A Little Armored One! An Angel Message

 Lately, the bird-feeder, filled with seed, had sat idle-- no cheerful red cardinals, peaceful doves, or little songbirds had come to visit. Even the feisty squirrels retreated, no longer swinging upside down from the wood feeder, chomping on sunflower seed.  Missing the animals, I could see the stark contrast of an empty world without the joy and love of our furry and feathered friends, both at home and in the wild.  

With this thought in mind, early Sunday morning, I sent up a prayer for the animals in gratitude for all the love they bring into our lives.  When I opened my eyes, what a surprise. Outside the window, at the far edge of the woods, a strange critter roamed the lawn.  

 An armadillo!  A first in the yard.  The angels must have been at work.   Hurrying for the camera, nature was patient, but he was on the move, rooting in the damp grass for breakfast, so the pics are blurred. 

It's not everyday one sees an armadillo.  The sighting seemed like a significant message so I revisited the symbolism. 

Turns out the armadillo is not only about personal protection, but discrimination and empathy.  The name is Spanish for "little armored one." 

Its overlapping bony plates are covered with horns, but the underbelly is ordinary hide.  So an armadillo is most vulnerable when they expose their undersides (or inner workings).  If threatened, it will roll up into a ball to protect its vulnerable parts. This animal can teach how to carry your protection with you, and how to use it only when necessary.  They can protect themselves without causing undue harm to another.  People who are extremely empathic will have an armadillo as a power animal.  

The armadillo hasn't been seen again, but that same afternoon, to my delight, there was a lifting.  Cardinals flew to the feeder, a squirrel scampered across the yard.  And, at the lake, nature was gathered in full force, as I gazed across the still waters to a peaceful sight.  A rookery of white ibis  roosting on tree branches by the lake. A lovely omen.  When an ibis appears, it's a call to a new and heightened spiritual understanding.  

And, I was thankful for the reminder how wonderful to take my cares and concerns up in prayer.  It's so comforting to know that we are not alone.  Our guardian angels are with us no matter where we are.  We can find peace in the stillness and rest in God's everlasting love.  We can breathe in new life and ask to see the world through the lens of divine love. 

 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

(Ref.Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)

A Graceful Surprise: An Angel Message

 

Earlier this week, an angel message prompted us to make a quick stop by the lake on our way home.   I was glad we did.  What a surprise to find a Muscovy mama duck shepherding six cute little ducklings.  Six is the number of harmony and domestic adjustment.  

Mama was keeping a low profile--guiding her precious ones through the shallow waters, among the safe shelter of the reeds.  The family was in one accord, obediently following Mama. Bobbing up and down like fast shifting corks, the lightweight fuzzy cluster flowed in unison, often being forced to rearrange their order due to the gentle rippling tide.  Instinctively her young brood knew to stay together, and close by Mama's side.  Her strong web feet paddled like rudders on a boat, navigating them through the varying waters.    

 No other birds were around, and the grayness of the late afternoon, gave the lake a quiet, cozy peace that blanketed the moment's joy.   In two month's time, her brood will have their wings and take off on their own, but for now Mama must stay vigilant for their protection.

The sighting seemed significant. Ducks are usually born in the spring.  Again, the symbolism of  the duck is about comfort and protection.  The duck's connection to water makes it linked to the feminine energies.  Water is necessary for all life on earth.  Ducks are graceful upon the water, smoothly gliding along the surface, while paddling hard to navigate the waters. We can take a lesson from duck and learn to learn to handle our own emotions, by moving gracefully through the varying waters of life.  Ducks can sometimes remind us to return to those parts of ourselves, or the activities that we feel safe and comfortable in.  Don't be like a "duck out of water". 

 

The angels remind us that we, too, can navigate the waters of life by remembering that we are never alone.  God has sent His angels to watch over you.  Watch, pray, and stay vigilant for His direction to guide you.  God is Love. And, He will never leave you comfortless. You are here for a divine purpose. Trust that there is more going on than you can presently understand...and take it one day at a time in gratitude for both the good, and the harder lessons being learned at this tumultuous time.  These circumstances are forcing us to come up higher, and with Grace we'll be there.  

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen

  

 

    

A Call for Love: An Angel Message

 

Last weekend, Elliot and I took a drive to the orchid farm.  We were long overdue in visiting our  Jerusalem donkey friend, Allahambra who lives there, with a couple of large emus, and a free roaming pet pig.    

When he spotted us walking across the field, he eagerly ran to meet us at the fence, letting out an  ear-splitting bray— ears pent back--nostrils flared,  in such a woeful HEE-HAW that my eyes misted.   Rarely am I  greeted with such an overpowering display of heartfelt affection.   Patting his smooth snout, we gave him lots of love, but, in a matter of minutes, the clouds opened up, and it began to rain.  We opened our umbrella, hoping to prolong the visit, but that wise donkey turned back to the woods for shelter, as we stood there watching him, laughing that he had more sense than we did to get out of the rain. 

