The Money Changer: An Angel Message

Elliot came into the living room on Wednesday asking me a strange question.  "Had I lost my money stone?" 

"What?" I asked, as he gave me a small brown rock.  I had no idea where it came from, but as with many angel messages my curiosity was peaked. It had some markings on it that resembled two eyes, a nose and a mouth.

He had just returned from the grocery store on a money mission.  It all began several weeks ago when somehow a large glass container full of loose change had been knocked off the low shelf underneath Elliot's desk.   A steady stream of quarters, nickles, dimes, and pennies scattered across the office floor.  A call that it was time to convert the loose change to cash.

Instead of tediously rolling our coins in bank wrappers, he had noticed a money converter machine at the Publix grocery store.  It turned out to be a quick solution.

In a matter of seconds, the amazing money changer had calculated our coins that had collected in bags over several months.  "Something amusing happened," he told me.  "Whatever was not transferable, was rejected into a retrieval tray. "

That's where Elliot had found the little brown money stone.

"How much cash did we make?"  I asked.

"The total was $90.90."  He smiled.

I laughed, amazed by the number, clearly an angel message.   But, then he explained that the store takes 10 percent, so our net amount was $81.81 from the cashier.

81.81, another amazing number that also equals nine. I realized something more was going on.  Both sums add up to a 9,  a symbol of completion.

I had no idea how the little stone had gotten mixed up with our loose change. 


I could see it was plain on the outside, but glistening inwardly, hidden from the world.  

As I stared at its rough surface, a thought began tumbling around in my mind. Rock are commonly referred to as a symbol of God's reliability.   The Bible teaches to build our houses and lives upon the stable rock that is God's love, wisdom, and salvation.

Elliot smiled, "The money comes and goes, but the rock stays."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Under the Sea, A Yard Sale Treasure: An Angel Message

 Elliot and I had gone out for a Saturday afternoon drive to the local monastery.  On the way, a YARD SALE sign caught my eye.  To my delight, at the end of a long driveway, I saw something unusual.  Leaning up against the trunk of a tall tree, stood a LARGE poster-board of The Little Mermaid.  Whenever that little red-headed mermaid happens to swim by, I take it as an angel sign to honor my inner voice, the divine feminine.

Passing by the YARD SALE, I quietly mentioned to Elliot that I'd like to stop.  Maybe Ariel was for sale.  We had been in a clearing out mode, so he wasn't too excited about the prospect of more stuff.     Not one for shopping on the Sabbath, he silently nodded, heading to our destination to pray and meditate.  Afterwards, I hoped the Little Mermaid would still be waiting.

But to my surprise, a different plan was unfolding; one that involved divine timing. 

Around the bend, the heavy iron gates to the monastery dirt road were closed. Something that rarely happens.

Yielding to what is, Elliot turned the car around.

Something more was going on.

 He waited in the car while I approached the friendly woman in the driveway, asking her if she was enjoying her new home.  She nodded, saying that it had needed a whole lot of work.

"You're making it your own,"  I smiled. She and her husband were doing the renovation themselves.

 The solid brick home, in such a peaceful neighborhood, had been a good buy.  She smiled, saying all of her neighbors were nice and she enjoyed the quietude, hearing the mission bells ring on the hour.

"The monastery is a wonderful place to be in nature and pray.  The Monks sells homemade soaps in the gift shop.  Everyone is welcome."  I told her. 

When I got around to asking her if Ariel was for sale, she smiled.  "No, but I'll give her to you."

"Really?" I asked.

 Turns out, the wooden Mermaid, over 5-feet tall, was far from a simple poster plaque.  Years ago, it had been part of an official Disney Expo.  Her daughter had loved The Little Mermaid.  When 10 years old, she had won a talent competition singing and reciting from The Little Mermaid.

"Will your daughter be okay with your letting this go?"  I asked.

"Oh, my daughter is 20 now.  We taught our daughters to enjoy things, but then be willing to let them go.  She laughed, her other daughter, had just left the U.S. with only a suitcase, heading to Liverpool to start a new life.   That was really letting it all go!

Elliot got out to help carry the heavy, but precious Little Mermaid to the car.  Folding down the backseat, Ariel fit nicely for the ride home.

