The Art of Slowing Down: An Angel Message

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

 In Anselm Gruen's book, Angels of Grace, he writes that the Angel of Slowness would like to introduce you to the art of being.  There are many things we can rediscover by slowing down, and not always rushing to get things done.  Walk slowly, pay attention to every step, leave time for conversation, eat slowly, be deliberately aware of your actions.

An amusing reminder popped up while quickly surfing for a pic for this blog. The perfect road sign.

 

SLOW:  PENGUINS CROSSING

I decided to slow down and learn more about penguins.

Penguins can't fly, but because their wings are like fins they are excellent swimmers, easily flipping from one realm to the other, land to sea.  Always elegantly dressed in formal attire, penguins are ready to step out in style. Respectful, they walk in single file, often bowing to each other.  When the male falls in love with his prospective mate, he will give her a gift of a pebble. The couple works together in family matters. After laying their eggs, the females take off on an epic journey to the sea in search of food. The fathers stay behind to keep the egg warm while the mothers are away.  Two months later, the females return for a joyful reunion, just in time to witness the birth of their babies.

 

I'm thankful for the angel message to take it slow and easy today.  Patience must have its perfect work. You never know what may happen when you're fully present each moment. Things you may have missed in a hurry will brighten your day.  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

2023: The Year of the Water Rabbit

Often it may take time for the puzzle pieces to fit together.  A friend from Japan sent this colorful rabbit postcard card. It took me over a week to realize it was a New Year's greeting.

Meanwhile, rabbit synchronicity was at play.  The story of Peter Rabbit unfolded in the movie Miss Potter. Renee Zellweger's portrayal of Beatrix Potter, the famous children's author and illustrator of Peter Rabbit, stirred my thoughts to the wild rascally bunnies here.  

Where had they gone? I missed their playful antics. 

The answer caught me by surprise a few days later.  I looked up from the sofa. A wild streak of fluffy fur raced toward the sun-room to hide in the landscape bushes. 

 

A rush of joy at a welcome sight. The rabbits were still around, although seldom seen.   

Rabbit represents fertility and new life.  They're quick--adept at shifting gears from freeze-frame to rapid acceleration, in a heartbeat.

I wasn't as quick...until someone told me, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. 

 A light bulb went on in my head.

I dug out the Japanese rabbit postcard from the file box; thankful for an angel message from nature. Curious, I looked up the symbolism of rabbit. 

2011 was the last Year of the Rabbit. That's when we packed up and moved down to Florida to begin a new life. 

And, 2023 is the Water Rabbit, a year of hope. This is a time we'll have the ability to turn unfortunate events around despite their upbringing.  

I've learned hope is the work of the Holy Spirit when I let go and turn things over to divine wisdom for guidance.

As far as water...  We have plenty of it.  Our favorite lake is closed, the water level is too high.  I miss the happy morning fanfare of waddling happy hearts, eager for cracked corn. The ducks are gone. They've moved on.   The good news is the water level is holding...no flooding the houses by the lake.

So in 2023, take a hint from the Water Rabbit.  Keep having hope--whatever you're facing, know it can be turned around for good.  The hardest part is letting go of any ego preconceived outcomes. With peace and patience, God's purpose for our lives can unfold for the highest good of all, one day at a time.   

Peace, love, and Joy,

Rae Karen 

(photo: spring bunny in yard)

Suck It Up, Buttercup: An Angel Message

 Angel messages often come to us in flowers, birds, trees, songs--anything that catches the attention of our soul, and translates a lesson to make it easier to understand. 

It happened with the wild buttercup plant ...the hardy volunteer, seeded by the wind, and forced to bloom and grow up between the rocky border along our front walk. The Buttercup had passed all her tests.  She cheerfully bloomed in that tight hard spot, and blessed most days with creamy yellow buttercups filled with sunshine. 

With deep roots anchored in the narrow dirt crack, Buttercup's stem managed to grow tall and thick, gaining many new branches for more buds.  Then, a recent winter freeze hit hard.  The winds blew, and she shed all of her leaves in a sad little pile on the sidewalk.  Gently, I swept them away, and thanked her for being my teacher.  