 To make up for the short visit, we went back again on Saturday.   Calling out to him, the donkey looked up from the far side of his area and slowly trotted forward.  No big fanfare this time, but that was okay.  He was happy to have company, and enjoyed being fed the tall grassy weeds from our side of the fence.   

 A mother and her two young daughters by the fishpond had been watching our friendly exchange with Allahambra.   They came over with a surprised look.   The mom said, the last time we were here, he yelled at us! 

Right on cue, Allahambra began braying loud at them, giving them the royal welcome.  Smiling, I told her that meant he’s so happy you came to see him.  His heart is wide open to receive love.

The mom smiled, seeing the friendly brown donkey through a different lens.  Love.  She reached out and petted his brown trim coat, no longer afraid.  Her daughters joined in, picking the tall grass, and handing him a treat over the fence.  Their sweet innocent voices called out, “Here donkey, this is for you.” 

 Allahambra basked in all the loving attention.  A miracle had happened.  A shift in perception--from fear to love.  His seeming loud obnoxious call was not in anger, but a call for love. If only I could remember that everything is either love or a call for love... what a peaceful happy day it can be.

 Besides, who couldn’t love a face like this!

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Have I Told You Lately? An Angel Message

 Yesterday lots of cows and cowbirds had paired up in the pasture.  All were enjoying a morning meal together...the cows grazing on the damp green grass, and the watchful birds gobbling up the insect pests stirred up by the cows roaming the field.  When I zoomed in close, it seemed as if the little white bird was whispering in the big black cow's ear, "Have I told you lately that God loves you?" 



Have a peaceful day with the Angels.

Love and many blessings,


Rae Karen



 

From Vinegar to Honey: An Angel Message

 Last evening's heavy rains brought out several dark soil stains leading up to the front door.  This morning, an idea came to loosen the dirt with an application of cleaning vinegar.  I surprised myself by getting busy before eating breakfast. The unusual timing brought an unexpected gift.    

 Honeybees were buzzing the bright buttercup blooms, having a sip of nectar. I didn't know bees were so active early in the morning.  But I welcomed the sign. 

 

 Buttercups, over the years, have come to symbolize faith, and the bee represents doing the impossible. Things may seem impossible by sight, but not by faith-- whatever the appearance of things might be, we are always joined to the invisible, but very real presence of Christ within. His life is ours and He will uphold us.  So the angels encourage us to keep counting on Him--with God all things are possible.

Nature makes learning a joy, and I'm going to try to be more attentive when a nudge comes to do this or that...  Timing is everything.  A short time later, I discovered the bees had fulfilled their mission and were off on a new adventure.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

A Rainbow Blessing

Today Elliot and I decided to be spontaneous and break out of our normal morning routine.  So, long breakfast, we were out the door on a walk before the sun had a chance to heat up.   Elliot spotted this giant pig cloud, facing east,  over the cow pasture--its face lit up by the sun. 

 

But there was more to come.  Turns out, the sudden change in our schedule brought a blessing.  A beautiful rainbow! 

Here the colorful rainbow appears to make a slam dunk into the basketball hoop!

Haven't seen a rainbow in the longest time, but there it was, and it hadn't rained.  My angel card for today is Blessing.  "By focusing on the blessings that your spirit had brought to you or someone else, you are better able to learn from the difficulties in your life rather than seeking only to survive them.  "Lift your eyes from the mundane and fearful toward the evolved and enlightened."

Happy Labor Day!

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

A Wild Boar, or Two: An Angel Message

 Almost a week had gone by with no sign of our 200-lb. broad-backed 'neighbor'.  Elliot and I were beginning to think that wild boar had moved on to greener pastures.  Then, a few days ago, my heart leapt at a happy sight.  It was early morning, and a peacefulness blanketed the air. Sunlight was shining through the treetops.   I happened to look up from my morning reading in time to see him.  Prancing by the sun-room, his straggly black tail wagging, as always.  That wild pig was so close to the window, I could see his shiny black coat glistening with morning dew.  I was happy to know 'Sal' was still around.  

His visit got me to wondering...maybe I've been house-bound too long.  How else could a wild boar stir a touch of joyful anticipation in my life?   How often does one see a wild boar? especially in their front yard?  The idea seemed to fulfill a deeper desire--that out of the mundane something wild and new can suddenly forge a path into our lives.