Thanks to following my inner voice, this BRIGHT-eyed Mermaid, and her little seahorse, Herald, are propped up on the porch, as big as life.  A reminder: Honor the gift of your inner voice. Words matter.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 

Fish of Light : An Angel Message

Late yesterday morning, I realized the birdbaths were in need of a refill.  As I was on my way to grab the garden hose by the back door, I was taken aback by an unusual image.

The  illumined symbol of the Christ fish! 

At first glance, I thought it was an imprint from the hose on the driveway pavement.  But that wasn't the case.  Somehow the solar fish had been created by light.  But how?

I hurried inside the house to grab my phone for a photo, hoping the symbol of  Christ Light would be there when I returned. 

Elliot and I tried to figure out the logic behind it.  If the fish symbol had been formed by tree branches, a silhouette of  the ichthys would have appeared, swimming along with other shadowy branches.  Yet, this "Jesus Fish" is outlined in light.

With all the extreme chaos in the world now, I was most thankful for the angelic reminder to keep having faith in the unseen.  The indwelling light of  the Christ is alive.  And, all is well.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  (Heb. 11:1)

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Beautiful Fans: An Angel Message

No matter how hard you try, you can't control anything, that's the lesson for me.  To just be willing to listen and make an occasional detour when guided, helps to develop my intuition.  That's what happened on a gray day last week.  Out on errands, a sudden thought popped into mind, to swing by the rehab center in hopes of seeing a wild peacock.  I recognized this as an angel thought, and so I shouldn't have been surprised by the results.  Coming around the bend, toward the parking lot, I couldn't believe my timing.  A lone peacock was waiting on the grassy hill.  What joy to watch him pop open his glorious fan, and slowly pivot his stuff.  

That would have been more than enough... 

But, beyond his beautiful, feathery, royal blue eyes, I caught sight of two more peacocks!  The trio was now putting on quite a show, fanning and pivoting their fine apparel like models on a runway. 

My spirit soared.  What began as a drab day had burst a laugh of wonderful childlike joy.  It's funny how the simple, unexpected little things can charge our energy, and give a boost just when needed the most. 

Peacocks symbolize vision, awakening, royalty, and watchfulness.  They are also a Christian symbol for  eternal life and the Resurrection because it sheds its old feathers each year and grows new ones.  

 As you can see, his exquisite new plumage is still a work in progress, but he will be ready to step out in action this spring.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  It's fun to ask our guardian angels to join us as we go about the day.  You never know what may pop up along the way, but it will definitely enrich your journey.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

A Pasture Full: An Angel Message

Then there were some...a pasture in town had an abundance of new residents at the busy intersection by the bank.  Cows!  Even a few snowy white cattle egrets had come to welcome the grazing herd. Sitting at the stoplight,  I found the pastoral setting eye-pleasing, being a farm-girl at heart.

Back at home, I revisited the symbolism of cows.  Turns out, they are known for abundance, and the wealth of endless creation.  In many cultures, cows are holy animals. 

Cows help teach us by unquestioningly accepting what life gives us, we can grow abundant.  Wealth is connected to open-receiving, and generous-giving.  Something I'm working on. 

According to the cow reference, To live in plenitude, we must first learn to accept with our whole heart.  Yes it is our hands that reach and serve, but truly the heart is what gives and takes. Beat by beat, giving and taking...a harmonious rhythm.  When we open our heart wide, and accept this present moment and all that it offers, in gratitude we can experience the gift that helps us to grow. 

I was thankful for the cows peaceful presence.  But more cow synchronicity crossed my desk.  This faded 1928 photograph of granddaddy and his two dairy cows on the farm. The angels were talking to me as I smiled at my young grandfather who had one cow by the horn.  I remember how he would awaken long before sunup, and put on his black rubber boots to go down to the hog lot and feed the cows and pigs.  Giving and taking...