The view from the sun-room centered on what was left of Buttercup.  Two bare but sturdy stems stuck out as a testimony of her past glory.  Although now stripped bare, her lesson stuck with me. I thought about clipping her down, but something always stopped me.  

The rains came, and then the weather warmed up. 

Yesterday as I passed her by, I looked twice.  She had new life-- little green leafs, fresh and eager to begin again.  Thank you, Buttercup for another lesson. 

 Buttercups are flowers of faith...the most adaptable plant in the garden. They can bloom almost anywhere.  

Sometimes we may find ourselves down and out, stuck in a small dark place, feeling dead and empty inside. Hopelessness sets in that things will never change.   

"Suck it up, Buttercup!" is a slogan on a pick-up truck in the neighborhood.  It always brings a sheepish smile.  A snappy reminder not to whine and complain during life's challenges.  Be like the faith-filled BUTTERCUP, and suck it up.  This too shall pass.

 And, just in case the lawn service gets zealous, I placed this angel to guard the precious buttercup.  Another reminder that God's angels are with us, too.  We just need to do our best, day by day, in gratitude for all the blessings we have.

Love, Peace, and Joy,

Rae Karen

Bloom Where You're Planted

Often we are forced to bloom with our backs against a stone wall. We've done everything in our power to make a change in our surroundings, but it just isn't happening. 

 It's hard to realize at times such as these that we are the change we're waiting for. 

Like the flowers, it's not about a new location. It's about a new transformation within us. 

We can wilt, letting off steam or wither, burning up energy needed for blooming. Or we can sweetly surrender and relax in the sunshine, letting our petals open naturally and on time.  

 So if change is slow in coming, ask to find peace right where you are, knowing that you're exactly at the right place at the right time. Your presence is there by divine order. Ask your Guardian Angel to help you accept what is for right now with gratitude and patience.  Time spent in meditation and prayer are Miracle Grow to help unfold the lovely petals of our heavenly purpose.  

The best is yet to be.  

Love and joy,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

(Photo:web)

A Helping Hand: An Angel Message

Yesterday on the drive home, a large gopher tortoise was up ahead.  In transit, his domed back and claw legs lumbered along the country road into our neighborhood. Since the hurricanes last fall, tortoises are seldom seen, so I was happy one was out and about in the sunshine.  

We braked to yield to this unlikely pedestrian, but he immediately froze in the road, unsure of the next move.  

Cars began backing up.  Without thinking, I sprang to the rescue. My fear for the lone tortoise's safety exceeded my fear of picking him up--something I'd never done.  I ran out in the road and gulped as he waited for the next move.  Many scrapes and scuff marks on his dusty brown shell proved he'd made it through other narrow escapes. 

He needed help to get across the road to safety.  My heart pounded, as I reached down. He was so big. Maybe he sensed my anxiety because he quickly tucked himself away inside his thick brown shell. He now looked more like a large domed serving platter, easy to transport across the road, without any fear of snapping at me.  When those clawed feet touched the grass, he picked up the pace, no doubt thankful for a lift in running his race.   

I waved to the patient drivers, and soon we all went our own separate way.  

But something had changed deep within me. A lifting of the heart.  And it happened simply because I got out of my own thick shell to reach out and help another.  

Sometimes we just have to do it afraid... 

Interesting to later learn, a keynote of tortoise is movement through pressure. 

Enjoy your day with your Guardian Angel.

Love and peace,

 

Rae Karen 

(older photo RKHauck of a different neighborhood tortoise)

(Tortoise - Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews)

Happy New Year, 2023: An Angel Message

Just when I gave up on the thrill of ever seeing a wild turkey roam the yard again, a stately pair strolled by on New Year's Eve. A good omen of gratitude, thanksgiving, and sharing.  Pale blue faces and rich brown plumage were a welcomed sight.  With new housing on the rise, and the thinning forest, spring-time had been their last visit. I missed the flock's happy gobbles on the driveway.

I was thankful that an angel nudge had sent me to the window in time to catch them stroll by the garden gazing ball.  A childlike thrill stirred my heart. They were safe in spite of all the changes in their environment.  My old friend, Sadie Turkey Lady came to mind.  After all, it's not everyday a wild turkey or two crosses your path. 

