Words of faith, based on scripture, reflections, and other resources
“Oncet” there was a Beginning
And from that shone a great light
Illuminating a realm so vast
So glorious to one’s sight
Infant call upon that plain
In wonder and great delight
To run, to swim, to fly so free
On limbs uncertain and new
Now we in our own garden
Living laughing where they grew
Making a difference as we follow
What will we bring and do?
… What words spoken of our “oncet”?
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/2/2023
** “oncet” (wŭnst) adv. “once”
Southern & South Midland US
To go beyond
And give your all
Without complaint
A challenging call
To show up lift up
In rain or shine
To set aside self
And what we call “mine”
Extra extra
Is what it’s all about
Beyond the ordinary
That’s without a doubt
Though life may weigh down
Then persist and be true
Gain strength from above
To be faithful to do
Extra extra
Let His light shine
• Soft and light touches lift our spirits
• A child’s love is downy soft
• What you choose to be, to do, to think is a daily diet
• Your daily diet displays as a rainbow of colors for all to see.
• Exercise your spiritual muscles to warm others and withstand enemies
• There are times when we all just want to fly away
• Shedding the old opens room for the new
• Holding things together is often a challenge
• Changing our wayward directions is like refracted light upon shiny feathers
• A strong center stands against much bending and whipping in storms
• We cover and insulate ourselves from outside pressures
• Extend a hand to lighten each other’s load
• We are covered by our Maker’s wings
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
To be to happen or to do
Hope for good upon each day
Achievable desirable
Possibilities before us
Shall we believe
That in all God is able?
Though sometimes things
Seem undone… impossible
Be still and know in quietness
Helping, loving, and persisting
Positivity makes a difference
Strength for better
Possible
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What has happened in this world
And what is now to come?
God’s prophets told of things to come
When the time was right… it came to pass
Jesus spoke such words of truth
When the task was finished… it came to pass
Goodness came to fill the void
Where humankind tried to strive alone
We rest assured that as we follow
With God, great things will come to pass.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
God who has made us gave us life
Son created in love, surrendered in strife
Believing in Him; open heart to see
He gives us faith; shows the way to be
Entrusted with a special task
He welcomes any questions we ask
What is our purpose, our way, the plan?
Love God. Love others… I know you can!
When one turns to earthly greed
To selfish thought and hurtful deed
The mark is missed; we’ve gone astray
All’s dark as night, no light of day
To serve Him with all our might
With heart and soul, now that is right!
So hard some days, when we are down
Now feel God’s arms as they surround
Holding us with a love so true
Go as salt and light in all you do
Precious, valued, He waits for us
Our reason to be… For all have purpose!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What’s this I see,
So large before me?!
Scurry hurry back-and-forth
Take a pause and draw a breath
In this small mite
Things seem so daunting
Mountain high or wall before me
Perhaps a chasm so deep and dark
And yet with wings
We rise and lift to the sky
With feet we stand and climb
Or cross over on bridges firm and true
Is not our Creator
Ever surrounding uplifting
Bringing us up over and through
Revealing beauty and shining promise?
In our smallness
We know God’s greatness.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Approach life with interest, flavor, and zest
• Treasure those memories of special moments frozen in time
• Cold hearts lead to a dreary life but warm hearts provide cheer to many
• True friendship is like a taste of creamy goodness
• Live honestly that your true colors reflect integrity
• Sharing compassionately arises from brokenness
• Do not allow frosty responses to dim your peace
• Be your positive and add color and flavor to life
• When coldness invades, allow warmth to savor goodness
• God can melt the most cold and stubborn heart
• Seek what refreshes and strengthens you and give thanks
• Missed opportunities can result from frozen indecision
• Let go of worries and enjoy good fruits of life
• Your center support is God’s strong presence
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Meadows and bees
Song and breeze
Mount and sky
Clouds against blue
Gurgling streams
Splashes and cool
Rustles and song
Rattles and tread
Bursting forth of life
Bud and bloom
Refreshing waters
Nourishment and newness
So, we bask in God’s creation
Soaking in His Wonder
Renewing and resting
His Light warming and filling
from “OF… Songs of Life”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I was thinking about all the ways I use the word “good” … both positively and negatively!
That’s good.
You need anything? … I’m good. Thanks
Have a good day!
This is no good.
Good morning!
That tastes good.
Be good…
Good Lord!
And what does “good” really mean anyway? Many a debate or disagreement boils down to a different perception or opinion of what is good. We try to teach children to make good choices and to use good behavior and manners. What one person thinks is good may not be good at all to another person. I may decide that something is a good idea, only to change my mind about it later… Changing situations and differences in how we grew up or our current culture, among other things, lead to some differences.
Yet there are many common things for which “good” is very apparent. The Bible sets our standard for goodness using different examples and teachings. I love how it shows real people struggling through life, some failing dramatically and others accomplishing great or positive things for the good of many. Micah said it well!
He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 NASB
How do we decide what is good for a given situation or for life in general? What helps us to decide what is good. I find that taking time for self-reflection helps keep me on track. Just stopping, praying, reading God’s Word, listening, and considering recent actions or thoughts and perceptions is a great way to steer back in the right direction! I realize areas where I need to improve and to hopefully consider where I have grown and learned. Do I “do justice” … and what does that mean anyway? It is a high goal – to be founded on love, be honest, have integrity, be true, and be faithful. “To love kindness” is something that attracts, to care for others and to be cared about. When we walk humbly with God, we recognize His sovereignty or authority and our own imperfect nature and we follow Him, secure in His presence and knowing that He walks with us always.
What is good? That which lives out our love for God, our love for others, and His faithfulness and mercy.
Charlotte-Anne Allen 2/25/2023
Related: “Just Justice” (poem)
The Still Small Voice 