Sal seems content with his lot in life, making the best of it, moving swiftly on purpose in his comings and goings, to and from the woods. A rogue, free to be, and intelligent enough to maneuver safely without causing an uproar.  Yet with courage to step out of the safety of the woods for a purposeful  adventure.  Turns out, boar people don't like waiting around for things to happen in their lives.  When a wild boar appears, it can  be a signal to be honest in all we do, and have the courage to face the problems in our life that seem dreadful or uncomfortable.  (Stop procrastinating, especially on projects.)  Boar represents abundance/courage/power, and on the flip side, stubbornness/conflict/disorder.

With all the wild boar energy, I shouldn't have been so surprised to find a one-of-a-kind hand-carved boar  like Sal at the farmer's market today.  It came from Africa...

My angel messenger card for today was Introspection, and featured a connection with nature.   Earth is a reality of choice.  Each day, each moment we are presented with choices.  The planet, like ourselves, is primarily water, and water is symbolic of transforming the spirit, searching for God within.  Nature comes to tell us that it has an important gift for you that will encourage your spiritual awakening.   

What angel messages have been coming your way recently?  Expect a gift that will encourage your spiritual awakening.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Visiting Cardinal Brings Love and Comfort: An Angel Message

Yesterday's trip to the grocery store turned out to have a hidden healing gift.  Before heading to the check-out, I grabbed a September Pocket CROSSWORD Puzzle book.  Later, at home, stretched out on the sofa, ready to work the first one, what a surprise to see this comforting ad on the inside cover.  "Forever in My Heart".  It was one of those special moments when an angel (my sweet mother) seemed to tap me on the shoulder. 

Elephants have always been a favorite of mine.  I met Nancy at the D.C. Zoo, and then when we lived in Virginia, the four elephants at the Norfolk Zoo were on our list to visit on Sunday afternoons. Elephants are known for their excellent memory. 

But like the ad says, "Even the never forgetful elephant needs a gentle reminder sometimes. And that's what this colorful cardinal has come to do.  Perched high on the elephant's trunk for a bird's-eye view, it sings praise for a much missed loved one."

Last spring, with many red cardinals visiting the feeder, I learned something new. Not only do they represent a need  to add more color to your life, and that everything you do is important.   But that if a red cardinal appears, an angel is near, a departed loved one. 

So the full page ad: "Your spirit lives forever in my heart," featuring this rare couple lifted my heart with these words:  "The cheerful cardinal shares a "hello" from Heaven and lets you know your loved one is safe and  happy."

Even though

we are apart

Your spirit lives

forever in my

heart.

Try to remember today, that you are never alone.  God has sent his angels to watch over you.  You'll be surprised when messages wing their way into your life. Love is eternal.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

The Cicada and the Palm: An Angel Message

Amazing how sometimes you can "pick up"  on some fleeting detail that catches your eye, and immediately know what it represents, without knowing how, and yet you just know that you know.   It happened yesterday at lunch while discussing an old book I'd been guided to reread. Gospel Messages from the Antarctic by George Paterson.  

But when something is meant to be, you've probably noticed, that somehow it wends its way across your path.  That's how, over twenty years ago,  I discovered George Paterson's book based on a thrilling expedition to Antarctica. I was eating a sandwich in my car at a fast food place with my Mom.   I can still see the book flattened in the middle of a busy four-lane road. The motion of cars and trucks stirring its pages, giving it new life.   

I was trying to curb the urge to chase after signs, so I looked, but did not leap... until my Mom pointed it out.  "Maybe that book is a sign for you."  I laughed because it was out of character for her to talk like that.   Waiting for a break in  traffic, I ran out in the road, and grabbed the faded blue book.  All the pages were intact, but it had taken quite a beating.  Gospel Messages from the Antarctic didn't seem like a hit to me. 

At the time, my life was a challenging journey so I winced when I read the spiritual stories in the book were based on another book, "The Worst Journey in the World".  It had been written by one of the men who went with Capt. Scott in 1911 to the freezing Antarctic Continent.  

So back to yesterday's lunch, while telling Elliot about rereading Gospel Messages from the Antarctic, and hoping to find a way to create an e-book for boys and girls, my thoughts were interrupted by a sudden appearance of a wide-winged insect flying by the sun-room window. I tracked it to the palm tree.   It seemed too good to be true to see a cicada in her new form. They are heard more than seen...and sound like sleigh bells ringing in the treetops, to chill the summer heat. 

This one had broken out of her hard shell, and to my surprise, landed on a long palm leaf swaying in the breeze. She clung to the frond, and I got a glimpse of her free spirit, swinging back and forth.  Elliot couldn't see the winged creature,  so after lunch, I went to take a look, not fully trusting my intuition.  