Turkey is a sign of a year of harvest. Turkey honors Mother Earth, and represents all of the blessings of Earth, and the ability to wisely use them to the greatest advantage. Turkey teaches a lesson on gratitude and thankfulness for all the good already here. 

May all life live in peace and harmony this year.  Have a Happy 2023!  The best is yet to be. 

Peace and joy and love, 

 

Rae Karen

Rat-a-Tat, An Early Wake-up Call: Angel Message

Nature has a rhythm...and early this morning she began to stir.  The loud call of a family of sandhill cranes echoed in the stillness, and our restless cat gently pawed me to get out of  bed.  I knew something was up when the loud drum of a woodpecker pounded in my ears.  I couldn't see him, but he made his presence known. 

Later, I spotted the little drummer from the sun room window.  A juvenile pileated woodpecker was at the top of the oaken power post out front. Long sharp claws dug into the dead wood to anchor his stance as he drummed out a message. Rat-a-tat. Rat-a-tat.

Woodpeckers are a rare sight here, but thanks to the angels, he patiently waited for me to return with my camera.  At the tip top of the jagged old post, he struck a pose in the sunshine.  A picture of youth.  Facing east, he greeted the warmth of the sun.  A wild fuzzy tuft of bright red hair dipped in golden rays, with the light of hope in his shiny eyes, he faced a new day in a tender moment of gratitude and quiet reflection.

A pileated woodpecker delivers a message that a new rhythm is at play within our life.  A signal to take your thoughts and give them action, regardless of the opinion of others.  It's safe to follow your own rhythm. 

Keep looking up.  The best is yet to be.

Love, peace, and joy,

Rae Karen

Squawk! What are you parroting to yourself?

Life can be full of surprising angel messages. One memory comes to mind.  Years ago, an annual Art Festival in town blocked off  Main Street.  Walking to a local restaurant to meet a friend for lunch, I began to worry my friend Joanna wouldn't find a parking place. I decided to change my negative thinking and to give thanks that the angels would guide her to the perfect parking spot. 

When I got to the packed restaurant, Joanna was already seated at a choice patio table near the manatee waterfalls.   I smiled, recognizing things are always in divine order when I get out of the way.  Turns out, she got the last space in a nearby lot.  

As I joined her, a worried woman seated behind me at another table, confided that she was meeting a blind date, a man she met on line.  She worried, about where he could park.  

I told her not to worry. Angels would guide him.  She smiled, and took my hand, grateful that we both spoke the same language.  Before long her date appeared, and they went somewhere less noisy.

Dining in the fresh air, I saw a shiny penny by the waterfalls.  A welcomed sign from the angels that everything is in divine order.  A small lizard sunning on the railing scurried away as I picked up the coin. Lizard teaches detachment, a need to let go of old fears.  Turns out, the lizard was a heads-up that a lesson on such was in the works.     

After a delicious lunch, as we were leaving the crowded patio, an odd couple caught my eye.  A man was busy texting, ignoring his dining companion.  A large white parrot sat still on a place mat directly across from the man. At first glance, I thought the bird was a stuffed toy.  Then it tilted its feathery head and blinked at me.      

"You're REAL!"   I blurted out, amazed such a beautiful parrot was out to lunch in a local restaurant.

 

The man put down his phone, anxious to put on a show. 

Do you love me?  The parrot hopped on his hand, and tenderly pecked the master's ear. 

Give me a kiss!   The obedient avian planted a gentle peck on his master's lips. 

We laughed, and thanked them for the show. 

 

Walking away from their table,  I couldn't believe the last command.  Now, flick off the nice ladies!  The man laughed.

Had I heard him right?! I turned around in time to see the final act.      

Standing on the table, the big white parrot reared back, and lifted one leg. A big talon was aimed in our direction.   

 
A split-second of humor broke the mesmerism when it hit me!  I'd been given the bird by a bird.   That was a first.

"Now, you have to give me a kiss," I laughed. But my words were powerless.  Two shiny black eyes blinked, and stared blankly.  

Apparently, this man had taught his bird many things. If there are no random acts, what did this strange encounter with a parrot mirror in my life?

I learned that parrots are the record keeper for the thoughts you tell yourself.  

What thoughts are you parroting to yourself? 

A quick self-inventory revealed, often not so positive.

