signs

Signs of the Times Bring Glad Tidings

Posted on by jptanabe
Before the last neighbors’ house even took away the spooky Halloween decorations from their yard, people in my neighborhood started having Christmassy front yards. The day before Thanksgiving suddenly almost all the houses had been lit up with cheer and joy.
 
When the Christmas tree arrived in Rockefeller Center in New York City, the New Yorkers were shocked to discover in its branches, more surprised than themselves, a most adorable cute huggable owl, with her eyes wide open in amazement. This little owl could not comprehend how in the world she could make the trip from somewhere in the deep forest and arrive at Rockefeller Plaza, where she never went before. She was starving and seemed stunned to encounter the busy, anxious inhabitants of the Big Apple.
 
This was a sign. God the almighty sent a message to New Yorkers with the best ornament the Christmas Tree ever had. You see, the owl represents a beneficial, protective, wise bird. It protects humans at night, and brings good fortune, announcing change and new beginnings with higher understanding.
 
In the frosty December cold winter, this owl brought cheer, joy, and comfort to all of us.
In the meantime, the little owl, given the name “Rocky,” was fed, nurtured, and brought back to the forest.
Photograph: Ravensbeard Wildlife Center.

In my own backyard in the Mid-Hudson Valley, we see all kinds of animals. My neighbor Leanne is giving names to the visiting deer. One is Stella. There was also Haribou, the master with his big horns. In late October, drinking coffee with friends on my porch, suddenly a baby deer was chasing his mom, and right in front of our eyes, started nursing.

There is Blackie, the wild cat, who lives in the bushes and refuses to inhabit the cat house with a special blanket which generates heat. He likes it better in the wild over there in the bushes. But every day he comes to Leanne for food.
 
Last winter I also gave names to two huge visiting birds who came often, always as a pair. Halifax and Margot always chose the same tree when they visited me.
 
God made the creation at the beginning of time. He asked Adam, the first human being, to name each animal. We were supposed to be lord of creation and rule the world with love. But Adam and Eve fell. That is why God had to send Jesus the Messiah our savior. Jesus spoke about the marriage supper of the lamb which will happen at his return.
May we recognize the signs of the time.
 
Merry Christmas and cheers and blessings to you and your loved ones.
 
Elisabeth Seidel

Signs from Above

Posted on by jptanabe

In the early morning, going for my usual walk after some spiritual reading, and conversing, reporting to my husband Dietrich on the one-way phone calls, if I am attentive there is always a greeting, a sign coming from a tree, or the radio, or a word in my heart mind.

Today, my eye caught sight of a beautiful red bird in a bush. A feeling of love and beauty swelled in my heart, a most special greeting, a lovely hello, a sight from beyond the veil.

I came back home and there was a magazine open at a picture of a bright red bird, a cardinal, with the words “Messenger from Heaven.”

The page also had the words, “A gentle reminder that we’re never far apart, my spirit will live on forever there within your heart.” And in my mind, I remembered the words of the song, “And when the time comes, I will be there to meet you and welcome you home.”

This reminded me of the time Dietrich found a penny on our morning walk. I told him to keep it; put it in full view on the small table. The penny reminds me of God and the emblem of America.

Some days the dark is stronger than the light. Still we keep going, keep moving. At that time after a tearful morning prayer, I went for a walk. Suddenly a white truck appeared. On it side was the name of the company, and underneath were the words, “In God We Trust.” Definitely God was talking to me: “Trust Me,” I will protect you.