Faith

January 19, 2025

Reflections on Eggs


• 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

January 5, 2025

Reflect


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

December 14, 2024

“As…So” for Christmas


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

December 7, 2024

Bells Ringing


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

November 17, 2024

Satisfaction


Finally finished it!
It’s been so nice getting together.
That was a really good book.
Ahh, I was so thirsty!
You did a great job with that.

Don’t thoughts like these make you smile?! … Whether it’s busy care with family or finishing something for work, that feeling of completion and accomplishment brings great satisfaction. A full stomach after a meal or a cool drink of water when thirsty satisfies the needs of our body, as well, and may sometimes be taken for granted.

The book of Psalms offers a lot of praises and thanks to God. This one reminds me of the celebration of Thanksgiving here.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9

It made me think of satisfying different kinds of thirst and hunger… like thirst for knowledge or more faith and hunger for friendship, peace, or rest. It’s a daily giving and receiving, fulfillment through God’s provision and presence.

Paul put this well in his letter to the Philippians:

And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

As you go through each day, may you bask in God’s great love. May you be filled and satisfied. May it be all and more than enough, as we rest in Him.

And in this satisfaction we rest
Hope and life through each day is best
Through God’s Spirit sent from above
Grant laughter and be filled to live and love

Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 1, 2024

God’s Touch (a prayer)


God’s gentle touch be with us here
In those moments that we so fear

His strong warm hands to hold us tight
God keeps us always in His sight

A love so strong and so true for all
He whispers encouragement when we call

Lifting you up in prayer each day
To our awesome Lord our troubles we lay

Oh, joyful Light that shines always
Fill our hearts and lend strength to our days

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 13, 2024

Dirty Dishes


What is it then? What can I say?
About those dirty dishes from the day

Scattered round my kitchen sink
I need to wash them before they stink

As that nice hot water comes pouring out
They’ll be clean in a jiffy and no more lying about

I stack in the plates and utensils too
Suds are building and that will do

A swish and a wipe until that part’s done
Rinsing them off each and every one

Pile in the pots and don’t forget the pan
Scrub them well, as best you can

It’s not a chore, I will confide
As I dry them off or lay them aside

These dirty dishes are a gift God’s given
For they speak of His care and daily provision

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 14, 2024

Distractions, Distractions


Hey, look at this!
Could you…?
“Crash!”
What was that?
I just found out…
Did you know…?”

Distractions are all around us, pulling us away from our current tasks or thoughts, demanding our attention, diverting us from our plans! Whether building frustration or simply giving up on any thought of completion, there is often an accompanying level of irritation or resignation. Our own thoughts distract us, as we turn to more pleasant or troublesome things. Anticipated plans or activities can fall by the wayside.

What are we to do? How can we ever get anything done? … And if we do finally get our chosen or needed tasks completed, what is our final state-of-mind? We rush to get through our responsibilities so we can get on to better things and are left feeling drained and dissatisfied.

Distractions, distractions! But are they really? I have been challenged to look at those perceived distractions in a new light. As we take a breath and pray for wisdom… and a quiet heart that trusts in God’s timing, our whole perspective shifts.

In our daily experiences we begin to see these distractions as opportunities to serve others. What a great difference we make when our frustration and impatience turn more toward caring attention and love… and when we give ourselves grace and extend that grace to others when we struggle. Paul encourages us too with his words to the Romans, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” *

May our days be filled with opportunities, our eyes be opened to them, and our hearts be encouraged.

*Romans 12:10
Charlotte-Anne Allen