Early the next morning, not fully awake, a still small inner voice came to mind.  "Be still and know that I am God."  That was a command worth following.  I relaxed.

I thought about how the innocent parrot had been trained to act on the master's command.  Was I like that parrot at times? Obedient to my ego's negative, fearful, guilt-ridden commands rather than relying on the truth of what God says about me.    

More reinforcement was in the works.  A short time later, a free chart God Has A Positive Answer turned up at a gift shop, Somewhere in Time.   A helpful guide to defeat negative ego commands.

YOU SAY - GOD SAYS  

 
You say:    It's impossible.
God says:  All things are possible.  (Luke 18:27)

You say:    I can't forgive myself.
God says:  I Forgive you. (I John 1:9 & Roman 8:1)

You say:    I feel all alone.
God says:  I will never leave you or forsake you.  (Hebrews 13:5)

You say:    Nobody really loves me.
God says:  I love you.  (John 3:1-6 & John 3:34)

You say:    I can't go on.
God says:  My grace is sufficient.  (II Corinthians 12:9)

You say:    I can't figure things out.
God says:  I will direct your steps.  (Proverbs 3.5-6)

You say:    It's not worth it.
God says:  It will be worth it.  (Roman 8:28)

You say:    I'm too tired.
God says:  I will give you rest.   (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say:    I'm not smart enough.

God says:  I give you wisdom.  (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say:     I can't manage.

God says:  I will supply all your needs.  (Philippians 4:19)

You say:     I'm afraid.
God says:   I have not given you a spirit of fear.  (II Timothy 1:7)

The parrot also brought home a lesson on non-reaction. If someone insults you, you don't have to take it seriously.  Just laugh it off and move on.

"The parrot, with its deafening squawk, rudely awakens us out of our sleep of complacency and spiritual idleness, and urges us to aim for higher things.  It announces: "Take the long, broad grand highway as far as your perspective is concerned, because life is eternal! You are eternal!" (Angel Messages, The Oracle of the Birds. 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Rays of Hope: An Angel Message

Angel messages wing their way to us in many wonderful signs and images. A "light" filled message of  hope caught my eye early this morning.  I was sitting on the sofa in the sun room.  The vertical blinds were left closed behind me to respect our neighbors' privacy.  They had just returned to celebrate Christmas.  

To my surprise, a radiant beam of golden sunlight had made its way through a narrow crack in the blinds! The round Silent Night music box on the coffee table was the focal point of a magnificent light show. Even more amazing was the exact positioning and timing of the rays. It had Mary's back as she knelt by the Christ child. 

But there was more to see. My eyes traveled to Mom's favorite chair. 

 A silhouette of the kneeling blessed Virgin was the highlight. 

What were the chances? I wondered, thankful for such an encouraging message during these dark times.  A reminder that when it is the darkest, the light shines the brightest.  And, just like the light delivered rays of hope through a narrow crack, it was all in divine perfection.  Love will find a way. With God, all things are possible.

As you go through your day, remember you are never alone.  Your Guardian Angel is always with you.  Keep looking toward the Light, and shine in your divine radiance as a holy child of God.

"All is calm, all is bright."  

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

Snowflake Bentley and Let It Snow

The snowstorm forecast for most of the States this Christmas was on my mind at bedtime. Before going to sleep, I dug up an old book, Snowflake Bentley, Man of Science, Man of God.  Wilson Bentley (1865-1931) earned the name "Snowflake".  His lifelong calling to record the beauty and precision of snowflakes provides us with a lasting legacy of 5,800 striking photographs of snowflakes. Nature adorns herself in jewels of frost, and Tiffany's, and other artisans, have patterned jewelry and art from Snowflake's exquisite collection.

A musician and farmer, multi-talented, he wrote scientific papers for the Weather Bureau, and traveled the world, to lecture and share his beautiful photos with others.

He learned that no two snowflakes were ever alike.  "Each snowflake is as different from its fellow as we human beings are from our fellows."  Bentley told his mother one evening.  

"But the comparison changes there.  For each snowflake, if allowed freedom to develop alone, is perfect according to its individual plan. It is one of nature's miracles."  

He also discovered that to be perfectly symmetrical, snowflakes must be outside the range of influence of other snowflakes.  When two snowflakes strive equally to occupy the same place at the same time, neither can have it, and both will be imperfect.  A lesson we can all take to heart.

