus’ words about faith in a book called The Spiritbuilder:

The disciples had been unsuccessful in performing a healing and wondered why.

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matt. 17:19-21)

I thought about the imagery of a tiny mustard seed and the mountain as a metaphor for whatever obstacle to face--a health crisis, a relationship, financial stress. The mountain seems very solid, as it looms before us, impossible to move.

Obviously, I needed more faith. If I were relying on my own power, no wonder I worried.  The image of a mountain represented my fear that was stealing my joy. A little faith as tiny as a seed of a mustard was the answer. 

So rather than fear our future, I worked on having faith, trusting God.  If doubt would creep in, I would remember that chilling mustard bath.

 Before long everything came together in divine order.  We moved to a lovely home and we're on our way to a new chapter in the journey at Virginia Beach, a city where we continued to stretch and grow  over the next 11 years. 

Today,  I can't reach for a jar of mustard, at home or at a restaurant, without remembering the faith of a little mustard seed.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Why not choose faith...

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

(photo from the web)

The Gift of a Snail Shell: An Angel Message

Some nature messages from the angels are more subtle than others.  It's for certain though that what's yours will come to you, often in strange, but timely ways.  Yesterday, cleaning house,  a small object refused to be sucked up by the heavy duty vacuum cleaner.  To my surprise, it was the tiniest golden brown snail shell so small that I was reminded of the faith of a little mustard seed. 

Since the state of Florida is mostly built on a sandbar, little white seashells often appear when digging in the soil. Although, in the seven years we've lived here, I've never found one of these hard shelled spirals inside the house.  I wondered, why now?

Curious, I looked up the symbolism of snail: 

 Protect your vulnerable emotions and spirit.  Bring your Holy Inner Child out of the shell.  Look at the walls you have built around you."   (Animal-Speak Pocket Guide)

I got it.  The confirmation of a recent angel blog on breaking out of our shells to a new life was coming home once more.  "Bring your Holy Inner Child out of the shell."

With the perfect little snail shell in hand, I took a closer look, asking the Holy Spirit for help in breaking down any remaining walls I've made that block out God's love.  In gratitude, I want to slow down and see the love of God everywhere. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  God loves you.


Rae Karen

A Trip Down Memory Lane: An Angel Message

Yesterday morning, while having breakfast on the front porch, my attention was drawn to a 10-foot U-Haul parked across the street.  As they say, the universe is always conspiring on our behalf, so pay attention to what is going on around you.  Symbols appear for a reason.

The hard nosed rhino on the side panel of the U-Haul seemed deliberate.  It took me on a journey back in time.  Rhino is a reminder to take charge of your life.  To know yourself.

Many years ago, rhino energy was what I needed to move from Virginia to Georgia.  Instead of making plans, it was a time of letting go, and trusting the Holy Spirit to handle the details.  To my surprise, things came together effortlessly when I got myself out of the way. 

My girl friend offered to help me out.  She would drive a rental truck to Richmond where I would meet up with my niece who was moving to Atlanta, too. My job was to rent the truck, have it packed, and ready to go the next morning.  I gulped.  Me drive a truck! 

I had no choice.  I had to do it...AFRAID.  I signed the lease at the U-Haul Rental Depot and nervously climbed up into cab of the 10-foot truck, just like the one above without the rhino mural. Driving a truck was always a big fear of mine; it seemed to be a manly job that required a chromosome I didn't have.

 For extra courage, I brought my guardian angel driving ornament from my Honda along on the undaunting trip.  My sweaty hands were shaking as I aimed the key into the ignition. For company, I turned on the radio and slowly drove across the long U-Haul lot.  The angels of laughter were at play.  An amusing ad came on the radio just then, quipping:  Don’t talk to me! I’m paying attention to my driving! 

I burst out laughing, feeling buckets of fear melt away. 

I was doing it. 

 Merging in with traffic on busy Smoketown Road, my guardian angel ornament spun round, dangling from the truck's rear view mirror. White knuckled, I clutched the wheel for the longest five miles, but I did it. 

Or I should say, we did it!

So whatever fears you may be facing today, please find comfort that you are in the midst of great celestial loving company.  The angels are right there watching over you, just ask to feel their loving presence. I was so grateful for the reminder that all things are possible with God.  God loves you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

A Wandering Caladium: An Angel Message

Today the cool weather prompted a return to the garden for a bowl of oatmeal.  The morning sun brought something new to my wondering eyes.  The heavy recent rains had encouraged a newcomer. A little caladium plant had sprung up on the garden path!  Her variegated leaf opened like an umbrella to greet the sunshine.  At first glance, I'd mistaken her for a tall shamrock, but a closer look, to my delight, revealed the papery thin caladium known for its bi-colorful leaves.

Curious, I learned that this beautiful plant is a member of the elephant ear family.  She also goes by the name, Heart of Jesus or Angel Wings because of the shape of her leaves.  A bed of forgotten, buried caladium bulbs had surfaced this spring in a special patch by the Blessed Mother.

Caladiums in garden today

Now, this little wanderer had made her way toward the patio in clear view from the umbrella table!

I'm so thankful for these tender, loving blessings that pop up just when least expected.  You never know what may appear on the path as a reminder to walk in faith and love for all life. 

Her appearance was just the boost needed to put down the bags of cedar mulch bought earlier this week to refurbish the path.  Our little messenger, gently uprooted, joined her flock of Angel Wings under the watchful eye of beloved Mary.  I realized, too, how everything has its perfect timing, all things working together for good.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Keep an eye out for wonderful messages from nature that come your way.  God loves you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen  

Red Canna Angel: Confide in Heaven

Seven years ago, when Elliot and I moved to Florida, some of my favorite flower bulbs joined us on the journey to the "Land of Flowers".   Stately red cannas had been the flower of choice for a garden patch on the farm in Virginia. They were planted in honor of Mary Magdalene.  Cannas, along with scented ornamental ginger, and bearded irises, were heading south to set down new roots.

This morning, what a delight.  I was greeted by a tall red headed beauty dressed in a maroon variegated leafy gown.  Yesterday's rain had not dampened her spirit, she had yet another bloom in the wings that had opened wide to greet the day.  

An on-line search revealed that cannas symbolize to Confide in Heaven. 

To confide is to trust or have faith in...I loved this message as cannas rarely bloom in the garden here so when one pops, I know it's a gift from the angels.  God is Love.

Enjoy your day with the angels.  

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

Making a Splash - An Angel Message

                             (Wikimedia Commons)

Sometimes getting ready to make a SPLASH feels awkward, but you're going for it!  Letting go of a fixed flight pattern, you drop down in uncharted waters. Gracefulness will come once you get into the swim of it. The angels encourage us to enjoy life today, and its many, many wonders.  It's a time of great freedom. 

Happy 4th of July!

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Happy Summer Solstice: An Angel Message

Wild buttercup greets the solstice with a golden blossom.

You may recall last month a wild buttercup plant sprang up in the stucco crack by our backdoor.  I've noticed that this rare beauty blossoms on special occasions. On Father's Day, her buttery petals opened wide.  So I shouldn't have been surprised by this special "wall flower" fully expressing herself early this morning in celebration of the Summer Solstice! 

Archangel Uriel is the Regent of the Sun and is the most radiant of the Archangels. He takes charge of the summer season, and works with the spiritual energies in nature. Uriel means "Light of God",  often he is known as the tallest of the angels, with eyes so clear they can see across eternity. Working with Archangel Uriel can help to improve our own spiritual vision.  He helps us to trust in the Divine plan so that when things appear to be going wrong, we can know that ultimately it is for the highest good and greatest joy. He helps us to understand why things are the way they are.

Ted Andrews writes in Nature-Speak, that the summer solstice marks the high point of the "Year of the Soul." For a brief time, all four planes of life are aligned with the physical and a more direct flow of spiritual energy becomes available to us. This marks a time when separateness can yield to unity in any area of our lives.

Summer is also when the forces of nature reach the peak of their annual cycle. Transformation is the keynote of the season as it is easier to communicate with the angels and devas as we break out of old patterns. 

It's a time of harmonizing the masculine and feminine polarities within ourselves to promote a greater expression, a high birth, the Mystic Marriage within. The linking of the male and female, the bridging of the pineal and the pituitary (crown and brow chakra) will open ourselves to a new realization of Who we truly are. 

By understanding the natural rhythm of the seasons, we learn  that Autumn releases energy through purification in preparation. Winter releases the forces of love, the feminine energy.  Spring releases the force of will, the masculine power, and Summer releases the Power of Light. A time of Light Within, a time of powerful illumination, if we choose to focus our energies on spiritual matters. Archangel Uriel will help us understand our inner voice and interpret our dreams.  With his guidance we have the potential to fulfill our potential as creative spirits.

Solstice Buttercup!

I was reminded that Buttercup brings a message that with proper self-worth we can succeed in every environment. This flower has an energy to help awaken a new sense of self-worth.   Buttercup heralds a time of healing and understanding.  "This expressive flower reminds us to be more expressive ourselves." And, to remember that our words will have more power, especially for healing.  May we express the fullness of beauty and love within ourselves.

Happy Summer Solstice!  Welcome Archangel Uriel!

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Nature-Speak, Ted Andrews

Heart Lake Postcard from France: An Angel Message

I celebrated receiving my 100th postcard with Postcrossing!  What began with a single postcard last November has delivered many loving smiles to my mailbox. This refreshing view of a heart shaped blue lake was sent by a random postcrosser in France.  I can see why it's her favorite hiking spot in the Pyrenees.  A reminder to make an oasis for love to enter into those arid, stony places.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen