A Shift in Perception: An Angel Message

 

Look at this photo.  What do you see?

 

Many years ago, a co-worker at the Department of Defense had cross-stitched this gift for me.  What do you see? she asked, watching my face as I studied the unusual sign, trying my best to figure it out. 

 

Honestly it meant nothing. A strange code of cryptic symbols. But Justine smiled, reassuring to keep looking. I would get it.  And, she was right.  Aha! With a slight shift in my perception, the precious name JESUS appeared as bold as it could be.    I wondered how I could have missed it.   

 

It's all about perception...  Our five senses are deceivers. 

 

For years, Justine's red-and-white Jesus sign hung on my closet door knob.  My life was going through a major overhaul.  On occasion, it caught my eye as I hurried to dress for work. But I noticed something strange.  At certain times JESUS readily appeared while at other times, I couldn't make it happen no matter how I turned my head or blinked my eyes.  JESUS was not in the picture. 

But the good news is that CHRIST is always present.  Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, no matter how we look at it.  Divine Love is changeless. 

May you feel the peace of Christ today.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen

The Real You? An Angel Message

 Maybe you've noticed how a photo taken years ago can bring a touch of humor as you recognize yourself in the picture.  This tall giraffe trying to masquerade itself in the branches of a spindly tree at the Norfolk Zoo reminded me of my own shyness, watching safely hoping to blend in with the background.  Fooling no one, least of all me.   

When a giraffe runs its markings resemble different sizes and shapes of a giant jigsaw puzzle in motion.  Like human fingerprints, no two patterns are alike.  Each one amazingly unique, a one-of-a-kind creation, like you and me. 

 

Do you have trouble being your real self when meeting new people? If so, silently invite the  Holy Spirit into your encounter.  He will help you become aware of how you may be masking your  true self for fear of acceptance. Old wounds often guard against sharing in honesty and freedom.    The people we meet along the way are not by chance. They come by divine appointment.  A living piece of our jigsaw puzzle to help us see the bigger picture. Our meeting always becomes a win-win under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A door will naturally open in our exchange for the Spirit of Truth to flow.  An opportunity will present itself to share and grow together. The trials we've overcome enable us to speak the same language to another now facing the same issue, and vice-versa.  Healing is always the goal.    

 

Giraffe represents farsightedness.  "Giraffe brings a message to be alert as to what is coming.  You can see what others cannot.  Do not resist moving into new areas."  Sometimes you may have to stick out your neck to get ahead.

One last thing about the giraffe...it can only make flute-like sounds and low pitches beyond the range of human hearing. It has a voice although not audible to our ears.

 

So that special person who happens to cross your path today, may be more than a how-do-you-do acquaintance?  They may just be the answer to a prayer.  Stay open-hearted to both give and receive, and silently invite the Holy Spirit to be with you.   Watch for miracles.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

 

Ref: Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews 

Be Bold and Dare to Be: An Angel Message

                                   
Many years ago, driving through Orlando, on our way home from a road trip, out of curiosity,  I snapped a photo Of Holy Land as Elliot sped by.  Traffic in the southbound land was at a crawl.  And we were going so fast, I expected the photo to be a blur.  But the surprising image of Holy Land revealed the bigger picture. This shiny black16-wheeler had delivered a heavenly message with a golden harp.  Fortune Favors The Bold

I laughed, thanking the angels for their sign language. Just the uplifting message I needed.  At that time, I had anxiety about sharing my creativity for fear of judgment.  I needed to let go and just be me...   

 

Enjoy your day with the angels, and joyfully accept the gift God made you to be. The world needs your love and light. 


Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen









  

Lasting Images: An Angel Message

Maybe you have a certain picture, or keepsake that keeps coming back to life for you catching you off-guard.  A lasting impression that makes you stop and think beyond what you think you know now. A humpback whale photo, entitled, "Back-flip" did the trick for me. Many years ago, life was in a state of flux when I found it at a thrift shop at Virginia beach. One-of-a-kind, it delivered an angel message about divine timing.  The photographer happened to be at the right place at just the right time to capture this amazing photo.

I knew it was meant for me.  An angel inspiration of a sudden, surprising expansion on the horizon. But like Back-flip, I would need to be willing and give it all I had to rise up beyond the old and embrace a new vision. 

Studying the photo, I tried to imagine the dynamic thrust needed to launch oneself out of the deep with such heavy, heavy, tonnage.  What did this new view feel like?  It seemed as though the upside-down humpback, barnacles and all was smiling with satisfaction--enjoying the new view.  And, I could relate.  hadn't I been feeling upside-down and inside-out, ready for something expansive.  A new vision to bless our life.

Back-flip hung on the wall in the hall-- as a reminder, get ready to make a major move.  Early the next year, it happened quite out-of-the-blue. Elliot and I found ourselves permanently moving out of state, heading down south to the Land of Flowers. Synchronicity was at play.  Dolphin Movers ended up handling our move.  

In reading up on whale symbolism, I learned that whales occasionally breach, coming completely out of the water, and when they do, ask yourself:  How am I using my creative ability? Am I keeping everything inside, afraid to let it out?  If so, the angels send a message.  It's time to breach and share the  magnificence and power of your own creativity. Do not hold back, reach for new depths of creativity with practical expression.

Humpback whales are powerful singers.  They remind us that we must adapt our song, our words, to the time and place.  They should never be rote. Now is the time to trust our perceptions for we are seeing more clearly.

May your angels help you to make a joyful leap into an expanded awareness of your magnificence.  A new vision to bless your life.  Trust that the best is yet to be. 

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

Ref:  (Animal-Speak, Animal-Wise)

Hats Off to Uncle Sam: An Angel Message

Happy July 4th!  It's fun to reminisce about a humorous and unforgettable lesson on the power of never giving up.  It happened many years ago regarding Uncle Sam. 

Elliot and I were inching along in rush-hour traffic at Virginia Beach where we lived at that time. A windy morning, I caught sight of Uncle Sam standing on the corner of a busy intersection.  A exaggerated promo for Liberty Tax.

To my surprise, a sudden gust whipped up and his giant-sized Red, White and Blue Top Hat blew off his bare head.  Helpless, his striped trousers flapped in the breeze like a pair of Old Glory flags waving in despair as his hat sailed away in the wind.   

Elliot and I decided it wasn't a good omen for Uncle Sam to lose his Top Hat--a symbol of authority.    Like two super heroes, we playfully set out to restore justice.  To our delight, the oversized hat rolled along on its brim--an animated red/white/blue tire, keeping pace with the traffic. We laughed. The patriotic hat seemed to have a life force of its own, navigating it along the curb.  

 
Then up ahead, Uncle Sam's hat suddenly rolled to a complete stop. 

Here was my chance!  I jumped out of the car, and ran.  Just as I reached down for the brim, a  playful gust whisked it beyond my grasp.  A tease--that playful hat would slow down, I'd jump to grab, and off it spun in the wind like a childish game of chase with me lagging behind like a fool entertaining a host of  morning commuters. 

 
Winded and embarrassed, I returned to wait in our car for the traffic light.

 

Something amazing happened next.  

 

Uncle Sam's Top Hat changed directions.  No longer safely rolling curbside, it spun out in the middle of the road!  Cringing, we watched in awe as it successfully dodged several oncoming tires. But then... SPLAT.  Like a  red, white, and blue-striped patriotic pancake the Top Hat lay ruined, flattened in the road.    

The quest was over. We'd done our best.  But what appeared hopeless ... sprang back to life! A sudden gust of wind somehow popped the smashed hat back into shape.   Like a miracle, Uncle Sam's Hat was on a roll again.      

Laughing, we were committed again to the quest. 

 

A big break came.  It seemed to good to be true. The illusive Top Hat veered off into a parking lot across the road.  Elliot sped in, and pulled up right beside it.  Victory. The animated Top Hat was waiting, brim side up, easy to grab and go.  Thank you, Angels, we cheered.

 

Soon a smiling, grateful Uncle Sam was reunited with his Top Hat, thanks to the angels who kept us going. What had appeared to be a totally hopeless situation, ended up a temporary break in the action.      

  

I thought about the symbolism. Sometimes we may be so close to reaching our goal when suddenly it's whisked away, leaving us feeling flattened and lifeless. But the Holy Spirit (often described as the Wind or Breath of God) will suddenly breathe new life into us, and we, too, can pop back into shape, and roll on to victory.  

The angels remind us: Don't ever give up!  The best is yet to be.  Thank God for George Washington and all those brave souls who fought hard for our liberty and freedom. They never gave up.  The best is yet to be.

Happy July 4th!  God Bless America.

Love and peace,


Rae Karen

Starfish - Follow Your Own Star

Years ago, daily sunrise walks along the beach never delivered a real starfish, thank goodness. Starfish are like stars of the sea, bringing a message of hope. Regeneration. A starfish can regrow a limb if bitten off.    Starfish are named for their five "star-shaped" arms.  These wonders of the sea have no right or left, only top and bottom.  Their mouth is on the underside along with small suction cups. 

