Daily Life

March 26, 2022

Springing Upwards

Struggling warring twisting whirling
Cold and warmth do tear and battle
Fiercely roaring, toss and break
Snatching breath and striking ear

Yet sun’s bright shining speaks of promise
Fragile warming growing stronger
Coaxing life from bud and root
Drawing rising filling lifting

Oh, what life now lies within
Drawn from yesteryear’s memories
Midst cold reminders and warmth of hearths
Springing upwards, ever upwards once again

March 19, 2022

Reflections on Jigsaw Puzzles

• Giving does not divide, rather it multiplies and nourishes
• Generosity in sharing what you have grows blessings for all
• Disregarding the value of others brings heartache and misunderstandings
• Gather together what is needed to guide you
• Our lives are a rich mosaic of colors and patterns
• Look for the beauty in small things as well as grand displays
• The beauty of a life brought to wholeness gives us hope
• God will comfort us in our brokenness
• We often struggle when we cannot see the whole picture
• Looking at all perspectives and options can help gain clarity
• Receiving memories shared by others is like finding missing puzzle pieces
• Apply yourself to learning and to gaining skills bit-by-bit
• Trying new things adds color and interest
• When all is dashed to pieces, there is God to gather us

From “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 25, 2022

Moments

Oh, that time would stand still!
In those moments of bright clarity
Treasured in our hearts and
Seared in our memories

Of those we hold dear
For life and love and family
Friends and church gathered ‘round
God’s holy ground, simple and true

We open eyes to brilliant color
Ears to laughter and tears
A gentle touch and helping hands
Life’s essence … caught in a fleeting moment.

Charlotte-Anne Allen 2/25/2022

January 15, 2022

Reflections on Clouds

  • Many things contribute to our formation
  • We choose to be cooling and soothing or a disappointing wet blanket
  • It takes energy and intention to encourage and build up those around us
  • Seasons of storms are part of life
  • Change springs upon us or silently grows
  • We sometimes drift far from home
  • Rising to challenges can be very difficult
  • As experience accumulates, we are better able to nourish others
  • We seek to shield those we love from hurt and harm
  • A protective covering and caring arms bring comfort and strength
  • Settling down on a quiet slow day brings great contentment
  • A day to drift brings peace and releases stress
  • Celebration is great when darkness and strife are broken
  • Like light bursting through dark clouds, let God shine through you

— from “Reflections from the Everyday” c-a allen

“When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth” Ecclesiastes11:3

January 7, 2022

Good Scents

Memories awakened
Stories told
Contentment reigns
When good scents unfold

Indoors and out
Eyes shut
Breathe deeply
Open mind’s door, and smile

Bold cinnamon and apple pie
Minty goodness and lemonade
Bubbling stews and filling soups
Herbal teas and fragrant coffee

Rain on earth and garden’s care
Freshly cut grass and flower’s bloom
Sharp freshness of new-fallen snow
Ocean breeze and mountain stream

Clean laundry and sheets on the bed
Suds in dish water and lotion for hands
Sweet smell of a child snuggled close
Scents to comfort and renew … Good scents!

December 11, 2021

Reflections on Gifts

• Gifts from the heart come in many forms
• Give simple gifts freely and daily
• A child’s embrace and trust are to be treasured
• Receiving gives others the opportunity to give
• Material gifts, while nice, should not be overrated
• Do not turn away what is needed when offered in love
• Gifts of time and service express compassion and fellowship
• Examine what you value most
• Share faith, family, home, and strength of community
• Be genuine in giving
• See those in need, be present with the lonely, hear the hurting
• Give quietly and without expectation or demand of personal return
• Do not reserve gift giving for holidays, celebrations, or other remembrances
• Give “just because”
• God gave all because of the greatest of love

from “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 6, 2021

Reflections on Leaves

  • Events around us can stir us and carry us
  • We sometimes feel blown about and out of control
  • We gather ourselves as best we can
  • Picking ourselves back up can be difficult
  • Being walked all over can crush one’s spirit or feed resentment
  • Persistence and patience are nothing to sneeze at
  • We long to be swept away from uncomfortable or painful situations
  • A clean wash and fresh start breath life back in
  • May the end results of words and actions bring enrichment to others
  • Build your homes to be places of nurture, warmth, and comfort
  • Listen for the soft answers and quiet rustles to calm your soul
  • Be the fuel to encourage and lead
  • Look for positive opportunities in each season of change
  • Draw from the Source and show bright colors

From “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 9, 2021

Reflections on Muscadines

• Waiting for when times are ripe is an exercise in patience
• Develop good and savory aspects of your heritage
• Preparation can be a long process
• Choose that which will build up and strengthen
• Discard that which is not productive or nourishing
• Consider the many ways your interests and gifts can be used
• Be careful of what you surround yourself with
• What you surround yourself with will influence all that you are
• Careful pruning develops better fruit and stronger character
• We project our true character through our words and actions
• May the scent of our actions draw and not repel
• Act compassionately so others may taste of goodness and hope
• Take nourishment through the Son’s light
• Draw wisdom and knowledge through God’s Word

From “Reflections from the Everyday” by Charlotte-Anne Allen