It turns out, snowflakes do not bloom into full beauty at once.  They grow, beginning with a tiny nucleus, and developing around this nucleus a geometrical pattern of amazing regularity. He found that they grow in changing habits. "The finest snowflakes were not the largest."  Another lesson on being patient with own blossoming, and remember that bigger isn't always the best.

As you know, one thing leads to another. After reading about Snowflake Bentley, the next morning I remembered a symmetrical rhinestone snowflake ornament packed away. 

Synchronicity was at play.  The snowflake search uncovered an old blue folder in the closet.  And, I'd found a special angel in the snow; a snapshot of mom long before I was born.  

What a wonder to look out on the world after a snowstorm.  Although the snow soon fades away, we get a glimpse of the wondrous earthly beauty in one of the smallest of God's creation, knowing it will be back again some day.     

 
 

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Welcome Archangel Gabriel, Guardian of Winter!

Welcome Archangel Gabriel, the governor of the winter season.  Gabriel means God is my Strength.   December 21st marks the Winter Solstice; a good time to spend in nature to connect with the light.   Today the celestial hierarchy begin to infuse the earth with radiant angelic power.  It reaches its peak on midnight of Christmas Eve, and remains, outpouring upon the Earth, for 13 days through January 6, the time of Epiphany. 

 

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

He is the Patron Saint of Small Children.  Gabriel oversees and nourishes the child within each of us. With love and tenderness, Gabriel guides us to release our wounded inner child. He protects what is natural and pure within us.  He helps us nurture our strengths, and understand the truth in situations where there is conflict between what we know to be right, and what is being represented as truth.  Gabriel helps us to see what is real for us in our circumstances.  His wisdom offers hope, and lights the path to truth.

The winter season is a time pregnant with possibilities, like a seed planted deep in the soil.  A sacred time to withdraw from outer activities and to birth the light within our own darkness.  By paying close attention to our dreams, we can gain insight to bring more light to our circumstances. 

 

Happy Winter Solstice!

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

(Fra Filippo Lippi, A Divided Annunciation)

Ref. The Angel Oracle, Ambika Wauters

Holy Cow! An Angel Message

Okay, maybe I was getting a little carried away that day. But it wasn't just my imagination when I bumped into a LARGE cow painting, dripping with color on the shelf.  Rolling my cart down the aisle, something made me stop and take a real good look at her.   Our eyes locked in a knowing gaze, as if we were meant to be.

Those big soulful eyes and bulging nostrils stirred up an amusing childhood memory of another encounter with a cow on my grandparent's farm. Only a toddler, I had wandered down by the pasture fence.  A big cow came close, staring intently at me. Her shiny dark eyes locked with mine in a stern motherly gaze.  And, I became too afraid to make a move.  I let out a loud holler, and Mom came running. "What's wrong?" She asked, seeing me safely on the outside of the fence, staring at the cow. 

 

 "He's YOOK-in at me!"

 

In looking back, perhaps the cow was watching over me, making sure I didn't wander off.
 

Longingly I gazed at the color-filled cow art, drinking in her unusual hues. 

 

Although one-of-a-kind,  I couldn't justify bringing the cow home. Empty hearted, I left her on the shelf.  Out in the parking lot, my soul whispered, Holy Cow!  Aren't you looking to add more color to your life?"  

It was true, I had been feeling rather dull...

 

And, that special cow flowed with fresh colors from a creative artist's palette.

 
You won't find another one like it.    

 

Just the remedy needed, I ran back to round up Bessie at the cash register. 

 

That BIG BRIGHT COW, gazing above my desk, lifted my m-o-o-o-d.  To loosen up and let the creativity juices flow by adding more color to my life.

 
Later, just for fun, I found the symbolism of cows on-line.  

 

"Cows have large eyes that see all.  The stare may be hypnotic and will tear down one's walls to find the soul."  

 

Wow...That was my experience. 

 

Also, cows ultimately show us how to honor others, and to nurture ourselves.

Why not consider adding more color to your life today?  Watch for the joyful things of God to come your way.  Your Guardian Angel is always with you, guiding, comforting, and protecting you along the way.  Your Guardian Angel knows you better than you know yourself.  The best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen