Daily Life

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

March 2, 2024

Up


When upside down
Unhappy frown
A welcome “up” we seek

Cheerful voice and lips uplifted
Encouragement to be gifted
… Bring sunshine to gray days

Listen up and hear
When our hearts feel fear
… To God’s quiet presence within

Don’t hang it up when we are sprawled
On our backs where we have crawled
… Take a breath and be at rest

Offered helping hand
Now we can stand
Wake up, walk up, climb up

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust


• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us
• Our surroundings affect us in many ways
• Small experiences can add up to big challenges
• Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings
• Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences
• Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent
• Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful
• As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air
• Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential
• Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships
• Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest
• Wisdom grows from built up experience
• Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others
• God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 21, 2024

Steer the Way


“Stop here. Now, back slowly. Turn the steering wheel just so… and now into the spot between the two cars… Got it!”

I recall the time, many years ago now, when I took driver’s ed in high school and had to learn to parallel park. It was a bit of a challenge at first. Steering the car just so took some practice… Perhaps you can relate.

I saw a sign recently that read, “Make God your steering wheel…” That same day, I heard on the radio, “Steering is easier when you are in motion. It’s harder to turn the steering wheel when sitting still.” That got me to thinking.

When we ask someone to “steer me in the right direction” we are asking which way to go to find something or for help in making a right decision. A prayer in the book of Psalms says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.* James used illustrations about bits in the mouths of horses to turn them and large ships driven by strong winds yet steered by a small rudder.*

It may seem obvious, but steering requires movement. Moving involves taking steps and making decisions. How many goals, dreams, or calls have I had but have felt too distracted, insecure, or weak to persevere and pursue them?

Like parallel parking it may take some practice and work to move. Prayer and trusting God to do the steering and to show us the right way helps us move forward one step at a time. There are some things that I’ve had to set to the side for a while but there are good things in their place for now… and that’s a thought for another day.

My prayer for us all is that we will trust God to show us His way and that we will trust Him to do the steering. Ever willing, ever moving. Be encouraged and celebrate the small steps.

*Psalm 25:4, James 3:3-4
Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 13, 2024

Finding Joy in a New Year


Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.

Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain

Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while

Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face

God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 23, 2023

In Fullness


“In fullness,” now what does that mean,
When busy or stressed and a way is not seen?

Of God, of time, on earth to show
He comes to us so that we can know

Filled through Christ, God’s Son
In awe and humility before Mighty One

Wholeness, abundance in what really counts
Overflowing through grace in generous amounts

Tired souls can then begin to sing
Fullness in all and everything

Completeness satisfies our yearning
Filled to capacity, overflowing… we’re learning

This is life, breathing that goodness
Living daily in His fullness

Ephesians 3:19; 1:22
Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 10, 2023

Reflections on Stables


• Smell the sweet, the rank, the rich variety of each day
• Contentment is a choice to be pursued and adopted
• Life is full when surrounded by companions amid the messes
• Warmth and security emanate from care and craft
• Prepare and lay down what is needed for daily tasks
• Work together and receive instruction and assistance humbly
• Dedicated labor brings care and satisfaction
• Build strongly and wisely
• Home is shelter and a quiet place to curl up
• Caring for needs fortifies and feeds minds and bodies
• Give thanks for warm dry shelter
• We are all part of a rich stew – sheep, donkey, horse, cow, cat, dog…
• The seemingly lowest of places can give birth to the greatest of light
• See the Light that pierces through the dust and grime of life

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 23, 2023

Gratitude


For thoughtful words
Help through a day

Show gratia grace
It is a good way

Expressing thankfulness
Fills up our cup

Appreciation
Cheers all of us up

Quiet presence
When we are grieved

Generosity sooths a soul
Is gratefully received

For kindness whether
Things are good or tough

Finding contentment
In having sufficient… enough

Such pleasing gratitude

From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 20, 2023

Reflections on Roadways

• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs
• Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear
• Potholes can develop during rough times
• Preparation is important for getting anywhere
• A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents
• Travel slowly in adverse conditions
• Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress
• Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about
• We have a common need to move forward
• Take much thought when considering your route
• Don’t be afraid to explore
• Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities
• Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service
• God travels with us over many types of terrain

Charlotte-Anne Allen