May 12, 2024

Ah, Come Here


“Come here” we call to the bouncing puppy so full of life, reaching out our sheltering arms and welcoming their companionship.

“Come” is used in so many ways but it always points to recognition! After all, there has to be someone the words are directed to. It speaks to us. “You are here. I see you.”

We share the excitement of discovery or offer support and comfort. When we hear, “Wow, come look at this,” we gather around as our curiosity and interest is piqued. The caring, “come here” of family or friend as they reach with open arms, a hug, or an offer of help is welcome, too.

Jesus’s words encourage us to “come.” “Let the little children come to me,” he said to his disciples. At another time, his compassionate words called all “who are weary and burdened” to come to him (Matthew 19:14 and 11:28). He cares about us when we are struggling and brings us the example of coming as a seeking and trusting child. Sometimes the “come here” can be hard to follow and, like a small child exerting that will for independence, we turn away.

Often for me, that voice is a welcome reminder to run to God’s sheltering arms. When my anxiety swells and overwhelms, God’s voice whispers in my ear, “Come to me. I’m here.” It’s in His presence that I begin to learn the nature of love, obedience, security, and protection in daily life. God’s place of acceptance offers shelter and comfort.

Whether we come as a trusting child or a bounding puppy. Whether we come dragging our feet or unable to rise on our own… stressed, tired, or content, may God draw us ever closer to Him. He sees you, recognizes you, and cherishes you. “Ah, come here.”

Be encouraged.


Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 27, 2024

Balm


Warm sunshine and soft country breeze
Quiet sunrise with golden rays
Soft laughter and companionship
Gentle, calming… sooths the soul

What this balmy day can share
Lifts the spirits everywhere
Healing salve for body and mind
Fragrant oil and cooling drop

Home and comfort during trying times
Kick off the shoes and breathing deep
Curing unguent for renewal and rest
There is a balm both caring and sweet

Cracked and dry we seek balsam’s touch
Absorbing goodness to now be restored
Kindness reaches out like Gilead’s finest
… Feel God’s ointment sinking in

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 21, 2024

Triangle


Arms open wide to greet the day
Or bow the head against the wind
Uplifted ‘neath the dome of sky
Wait and rise with hands’ sure touch

Bold and strong, it speaks its way
Standing resilient, ever-linked
Connected as in prayer upon firm base
Persisting daily through nature’s pounding

As mountain peaks and volcano cones
Butterfly glides and flower sways
Rocks and tents and stars above
Pyramids solid, constellations shining

Clasping hands in unity
Harmony coming… mind, body, soul
Linger here to make us whole

Past, present, future starting anew
Holy Spirit, Son, and Father …One
Mighty God, great above all else
Set us strong upon our way

– From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 13, 2024

Reflections on Stinkbugs


• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade
• True compassion grows and shines from within
• Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive
• There are times when we just need to be alone
• We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives
• People can raise a stink when they are unhappy
• The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds
• Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes
• Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences
• Travel can open one’s eyes to many things
• Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind
• May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing
• Be present for God, who is always present
• God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 7, 2024

Blink


Memories open time’s album
Eyes wide open upon days’ dawns
Open-shut-open, open-shut-open
Arriving here and then… days gone

In our blinks we pause and see
What has shaped us, has made us be
Light quickly flashing, a momentary gleam
Revealing treasures, struggles, and more

Ah, time’s reward upon it’s trek
Whether quickly upon us or swiftly away
As blink and blink and blink again
Casting off past and gaining new

And so, each day we open a promise
Mindful of time’s precious blinks
Do not let them pass you by
But live and grow and quiet your soul

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 31, 2024

YET


A word has recently been popping into my mind and so I have returned to it to see what it is saying to me. 🙂 That word is “yet” …Have you thought about this small but powerful little word before? It’s one of those words that we use a lot. Some ways we might use this small word are:

Are you finished yet?
I don’t know yet.
I have yet to see that happen.
He was yet a child.
Is she here yet?
Yet they were still able to come.
Are we there yet?

Are those any you find yourself saying? …“Yet” means that we have expectations. When we haven’t finished something, called someone, or done something we’ve been asked to do … adding “yet” can make a difference! There are still plans or hopes for the future. “Yet” can spark both anticipation and concern.

Now, the hard part for me, and for most of us, is staying motivated and encouraged. Keeping a positive attitude and persevering can be challenging, can’t it? I still well-remember and appreciate my mom reminding me to take one thing at a time. I’ve also learned to work on my perspective, to trust God for direction, and to focus on the small and “do-able” steps needed. And then there are times to give up our own “yet” and re-examine expectations and life’s journey.

Look how God leads us to adjust our own “yet” as he modeled his own:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB

God didn’t wait for us to be perfect examples (That’s impossible anyway, isn’t it?!). His help with waiting, reminding me of the need for patience, and adjusting expectations knowing that He with us through the long haul… that’s what keeps me going. God has gone before us and is waiting and preparing for us as we travel to the “yet.”

My prayers for myself and for us all, is that God will surround us with people, and will create us to be people, who help during all our “yets”. I am so thankful that he came to us first, during our greatest “yet”. Be encouraged.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 23, 2024

If Time Could Speak


If time could speak
What wonders would it tell?

Of love and riches deep and true
Or weary roads and much to do

Wisdom’s path, hard-won but strong
Short hard days and nights so long

Facing great storms’ fierce gale
Then in gentle breeze rest well

Of steps taken, eyes ever gazing,
Ears attuned, and hearts amazing

Seconds and minutes, now hours proceed
Seek wants and labors, provision for need

Life’s highs and valleys low…
Faith hope and mercy know

If time could speak…
And does it not?

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 15, 2024

The Sun Rises Again


Golden glow bids farewell
to day’s journeys

Twilight ‘s dusky presence eases
toward night’s greeting

Stars sparkle and luna’s face shines,
Ever gliding onward

Cool darkness touches gently,
A shroud for troubled minds

And so, we draw breath
and ponder anew life’s wonders

Resting. Closing our eyes.
Voicing thanks and casting cares

To One who knows and loves us
Bringing hope and renewal

Pouring forth God’s light.
For the sun rises again

Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 143:8

March 9, 2024

Wishes


“Starlight, star bright, first start I’ve seen tonight.
Wish I wish; wish I might, get the wish I wish tonight!”

“Make a wish! Make a wish!”
we’d say excitedly as someone blew out their birthday candle.

Have you ever thought about “wishes” and how they are a part of our everyday life?! Whether intentional or not, they slip into all areas, both great and small. We wish for nice weather, for time to rest, and for a loved one to be well. We wish to go to a certain event or for help with something. We wish for things to happen (or not happen),

There are a lot of long-held traditions that reflect our natural yearning for things that seem improbable or out of reach… Wishes express sympathy, expectation, or hope. I know that I have wished for things to be different or better. I have wished, and prayed for, family members to be well and for God to provide for needs. I have wished for times of rest, for warm sunny days, for hope for the future, and for family and others to find faith in God.

I think of all the crowds of people that followed after Jesus and his disciples. They came with a lot of needs and wishes, too. Jesus told the people to do to others what you wish for them to do to you:

“So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

Jesus used the same Greek word (thelō) when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane

‘Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed,
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.
Yet not as I will, but as you will.”’ (Matthew 26:39)

Isn’t that so amazing, and so very hard?! …Jesus modeled the ultimate wish, to give up his own wishes (his will) for God’s, to express his love for God and for others above himself. What a challenge that is for us!

As we gaze at the stars, celebrate another year in someone’s life, or just wish for better days and positive outcomes… May we consider what we wish for, what our will is, and release them to God’s care. Prayers that we will find encouragement and rest.

Charlotte-Anne Allen