Something small
But right and true
Offer your all
What you say or do
A prayer, a smile
Or helping hand
Give of your resources
Helping others to stand
Not a biting bug
To irritate or harm
Discord’s not a part
But offers only alarm
We rise and rest
In our walk each day
Follow paths to spread hope
Encouragement along the way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Sometimes life seems to dribble
A little splash or drop
Things can move so slowly
Or almost seem to stop
But then I look around me
Set impatience to the side
I’m reminded to ‘rest easy’
And in one great God abide
Slower times are oh so needed
Take a moment and see the view
Time to think or reconsider
Being thankful for what is true
In those quiet little trickles
There is mighty work at hand
In each day find contentment
Knowing God does understand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What then in time’s embrace
Time and time again again
Speaks now of universe’s vast expanse
Near-sighted vision up close
Blocking out all other input
Enveloped by me me here and now
Or far-sighted eyes ever on the horizon
Unable to relate to other souls
Ever craving more more to gain
What then speaks and what is heard?
Do eyes look but do not seek?
Each day’s gift a treasure before us
Would we succumb to the smog about
Or discover true Light to clear away?
Shine bright streams to birth Faith
Lift worn arms to God’s sheltering presence
Full in this moment this hour this hope
And smile in that gift of inward peace
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight.
… Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.
My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.
And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.
I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]
When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]
So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine.
Be encouraged.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone
…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say
Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?
…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see
Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep
Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Life is a miracle in form and spirit
• There is beauty in the simplest of things around you
• The fragility of life can be daunting
• When you are shattered much is revealed about yourself
• Embrace positive thoughts and healthy ways
• Ideas and inspiration give birth to greatness
• Change happens when cracks form in life
• Transformation and change can be painful
• There is growth and potential when we persevere
• Sometimes growth can be messy
• Rolling with situations can reduce stress and avoid crashes
• Renew, refresh as each evening you rest
• Much amazing good can come from single small beginnings
• God is our source of nourishment and strength
– From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As light upon a quiet lake
Sun’s beam glinting, reaching… cast
So, look into life’s mirror
Images, moments… of time past
Lift your head and see the light
Now contemplate… of what will last
As bobbing crafts in calm waters or
Storms’ choppy waves… see an ever-pointing mast
Our great God is ever with us
Reflect, look once again… at love so vast
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As a star lead the way… so God leads us still
As a donkey faithfully carried the load… so God takes our own burdens
As the stable was a welcome shelter… so we are thankful for our homes
As angels rejoiced and delivered good news… so we share that good news with others
As shepherds cared for their flock… so God cares for his children
As the baby was dependent on others… so humankind needs God
As the mother loved the child… so God loves us
As wise men brought gifts… so God sent his own son as a gift to all
As Christmas trees remind us of life and joy… so be filled
As wreaths speak of unity and eternity… so share goodwill and compassion
As candles light the way… so Christ lights our hearts and way
As bells celebrate Christ’s birth… so celebrate new beginnings
As carols tell the wondrous story… so may our hearts be filled with wonder and hope
As Christmastide leads us to Jesus… so may our lives follow Him
– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bells ringing, bells ringing
Joyful voice of celebration
Christmastide leads to the Christ child
One born in a manger to shine for all
Hear the bells this hopeful season
Join your voice in thankful praise
Far from earthly power or fame
True wealth comes from love’s compassion
Heed you now the bright bells sounding
Hearts drawn to star’s wondrous path
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Shining bright
Love deep and strong
Life o’erflowing
With passion and courage
Reflection of most noble character
Wisdom more precious
… Incomparable worth
Beacon to all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
The Still Small Voice 