The past few months, starfish lamps have crossed my path at flea markets or thrift shops.  I love how the angels guide our attention to something meaningful that can be translated into a message of hope.  A spiritual symbol.   Starfish always make me lighten up with a message of regeneration.   

  This decorative lamp was a $2 bargain at the local weekly market in town.  Now, it lights up my desk with faith.  Regeneration.  A reminder that even "if we fail in our own unique endeavors, we will regain anything that is lost, and still be able to continue if we keep our faith intact."

Without eyes or ears, the starfish depends on its sense of touch and smell.  So must we be willing to follow our own star-- our own scent as to what is best for us.  Others may not approve of your unusual way.  "Individuals for whom starfish appear are often very sensitive to the true emotions of others surrounding them no matter how they are shielded and disguised by the individuals."   

Last weekend, my friend shared a photo she took at the beach.  A tiny bright star high, high appeared above the clouds at sunrise.  A tiny speck of light.  Having just moved back to the state, and, in transition as to what to do next? Her hopes soared when she spotted it alone in the sky.  It was as if God had sent a star to guide her way.

The angels encourage each of us to trust our own inner instincts, and not just follow the crowd.  Follow your own inner star, and leave a path of light for others to follow. Your ability to discern new opportunities will be increasing.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 

(Ref: Animal-Wise, Ted Andrews)

 

An Armadillo in the Sunlight: Angel Message

On a morning walk today, what to my wandering eyes should appear... an armadillo rooting around in the pasture. His full armor glistening in the sunlight. Over a year since last seen, as always the timing was perfect. Angel messages in nature pop up on time in a deliberate guise to catch our attention and make us take stock of our life.

The armadillo is about personal protection, discrimination and empathy.  The Spanish word for this unusual creature means little armored one. When threatened it rolls up into a hard little ball, protecting its vulnerable underbelly. 

When an armadillo appears you may need to set up healthy boundaries for yourself and others.  You don't have to isolate and curl up in a protective shell, but learn to speak what's true for you. 

 Ask yourself, when is it beneficial to be unyielding? 

When would being more flexible best serve you and others? 

Listen, then follow your inner truth.  It's wonderful to have empathy, but a balance is needed when helping others.  

The armadillo signals an opportunity for a new birth is coming within the next 8 or 9 months.  Do not  roll up in a ball and hide for fear of being vulnerable.  By listening within, we can adjust our rhythms so that what we wish to create will occur at the safest time. 

It's sharp claws are excellent for digging, reflecting an ability to dig through the surface to get to the bottom of things.   "Sensitivity and susceptibility to outside influences are increasing, so use discrimination and protect yourself."  (Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

The armadillo's message brings to mind the protection offered by daily reading or reciting Psalm 91.

We can also pray to put on the Armour of Light:

"In the Name, through the Power and by the Word of Christ Jesus, I put on the

whole Armour of Light.  On my head is the helmet of Salvation.  I wear the

breastplate of Righteousness.  My loins are girded with the Truth.  My feet

are shod with Peace and enveloped in the flame of the Spirit of the Almighty

God.  In my left hand I hold the shield of Faith.  In my right hand is the word

of Spirit.

 

   "This is the word of God and the Word of God is unassailable.  Only Good

shall come to me.  Thus clad, I stand joyfully expectant, ready to do the will

of the Father.  Amen."  (adapted from Ephesians 6:11-18, Christ Ministry

Foundation). 

 

 

 Remember you are never alone.  God has given his angels to watch over you.  The best is yet to be.

 

 Love and peace,

Rae Karen

 

 

 

 

 

(armadillo photo: Web) 

(ref: Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)

(The Christ Highway, Genevah D. Seivertson)

Who? Who? Who are You? An Angel Message

Sometimes nature speaks when least expected and delivers a comforting angel message.  Years ago, I remember the distinct call of an owl as I laid awake in bed worrying in the middle of the night.  "Who-o-o? Who-ooo?  I smiled "Whoo are you?" seemed to be the wise owl's haunting question.  "Who do you think you are?" We've all heard that many times in our lives, I'm sure. 

 

The Holy Spirit knew the answer to my quandary. 

 
As synchronicity would have it, earlier that evening, I'd been reading Alice in Wonderland.  Curiously, the original illustrated copy had popped up on a shelf at a bargain store while shopping for a new journal. One-of-a-kind and oddly out of place, I thanked the angels for the rare find. 

At the dinner table, I'd playfully read out loud Alice's conversation with the caterpillar.

 
"Who are you?  the caterpillar asks Alice in a sleepy voice.

 "I--I hardly know, Sir."  Alice shyly admits that she hardly knows just at the present-- at least I knew who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then."

I could relate to Alice's dilemma.  It's all about perception. Although we don't physically change sizes like Alice in her dream of Wonderland, we may find ourselves shrinking in front of this person, or that situation, and towering in others, depending on the circumstances we give away our power.

A change of perception was in the air this morning. After the heavy rains, to my surprise, the towering palm tree was wearing a new face.  Facing a new direction on the opposite side of her weathered gray trunk. 

 

Her expression had softened.  Clear eyes opened wide, old weighty dead fronds passed away. She now had a peaceful countenance after weathering many storms. The old warrior face (below) had slowly faded away as the tall tree shed her bark in bits and pieces over the years.  Nature had carved a new look. Palm trees represent victory and timing.  Flexible, they give and bow down low in the winds so they can bounce upward again with their crowns intact.  The palm has been named the phoenix. A symbol of resurrection.  

 

Who are you? we may often ask ourselves during these times of rapid acceleration.  A season of great questioning...about everything it seems.

We wear many masks for many different occasions.  Who are you? is the question. A lowly caterpillar? Or the beautiful butterfly? Mortal or Spiritual? A host to God or a hostage to your ego?  Who we think we are is the answer to all of our earthly problems. Someone once said the secret to beauty is to have less illusion and more soul.

Like Alice in Wonderland, our earthly sojourn is a call to listen to the Holy Spirit and awaken from the dream of separation from the Love of God. Like Alice running from the Queen's fearful army of cards, she's almost home...she's at the door. Reaching for the knob, it's locked! The door knob tells her she's already home.  Through the key-hole she sees the truth.   She is safely sleeping in the shade of a tree.  Alice shouts to herself through the keyhole, WAKE UP, Alice!  

 

And, you know the rest of the story. It was only a dream.

 

Like Alice, we, too, are safe at home, dreaming in the Ever Lasting Arms.  Who are you?  A holy Child of God.  Arise and shine!

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Faith-Filled Friday: Angel Message

When I opened the vertical blinds in the morning,  I almost stepped on a familiar flat stone on the brown variegated carpet. I smiled at Hei-Hei's special angel delivery to start a new day.  During the night, that playful cat had knocked it off the lamp table in the sun-room.  Picking up the smooth stone, it felt cool and comforting in my hand.  I knew it was the FAITH rock before I turned it over. The surprise came later on--after the photo was uploaded.  Something new and different appeared on the polished rock.  A stream of lamp light reflected on the ebony stone--like an exclamation point after the word Faith in gold letters! I had to go back and double-check the shiny black rock to be sure. But the light had emboldened the angel message to have faith during the dark times.  Unseen Help is ever present.     

 

 Although Hei Hei wasn't finished with his morning deliveries. He caught my attention later on the porch quietly watching the sandhill crane family commune by the old windmill.  The brown welcome mat the cat rested on was a bristle haired. Our Story Begins Here.   

In the story of our life, what a gift to know we can ask for faith, even if it be as small as a mustard seed. God can do miraculous things with just a little willingness on our part.  The Holy Spirit welcomes every invitation and is the call to Joy in our going out and in our coming in. Answers come...with just a little faith in our hearts.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen

Drumming A New Rhythm: Angel Message

Watering the flowers early this morning,  I caught a glimpse of the sun's glorious rays breaking through the trees.  Dazzling sunbeams like a golden sparkler on the 4th of July.  I stood still in the cascade enjoying the splendor.  A short time later, a loud drumming outside the sun-room interrupted my morning routine as I wrote in my journal.  RAT-A-TAT, like a jackhammer his beak pounded the old wood power pole.  

Whenever a woodpecker appears, and it doesn't happen often, a  new rhythm is being drummed into our lives.   A rhythm that will eliminate worries, and allow success to occur in the coming months.  This is something entirely new, so be sure to focus on new plans, new goals. The old way will no longer work for you.   Doing things the way you've always done will no longer work. Doing things the way others do will not work for you.  A new rhythm, a new ability, and a new opportunity for rapid growth are around you right now.  You now have a solid foundation to move in any direction.  

And, as always, our angels are ever present to guide, protect and encourage. Love will make a way.

 Love, joy and peace,

Rae Karen 

(old photo Woody and the angel in meditation garden) 

(Ref. Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews)

By Leaps and Bounds: Angel Message

 Yesterday's wait at Tires Plus was a lesson in patience as Elliot and I sat in the car in the heat of a hot summer day.  The ice cream store next door was closed on Mondays.  Looking up at fluffy white clouds, a tiny glint of color caught my eye.  Gliding ahead of giant billowy white clouds, a lone skydiver appeared.  Watching him sail the friendly skies after making a daring leap out of a plane at nearby Sky Dive Academy, I envied his bird's eye view on-high. 

A rare treat, I zoomed in from an astronomical distance. Struggling to focus on what appeared like a tiny candy sprinkle on a vanilla-frosted cake, I asked the angels for help.  They delivered.  The colorful parachute canopy turned out to be a rainbow. An uplifting sign of God's promise of deliverance-- no matter how great the clouds in our life may loom.

 

The evening before, another surprise had graced our neighborhood.  On a walk, my son suddenly spotted a real rainbow, high up in the clouds, fading, but visible. 

But something else happened during our wait at Tires Plus.  I spotted something move... ever so slightly. Straining to see, I could barely make out the unlikely brown form of a little frog that blended in with the pebbled concrete. I let out a laugh of disbelief, feeling the jolt of an angel tune-up. Really? A frog at the tire maintenance garage.   

The angels were on a roll. The acronym for F.R.O.G.  Fully Rely on God.  Frog it!

To prove it really happened, I leaped out of the car. BOING! BOING!  Strong hind legs stretched to the max bouncing him up high in the air, in the shadows of the bushes by the TIRES PLUS SIGN.  In the blink of an eye, the brown frog sprang round the brick wall, and disappeared.  Only wisps of heat steamed the vacant parking lot.  Gone in a single bound, but not forgotten, I got it. Frog it!  NO matter how trying the circumstances of our trials may be, do your best and fully rely on God.

The skydiver and the leaping frog were playful angel messages to keep having faith on high.   And, we had been blessed with four new tires. 

Joyfully watch for angel messages to come your way today to help you lighten up.  Isn't it wonderful that we are never alone? We have angels watching over us.  The best is yet to be. 

Love, joy and peace,

 

Rae Karen

When a Cardinal Appears: An Angel Message

Early this morning, sleepily spreading cracked corn by the drive, all was quiet and still after the rain last night. The trees drenched, everything renewed and refreshed. The earth was blanketed with peace.  Shuffling along, suddenly, I was awakened.  The soggy collage of brown leaves and green grass sprang to life.  Startled, I looked down.  By my feet, a cute wide-eyed rabbit emerged in a furry brown coat of camouflage. 

"Oh, Good morning!" I softly greeted my hungry friend.  "Sorry I didn't see you at first." Shiny black eyes stared up at me.  Her tall ears tuned on-high like an antenna.  I remembered rabbit represents new life, new beginnings, and fertility.   Rather than run away in fear, she stayed her ground and nibbled on the yellow seed.   

Later, when I looked out again, a red cardinal had joined her.  You can't make these things happen. I grabbed my camera, not expecting much through the screen door.  I snapped away, but the angels delivered a photo for you. Cardinals always remind me of my angel mom.  A sign her love is reaching through the veil to encourage me just when needed the most.  

The two communed by the old gray metal windmill near the driveway.  Many years ago, I spotted the towering garden ornament waving on a corner in a desperate call for help. The windmill was about to be turned into scrap.  A ten dollar bargain, a friend helped us haul it home.   Windmills stir my mind with thoughts of my faith-filled Grandma Jessie, mom's mother. A real working windmill had pumped water into her old white two-story farmhouse. If I close my eyes, I can still hear creaking as the wheel slowly spun, round and round in the winds of change.    

The Circle of Life goes round and round.  

I am thankful for a little brown rabbit and a bright red cardinal. New life, loved ones are near.   A reminder to walk by faith and not by sight, to listen and stay attuned to the inner voice of Spirit.  I'm learning more each day that the unseen realm is more real than the material world we perceive with our five senses.  Bodies may come and go, but the spirit of life and love lives on forever.  There is no death.  

So no matter whatever you may be going through, remember the unseen realm.  There is more going on than your physical eyes can discern.  You are growing in Spirit.   Remember your divine heritage.  You are in a body but you are not your body.  You are a holy Child of God.  

Be still and listen... Love always makes a way.

May your spirit soar to new heights today as you embrace your true identity.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen