Faith

Words of faith, based on scripture, reflections, and other resources

July 15, 2023

Winsome


I love to encourage people and to see their happy faces… and there is something special about a child’s open face, full of delight and joy!

The word “winsome” came to mind this week and just thinking about it made me smile. It carries a sense of brightness and cheerfulness. A person who is winsome draws smiles from others.

I think it has a lot to do with keeping a positive attitude, too. My mom was such a good example of that. Always encouraging, helping us to see things from better perspectives. Showing a good mood or disposition can be challenging! We choose what frame of mind we want to dwell on, whatever is going on, and that can be easier at some times than others… Oh, that we all could be more winsome in our day-to-day encounters!

Cheerful or happy hearts and dispositions need to be cultivated. It’s something that I still struggle with sometimes. When the thoughts and worries won’t quit whirling around and around in my head, I have to keep looking for the good and working on having a better perspective. Lots of prayer, too! Maybe you have similar challenges. The book of Proverbs gives us some wisdom for attitude adjustments and outlook:

“A cheerful disposition is good for your health…”
or in other words, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22a

I also love this one, “…the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15b). Don’t you just love that thought?! Nurturing a cheerful heart brings a feast for the soul, not just for ourselves but for everyone we extend that welcome cheer to.

How can we nurture a deep-down happy or positive heart? We can do this by keeping ourselves fueled and connected to God. Tending that time with God, prayer, quiet moments, fellowship and sharing with others we value, and intentional focus on positives and thanks are some things that can help. What are some things that work for you?

Be encouraged! Praying that these thoughts will brighten your days and ease your hearts.

Charlotte-Anne Allen 7/15/2023

June 30, 2023

Reflections on Sea Shells


• A true home is where you can be yourself
• We draw nourishment from positive words and actions
• Create surroundings that protect you and don’t tear you down
• Tough exteriors often conceal soft hearts
• Beauty comes in many forms and colors
• Good can be found in the midst of movement and storm
• When mired in trouble seek the light
• Care from others helps heal cracked hearts and lives
• Make your home a place where others can find shelter
• Do not let life’s true treasures rush by unnoticed
• There is much to discover at a slower pace
• God’s power moves us, forms us, and protects us

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 11, 2023

A Shepherd’s Watch


“1-2-3… 18-19-20… Ready or not, here I come!!”

Many of us have fond memories of the childhood game “Hide and Seek”. What is it about this game that we love? Maybe it’s finding a good place to be “hidden” … or it could be the excitement of being the “seeker”. Then again, we simply had fun running around with our friends in the yard, especially in the early evenings as it grew dark. Occasionally one of us would grow tired or would feel the call of nature and slip back inside for a few minutes… which tended to frustrate the one searching!

This reminds me of the biblical comparisons of the shepherd searching for sheep, an image that the people of that day would have understood very well. Their sheep were a main source of livelihood, so a lost sheep would have been a great concern. Unlike us as children, easily slipping away for our Hide and Seek and then returning, the sheep became confused and anxious when they wandered away and were often unable to find their way back. Matthew and Luke told similar stories about searching for lost sheep. In them, the owner of a hundred sheep left ninety-nine safely together in the pasture and went searching diligently until he found the lost sheep and brought it back.

I love the way God connects with us by using things we can relate to. He spoke to Ezekiel, saying, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” How comforting to recognize God as our great Shepherd who carries His rod and staff to defend us and guide us. Don’t we all need and appreciate reminders and encouragement that we’re not left stuck and alone?! No matter what our situation may be, He comes to us and brings us back into fellowship within His safe fold.

Whether we are hiding, lost, or have strayed away, we can be thankful that God watches over us and seeks us! My prayer is that we live each day secure in that promise. May we hear His gentle reminders that even when we cannot find Him, He stretches out His staff to bring us home to Him.

– Charlotte-Anne Allen
Ezekiel 24, Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4

June 3, 2023

“Oncet”


“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

May 28, 2023

Extra Extra


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

May 19, 2023

Reflections on Feathers


• 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

May 14, 2023

Possible


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

April 15, 2023

Come to Pass


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