To my delight, a  transparent lacy winged cicada was happily swinging on the long green frond, enjoying the ride. The wind kept stirring the branch, so I gently held it still to take a photo for you.    


Her newly formed presence seemed significant so I looked on-line.  Cicada often represents personal change, renewal, rebirth and transformation.  Unlike the butterfly or moth, or other insects, that undergo complete metamorphosis, the cicada has no pupal state.  They transform from one fully-functioning state to another, in a small amount of time.  Below you can see the old hard skeletal shell hooked on a tree so the new creature can slowly wiggle out of a  narrow slit in the top of the hard headed shell, and emerge with wings.   

Her choice to land on the palm tree delivered another important lesson from nature.  

The stately palm, unlike other trees that branch out in many directions, only grows straight up. The trunk is elastic, and keeps the tree flexible.  During storms, the palm bends down low so as not to break in the wind.     

While humanity is going through a perilous expedition in uncharted territory, the good news is if we keep our focus on the indwelling Christ, we, too, will break out of our old shell and awaken to a new creature in Christ.  

Here are some things from Gospel Messages from the Antarctic, we can do to see with the eyes of  our heart so we may see Him.

1.  Humble our hearts before God and tell Him that we need His light to guide us 'home'.

2.  Resolve that so far as we know how to do it we will "run...the race...looking unto Jesus."

3. Ask God to open the eyes of our heart so that we may really see "the heavenly vision" for ourselves.

4.   Ask him to show us more and more what that vision means, and to give us grace to be obedient to it, whatever it may cost.    

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and remember God loves You.  

Love and peace,


Rae Karen 

The Power of One: An Angel Message

On our way out to take a walk this morning, an angel thought nudged, go take a look at little Gracie, our resident juniper bonsai on the back porch.  

Sure enough, a new story had sprung up in the miniature garden box.  

A big single umbrella capped mushroom had blossomed. The biggest one so far, and the only one present.    A closer look revealed how it was bent on leaning forward, stretching toward the light.  The tiny spider's spiral web was still intact on the bonsai's green bough.  By the way, I named her Faith, and she, too had expanded her web with wispy wings that extended her territory.  

What I took away from this endearing scenario was how important it is not to underestimate the power of one to make a change in the world. One juniper bonsai, one single mushroom, one tiny spider, one willing person, all creating a message of light together.  After all, one plus God is a majority, and that's the only thing that counts in the end.

Love and many blessings,


Rae Karen 

Catching Fish: An Angel Message

Lately it seems like something will catch my eye, only to discover later that there is need to go deeper. A clue to find, like an advent door on a decorative Christmas calendar.  Several weeks ago, this vintage snow orb music box was one of those things.  The monuments in Washington, D.C. were featured together in miniature: The Capitol Building, White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial.  When you shake the globe, glitter falls like snow. And, the music plays the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

When I came home from the Farmers' Market, without thinking much about it, I set the patriotic orb  on the coffee table by the angel statue holding a star.  They were a good pair.   Our country needs our prayers right now for peace, harmony, and forgiveness.   

While working on the blog, an angel thought came to look up the symbolism of the actual placement of these historic monuments.  On-line, I caught a fish. An article on how they might have been strategically placed to form an image of a fish, cradled between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

Reminds me of another surprising fish that showed up on our driveway in January.  A Fish symbol outlined by light. 



Love and blessings,


Rae Karen

Three Wise Monkeys: An Angel Message

You never know what may cross your path, and catch your eye.  An angel nudge.  Years ago, my friend Edra showed me her key-ring with the three wise monkeys on it.   She laughed, saying it was a good reminder to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil wherever she went.  I never forgot that.  So whenever three monkeys appear, I think fondly of my friend, now shining bright on the other side.

This morning the hand-carved wooden monkey trio at the farmers' market brought a smile.  It felt like Edra had reached through the veil, and, like an angel, had tapped me on the shoulder. 

At home some research revealed the origin of the Three Wise Monkeys. A 2000 year-old symbol named sanzaru. In Japan "san" means 3 and "saru" means monkey.   In Japan, monkey is supposed to ward off evils.

Each proverbial principled monkey has a name:

MIZARU-  Sees no evil.  

KIKAZARU - Hears no evil

IWAZARU -  Speaks no evil

Also, Mahatma Gandhi had one exception to his lifestyle of non-possession.  It was a small statue of the Three Wise Monkeys.

The  sanzaru  have found a home on my desk by Archangel Gabriel, the Angel of Communications.  A message to be prudent with what I say, wise with what I listen to, and skillful with what I look at.  Always keep our spirit pure.  Avoid listening to anything that may cause us to act badly.  Avoid speaking without reason, and do not see evil actions as natural.  Three guidelines that will lead to  peace and happiness.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen