Showing posts with label receiving gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label receiving gifts. Show all posts

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Caterpillar


In my spiritual practice, I read many inspirational phrases, quotes, and sayings, through divination cards, books, or the internet. Something that has been coming up for me lately is that my higher power and angels have been trying to connect with me and that I need to pay attention to symbols, signs, and things coming into my life. Here is a story that I believe is coming for my greater purpose.

Recently one morning, I returned to my apartment from running errands. I share it with a roommate and two of my favorite cats. I noticed “Squirrel” (a female cat) was playing with something by our balcony door. I walked over to see what she had; it was the largest caterpillar I have seen in a long time. I scooped him up and threw him off the balcony into the grass below. I totally was not expecting to see him, since we live on the third floor of the apartment complex. I checked the outside walls of the balcony and didn’t see anything inching its way up. After that, I went back to whatever I was doing.

Later that evening when I returned home from work, I went into the kitchen to cook myself some dinner. Low and behold, I found two caterpillars on the floor dead. I picked them up and threw them away. Ok, now I was starting to become more baffled than I was earlier in the morning. How in the heck did three caterpillars show up inside? Since I have lived in here, I have not seen critters or bugs inside, unless it’s the occasional lost fly, bee or mosquito. Again, I went back to what I was doing, dinner.

The next morning, I made myself some coffee and went out on the balcony and was surprised to see the male cat “Ash” playing with, yes, a CATERPILLAR. Close by, was another one. I chased off the cat and got rid of them. Wow, now I am grossed out that I keep seeing these things in and out of my house. I searched the walls, and the ground, the inside and outside part of the balcony and did not see anymore. Afterwards I went into the kitchen to get more coffee went back outside and the cat was playing with another one and he, the caterpillar was a large one. 

I took a moment to contemplate what the heck is going on. I found 8 caterpillars in the last 24 hours and realized, “There’s a deeper meaning to this.” I researched online the meaning of the caterpillar. I know, butterfly is about transformation and what  I found is the caterpillar is about change, before the transformation. Caterpillar lives for a certain point and then is transformed into a butterfly, shedding himself of his past life and creating a whole new life. “Wow”, this is exactly how my life has been right now. It’s about change. Change has come upon me and I have been waiting for signs of new.

Immediately, I thanked the universe, God, and my higher power for bringing me the caterpillar. For my life is a constant transformation. I recreate and redefine myself continually as I learn each day to become closer to myself and life. Without the transformation, there would be no change.  I asked for forgiveness about killing the creatures that came to give me a message.  I also realized the number 8, for me in numerology is about abundance, which is something that I continue to pray for in my life.

Many messages are delivered to us from our higher power, God, spirit, angels, animals, people and other things. Being able to pay attention to the message may be difficult, but you when do recognize the signs, they can be powerful and exciting. How wonderful it is, that I am able to take this message and look for the deeper meaning.

~Rev. Danielle Ohlund~

Friday, June 3, 2011

Love Speaks


Love Speaks

Around the world many people speak of Love. It is often described as a sense within. For some it’s a warm fuzzy feeling in their tummies or heart. For others it is a knowing. An awareness that expresses something that is indescribable. Popular author, Gary Chapman explains how love speaks through, “The Five Love Languages” The languages are;

1. Words of Affirmation. People relate to words. They are a part of everyday life. A simple “hello” expresses we took time to notice the other person. Many like to say and hear “I love you” and for others positive compliments proclaim love for another. Studies show that relationships are more successful with a ration of 5:1. Five positive compliments or words of affirmations for every one negative. Listen for clues from your expressions to know what your loved ones primary love language.

2. Quality Time. When in relation with others, life can easily get in the way. People crave undivided attention. If they are not getting the support they need negative behavior is displayed and unfortunately negative gets our attention quicker than positive. Our children are prime examples of this. Wanting our attention at times when we are preparing our lives. Stop and take a moment to spend quality time with loved ones, we tell them with our actions, “I love you, and spending time with you is important to me”.

3. Receiving Gifts. For some, giving gifts is another way of saying “I love you” Giving and receiving is a powerful expression of affection that can last a long time. The most meaningful gifts become symbols of love, and those that truly convey love are a part of a vocabulary. When we give, we show our loved ones we took the time to think about them and that they matter. To truly speak this style we must be genuine in our act of kindness.

4. Acts of Service. Often people say an act of service is their primary love speech. The simplest act can be the most rewarding, like holding the door open for someone, helping someone pick up things they dropped or giving a friend a ride. When doing for others we create an environment that is of unity and show that we care by acting selfless instead of selfish.

5. Physical Touch. Physical touch will communicate love more deeply than the words “I love you” or giving a present, fixing something, or spending quality time. We receive love from all the languages, but for many the clearest and loudest one is physical touch. Without hugs, kisses, pats on the back and other physical expressions of adoration, our love tank will remain less than full. Human development requires intimacy. If you use physical touch as an expression of anger and aggressiveness you will hurt the other very deeply, especially is your loved ones primary love language is touch.


Sharing and expressing love is important to everyone. Whether your love language is words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch, we must be genuine with our intentions. Taking the time to learn each other’s dialect is the greatest act of love for all.

Rev. Danielle Ohlund, Master Life Coach and Hypnotherapist 480-331-0191