Another thing about cows is that they are known for constantly chewing their cud...digesting it well. They have four stomachs!  A reminder perhaps for me to watch my own ruminating over yesterday's meal.  Instead of chewing that old cud, I can choose to do my  best and let it go, to lie down in green pastures, and rest knowing God is in charge, and all is well.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

Beginning a Heart-filled Day: An Angel Message

"Love waits on welcome, not on time."   (A Course in Miracles)

The language of angels is often expressed in synchronicity, and it's both fun and amusing to watch the day gently unfold like the petals of a rose for a divine purpose.  For instance,  the last angel blog featured Hei-Hei snuggled by a basket of  pink ornamental roses.  Elliot and I had laughed at the time, Was our sweet cat telling us to take time out to smell the roses?  

Last week we followed his advice, and took an impromptu trip to Vilano Beach.   

As I've shared before, whenever traveling, we make it a custom to welcome the guardian of the city or town where we visit, and also the guardian angels of the people who live there.  The first time I was a bit of a skeptic, but decided to give it a try.  The results were so inspiring and fun, that we recognize what an honor it is to give gratitude to those angels who serve but are seldom seen.

So last week at Vilano Beach, we extended a welcoming invitation to the Guardian of Vilano Beach and the Guardian Angels of the people who reside there, thanking them for their hospitality and all the good work they do.

On our first morning walk, while collecting seashells on the windy shore, something unusual caught my eye.  At a distance, it appeared that someone had devoted much time and energy into making a large circular wall in the sand, not far from the sea. 

Coming closer, for inspection, to our delight, it was more than a giant round moat.  What a find!  Some tender soul had gone to great lengths to create a very memorable moment. 

An 8-ft wide heart had been forged out of sand, and decorated with fresh pink rose petals! 

Smiling, I imagined two souls standing together, united, within that one big heart, as they faced the  beginning of a new dawn. Maybe a wedding had taken place, or a marriage proposal, but that  generous pink-filled blossomed heart had been carefully positioned where the sun rose early that morning. 

That special sign of love made a lasting impression -- how different our day may blossom if we intentionally begin each morning on the sandy shores of time with divine love filling our hearts, and welcoming those we meet throughout the day.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

 

Happy Anniversary: Angel Delivery

Hei-Hei  pauses to smell the roses.

Yesterday our little Hei-Hei celebrated his one-year anniversary with us.  Last year at this time, an angel thought guided Elliot and me while out for a drive.  Sudden inspiration came to stop by the local animal shelter to share love with the residents.  The timing was good.  Hei-Hei had arrived the night before.  A purrfect match, we were soon traveling the road home together.  What joy that playful kitten brings to the household, and is full of surprises as we never know what he'll do next.  At lunchtime, it was amusing to find him nestled down on the wicker trunk tucked in between a giant fairy and a bouquet of pink ornamental roses.  A reminder to slow down, take time out to relax and smell the roses.

Enjoy your day with the angels.  And, you may want to think about ways you can share love with our furry friends on the planet.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Stubborn Will and the Donkey Message: An Angel Message

Remember last week, Elliot and I took a wrong turn on our way to visit our favorite donkey?  The good news was we saw two rainbows that Sunday on the road to and from St. Augustine.

Then on January 2, while reading, stretched out on the sofa in the sun room, I dozed off and woke up to a beautiful spiral rainbow shimmering high in the sky across the street.  I was so thankful to have taken down the curtain toppers last week, or I would have missed the angelic message.  Rainbows are a sign of God's promise, and should not be taken lightly. 

 Yesterday, we decided to start the new year by visiting Alahambre, the sweet, loving donkey.  A cool, sunny Sunday, the rural ride through the country-side was expansive, and freeing.

Since our last visit I'd been praying about a situation.  At that time, the strong-willed donkey had a grooming issue.  There were so many little brown burrs on his matted body--much more than usual.  Like tiny porcupine balls, they clung to his long smooth snout, furry ears, and cross-striped back.  One little burr, was close to his eye.

 Thankfully,  I was able to free that sticker, but  the rest were far too many to tackle, and painful to remove.   Before leaving that day, Elliot and I had mentioned the burryful burrow to his kind owner, who told us, he brushed the donkey every night, but Alahambre liked to roll around on the ground.

Obviously something had to give, but how, I wondered. 

Having compassion for our four-legged friend, since then, I'd been asking the angels for help, hoping that the fenced area would be cleared of the troublesome vegetation.  I even thought about volunteering to help out.

But, it seems I need not have worried.   To my delight, the angels had been at work.

I could hardly believe my eyes as we approached the burrow's fenced in area.  Alahambre's entire  home had been through a major clearing! Large mounds of sticky bush debris were in a heap.

 My heart leaped with gratitude, but where was our donkey friend?  He was not there.

Looking farther down the land, what joy to see that feisty donkey.  He had moved to a new location! In the shade of stand of tall trees, he stood by the fence, next door to his two emu neighbors.

His ears perked and he stared wide-eyed as our feet crossed the grassy field toward him.  Suddenly an ear piercing, but familiar welcoming bray filled the air. The owner, working nearby looked up, surprised by such an arousing raucous salute from his burrow.  He grinned.

Across the fence, I reached out to pat the Jerusalem donkey.  His brown furry ears flapped, as he bellowed in a wailing high-pitched crescendo, followed by a powerful snort that expelled a blast of misty air from those powerfully large nostrils. 

Wiping my face, I smiled, happy for him and for his new residence.

 Such a public display of affection is hard to resist.  That little burrow is packed with love, but then he calms down, ready to receive a soothing word of encouragement, and a soft love pat on his head. 

One thing for sure, you absolutely know that he is glad to see you.   That you make a difference.

Imagine what would happen if we were as demonstrative in our affection. If we greeted each person we care for as though we were happy to be in their presence.  If we put down our smart phones, and really listened and looked at that special friend or family member, thankful for the special moment.



Elliot and I walked on to the fish pond and sat on a bench by the water's edge. 

When I looked back,  Alahambre had followed the fence as far as he could, showing us that he still had access to his old lot that had been generously cleared.  He had doubled his space!

Soon it was time to say good-bye.  After a friendly pat or two, with a fond farewell, he brayed before shuffling on down the fence toward his new pad.  I was thankful for that donkey's lesson on both love and will.

The donkey reminds us of our will.   To willfully keep doing the same thing over and over again, and expect different results is the energy of stubborn will.  The soul's will is the energy that makes the steps possible.  By really listening to your heart, you will be able to tell what is right for you.  Our Spirit will always direct us toward the divine plan.  Love will make a way.  Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Enjoy your day with the Angels. 

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Happy 2020! An Angel Message

2020, I like the sound of the New Year. It reminds me of perfect vision. 20/20

We've moved up to a new decade, leaving the roaring teens.  To my way of thinking, 2020 is about new beginnings, about transformation; the joyful point in which one departs on a new path.  

I like to play around with numbers.  So  by adding up 20 + 20, the  total value equals 40.  Just for fun, I learned that the numerical value of 40 is represented by the Hebrew alphabet letter Mem.  The pictograph for 40 (Mem) is water, waves, the sea.   In Jewish tradition, 40 represents transformation.  Water, like the number 40, is a symbol of transformation.  Our physical bodies are mostly comprised of water.  Mem also means people, nations, languages, and tongues.  

"The words a man speaks are deep waters, a flowing stream, a fountain of wisdom."  (Proverbs 18:4)

The Scripture mentions the transformation that takes place with the number 40:

40 days and nights, flood waters (Noah's ark)
40 days, Moses on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God
40 years, Israelites wandered in the desert 
40 days, Jesus tested in the wilderness

Early this morning, an angel thought reminded to pick a single virtue to promote transformation for the year 2020.  By selecting one attitude to last the whole year through, the tone is set each day, allowing something new to happen.  The attitudes (virtues) are related to angels, and give us something to cling to through the year.   The virtue can heal and help us to choose to see things differently.  

The idea to select an angel virtue for the year comes from Anselm Gruen's book, Angels of Grace.  There are 50 choices.  Here's some he recommended, but you can always select one that fits best for yourself.

Angel of Love

Angel of Calm

Angel of Clarity

Angel of Courage

Angel of Endurance

Angel of Quiet

Angel of Forgiveness

Angel of Freedom

Angel of Gratitude

Angel of  Harmony

Angel of Healing

Angel of Exuberance 

Angel of Reconciliation

Angel of Reverence

Angel of Transformation 

Angel of Understanding

Angel of Risk

Angel of Truthfulness

Angel of Trust

The Angel of Understanding popped up in my morning meditation. I was guided to Gruen's book, hoping it would be there. 

 "If people feel understood they can express everything that is inside them.  They no longer anxiously try to hide things.  They feel that with this listener everything is in good hands, this listener understands me, and thus enables me to understand myself better."

Understanding is the key to healing.

Happy New Year!  Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Rae Karen



photo: public domain

Rain to Rainbow: An Angel Message

With the angels on-board, sometimes you may find yourself heading out in one direction, then by mistake, you take a wrong turn. Only in hindsight, do you understand that the wrong turn ended up being exactly the right turn in the long run.   There are no accidents or mistakes in the divine plan.      

That's what happened on Sunday afternoon.   Elliot and I were on a leisurely outing to visit our donkey friend at the rural orchid farm.   Taking an unfamiliar route to our destination, at the intersection, we weren't sure which way to turn on Route 11.  Asking the angels for help, we turned left and five miles down the rural two-lane highway, we realized our mistake.  We should have made a right to visit the donkey.

With nowhere to turn around, Elliot smiled and said, "I guess we're going to St. Augustine."

"Really!"  I clapped, thrilled by his spontaneity--usually the trip is overnight, and here we were on our way to my favorite place on earth, with no luggage.   Unexpected joyful tears of gratitude sprang up as I settled down to soak up the panoramic view of nature outside my window.  Towering pine tree forests hug both sides of the road.  Healing energy sustains a serene long stretch of nature, untouched by any sign of commercialism.  This wonderfully slow-paced rural route speaks to a simpler time.  Herds of brown and black cattle graze in green grassy fields;  huge metal grain silos dot the landscape; an old windmill spins round, and there are a sprinkle of houses, here and there.  It's a great stress reliever as you watch the expansive scenery go by.

I couldn't believe it!  I grinned.  We were going to St. Augustine on a whim!  A lone hawk soared overhead, guiding the way.  Doubts came as dark clouds began to form; rain was in the forecast. But we were on an adventure, expecting the best.

The rain held off on the hour's drive, with an occasional break in the clouds, to reveal a blue sky.  I couldn't wait to return to my favorite old city, God's City.

Approaching St. Augustine city limits, the sky suddenly opened up, dumping down heavy rain.  Amid the soft flapping of windshield wipers, I loudly affirmed, (with a touch of false bravado):  We're going to see a rainbow!  

Traffic was moving as the rain pelted Ponce de Leon Boulevard in the Old Historic District. Now that we were almost at the Mission de Numbres, we couldn't let the weather dampen our spirits.  At least, we had an umbrella.

A bend in the road brought a wonder that seemed to good to be true.

Was there really a BIG colorful rainbow arching the road ahead?!

With the cellphone camera, I snapped away,  hoping to dodge the fast wiper blades, and capture the rainbow to share with you.  It was far better than finding any pot of gold.

By the time we arrived at the Mission, the sky was clearing, with only a drizzle.   I stood under an old oak and got this rainbow photo.

Rainbow at  Mission  12/29/19

Before long, the sun came out and we had a beautiful afternoon in prayer and meditation on the grounds by the inlet.  At the end of the day, an angel nudged to return home.  The guidance was good.

The return trip home was smooth, with little traffic through the pines.  Nearing our hometown, a small spiral rainbow appeared in the sky! We laughed, thanking the angels for the guidance-- rainbows in our going out, and in our coming in.  It had been a long time since we'd seen a rainbow.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Feel free to step out of the box, and have an adventure.  The more spontaneous, the greater the blessings can be when you invite the angels to join you.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

A Honey Bee Messenger: An Angel Message

It's funny how such a tiny thing can make such a big impression.  On Friday, Elliot and I had stopped by our favorite local orange grove, Marshall's, for a bag of  sweet tasting navel oranges.  This tradition almost stopped several years ago when the state of Florida was in jeopardy of losing its orange trees.  Imported bees were part of a rescue mission at Marshall's Grove, as the owner did not want to spray  pesticides to protect the orange trees.  We called for the angels to help and prayers were in the works, too.

Fuzzy photo of fuzzy bee on the top mirror rim. 

This year the orange grove is yielding a really good crop, thanks to the bees, and the angels. 

Driving along the dirt lane, through the orange-laden trees, our spirits were soaring at the wonderful turn-around for the grove.  We had juicy organic oranges again.

Our next stop was Office Max to buy a memory stick for my computer. 

Sitting at a traffic light, my attention was drawn to my side-view mirror.
Something had moved on it. 

My first thought was a tiny lizard was taking a joy ride. But the light changed, and in the flow of traffic, I could now see it was a hitchhiker from the orange grove.   A small fuzzy striped bumblebee. 

I looked out, cheering him, Hold on!  We don't have far to go.

Undaunted by the wind on the International Speedway, he stuck to the white mirror's rim while Elliot did his best to drive slow.

Office Max was over the bridge, less than a mile away. 

I watched that little creature  with a strange feeling that we were one on this wild unexpected ride.  I asked the angels to surround that little orange grove worker bee and keep him safe. 

We were almost there. 

Elliot pulled the car into the lot, navigating the dips, so as not to bounce off the bee rider as we arrived at our destination. 

I gazed out the window in amazement.  That fuzzy little bee, although somewhat dazed had made it, against all odds.  As I took his photo, the manufacturer's message on the mirror caught my attention: 

OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.

I've come to see how the outer world is a mirror of what takes place in our inner world.  I was thankful for that inner impulse, that I call an angel nudge, that pointed out the little bee on the passenger mirror.   

Bees are a long time symbol of doing the impossible because their body is too large for  its small wings, but that doesn't stop the bee from defying science.  The fast speed of those little wings is what makes flight possible.

I wondered about returning the bee traveler back to the orange grove, but Elliot said, the angels would guide him to his next assignment.  They could even lead him back home.  I smiled, not sure this was the case, but it was a nice thought.  We let him be, and went into Office Max.

While shopping in the store, I looked about for a little box to transport the honeybee home to our garden. 

But it seems I need not have worried...

For when we returned to our car, a short time later, our fuzzy bee messenger had flown away.

But more bee energy was in the works.   

That evening Elliot pointed out a decorative dish on the nightstand, a gift many years ago.  See the bee on it? 

The best is yet to come!  

So if you're reading this angel blog, take the message of the bee to heart. 

Let yourself be carried away by the wonder of  each moment and taste the sweet things in life that come with an elixir of  joy. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and take notice of those angelic impulses that reflect your inner landscape.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Oldies but Goodies: An Angel Message

Yesterday I knew something was up when I was guided to turn on the radio instead of the CD player, loaded with Christmas music.  The house had been filled with wonderful holiday music all week.  The radio, on the other hand,  has been played only a few times through the years.  

With the remote, I scanned for a talk show I'd recently heard in the car.  

Bouncing through the AM stations, the call numbers flashed, none were a hit.  Then to my surprise, I heard an oldie, coming in loud and clear.  Turns out, a new Oldies radio station, WLBE 790, was broadcasting out of nearby Mt. Dora.  "Well, be!" that was just what was needed.   

I couldn't believe my old favorite, Johnny Angel, was wafting through the dining room at lunchtime.  Suddenly I was a teen again, dreamily singing along.  

It's funny how music is a bridge.  It can stir up memories of that sweet bird of youth that enliven our cells and bring happiness now.

Thanks to that angelic random radio selection, my afternoon was filled with uninterrupted golden Oldies, one hit after another.  The Supremes' hit, Stop in the Name of Love,  made me jump up off the sofa and join in, complete with hand motions, and dance moves that I haven't done in years.  

Scientific studies have shown that when we sing an uplifting or spiritual song, both hemispheres of our brain unite, and ignite parts of our brain that are rarely used. This union produces a healing effect. 

Singing and dancing are healing.  It doesn't matter if you do either well, as long as you put your heart and soul into it.    It's hard to be in a bad mood while you're singing and dancing.  

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Enjoy your day singing with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


(photo: Victorian tin)